A correlation between electrochemical parameters and stress corrosion cracking

Measurements of relaxation times for passivation, by means of a.c. impedance measurements, have been made and a correlation with susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking obtained, for low carbon steels in carbonate/bicarbonate solutions at 70°C.     

A pilot study of the efficacy of residuum lodges for managing sediment delivery to impoundment reservoirs

Residuum lodges comprise small dams constructed on feeder streams immediately before they enter a reservoir, behind which ponds form, where sediment is deposited. Despite their construction on many impoundment reservoirs (IRE) and catchwaters, little research has previously investigated their efficacy at removing sediments from feeder streams. The current pilot study has, therefore, been carried out at an IRE supplying Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK, where a residuum lodge was recently cleaned out. Sediment concentrations reaching the reservoir were reduced by up to 42% although no certain impacts were noted on the other water quality variables that were measured. Moreover, it was found that the clearance operation did not result in the release of excessive quantities of sediment into the reservoir. It was estimated that the cleared residuum lodge would take 12 years to refill. A survey of other residuum lodges in the Yorkshire region showed there to be considerable differences in their remaining capacities.     

Statistical algorithm for nonuniformity correction in focal-plane arrays.

A statistical algorithm has been developed to compensate for the fixed-pattern noise associated with spatial nonuniformity and temporal drift in the response of focal-plane array infrared imaging systems. The algorithm uses initial scene data to generate initial estimates of the gain, the offset, and the variance of the additive electronic noise of each detector element. The algorithm then updates these parameters by use of subsequent frames and uses the updated parameters to restore the true image by use of a least-mean-square error finite-impulse-response filter. The algorithm is applied to infrared data, and the restored images compare favorably with those restored by use of a multiple-point calibration technique.     

Healing bone using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and copolymer

Middiaphyseal 2.5-cm segmental defects in the right femurs of 12 sheep were stabilized with stainless steel plates and implanted with (1) 2 mg recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and poly[D,L-(lactide-co-glycolide)] bioerodible polymer with autologous blood (n = 7), (2) 4 mg recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and poly[D,L-(lactide-co-glycolide)] and blood (n = 3), or (3) poly[D,L-(lactide-co-glycolide)] and blood only (n = 2). Bone healing was evaluated for 1 year using clinical, radiographic, gross pathologic, and histologic techniques. Union occurred in three sheep in Group 1, two in Group 2, and none in Group 3. In the animals that healed, new bone first was visible radiographically between Weeks 2 and 6 after implantation; new bone mineral content equaled that of the intact femur not surgically treated by Week 16; recanalization of the medullary cavity approached completion at Week 52; and at necropsy the surgical treated femurs were rigidly healed, the poly[D,L-(lactide-co-glycolide)] was resorbed completely, and woven and lamellar bone bridged the defect site. In two Group 1 sheep euthanized at Weeks 2 and 6, polymer particles were permeated by occasional multinucleated giant cells. Some plasma cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils were present locally. The poly[D,L-(lactide-co-glycolide)] tended to fragment during surgical implantation. Despite these observations, the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2/poly[D,L-(lactide-co-glycolide)] implant was able to heal large segmental bone defects in this demanding model.     

Prospective and retrospective reports of mood states before relapse to substance use.

In a prospective design, it was predicted that the role of negative mood in precipitating relapses and crises among alcohol-dependent Ss would be greater when assessed with retrospective mood ratings than when assessed by prospective mood ratings because of Ss' attributional biases. This hypothesis was not supported. Support was found, however, for a relationship between negative bias and the amount of negative mood assessed at the time the retrospective report was given. As has been previously found, the most frequent precipitant of relapses and crises in this study was negative emotional states. Female Ss were more likely to report interpersonal and less likely to report intrapersonal determinants than male Ss. Minor relapses were more likely to be precipitated by social pressure and less likely to be related to negative emotions than major relapses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Tracheal intubation in infants

BACKGROUND: So far only a few cases of carcinoma in situ of the fallopian tube have been reported, but its detailed clinical and pathologic findings, including cytology, have not been fully described. CASE: A 70-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of irregular genital bleeding. Endometrial smear revealed a small number of atypical cells with a clear background. Hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy were performed. Grossly, a grayish white papillary tumor, measuring 1.5 x 1.0 cm, was observed within the lumen of the left fallopian tube. Microscopically, the diagnosis of papillary adenocarcinoma in situ of the left fallopian tube was made according to 1992 International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians fallopian tube staging. CONCLUSION: Although endometrial brush cytology is not sensitive enough to detect a primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube, our case indicates that it may contribute useful information on extrauterine diseases and can detect a stage 0 cancer of the fallopian tube. Clinicians, as well as pathologists, should consider the possibility of fallopian tube cancer if cervical or endometrial cytology shows atypical cells with papillary patterns with a clear background but endometrial curettage cannot prove malignancy.     

Specification and verification of reactive system behaviour: The Railroad Crossing example

In this paper we present an approach to the specification and verification of reactive systems. The approach uses Timed Statecharts and Real Time Logic for the specification of temporal behaviour, and theorem proving techniques for the verification of safety and utility properties. Formal verification is achieved through the automation of semi-formal (rigorous) proofs using a theorem prover (Proofpower HOL). To illustrate the approach, we use the Railroad Crossing Problem, which has been proposed, along with a set of criteria for assessment, as a benchmark for the comparison of real-time formalisms. We conclude with our assessment of the approach against the proposed criteria.     

Community studies on adolescent substance use, abuse, or dependence and psychiatric comorbidity.

A literature review on community studies of adolescent substance use, abuse, or dependence (SU/A/D) and psychiatric comorbidity yielded 22 articles from 15 studies with information on rates, specificity, timing, and differential patterns of comorbidity by gender, race/ethnicity, and other factors. Results revealed that 60% of youths with SU/A/D had a comorbid diagnosis, and conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (not attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) were most commonly associated with SU/A/D, followed by depression. Child psychopathology (particularly CD) was associated with early onset of substance use and abuse in later adolescence. The authors suggest that available data relevant to SU/A/D and psychiatric comorbidity can be used to better address such questions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)