bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Angry Juror: Sentencing Decisions in First‐Degree Murder
Authors: Georges Leah C. , Wiener Richard L. , Keller Stacie R.
Published: October 2012

A great deal of research in legal decision making has overlooked the influence of affect on the decision‐making process. The present study measured the fluctuation of emotions across five time points of a capital trial and tested the overall relationship between changes in emotion and sentencing decisions. The results showed that across all participants, anger initially increased and then decreased during the course of a capital punishment trial. Most importantly, the more individual mock jurors' anger increased during any stage of the trial, the more likely they were to assign a death sentence. Furthermore, when jurors' anger increased, they rated mitigating factors presented by the defense as weaker and the weaker mitigation mediated the relationship between change in anger and sentencing. The paper ends with a discussion of theoretical explanations and policy implications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Carboxy‐Functionalized Polycyclic Arenes by Oxidative Cyclizations of 2,3‐Diarylacrylates
Authors: Sarkar Parantap , Dechambenoit Pierre , Durola Fabien , Bock Harald
Published: October 2012

The cyclization of esters of Perkin condensation products by oxidation with 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) in the presence of MeSO3H is examined as a three‐step approach from arylacetic acids and aromatic aldehydes to functionalized condensed arenes. The method is limited to systems in which one or both of the two aryl moieties are more reactive than a phenyl group, such as 1‐naphthyl or, especially, 3‐thienyl. Alkoxycarbonyl derivatives of picene, benzo[c]chrysene, three isomeric phenanthrothiophenes, a naphthothiophene, and a benzodithiophene were obtained. The extension of this approach to multiple cyclizations and, thus, to extended partially condensed systems with multiple alkoxycarbonyl substituents appears promising with highly active precursors derived from 3‐thienylacetic acid. In this case, conjugated polymers made of short ribbon fragments linked by thiophene–thiophene single bonds appear conceivable. A bifunctional chrysenodithiophene was obtained from 1,5‐diformylnaphthalene, together with a highly unusual asymmetric dimer that contains a cyclohepta[de]naphthalene (pleiadiene) moiety.
Brief communication: New Y‐chromosome binary markers improve phylogenetic resolution within haplogroup R1a1
Authors: Pamjav Horolma , Fehér Tibor , Németh Endre , Pádár Zsolt
Published: October 2012

Haplogroup R1a1‐M198 is a major clade of Y chromosomal haplogroups which is distributed all across Eurasia. To this date, many efforts have been made to identify large SNP‐based subgroups and migration patterns of this haplogroup. The origin and spread of R1a1 chromosomes in Eurasia has, however, remained unknown due to the lack of downstream SNPs within the R1a1 haplogroup. Since the discovery of R1a1‐M458, this is the first scientific attempt to divide haplogroup R1a1‐M198 into multiple SNP‐based sub‐haplogroups. We have genotyped 217 R1a1‐M198 samples from seven different population groups at M458, as well as the Z280 and Z93 SNPs recently identified from the “1000 Genomes Project”.

The two additional binary markers present an effective tool because now more than 98% of the samples analyzed assign to one of the three sub‐haplogroups. R1a1‐M458 and R1a1‐Z280 were typical for the Hungarian population groups, whereas R1a1‐Z93 was typical for Malaysian Indians and the Hungarian Roma. Inner and Central Asia is an overlap zone for the R1a1‐Z280 and R1a1‐Z93 lineages. This pattern implies that an early differentiation zone of R1a1‐M198 conceivably occurred somewhere within the Eurasian Steppes or the Middle East and Caucasus region as they lie between South Asia and Eastern Europe. The detection of the Z93 paternal genetic imprint in the Hungarian Roma gene pool is consistent with South Asian ancestry and amends the view that H1a‐M82 is their only discernible paternal lineage of Indian heritage. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theta event‐related synchronization is a biomarker for a morbid effect of alcoholism on the brain that may partially resolve with extended abstinence
Authors: Gilmore Casey S. , Fein George
Published: October 2012

Analyzing the induced (non‐stimulus‐phase‐locked) EEG activity elicited by targets in a three‐condition visual oddball task, Fein and colleagues have shown increased theta band event‐related synchronization (ERS) in two different samples of long‐term abstinent alcoholics (LTAA) compared with age‐ and gender‐comparable controls. The theta ERS effect in alcoholics was also shown to be independent of, and opposite in direction to, the reduced amplitude evoked (stimulus‐phase‐locked) activity typically found in alcoholics and those at genetic risk of developing alcoholism. This study extends these findings by applying time‐frequency analysis to target stimulus event‐related EEG to compare evoked and induced theta activity in 43 LTAA and 72 nonalcoholic controls with a group of 31 alcoholics who just recently initiated abstinence from alcohol (between 6‐ and 15‐week abstinent; referred to as short‐term abstinent alcoholics, STAA). Results demonstrated that (1) evoked theta power was reduced to the same degree in STAA and LTAA compared with nonalcoholic control participants, while (2) induced theta activity, measured by theta ERS, was increased in both STAA and LTAA relative to controls, but was also increased in STAA relative to LTAA. The STAA and LTAA groups did not differ on measures of alcohol use severity or family history of alcohol problems. These results, coupled with previous findings that show a relationship between stronger theta ERS and increased memory load and attention allocation, suggest that increased theta ERS may be a biomarker for a detrimental effect of chronic alcohol abuse on the brain – a detriment that may recover, at least partially, with extended abstinence.
Preferred color gamut boundaries for wide‐gamut and multiprimary displays
Authors: Murdoch Michael J. , Sekulovski Dragan , Heynderickx Ingrid
Published: October 2012

Preferred chroma enhancement and its dependence on hue are studied in a two‐part experiment using a wide‐gamut multiprimary display. Earlier research showed a clear dependence on hue but was limited by the gamut of the display it employed; the present work builds on this while easing the gamut constraints. In the first part of the present experiment, a tuning task was used to refine the preference for chroma boost starting with standard‐gamut (Rec. 709) images. The overall median preferred boost is roughly 20%, but it is not uniform over hues: the preferred boost for orange, yellow, green, and cyan colors is greater than that for blue, magenta, and red colors. Dependence on image content and observer is noted, though a content‐independent chroma boost created by aggregating preference over many images performs well. An adjustment parameter for overall chroma, which incorporates the hue dependence averaged over image content, should be sufficient to handle the vast majority of interobserver variance in preference. In the second part of the experiment, various chroma boost algorithms were evaluated through a paired comparison task. The prescribed hue‐dependent chroma boost is preferred over all other variations, and all hue‐preserving chroma boost variations are preferred over both colorimetrically accurate and naı̈ve same‐drive‐signal renderings. The results may be applied in display design to select gamut boundaries that maximize satisfaction over the observer population. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 169–178, 2014
Characterization of potential liquid organic fertilizers obtained by alkaline extraction from two‐phase olive‐mill waste composts
Authors: Baddi Ghita Ait , Alburquerque Jose Antonio , Tortosa German , Winterton Peter , Hafidi Mohamed , Cegarra Juan
Published: October 2012

Two potential liquid fertilizers were produced from two mature “alperujo” composts by using an alkaline extraction (1M KOH at 70°C). The characteristics of the resulting humic‐like substances were compared to those extracted according to the international humic substance society protocol by using elemental analysis, FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy in both excitation‐emission matrix and synchronous modes. The results obtained confirmed that the hot alkaline extraction dissolved more polymerized compounds, probably including lignin degradation by‐products and/or newly formed aromatic materials. On the other hand, based on fluorescence excitation‐emission matrix results, different Δλ (18, 66, and 100 nm) were selected to provide more information about humic substances in synchronous mode. The results showed that the extracted humic‐like substances presented characteristics close to those of standard humic materials. As a consequence, the alkaline extraction of “alperujo” compost with 1M KOH at 70°C can be used to produce liquid organic fertilizers, thus diversifying the marketable products obtained from “alperujo,” the most abundant by‐product of the Spanish olive‐oil extraction industry. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1170–1178, 2013
Factors associated with supracricoid laryngectomy functional outcomes
Authors: Clayburgh Daniel R. , Graville Donna J. , Palmer Andrew D. , Schindler Joshua S.
Published: October 2012

Background

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) is an option for laryngeal cancer resection that preserves laryngeal function; however, little information exists regarding factors that are associated with functional outcomes.

Methods

A medical chart review was performed on patients that underwent SCPL at our institution between 2006 and 2011. Data were collected on surgical, voice, and swallowing outcomes.

Results

Eighteen patients were identified. Thirteen underwent cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) and 5 had a cricohyoidopexy (CHP). Mean follow‐up was 737 days. On average, decannulation occurred at 27.4 days and feeding tube removal at 87.9 days postoperatively. Sixty‐seven percent of patients tolerated an unrestricted diet at follow‐up. Increased age and a CHP procedure were associated with negative outcomes. Age may be a proxy for more extensive disease and prior treatments.

Conclusion

Patients who undergo an SCPL require extensive rehabilitation after surgery. Those who have undergone multiple cancer interventions and have more extensive surgery may be at risk for poorer outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1397–1403, 2013
Phase composition control of calcium phosphate nanoparticles for tunable drug delivery kinetics and treatment of osteomyelitis. I. Preparation and drug release
Authors: Uskoković Vuk , Desai Tejal A.
Published: October 2012

Developed in this study is a multifunctional material for simultaneous osseoinduction and drug delivery, potentially applicable in the treatment of osteomyelitis. It is composed of agglomerates of nanoparticles of calcium phosphate (CAP) with different monophasic contents. The drug‐loading capacity and the release kinetics were investigated on two model drug compounds with different chemical structures, sizes, and adsorption propensities: bovine serum albumin and fluorescein. Loading of CAP powders with small molecule drugs was achieved by physisorption and desiccation‐induced agglomeration of nanoparticulate subunits into microscopic blocks. The material dissolution rate and the drug release rate depended on the nature of the CAP phase, decreasing from monocalcium phosphate to monetite to amorphous CAP and calcium pyrophosphate to hydroxyapatite. The sustained release of the two model drugs was shown to be directly relatable to the degradation rate of CAP carriers. It was demonstrated that the degradation rate of the carrier and the drug release kinetics could be made tunable within the time scale of 1–2 h for the most soluble CAP phase, monocalcium phosphate, to 1–2 years for the least soluble one, hydroxyapatite. From the standpoint of antibiotic therapy for osteomyelitis, typically lasting for 6 weeks, the most prospective CAP powder was amorphous CAP with its release time scale for a small organic molecule, the same category to which antibiotics belong, of 1–2 months under the conditions applied in our experiments. By combining these different CAP phases in various proportions, drug release profiles could be tailored to the therapeutic occasion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
In situ forming, resorbable graft copolymer hydrogels providing controlled drug release
Authors: Overstreet Derek J. , Huynh Richard , Jarbo Keith , McLemore Ryan Y. , Vernon Brent L.
Published: October 2012

In situ forming hydrogels are promising drug delivery vehicles due to their ease of delivery as liquids and their ability to be used in sites with irregular geometries. In this work, we report on in situ forming, resorbable hydrogels based on N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) as a fluid‐like controlled release gel. These gels are the first resorbable NIPAAm‐based gels providing controlled release without relying on affinity between the drug and device. Therefore, these gels provide a more flexible delivery system which can be used to deliver any drug at a controlled rate. The polymers contain repeat units of NIPAAm with (R)‐α‐Acryloyloxy‐β,β‐dimethyl‐γ‐butyrolactone (DBLA) and varying amounts of hydrophilic Jeffamine® M‐1000 acrylamide (JAAm) grafts. The graft copolymer architecture allows the water content of the hydrogels to be tuned over a wide range while keeping the initial gelation temperature below body temperature. Incorporation of JAAm in the polymers led to greater water content, faster gel degradation, and reduced burst release. Sustained release of the antimicrobial drugs cefazolin and vancomycin (over about 5 and 7 days, respectively) was observed from gels containing an intermediate amount of grafts which combined reduced phase separation with a degradation time of 40 days. The degradation byproducts of one hydrogel formulation were cytocompatible to NIH 3T3 fibroblasts at concentrations up to 2.5 wt %. This class of terpolymer hydrogels is a promising local delivery system for a wide variety of drugs, particularly for applications involving irregular geometries such as implant interfaces. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Short‐term in vitro responses of human peripheral blood monocytes to ferritic stainless steel fiber networks
Authors: Spear Rose L. , Brooks Roger A. , Markaki Athina E.
Published: October 2012

Beneficial effects on bone–implant bonding may accrue from ferromagnetic fiber networks on implants which can deform in vivo inducing controlled levels of mechanical strain directly in growing bone. This approach requires ferromagnetic fibers that can be implanted in vivo without stimulating undue inflammatory cell responses or cytotoxicity. This study examines the short‐term in vitro responses, including attachment, viability, and inflammatory stimulation, of human peripheral blood monocytes to 444 ferritic stainless steel fiber networks. Two types of 444 networks, differing in fiber cross section and thus surface area, were considered alongside austenitic stainless steel fiber networks, made of 316L, a widely established implant material. Similar high percent seeding efficiencies were measured by CyQuant® on all fiber networks after 48 h of cell culture. Extensive cell attachment was confirmed by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy, which showed round monocytes attached at various depths into the fiber networks. Medium concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) were determined as indicators of viability and inflammatory responses, respectively. Percent LDH concentrations were similar for both 444 fiber networks at all time points, whereas significantly lower than those of 316L control networks at 24 h. All networks elicited low‐level secretions of TNF‐α, which were significantly lower than that of the positive control wells containing zymosan. Collectively, the results indicate that 444 networks produce comparable responses to medical implant grade 316L networks and are able to support human peripheral blood monocytes in short‐term in vitro cultures without inducing significant inflammatory or cytotoxic effects. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Increasing irradiation temperature maximizes vitamin E grafting and wear resistance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Oral Ebru , Neils Andrew L. , Rowell Shannon L , Lozynsky Andrew J. , Muratoglu Orhun K.
Published: October 2012

Vitamin E stabilization of radiation crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for total joint implants can be done by blending of UHMWPE resin powder with vitamin E, followed by consolidation and irradiation of the blend. It is well known that vitamin E prevents crosslinking in UHMWPE during ionizing radiation. We hypothesized that there would also be a significant amount of grafting of vitamin E onto UHMWPE during irradiation. Spectroscopic analysis of radiation crosslinked vitamin E‐blended UHMWPE before and after extraction with boiling hexane showed vitamin E grafting in up to 30% of the blended vitamin E. Grafting increased with irradiation temperature. We also discovered that increasing irradiation temperature resulted in better preservation of active vitamin E in the polymer and increased crosslinking efficiency of UHMWPE. As a result, warm‐irradiated vitamin E‐blended UHMWPEs had significantly less wear than those irradiated at ambient temperature. It may be desirable to graft vitamin E on UHMWPE to decrease the possibility of elution and increase long‐term stability. Warm irradiation of vitamin E blends may present an advantage in increasing vitamin E potency, as well as decreasing the wear of UHMWPE, which is crucial in decreasing the incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis in total joint replacement patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 436–440, 2013.
An economic prediction of refinement coefficients in wavelet‐based adaptive methods for electron structure calculations
Authors: Pipek János , Nagy Szilvia
Published: October 2012

The wave function of a many electron system contains inhomogeneously distributed spatial details, which allows to reduce the number of fine detail wavelets in multiresolution analysis approximations. Finding a method for decimating the unnecessary basis functions plays an essential role in avoiding an exponential increase of computational demand in wavelet‐based calculations. We describe an effective prediction algorithm for the next resolution level wavelet coefficients, based on the approximate wave function expanded up to a given level. The prediction results in a reasonable approximation of the wave function and allows to sort out the unnecessary wavelets with a great reliability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fiber‐type composition in the perivertebral musculature of lizards: Implications for the evolution of the diapsid trunk muscles
Authors: Moritz Sabine , Schilling Nadja
Published: October 2012

The perivertebral musculature of lizards is critical for the stabilization and the mobilization of the trunk during locomotion. Some trunk muscles are also involved in ventilation. This dual function of trunk muscles in locomotion and ventilation leads to a biomechanical conflict in many lizards and constrains their ability to breathe while running (“axial constraint”) which likely is reflected by their high anaerobic scope. Furthermore, different foraging and predator‐escape strategies were shown to correlate with the metabolic profile of locomotor muscles in lizards. Because knowledge of muscle's fiber‐type composition may help to reveal a muscle's functional properties, we investigated the distribution pattern of muscle fiber types in the perivertebral musculature in two small lizard species with a generalized body shape and subjected to the axial constraint (Dipsosaurus dorsalis, Acanthodactylus maculatus) and one species that circumvents the axial constraint by means of gular pumping (Varanus exanthematicus). Additionally, these species differ in their predator‐escape and foraging behaviors. Using refined enzyme‐histochemical protocols, muscle fiber types were differentiated in serial cross‐sections through the trunk, maintaining the anatomical relationships between the skeleton and the musculature. The fiber composition in Dipsosaurus and Acanthodactylus showed a highly glycolytic profile, consistent with their intermittent locomotor style and reliance on anaerobic metabolism during activity. Because early representatives of diapsids resemble these two species in several postcranial characters, we suggest that this glycolytic profile represents the plesiomorphic condition for diapsids. In Varanus, we found a high proportion of oxidative fibers in all muscles, which is in accordance with its high aerobic scope and capability of sustained locomotion. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local spectral theory for normal operators in Krein spaces
Authors: Philipp F. , Strauss V. , Trunk C.
Published: October 2012

Sign type spectra are an important tool in the investigation of spectral properties of selfadjoint operators in Krein spaces. It is our aim to show that also sign type spectra for normal operators in Krein spaces provide insight in the spectral nature of the operator: If the real part and the imaginary part of a normal operator in a Krein space have real spectra only and if the growth of the resolvent of the imaginary part (close to the real axis) is of finite order, then the normal operator possesses a local spectral function defined for Borel subsets of the spectrum which belong to positive (negative) type spectrum. Moreover, the restriction of the normal operator to the spectral subspace corresponding to such a Borel subset is a normal operator in some Hilbert space. In particular, if the spectrum consists entirely out of positive and negative type spectrum, then the operator is similar to a normal operator in some Hilbert space. We use this result to show the existence of operator roots of a class of quadratic operator polynomials with normal coefficients.
Some remarks on superspecial and ordinary curves of low genus
Authors: Hasegawa Takehiro
Published: October 2012

In the first half of this paper, we investigate a superspecialty criterion with respect to $\lambda$ for the curve

which is a generalization of a theorem for an elliptic curve by Max Deuring (1941).
In the last half, we study a criterion with respect to the characteristic $p>0$ of the ground field such that the Picard curve

is superspecial or ordinary.
In the final section (appendix), we consider another viewpoint of the first result by using a fact that the first curve has a completely decomposable Jacobian.
Poly(lactic acid) and layered silicate nanocomposites prepared by melt mixing: Thermomechanical and morphological properties
Authors: Mohapatra Aswini Kumar , Mohanty S. , Nayak S.K.
Published: October 2012

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing technique in a Haake batch mixer. The clay dispersion within the PLA matrix during melt mixing was well explained through the morphological characterization. Morphological characterizations were studied by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The exfoliation/intercalation of the clay particles within the polymer matrix during melt mixing depends on the mixing torque generated during the preparation of nanocomposites. The significance of processing temperature and the mixing time in melt mixing were studied for PLA/C93A and PLA/C30B nanocomposites. The structure and properties of the nanocomposites were also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and mechanical properties by standard tensile testing. The incorporation of nanoclays into the PLA matrix enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the PLA nanocomposites. This may be due to the reinforcing effect of nanoclays within the polymer matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of recycled polycarbonate/recycled poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) blend nanocomposites
Authors: Mahanta Deeptimayee , Dayanidhi S. Anbu , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: October 2012

The present work aims within the context of plastic recycling is to upgrade the properties of plastic waste particularly the two engineering plastics polycarbonate (PC) and poly (acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (ABS) from electrical and electronic equipment. Recycled polycarbonate (RPC) and recycled poly (acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (RABS) were obtained from E‐waste suppliers. RPC/RABS blends compatibilized with both maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (MAP) and solid epoxy resin was prepared by microinjection molding. The effect of compatibilizer addition on the morphology and mechanical properties of RPC/RABS blends were analyzed. Further, to upgrade the mechanical and thermal properties two types of organically modified nanoclays closite 30B (C30B) and closite 15A (C15A) were incorporated into the optimized blend compositions. The effect of organoclay on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the RPC/RABS blend nanocomposites was investigated. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of novel hindered phenol/phenol resin/nitrile butadiene rubber hybrids and their long‐period damping properties
Authors: Zhang Jihua , Wang Lifeng , Zhao Yunfeng
Published: October 2012

To overcome the modification shortcoming of phenol resin (PR) in decreasing the loss factor peak (tan δmax) of nitrile butadiene rubber (PR/NBR) blends, the hindered phenol AO‐80/PR/NBR hybrids were successfully prepared. The tan δmax of the hybrids is found to increase with the increment of AO‐80 content while they almost remains the same widths of damping temperature range as PR/NBR blend. Their damping properties can be regulated well by controlling the content of AO‐80. Various experimental data of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic viscoelastic measurements (DMAs) show that the good damping properties of the hybrids result from the cooperative effect of two different relaxation transitions: the hydrogen bonds of nitrile group associated with hydroxyl group of AO‐80 besides their glass transition. The effect does not decrease the width of damping temperature range of the hybrids but really maintain a high value of tan δmax in a long duration; but it is found that the components of hybrids with the high content of AO‐80 become partly compatible after long‐period storage. So the content of AO‐80 is important to sustain the damping storage stability for NBR hybrids where the amount of AO‐80 below 50 phr is preferred. We believe that our studies provide some basic observations to serve the practical applications of NBR hybrids. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal, dielectric, and rheological properties of aluminum nitride/liquid crystalline copoly(ester amide) composite for the application of thermal interface materials
Authors: Sinh Le Hoang , Hong Jeong‐Mi , Son Bui Thanh , Trung Nguyen Ngoc , Bae Jin‐Young
Published: October 2012

In this article, thermally conductive and relatively low dielectric constant polymer matrix composites of an aluminum nitride filler (AlN) and a novel liquid crystalline copoly(ester amide) (LCP) were prepared via a solution blending method in the presence of a phosphate containing dispersant. The viscosities, thermal conductivities, and dielectric properties of the prepared AlN/LCP composites were investigated as a function of AlN loading. Our experimental results demonstrated that the AIN/LCP composite with AlN concentration of 50 wt% had 2.5 times higher thermal conductivity than pure LCP (2.020 and 0.817 W/mK for composite with 50 wt% of AlN and pure LCP, respectively), but its dielectric constant remained at low level, i.e., < 9.0 at frequency of 900 Hz. In addition, viscosities of AlN/LCP pastes in the N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone solvent remained at acceptable levels with the high AlN loading of 50 wt%. The morphologies of the prepared composites were also investigated by scanning electron microscopy. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication and characterization of conducting nanomaterials composed of copper sulfide and polyindole
Authors: Ramesan M. T.
Published: October 2012

Conducting polymer nanocomposites of polyindole (PIN)/copper sulfide (CuS) were fabricated by in situ polymerization of indole with different concentration of CuS nanoparticles. These composites were examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electrical studies. XRD analysis confirmed that the composite began to crystallize by the incorporation of CuS nanoparticles. The IR spectrum shows the intermolecular interaction between PIN and CuS. SEM images revealed that the nanoparticles were uniformly embedded in the entire substrate. Glass transition temperature was found to be increased with increase in concentration of nanoparticles, which showed an ordered structure of the samples. TGA results indicated that the fabricated PIN/CuS composite attains better thermal stability than pure PIN. The dc conductivity of nanocomposite was significantly increased with increase in content of CuS nanoparticle. An increase in ac electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of the composite were observed with increase in molar concentration of CuS nanoparticles. Thus, enhancements in these properties suggest that the fabricated PIN/CuS nanocomposite has potential application in the field of nanotechnology. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sorption and permeation of acetic acid–water mixtures by pervaporation using copolymer membrane
Authors: Kuila Sunil B. , Ray Samit K.
Published: October 2012

Poly (acrylonitrile‐co‐methyl acrylate) copolymer designated as PANMA was used for making pervaporation membrane. This membrane was used for separation of acetic acid–water mixtures over the concentration range of 80–99.5 wt% acetic acid in water. Interaction parameters based on Flory–Huggins lattice model and engaged species induced clustering (ENSIC) model was used to explain swelling of the membranes. Coupling in sorption was explained in terms of activity coefficient of water and acid in feed and membrane using Flory–Huggins model and also by interpolating ENSIC parameters. Flow coupling in pervaporation was also determined from phenomenological deviation coefficients. Intrinsic membrane properties like partial permeability and membrane selectivity of the solvents were also determined. Diffusion coefficient and plasticization coefficient of the solvents were obtained using a modified solution–diffusion model. The copolymer membrane showed high flux and water selectivity for highly concentrated acid. Thus, at 30°C temperature 1–20 wt% water in feed was concentrated to 82–84 wt% water in permeate and for 0.95 wt% water in feed, the membrane showed thickness normalized flux and water selectivity of 1.71 kg m−2 h−1 mμ and 409, respectively. OLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis, characterization, and adsorption behavior of aminophosphinic grafted on poly(styrene‐Co‐divinylbenzene) for divalent metal ions in aqueous solutions
Authors: Ciopec Mihaela , Davidescu Corneliu M. , Negrea Adina , Lupa Lavinia , Popa Adriana , Muntean Cornelia , Ardelean Radu , Ilia Gheorghe
Published: October 2012

In the present work, two novel aminophosphinic acid ligands grafted on poly(styrene‐1%divinylbenzene) (St‐1%DVB) have been synthesized by reacting polymer precursors bearing primary amino groups with benzaldehyde (or propionaldehyde) and phenylphosphinic acid by the “one‐pot” Kabatachnik‐Fields reaction. The resins functionalized with aminophosphinic pendant groups were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (EDX), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Its adsorption capacity for divalent metal ions such as Cu(II) and Ni(II) were investigated. The adsorption procedure of Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions on polymer‐grafted aminophosphinic acid ligands was carried out by batch experiments. The result also shows that the adsorption process was best described by a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation and by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The best maximum adsorption capacity was obtained for resin with aminobenzylphosphinic acid groups [1.46 mg Cu(II)/g and 1.36 mg Ni(II)/g]. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of poly(N‐vinyl formamide) hydrogels—A potential alternative to polyacrylamide hydrogels
Authors: Suekama Tiffany C. , Aziz Vara , Mohammadi Zahra , Berkland Cory , Gehrke Stevin H.
Published: October 2012

The synthesis and characterization of solution‐cast, molded gels of N‐vinyl formamide (NVF) has not been previously reported even though NVF is an isomer of acrylamide (AAm) and polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels have many commercial applications. Aqueous NVF solutions were cross‐linked into gels using a novel cross‐linker, 2‐(N‐vinylformamido)ethylether, and the thermally‐activated initiator VA‐044. For a given formulation, PNVF gels swell up to twice that of PAAm gels cross‐linked with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide. From swelling and compression measurements, PNVF gels were found to be more hydrophilic than PAAm gels. Flory‐Huggins solubility parameters were χ = 0.38ϕ2 + 0.48 for PNVF and χ = 0.31ϕ2 + 0.49 for PAAm, where ϕ2 is the polymer volume fraction. The shear moduli for PNVF and PAAm scale with ϕ and ϕ respectively, consistent with good solvent behavior, also suggesting PNVF is more hydrophilic than PAAm. Similarity of mechanical properties for both gels as a function of ϕ2 suggests that network structures of PNVF and PAAm gels are similar. Fracture strains of both gels declined with ϕ2 by the same linear function while fracture stresses were about 500 kPa regardless of formulation. Since NVF is a liquid monomer, less toxic than AAm and can be hydrolyzed to a cationic form, PNVF gels could become technologically significant. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
New polymer matrix system for phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes and the role of the small molecular co‐host
Authors: Salert Beatrice Ch. D. , Krueger Hartmut , Bagnich Sergey A. , Unger Thomas , Jaiser Frank , Al‐Sa'di Mahmoud , Neher Dieter , Hayer Anna , Eberle Thomas
Published: October 2012

A new matrix system for phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on an electron transporting component attached to an inert polymer backbone, an electronically neutral co‐host, and a phosphorescent dye that serves as both emitter and hole conductor are presented. The inert co‐host is used either as small molecules or covalently connected to the same chain as the electron‐transporting host. The use of a small molecular inert co‐host in the active layer is shown to be highly advantageous in comparison to a purely polymeric matrix bearing the same functionalities. Analysis of the dye phosphorescence decay in pure polymer, small molecular co‐host film, and their blend lets to conclude that dye molecules distribute mostly in the small molecular co‐host phase, where the co‐host prevents agglomeration and self‐quenching of the phosphorescence as well as energy transfer to the electron transporting units. In addition, the co‐host accumulates at the anode interface where it acts as electron blocking layer and improves hole injection. This favorable phase separation between polymeric and small molecular components results in devices with efficiencies of about 47 cd/A at a luminance of 1000 cd/m2. Investigation of OLED degradation demonstrates the presence of two time regimes: one fast component that leads to a strong decrease at short times followed by a slower decrease at longer times. Unlike the long time degradation, the efficiency loss that occurs at short times is reversible and can be recovered by annealing of the device at 180 °C. We also show that the long‐time degradation must be related to a change of the optical and electrical bulk properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
A novel planar D‐A alternating copolymer with D‐A integrated structures exhibiting H‐aggregate behaviors for polymer solar cells
Authors: Cai Shujiao , Chen Lie , Zha Daijun , Chen Yiwang
Published: October 2012

With the D‐A integrated structure concept, a new donor–acceptor (D‐A) copolymer poly{(N‐dodecyl‐carbazole[3,4‐c:5,6‐c]bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole‐alt‐4,8‐di(2‐ethylhexy‐loxyl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene)} has been designed and synthesized using a novel architecture N‐dodecyl‐carbazole[3,4‐c:5,6‐c]bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole, and di(2‐ethylhexy‐loxyl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene) as the basic building blocks. The copolymer has a low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of −5.41 eV and a broaden absorption matching well with the main solar photon flux. Note that an H‐aggregation beneficial for charge transportation and collection is formed in the macromolecules film, which implies that the planar D‐A integrated structure favors the strong intermolecular interaction to render molecules aggregated via face‐to‐face self‐assembly. The aggregation becomes larger scale after thermal annealing. Additionally, obvious intramolecular charge transfer and energy transfer have occurred in created D‐A integration. Without any treatment, the resulting polymer achieved a efficiency of 2.0% and relatively high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) value of 0.77 V when blended with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester in a typical bulk heterojunction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
A facile one‐pot reactive solution blending approach for main‐chain donor–acceptor polymeric materials
Authors: Nisha S. Kumari , Asha S. K.
Published: October 2012

A high‐temperature solution blending process has been used to synthesize a series of copolymers incorporating varying mole ratios of perylenebisimide (PBI) into the backbone of an engineering thermoplastic polyester [poly(1,4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene‐1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate)] (PCCD). A random donor–acceptor copolymer incorporating oligo(p‐phenylene vinylene) (OPV) and PBI was also synthesized. The chemical incorporation of these chromophores into PCCD was confirmed by carrying out the melt condensation using 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol and 1,4‐dimethylcyclohexane dicarboxylate with hydroxyl‐functionalized PBI and OPV derivatives. Higher extent of incorporation of PBI (35 mol %) could be achieved using the blending approach retaining solubility, film‐forming ability, and higher molecular weights. The PBI polymers produced using the two different approaches exhibited structural variations. The polymers formed from the solution blending approach had a semicrystalline nature with blocks of PCCD separating the PBI units, whereas those produced using the melt condensation route were amorphous polymers. This structural variation was reflected in their photophysical properties also with the reactive solution‐blended polymers exhibiting higher fluorescence quantum yields. These results demonstrate the easy incorporation of suitably functionalized donor and acceptor moieties into a completely aliphatic polyester backbone to produce free‐standing films of hitherto nonprocessable polymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Separation of xylose oligomers using centrifugal partition chromatography with a butanol–methanol–water system
Authors: Lau Ching-Shuan , Clausen Edgar C , Lay Jackson O , Gidden Jennifer , Carrier Danielle Julie
Published: October 2012

Xylose oligomers are the intermediate products of xylan depolymerization into xylose monomers. An understanding of xylan depolymerization kinetics is important to improve the conversion of xylan into monomeric xylose and to minimize the formation of inhibitory products, thereby reducing ethanol production costs. The study of xylan depolymerization requires copious amount of xylose oligomers, which are expensive if acquired commercially. Our approach consisted of producing in-house oligomer material. To this end, birchwood xylan was used as the starting material and hydrolyzed in hot water at 200 °C for 60 min with a 4 % solids loading. The mixture of xylose oligomers was subsequently fractionated by a centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) with a solvent system of butanol:methanol:water in a 5:1:4 volumetric ratio. Operating in an ascending mode, the butanol-rich upper phase (the mobile phase) eluted xylose oligomers from the water-rich stationary phase at a 4.89 mL/min flow rate for a total fractionation time of 300 min. The elution of xylose oligomers occurred between 110 and 280 min. The yields and purities of xylobiose (DP 2), xylotriose (DP 3), xylotetraose (DP 4), and xylopentaose (DP 5) were 21, 10, 14, and 15 mg/g xylan and 95, 90, 89, and 68 %, respectively. The purities of xylose oligomers from this solvent system were higher than those reported previously using tetrahydrofuran:dimethyl sulfoxide:water in a 6:1:3 volumetric ratio. Moreover, the butanol-based solvent system improved overall procedures by facilitating the evaporation of the solvents from the CPC fractions, rendering the purification process more efficient.
Influence of Surfactants on the Rheology and Stability of Crystallizing Fatty Acid Pastes
Authors: Thareja Prachi , Golematis Anne , Street Carrie B. , Wagner Norman J. , Vethamuthu Martin S. , Hermanson Kevin D. , Ananthapadmanabhan K. P.
Published: October 2012

Complex fluids containing crystallizing fatty acids are important for consumer care products. The key features of these materials are their ability to support their weight under gravity due to the formation of a fatty acid crystal network, and to yield or flow beyond a critical applied strain. In model formulations comprised of two synthetic surfactants and a fatty acid in water, we have shown that the fatty acid crystal network consists of crystal aggregates linked by a non‐crystallized mixed fatty acid—surfactant mesophase. We hypothesize that this mixed surfactant—fatty acid mesophase is critical for the macroscopic stability of the formulations. Rheological measurements combined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray scattering, and polarized light microscopy (PLM) measurements show the importance of surfactant loading on the overall stability of the formulations by linking morphology to rheology. Macroscopically homogeneous formulations are realized with 7–10 wt% of fatty acid. Increasing the fatty acid content without adding surfactant leads to inhomogeneous, phase separating formulations. Although both stable and unstable formulations show the presence of a surfactant—fatty acid mixed phase, a critical loading of surfactants is found to be necessary to create macroscopically homogenous formulations. We demonstrate how the rheology, microstructure and the macroscopic stability can be tuned by varying the relative amounts of surfactants and fatty acid.
From Tree to Map: Using Cognitive Learning Theory to Suggest Alternative Ways to Visualize Macroevolution
Authors: Stephens Sonia
Published: October 2012

Diagrams can be important tools for communicating about evolution. One of the most common visual metaphors that unites a variety of diagrams that describe macroevolution is a tree. Tree-based diagrams are designed to provide a phylogenetic framework for thinking about evolutionary pattern. As is the case with any other metaphor, however, misunderstandings about evolution may either arise from or be perpetuated by how we depict the tree of life. Researchers have tried various approaches to create tree-based diagrams that communicate evolution more accurately. This paper addresses the conceptual limitations of the tree as a visual metaphor for evolution and explores the ways we can use digital tools to extend our visual metaphors for evolution communication. The theory of distributed cognition provides a framework to aid in the analysis of the conceptual affordances and constraints of tree-based diagrams, and develop new ways to visualize evolution. By combining a new map-based visual metaphor for macroevolution with the interactive properties of digital technology, a new method of visualizing evolution called the dynamic evolutionary map is proposed. This paper concludes by comparing the metaphoric affordances and constraints of tree diagrams and the dynamic evolutionary map, and discussing the potential applications of the latter as an educational tool.
On doctor-patient relationship and feedback interventions
Authors: Terpstra Onno T.
Published: October 2012

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Motivation von Hausärzten: Eigentlich zufrieden, aber. . .
Authors: Hänel Patricia , Herrmann Markus
Published: October 2012

Einleitung

Der hausärztlichen Versorgung in Deutschland droht ein Versorgungsengpass. Eine Antwort darauf wäre, die hausärztlichen Arbeitsbedingungen auf ihre Passung zur ärztlichen Arbeitsmotivation zu untersuchen. Die wichtigen Motivationsfaktoren von Hausärzten sind eine hohe fachliche Herausforderung, eine intensive Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung, flexibles und selbstbestimmtes Arbeiten und ein hoher Sozialstatus. Diese Motivationsfaktoren sind jedoch im derzeitigen Versorgungssystem bedroht.
Potenziale für Gesundheitsberufe: Distance-Learning
Authors: Pundt Johanne , Grden Jakub
Published: October 2012

Einleitung

Vor dem Hintergrund der komplexen Umstrukturierungen des Gesundheitssystems und den veränderten beruflichen Anforderungen stellt sich für viele Hochschulen die Frage, inwieweit ihre bisherigen Qualifizierungsangebote dem derzeitigen und künftigen Bedarf entsprechen. Sie haben verstanden, dass ihre Bildungsangebote den individuellen Qualifizierungsinteressen der berufstätigen Gesundheitsberuflern folgend und didaktisch stimmig vermittelt werden können, wenn aktuelle gesundheits- und bildungspolitische Zielsetzungen und Reformansätze (z.B. die interprofessionelle Kooperation) einbezogen werden können. Die Studierendengruppe der Gesundheitsberufe verlangt dabei auch ein hohes Maß an organisatorischer und didaktischer Flexibilität, spezialisierte Angebote mit der Nutzung digitalisierter Medien im Bereich des Distance-Learning ermöglichen diese Flexibilität.
Surface tension-induced global instability of planar jets and wakes
Authors: Tammisola Outi , Lundell Fredrik , Söderberg L. Daniel
Published: October 2012

The effect of surface tension on global stability of co-flow jets and wakes at a moderate Reynolds number is studied. The linear temporal two-dimensional global modes are computed without approximations. All but one of the flow cases under study are globally stable without surface tension. It is found that surface tension can cause the flow to be globally unstable if the inlet shear (or, equivalently, the inlet velocity ratio) is strong enough. For even stronger surface tension, the flow is restabilized. As long as there is no change of the most unstable mode, increasing surface tension decreases the oscillation frequency. Short waves appear in the high-shear region close to the nozzle, and their wavelength increases with increasing surface tension. The critical shear (the weakest inlet shear at which a global instability is found) gives rise to antisymmetric disturbances for the wakes and symmetric disturbances for the jets. However, at stronger shear, the opposite symmetry can be the most unstable one, in particular for wakes at high surface tension. The results show strong effects of surface tension that should be possible to reproduce experimentally as well as numerically.