bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision rate of pediatric ventriculoperitoneal shunts after 15 years
Authors: Stone Jonathan J. , Walker Corey T. , Jacobson Maxwell , Phillips Valerie , Silberstein Howard J.
Published: October 2012

Object

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement remains the mainstay treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus. These devices have a relatively high complication and failure rate, often requiring multiple revisions. The authors present a single institution's experience of pediatric patients treated with VP shunts. With an average follow-up time of 20 years, this study is among the longest reports of VP shunt revision in the literature to date. Hydrocephalus origins, shunt revision rates, and causes of shunt failure are described. Patients who underwent their first shunt revision more than 10 years after initial shunt placement were also explored.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all pediatric patients who underwent VP shunt placement from January 1990 through November 1996 at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Only patients who had at least 15 years of follow-up since their initial shunting procedure were included.

Results

A total of 234 procedures were performed on 64 patients, with a mean follow-up of 19.9 years. Patients ranged from a few days to 17.2 years old when they received their original shunt, with a median age of 4 months; 84.5% of the patients required 1 or more shunt revisions and 4.7% required 10 or more. Congenital defects, Chiari Type II malformations, tumors, and intraventricular hemorrhage were the most common causes of hydrocephalus. Overall, patients averaged 2.66 revisions, with proximal (27%) and distal (15%) catheter occlusion, disconnection (11%), and infection (9%) comprising the most common reasons for shunt malfunction. Notably, 12.5% of patients did not require their first shunt revision until more than 10 years after initial device placement, a previously undescribed finding due to the short follow-up duration in previous studies.

Conclusions

This long-term retrospective analysis of pediatric VP shunt placement revealed a relatively high rate of complications with need for shunt revision as late as 17 years after initial placement. Catheter occlusion represented a significant percentage of shunt failures. Cerebrospinal fluid shunting has a propensity for mechanical failure and patients with VP shunts should receive follow-up through the transition to adulthood.
Delivering a third course of radiation to spine metastases using image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Katsoulakis Evangelia , Riaz Nadeem , Cox Brett , Mechalakos James , Zatcky Joan , Bilsky Mark , Yamada Yoshiya
Published: October 2012

Object

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of delivering a third course of radiation to patients with multiply recurrent metastatic disease to the spine.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2011, 10 patients received a third course of radiation to spinal metastases at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center using image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Patient and tumor characteristics, dosimetry details, and outcomes were obtained using retrospective chart review. Spinal imaging was performed prior to treatment and at regular follow-up intervals. The cumulative biologically effective dose (BED) to the spinal cord and cauda equina was calculated and was normalized to 2 Gy equivalents (Gy2/2). Toxicity and local control were assessed.

Results

The median time between the first and second courses of radiation was 18.5 months and the median time between the second and third courses was 11.5 months. The median follow-up from the third course of radiation was 12 months and the median overall survival was 13 months. Pain or neurological symptoms were improved in 80% of patients. The median spinal cord maximum dose normalized BED (nBED) for the whole cohort was 70.73 Gy2/2 (range 51.9–101.7 Gy2/2). The median dose to 5% of the spinal cord D05 nBED for the entire cohort was 59.4 Gy2/2. Acute toxicity was most commonly fatigue and dermatitis, with 1 patient experiencing Grade 3 fatigue and 1 patient Grade 3 dermatitis. Late toxicity was limited to 2 cases of Grade 1 dysphagia. There was 1 case of Grade 1 neuropathy and 1 case of Grade 2 neuropathy. The crude rate of local control was 80% with 1 in-field failure and 1 marginal failure.

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients, a third course of IMRT to the spine was well tolerated with no significant late toxicities. Used as salvage therapy for select patients, a third course of radiation is a safe and effective treatment strategy.
Ellen Marriage and the Translation of Balzac
Authors: Lesser Margaret
Published: October 2012

Drawing on unpublished correspondence, this article presents a rare account of the background, formation, and work of a nineteenth-century professional translator, Ellen Marriage (1865–1946). It focuses particularly on her work for the complete English translation of Balzac's La Comédie humaine published by J. M. Dent, 1895–8, which it sets in the context of other Balzac translations of the period. Marriage belonged to the first generation of women translators who benefited from the new thinking on girls' education. The article aims to show both what she did for Balzac translation and what Balzac translation did for her, as a gifted but unfulfilled woman of the 1890s.
Scott Moncrieff's First Translation
Authors: France Peter
Published: October 2012

C. K. Scott Moncrieff, famous as the translator of Proust, began his translating career in 1918 with La Chanson de Roland. Knowing nothing of Old French, he encountered this classic text while recovering from a war wound; the work of translation was a ‘solace’ in time of war, but also a homage to his friend Wilfred Owen and others who had ‘met their Rencesvals’ as the war drew to a close. Scott Moncrieff was no jingoist, but against the cynicism of Siegfried Sassoon's war poetry, he used the Old French epic to celebrate the positive values embodied in the idea of vassalage. Like his Proust, his Song of Roland sought to bring another world to life in English-speaking culture, in all its specific difference. Here this led him to adopt an archaizing and purportedly oral style, notably in the imitation of the assonanced laisses of the original.
English Modernism in German: Herberth and Marlys Herlitschka, Translators of Virginia Woolf
Authors: Hayman Emily
Published: October 2012

The Austrian-born translators Herberth and Marlys Herlitschka exercised considerable influence over the reception of British modernist literature in German-speaking nations. From the 1920s to the 1960s they undertook translations of challenging modernist works, including the poetry of Yeats and the novels of Lawrence and Woolf. This article surveys their lives and work, with a focus on their post-war rendering of Woolf's final novel, Between the Acts. Here the Herlitschkas' translational choices reveal a desire for reconciliation and effect a softening of the political jaggedness of Woolf's Blitz-era narrative, to emphasize instead the formalist experimentalism which had characterized pre-war modernism. The Herlitschkas' translation of Woolf can be read as an act both of nostalgia and rehabilitation, and also as an image of their understanding of what ‘modernism’ – the modernism which they helped to create – should look like.
Civics and Citizenship Education in Its Global Context: The Complexity of Global Citizenship Dialogues
Authors: Reynolds Ruth
Published: October 2012

Despite much rhetoric around the notion of a global citizenship, the overriding focus of civics education, from the viewpoint of examining the international educational curriculum, seems to be on national identity and establishing national boundaries for citizenship education. [...]
Assessing Local Communities’ Willingness to Pay for River Network Protection: A Contingent Valuation Study of Shanghai, China
Authors: Shang Zhaoyi , Che Yue , Yang Kai , Jiang Yu
Published: October 2012

River networks have experienced serious degradation because of rapid urbanization and population growth in developing countries such as China, and the protection of these networks requires the integration of evaluation with ecology and economics. In this study, a structured questionnaire survey of local residents in Shanghai (China) was conducted in urban and suburban areas. The study examined residents’ awareness of the value of the river network, sought their attitude toward the current status, and employed a logistic regression analysis based on the contingent valuation method (CVM) to calculate the total benefit and explain the socioeconomic factors influencing the residents’ willingness to pay (WTP). The results suggested that residents in Shanghai had a high degree of recognition of river network value but a low degree of satisfaction with the government’s actions and the current situation. The study also illustrated that the majority of respondents were willing to pay for river network protection. The mean WTP was 226.44 RMB per household per year. The number of years lived in Shanghai, the distance from the home to the nearest river, and the amount of the bid were important factors that influenced the respondents’ WTP. Suggestions for comprehensive management were proposed for the use of policy makers in river network conservation.
Detecting Changes in Forest Structure over Time with Bi-Temporal Terrestrial Laser Scanning Data
Authors: Liang Xinlian , Hyyppä Juha , Kaartinen Harri , Holopainen Markus , Melkas Timo
Published: October 2012

Changes to stems caused by natural forces and timber harvesting constitute an essential input for many forestry-related applications and ecological studies, especially forestry inventories based on the use of permanent sample plots. Conventional field measurement is widely acknowledged as being time-consuming and labor-intensive. More automated and efficient alternatives or supportive methods are needed. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has been demonstrated to be a promising method in forestry field inventories. Nevertheless, the applicability of TLS in recording changes in the structure of forest plots has not been studied in detail. This paper presents a fully automated method for detecting changes in forest structure over time using bi-temporal TLS data. The developed method was tested on five densely populated forest plots including 137 trees and 50 harvested trees in point clouds. The present study demonstrated that 90 percent of tree stem changes could be automatically located from single-scan TLS data. These changes accounted for 92 percent of the changed basal area. The results indicate that the processing of TLS data collected at different times to detect tree stem changes can be fully automated.
Enhancement of Commercial Antifungal Agents by Kojic Acid
Authors: Kim Jong , Chang Perng-Kuang , Chan Kathleen , Faria Natália , Mahoney Noreen , Kim Young , Martins Maria , Campbell Bruce
Published: October 2012

Natural compounds that pose no significant medical or environmental side effects are potential sources of antifungal agents, either in their nascent form or as structural backbones for more effective derivatives. Kojic acid (KA) is one such compound. It is a natural by-product of fungal fermentation commonly employed by food and cosmetic industries. We show that KA greatly lowers minimum inhibitory (MIC) or fungicidal (MFC) concentrations of commercial medicinal and agricultural antifungal agents, amphotericin B (AMB) and strobilurin, respectively, against pathogenic yeasts and filamentous fungi. Assays using two mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) mutants, i.e., sakA∆, mpkC∆, of Aspergillus fumigatus, an agent for human invasive aspergillosis, with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or AMB indicate such chemosensitizing activity of KA is most conceivably through disruption of fungal antioxidation systems. KA could be developed as a chemosensitizer to enhance efficacy of certain conventional antifungal drugs or fungicides.
The Role of Forkhead Box Q1 Transcription Factor in Ovarian Epithelial Carcinomas
Authors: Gao Min , Shih Ie-Ming , Wang Tian-Li
Published: October 2012

The role of the forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) transcription factor in cancer pathogenesis has recently emerged. Overexpression of FOXQ1 has been found in a variety of human cancers, and its upregulation has been associated with poor prognosis in colorectal, breast, and non-small cell lung carcinomas. However, the molecular mechanism underlying how FOXQ1 contributes to ovarian epithelial carcinomas remains unclear. To this end, we analyzed gene expression levels in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines and demonstrated a higher expression level of FOXQ1 in epithelial ovarian cancer cells than that in normal epithelial cells. We then used a human ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV3, which expressed a higher level of FOXQ1, as a cell model to investigate the biological effects of FOXQ1 by using RNA interference. Silencing of FOXQ1 expression using a shRNA knockdown approach affected the expression of several cell cycle regulators, leading to suppressed cell proliferation, reduced cell motility/invasion, and upregulation of epithelial cell markers and the downregulation of mesenchymal cell markers. Taken together, these results suggest that FOXQ1 expression is essential to maintain cell proliferation, motility/invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotypes in ovarian cancer cells.
Environmental Engineering Approaches toward Sustainable Management of Spider Mites
Authors: Suzuki Takeshi
Published: October 2012

Integrated pest management (IPM), which combines physical, biological, and chemical control measures to complementary effect, is one of the most important approaches to environmentally friendly sustainable agriculture. To expand IPM, we need to develop new pest control measures, reinforce existing measures, and investigate interactions between measures. Continued progress in the development of environmental control technologies and consequent price drops have facilitated their integration into plant production and pest control. Here I describe environmental control technologies for the IPM of spider mites through: (1) the disturbance of photoperiod-dependent diapause by artificial light, which may lead to death in seasonal environments; (2) the use of ultraviolet radiation to kill or repel mites; and (3) the use of water vapor control for the long-term cold storage of commercially available natural enemies. Such environmental control technologies have great potential for the efficient control of spider mites through direct physical effects and indirect effects via natural enemies.
Antioxidant Interactions between Major Phenolic Compounds Found in ‘Ataulfo’ Mango Pulp: Chlorogenic, Gallic, Protocatechuic and Vanillic Acids
Authors: Palafox-Carlos Hugo , Gil-Chávez Joana , Sotelo-Mundo Rogerio R. , Namiesnik Jacek , Gorinstein Shela , González-Aguilar Gustavo A.
Published: October 2012

Phenolic compounds are known to have antioxidant capacity; however, there is little information about molecular interactions between particular phenolics found in fruits at different developmental stages. Therefore, the total antioxidant capacity of the phenolic compounds of a fruit may not correspond to the sum of individual antioxidant capacity given by antioxidants from that tissue. In this study, individual antioxidant capacity and the interactions of four major phenolic compounds (chlorogenic, gallic, protocatechuic and vanillic acid) found in ‘Ataulfo’ mango pulp were tested using the DPPH assay. Significant synergism was found in the majority of the all combinations, as well as the combination of the four phenolics. However, antagonism was also observed between some molecules. This work demonstrated particular interactions that may occur in a complex environment within the complex framework of a natural food. The present results may also assist in the future design of functional foods or ingredients based on their antioxidant activity and their synergistic or antagonist interactions.
Chemical Architecture and Applications of Nucleic Acid Derivatives Containing 1,2,3-Triazole Functionalities Synthesized via Click Chemistry
Authors: Efthymiou Tim , Gong Wei , Desaulniers Jean-Paul
Published: October 2012

There is considerable attention directed at chemically modifying nucleic acids with robust functional groups in order to alter their properties. Since the breakthrough of copper-assisted azide-alkyne cycloadditions (CuAAC), there have been several reports describing the synthesis and properties of novel triazole-modified nucleic acid derivatives for potential downstream DNA- and RNA-based applications. This review will focus on highlighting representative novel nucleic acid molecular structures that have been synthesized via the “click” azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Many of these derivatives show compatibility for various applications that involve enzymatic transformation, nucleic acid hybridization, molecular tagging and purification, and gene silencing. The details of these applications are discussed. In conclusion, the future of nucleic acid analogues functionalized with triazoles is promising.
Improved Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in Polymers at High Concentrations
Authors: Liu Chao-Xuan , Choi Jin-Woo
Published: October 2012

The polymer nanocomposite used in this work comprises elastomer poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) as a polymer matrix and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a conductive nanofiller. To achieve uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes within the polymer, an optimized dispersion process was developed, featuring a strong organic solvent—chloroform, which dissolved PDMS base polymer easily and allowed high quality dispersion of MWCNTs. At concentrations as high as 9 wt.%, MWCNTs were dispersed uniformly through the polymer matrix, which presented a major improvement over prior techniques. The dispersion procedure was optimized via extended experimentation, which is discussed in detail.
Development of a Taste-Masked Orodispersible Film Containing Dimenhydrinate
Authors: Preis Maren , Pein Miriam , Breitkreutz Jörg
Published: October 2012

Orodispersible dosage forms are promising new approaches for drug delivery. They enable an easy application, as there is no need to drink high amounts of liquids or swallow large solid dosage forms. The aim of the study was to develop an orodispersible film (ODF) as an alternative to tablets, syrups or suppositories for the treatment of vomiting and nausea, especially for the pediatric population. Formulations were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and polarized light microscopy. Additionally, two commercially available electronic taste sensing systems were used to investigate the applied taste-masking strategies. Results obtained from X-ray-diffraction and polarized light microscopy showed no recrystallization of dimenhydrinate in the formulation when cyclodextrin or maltodextrin were used as solubilizing and complexing agent. All ODFs showed fast disintegration depending on the characterization method. In order to get taste information, the dimenhydrinate formulations were analytically compared to pure drug and drug-free formulations by electronic tongues. Results obtained from both systems are comparable and were used together for the first time. It was possible to develop an ODF of dimenhydrinate that is fast disintegrating even in small volumes of liquid. Furthermore, in vitro taste assessment by two electronic tongues revealed taste-masking effects by the excipients.
Proteomes: A New Proteomic Journal
Authors: Wiśniewski Jacek
Published: October 2012

In the early years of proteomics, mass spectrometry served only as a technique in protein chemistry facilitating the characterization of purified proteins and mapping their posttranslational modifications (PTMs). A bit later this technique almost completely replaced Edman degradation and amino acid analysis. The continuous development of the mass spectrometry techniques created a huge analytical potential allowing the study of nearly complete proteomes in single experiments. This evolution distanced proteomics from protein chemistry and placed it in a novel position. Its capability to identify and quantify in parallel thousands of proteins and their modifications at minute sample amount requirements is one of the most fascinating technological advances in biology today. [...]
A Data Mining Approach for Sharpening Thermal Satellite Imagery over Land
Authors: Gao Feng , Kustas William P. , Anderson Martha C.
Published: October 2012

Thermal infrared (TIR) imagery is normally acquired at coarser pixel resolution than that of shortwave sensors on the same satellite platform and often the TIR resolution is not suitable for monitoring crop conditions of individual fields or the impacts of land cover changes that are at significantly finer spatial scales. Consequently, thermal sharpening techniques have been developed to sharpen TIR imagery to shortwave band pixel resolutions, which are often fine enough for field-scale applications. A classic thermal sharpening technique, TsHARP, uses a relationship between land surface temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) developed empirically at the TIR pixel resolution and applied at the NDVI pixel resolution. However, recent studies show that unique relationships between temperature and NDVI may only exist for a limited class of landscapes, with mostly green vegetation and homogeneous air and soil conditions. To extend application of thermal sharpening to more complex conditions, a new data mining sharpener (DMS) technique is developed. The DMS approach builds regression trees between TIR band brightness temperatures and shortwave spectral reflectances based on intrinsic sample characteristics. A comparison of sharpening techniques applied over a rainfed agricultural area in central Iowa, an irrigated agricultural region in the Texas High Plains, and a heterogeneous naturally vegetated landscape in Alaska indicates that the DMS outperformed TsHARP in all cases. The artificial box-like patterns in LST generated by the TsHARP approach are greatly reduced using the DMS scheme, especially for areas containing irrigated crops, water bodies, thin clouds or terrain. While the DMS technique can provide fine resolution TIR imagery, there are limits to the sharpening ratios that can be reasonably implemented. Consequently, sharpening techniques cannot replace actual thermal band imagery at fine resolutions or missions that provide high quality thermal band imagery at high temporal and spatial resolution critical for many agricultural, land use and water resource management applications.
Mapping Canopy Height and Growing Stock Volume Using Airborne Lidar, ALOS PALSAR and Landsat ETM+
Authors: Cartus Oliver , Kellndorfer Josef , Rombach Markus , Walker Wayne
Published: October 2012

We have investigated for forest plantations in Chile the stand-level retrieval of canopy height (CH) and growing stock volume (GSV) using Airborne Laser Scanner (ALS), ALOS PALSAR and Landsat. In a two-stage up-scaling approach, ensemble regression tree models (randomForest) were used to relate a suite of ALS canopy structure indices to stand-level in situ measurements of CH and GSV for 319 stands. The retrieval of CH and GSV with ALS yielded high accuracies with R2s of 0.93 and 0.81, respectively. A second set of randomForest models was developed using multi-temporal ALOS PALSAR intensities and repeat-pass coherences in two polarizations as well as Landsat data as predictor and stand-level ALS based estimates of CH and GSV as response variables. At three test sites, the retrieval of CH and GSV with PALSAR/Landsat reached promising accuracies with R2s in the range of 0.7 to 0.85. We show that the combined use of multi-temporal PALSAR intensity, coherence and Landsat yields higher retrieval accuracies than the retrieval with any of the datasets alone. Potential limitations for the large-area application of the fusion approach included (1) the low sensitivity of ALS first/last return data to forest horizontal structure, affecting the retrieval of GSV in less managed types of forest, and (2) the dense ALS sampling required to achieve high retrieval accuracies at larger scale.
Facile synthesis of functionalized tetrahydroquinolines via domino Povarov reactions of arylamines, methyl propiolate and aromatic aldehydes
Authors: Sun Jing , Gao Hong , Wu Qun , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: October 2012

In the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid as catalyst the domino reaction of arylamines, methyl propiolates and aromatic aldehydes in ethanol proceeded smoothly to give polysubstituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines in moderate yields. The reaction is believed to involve the Povarov reaction of in situ generated β-enamino ester with the in situ formed aromatic imine.
Criteria for Evaluating General Database Migration Tools
Authors: Wei Bin , Chen Tennyson
Published: October 2012

Software updates often involve data migration, especially when converting legacy software implemented to interface with outdated relational database management systems or other nonrelational database electronic files. Moreover, many software applications rely on data migration to import data from a variety of platforms. Usually, database migrations are time consuming and error prone. Based on their experience designing and implementing custom utilities to convert a large number of legacy databases and files in different platforms, RTI computer scientists developed five criteria that need to be considered when evaluating a data migration tool (DMT). These criteria can help users and software development project managers make informed decisions in data conversion tasks, help software developers assess design and implementation considerations for future DMT products, and provide guidelines for database administrators to evaluate a general DMT.
Cushioning Optimization of Multilayer Regularly-Arranged Circular Honeycombs under In-Plane Crushing Loadings
Authors: Sun De Qiang , Wang Zong Qiang , Feng Jun Hua
Published: October 2012

To realize the cushioning optimization of multilayer regularly-arranged circular honeycombs under in-plane crushing loadings with high impact velocities, a finite element model is introduced to obtain the cushioning mechanical parameters. A simplified energy absorption model is used to evaluate the cushioning performance, which shows that the cushioning performance is related to dynamic plateau stress and dynamic densification strain. The impact velocity, deformation mode and configuration parameters determine them. Empirical formulas of critical velocity of deformation mode transition, dynamic densification strain and dynamic plateau stress are given from the discussion of numerical results. A feasible cushioning optimization algorithm is presented in detail.
Some Observations on Dynamical Cushioning Property of Overlay Cushion Combined with Dissimilar Materials
Authors: Jiang Hai Yun , Zhao De Jian , Zhang Wei Li , Wu Ruo Mei , Song Bao Feng
Published: October 2012

Honeycomb fiberboard, polyethylene foam, and polystyrene foam were used to manufacture overlay cushion. The corresponding dynamical cushioning property was investigated including the effects the overlay sequence, drop height, join mode, and the thickness difference of both buffer layers. The results indicated the overlay cushion kept a relative high cushioning property when the “soft” buffer layer was directly contacted with the impact rammer. However, the result may be in reverse without adhesion. At the same time, the excessive difference of cushioning property between both the buffer layers was not beneficial to exertion of overlay cushion. Besides, this difference would be scaled up with increase of thickness difference of both the buffer layers.
A New-Type Packaging Protection Model of Moulded Pulp on Electron Gun
Authors: Guo Yin , Guo Yan Feng , Xu Wen Cai
Published: October 2012

Electron gun is a kind of fragile and irregular-shape electronic product with multi-material, slender and similarly tube, non-rigid connection structure, which highly demand packaging protection during distribution. In this research work the moulded pulp of inexpensive and environmental-friendly advantages over plastic foams, and excellent machining technique is applied into the transport packaging of electron gun. Firstly, three packaging protection models of moulded pulp (one layer, two layers, and three layers) on electron gun are developed on account of the structural characteristics of electron gun, which have the advantages of compact structure with placement, orientation and fixation, favorable stability, count, and dustproof function for electron gun. Secondly, the package cushioning and vibration-proof performances of these packaging protection models are respectively studied by six groups of drop shock experiments and sine vibration tests of comparison. All results show that, the three packaging protection models of moulded pulp have favorable packaging function, and can provide effective protection for the products of electron gun during storage and transportation.
Study on Dynamic Characteristics of the Position Apparatus Based on ANSYS/WORKBENCH
Authors: Ding Yi , Ma Sheng Li , Zhao Li Juan
Published: October 2012

In order to improve the reliability of the position apparatus for vehicle seats, this paper researched on the dynamic characteristics of the position apparatus by the simulated method of finite element analysis software ANSYS/WORKBENCH. Accordingly, the results of modal analysis, harmonic response analysis and that of linear buckling analysis were obtained. That provides a basis for the vibration characteristic analysis, the diagnosis and forecast of the vibration fault as well as the optimization design of the structural dynamic characteristics.
Research on the Humanized Design of Logistics Packaging in Supply Chain
Authors: Li Bi Ru , Li Ze Rong , Tian Peng Fei
Published: October 2012

To achieve the pleasant packaging during the process of transport, sales, and consumption, bring commercial benefits and embody the humanistic care, the article analyses the deficiency of logistics packaging, thus proposes the humanized design schemes of packaging structure of transport packaging, sales packaging and consumption packaging in the supply chain, according to the features and requirements of logistics in the supply chain.
Preparation and Characterization of Antibacterial Zn-Coated High Density Polyethylene Films by Vacuum Evaporation Technology
Authors: Li Ya Na , Sun Yan Zheng , Zhang Yan Song
Published: October 2012

Zn-coated HDPE films with different amount of zinc deposition were prepared via vacuum evaporation technology. AFM images showed that the size of Zn particles was decreasing evidently with the increase of the amount of Zn deposition on HDPE substrate. The Zn-coated HDPE films exhibited excellent antibacterial activity, especially for S. aureus. Compared with the HDPE film, the improvement of the barrier properties of the Zn-coated HDPE films was observed. Moreover, the barrier properties of the Zn-coated HDPE films were increasing with the elevation of the Zn content on HDPE films. The as-prepared Zn-coated HDPE films have a promising foreground applied in food packaging.
Improving Moisture Proof of PET by Blending with PEN for Soya Bean Oil Packaging
Authors: Zhang Lei , Luo Ya Wei , Deng Bin , Liu Hua
Published: October 2012

The improvement of the moisture barrier properties of PET via blending with PEN was studied. The microstructure of the bottle parisons and bottles were examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The transesterification reaction during PET/PEN injection molding and blow molding were confirmed by 1H-NMR. Water vapor permeability of PET bottle and PET/PEN blends bottle was determined. Water and volatile matter concentration and acid value were determined during store of soya bean oil: without any package; packed in the PET bottles; and PET/PEN blends bottles under 24±2°C and RH80% condition to compare the difference between PET and PET/PEN blends bottles. The result indicated that the transesterification reaction happening during PET/PEN blends injection and blow molding improved compatibility of PET and PEN. The microstructure of PET/PEN blends was continuous and compact. It means that the PET/PEN blends bottle had better moisture barrier properties. The result showed that for soya bean oil packaging the moisture barrier ability of PET/PEN blends bottle was increased 77.4% comparing with PET bottle.
Research and Application of Rare-Earth Europium Complex Materials in Polyethylene Sheet
Authors: Hao Xiao Xiu , Wei Na , Meng Jie , Wei Jun Qing , Sun Cheng
Published: October 2012

Rare-earth europium complex is a UV photochromic materials. Fluorescent Polyethylene Sheet Material were prepared by the Rare-earth europium complex and polyethylene particles using the method of melt blend. Then the fluorescence of polyethylene sheet and the relative fluorescence intensity of the mechanical properties were tested. Finally, this paper discusses the different amounts of phosphor on the polyethylene sheet relative fluorescence intensity and mechanical properties. This study has some guiding sense over the application and the production of fluorescent polyethylene sheet material.
Effect of an Antimicrobial Packaging on Postharvest Quality of Sweet Cherry
Authors: Yu Xue Mei , Xu Wen Cai , Li Dong Li
Published: October 2012

Sweet cherry shows a limited storage time mainly due to incidence of decay and a fast loss of sensory quality of the fruit. Sweet cherries may be damaged seriously by fungal pathogens for a long storage period. For the control of postharvest diseases, the use of chemicals as fungicides has been applied to sweet cherries. In this paper, a kind of antimicrobial packaging, based on our patent , which can release SO2fungicide has been used as postharvest treatment to protect the sweet cherry quality. Cherries quality during storage was determined, and results suggest that SO2 fungicide packaging showed benefits in terms of lower weight loss, lowerSuperscript textdecay rate and maintenance of fruit firmness compared with the control one.
Production of Electromagnetic Shielding Boards Using Paper/Plastic/Aluminum Packaging Waste & Copper Fibers
Authors: Xu Chang Yan , Liu Jie , Zhu Xu Dong
Published: October 2012

Paper/plastic/aluminum (PPA) multilayer composite is one of the most favorable packaging material for milk and yoghourt because of its excellent material properties, especially the unbreakability, machinability and barrier properties towards moisture, oxygen and light. Ecological demands on littering and on carbon footprint gave pressure on the public community. Together with the increasing amount of PPA packaging containers all over the world, the recollection and recycling of PPA packages was steadily increasing. In this paper, an electromagnetic shielding board was produced with Tetra Pak waste and copper fibers. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) and volume resistivity (VR) were investigated. It was found that SE increased with the increased copper fiber content but declined with the increases copper fiber length. However, VR showed an opposite tendency. In the condition of 100 g/m2 copper fiber content and 3-4 mm fiber length, the board showed good shielding performance, e.g., in the range of 9 KHz 5 GHz frequency, the average SE was up to 24.11 dB, and in the range of 600 MHz 1000 MHz frequency, the maximum SE came up to 58.91 dB. Based on the findings of this study, a conclusion could be made that manufacturing electromagnetic shielding boards using PPA packaging waste should be regarded as a step in the prevention of the environmental pollution and as a method of achieving economical worth from these items, and this type board could be considered as an alternative raw material with accepted properties to be used in packaging, interior finish, furniture, and other applications.
Improvement of the Interface of PP/GRT with EAA
Authors: Zeng Guang Sheng , Meng Cong , Lin Rui Zhen , Chen Lei
Published: October 2012

As the developing of auto industry，hundreds of millions wasted tires were produced, which is becoming a major environmental problem around the word. Corresponding to these, the shortage of rubber resources have become a global issue. How to use the wasted tires cut into small pieces and reuse become new hot in the field of materials processing. The composition of GRT is complicated because of the first processing. Especially, great amount of carbon black is filled with it. What’s more, the existence of carbon black restricts the interface of composites seriously. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the three interchangeable plastics, which has its own advantage and shortage. Nowadays, Mixing GRT (ground rubber tire ) with PP to expand the application of PP attracts more and more attention. Carbon black is easy to distribute in EAA(ethylene-ethyl acrylate)evenly as well as EAA in PP. Considering that, this study adds EAA in the PP/GRT composite. With the help of SEM, it shows that carbon black particles distribute uniformly with the adding of EAA and the composites without is chaotic. Furthermore, it indicates that the best amount of EAA blending with PP/GRT is 3%.
Optimization of Processing Technology of Acetylated Corn Starch Films
Authors: Chen Zhi Zhou , Yin Guo Ping
Published: October 2012

Abstract. In this experiment acetylated corn starch was taken as the raw material and its filming property was studied through single-factor experiments and orthogonal experiment. The results showed that the different concentrations of acetylated corn starch, glycerol, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glutaraldehyde had significant effects on the properties of the acetylated corn starch/PVA films. And the optimum film-forming conditions were 4.5% acetylated corn starch, 4.5% PVA, 4.0% glycerol and 0.4% glutaraldehyde for the coating liquid of film-forming, among which the most important factor was the glycerol concentration; the following factors were the acetylated corn starch concentration, the polyvinyl alcohol concentration and the glutaraldehyde concentration.
Design and Analysis of the Dismountable Frame Structure for Vacuum Container
Authors: Huang Yun Xiang , Li Ke Tian , Tan Zhe Hao
Published: October 2012

Painting is one of the most important processes in decorating industrial product. But the vacuum container is the key of vacuum painting equipment. This paper analyzes the principle of dismountable vacuum container’s structure and establishes its basic physical model and simulates its environment load by the finite element software, then analyzes the important component and obtains the index of reliability and safety of dismountable vacuum container. According to the classic theory of elastic thin plate, the accuracy of the results of finite element analysis is proved. Then the further optimization design and the further finite element analysis are utilized to optimize the important component of vacuum container, finally the results meet the requirements.
Migration Model of Silver-Loaded Zeolite in Antibacterial Kraft Paper
Authors: Zhong Ze Hui , Bian Yu , Li Ting , Xu Jun , Hou Bai Long
Published: October 2012

Based on the Fick’s law, model about the migration of silver-loaded zeolite on antibacterial kraft paper was built, and migration of antibacterial agent in distilled water, 65 % ethanol and 4 % acetic acid at 2 h、24 h、96 h、240 h、480h、720h and 960 h under 40 °C were detected by AAS. The predicted and experimental results were compared using MATLAB software. The results are shown that the turns of migration in different foodstuff are that 65 % ethanol>4 % acetic acid>distilled water, while silver ion is not detected in olive oil and N-hexane. The migration in distilled water, 65 % ethanol and 4 % acetic acid can be well fitted with the predicted model, and the migration in 4 % acetic acid is similar with the model’s result in certain period of time, and migration of antibacterial agent from papers to food stimulants in different effective migration coefficient, depth of paper and time can be greatly predicted with.
Effect of Different Ceramic Fibers on Properties of Paper Handsheets
Authors: Guo Yu Hua , Ji Hong Wei
Published: October 2012

The effect of surface treatment of ceramic fibers on properties of handsheets was discussed. It is indicated with the addtion of ceramic fibers, the tightness of handsheets increases and the tensile index, elongation and tear index increase at first and then decrease. The tightness, tensile index, elongation and tear index of handsheets with surface treated ceramic fibers are higher than that with untreated ceramic fibers. The ceramic fibers and paper fibers can interweave into three dimensional networks.
Packaging Application of Molecular Sieve-Added Polyethylene Composite Films for Fresh Cherry Tomato
Authors: Guo Yu Hua , Huang Zhen , Teng Li Jun
Published: October 2012

The fresh-keeping function of molecularsieve added films on cherry tomatoes was discussed. It is indicated the molecularsieve added films have good fresh-keeping function. It can effectively control the respiration of cherry tomatoes. The Hβ-7 film has good fresh-keeping function.
A Test Software for Cushioning Characteristics of Packaging Materials
Authors: Chen Man Ru , Shan Jing Min , Zhao Yu Cong
Published: October 2012

In this paper, the authors present the development of software written in Visual C++ , which is used to test the cushioning characteristics of packaging materials. The computer software is featured by the accurate detection of instantaneous velocity as the shock starts; the reliable acquisition of shock signals; the non-distortions of signals by using the FIR digital filter for acceleration signals; the good display of the various curves by a linear or logarithm approach; the multiple curve-fitting options offered; the fully-automatic nomination and management of files without manually handling; the view of a diagram in which the multiple curves are plotted in terms of the linear or logarithm coordinates, and automatically storing data even if test procedure is intermitted.
The Study on the Mechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Straw Fiber Composites
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wang Bing Tao , Gao De , Wen Li Hua
Published: October 2012

The paper describes the production and the mechanical characteristics of composites made completely from renewable raw materials, the corn straw fiber and the biodegradable plastic, poly(lactic acid). The effect of straw fiber content on the mechanical properties of the composites was studied and the optimum mass fraction was 15%. To enhance the mechanical properties of the composites, two different methods were tested. Maleic anhydride as the compatilizer was introduced into the composites but the changes of the mechanical properties were small. While the other method, pre-treatment for straw fiber before blending, the mechanical properties increased obviously. The tensile strength and the impact strength were 35.6 MPa and 1.67 kJ/m2, respectively.
Parametric Design and Multi-Objective Optimization of LCD Packaging Cushion Foams
Authors: Zhang Guo Qiang , Du Yu Fang , Li Xing Zhou , Che Xian Xiang
Published: October 2012

Compression simulation of package in ANSYS software will find design defects. Based on the simulation results, DOE(Design Exploration Module) generates the optimization design in accordance with the response surface analysis. The packaging cushion foams size parametric design and multi-objective optimization were carried out. Optimal design points were obtained. The foams size parameters were generated by Goal Driven Optimization. The new cushion model parameters will be adjusted automatically according to optimization results. The compression simulation of the new design model was performed to identify the reliability.
Optimization of Processing Variables in Wheat Straw Particleboard for Manufacturing Pallets
Authors: Luo Peng , Yang Chuan Min , Ji Hong Wei
Published: October 2012

The goal of this work was to make particleboards for manufacturing pallets from wheat straw using low cost urea formaldehyde (UF) resin adhesive. The wheat straws were subject to steam explosion pretreatment to improve bondability with UF resin. Particleboards were obtained from the steam explosion pretreated wheat straws with UF resin. Particleboard manufacturing parameters, such as pressing time, temperature and board density, were optimized to achieve high performance panel board for pallets. The optimum parameters were found to be: hot press temperature 170 °C, hot press time 40 s/mm, resin application ratio 10%, and straw particle size 12 mm. Under the optimum conditions particleboards met the mechanical requirements for the industrial use particleboards based on the Chinese National Standard for Particleboard and were able to make pallets.
Study on Anti-Fog Films of Polyethylene Modified with Inorganic Micrometer Diatomite
Authors: He Wei , Fang Qing Hong , Lin Wei , Luyt A.S. , Ge Tie Jun
Published: October 2012

Anti-fog films of low density polyethylene (LDPE) modified with micrometer diatomite were prepared by a process of blow molding. Through examination of antifogging property of the film added the anti-fog agents, the modification effectiveness of inorganic micrometer diatomite and the influence of different treating agents were studied with Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), mechanical properties, and antifogging performances. The results indicate that the anti-fog property of the film can be improved by premixing inorganic micrometer diatomite with the anti-fog agents; the film modified by inorganic micrometer diatomite added surface treatment agent has obviously effectiveness anti-fog properties than that the films modified only by the anti-fog agents. Addition of polyacrylamide can make the anti-fog durability of the films modified by inorganic micrometer diatomite be further prolonged. It was observed that the tensile strength does not show any decrease, however, elongation at break show a massive decreased.
Research on Kelp Coated Packaging Paper
Authors: Liu Xue Mei , Yang Fun Xin , Wang Feng Xian
Published: October 2012

Biopolymers have the potential to serve as coating materials for paper to improve its performance properties. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of kelp coating on the physical properties of coated papers. It was found that kelp coated paper showed significant difference on physical properties, compared with uncoated. Kelp coated papers greatly increased in tensile strength. Paper coated with kelp solution can be used to produce packages with the potential to be used to maintain agricultural produce quality for the food industry, and may have other applications.
Process’ Optimization of Nanocrystalline Cellulose and its Properties
Authors: Zou Ping Ping , Zhang Ping , Gao De , Xia Qiao Na
Published: October 2012

This paper concerned nanocrystalline cellulose(NCC)’s isolation from microcrystalline cellulose(MCC) by sulfuric acid hydrolysis, meanwhile centrifuging, ultrasonic treatment and freeze-drying were carried out afterwards. It covered the effect of reaction conditions on the yield of NCC. It indicated that hydrolysis time was the factor that matters most and it was possible to obtain the largest yield with hydrolysis time being 108min, hydrolysis temperature being 43oC and sulfuric acid concentration being 33%. It also investigated the microcosmic morphology of NCC by Transmission Electronic Microscopy(TEM). MCC and NCC’s thermal properties were studied further.
The Potential of Methane-Oxidizing Bacteria for Applications in the Synthesis of Green Material-PHB
Authors: Wang He Teng , Dong Jing
Published: October 2012

The current status of biodegradable material PHB research was analyzed. The synthesis mechanism of PHB production by methane-oxidizing bacteria and effect factors of PHB yield were summarized. And progress direction about PHB polyester was forecasted, that provide theoretic base for studying PHB.