bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adsorption removing various basic nitrogen compounds from model diesel over allochroic silica gel
Authors: Hong Xin , Li Yunhe , Gao Chang , Zhao Yonghua , Tang Ke 
Published: September 2018

The adsorption removal of quinoline from model diesel by using alumina, diatomite, silica gel, and allochroic silica gel as adsorbents was investigated. The experiment results indicated that the adsorption denitrogenation performance of allochroic silica gel was more superior to other three adsorbents. The silica gel and allochroic silica gel were confirmed by characterization with X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and ammonia temperature programmed desoption (NH3-TPD). X-ray diffraction results indicated that both the samples were amorphous structures. The average pore diameters of silica gel and allochroic silica gel were 18.46 and 1.80 nm, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface areas were 437.86 and 623.39 m2/g, and the pore volumes were 0.9724 and 0.3442 cm3/g, respectively. The results of TPD showed that the acidity of allochroic silica gel was far stronger than that of silica gel which greatly enhanced its adsorption denitrogenation performance. The adsorption denitrogenation performance of allochroic silica gel for quinoline, aniline, and pyridine from model diesel was as follows: aniline, pyridine, and quinoline. Adsorption temperature, particle size, and arenes added in model diesel had little impact on the removal of aniline and pyridine except quinoline. The adsorbent-to-oil ratio had significant effects on adsorption denitrogenation, especially for quinoline. The N–Co bond between Co in allochroic silica gel and N atom in the basic nitrogen compounds molecule played a significant role. Furthermore, the allochroic silica gel could be easily regenerated by its adsorption denitrogenation performance for quinoline and pyridine by using calcination once or several times, except aniline. The adsorption isotherm results revealed that the adsorption of pyridine and aniline belonged to the Langmuir–Freundlich binding model, but the adsorption of quinoline belonged to Freundlich model.
The Mono-Prep system increases the detection rate of sputum smear microscopy for diagnosing tuberculosis
Authors: Wu Jiannan , Kong Chengcheng , Huo Fengmin , Liang Qian , Ma Yifeng , Shang Yuanyuan , Zhao Liping , Du Jian , Sun Zhaogang 
Published: September 2018

Objective Direct sputum smear microscopy (DSSM) has a low detection rate. This study investigated whether an alternative method called Mono-Prep smear microscopy (MPSM) can enhance the diagnosis of tuberculosis in tuberculosis laboratories that perform direct smear microscopy in China. Methods A total of 117 sputum samples were collected from outpatients who attended Beijing Chest Hospital. DSSM, MPSM, solid culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF were performed on the samples. Results The positive rates of DSSM, MPSM, solid culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF were 27.4% (32/117), 40.2% (47/117), 35.9% (42/117), and 52.1% (61/117), respectively. MPSM could detect 15 more cases of tuberculosis compared with DSSM (47 vs 32) among 117 sputum samples. This represented a significantly higher positive rate and sensitivity of MPSM compared with DSSM. However, MPSM appeared to have a lower specificity (81.3%) compared with DSSM (90.7%) with the solid culture used as a standard. Conclusion Use of MPSM can increase the number of positive sputum samples, but it still needs improvement.
Clinical impact of the Sherlock 3CG® Tip Confirmation System for peripherally inserted central catheters
Authors: Yamagishi Tomomi , Ashida Hirokazu , Igarashi Takao , Matsui Yo , Nozawa Yosuke , Higuchi Takahiro , Ojiri Hiroya 
Published: September 2018

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the technical success rate and catheter tip malposition rate of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement using the Sherlock 3CG® Tip Confirmation System (TCS). Methods In total, 114 patients who underwent PICC insertion via the Sherlock 3CG® TCS from October 2017 to February 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The primary endpoints were the technical success rate, malposition rate, and mean procedure time. The secondary endpoints were the sex-related difference in the malposition rate, radiologist’s experience level, and side of insertion. Technical success was defined as procedure completion using only the Sherlock 3CG® TCS without a guidewire or fluoroscopy guidance. In accordance with the North American guidelines, an adequate position was defined as the lower third of the superior vena cava and the cavoatrial junction. Results The technical success rate was 97% (111/114). The malposition rate was 16% (18/111), and four catheters were repositioned. There were no significant differences in the malposition rate between the sexes, radiologist’s level of experience, or side of insertion. Conclusions PICC placement using the Sherlock 3CG® TCS yielded a high technical success rate and low catheter tip malposition rate regardless of the radiologist’s level of experience or side of insertion.
Production of a Polymeric Composite Material Filled with Halogen-Free Flame Retardant
Authors: Yılmaz Melih Can , Ezdeşir Ayhan , Ulutan Sevgi , Tüzüm-Demir A. Pınar 
Published: September 2018

In the present study a composite material to be used in cable industry, which has LDPE/EVA (low density polyethylene/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) polymer blend and alumina trihydrate (ATH) filler, which is a halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR), has been formulated and characterized in terms of its mechanical, rheological and flame retardant properties comparing with the commercial mixtures. Composite blends having 40% polymer component with various PE/EVA ratio and two PE type and 60% ATH were prepared. As the EVA content of composites increased from 26% to 65% the storage modulus increased by 180-220%, viscosity increases by %61-107. Composites containing 65% EVA exhibit similar properties to the commercial one. Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) value was found as 30 for composites containing 26 mass% of EVA, it increased to 32-34 when EVA content increased to 65 mass%.
Industrial Plant Application of Hydrophobic Coating on Tile Surface
Authors: Tunali Ayşe , Selli Neslihan Tamsu 
Published: September 2018

Nowadays, ceramic tile surface properties such as easy to clean surface is highly demanded by the market. In order to design these new easy to clean-hydrophobic surfaces, nanomaterials and/or hybrid materials will be indispensable. At present, these novel materials are hardly used in ceramic tile manufacturing processes. It is therefore necessary to develop a completely new methodology in order to suitably choose, handle, and incorporate these materials into the ceramic tile surface with a view to obtaining the desired properties. The aim of this investigation was the industrialization of application of hydrophobic coating on tile surface by choosing appropriate tools and optimizing process parameters. Airtight mixing and spraying tank was designed to prevent gelation of hydrophobic solution during application. Then tile temperature and amount of solution was optimized. It has been observed that hydrophobic coating provide high contact angle without changing surface appearance of tiles.
Materials Selection Strategy and Surface Treatment of Polymer Composites for Wind Turbine Blades Fabrication
Authors: Bassyouni M. , Gutub Saud. A. 
Published: September 2018

In the present work the optimal materials selection for wind turbine blades using the Cambridge Engineering Selector (CES) program was carried out. Materials indices were derived, based on the mechanical, physical properties and environmental circumstances. Glass and carbon fibre reinforced plastics (epoxy matrix) showed high materials indices based on combined analysis of power and efficiency, fracture toughness, fatigue and thermal stability. Epoxy-glass fibre (EGF) and epoxy-carbon fibre (ECF) composites were manufactured and investigated. Surface of glass and carbon fibre was chemically modified using gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (Silane A1100) coupling agent. The fibre content was varied between 12 to 70% w/w. It is found that the addition of (Silane A1100) as a compatibilizer caused further amelioration of the fibre/matrix bonding resulting in improved mechanical behaviour, which was also, assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties of treated and untreated epoxy composites were illustrated using CES program. Tensile strength of EGF composites was varied based on fibres surface treatment and loadings. Tensile strength of silane treated EGF (70% wt/wt) increased to 1.46 GPa comparing with 1.38 GPa of untreated EGF. The potential and applications of this class of composite materials promise a significant opportunity for improving structural properties of wind turbine blades.
Effect of Process Variables on the Tensile Properties of Fibreglass Nonwoven Composites
Authors: Yousfani Sheraz Hussain Siddique , Gong R.H. , Porat I. 
Published: September 2018

Fibreglass nonwoven composites are a new class of fibre-reinforced composites, and in this work composite samples were manufactured by using nonwoven webs as reinforcement and thermo-setting resin as matrix. The samples were prepared by using a resin infusion technique, and the nonwoven webs were manufactured by a wet-laying method. In this research work, the main purpose was to investigate the effects of different process variables, i.e. dispersion, fibre length and multiple layering, on the tensile properties of these composites. It was found that the tensile strength was improved by better dispersion of fibre strands. Tensile strength and stiffness of the composite samples were also improved by an increase in fibre length and by multiple layering.
Agreement profiles for rebound and applanation tonometry in normal and glaucomatous children
Authors: Esmael Amanne , Ismail Yomna M , Elhusseiny Abdelrahman M , Fayed Alaa E , Elhilali Hala M 
Published: September 2018

Objectives: To investigate agreement between intraocular pressure measurements by the rebound tonometer and handheld Perkins applanation tonometer in children with and without primary congenital glaucoma and test agreement with intraocular pressure and age variations. Materials and methods: A prospective non-interventional comparative study done on 223 eyes of 115 children, 161 normal eyes, and 62 eyes with primary congenital glaucoma. Intraocular pressure measurements were obtained in the upright position by rebound tonometer first, followed by installation of topical anesthetic eye drops (benoxinate), then measured by Perkins applanation tonometer. Results: For all eyes, mean difference between Perkins applanation tonometer and rebound tonometer was −0.59 ± 2.59 mmHg, p = 0.001. Regression analysis with (r) = 0.9, (r2) = 0.79, and p < 0.001. In primary congenital glaucoma: there was a mean difference of −.79 ± 2.82 (p = 0.032), a good correlation with (r) = 0.94, (r2) = 0.87%, and 95% level of agreement: –6.34 to +4.76. In normal eyes: mean difference was −.52 ± 2.5 (p = 0.01), correlation: (r) = 0.8, (r2) = 0.64, and p = 0.001. The 95% level of agreement −5.41 and +4.36 mmHg. In intraocular pressure ⩽ 15 mmHg: mean difference −0.89 ± 2.15 mmHg, 95% level of agreement between −5.1 and +3.32 mmHg, p < 0.001. In intraocular pressure >15 mmHg: mean difference was 0.04 ± 3.28 mmHg, 95% level of agreement −6.38 and +6.46 mmHg, p = 0.914. Conclusion: There is a good correlation between rebound tonometer and Perkins applanation tonometer in children with and without primary congenital glaucoma; however, rebound tonometer overestimates the intraocular pressure, and in intraocular pressure >15 mmHg there is less agreement between the two devices. Hence, in higher intraocular pressure measurement caution should be taken when interpreting rebound tonometer readings, and a confirmatory measurement using Perkins applanation tonometer is advised.
Normative posterior pole asymmetry analysis data in healthy Caucasian population
Authors: Altan Cigdem , Arman Berkay Hasan , Arici Murat , Urdem Ufuk , Solmaz Banu , Pasaoglu Isil , Basarir Berna , Onmez Funda , Taskapili Muhittin 
Published: September 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the variability of central retinal thickness asymmetry in healthy Caucasian adults with the posterior pole asymmetry analysis to serve as a reference. Methods: In total, 404 eyes of 202 subjects who aged between 18 and 80 years, who had no ocular pathology, were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Retinal thickness maps with posterior pole asymmetry analysis mode were taken with the optical coherence tomography (SPECTRALIS SD-OCT; Heidelberg Engineering). Superior and inferior hemifields were divided into five zones resembling to the strategy in Glaucoma Hemifield Test. Mean retinal thickness in each of the five zones was compared with the thickness of the corresponding zone in each eye (paired-samples t-test), and differences in retinal thickness (DRT1–5) and ganglion cell layer thickness between reciprocal locations were measured. Differences in retinal thickness values of two eyes of each subject were also compared (independent-samples t-test). Results: The intra-eye asymmetry was statistically significant in zones 4 and 5. The highest mean intraocular differences in retinal thickness were 5.8 µm (zone 5) in all eyes, 5.8 µm (zone 5) in the right eyes, and 5.9 µm (zones 4 and 5) in the left eyes. The only statistically significant interocular local differences in retinal thickness asymmetries were found in zone 3. The intraocular asymmetry in retinal thickness was found to be the lowest in zone 1. The differences of ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLTs) were not statistically significant. Conclusion: There were statistically significant physiological inter-eye asymmetry in zone 3 and intra-eye asymmetries in zones 4 and 5. These measurements must be considered during screening for glaucoma with posterior pole asymmetry analysis in the Caucasian population.
Effect of Fly Ash as Filler in Rubber – A Comprehensive Study of the Vulcanisate Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Compounds
Authors: Dasgupta Mridul , Kar Saptarshi , Gupta Saikat Das , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit 
Published: September 2018

The effect of fly ash as a filler for an ESBR-based compound was studied in the range 0-80 phr. Characterization of fly ash, as received, revealed the abundance of 200 mesh size particles with an average diameter of 10 μm; composition analysis showed the predominance of silica and alumina. The properties of ESBR compounds filled with fly ash particles of ≤200 mesh were compared with those of clay- and whiting-filled compounds. The cure rate index remained unchanged for fly ash throughout the range of loading studied here; clay showed a lower cure rate, and whiting showed a higher value than fly ash. The 300% modulus values did not show any improvement with increase in fly ash loading, the values being comparable with those for whiting and inferior to those for clay. Fly ash gives the lowest heat build-up and tan delta (at 70°C) values among the three fillers under discussion.
Mechanical Properties of the Composite Material Based on Modified Scrap Tires and Polymer Binder
Authors: Plesuma R. , Megne A. , Mateusa-Krukle I. , Malers L. 
Published: September 2018

The present work focuses on the investigation of the mechanical properties of the composite material composed of preliminary modified rubber crumb and a polymer binder. The modification of rubber crumb was realized by means of treatment with water or sulphuric acid, in order to change the degree of polymer crosslinking or to intensify adhesion interaction between rubber particles and polymer binder. The Shore C hardness, compressive stress at 10% deformation and compression modulus of elasticity, ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break of composite material, in correlation with its composition and adhesion between rubber and polymer binder were investigated. Obtained results show possibility of attaining significant changes in the mechanical properties of composite material by selected rubber crumb treatment methods, in correlation with the composite material composition. This gives additional opportunity for meaningful improvement of composite material production technology.
Significance of Technological Parameters for Selected Mechanical Properties of Composite Material Based on Scrap Tires
Authors: Plesuma R. , Malers L. 
Published: September 2018

The present work is to be considered as additional research to the authors' previous studies. It is dedicated to the specification of the significance and impact of certain selected technological parameters on mechanical properties of the composite material based on scrap tires. The special method what is known as the “Greece-Latin square” was applied to estimate significance of each technological parameter (input parameter) for selected properties (output parameters) of the material. Moulding pressure (P), formation time (x), polymer binder content (Cpol.) and the size of rubber particles (R) were selected as the input parameters. Compressive modulus of elasticity (Ec), compressive stress at 10% deformation (σ10%), permanent deformation after 10% deformation in compressive mode (ε) and apparent density (AD) were chosen as the output parameters. An analysis of the obtained dispersion diagrams confirms that composition of the composite material (polymer content) has a greater impact on selected mechanical properties of the material than any other technological input parameter, but apparent density of the composite material demonstrates higher sensitivity to the formation time and moulding pressure of the material than to other input parameters. The obtained results of the experiment enable further optimization of the composite material production technology and at the same time securing the predictable mechanical properties of the material.
Research on the Application Properties of Tpe/Ommt as Mold Materials
Authors: Junhua Wang , Jiaming Wu , Yuqi Liu , Jincheng Wang 
Published: September 2018

The aim of this work was to select one type of polymer as an alternative to room-temperature-vulcanizated silicone rubber (RTV) which was used in the preparation of rubber molds. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and its organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) filled composites were chosen as candidates. Their structure and properties were researched and compared. The properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, dimensional stability, and thermal stability were studied. The composite with 1 wt% OMMT showed the highest tensile strength and elongation at break, 10.9 MPa and 1313.6%, which was 172.5% and 30.3% higher than that of pure RTV. In addition, this TPE composite exhibited excellent thermal and dimensional stability. At room temperature, the coefficient of linear expansion (COLE) and coefficient of volume expansion (COVE) of the TPE/OMMT-1 wt% was 2.3×10−5 and 7.2×10−4, respectively. This was 87% and 86% lower compared to that of pure RTV, 1.7×10−4 and 5.1×10−3. This dimensional stability was superior to the pure RTV, indicating this composite can be used as an alternative to RTV as mold material to improve the texture fineness of the culture stone. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used in the investigation of the microtopography of the TPE composites. It was revealed that the layered silicates exhibited partial exfoliation with the addition of 1 wt% OMMT in the matrix.
Characterization of the Viscoelastic and Vulcanization Behavior of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites Having Different Levels of Nano Silicate/Black
Authors: Mohammadian-Gezaz Somayyeh , Karrabi Mohammad 
Published: September 2018

The effects of various loadings of nano layered silicate (NS) and black (BK) were investigated on the cure and stress relaxation behavior of natural rubber (NR), for both uncured and cured states. The changes in elastic (S′) and viscous (S″) vulcanization torques were meaningfully different. The drop in S″max (DS″) was larger for NS than BK; and lowered when the amounts of reinforcements increased. As the nano particles concentration increased, peak of S″ happened in shorter time and higher conversion of cure. Relaxation curves were divided into two viscous and elastic regions at short and long times. With increasing nano filler content, elastic (Ae) and viscous (Av) slopes of relaxation increased. Av was bigger than Ae for uncured compounds while after cure the reverse trend was observed. Vulcanized samples had higher Ae, which clearly confirmed different viscoelastic behavior caused by curing. Comparing with BK, NS had more significant effect on the rate of falling of the relaxation modulus, especially after curing. The ratio of drop in relaxation modulus in the viscous zone to the elastic zone (ΔGv/ΔGe) decreased as a function of NS/BK content for uncured samples; and increased with NS and BK level after cure. In both cured and uncured samples, NS was more effective on ΔGv/ΔGe than BK. An interesting correlation was found between viscoelastic parameters obtained from cure and stress relaxation studies.
Type 2 diabetes and heart failure: Characteristics and prognosis in preserved, mid-range and reduced ventricular function
Authors: Johansson Isabelle , Dahlström Ulf , Edner Magnus , Näsman Per , Rydén Lars , Norhammar Anna 
Published: September 2018

Objective: To study the characteristics and prognostic implications of type 2 diabetes in different heart failure entities from a nationwide perspective. Methods: This observational study comprised 30,696 heart failure patients prospectively included in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF) 2003–2011 from specialist care, with mortality information available until December 2014. Patients were categorized into three heart failure entities by their left ventricular ejection fraction (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: ⩾50%, heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction: 40%–49% and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: <40%). All-cause mortality stratified by type 2 diabetes and heart failure entity was studied by Cox regression. Results: Among the patients, 22% had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, 21% had heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction and 57% had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The proportion of type 2 diabetes was similar, ≈25% in each heart failure entity. Patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction were older, more often female and burdened with hypertension and renal impairment compared with heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients among whom ischaemic heart disease was more common. Type 2 diabetes remained an independent mortality predictor across all heart failure entities after multivariable adjustment, somewhat stronger in heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction below 50% (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval; heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: 1.32 [1.22–1.43], heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction: 1.51 [1.39–1.65], heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: 1.46 [1.39–1.54]; p-value for interaction, p = 0.0049). Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes is an independent mortality predictor across all heart failure entities increasing mortality risk by 30%–50%. In type 2 diabetes, the heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction entity resembles heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in clinical characteristics, risk factor pattern and prognosis.