Improvement of corrosion protection of steel by incorporation of a new phosphonated fatty acid in a phosphorus-containing polymer coating obtained by UV curing

Six formulations containing diacrylate monomers (from 89 to 92.5% (w/w)) as well as a phosphonated methacrylate monomer (from 1 to 10% (w/w)) were prepared. All formulations were UV-cured and the corrosion performance of the resulting coatings applied onto a steel substrate was assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It was first shown that the coatings containing phosphonic acid methacrylate (MAPC1(OH)₂) instead of methacrylate phosphonic dimethyl ester (MAPC1) presented higher corrosion protection related to the strong adhesive properties of phosphonic acid on the metal substrate. A minimum MAPC1(OH)₂ content of 2.5% was determined to provide the highest impedance values (best efficiency). Then, a new bio-based compound, i.e. phosphonic acid-bearing oleic acid (phosphonated fatty acid), was synthesized and added as an inhibitor to the formulations. In the presence of this compound, the corrosion protection was notably improved. The beneficial effect of phosphonated fatty acid was explained by its inhibitive action at the steel/coating interface and by the improvement of the barrier properties.     

Application of a mechanistic model to study competitive inhibition of amino acid uptake by the lactating bovine mammary gland

A mathematical model is used to describe uptake by a countertransport system and subsequent flow of three amino acids (AA), Phe, Val, and Met, from arterial blood to milk protein in the mammary gland of a lactating cow. The model suggests that total uptake of all AA is higher than net uptake and that a large proportion of the incoming AA is released from the cell directly back to blood. The model is used to predict which of the three AA is limiting the rate of milk protein synthesis and the response to increased arterial concentration of the first-limiting AA. Simulations are performed to predict possible outcomes of several experimental protocols to AA infusion, which might be used to test in vivo the responsiveness of the bovine mammary gland to an altered arterial concentration of AA. Of the three AA considered, arterial Met concentration appears to be first-limiting. The infusion profile that gives the greatest response in milk protein synthesis rate alters the arterial profile of AA such that it is identical to that of proteins originating in the mammary gland. Model construction can be simplified by acknowledging normal biological constraints.     

The modulation transfer function. A simplified procedure forcomputer-aided quality evaluation in mammography

Regardless of the indisputable benefits of the modulation transfer function (MTF) method to radiographic image quality evaluation, most radiologists simply do not have the means for utilizing it due to the experimental difficulties in its application to mammography practice. One of the most significant difficulties for radiological departments is having the necessary equipment to digitize slit radiographic images-a microdensitometer, for example-to be used in quality assurance programs. Therefore, the authors propose the application of the transfer function method for quality evaluation of mammography equipment using a different procedure. This procedure is based on the calculation of the MTF from a simulated line spread function derived from the focal-spot projection. Since this technique does not need digitized images and can be performed on a PC, it will allow the use of the transfer function method in quality control programs without the constraints associated with the complexity of classical experimental procedures     

Review of When I grow up . . . Career expectations and aspirations of Canadian school children/Quand je serai adulte, je . . . Les attentes et les aspirations des écoliers Canadiens à l'égard de leur carrière.

Reviews the book, When I grow up . . . Career expectations and aspirations of Canadian school children/Quand je serai adulte, je . . . Les attentes et les aspirations des écoliers Canadiens à l'égard de leur carrière by Dormer Ellis and Lyz Sayer (1986). The focus of this 77-page bilingual book is to compare the differences between male and female school children's career aspirations (ideal choices) and career expectations (realistic choices). While school children may aspire to certain occupations of their dreams, their realistic choices may be tempered by what society may view as appropriate. The book, funded by the Women's Bureau, is divided into six chapters that describe the study and some conclusions of the study's implication. Although this is the first study of its kind in Canada and it is a needed addition to the literature, this book could have been presented as an article rather than in its present form, saving a good deal of space and money. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast cancer families from Wales: moderate mutation frequency and two recurrent mutations in BRCA1

Mutations in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes account for varying proportions of breast cancer families studied, and demonstrate considerable variation in mutational spectra coincident with ethnic and geographical diversity. We have screened for mutations in 17 families from Wales with two or more cases of breast cancer under age 50 and/or ovarian cancer. Eight out of 17 (47%) families had demonstrable mutations. Six out of 17 (35%) carried BRCA1 mutations and 2 out of 17 (12%) carried BRCA2 mutations. Two recurrent mutations in BRCA1 were identified, which appear to represent founder mutations in this population. These data support the existence of additional breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes.     

Privation relative et programmes d'action positive.

Studied the effects of fraternal relative deprivation (FRD) and relative deprivation on behalf of others (RDO) on the promotion of equality in the work force and participation in affirmative action programs by men and women. Human subjects: 89 male and female French adults (aged 18 yrs and older) (university students). The Ss were given a questionnaire on the situation of women in the work force that asked questions on the cognitive and affective dimensions of relative deprivation, behaviors related to promotion of equality of the sexes, and reactions to programs of affirmative action. Factors associated with FRD and with RDO were determined and analyzed statistically according to age, sex, and social priorities. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Pretherapy orientation as preparation for open psychotherapy groups.

Compared 20 14–47 yr old psychiatric outpatients who received an orientation program before entering open psychotherapy groups with 20 15–58 yr old psychiatric patients (control group) who received no orientation in an investigation of the effectiveness of pretherapy orientation. Orientation was presented on an individual basis and consisted of an instructional lecture-discussion followed by a videotape of a simulated group session, with patient participation solicited throughout the presentation. Dependent measures included dropout and attendance rates, a self-report symptom inventory, and a therapist rating scale. Results show that mean attendance rates for the 1st 10 group sessions were significantly higher for the orientation group. The control group exhibited significantly greater audience-seeking behavior on the 3rd-session therapist ratings. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)