bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Nickel Plating Graphite Nanosheet Filled Conductive Adhesive
Authors: Zhang Yi , Qi Shu Hua , Zhang Fan
Published: December 2011

In this paper, nickel plating graphite nanosheet (Ni plating GN) was developed by electroless plating method using graphite nanosheet (GN). The Ni and P content on the surface of GN is 34.08wt% and 2.99wt% according to the elementary analysis. The electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) comprised acrylate pressure -sensitive adhesive (acrylate PSA) and Ni plating GN was studied. TEM result showed that Ni plating GN is homogeneously dispersed in the acrylate PSA. The electrical conductivity of the ECAs increases to 3.14×10-4S/cm and the 180° peel strength and shear strength remains at a high level (180° peel strength about 0.58 MPa and shear strength about 0.48 MPa) when the content of Ni plating GN is 20 wt%.
Mechanism and the Influences of Different Substrates on Photocatalytic Property of TiO2 Membrane
Authors: Tian Yu Ming , Zhao Yuan Yuan , Gong Chang Wei , Chai Yue Sheng
Published: December 2011

For the purpose of obtaining the high-efficiency TiO2photocatalyst carrier, the mechanism and influences of different substrates on photocatalytic activities of TiO2membranes were investigated. Three kinds of membranes TiO2/Al2O3/Al, TiO2/Al and TiO2/glass were prepared using the dip-coating method. Methyl orange solution with pH=3 and initial concentration 20 mg/L was degraded under the UV irradiated for 2 h with three membranes. The discoloring ratios are 74.7%, 59.1%, 52.6% respectively after 1h, and become above 96% after 2 h. It indicates that Al and Al2O3/Al as carriers are able to enhance photocatalytic activities to some extent, while glass just as carrier that have no influence.
Preparation and Characterization of the Novel Ti/PbO2 Electrodes by Electrodeposition and Anodization
Authors: Li Hong Yi , Zhang Yao Hui , Chen Yong , Han Wei Qing , Wang Lian Jun
Published: December 2011

The novel Ti/PbO2 electrodes have been prepared by electrodeposition and anodization. The electrodes were characterized by SEM, XRD and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The SEM and XRD analysis reveal that Sn in the Pb-Sn alloy changes the β-PbO2/α-PbO2 ratio and the structure of the PbO2 layer. Sn content in Pb-Sn alloy is beneficial for the formation of β-PbO2. LSV analysis shows that the novel Ti/PbO2 electrodes have high oxygen evolution potential, which can reach 1.75V.
Study on Properties of Al2O3 –CaO-Na2CO3 Slag System
Authors: Peng Ke Wu , Zhang Peng , Xie Jian Guo , Ma He Li
Published: December 2011

Liquidus temperature, electrical conductivity and phase composition of Al2O3-CaO-Na2CO3 slag were studied in the paper. The results showed that the minimum value of liquidus temperature was 1429°C when the content of Na2CO3 was 11%. The Al2O3-CaO-Na2CO3 slag of lower liquidus temperature had higher electrical conductivity, and the electrical conductivity of Al2O3-CaO-Na2CO3 slag increased with the increase of temperature. The main phases of Al2O3-CaO-Na2CO3 slag are composed of CaAl2O4, Ca3Al10O18, NaAlO2 and Na2CO3. The addition of Na2CO3 is to be more effective for decreasing liquidus temperature and increasing electrical conductivity in the Al2O3-CaO-Na2CO3 slag system.
Research on the Interfacial Tension between Anion Gemini Surfactant Solution and Crude Oil
Authors: Tang Shan Fa , Hu Xiao Dong , Ouyang Xiang Nan , Liu Shuang
Published: December 2011

Both transient-state and steady-state interfacial tension (IFT) between anion Gemini surfactants solution and crude oil were measured. The effects of various parameters such as anion Gemini surfactant molecular structure, concentration, category of crude oil and salinity of water medium on the interfacial tension between crude oil and water were investigated in detail. The results reveal that when the length of the carbon chain or the carbon number of spacer is constants, the increase of either carbon number of interval groups or length of carbon chain is favorable to decrease the interfacial tension. AN12-4-12 has the lowest interfacial tension. As the concentration of anion Gemini surfactant increasing, the interfacial tension between crude oil and water decreases. Anion Gemini surfactants which have a larger carbon number of interval group and longer hydrophobic carbon chain have a better interfacial activity. AN12-4-12 has the best interfacial activity. When the concentration of AN10-4-10, AN12-4-12 reaches up to 2000 mg•L-1, it can lower the steady-state oil-water IFT to 10-3mN•m-1. Different kinds of crude oil have different effects of decreasing IFT and different interfacial activity for the same anion Gemini surfactant. The Critical Micelle Concentration (352mg•L-1, 487mg•L-1) of AN8-4-8 and AN12-4-12 between thin oil and water interface is obviously lower than those (1000mg•L-1, 3000mg•L-1) between mixed heavy oil and water interface. But molecular structure still has a larger influence on interfacial tension than category of crude oil. The IFT between AN12-4-12 solutions and mixed heavy oil lower an order of magnitude than that between AN8-4-8 solutions and mixed heavy oil. As the solution salinity increased, the interfacial tension between anion Gemini surfactant solution and thin oil decrease rapidly. The longer the hydrophobic carbon chain is, the more obvious the effect of salinity is. The salinity is not less than 1.2×105mg•L-1, AN12-4-12 can decrease the oil-water interfacial tension to 2.2×10-3mN•m-1, while AN8-4-8 only makes that reduce to 9.7×10-3mN•m-1.
Single Layer Graphene Oxide Sheets-Epoxy Nanocomposites with Greatly Improved Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Liu Qing Hong , Yao Xia Yin , Liu Zhao Ping
Published: December 2011

The single layer graphene oxide (GO) sheets-epoxy nanocomposites were prepared by directly dispersing concentrated GO aqueous colloid into dimethylformamide (DMF), and then incorporating the mixed solution into epoxy resin. The mechanical and thermal properties of the as-prepared nanocomposites were investigated by Notched Izod impact tests and thermogravimetric analysis. Significant improvements in both impact strength and thermal properties were observed for the nanocomposites at very low level of GO loading content. The impact strength of the nonacomposites containing 0.15 wt% GO was 10.66±0.75 MPa, which was 165.84 % higher than that of the pure epoxy resin (4.01±0.52 MPa). The decomposition temperature of the nanocomposites containing 0.3 wt % GO increased about 12 °C. The effective reinforcement of the GO based epoxy nanocomposites can be attributed to the good dispersion and the strong interfacial interactions between the GO sheets and the epoxy resin matrices.
The Influences of Lateral Confinement on Ballistic Performance of TiC-TiB2 Composites under the Impact of Long-Rod Kinetic-Energy Projectiles
Authors: Yang Yu Zhong , Xin Jian Bin
Published: December 2011

Based on using combustion synthesis under high gravity to prepare TiC-TiB2 composite, the ceramic armour targets were achieved by the heat-shrunk laternal, cover and back confinements of steel sleeves and plates. Ballistic testing showed that under the impact of long-rod tungsten alloy projectile, the low-carbon-steel sleeve failed to laterally confine the ceramic due to its inadequate residual strength, resulting in poor ballistic performance of the ceramic, whereas the medium-carbon-steel sleeve had a sufficient residual strength to support lateral confinement of the ceramic as the long-rod tungsten alloy projectile makes room in the ceramic for its penetration, the confined ceramic could present its real ballistic performance, and the results of ballistic testing promised lateral confinement and cover confinement of high-strength metal would be beneficial to the improvement in ballistic performance of ceramic armour.
Microstructure and Properties of Ultrafine Grained Cu-0.73%Cr Alloy after High Pressure Torsion
Authors: Wei Kun Xia , Wei Wei , Alexandrov Igor V. , Du Qing Bo , Hu Jing
Published: December 2011

Microstructure, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity in Cu-0.73%Cr alloy after HPT process and the subsequent aging treatment have been investigated. Ultrafine grained structure with the grain size ~150 nm has been achieved after the HPT and the subsequent aging treatment. Ultrafine grains with some growth twins were preserved in the overaged state, showing high thermal stability. The peak microhardness and tensile strength of Cu-0.73%Cr alloy after the HPT was found at 480 °C for 2 hours. Electrical conductivity shows an increase trend in the different aging states.
The Structure of the Turtle Shell and the Porous Metal Mimicking the Structure of the Turtle Shell
Authors: Liang Yan , Ma Chao , Wu Cheng Wei
Published: December 2011

The turtle shell, as the oldest amphibian, has developed a rigid calcified shell to protect the soft body against environmental pressures and predators. The paper has studied the effect of microstructure on the mechanical behavior of the turtle shell. Furthermore the porous Fe-Cr based alloy was manufactured by the method of powder metallurgy. The results showed that turtle shell was composed of the element of Ca, P, C, Cl and Na etc. The microstructure of turtle shell is a sandwich structure typical of flat bones with the compact layer, the spongy layer with many pores and the fibrous inner layer. The unique structure affected the mechanical behavior of turtle shell very seriously. The sandwich structure can absorb the energy during transferring load, and very little energy is transferred to the endocortical bony and the internal organs. In this sense the soft part of turtle shell was protected by the shell. The porous Fe-Cr based alloy was manufactured by powder metallurgy and the pores are irregular and the porosity of alloy Fe-Cr is 19.4%. The microhardness of Fe-20Cr is 77.5 HV.
Use of Software to Facilitate Intumescent Fire-Retardant Coatings for Structural Steelworks’s Formulation
Authors: Hu Jian , Huang Ming Gang , Wu Zheng Yong
Published: December 2011

This paper presents a uniform design methodology for computer assisted experimental design for intumescent fire retardant coating (IFRC) formulations, exemplifies the benefits of using experimental design together with software to facilitate the formulation of an IFRC for structural steelworks. By applying a multivariate design for the screening experiments, many intumescent fire retardants were evaluated in comparatively few experiments. In this work, prior information has been used in the form of a model, based on historical experiments. A uniform design criterion is used to design a few additional experiments so that the resulting model can have an acceptable prediction power. A confirmatory experiment step is shown that a design which uses the uniform design methodology taking advantage of the experimental data collected from the DOE that using fewer trials gives a model with equivalent prediction capability. This can be critical where experiments are expensive to perform.
Effects of Sintering Processes on Microscopy of CAS2-Al2O3 Refractory Materials
Authors: Chai Yue Sheng , Feng Fu Rong , Bai Pin Bo , Qiu Yan , Liu Zheng Guan , Gong Chang Wei , Tian Yu Ming
Published: December 2011

CAS2-Al2O3 (Anorthite-alumina) refractory materials were prepared with magnesium slag, kaolin from Shanxi province of China and alumina as raw materials. The effects of sintering temperature, holding time and the rate of heating on the microscopic structures were investigated. The results showed that the sintering temperature and holding time are more important to CAS2-Al2O3 refractory materials than the rate of heating in a certain extent. According to XRD and SEM analysis results, it indicates that CAS2 and Al2O3 are the main phases which occurs in the temperature ranges of 1350-1400°C. The higher the sintering temperature is, the greater the grains grow. At the same time, while the temperature rising, it tends to precipitate the alumina particles. It is appropriate to keep 2h in 4°C/min heating rate at sintering temperature. CAS2-Al2O3 refractory materials have porous mesh structure.
Study on Hydration Resistance Property of Gehlenite-Forsterite Refractory Material
Authors: Tian Yu Ming , Liu Zheng Guan , Bai Pin Bo , Qiu Yan , Feng Fu Rong , Gong Chang Wei , Chai Yue Sheng
Published: December 2011

The hydration resistance of gehlenite-forsterite refractory material has been studied. The results show that the sample hydrated for 72h have no obvious cracks or deformation and gets a maximum weight increasing ratio of 0.073%. It suggests that it has excellent hydration resistance property. Before being hydrated, the main phases are C2AS and M2S; after being hydrated for 72h, the main phases is not changed, while the diffraction peaks slightly shift to left. With the increase of the hydration time, surface morphology change greatly. During the course of hydration, firstly, the surface attachments are sheded from the surface, the matrix is exposed; secondly, the stick big grains are generated; thirdly, the mesh grains are formed; finally, hydration products fell off or dissolved, and a new course starts.
Modeling of Adsorption Isotherms for Hydrogen on Zeolite ZSM-5
Authors: Du Xiao Ming
Published: December 2011

We give the analytic solution of Ono-Kondo equation based on lattice theory to describe the supercritical high-pressure hydrogen adsorption inside slit pores of adsorbents, and predict adsorption isotherms for hydrogen on microporous ZSM-5 zeolite at 77K,195K and 293K. The results from prediction are compared with the experimental data. It shows that the model can elucidate the peculiar features in adsorption isotherms of supercritical hydrogen which are fundamentally different from those of standard (IUPAC) classification, and the results from the equation also qualitatively reflect the experimental results.
Study on the Resistance of Ultraviolet Radiation of Composite Materials Based on Epoxy Resin
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhang Zhi Bin , Xu Ling Ling , Tang Ming Shu
Published: December 2011

Previous research indicated epoxy resin based repairing materials have been widely used due to its outstanding advantages in strength, durability corrosion, abrasion resistance and reasonable price, etc. But its nonperforming resistance of ultraviolet radiation restricted popularization and using. In this paper the effect of inorganic fillers (quartz sand, rutile type titanium dioxide and talc powder) and organic fillers (HALS-770 and UV-P) on the Compressive strength of RME irradiated was studied. The results indicated that inorganic and organic fillers revealed good shielding effect. The inorganic fillers decreased the compressive strength of RME about 20MPa, and talc powder was better than quartz sand and rutile type titanium dioxide. Organic fillers had unaffected in strength, and combined use of HALS-770 and UV-P had better resistance than alone. The strength retention of RME with talc powder and combined with HALS-770 and UV-P irradiated 4500h were 85.65% and 93.5%.
Effect of Metakaolin Mixed with Fly Ash on the Strengths of Concrete
Authors: Hou Yun Fen , Xing Nan
Published: December 2011

This paper studies the effect of metakaolin mixed with fly ash on the compressive strength of concretes. The results show that in order to improve the property and reduce the price of metakaolin, metakaolin can be used with fly ash together, and the optimal content of metakaolin in concrete is not bigger than 10%. The content of metakaolin affects the early compressive strength of fly ash concrete significantly. When the water-bind ratio is 0.31 and the amount of metakaolin and fly ash is 35%, which the metakaolin content is 8%, the compressive strength can increase up to 54MPa; when the mixed additive and metakaolin are 25% and 8%, the compressive strength reaches 68MPa.
Cationic Gelatin Graft Copolymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Application
Authors: Ren Jun Li , Peng Xin Wen , Sun Run Cang , Qiu Hua Yu
Published: December 2011

A novel cationic gelatin graft copolymer was developed by the graft copolymerization reaction of gelatin with acrylamide (AM) and methacryloyloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride (DMC) in this paper. The structure of graft copolymer was analyzed briefly by the analysis of infrared spectrum, and it was found that monomers (AM and DMC) actually were grafted onto the backbone of gelatin. The effect of reaction conditions such as the weight ratios of AM/gelatin or AM/DMC on grafting parameters and the application of the cationic graft copolymer as the dry strength agent in papermaking were investigated. Experiments showed that a graft copolymer with high the percent grafting and the grafting efficiency could be obtained by controlling the AM/gelatin weight ratio and AM/DMC weight ratio. The application test showed that the results obtained from the physical intensities of handsheets under the treatment of the grafted gelatin [gel-g-P(AM-co-DMC)] were great better than the control sample, which was due to the hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds among fibres in pulp and cationic graft copolymer.
A Lattice Boltzmann Model of Calculating Mass Diffusivity in Nanofluids
Authors: Tang Zhong Li , Zhan Bo
Published: December 2011

So far, there were few models which could calculate the effective mass diffusivity De in nanofluids. In this paper, we proposed a lattice Boltzmann model to simulate the diffusion processes of Rhodamine B in 25nm-Cu/water nanofluids with different volume fractions and temperatures, and also calculated the effective mass diffusivity De. The results agreed well with the experimental data in literatures. So this model can be utilized to calculate the mass diffusivity in nanofluids. At last, we have discussed the enhancement mechanisms of diffusion in nanofluids.
Optimization of PID Parameters of Air-Bearing Stage Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Hou Fei , He Dong Feng , Liu Bo , Zhang Jun An
Published: December 2011

The air-bearing stage system is a second-order non-damped system without considering the friction. This paper tunes the PID parameters by genetic algorithms based on ITAE index, then a simulation is made in MATLAB.The result shows that the controlling effect is better than the traditional tuning methods.
Wat is reformatoriese teologie?: Nadenke na aanleiding van ’n kerklike beswaarskrif
Authors: Van Wyk Ignatius W.C.
Published: December 2011

What is Reformational theology?: Thoughts on a petition of protest The Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCA) has been associated with apartheid for decades. In 2010 the NHKA decided to withdraw its theological legitimisation of apartheid. This decision caused conflict and strife within the church. This article deals with the theological arguments of the opponents of Decision 54 of the General Church Assembly of 2010. It argues that the defe nders of apartheid deviate from the Reformational theology on central issues. Special attention is given to the doctrines of justification and the imago Dei. Christian freedom and ethical responsibility also receive attention.
‘For the tyrant shall be no more’: Reflections on and lessons from ‘The Arab Spring’ in North Africa, the Middle East and the Civil Rights and anti-apartheid struggles
Authors: Boesak Allan A.
Published: December 2011

The revolutionary events sweeping North Africa and the Middle East, called the ‘Arab Spring’, are of great historic significance. They challenge not only political and social realities in those countries; they confront us, the spectators to these momentous events with serious questions about our own political, cultural and theological perceptions, concepts and prejudices. This article probes, from a Black Liberation theology point of view, these events at several levels: (1) what are the connections between the ‘Arab Spring’ and the two other historic movements for social change, the Civil Rights struggle in the United States of America, and the antiapartheid struggle in South Africa; (2) what lessons are to be learnt from these events?; (3) the article revisits the question of M.M. Thomas, in terms of whether God is at work in events of social upheaval and revolutionary change, and if so, ‘how?’; and (4) what is the meaning and consequences of international, and more importantly, inter-religious solidarity with the people of those regions? The article discusses the meaning, complexity and efficacy of nonviolence and choices for violence or nonviolence in such situations of conflict and the questions these raise for theological reflection, prophetic action and Christian integrity.
Case report: Isolated unilateral pulmonary vein atresia diagnosed on 128-slice multidetector CT
Authors: Dixit Rashmi , Kumar Jyoti , Chowdhury Veena , Rajeshwari Krishnan , Sethi Gulshan Rai
Published: December 2011

Unilateral pulmonary venous atresia is an uncommon entity that is generally believed to be congenital. Most patients present in infancy or childhood with recurrent chest infections or hemoptysis. Pulmonary angiography is usually used for definitive diagnosis. However, the current multislice CT scanners may obviate the need for pulmonary angiography. We report two cases diagnosed using 128-slice CT angiography. On the CT angiography images both these cases demonstrated absent pulmonary veins on the affected side, with a small pulmonary artery and prominent bronchial or other systemic arterial supply.
Double Jeopardy: Workplace Hazards and Behavioral Risks for Craftspersons and Laborers
Authors: Sorensen Glorian , Stoddard Anne , Hammond S. Katherine , Hebert James R. , Avrunin Jill Spitz , Ockene Judith K.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To address three specific questions in a sample of craftspersons and laborers: (1) Do craftspersons and laborers exposed to workplace hazards have higher behavioral risks, such as smoking and high-fat diets, than those with few job risks? (2) Compared to workers with few job risks, do workers exposed to risks on the job have higher intentions to reduce their behavioral risks? (3) Does concern about the level of exposure to risks on the job increase workers' intentions to reduce behavioral risks?

Design.

A cross-sectional self-administered survey was conducted in participating worksites.

Setting.

Twenty-two predominantly manufacturing worksites in Massachusetts.

Subjects.

Craftspersons and laborers responding to the survey and employed in these 22 worksites (completion rate = 61%, N = 1841).

Measures.

By using standardized items, this survey measured self-reported exposure to workplace hazards, concern about job exposures, smoking status, fat and fiber intake, readiness to quit smoking, plans to reduce fat intake, plans to eat more fruits and vegetables, and sociodemographic variables.

Results.

Workers reporting exposure to chemical hazards on the job were significantly more likely to be smokers than were unexposed workers, even when results were controlled for gender. Compared with unexposed workers, smokers exposed to chemical hazards were significantly more likely to be thinking of quitting or taking action to quit, when results were controlled for gender, race, and education. Among workers exposed to occupational chemical hazards, concern about this exposure was significantly associated with intentions to decrease fat intake and increase fruit and vegetable intake, and, among men, intentions to quit smoking.

Conclusions.

Efforts aimed at integrating health promotion and health protection are needed to address simultaneously the job risks and personal risks these workers face.
Normative Beliefs of Health Behavior Professionals regarding the Psychosocial and Environmental Factors That Influence Health Behavior Change Related to Smoking Cessation, Regular Exercise, and Weight Loss
Authors: Love Mary Beth , Davoli Gerald W. , Thurman Quint C.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To examine the degree of consensus among health behavior change professionals regarding the personal and environmental factors they believe most strongly influence health behavior decisions related to smoking cessation, regular exercise, and weight loss.

Design.

A factorial survey design was implemented. This method combines the positive elements from simple sample surveys and factorial experiment designs. A total of 44 independent psychosocial and environmental variables are used to randomly construct vignettes, or short stories, to collect dependent variable data.

Subjects.

A probability sample of 311 health behavior change professionals was selected from the Society for Public Health Education, Inc., the Society of Behavioral Medicine, and faculty from the 1986 Harvard University Symposium on Health Promotion in the Work Place.

Measures.

Judgment ratings on the probability that the person described in each vignette would initiate the behavior in question.

Results.

Multivariate analysis indicates that the multidimensional model explained approximately one half of the variance in the judgments across the three health behaviors (smoking cessation, R2 = .52; weight loss, R2 = .49; and regular exercise, R2 = .49).

Conclusions.

These data suggest a high degree of consensus among the sample regarding the personal and environmental factors that influence health behavior judgments. Here, the subjects perceive both behavioral intentions and self-efficacy as the most powerful determinants of judgments to initiate weight loss, regular exercise, and smoking cessation.
A Comprehensive Review of the Effects of Worksite Health Promotion on Health-Related Outcomes
Authors: Wilson Mark G. , Holman Priscilla B. , Hammock Angie
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

This article provides the foundation for a series of literature reviews that critically examine the effectiveness of worksite health promotion programs. This issue reviews the exercise, health risk appraisal, nutrition and cholesterol, and weight control literatures; a future issue will review the alcohol, HIV/AIDS, multicomponent program, seat belt, smoking, and stress management literatures.

Methods.

The literature search used a four-step process that included a computerized database search, a reference search, a manual search of relevant health promotion journals, and the writing of the review by a recognized expert in the area being searched. The databases were searched from 1968 through 1994 and included Medline, Aidsline, Psychological Abstracts, Combined Health Information Database, Employee Benefits Infosource, National Prevention Evaluation Research Collection, National Resource Center on Worksite Health Promotion, National Technical Information Service, and the Substance Abuse Information database. A total of 288 articles were identified by the search, not including the 37 articles in the hypertension literature. Authors of each review were requested to incorporate additional studies not identified by the search, provide a research rating for each individual article, and a rating for the overall literature for their respective area. The authors reviewed 316 studies.

Findings.

The overall ratings for the reviews reported in this issue were suggestive for exercise, weak for health risk appraisals, suggestive/indicative for both nutrition and cholesterol, and indicative for weight control. The ratings for the other reviews will be reported in the subsequent issue.

Conclusions.

Research reported in these reviews suggests the effectiveness of worksite health promotion programs, however, additional research is required to provide conclusive evidence of their impact.
The Health Impact of Worksite Nutrition and Cholesterol Intervention Programs
Authors: Glanz Karen , Sorensen Glorian , Farmer Anna
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To summarize and provide a critical review of worksite health promotion program evaluations published between 1980 and 1995 that address nutrition and hypercholesterolemia. The article discusses and critiques both intervention methods and research methodologies to identify the most effective strategies.

Methods.

Core articles are 26 original, data-based studies that report on measures of health status, behavior, attitudes, and knowledge as outcomes of worksite nutrition and cholesterol interventions. Only work published since 1980 that clearly describes nutrition or cholesterol interventions and that includes identifiable nutrition-related outcomes is reviewed. The main search method was the same one used for this special issue; supplementary sources included those found in earlier reviews or identified through backward searches or expert contact.

Summary of Important Findings.

Ten worksite nutrition education programs were reviewed and were categorized as group education, group education plus individual counseling/instruction, cafeteria-based programs, and group education plus cafeteria-based programs. Four of these were randomized studies, and one used the worksite as the unit of randomization and analysis. Sixteen worksite cholesterol programs were reviewed, in five categories: monitoring; individual counseling; group sessions or classes; mediated methods using print, audiovisual, telephone, and self-help kits; and combination approaches. Of these, eight were randomized controlled trials; most tested interventions for persons with elevated cholesterol levels, although four studies reported cholesterol education programs for the general employee population. Six large controlled trials of worksite nutrition and cholesterol interventions in progress are also described.

Major Conclusions.

The conclusions that can be drawn from this review are limited by the study designs used, which often lacked control groups, used nonrandomized designs, or relied on self-selected high-risk or volunteer participants. Our rating for the quality of the evidence in the literature as a whole lies between suggestive and indicative. It is clear that worksite nutrition and cholesterol programs are feasible and that participants benefit in the short-term. Conclusive evidence about a causal relationship between worksite nutrition and cholesterol programs and improved behavior or health is not yet available, although studies currently underway hold promise for providing more solid evidence about the potential efficacy of these interventions.
The Impact of Worksite-Based Health Risk Appraisal on Health-Related Outcomes: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Anderson David R. , Staufacker Michael J.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To provide a brief history of the development and evolution of health risk appraisal (HRA) and to review studies published in peer-reviewed journals that address the impact of worksite-based HRA on health-related outcomes.

Method.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted the primary literature search, identifying seven articles through a bibliographic search of major health databases, manual search of specific journals, and reference list search. We identified four additional studies from our personal experience and our manual search of previous reviews.

Important Findings.

Several studies reported positive changes in seat-belt use and self-reported physical activity associated with HRA participation, and changes in other health-related outcomes after HRA participation were also reported. Evidence supporting causal inference is lacking, however, because of the many threats to internal validity in studies completed to date. Almost no research has addressed the impact of HRA on health-related outcomes in the early “prebehavioral” stages of the change process, despite the theoretical and applied focus of HRA on these types of outcomes.

Conclusions.

On the basis of the small number of studies in the literature, evidence is weak regarding the impact of HRA itself on health-related outcomes. There is suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of HRA when it is used in a comprehensive worksite health promotion program. Future research should focus on the impact of HRA on variables in the early stages of the change process, such as awareness and commitment, rather than on behavioral outcomes. Research should also address specific characteristics of HRA instruments and implementation approaches.
Dietary Patterns of Men and Women Suggest Targets for Health Promotion: The Framingham Nutrition Studies
Authors: Millen Barbara E. , Quatromoni Paula A. , Gagnon David R. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Franz Mary M. , D'Agostino Ralph B.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

The goal of the study was to characterize the dietary patterns of adult men and women.

Design.

The study used a cross-sectional analysis of food consumption behaviors and nutrient intake measured from 1984 through 1988.

Setting.

The Framingham Offspring/Spouse Study, Framingham, Massachusetts.

Subjects.

The population-based sample comprised 1831 men and 1828 women between 20 and 70 years of age.

Measures.

Dietary patterns were defined by cluster analyses, which used the estimates of usual daily food intake from food frequency questionnaires, and the patterns were compared with Food Guide Pyramid recommendations. Nutrient intakes were independently estimated from 24-hour recalls and compared with Year 2000 nutrition recommendations.

Results.

Cluster analyses identified five groups of men and five groups of women with distinctive dietary patterns. Men differed on intakes of all food groups except vegetables and snacks plus sweetened beverages. Specific dietary behaviors, including low intakes of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other complex carbohydrates; high intakes of beer and liquor; and high intakes of high-fat animal foods warrant targeted intervention messages for men. Women's patterns differed across all food groups except red meats and fattier poultry and beer. Dietary behaviors of women that deserve attention include low fruit, vegetable, starch, and dairy intakes; chronic dieting; high alcohol intake; and sources of hidden fats. No cluster met the current recommendations for food and nutrient intake.

Conclusions.

Distinct dietary patterns in Framingham men and women vary in compliance with national nutrition and health policy objectives and provide insights for developing behavioral interventions to improve food and nutrient intake.
The Theory of Planned Behavior: A Review of its Applications to Health-Related Behaviors
Authors: Godin Gaston , Kok Gerjo
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To review applications of Ajzen's theory of planned behavior in the domain of health and to verify the efficiency of the theory to explain and predict health-related behaviors.

Methods.

Most material has been drawn from Current Contents (Social and Behavioral Sciences and Clinical Medicine) from 1985 to date, together with all peer-reviewed articles cited in the publications thus identified.

Findings.

The results indicated that the theory performs very well for the explanation of intention; an averaged R2 of .41 was observed. Attitude toward the action and perceived behavioral control were most often the significant variables responsible for this explained variation in intention. The prediction of behavior yielded an averaged R2 of .34. Intention remained the most important predictor, but in half of the studies reviewed perceived behavioral control significantly added to the prediction.

Conclusions.

The efficiency of the model seems to be quite good for explaining intention, perceived behavioral control being as important as attitude across health-related behavior categories. The efficiency of the theory, however, varies between health-related behavior categories.
Relative Effectiveness of Continued, Lapsed, and Delayed Smoking Prevention Intervention in Senior High School Students
Authors: Eckhardt Laura , Woodruff Susan I. , Elder John P.
Published: December 2011

The relative effectiveness of continued, lapsed, and delayed smoking prevention intervention was tested with senior high school students. The original intervention was conducted during Grades 7 through 9, with significantly fewer intervention students reporting smoking than control students. The intervention was reintroduced in the 11th grade to one-half of intervention students (continued intervention), was withdrawn from the other half (lapsed intervention), and was initiated with one-half of control students (delayed intervention). The 11th-grade smoking rates of these three groups were compared to those of a fourth group, a continued control group. Results showed that continued intervention students reported significantly less smoking than continued control students and lapsed intervention students. Additionally, the delayed intervention group exhibited smoking rates lower than the lapsed intervention and continued control groups. This finding underscores the importance of continuing smoking prevention activities, as well as initiating these activities, in senior high school years.
Near infrared nadir retrieval of vertical column densities: methodology and application to SCIAMACHY
Authors: Gimeno García S. , Schreier F. , Lichtenberg G. , Slijkhuis S.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Nadir observations with the shortwave infrared channels of SCIAMACHY on-board the ENVISAT satellite can be used to derive information on atmospheric gases such as CO, CH4, N2O, CO2, and H2O. For the operational level 1b-2 processing of SCIAMACHY data, a new retrieval code BIRRA (Beer InfraRed Retrieval Algorithm) has been developed. BIRRA performs a nonlinear or separable least squares fit (with bound constraints optional) of the measured radiance, where molecular concentration vertical profiles are scaled to fit the observed data. Here we present the forward modeling (radiative transfer) and inversion (least squares optimization) fundamentals of the code along with the further processing steps required to generate higher level products such as global distributions and time series. Moreover, various aspects of level 1 (observed spectra) and auxiliary input data relevant for successful retrievals are discussed. BIRRA is currently used for operational analysis of carbon monoxide vertical column densities from SCIAMACHY channel 8 observations, and is being prepared for methane retrievals using channel 6 spectra. A set of representative CO retrievals and first CH4 results are presented to demonstrate BIRRA's capabilities.
Quantifying in-situ gas hydrates at active seep sites in the eastern Black Sea using pressure coring technique
Authors: Heeschen K. U. , Haeckel M. , Klaucke I. , Ivanov M. K. , Bohrmann G.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. In the eastern Black Sea, we determined methane (CH4) concentrations, gas hydrate volumes, and their vertical distribution from combined gas and chloride (Cl−) measurements within pressurized sediment cores. The total gas volume collected from the cores corresponded to concentrations of 1.2–1.4 mol CH4 kg−1 porewater at in-situ pressure, which is equivalent to a gas hydrate saturation of 15–18% of pore volume and amongst the highest values detected in shallow seep sediments. At the central seep site, a high-resolution Cl− profile resolved the upper boundary of gas hydrate occurrence and a continuous layer of hydrates in a sediment column of 120 cm thickness. Including this information, a more precise gas hydrate saturation of 22–24% pore volume could be calculated. This volume was higher in comparison to a saturation calculated from the Cl− profile alone, resulting in only 14.4%. The likely explanation is an active gas hydrate formation from CH4 gas ebullition. The hydrocarbons at Batumi Seep are of shallow biogenic origin (CH4 > 99.6%), at Pechori Mound they originate from deeper thermocatalytic processes as indicated by the lower ratios of C1 to C2–C3 and the presence of C5.
Dissolved organic matter in sea spray: a transfer study from marine surface water to aerosols
Authors: Schmitt-Kopplin P. , Liger-Belair G. , Koch B. P. , Flerus R. , Kattner G. , Harir M. , Kanawati B. , Lucio M. , Tziotis D. , Hertkorn N. , Gebefügi I.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosols impose direct and indirect effects on the climate system, for example, by adsorption of radiation in relation to cloud droplets size, on chemical and organic composition and cloud dynamics. The first step in the formation of primary marine aerosols, i.e., the transfer of dissolved organic matter from the marine surface into the atmosphere was studied, and we present a molecular level description of this phenomenon using high resolution analytical tools (Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance = FT-ICR MS and NMR). We could experimentally confirm the chemo-selective transfer of natural organic molecules, especially of aliphatic compounds from the surface water into the atmosphere via bubble bursting processes. Transfer from marine surface water to the atmosphere involves a chemical gradient governed by the physicochemical properties of the involved molecules when comparing elemental compositions and differentiating CHO, CHNO, CHOS and CHNOS bearing compounds. Typical chemical fingerprints of concentrated compounds were CHO and CHOS type of molecules, smaller molecules of higher aliphaticity and lower oxygen content and typical surfactants. A non-targeted mass spectrometric analysis of the samples showed that many of these molecules correspond to homologous series of oxo-, hydroxyl-, methoxy-, branched fatty acids and mono-, di- and tricarboxylic acids as well as monoterpenes and sugars. These surface active biomolecules were preferentially transferred from surface water into the atmosphere via bubble bursting processes to form a significant fraction of primary organic aerosols. This way of production of sea spray leaves a specific biological signature of the surface water in the corresponding lower atmosphere that can be transported laterally in the context of global cycling.
IODINE DOPING OF PREVULCANIZED NATURAL RUBBER LATEX AND ITS EFFECT ON DYNAMICAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Predeep P. , Najidha S.
Published: December 2011

Conducting polymers are finding new application areas in energy storage devices, optoelectronics, actuators etc. Iodine doped semiconducting prevulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL) is a potential candidate for many such applications. We had already demonstrated for the first time that pre-vulcanized NR latex can be doped by iodine to become electrically conducting and doping process is not affecting the flexibility or processability of the films. Synthesis and characterization of intrinsically electric conducting preculcanized natural rubber latex are briefly discussed. Further, dynamical mechanical properties of these doped RVNRL are reported. The glass transition (Tg) temperature of the chemically doped polyisoprene material was found to be shifted to higher temperature region with the iodine concentration. However, the mechanical properties are found to decrease at higher concentration of the dopant after showing an increasing trend as in the case of Tg at lower doping levels. An effort has also been made to explain this visibly contradictory behavior.
STRENGTH ENHANCEMENT FROM HETEROGENEOUS NETWORKS OF ETHYLENE–PROPYLENE/ETHYLENE–PROPYLENE–DIENE
Authors: Buckley G. S. , Fragiadakis D. , Roland C. M.
Published: December 2011

Random copolymers of ethylene and propylene are usually miscible with the corresponding unsaturated terpolymer (EPDM). Vulcanization of these blends yields networks in which only the EPDM is cross-linked. Despite chemical modification of the EPDM by its reaction with sulfur, there is no phase-separation evident during curing. The blend exhibits substantially higher strength than the corresponding pure EPDM networks, when compared at equal modulus. Thus, nearly miscible blend networks having a large disparity in component cross-linking can circumvent the usual trade-off between the stiffness and strength of elastomers. This exemplifies a general route to better mechanical properties via blends having a homogeneous phase morphology and whose components have substantially different cross-link densities.
Language and cognition influence on evolution of cultures
Authors: Perlovsky Leonid
Published: December 2011

Evolution of cultures is influenced by languages. To understand this influence the paper analyzes how language and cognition interact in thinking. Is language just used for communication of completed thoughts, or is it fundamental for thinking? We review a hypothesis that language and cognition are two separate but closely interacting mechanisms, and identify each of them. Language accumulates cultural wisdom; cognition develops mental representations modeling surrounding world and adapts cultural knowledge to concrete circumstances of life. Language is acquired from surrounding language ‘ready-made’ and therefore can be acquired early in life. Cognition can not be acquired directly from experience; language is a necessary intermediary, a “teacher.” This model is consistent with recent neuroimaging data about cognition, remaining unnoticed by other theories. The proposed theory explains a number of properties of language and cognition, which previously seemed mysterious. It suggests mechanisms by which language grammars influence emotionality of languages and directs cultural evolution. This theory may explain specifics of English and Arabic cultures. We review theoretical and experimental evidence and discuss future directions
An Advanced Conjugate Gradient Training Algorithm Based on a Modified Secant Equation
Authors: Livieris Ioannis E. , Pintelas Panagiotis
Published: December 2011

Conjugate gradient methods constitute excellent neural network training methods characterized by their simplicity, numerical efficiency, and their very low memory requirements. In this paper, we propose a conjugate gradient neural network training algorithm which guarantees sufficient descent using any line search, avoiding thereby the usually inefficient restarts. Moreover, it achieves a high-order accuracy in approximating the second-order curvature information of the error surface by utilizing the modified secant condition proposed by Li et al. (2007). Under mild conditions, we establish that the proposed method is globally convergent for general functions under the strong Wolfe conditions. Experimental results provide evidence that our proposed method is preferable and in general superior to the classical conjugate gradient methods and has a potential to significantly enhance the computational efficiency and robustness of the training process.
Changes in lower extremity muscle mass and muscle strength after weight loss in obese patients with knee osteoarthritis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Henriksen Marius , Christensen Robin , Danneskiold‐Samsøe Bente , Bliddal Henning
Published: December 2011

Objective

To investigate the effects of low‐energy diet–induced weight loss on lower‐extremity muscle mass and knee muscle strength in obese patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and the associations of these effects.

Methods

We studied 159 obese patients with knee OA and available data from body composition analysis that had been performed using dual x‐ray absorptiometry scanning and isometric muscle strength testing of the knee in extension and in flexion. The data had been obtained as part of a randomized controlled trial, with measurements performed before and after a supervised low‐energy diet–induced weight loss intervention lasting 16 weeks.

Results

The patients lost an average of 12.9 kg (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 10.2, 15.7) (13% of baseline weight). The weight loss consisted of 10.9 kg fat mass (95% CI 8.9, 12.9), of which 3.8 kg (95% CI 2.7, 4.9) was leg fat mass. Total lean body mass was reduced by 1.9 kg (95% CI 0.05, 3.8), of which 0.785 kg (95% CI 0.09, 1.476) was leg lean mass. Absolute muscle strength decreased by ∼3–4% after the weight loss, whereas body mass–normalized muscle strength increased by 11–12%. At baseline, leg lean mass was significantly related to muscle strength, but changes in these measurements at followup were not related.

Conclusion

Weight loss induced by a low‐energy diet led to independent losses of leg muscle tissue and strength. The weight loss was accompanied by increased normalized muscle strength along with improved self‐reported disability and pain—all of which are beneficial to patients with knee OA. The present results suggest that significant weight loss in patients with knee OA should be followed by an exercise regimen to restore or increase muscle mass.