bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wood Sawdust Fibres as a Secondary Filler in Carbon Black Filled NR Vulcanizates
Authors: Sombatsompop N. , Wimolmala C. Kantala and E. 
Published: September 2018

Studies into the properties of polymer-wood composites (PWC) are mostly focused on thermoplastics as the matrix phase and wood flour as a reinforcing phase. This article aims to identify the optimum contents of wood sawdust fibre and silane coupling agent to be introduced into natural rubber (NR) compounded with carbon black (CB). The authors have considered a wide range of composite properties, including cure characteristics, % bound rubber, crosslink density, sorption and desorption behaviour, tensile modulus, elongation at break, tensile and tear strengths, hardness, and morphological properties. The results suggest that the overall mechanical properties of the NR composites improved with increasing CB content, but deteriorated sharply with sawdust content up to 40 phr. Addition of further sawdust was recommended as an economical benefit to industries as the properties of the NR/CB composites remained unchanged with increasing sawdust content above 40 phr sawdust fibre. Addition of N-(βaminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyl-trimethoxy silane coupling agent to the NR vulcanisates, containing 40 phr of wood sawdust fibres and 45 phr carbon black at 0.5-1.0 %wt of wood sawdust, improved the mechanical properties. The explanations for the results given in this paper are unique in that they refer to bound rubber, crosslink density and rubber-filler phase continuity in the composites, and to a change in composite rigidity.
Properties of Aluminum Filled Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Osman A.F. , Mariatti M. 
Published: September 2018

Polymers and metals have a long history of use in diverse applications. Metal filled polymer composites are nothing new, as the first attempt to combine these two classes of materials was made in the earlier years of the 20th century. The composites made by incorporation of powdery metal fillers into thermoplastic polymers combine the advantageous properties of metals and plastics. They offer light weight, resistance to corrosion, rapid fabrication rates and a wide range of moduli etc. In the present study, aluminum filled polypropylene (PP) composites with different filler particle shapes and filler loadings varying from 0% to 55% by volume were prepared. The effect of filler loadings and filler particle shapes on the properties of the composites was identified. The percolation concentrations were between 15% and 30% by volume for flaky aluminium filled PP composites, whereas with spherical aluminium particles the percolation concentrations were between 30% and 45% by volume. A steep decrease in electrical resistivity and a pronounced decrease in tensile strength and elongation at break on addition of the metal filler occurred for all investigated systems. Thermal characterization studies showed that the addition of aluminium reduced the crystallinity of the polypropylene and slightly retarded its thermal degradation. High void levels must be taken into account in evaluating the results.
Bond Properties of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Dowel Bars in Jointed Concrete
Authors: Park Chan-Gi , Jang Chang-Il , Lee Sang-Woo , Won Jong-Pil 
Published: September 2018

Dowel bars installed at the transverse joints of concrete slabs reduce the deflection and stress at the joint edges while transferring the traffic load from one slab to the next. We used draw-out and push-back tests to simulate the movement of a glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) dowel bar installed in a horizontal linear section of a concrete pavement undergoing repeated shrinkage and expansion movements. The tests were carried out on three different sizes and shapes of dowel bar. The pull-out strength was lower in GFRP dowel bars with an elliptical cross section, which would be a better fit as a load transfer device in concrete pavement. Since they do not restrict shrinkage and expansion of concrete pavement and allows free movement, they would prevent destruction of a concrete slab by curling.
Lead-Free Stabilization for Pvc Pipes: The New Alternative
Authors: Hebrard Muriel , Lundquist Eric G. , Cho Jian-Yang 
Published: September 2018

PVC remains the material of choice for the construction industry and pipe producers. However, environmental concern and regulations will lead to the elimination of lead based heat stabilizers over the next five years. This move to lead free stabilizers will cause pipe producers to re-evaluate their stabilizer options as they strive to keep the cost competitiveness of their PVC formulations. Thus, the challenge for stabilizer manufacturers is to propose new lead-free stabilizers for pipes with good performance and attractive costs. Rohm and Haas Company has developed a new stabilization system that is based on a derivative of the mercaptan chemistry which has been used for decades with conventional tin stabilizers. The patented technology includes organic based, heavy metal free compositions that contain blocked thiols, which under vinyl processing conditions, generate highly active stabilizing components. These innovative systems offer wide processing windows, give excellent early color, and can be adjusted to meet the various technical requirements of the pipe market. The stabilizing systems are odor free, and are compatible with all standard stabilizer systems. Additional benefits include reduced cross-linking leading to easier recycling. This new stabilizing systems are non toxic, contain no heavy metals, and are available as stabilizer system additives or as one-packs, offering excellent price/performance ratio. Here we present information detailing the stabilization mechanism and performance attributes (stabilization, rheology, and recycling data) on laboratory and industrial equipment.
Interfacial Optimization of Acetate Taffeta Fabric/PLA Composites
Authors: Kim Byung Sun , Yi Jin Woo , Ha Jong Rok , Kim Seul Ki , Song Jung Il 
Published: September 2018

For the interfacial optimization of Acetate Taffeta Fabric (ATF) with Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), steady-state uniform atmospheric glow discharge (AGD) and Silane treatments were studied, respectively. In AGD, the plasma polymerization time for ATF was varied up to 3 minutes. In silane treatments, three types of silane coupling agents, aminoethylaminopropyl-trimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane and 3-methacryloxypropyltrime-thoxysilane, were used respectively with concentrations ranging from 0 to 5%. Silane coupling agent was chosen since -OH in silane always reacts with -OH in PLA. Also, all three silanes have similar chemical structures with that of Lactic Acid. The sizing on the fabric was with a solution containing PVA, acryl and water at the ratio of 3:1:96. Peel tests were carried out for the surface modified fabrics before and after removing the sizing. Highest peel test results was obtained with 3% silane concentration. Tensile tests were carried out before analyzing the fracture surface of the composites by scanning electron microscope. Compared to raw fabric, plasma and silane treatments have improved the tensile strength at maximum of 30.4 and 27.4%, respectively.
Induction Heating of Thermoplastic Materials by Particulate Heating Promoters
Authors: Bayerl Thomas , Schledjewski Ralf , Mitschang Peter 
Published: September 2018

Induction heating is a fast and selective heating method, which can also be applied to polymeric materials, even though these materials do not offer the required electrical or ferromagnetic properties. To compensate for this deficiency, polymeric matrixes (high density polyethylene and polyamide 6) were compounded with various ferromagnetic and electrically conductive particles. The experimental series included induction heating experiments of compounds with different particle materials and variable filler grades at two distinct frequency levels (430 kHz and 2500 kHz). A mechanical characterization of the compounds was performed to identify the influence of the particles on matrix properties. The heating experiments showed a significant temperature rise of the particle doped materials, when they were exposed to an alternating magnetic field. The temperature rise was observed with plates as well as with pellets. The heating effect was found to be dependent on the frequency and the particle material. The best results were obtained from ferromagnetic particles like iron and magnetite, whereas for example non-ferromagnetic carbon black could only be activated in pellet-shape at high magnetic field strength. To reach the melting temperature of the polymer within a maximum time frame of three minutes, the filler content of specific particles could be as low as 5 wt.%. The mechanical properties of the materials, such as tensile strength and stiffness were influenced only marginally, while the impact strength was reduced by the particles by up to 25%.
Long-term results after primary intraocular lens implantation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated uveitis
Authors: Kulik Urszula , Wiklund Anna , Kugelberg Maria , Lundvall Anna 
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcome after cataract surgery with primary intraocular lens implantation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated uveitis. Methods: The medical records of all 24 children (34 eyes) with chronic juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated uveitis who underwent cataract surgery between 1990 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Primary intraocular lens implantation was performed in all patients. Results: Median age at diagnosis of uveitis in the first eye was 5.3 years (range: 2.7–9.4 years) and median age at the time of cataract surgery in the first eye was 9.7 years (range: 4.1–16.9 years). Postoperative follow-up time ranged from 1 to 23.1 years, with a median of 10.9 years. Best corrected visual acuity at the last follow-up was good (⩾20/40) in 65% of the eyes. Postoperatively, glaucoma developed in 8 eyes (24%), posterior capsular opacification and secondary membrane formation requiring surgery in 15 eyes (44%), macular oedema in 5 eyes (15%) and phthisis in 2 eyes (6%). Conclusion: This study shows a favourable visual outcome in most of the cases. Primary intraocular lens implantation may be considered in juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated uveitis complicated by cataract in patients with well-controlled inflammation.
A 10-Year Retrospective Study of 490 Hip Fracture Patients: Reoperations, Direct Medical Costs, and Survival
Authors: Tiihonen R. , Alaranta R. , Helkamaa T. , Nurmi-Lüthje I. , Kaukonen J.-P. , Lüthje P. 
Published: September 2018

Background and Aims: Reoperations after operative treatment of hip fracture patients may be associated with higher costs and inferior survival. We examined the acute hospital costs, long-term reoperation rates, and survival of patients with a new hip fracture. Materials and Methods: A total of 490 consecutive new hip fracture patients treated at a single center between 31 December 2004 and 6 December 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. Fractures were classified according to Garden and AO. All medical records were checked manually. The costs of reoperations were calculated using the diagnosis-related groups (DRG)-based prices. Survival analysis was performed using the life-table method. The follow-up time was 10 years. Results: In all, 70/490 patients (14.3%) needed reoperations. Of all reoperations, 34.2% were performed during the first month and 72.9% within 1 year after the primary operation. The hemiarthroplasty dislocation rate was 8.5%, and mechanical failures of osteosynthesis occurred in 6.2%. Alcohol abuse was associated with a heightened risk of reoperation. The mean direct costs of primary fracture care were lower than the mean costs of reoperations (€7500 vs €9800). The mortality rate at 10 years was 79.8% among non-reoperated patients and 62.9% among reoperated patients. Conclusions: According to our hypothesis, the cost per patient of reoperation in acute care was 31% higher than the corresponding cost of a primary operation. Reoperations increased the overall immediate costs of index fractures by nearly 20%. One-third of all reoperations were performed during the first month and almost 75% within 1 year after the primary operation.
Preparation and Evaluation of Thermally Depolymerized Natural Rubber in Rubber Compound Formulations
Authors: Cataldo Franco 
Published: September 2018

Natural rubber was depolymerised into a viscous oil by a low temperature pyrolytic process. The preparation process is reported together with a H-NMR and FT-IR characterization of the resulting product. After the thermal degradation, natural rubber substantially retains its 1,4-polyisoprene structure although there are clear evidences about extensive cis-trans isomerization and chain scission phenomena. Liquid natural rubber was tested as plasticizer in two rubber formulations. A natural rubber-based formulation and a natural rubber/styrene-butadiene blend were compounded with depolymerised natural rubber in place of the traditional plasticizer based on aromatic extracts. The cure kinetics, the mechanical and dynamic properties of the compounds were tested and discussed. The performances offered by depolymerised natural rubber as plasticizer were satisfactory in comparison to aromatic oil and surprisingly it was found that the natural rubber oil gives higher hysteresis in comparison to a traditional aromatic extract. The environmental impact of the results of the present study has been emphasised.
Murine pre–B-cell ALL induces T-cell dysfunction not fully reversed by introduction of a chimeric antigen receptor
Authors: Qin Haiying , Ishii Kazusa , Nguyen Sang , Su Paul P. , Burk Chad R. , Kim Bong-Hyun , Duncan Brynn B. , Tarun Samikasha , Shah Nirali N. , Kohler M. Eric , Fry Terry J. 
Published: September 2018

Key Points
Pre–B-cell ALL induces T-cell dysfunction in vivo, mediated in part by a non–T-cell receptor–linked mechanism. Prior exposure of T cells to pre–B-cell ALL in vivo impairs subsequent functionality of CAR-expressing T cells.
First fired, first hired? Business cycles and immigrant labor market transitions
Authors: Xu Huanan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractUsing individual-level Current Population Survey (CPS) data matched across adjacent months from 1996 to 2013, this paper examines immigrant-native differentials in labor market transitions to changes in the business cycle. The paper captures economic fluctuations by measuring deviations in local demand from national economic circumstances and examines monthly transitions among employment, unemployment, and nonparticipation. Immigrants are found to be first fired and first hired over the business cycle, and the aggregate unemployment gap is caused by immigrants’ higher rates in the unemployment entry flow. Although to some extent the gap can be explained by variation in the immigrant-native’s exposure to cycles across industry and occupation, the first fired and first hired pattern still holds. Tests for heterogeneity show that low-skilled immigrants are more vulnerable to the business cycle. Tests of the structural changes from the 2007–2009 Great Recession show that since its start, there was a secular shift in the transition probabilities that would affect all workers negatively, but cyclical volatility was mitigated for immigrants in the post-Great Recession period.JEL Classification:J15, J21, J23, J61, J63, J64
Análise das propostas dos programas de mestrado em enfermagem à luz de Boaventura [Analysis of nursing master’s program proposals in the light of Boaventura] [Análisis de las propuestas del programa de maestría en enfermería a la luz de Boaventura]
Authors: Ferreira Rejane Eleuterio , Tavares Claudia Mara De Melo , Santos Gabriela Silva dos , Kebian Luciana Valadão Alves , Neves Pamela Da Silva 
Published: September 2018

Objetivo: refletir sobre propostas de cursos de mestrado em enfermagem do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, a partir do conceito de paradigma emergente de Boaventura Santos. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo exploratório, baseado na análise documental e interpretado à luz do conceito de paradigma emergente. Foram avaliados sete programas de mestrado em enfermagem, sendo três de mestrado profissional e quatro de mestrado acadêmico, no ano de 2015. Resultados: observou-se nas propostas avaliadas a oportunidade de apresentar o conhecimento como autoconhecimento, uma vez que as produções científicas dos cursos estão voltadas para a prática profissional e aproximam a ciência do senso comum. Conclusão: o paradigma emergente é valorizado nos programas analisados, trazendo contribuições para o desenvolvimento da prática de enfermagem. ABSTRACTObjective: to reflect on the proposals of master’s courses in nursing in Rio de Janeiro State, in view of Boaventura Santos’ emerging paradigm concept. Method: in this exploratory descriptive study, based on documentary analysis and interpreted in light of the emerging paradigm concept, seven master’s programs in nursing were evaluated in 2015, three of them to a professional master’s and four to an academic master’s degree. Results: the proposals were observed to offer the opportunity to present knowledge as self-knowledge, in that the scientific production on the courses focuses on professional practice and approximates science to common sense. Conclusion: the emerging paradigm is valued in the programs examined, which contributes to the development of nursing practice.RESUMENObjetivo: reflexionar sobre propuestas de cursos de maestría en enfermería del Estado de Río de Janeiro, desde el concepto de paradigma emergente de Boaventura Santos. Método: se trata de un estudio descriptivo exploratorio, basado en el análisis documental e interpretado a la luz del concepto de paradigma emergente. Se evaluaron siete programas de maestría en enfermería, siendo tres de maestría profesional y cuatro de maestría académica, en el año 2015. Resultados: se observó en las propuestas evaluadas la oportunidad de presentar el conocimiento como autoconocimiento, una vez que las producciones científicas de los cursos están orientadas hacia la práctica profesional y acercan la ciencia al sentido común. Conclusión: se valora el paradigma emergente en los programas analizados, aportando contribuciones al desarrollo de la práctica de enfermería. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12957/reuerj.2017.18743
Continuous diffusion of oxygen improves diabetic foot ulcer healing when compared with a placebo control: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre study
Authors: Niederauer Mark Q. , Michalek Joel E. , Liu Qianqian , Papas Klearchos K. , Lavery Lawrence A. , Armstrong David G. 
Published: September 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether continuous diffusion of oxygen improves healing in people receiving treatment for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Method: A double-blind, placebo control randomised study to receive either active continuous diffusion of oxygen (CDO) therapy using an active CDO device, or a fully operational placebo device without delivering oxygen. Patients were followed until closure or 12 weeks. Patients, caretakers, treating physicians and independent evaluators were blinded to the study arm. All patients received identical offloading, debridement, dressings and follow-up. Results: We enrolled 146 people with DFUs (77% male, aged 56.3±12.4 years). A significantly higher proportion (195%) of DFUs healed in the CDO arm compared with placebo (32.4% versus 16.7%, p=0.033). The time to 50% DFU closure was significantly shorter in patients that received CDO therapy (mean 18.4 versus 28.9 days, p=0.001). There were no differences in overall adverse events (p=0.66) or ulcer-related adverse events (p=0.30) in the active and placebo treatment groups. The relative performance of active CDO over placebo became greater when used in larger wounds (273%), in more chronic wounds (334%) and in weight bearing wounds (465%). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that CDO leads to higher proportion of healed DFUs (p=0.033) and a faster time to closure compared with placebo in people with DFUs (p=0.015). Relative performance did not vary significantly with wound size (p=0.80), but revealed better relative performance in more chronic wounds (p=0.008) and in weight-bearing wounds (p=0.003).
Managing necrotising fasciitis to reduce mortality and increase limb salvage
Authors: Kim Youn Hwan , Ha Jeong Hyun , Kim Jeong Tae , Kim Sang Wha 
Published: September 2018

Objective:Necrotising fasciitis is a rare soft-tissue infection with a high mortality rate. In this paper we describe our management protocol for necrotising fasciitis, focused on surgical approaches, which increased patients' survival rate.Method:Between March 2009 and December 2014, patients suspected of having necrotising fasciitis (based on laboratory and MRI examinations), underwent management for the infection. A patient suspected of having necrotising fasciitis had surgical exploration performed within eight hours. Patients underwent serial debridement every 24–72 hours until infection had been fully eradicated, after which reconstructive surgery was considered.Results:A total of 34 patients underwent management for necrotising fasciitis, 31 of which had the infection confirmed. From this group, the 18 patients who underwent free flap reconstructive surgery were included in the study, nine of which were female with a mean age of 54.3 (range: 28–77) years. The patients underwent 2–5 repeat debridements (mean: 3.5). Reconstructive procedures were latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap in 11 patients, and latissimus dorsi chimeric flap in six patients; the remaining patient received an latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, an latissimus dorsi perforator flap and an anterolateral thigh flap simultaneously. Patients were discharged from hospital and returned to daily life three weeks after the final procedure. The mean length of follow-up was 34.8 months (range: 12–60 months). All 18 patients survived.Conclusion:With multidisciplinary management, the challenge of necrotising fasciitis can be overcome without risk of mortality risk.
Knee reconstruction using a distally based anterolateral thigh flap: an anatomical cadaveric study
Authors: Jenwitheesuk Kamonwan , Sukprasert Phonnapas , Winaikosol Kengkart , Jantajang Nattapan 
Published: September 2018

Objective: To study the vascular territory of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its anastomosis around the knee and to identify the cutaneous perforator supply to the distally-based or reverse flow anterolateral thigh (dbALT) flap. In particular, the distance of the first perforator branch arising from the knee and above region, as well as the number of branches and position of each perforator, beneficial for effective flap design, are also examined. Method: Fresh cadaveric lower limbs were dissected and the distance of the first perforator branch arising from the knee and above regions, which are vascular supplies for flaps, as well as the number of branches and position of each perforator are described. Results: A total of 54 thigh cadavers had at least two cutaneous perforator branches above the knee 10cm from the superior border of the lateral patella. The mean (± standard deviation) of the first perforator distance was 2.57±0.93cm above the superior-lateral border of the patella. All perforating branches were 4±2cm, 93% were 10±2cm from the superior lateral border of patella, and 100% were at 20±3cm (mid-thigh length) which were the traditional anterolateral thigh flap. Conclusion: The dbALT flap technique resulted in constant and reliable references about perforator sites. Thus, this type of flap is a viable option in patients who present with soft tissue defects around the knee and upper third of the leg.