bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Model for Predicting Soil Thermal Conductivity from Water Content at Room Temperature
Authors: Lu Sen , Ren Tusheng , Gong Yuanshi , Horton Robert
Published: July 2010

The thermal conductivity and water content relationship is required for quantitative study of heat and water transfer processes in saturated and unsaturated soils. In this study, we developed an improved model that describes the relationship between thermal conductivity and volumetric water content of soils. With our new model, soil thermal conductivity can be estimated using soil bulk density, sand (or quartz) fraction, and water content. The new model was first calibrated using measured thermal conductivity from eight soils. As a first step in validation, predicted thermal conductivity with the calibrated model was compared with measured thermal conductivity on four additional soils. Except for the sand, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the new model ranged from 0.040 to 0.079 W m−1K−1, considerably less than that of the Johansen model (0.073–0.203 W m−1K−1) or the Côté and Konrad model (0.100–0.174 W m−1K−1). A second validation test was performed by comparing the three models with literature data that were mostly used by Johansen and Côté and Konrad to establish their models. The RMSEs of the new model, the Johansen model, and the Côté and Konrad model were 0.176, 0.176, and 0.177 W m−1K−1, respectively. The results show that the new model provided accurate approximations of soil thermal conductivity for a wide range of soils. All of the models tested demonstrated sensitivity to the quartz fraction of coarse‐textured soils.
Improved Analysis of Heat Pulse Signals for Soil Water Flux Determination
Authors: Kluitenberg G. J. , Ochsner T. E. , Horton R.
Published: July 2010

Soil water flux (J) can be estimated from the velocity (V) of a pulse of heat introduced into the soil. Here we consider a method in which V is measured with a three‐probe sensor. The center probe heats the soil, and the outer probes measure temperature increases downstream (Td) and upstream (Tu) from the heater. An equation was recently proposed for approximating J from the ratio Td/Tu In this note we show that the accuracy of this equation can be improved by adding a term to correct for the time dependence of Td/Tu This term is simple to evaluate and requires no additional measurements. Example calculations (three cases) are used to evaluate improvement in accuracy. When Td/Tu is measured at a time of 45 s, relative errors in flux estimates are reduced from 10.5, 2.6, and −10.5% to 0.23, 0.06, and −0.23%, respectively, by using the correction term.
A Multifractal Approach for Assessing the Structural State of Tilled Soils
Authors: Roisin Christian J. C.
Published: July 2010

Although there are several methods for assessing the structural state of highly structured tilled soils, this task remains challenging because of the great heterogeneity of the solid phase caused by tillage tools and biological activity. This paper describes a method for quantifying the inner heterogeneity of elementary soil volumes large enough to be representative of the modifications caused by tillage implements. It is based on soil strength measurements collected at the intersection points of a 5 × 5 cm2 grid on the surface of an 80 × 80 cm2 area. This study shows that multifractal formalism is appropriate for analyzing the variability of such close measurements and could be a practical way of assessing the structural heterogeneity of agricultural soils. With this aim, two dimensionless parameters were defined to provide a characterization of the soil layers that captures field observations. The first one, Ir, called the regularity index, indicates the possible presence of strong irregularities caused by tillage implements while the second, Ih, called the homogeneity index, is related to the local variation of the structure. It expresses the structural homogeneity of soil layers not showing strong irregularity. The results produced from a series of 672 datasets highlight the good discriminating power of this last parameter. Due its high sensitivity to the spatial organization hidden in a dataset, it appears to be a better suited parameter to compare differently managed plots than the classical coefficient of variation (CV).
Invasive Electrical Impedance Tomography for Blood Vessel Detection
Authors: Martinsen Ørjan G. , Kalvøy Håvard , Grimnes Sverre , Nordbotten Bernt , Hol Per Kristian , Fosse Erik , Myklebust Helge , Becker Lance B
Published: July 2010

We present a novel method for localization of large blood vessels using a bioimpedance based needle positioning system on an array of ten monopolar needle electrodes. The purpose of the study is to develop a portable, low cost tool for rapid vascular access for cooling and controlled reperfusion of cardiac arrest patients. Preliminary results show that localization of blood vessels is feasible with this method, but larger studies are necessary to improve the technology.
Environmental Factors Affecting the Accumulation of Rosmarinic Acid in Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)
Authors: Fletcher Ronald S. , Slimmon Tannis , Kott Laima S.
Published: July 2010

Four spearmint, and two peppermint clonal lines, selected for enhanced rosmarinic acid content (50-120 mg g-1 rosmarinic acid DW), where up to 80% of the antioxidant activity was correlated to rosmarinic acid content, were examined to determine the effects of environmental and physiological conditions on the accumulation of rosmarinic acid in leaf tissues. Exposure to a short photoperiod of 12 hours in comparison to 16 hours reduced rosmarinic acid accumulation in two mint lines, but no significant difference was found between photoperiods of 14 and 16 hours. The physiological age of the plant strongly influenced the accumulation of rosmarinic acid with the highest levels recorded in the vegetative state, and a significant reduction in the concentration of rosmarinic acid in the leaves in both the bud initiation and flowering stages in the mint lines. Cold stress, impacted over a six week period had no effect on rosmarinic acid production. A field study of the commercial chemotype 700B indicated that soil type plays an essential role in the accumulation of rosmarinic acid in the leaf tissue, probably due to retention of moisture which favours rosmarinic acid production. For producers and extractors, taking these factors into account would significantly increase rosmarinic acid accumulation in commercially high rosmarinic acid mint and increase the quality control of plant extracts for the natural products industry.
Growth kinetic parameters and biosynthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate in Cupriavidus necator DSMZ 545 on selected substrates
Authors: Baei Sharifzadeh , Najafpour G.D. , Younesi H. , Tabandeh F. , Issazadeh H. , Khodabandeh M.
Published: July 2010

Kinetic model for Cupriavidus necator in batch culture using glucose, fructose and molasses as carbon sources was obtained. The experimental data was also fitted with the modified logistic equation that can provide adequate description for PHB synthesized by C. necator. The lineweaver-Burk plot defined biokinetic coefficients which were described by a simplified Monod?s rate model. The specific growth rates, ?max and the Monod constants, Ks, for various substrates such as glucose, fructose and molasses were 0.18, 1.25, 0.42 h-1 and 107.53, 30.342, 188.16 g/l, respectively. The kinetic constants were evaluated on the basis of non-linear regression were solved using MATLAB software. A good agreement was found between the experimental and the predicted values, which indicated that the model with differential equations would describe fermentation process for the PHB formation.
Angiotensin I–Converting Enzyme Type 2 (ACE2) Gene Therapy Improves Glycemic Control in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Bindom Sharell M. , Hans Chetan P. , Xia Huijing , Boulares A. Hamid , Lazartigues Eric
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

Several clinical studies have shown the benefits of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade in the development of diabetes, and a local RAS has been identified in pancreatic islets. Angiotensin I–converting enzyme (ACE)2, a new component of the RAS, has been identified in the pancreas, but its role in β-cell function remains unknown. Using 8- and 16-week-old obese db/db mice, we examined the ability of ACE2 to alter pancreatic β-cell function and thereby modulate hyperglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Both db/db and nondiabetic lean control (db/m) mice were infected with an adenovirus expressing human ACE2 (Ad-hACE2-eGFP) or the control virus (Ad-eGFP) via injection into the pancreas. Glycemia and β-cell function were assessed 1 week later at the peak of viral expression.

RESULTS

In 8-week-old db/db mice, Ad-hACE2-eGFP significantly improved fasting glycemia, enhanced intraperitoneal glucose tolerance, increased islet insulin content and β-cell proliferation, and reduced β-cell apoptosis compared with Ad-eGFP. ACE2 overexpression had no effect on insulin sensitivity in comparison with Ad-eGFP treatment in diabetic mice. Angiotensin-(1–7) receptor blockade by d-Ala7–Ang-(1-7) prevented the ACE2-mediated improvements in intraperitoneal glucose tolerance, glycemia, and islet function and also impaired insulin sensitivity in both Ad-hACE2-eGFP– and Ad-eGFP–treated db/db mice. d-Ala7–Ang-(1-7) had no effect on db/m mice. In 16-week-old diabetic mice, Ad-hACE2-eGFP treatment improved fasting blood glucose but had no effect on any of the other parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings identify ACE2 as a novel target for the prevention of β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis occurring in type 2 diabetes.
Genetic Link Between Obesity and MMP14-Dependent Adipogenic Collagen Turnover
Authors: Chun Tae-Hwa , Inoue Mayumi , Morisaki Hiroko , Yamanaka Itaru , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Okamura Tomonori , Sato-Kusubata Kaori , Weiss Stephen J.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

In white adipose tissue, adipocytes and adipocyte precursor cells are enmeshed in a dense network of type I collagen fibrils. The fate of this pericellular collagenous web in diet-induced obesity, however, is unknown. This study seeks to identify the genetic underpinnings of proteolytic collagen turnover and their association with obesity progression in mice and humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The hydrolysis and degradation of type I collagen at early stages of high-fat diet feeding was assessed in wild-type or MMP14 (MT1-MMP)-haploinsufficient mice using immunofluorescent staining and scanning electron microscopy. The impact of MMP14-dependent collagenolysis on adipose tissue function was interrogated by transcriptome profiling with cDNA microarrays. Genetic associations between MMP14 gene common variants and obesity or diabetes traits were examined in a Japanese cohort (n = 3,653).

RESULTS

In adult mice, type I collagen fibers were cleaved rapidly in situ during a high-fat diet challenge. By contrast, in MMP14 haploinsufficient mice, animals placed on a high-fat diet were unable to remodel fat pad collagen architecture and display blunted weight gain. Moreover, transcriptional programs linking type I collagen turnover with adipogenesis or lipogenesis were disrupted by the associated decrease in collagen turnover. Consistent with a key role played by MMP14 in regulating high-fat diet–induced metabolic programs, human MMP14 gene polymorphisms located in proximity to the enzyme's catalytic domain were closely associated with human obesity and diabetes traits.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these findings demonstrate that the MMP14 gene, encoding the dominant pericellular collagenase operative in vivo, directs obesogenic collagen turnover and is linked to human obesity traits.
Brutal Honesty? The Uses of Gore in Tribal-Warrior and Gangbanger Autobiography
Authors: Brumble H. David
Published: July 2010

Abstract:

Gangbanger autobiography brims with gore: bones broken, flesh cut, blood flowing. This can best be understood in cross-cultural terms. Gangbanger and warrior-tribe autobiographers have identical reasons for dwelling upon gore. Such passages help to establish and maintain status by convincing hearers of the bravery of those who face such terrors. Warriors and gangbangers describe gore in considerable detail and with detached objectivity; warriors and gangbangers alike, audiences understand, are thoroughly inured to pain—both suffered and inflicted. The gore also works to establish warrior claims to authenticity and special knowledge. Precisely because accounts of gore are important to warrior status, there is a powerful incentive to exaggerate. Like warrior tribes, street gangs have evolved means—not always effective—of authenticating such claims.
Liberia as American Diaspora: The Transnational Scope of American Identity in the Mid-nineteenth Century
Authors: Douglass-Chin Richard
Published: July 2010

Abstract:

The issue of nineteenth-century African-American exploration in Africa raises a number of questions: can we compare the discursive patterns of these black American narratives of exploration to contemporaneous nineteenth-century white chronicles of the American west? What can narrative patterns tell us about the ways in which Americans, both black and white, perceived themselves and others in the various landscapes they gradually came to occupy? Are there ways in which the nineteenth-century chronicles of African Americans Benjamin Anderson, James Sims, and George Seymour in Liberia can shed light on the turbulent state of affairs in Liberia and other parts of Africa both then and now?
Rapid quantification of cryoconite: granule geometry and in situ supraglacial extents, using examples from Svalbard and Greenland
Authors: Irvine-Fynn Tristram D.L. , Bridge Jonathan W. , Hodson Andrew J.
Published: July 2010

Supraglacial dust (cryoconite) is an important but poorly understood component of the glacial system. There is a lack of primary data on cryoconite form, extent and dynamics. Here we present a suite of rapid, low-cost methodologies for quantification of granule geometry and supraglacial cryoconite coverage using image data captured by commercially available digital cameras. We develop robust, transferable protocols for analysis of (1) cryoconite granule geometry (major axis, Feret diameter, circularity); (2) centimetre–metre scale supraglacial extent (m2cryoconite m−2surface); and (3) temporal change in supraglacial extent at hourly intervals over several days. Image-processing methodologies were developed using the public domain software ImageJ. Manual (supervised) controls were used to estimate sources of error, and measurements then automated using simple scripting tools (macros). Fully automated processing successfully identified ∼90% of a sample of isolated granules ranging between 2.5 and 39.2 mm, with uncertainties of <20%. Particle sphericity (inferred from circularity) decreased as particle size increased. Supraglacial cryoconite extent was obtained with a mean uncertainty of 37% and 22% for data from field sites in Greenland and Svalbard, respectively. These methods will facilitate acquisition and analysis of datasets for cryoconite across a range of spatial scales, supporting research into cryoconite impacts on supraglacial hydrological connections, nutrient and carbon cycling, and initiation of primary succession in deglaciating environments.
Recent shrinkage and hydrological response of Hailuogou glacier, a monsoon temperate glacier on the east slope of Mount Gongga, China
Authors: Liu Qiao , Liu Shiyin , Zhang Yong , Wang Xin , Zhang Yingsong , Guo Wanqin , Xu Junli
Published: July 2010

Temperate glaciers are more sensitive to climate changes than polar or continental glaciers, and can drive remarkable runoff variation in local water catchments. Here we present recent glacier shrinkage and runoff change for Hailuogou glacier, a typical monsoon temperate glacier on the east slope of Mount Gongga (Minya Konga), China. The surface area of Hailuogou glacier has decreased by 3.5% (0.92 km2) between 1966 (aerial photographs) and 2007 (ASTER images). Flow measurements at a stream gauge about 500 m down-glacier commencing in 1994 display a remarkable increase in annual runoff (mostly during July–September) since 1999. Annual runoff over the same period in a nonglacierized but forested subcatchment (9.17 km2) did not experience significant change. By separating the daily rainfall component from the daily total discharge, monthly catchment water-balance series were calculated for the period 1994–2005, which shows an increasing trend of glacier storage loss. We concluded that air-temperature rise (with a trend of +0.2°C (10 a)−1between 1988 and 2005, recorded at nearby weather stations) has had an increased effect on glacier mass loss and river runoff change during the past 20 years.
Identification of Two Polysaccharides from Prunella vulgaris L. and Evaluation on Their Anti-Lung Adenocarcinoma Activity
Authors: Feng Liang , Jia Xiao-Bin , Shi Feng , Chen Yan
Published: July 2010

Prunella vulgaris L. (PV) has been used for tumor therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, however, systematic research on extracted PV polysaccharides believed to possess various biological activities, as well as their preventive and anti-tumor effects on lung cancer has not been reported. In this study, two polysaccharides (P31 and P32) were isolated from the aqueous extract of PV and purified through ethanol precipitation, followed by deproteination using DEAE-52 gel-filtration chromatography. The main monosaccharide composition of polysaccharide P32 was analyzed by GC. It was found that polysaccharide P32 consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of 3.46:49.32:58.91:0.43:2.64: 3.11, respectively. In order to evaluate polysaccharide P32’s anti-lung adenocarcinoma activities and immunomodulation effects, a C57BL/6 mouse-Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model was established and investigated. Our results showed that polysaccharides of PV had anti-lung cancer activity and could increase the thymus index and the spleen index in tumor-bearing mice, suggesting possible immunomodulation effects.
Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Bartosch Birke
Published: July 2010

Chronic liver disease is responsible for over 1.4 million deaths annually [1] and is characterized by permanent inflammatory processes that predispose to liver cancer and in particular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In healthy liver, inflammatory processes stimulate growth and repair and restore normal liver architecture. However, if liver inflammation becomes chronic, the balance of damage versus regeneration in the liver is disrupted and can lead to the formation of excessive scar tissue, termed fibrosis. In the long-term, an exacerbation of fibrosis will lead to cirrhosis, which is characterized by abnormal liver architecture and function and is associated with a significant reduction in overall health and wellbeing. At cirrhotic stages, liver damage is often irreversible or difficult to treat. Cirrhosis leads frequently to death from liver failure or to HCC (Figure 1). Indeed, HCC is the first cause of death in cirrhotic patients [2], and is a tumor with poor prognosis, ranking third in terms of death by cancer. Furthermore, it is the fifth most prevalent cancer worldwide, with 800,000 new cases per year in the world [2,3]. [...]
Combination Chemotherapy for Influenza
Authors: Govorkova Elena A. , Webster Robert G.
Published: July 2010

The emergence of pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses in April 2009 and the continuous evolution of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses underscore the urgency of novel approaches to chemotherapy for human influenza infection. Anti-influenza drugs are currently limited to the neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir) and to M2 ion channel blockers (amantadine and rimantadine), although resistance to the latter class develops rapidly. Potential targets for the development of new anti-influenza agents include the viral polymerase (and endonuclease), the hemagglutinin, and the non-structural protein NS1. The limitations of monotherapy and the emergence of drug-resistant variants make combination chemotherapy the logical therapeutic option. Here we review the experimental data on combination chemotherapy with currently available agents and the development of new agents and therapy targets.
A Revised Importance–Performance Analysis of Tour Guide Performance in China
Authors: Huang Songshan
Published: July 2010

This study applied a modified importance–performance analysis (IPA) to evaluate tour guide performance in China from both domestic visitors' and foreign English-speaking visitors' perspectives. Based on data collected in Shanghai, China's largest city, IPA matrices were mapped
out. The results suggest that tour guides in China should improve their proficiency in guiding languages, work ethically to introduce reliable shopping to visitors, foster a good sense of humor, and enhance destination knowledge. Tourism authorities in China can refer to findings of this study
in developing tour guide training programs and other policy-making practices for tour guides.
Phylogeography of the Japanese common sedge, Carex conica complex (Cyperaceae), based on chloroplast DNA sequence data and chromosomal variation
Authors: Yano Okihito , Ikeda Hiroshi , Hoshino Takuji
Published: July 2010

• Premise of the study: Genetic and chromosomal variations in plants are often reflected in the geographical distribution patterns. Therefore, identifying such phylogeographical patterns on population is important for understanding the process of plant diversification and speciation, and analyzing both molecular and cytological aspects is necessary.

• Methods: We investigated the phylogeographic pattern and genetic diversity of the widespread Japanese sedge, Carex conica complex, based on chloroplast DNA haplotypes and chromosomal variations.

• Key results: Sixteen distinct haplotypes were detected from 258 individuals in the C. conica complex inferred from the cpDNA sequences of intergenic spacer (IGS) between atpB and rbcL, IGS between trnT and trnL, trnL intron, and IGS between trnL and trnF. Most haplotypes showed distinct geographical structures. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two major clades, clades I and II, among 16 haplotypes of the complex. The haplotypes of clade I were mainly found in eastern Japan, while most haplotypes of clade II were found in western Japan. Four intraspecific aneuploids of 2n = 32, 34, 36, and 38, with forming normal bivalents in meiotic divisions, were also found in the complex. The geographical distribution of these intraspecific aneuploids corresponded well with those of the haplotypes.

• Conclusions: Our results suggest that the genetic diversity and chromosomal variations in the C. conica complex may have originated from contractions and expansions of geographical ranges affected by Quaternary climatic oscillations.
Molecular phylogeny, character evolution, and biogeography of the grammitid fern genus Lellingeria (Polypodiaceae)
Authors: Labiak Paulo H. , Sundue Michael , Rouhan Germinal
Published: July 2010

• Premise of the study: The recognition of monophyletic genera for groups that have high levels of homoplastic morphological characters and/or conflicting results obtained by different studies can be difficult. Such is the case in the grammitid ferns, a clade within the Polypodiaceae. In this study, we aim to resolve relationships among four clades of grammitid ferns, which have been previously recovered either as a polytomy or with conflicting topologies, with the goal of circumscribing monophyletic genera.

• Methods: The sampling included 89 specimens representing 61 species, and sequences were obtained for two genes (atpB and rbcL) and four intergenic spacers (atpB‐rbcL, rps4‐trnS, trnG‐trnR, and trnL‐trnF), resulting in a matrix of 5091 characters. The combined data set was analyzed using parsimony, likelihood, and Bayesian methods. Ninety‐six morphological characters were optimized onto the generated trees, using the parsimony method.

• Key results: Lellingeria is composed of two main clades, the L. myosuroides and the Lellingeria s.s. clades, which together are sister to Melpomene. Sister to all three of these is a clade with two species of the polyphyletic genus Terpsichore. In the L. myosuroides clade, several dispersal events occurred between the neotropics, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, whereas Lellingeria s.s. is restricted to the neotropics, with about 60% of its diversity in the Andes.

• Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that Lellingeria is monophyletic, with two clades that are easily characterized morphologically and biogeographically. Morphological characters describing the indument are the most important to define the clades within the ingroup. A small clade, previously considered in Terpsichore, should be recognized as a new genus.
Placing the woody tropical genera of Polygonaceae: A hypothesis of character evolution and phylogeny
Authors: Burke Janelle M. , Sanchez Adriana , Kron Kathleen , Luckow Melissa
Published: July 2010

• Premise of the study: Taxonomic groups have often been recognized on the basis of geographic distinctions rather than accurately representing evolutionary relationships. This has been particularly true for temperate and tropical members from the same family. Polygonaceae exemplifies this problem, wherein the woody tropical genera were segregated from temperate members of the family and placed in the subfamily Polygonoideae as two tribes: Triplarideae and Coccolobeae. Modern phylogenetic studies, especially when inferred from many lines of evidence, can elucidate more probable hypotheses of relationships. This study builds on previous work in the family and aims to test the traditional classification of the tropical woody taxa, which have been understudied and undersampled compared to their temperate relatives.

• Methods: A phylogenetic study was undertaken with expanded sampling of the tropical genera with data from five plastid markers (psbA‐trnH, psaI‐accD, matK, ndhF, and rbcL), nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS) and morphology.

• Key results: Results support the placement of nine of 12 genera of the Triplarideae and Coccolobeae within Eriogonoideae, in which these genera form a paraphyletic assemblage giving rise to Eriogoneae. The remaining woody tropical genera excluded from Eriogonoideae occur in the paleotropics.

• Conclusions: Traditional characters used to delimit Coccolobeae and Triplarideae are not useful for defining monophyletic groups. The six‐tepal condition is derived from the five‐tepal condition, and unisexual flowers have arisen multiple times in different sexual systems. Ruminate endosperm has arisen multiple times in the family, suggesting this character is highly plastic.
The Mean Width of Circumscribed Random Polytopes
Authors: Böröczky Károly J. , Schneider Rolf
Published: July 2010

For a given convex body K in ℝd, a random polytope K(n) is defined (essentially) as the intersection of n independent closed halfspaces containing K and having an isotropic and (in a specified sense) uniform distribution. We prove upper and lower bounds of optimal orders for the difference of the mean widths of K(n) and K as n tends to infinity. For a simplicial polytope P, a precise asymptotic formula for the difference of the mean widths of P(n) and P is obtained.
“Pitfalls to Using the Real-Rates or Age-Earnings Profile Hodels in Calculating Economic Loss: A Comment”
Authors: Jones Lawrence D.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Pitfalls to Using the Real-Rates or Age Earnings Profile Models in Calculating Economic Loss: Reply
Authors: Abraham Fred J.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Worklife Expectancy and Disability
Authors: Gamboa Anthony M. , Tierney John P. , Holland Gwendolyn H.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
The Consideration of Progressive Taxes in Present Value Calculations for Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases: Comment
Authors: Ciecka James
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
The Case for Community Reimbursement Upon Divorce for A Spouse's Education
Authors: Means T. S.
Published: July 2010

The dissolution of a marriage generally requires the division of community property. The issue addressed in this paper is how to treat the situation in which one spouse (the student) obtains an educational degree financed with community funds and leaves the marriage with the potential for enhanced earnings. The other spouse (the working spouse) leaves the marriage having helped finance the student spouse's degree, but has no return of future income from the community funds. The courts, in general, have been reluctant to view an educational degree as community property subject to division. Some states do allow for the community funds to be reimbursed for the cost of the educational degree. This paper develops a method for deriving the correct level of compensation. If compensation is restricted to just the reimbursement of costs then the level of compensation will be below the correct level. Using the implied internal rate of return as a rate of reinvesting funds will also yield a level of compensation below the correct level. Using an interest higher than the internal rate can provide the correct level of compensation but may be inadmissable in court.
The Total Offset Method
Authors: Pelaez Rolando F.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Three Concepts of the Value of Fringe Benefits
Authors: Romans J. Thomas , Floss Frederick G.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Pitfalls in Estimating the Loss of Employer-Paid Fringe Benefits
Authors: Thornton Robert J.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Loss in the Death of a Child: An Extension of the Ward Analysis
Authors: Ireland Thomas R.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Projecting the Loss of Employer Paid Fringe Benefits to Survivors in Wrongful Death Cases
Authors: Franz Wolfgang W. , Aubertin Deneen
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
On Valuing Lost Fringe Benefits in Death Cases
Authors: Launey George V.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Estimating and Projecting Employer-Paid Fringe Benefits In the case of the Death of a Worker: The Not So Obvious
Authors: Ray Clarence G.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
The Relevance of Willingness-To-Pay Estimates of The Value of a Statistical Life in Determining Wrongful Death Awards
Authors: Chestnut Lauraine G. , Violette Daniel M.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Reflections on Economic Loss in the Death of a Child
Authors: Ward John
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Estimating Value of Life per Life Year
Authors: Mathur Ike
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Case studies in MBA strategic management curriculum development from Australian universities
Authors: O'Shannassy Tim , Kemp Sharon , Booth Chris
Published: July 2010

In recent years the Business Council of Australia (BCA) has drawn attention to the importance of the availability of a well-trained supply of employees for the Australian workplace. Specifically the BCA highlighted the benefits of a quality education imparting skills in the areas of collaboration, teamwork and leadership all of which greatly assist the effective practice of creativity, innovation and strategy. This paper makes a useful contribution to teaching practice in several ways. The paper links comments from the BCA to a significant and ongoing debate in the strategy literature on the best approaches to teaching the practice of strategy. The paper then demonstrates, with case studies from the RMIT University MBA and the Central Queensland University MBA programs, different approaches to how this can be done. This is followed by a critical discussion of the literature and case studies. Suggestions are made for future research and teaching practice.
Effect of polyethylene glycol on phase and morphology of calcium carbonate
Authors: Xu Xiaoyun , Zhao Yan , Lai Qiongyu , Hao Yanjing
Published: July 2010

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with different phases and morphologies were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weight and concentrations on the phase and morphology of CaCO3 was studied. The results showed that aragonite was the only phase in the solution without PEG, while calcite phase could be obtained by the use of PEG as the additive. The possible crystallization mechanism for the formation of CaCO3 polymorphs in the presence of different PEG was also discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and characterization of exfoliated layered double hydroxide/silicone rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Pradhan Bratati , Srivastava Suneel Kumar , Ananthakrishnan Rajakumar , Saxena Anubhav
Published: July 2010

Silicone rubber (SR)/Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were prepared by the solution intercalation of SR crosslinked by a platinum‐catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction into the galleries of dodecyl sulfate intercalated layered double hydroxide (DS–LDH). X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the formation of exfoliated structures of organomodified LDH layers in the SR matrix. The tensile strength and elongation at break of SR/DS–LDH (5 wt %) were maximally improved by 53 and 38%, respectively, in comparison with those of the neat polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the thermal degradation temperature of the exfoliated SR/DS–LDH (1 wt %) nanocomposites at 50% weight loss was 20°C higher than that of pure SR. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis data confirmed that the melting temperature of the nanocomposites increased at lower filler loadings (1, 3, and 5 wt %), whereas it decreased at a higher filler loading (8 wt %). The relative improvements in the solvent‐uptake resistance behavior of the SR/DS–LDH nanocomposites were also observed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbon nanotube composites covalently integrated through in situ radical polymerization
Authors: Cui Liqiang , Tarte Naresh H. , Woo Seong Ihl
Published: July 2010

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) composites were synthesized by the grafting of PMMA onto the sidewalls of SWNTs via in situ radical polymerization. The free‐radical initiators were covalently attached to the SWNTs by a well‐known esterification method and confirmed by means of thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to image the PMMA–SWNT composites; these images showed the presence of polymer layers on the surfaces of debundled, individual nanotubes. The PMMA–SWNT composites exhibited better solubility in chloroform than the solution‐blended composite materials. On the other hand, compared to the neat PMMA, the PMMA–SWNT nanocomposites displayed a glass‐transition temperature up to 6.0°C higher and a maximum thermal decomposition temperature up to 56.6°C higher. The unique properties of the nanocomposites resulted from the strong interactions between the SWNTs and the PMMA chains. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Reactive dyeing of cationized cotton: Effects on the dyeing yield and the fastness properties
Authors: Tutak Mustafa , Oktay Özdemir Agah
Published: July 2010

The cationization of cotton fibers is emerging as an effective tool for solving the environmental problems associated with the dyeing of cotton fabrics with anionic dyes. In this study, the dyeing performance of cationizing agents (Rucomor Bur, Kemifix REA, Optifix F, and Optifix RSL) were examined, and we found that this method had better results compared with normal or existing methods of reactive dyeing. The dye‐bath exhaustion and fixation were determined by the help of an ultraviolet–visible absorbance spectrophotometer on the basis of the maximum absorbance wavelength. Better fixation values were found with the cationizing process than with salty dyeing. The washing and rubbing fastness results were as the same as those of traditional dyeing. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Development and characterization of novel modified red mud nanocomposites based on poly(hydroxy ether) of bisphenol A
Authors: Bhat A. H. , Abdul Khalil H. P. S. , Bhat Irshad‐ul‐Haq , Banthia A. K.
Published: July 2010

This study dealt with the use of various quantities of modified red mud as a nanofiller in a poly(hydroxy ether) of bisphenol A (Phe) based matrix. Phe‐based polymer nanocomposites reinforced with acidically and organically modified layered red mud were prepared by a conventional solvent‐casting technique. The best dispersion occurred in the polymer nanocomposites where the interactions between the functional groups of the polymer matrix and those of the organic substitution of the red mud appeared to be the highest. The particle size of the modified red mud was determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The as‐synthesized composite films were typically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The dispersion of the modified fillers within the matrix was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The thermal properties measured by thermogravimetric analysis showed enhanced thermal stability of a series of composite materials. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Polyaniline–polypropylene melt‐spun fiber filaments: The collaborative effects of blending conditions and fiber draw ratios on the electrical properties of fiber filaments
Authors: Soroudi Azadeh , Skrifvars Mikael , Liu Hewen
Published: July 2010

A melt‐processable polyaniline complex was blended with polypropylene under different mixing conditions and melt‐spun into fiber filaments under different draw ratios. The conductivity, electrical resistance at different voltages, and morphological characteristics of the prepared fibers were investigated. The morphology of this two‐phase blend was demonstrated to have a large effect on the conductivity level and the linearity of the resistance–voltage relationship of the blend fibers. Two factors had substantial effects on the morphology and electrical properties of the fibers. They were the size of the initial dispersed conductive phase, which depended on the melt blending conditions, and the stress applied to orient this phase to a fibril‐like morphology, which was controlled by the draw ratio of the fiber. The two factors were shown to be associated with each other to maintain an appropriate balance of fibril formation and breakage and to create continuous conductive pathways. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Thermal oxidation‐induced long chain branching and its effect on phase separation kinetics of a polyethylene blend
Authors: Niu Yan‐Hua , Wang Zhi‐Gang , Duan Xiao‐Li , Shao Wei , Wang Du‐Jin , Qiu Jie
Published: July 2010

Thermal oxidation‐induced long chain branching (LCB) during the molding processes for polyolefin copolymer poly(ethylene‐co‐butene) (PEB) and its blend with another polyolefin copolymer poly(ethylene‐co‐hexene) (PEH/PEB 50/50 blend, denoted as H50) was investigated mainly by rheological measurements. LCB with different levels could be introduced on PEB backbones by changing the molding temperature and/or molding time, which could be sensitively characterized by changes of rheological parameters, that is, storage modulus G′ and complex viscosity η*. Thermal oxidation‐induced LCB of PEB in H50 samples could largely influence the phase separation kinetics. Rheological measurements and phase‐contrast optical microscope observations coherently indicated that thermal oxidation‐induced LCB of PEB more or less retarded the development of phase separation and once it reached a certain level, the reduced chain diffusion even arrested phase separation. The decrease of mass‐averaged molecular mass in H50 with high LCB level was ascribed to the reduced hydrodynamic volume. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Microencapsulation of disperse dye particles with nano film coating through layer by layer technique
Authors: Zandi Mojgan , Hashemi Seyed Ali , Aminayi Payam , Hosseinali Farzad
Published: July 2010

Throughout the past ten years, comprehensive understanding of fundamental and applied research has focused on functional coating and specifically on microencapsulaion. In this study, weak polycation poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and strong polyanion poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) were used for fabrication of nano film through layer by layer technique on the surface of disperse dye particles. Then micron‐sized particles were surrounded by poly(urea formaldehyde) using in‐situ polymerization. Chemical structure, surface morphology, and size distribution of these novel microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, and scanning electronic microscopy. Size and surface morphology of the microcapsules can be optimized by selecting proper weight ratio of urea to formaldehyde and core to shell material type, and amount of surfactant and agitation rate. This technology demonstrated good capability in several applications in textile industry, such as dying fabrics because of saving huge amount of water and showing slow‐release property of dye without using dye assistant agents. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Characterization and caffeine release properties of N‐isopropylacrylamide/hydroxypropyl methacrylate copolymer hydrogel synthesized by gamma radiation
Authors: Nizam El‐Din Horia M.
Published: July 2010

Research efforts have been devoted to demonstrate that the temperature sensitivity characters of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)(PNIPAAm) can be applied in the field of drug carriers. A copolymer hydrogel of N‐isopropylacrylamide/hydroxypropyl methacrylate (NIPAAm/HPMA) was synthesized by gamma irradiation. The nature of bonding was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, whereas the thermal stability was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The influence of NIPAAm/HPMA composition on the swelling properties in water, at different temperatures and different pH values was studied. The release characters of caffeine drug from NIPAAm/HPMA hydrogels were also investigated. The gel fraction of NIPAAm/HPMA was found to increase slightly by increasing the ratio of HPMA in the initial solution. The IR spectra indicate the formation of copolymer hydrogels, whereas the TGA study showed that the NIPAAm/HPMA copolymer hydrogels displayed higher thermal stability than NIPAAm hydrogel. PNIPAAm hydrogel showed higher swelling in water than NIPAAm/HPMA hydrogels. Based on Fick's law, it was demonstrated that the diffusion of water into NIPAAm/HPMA is controlled. It was found that the main parameters affecting the drug release behavior from the hydrogels are composition and pH. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Influence of filler content, particle size and temperature on thermal diffusivity of polypropylene‐iron silicon composites
Authors: Anhalt M. , Weidenfeller B.
Published: July 2010

The filler fraction, particle size and temperature dependence of thermal diffusivity in polypropylene‐iron silicon composites were examined by laser flash method. Results show that raising the filler content raises the thermal diffusivity of the composite material only slightly. Nevertheless, the higher the filler content the higher the influence of the filler material expressed by a altered course of the thermal diffusivity versus temperature. Measurement values are compared with selected existing mathematical models whereas a model, originally developed for magnetic permeability, by Hashin and Shtrikman shows the best congruence. Further measurements show that the particle size of the filler does not have an influence on the composite's thermal diffusivity at the examined filler content. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Fabrication and properties of high performance PEEK/Si3N4 nanocomposites
Authors: Balaji V. , Tiwari A. N. , Goyal R. K.
Published: July 2010

The crystallization, morphology, microhardness, scratch hardness, dynamic modulus, and wear behavior of high performance poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) matrix nanocomposites reinforced with 0 to 30 wt % silicon nitride (Si3N4) nanoparticles were reported. The crystallinity of PEEK nanocomposites increases at 2.5 wt % Si3N4 but, thereafter it decreases with increasing Si3N4 content due to the hindrance to the ordering of PEEK chains. The crystallization peak temperature and crystallization onset temperature increases by 14°C for 10 wt % nanocomposite. The melting temperature does not vary significantly with Si3N4 content. SEM shows almost uniform distribution of Si3N4 in the PEEK matrix. The Vickers microhardness and scratch hardness increases significantly up to 10 wt % Si3N4 content.The dynamic modulus of nanocomposites increases below and above Tg of PEEK. The specific wear rate of nanocomposites with 2.5 wt % Si3N4 is reduced significantly and it is lowest at 10 wt % Si3N4. However, the coefficient of friction of nanocomposites is more than that of pure PEEK. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of new fluorinated aromatic polyesters containing trifluoromethylphenoxy pendant groups
Authors: Huang Zhen‐Zhong , Pei Xue‐Liang , Wu Ting , Sheng Shou‐Ri , Lin Shu‐Ying , Song Cai‐Sheng
Published: July 2010

A series of novel fluorinated aromatic polyesters containing trifluoromethylphenoxy pendant groups was synthesized by interfacial polycondensation of 2‐(4‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)terephthalyl chloride with various bisphenols in dichloromethane. The polyesters obtained in good yields had weight‐average molecular weights of 70,600–29,800 g/mol, polydispersities of 1.81–2.08, and were all amorphous. All polyesters were easily soluble in organic solvents such as N,N‐dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, o‐chlorophenol, pyridine, and dichloromethane. These fluorinated polyesters showed glass transition temperature of 133–210°C, and good thermal stability with almost no weight loss up to 378°C, the 10% weight loss temperature of 472–523°C as well as char yield of 32–63% at 600°C in nitrogen. These polyester films cast from chloroform solutions exhibited tensile strengths ranging from 102 to 126 MPa, elongation at break from 6.3% to 11.7%, and tensile moduli from 2.1 to 3.3 GPa. The resulting polyester films also displayed low dielectric constants between 2.18 and 2.49 (1 MHz), high transparency with an ultraviolet‐visible absorption cut‐off wavelengths in the 332–355 nm range, and excellent electric strengths (50.4–65.6 kV/mm) and volume resistivity (2.51–6.03 × 1016 Ω cm). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and application of sulfonated poly(1‐octene‐co‐styrene)
Authors: Fu Zhisheng , Zhu Liang , Deng Jian , Xu Junting , Wang Qi , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: July 2010

In this article, 1‐octene and styrene was copolymerized by the supported catalyst (TiCl4/ID/MgCl2). Subsequently, by sulfonation reaction, sulfonated poly(1‐octene‐co‐styrene)s which were amphiphilic copolymers were prepared. The copolymerization behavior between 1‐octene and styrene is moderate ideal behavior. Copolymers prepared by this catalyst contain appreciable amounts of both 1‐octene and styrene. Increase in the feed ratio of styrene/1‐octene leads to increase in styrene content in copolymer and decrease in molecular weight. As the polymerization temperature increases, the styrene content in the copolymers increases, however, the molecular weight decreases. Hydrogen is an efficient regulator to lower the molecular weights of poly(1‐octene‐co‐styrene)s. The sulfonation degree of the sulfonated poly(1‐octene‐co‐styrene)s increased as the styrene content in copolymer increased or the molecular weight decreased. Thirty‐six hour is long enough for sulfonation reaction. The sulfonated poly(1‐octene‐co‐styrene)s can be used as effective and durable modifying agent to improve the wettability of polyethylene film and have potential application in emulsified fuels and for the stabilization of dispersions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011