bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deposition temperature dependence of titanium oxide thin films grown by remote‐plasma atomic layer deposition
Authors: Lee Jaesang , Lee Seung Jae , Han Won Bae , Jeon Heeyoung , Park Jingyu , Jang Woochool , Yoon Chong Seung , Jeon Hyeongtag 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTitanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were deposited by remote‐plasma atomic layer deposition (RPALD). The process window was determined in the range from 150 to 300 °C for atomic layer deposition of TiO2 thin film. The crystal structure and grain size of the TiO2 thin films deposited by RPALD was controlled via the variations of the deposition temperature and post‐deposition thermal annealing. The as‐deposited TiO2 thin film grown at 150 °C was amorphous whereas the TiO2 thin films grown above 200 °C were polycrystalline, consisting of anatase phase. As the deposition temperature increased, the grain size of the anatase phase progressively decreased. Meanwhile, when annealed at 900 °C, the amorphous TiO2 thin film deposited at 150 °C crystallized into anatase structure. The film deposited at 200 °C retained the anatase structure up to 900 °C while incurring minimal grain growth. However, the post‐annealed TiO2 thin films deposited at 250 and 300 °C partially transformed to the rutile structure, resulting in a mixture of anatase and rutile phases. It is speculated that the relatively large grain size of the films deposited below 200 °C likely suppressed the anatase → rutile transformation during annealing as the reduction of total fraction of grains boundaries, which acted as primary nucleation sites for the rutile transition, delayed the anatase → rutile transformation.
Chemical functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes by coating with titanium
Authors: Dettlaff‐Weglikowska Urszula , Koizhaiganova Raushan , Piao Minxing , Kim Do‐Hyun , Kennedy Gary P. , Glanz Carsten , Kolaric Ivica , Roth Siegmar 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the effect of coating multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with titanium using chemical vapor deposition. This coating process was carried out in a quartz tube, which was heated in a tubular furnace at 600 °C with an argon/hydrogen gas flow mixture; argon was bubbled through liquid TiCl4 for 1h. Under these conditions the weight of the MWNTs was found to increase by about 3.5%. Characterization of the chemically treated MWNTs was achieved using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The presence of titanium was confirmed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. The functional properties of the Ti‐coated MWNTs have been proved by the fabrication of aluminium based composites. Significant reinforcement of the extruded composites indicates strong interfacial bonding to the aluminium matrix.
In situ filling of metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes with ferrocene molecules
Authors: Sauer Markus , Shiozawa Hidetsugu , Ayala Paola , Ruiz‐Soria Georgina , Kataura Hiromichi , Yanagi Kazuhiro , Krause Stefan , Pichler Thomas 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe present a stepwise in situ filling of metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a mean diameter of 1.4 nm with metallocenes and a concomitant characterisation of their electronic properties using photoemission spectroscopy (PES) and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) without breaking the ultra‐high vacuum environment. The changes in the SWCNTs' electronic structure upon ferrocene (FeCp2) filling are suggested by a broadening of the C 1s spectral line. Weak n‐type charge transfer from the ferrocene to the SWCNT is evidenced by a reduction of the intensity of the first van Hove singularity (vHs) in the fine structure of the unoccupied density of states as well as an increase in the valency of Fe in the FeCp2 molecule. Additionally, we evidence the presence of clean ferrocene with a resonance photoemission study showing the appearance of electronic states of localised Fe 3d electrons. This gives further insight into the electrical properties of functionalised carbon nanotubes fabricated in a clean environment avoiding inclusion of impurities.
DRIVERS OF RIPARIAN TREE INVASION ON A DESERT STREAM
Authors: Reynolds L. V. , Cooper D. J. , Hobbs N. T. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTUnderstanding mechanisms of exotic species' invasions is essential to managing riparian landscapes throughout the world. In the southwestern USA, the two most dominant invaders of riparian habitats are the exotic tree species tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima, Tamarix chinensis, and their hybrids) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). These plants were introduced around 1900, and their success may be facilitated by river regulation, river channel changes, and precipitation patterns. We hypothesized that riparian invasion in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, was initiated by a change point event such as plantings, dam construction, or channel incision and that establishment near a change point was tied to flood events. We aged tamarisk, Russian olive, and native cottonwood trees from study sites in Canyon de Chelly and used tree ring analysis to determine the year of establishment and the elevation of the germination point relative to the channel. We used Bayesian Poisson regression and information theoretics to identify change points and precipitation variables driving annual tree establishment. We found that most tamarisk and Russian olive trees established in the late 1980s, and most cottonwoods established in 1930‐1950 and 1980‐2000. Regression models indicated that change points occurred in 1983 for Russian olive and 1988 for tamarisk, and precipitation was important for establishment. Although plantings and river regulation probably played a role in tree invasion, our results suggest that these species required precipitation and stream channel change for widespread establishment in Canyon de Chelly. The factors driving riparian invasions may not be those often associated with degraded rivers, such as altered hydrographs and land management changes, thus requiring analyses of the full range of ecological and physical processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold Nanoparticles Downregulate Interleukin‐1β‐Induced Pro‐Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Sumbayev Vadim V. , Yasinska Inna M. , Garcia Cesar Pascual , Gilliland Douglas , Lall Gurprit S. , Gibbs Bernhard F. , Bonsall David R. , Varani Luca , Rossi François , Calzolai Luigi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractInterleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β)‐dependent inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, pose a serious medical burden worldwide, where patients face a lifetime of illness and treatment. Organogold compounds have been used since the 1930s to treat rheumatic and other IL‐1β‐dependent diseases and, though their mechanisms of action are still unclear, there is evidence that gold interferes with the transmission of inflammatory signalling. Here we show for the first time that citrate‐stabilized gold nanoparticles, in a size dependent manner, specifically downregulate cellular responses induced by IL‐1β both in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that the anti‐inflammatory activity of gold nanoparticles is associated with an extracellular interaction with IL‐1β, thus opening potentially novel options for further therapeutic applications.
Crystallization Control in Metallurgical Slags Using the Single Hot Thermocouple Technique
Authors: Klug Jeferson L. , Hagemann René , Heck Nestor C. , Vilela Antônio C. F. , Heller Hans P. , Scheller Piotr R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWith the single hot thermocouple technique (SHTT) the solidification behavior of metallurgical slags has been studied by in situ observation, constructing time–temperature–transformation (TTT) or continuous‐cooling‐transformation (CCT) diagrams. The SHTT is a unique apparatus that enables measurement of the slag sample temperature using a thermocouple while the sample is heated or cooled simultaneously. Due to the low heat capacity of the system sample/thermocouple high heating or cooling rates can be easily obtained (>3000°C/min). The following findings are reported in the present paper: (i) For the CaO–Al2O3 slag – 44% CaO, 56% Al2O3 (wt%) – the CCT diagram shows large differences between liquidus and the temperature for first crystals precipitation, even at low cooling rates, for example, 168°C below the liquidus when cooling at a rate of 6°C min−1. (ii) For the CaO–SiO2 slag – % CaO/% SiO2 (wt%) = 0.7 – no crystal is observed for continuous cooling, even at low cooling rates, such as 10°C min−1. During isothermal experiments crystallization was observed only at 1000°C with an incubation time of 76 s (average of six experiments, standard deviation 27 s). However, crystallization becomes much more intense for the CaO–SiO2 slag when increasing the temperature after reaching lower temperatures (<1000°C), where probably the conditions for nucleation are better.
Effect of Cooling Rates on the Second‐Phase Precipitation and Proeutectoid Phase Transformation of a Nb–Ti Microalloyed Steel Slab
Authors: Ma Fanjun , Wen Guanghua , Wang Wanlin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDuring the continuous casting of low‐carbon Nb–Ti microalloyed steel, control of the slab surface microstructure and the behavior of the second‐phase precipitation are significantly influenced by the cooling rate. Through confocal laser scanning microscopy, the effect of the cooling rate on the behavior of ferrite precipitation both at the grain boundary and within the austenite was observed in situ and analyzed. The relationship between the cooling rate and precipitation of the microalloying elements on the slab surface microstructure was further analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the effect of microalloying element precipitation on proeutectoid ferrite phase transformation is mainly manifested in two aspects: (i) the carbonitrides of microalloying elements act as inoculant particles to promote nucleation of the proeutectoid ferrite and (ii) the carbon near the grain boundary is depleted when the microalloying elements precipitate into carbonitrides, inducing a decrease in the local carbon concentration and promoting ferrite precipitation.
Mathematical Modeling and Exergy Analysis of Blast Furnace Operation With Natural Gas Injection
Authors: Guo Tong‐Lai , Chu Man‐Sheng , Liu Zheng‐Gen , Tang Jue , Yagi Jun‐Ichiro 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBlast furnace operation with natural gas (NG) injection is one of the effective measures to save energy, reduce CO2 emission, and decrease environmental load for iron and steel industry. Numerical simulations on blast furnace operation with NG injection through tuyeres are performed in this paper by raceway mathematical model, multi‐fluid blast furnace model, and exergy analytical model. With increasing NG injection volume, the simulation results are shown as follows: (1) the theoretical flame temperature and bosh gas volume can be constant by decreasing blast volume and increasing oxygen enrichment. (2) The utilization rate of CO enhances while that of H2 decreases. The proportion of H2 in indirect reduction tends to be increased, which accelerates the reduction of burdens. The pressure drop shows that the permeability of blast furnace gets better. The blast furnace productivity is increased from 2.07 to 3.08 t · m−3 · day−1. The silicon content in hot metal is decreased from 0.26% to 0.05%. When BF operation with 125.4 kg · tHM−1 NG injection, coke rate and carbon emission rate are decreased by 27.2% and 32.2%, respectively. (3) The thermodynamic perfection degree is increased from 88.40% to 90.50%, the exergy efficiency is decreased from 51.94% to 49.02% and the chemical exergy of top gas is increased from 4.69 to 6.22 GJ · tHM−1. It is important to strengthen the recycling of top gas.
Numerical Model of Scrap Blending in BOF with Simultaneous Consideration of Steel Quality, Production Cost, and Energy Use
Authors: Wang Chuan , Brämming Mats , Larsson Mikael 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAt its integrated steel plant in Luleå, SSAB EMEA produces high strength steel via two basic oxygen furnaces (BOFs), type LD/LBE. The BOFs are charged with a mix of hot metal, scrap, and slag formers. The scrap has several functions, for example, as coolant to balance excess heat, and it contributes to high steel production rate and decreased CO2 emission. The optimal scrap to hot metal ratio is influenced by several factors, for example, the excess heat generated in the BOF versus target value of tapping temperature, content of contamination elements versus contents allowed in the steel, possible use of alloys in scrap to decrease the need of alloy addition and the scrap price versus the production cost of hot metal. The first two factors also affect the maximum amount of scrap to be charged. Furthermore, the available scrap exists as several types with different composition, properties, size, and price. For most scrap types there are also uncertainties in composition, which has to be considered. An optimization model has been further developed in combination with some statistic analysis techniques. The present work is focusing on the possibility to use the model as a tool to optimize and control raw material/scrap blending into the BOFs. On the basis of the statistical analysis technique, the scrap sorting in the model will be described, as well as development and introduction of an extended BOF sub‐model. This model includes a scrap sorting function and a response on deviations in steel quality. Real production data is used to identify steel quality parameters with consideration of different combination of elements, for example, S, Cr, Ni, and Cu. The possible solutions with simultaneous consideration of steel quality, energy consumption and production cost are presented.
Surface energy of polypropylene/polysulfone compatibilized blends
Authors: Flaris V. , Montero N. , Steinberg C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractVarious surface energy models were applied to environmentally friendly membrane blends composed of polypropylene and polysulfone, with and without the addition of functional polyolefins. The Zisman and van Oss models gave comparable values for these polymer blend systems, and the Owens/Wendt model gave slightly lower values. There was effectively no variability in the surface energy values obtained by using two different processing methods. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Metal‐binding Sites of N‐Acetylneuraminic Acid
Authors: Illi Sarah , Schulten Johanna , Klüfers Peter 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSialic acid represents a group of thirty derivates of neuraminic acid with various substituents at the amino residue and the alcoholic hydroxy groups. We analysed the behaviour of the tetracoordinated metal ions palladium(II) and silicon(IV) against the most important derivative N‐acetylneuraminic acid (NANA). The molecular structures were assigned by a combined 1H, 13C and 29Si NMR‐spectroscopic approach. Despite the presence of many different functional groups, the coordination chemistry of NANA with PdII follows established rules. Coordination via the N‐acetyl‐group – sterically impossible with PdII – was realised with SiIV.
Introducing a New Naphthoxime‐based Ligand into the ­Chemistry of Triangular [Mn3] Complexes
Authors: Hołyńska Małgorzata , Frank Nicolas , Dehnen Stefanie 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA new type of naphthoxime‐based ligand, 1‐(1‐hydroxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)ethanone oxime (naphthsaoH2, 1a), is introduced into the chemistry of manganese(III) complexes. First triangular [Mn3] compound with this ligand is presented: [Mn3O(naphthsao)3(CH3OH)5(CH2ClCOO)] (1). Also preliminary structural studies for [Mn3O(naphthsao)3(CH3OH)5(CH3COO)] (A) and 0.52[Mn3O(naphthsao)3(CH3OH)5(H2O)]·0.48[Mn3O(naphthsao)3(CH3OH)6] (B) are mentioned. Compound 1 was characterized by X‐ray diffraction studies and by a preliminary investigation of the magnetic properties, showing antiferromagnetic coupling of the MnIII ions. Compound 1 displays a supramolecular motif of hydrogen‐bonded chains.
Biased random walk on critical Galton–Watson trees conditioned to survive
Authors: Croydon D. A. , Fribergh A. , Kumagai T. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe consider the biased random walk on a critical Galton–Watson tree conditioned to survive, and confirm that this model with trapping belongs to the same universality class as certain one-dimensional trapping models with slowly-varying tails. Indeed, in each of these two settings, we establish closely-related functional limit theorems involving an extremal process and also demonstrate extremal aging occurs.
Development and characterization of synthetic amphiploid (AABB) between Oryza sativa and Oryza punctata
Authors: Wang Aiyun , Zhang Xianhua , Yang Chunhua , Song Zhaojian , Du Chaoqun , Chen Dongling , He Yuchi , Cai Detian 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOryza punctata, a wild relative of cultivated rice, belongs to the BB genome of Oryza. Interspecific hybrids (CW008, AB) between Oryza sativa (2n = 24 AA) and O. punctata (2n = 24 BB) were obtained using embryo rescue technique. Synthetic allopolyploid (DCW008, AABB) were produced through chromosome doubling by colchicine. Hybrids overcame many wild traits except the shattering and awn. The synthetic amphiploid plants showed obvious superiority in growth and production. Interspecific hybrids CW008 were completely infertile but DCW008 had better seed set after selfing. Genomic in situ hybridization investigations were performed on DCW008. The result indicated that the A genome was closed to the B genome and translocations occurred between some chromosomes of cultivated and wild rice. Meiosis was nearly normal in the amphiploid hybrid but was disrupted in the diploid hybrid, which resulted in different fertility of them.
Effects of additional N on herbaceous species of desertified steppe in arid regions of China: a four‐year field study
Authors: Su Jieqiong , Li Xinrong , Li Xiaojun , Feng Li 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHuman‐induced nitrogen (N) enrichment is impacting the structure and function of grassland ecosystems, although few studies have been conducted in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems under field conditions. Here, a 4‐year multi‐level N addition experiment under ambient precipitation in a typical temperate desert steppe in arid regions of China was designed to evaluate the impact of N enrichment on the herbaceous vegetation community in desert ecosystems. The results showed that species richness declined in response to N addition during all 4 years, while aboveground biomass increased in the relatively wet year (2007) and decreased in the relatively dry years (2008–2010) according to N addition level, as compared to the control. Plant community composition differed among plant functional groups (PFGs) based on added N. Perennial grasses (PG) benefited more compared with annuals and perennial forbs (PF) from N enrichment in terms of biomass production under conditions of high precipitation in 2007. In relatively dry years, biomass production of all PFGs was strictly dependent on inter‐ and intra‐annual precipitation, which led PG to dominate in 2008 (with a dry spring) and PF to dominate in 2009 and 2010. Our results demonstrate that the impact of N enrichment on the herbaceous vegetation community in desert steppes may be strongly dependent on natural precipitation patterns characterized by shifts in plant community composition, particularly in terms of biomass production.
l‐Carnitine and Long‐Chain Acylcarnitines are Positively Correlated with Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Humans: The SABPA Study
Authors: Mels Catharina M. C. , Schutte Aletta E. , Erasmus Elardus , Huisman Hugo W. , Schutte Rudolph , Fourie Carla M. T. , Kruger Ruan , Van Rooyen Johannes M. , Smith Wayne , Malan Nicolaas T. , Malan Leoné 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe prevalence of hypertension in sub‐Saharan Africa is increasing rapidly, and treatment remains challenging. Although the use of l‐carnitine in treatment has received much attention, studies reporting on physiological l‐carnitine levels in hypertensives are limited. Our aim was to determine physiological levels of l‐carnitine and acylcarnitines in African and Caucasian men, and to investigate associations between ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and carnitine levels. Participants included 101 African and 101 Caucasian teachers. Ambulatory BP measurements were conducted, and l‐carnitine and acylcarnitine levels determined. African men showed significantly higher systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001) and l‐carnitine levels (p = 0.01). In both ethnic groups, partial regression analyses revealed a positive association between BP and l‐carnitine, although in Caucasians it was with systolic (r = 0.20, p = 0.045), and in Africans with diastolic BP (r = 0.23, p = 0.023). After adjusting for confounders, an independent positive association between systolic (R2 = 0.37, β = 0.12, p = 0.041) and diastolic BP (R2 = 0.39, β = 0.14, p = 0.018) and l‐carnitine and long‐chain acylcarnitines (R2 = 0.38, β = 0.17, p = 0.005 and R2 = 0.39, β = 0.15, p = 0.011) were found, independent of ethnicity. Physiological l‐carnitine levels were not only higher in Africans than in Caucasians but also above the expected reference range. Despite promising results on l‐carnitine (and its short‐chain derivatives) in hypertension treatment regimens, our findings paradoxically show that elevated BP is significantly associated with higher physiological l‐carnitine and long‐chain acylcarnitine levels.
Performing Screw Fixation for Femoral Neck Fractures under Local Anaesthesia
Authors: Chor-Yat Chung , Sze-Hung Wong 
Published: October 2012

Background Many patients who suffer from hip fractures have multiple medical comorbidities and there are risks when undergoing spinal or general anaesthesia. In fact, screw fixation can be performed under local anaesthesia infiltration for undisplaced femoral neck fracture, thus enabling patients for early mobilisation and rehabilitation. Methods Ten patients had screw fixation performed under local anaesthesia. Parameters including pain tolerability, operation time, time to mobilisation after operation, hospital stay, and surgical outcomes were measured. Results All 10 patients were able to complete the operation under local anaesthesia with minimal pain during the intraoperative period. No extra sedation, any form of intraoperative analgesia, or conversion to other form of anaesthesia was needed. No local wound or implant-related complication was detected in the early postoperative period. An average of 23.1 months (range: 17–28 months) follow-up showed all fractures had healed without any implant-related complications or avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Conclusion Screw fixation can be performed safely under local anaesthesia in selected patients who have high-risk of spinal or general anaesthesia in order to accelerate their rehabilitation.
Deep carbon cycle and geodynamics: the role of the core and carbonatite melts in the lower mantle
Authors: Dobretsov N.L. , Shatskiy A.F. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Carbon, though being abundant in the Solar system, barely exceeds 0.01 wt.% in the silicate mantle, whereas it is ~ 3.6 wt.% in primitive chondritic meteorites that most likely formed our planet. This deficit may be due to redistribution of carbon in the liquid metal phase and then in the core at the stage of magma ocean fractionation, because carbon is much more soluble in Fe–Ni ± S melt than in silicate melts. The terrestrial heat and mass transfer are controlled mainly by layered convection and periodic peaks of plume activity as fast mantle jets that rise from the core. Plumes carry significant amounts of CO2, H2O, and K2O (most probably in the form of carbonatite or hydrous carbonatite melts) released by the degassing core on its interaction with oxidized silicate material. There are two mechanisms that may maintain fast plume ascent: (1) local melting at the plume front as a result of doping with volatiles (H2O, CO2) as in a gas burner (rise rate 60–110 cm/yr) or (2) flow controlled by diffusion transport of silicate components in carbonatite melt (rise rate ~ 100 cm/yr).