bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi Scale Characterization of Stress Corrosion Cracking of Alloy X750
Authors: Fisher Kevin , Teysseyre Sébastien , Marquis Emmanuelle A 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTGrain boundary chemistry in an X750 Ni alloy was analyzed by atom probe tomography in an effort to clarify the possible roles of elemental segregation and carbide presence on the stress corrosion cracking behavior of Ni alloys. Two types of cracks are observed: straight cracks along twin boundaries and wavy cracks at general boundaries. It was found that carbides (M23C6 and TiC) are present at both twin and general boundaries, with comparable B and P segregation for all types of grain boundaries. Twin boundaries intercept γ’ precipitates while the general boundaries wave around the γ’ and carbide precipitates. Near a crack tip, oxidation takes place on the periphery of carbide precipitate.
Multiscale modeling of polymers closely coupled to Broad Q neutron scattering from NIMROD
Authors: Gkourmpis Thomas , Lopez Daniel , Mitchell Geoffrey R. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTWe use data over an extended Q range from 0.01 to 100Å-1 from the recently commissioned NIMROD instrument at the ISIS pulsed neutron source to develop a multi-scale inverse modeling procedure which will provide insight in to the phase transformations of polymer systems. The first level of our procedure is atomistic and we use internal coordinates (bond length, bond angles and torsion angles) to define the polymer chain in full atomistic detail. Values were assigned to each internal coordinate within the chain using a stochastic Monte Carlo method in which the probabilities were drawn from distributions representing the possible range of values. Using this approach, random chain configurations could be rapidly built and the intrachain structure factor calculated utilizing a small set of parameters and compared with the experimental function. Parameters representing the probability distribution functions were systematically varied using a grid search to find the values which gave the best fit to the structure factor for Q > 3Å-1 in order to determine the details of the chain conformation in the molten phase. This process was repeated for data over the same extended Q range obtained at lower temperatures where the polymer was expected to crystallize. Polymers crystallize via chainfolded thin lamellae crystals. Such crystals give rise to an intense peak at Q ∼ 0.03Å-1. This scattering can be calculated using a lamellar stack model, coarse-grained from the single chain structure. We describe this approach using data obtained on the crystallization from the melt phase of perdeuterated polymers. The objective here is to follow the three key length scales; the chain folded lamellar thickness of ∼ 10nm, the crystal unit cell ∼ 1nm and the detail of the chain conformation is ∼ 0.1nm.
Effect of air exposure of MoO3 film underneath thin CuPc layers
Authors: Wang Chenggong , Irfan Irfan , Gao Yongli 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTWehave investigatedthe thickness dependence of air exposure of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) layerson molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) with ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). It was found that after the air exposure, the WF of MoOx dropped severely. Meanwhile, with ∼10 ÅCuPcthin films covered on the top, there is no big change of the MoOx WF before and after the air exposure.
A study on Iodine Release Behavior from Iodine-Immobilizing Cement Solid
Authors: Haruguchi Yoshiko , Higuchi Shinichi , Obata Masamichi , Sakuragi Tomofumi , Takahashi Ryota , Owada Hitoshi 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTAn iodine-immobilizing cement solidification process using calcium aluminate cement with gypsum additive was developed. Powdered cement solid was repeatedly immersed in ion-exchanged water with varying liquid-to-solid ratios (L/S) in accelerated dissolution tests simulating interaction with groundwater at waste disposal sites. The measured concentrations of iodine in the water were on the order of 10−5 to 10−3 mol⋅dm−3 in the entire L/S range. These concentration levels are extremely low compared with those in the case of ordinary Portland cement. Calculations with a solution equilibrium model for the cement immersed in ion-exchanged water showed that the observed iodine release profile versus integrated L/S ratio from the immersion test was explained by a dissolution model of minerals in the cement.
Corrosion and Alteration of Lead Borate Glass in Bentonite Equilibrated Water
Authors: MUKUNOKI Atsushi , CHIBA Tamotsu , KIKUCHI Takahiro , SAKURAGI Tomofumi , OWADA Hitoshi , KOGURE Toshihiro 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe development of an iodine immobilization technique that can fix radioactive iodine in waste form for a long period and constrain its leaching into pore water is necessary in order to secure the long-term safety of geological disposal of transuranic (TRU) waste. Lead borate glass vitrified at a low temperature is regarded as a promising material for immobilizing the Iodine-129 that is recovered from spent AgI filters generated by reprocessing plants in Japan and which may have a significant effect on the long-term safety of geological disposal.Batch leaching tests were conducted to understand glass dissolution behavior in various solutions that account for geological disposal conditions. Boron dissolved at the highest rate in all types of solutions to be used as an index element for measuring the glass dissolution rate. On the other hand, lead dissolved in these solutions at a much lower rate. These results are consistent with an electron micro-probe analysis (EPMA) of the altered glass surfaces that indicated the depletion of boron and enrichment of lead near the surfaces.The altered glass surfaces were further examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM/TEM observation showed formation of a porous altered layer consisting of fine crystallites on the pristine glass and euhedral crystals on the altered layer. XRD analysis indicated that the fine crystallites and euhedral crystals are hydrocerussite, Pb3 (CO3)2(OH) 2, which was predicted by geochemical calculation as the precipitate for the experimental system.
Characterization of Radionuclide Retaining Properties of Backfill Materials for Near Surface Repositories for Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Wastes
Authors: Ostashkina Elizaveta E. , Varlakova Galina A. , Golubeva Zoya I. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe sand of glaciolacustrine origin is offered as a major component of the backfill in repositories for solid or solidified low and intermediate level waste (LILW). Clinoptilolite, hematite, and magnesium oxide are offered as additives for increasing of sorption. In this work was carried investigation of sorption properties of sand, clinoptilolite, hematite and magnesium oxide and mixtures of sand with these mineral additives.
Synthesis of functionalized-thermo responsive-water soluble co-polymer for conjugation to protein for biomedical applications
Authors: Fathi Ali , Wei Hua , Chrzanowski Wojciech , Weiss Anthony S. , Dehghani Fariba 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to develop a thermo-responsive and bioactive polymer with suitable mechanical properties for musculoskeletal tissue engineering applications. A copolymer was synthesized that comprised of hydrophilic polyethylene glycol, thermo responsive N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-poly(lactide) (HEMA-PLA) to enhance mechanical strength and an active N-acryloxysuccinimide (NAS) group for conjugation to proteins to enhance biological properties. A model protein such as elastin was used to assess the feasibility of conjugating this polymer to protein. The results of 1HNMR analyses confirmed that random polymerization was viable technique for synthesis of this copolymer. The co-polymers synthesized with PEG content of 3 mol% were water soluble. A hydrogel was created by dissolving the copolymer and elastin below room temperature in aqueous media, followed by rapid gelation at 37°C. The results of Fourier transform infrared analyses confirmed the conjugation of protein to copolymer due to significant reduction of ester group absorption (1735 cm−1). This data confirmed molecular interaction between protein and the temperature responsive co-polymer. Our preliminary results demonstrated that it is viable to tune different properties of this hydrogel by changing the composition of co-polymer.
Suitability of Bioapatite as Backfill Material for Nuclear Waste Isolation
Authors: Finlay A.J. , Drewicz A.E. , Terry D.O. , Grandstaff D.E. , Ash Richard D. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTBioapatite, found in vertebrate bones and teeth, is highly reactive and may incorporate high concentrations of some radionuclides, including U, Pu, and Sr. Therefore, bioapatite may be useful in backfill or overpack materials in nuclear waste repositories. The dissolution rate for bioapatite is constant at pH > 4 and is about 5 times faster than fluorapatite. In terrestrial environments, bioapatite recrystallizes over periods of up to ca. 40 ka.
Carbonization of Si Surface Using Hot-Filament CVD Equipment and Characterization of the Char Layer
Authors: Haruta Kenichi , Kimura Hideki , Chiba Masafumi 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTTo date, many studies have been carried out to investigate the use of semiconductive diamonds in industrial applications. In these studies, it has been necessary to deposit high-quality crystalline diamond thin films on large-area substrates. Hot-filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) has been a useful method for generating these thin films. While large-area silicon (Si) substrates are easily obtainable and inexpensive and Si is a suitable material for the deposition of diamond thin films, because of the large mismatch of the lattice constants of Si and diamond, it is usually difficult to grow epitaxial diamond films on Si substrates. Therefore, insertion of a buffer layer comprised of a material with a lattice constant between those of Si and diamond is required. Silicon carbide (SiC), which is readily obtained by carbonization of the Si surface, is a candidate material for such a buffer layer. Therefore, in this study, a char layer was formed on a Si surface using HFCVD equipment and analyzed from various perspectives.
Attempted Compensation for Linkage Drag Affecting Agronomic Characteristics of Durum Wheat 1AS/1DL Translocation Lines
Authors: Klindworth Daryl L. , Hareland Gary A. , Elias Elias M. , Xu Steven S. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTYield reduction due to linkage drag is a major problem when introgressing alien chromatin into durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.]. Here we report attempts to compensate for yield losses associated with linkage drag in 1AS·1AL‐1DL translocation lines of durum wheat. Near‐isogenic lines (NILs) were produced by six backcrosses of a translocation stock to cultivars Renville, Rugby, Lebsock, Ben, and Maier. Rugby was found to be composed of two biotypes, with one biotype having high molecular weight (HMW) glutenin subunits 1Bx6+1By8 (Rugby68) and the second biotype having only 1Bx6 (Rugby6), and a set of NILs based on each biotype was produced. Near‐isogenic translocation lines (T‐lines) and nontranslocation lines (N‐lines) were yield tested at five North Dakota locations. Nontranslocation lines did not significantly differ from their parental cultivars for yield, heading date, height, protein content, test weight, or thousand kernel weight (TKW). All T‐lines yielded significantly less than their sibling N‐lines although the Lebsock T‐lines had less linkage drag than other T‐lines. All T‐lines had from 5.9 to 11.3% reduction in TKW. The results indicate that genetic background can partially and possibly completely compensate for linkage drag. But for the 1AS·1AL‐1DL translocation lines, improved yield will be dependent on improving TKW, and this may be best accomplished by further reducing the size of the alien segment
Genotypic Variation for Morphological Traits in a White Clover Mapping Population Evaluated Across Two Environments and Three Years
Authors: Jahufer M. Z. Z. , Dunn A. , Baird I. , Ford J. L. , Griffiths A. G. , Jones C. S. , Woodfield D. R. , Barrett B. A. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTPhenotypic measurements of plants growing in swards are often confounded by a combination of environmental variation and experimental error. Genetic analysis allows plant scientists to decipher genomic regulation control of key traits, informing breeding strategies and enabling marker‐aided breeding. Our research objective was to estimate genotypic variation for a range of key aboveground morphological traits in a white clover (Trifolium repens L.) F1 mapping population evaluated over 3 yr across two contrasting New Zealand environments in mixed sward conditions. Significant (P < 0.05) genotypic variation for internode length, node number, stolon branching, and stolon thickness was observed, both within individual environments and also across environments and years. There was also significant (P < 0.05) genotypic variation within the population for herbage growth within seasons and across years at the Palmerston North site, which was related to the morphological characters. The potential genetic variation was also characterized by repeatability estimated within individual environments and across environments and years. Analysis of progeny performance across years within a site indicated significant (P < 0.05) genotype × year interaction for most of the morphological traits and mean seasonal growth. There was also significant (P < 0.05) genotype × environment × year interaction for some traits. The significant and large genotype × environment interactions emphasized the importance of trials conducted across multiple environments and years in perennials such as white clover. Genotypes with positive correlation between herbage growth and stolon branching, a trait associated with vegetative persistence, were identified. An interesting observation was the range of diverse phenotypes within the population, the result of a simple pair cross between two morphologically and genetically distinct parents. When extended to include a marker analysis, these trait data will provide for a more thorough understanding of the genetic architecture and control of these pivotal economic traits in white clover and their response to change in environment.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Peruvian Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus and A. hybridus) Germplasm using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers
Authors: Jimenez Felix R. , Maughan P. Jeffrey , Alvarez Aquilino , Kietlinski Kiel D. , Smith Scott M. , Pratt Donald B. , Elzinga David B. , Jellen Eric N. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTAmaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.) is an important seed crop in the Andes. It has excellent nutritional value and ample capacity for growth under drought, heat, and soil nutrient deficiency. The objective of this study was to characterize and quantify genetic diversity among a series of 178 mostly Peruvian amaranth individuals genotyped from among 48 accessions using 96 biallelic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in KASPar assays on a 96.96 Fluidigm EP1 platform. The 178 seed genotypes included the predominant white‐opaque (waxy), white‐vitreous (nonwaxy), black, and brown types, all from within the Centro de Investigacion de Cultivos Andinos‐Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco collection. The samples separated into two groups based on the seed color parameter (black, brown, and white‐vitreous versus white‐opaque) with STRUCTURE analysis but did not form distinct genotypic groups based on geographic origin. When analyzed as seed‐color subgroups—black vs. brown vs. white‐vitreous vs. white‐opaque—83.46% of the genetic variation was explained by genetic differences within subgroup. The highest average observed heterozygosity (Ho) within color‐based subgroups was 0.2612 in the vitreous‐seeded subgroup, and within‐group expected heterozygosity (He) was highest in the brown‐seeded subgroup (0.398). Cluster analysis and principal component analysis partitioned the amaranth accessions into two clusters with four distinct subclusters. Analyses also revealed evidence for selection of nonwaxy, vitreous‐seeded amaranth in the Andes.
Minority Shareholders' Control Rights and the Quality of Corporate Decisions in Weak Investor Protection Countries: A Natural Experiment from China
Authors: Chen Zhihong , Ke Bin , Yang Zhifeng 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
Using a 2004 Chinese securities regulation that requires equity offering proposals to obtain the separate approval of voting minority shareholders, we examine whether giving minority shareholders increased control over corporate decisions helps to reduce value-decreasing corporate decisions for firms domiciled in weak investor protection countries. We find that the regulation deters management from submitting value-decreasing equity offering proposals in firms with higher mutual fund ownership. There is also weak evidence that minority shareholders are more likely to veto value-decreasing equity offering proposals in firms with higher mutual fund ownership in the post-regulation period. Overall, our evidence suggests that in weak investor protection countries, the effect of granting minority shareholders increased control over corporate decisions on the quality of corporate decisions depends on the composition of minority shareholders.
JEL Classifications: G32; G34; G38
Asymmetries in Functional Hop Tests, Lower Extremity Kinematics, and Isokinetic Strength Persist 6 to 9 Months Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Xergia Sofia A. , Pappas Evangelos , Zampeli Franceska , Georgiou Spyros , Georgoulis Anastasios D. 
Published: February 2013

Study Design Within-subject and between-subject cross-sectional study. Objectives To investigate symmetry in hop-test performance, strength, and lower extremity kinematics 6 to 9 months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Background Despite the extensive body of literature involving persons following ACLR, no study has comprehensively evaluated measures of strength, lower extremity kinematics, and functional performance of functional hop tests in this population. Methods The subjects were 22 men (mean ± SD age, 28.8 ± 11.2 years) who had ACLR using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft 6 to 9 (7.01 ± 0.93) months previously and 22 healthy male controls (age, 24.8 ± 9.1 years). Participants completed a self-report questionnaire and underwent isokinetic strength testing and functional and kinematic assessment of the single-, triple-, and crossover-hop tests. Two-way analyses of variance were used to test for differences between the ACLR group and the control group, and between the 2 lower extremities of the ACLR group. Results Compared to the control group, the ACLR group had greater isokinetic knee extension torque deficits at all speeds (P≤.001) and greater performance asymmetry for all 3 hop tests (P<.001). Compared to the noninvolved lower extremity, the involved lower extremity of the ACLR group exhibited less ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion in the phases of propulsion (P≤.014) and landing (P≤.032). When compared to the control group, the involved lower extremity exhibited less ankle dorsiflexion in the propulsion phase (P<.001) but higher hip flexion in the landing phase (P = .014). Conclusion Six to 9 months following ACLR, patients continue to demonstrate functional hop and isokinetic knee extension deficits, as well as kinematic differences, during the propulsion and landing phases of the hop tests. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(3):154–162. Epub 14 January 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.3967
Fractionation of Lead and Cadmium in Refuse Dump Soil Treated With Cassava Mill Effluent
Authors: Ndiokwere C. L. 
Published: February 2013

The effect of application of cassava (Manihot esculenta) processing mill effluent (CME) on the chemical fractionation of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in soil obtained from a refuse dump site was assessed in this study. Selected physiochemical properties of the soil and CME were determined while four different amounts of the CME were applied to the soil. The refuse dump soil had average pH of 6.2, while the cation exchange capacity was dominated by calcium. Similarly, the CME had a mean pH of 4.21 and high mean phosphorus concentration of 3160mg/kg. Chemical fractionation of the soil not containing CME showed 58.65 and 7.90mg/kg of Pb and Cd respectively in the carbonate fraction. Following the application of CME, there was redistribution of Pb and Cd in the different fractions. CME contributed to increase Cd amount in the carbonate fraction, while the residual fraction had almost uniform distribution of Cd with the various treatments of CME. However, the result indicated that depending on the applied amount of the CME there was an overall reduction in the concentration of Pb in the different fraction, while there were corresponding increases for Cd amongst the various fractions in the soil.Key words: Chemical fractionation, lead, cadmium, dump soil, cassava mill-effluent, cation exchange.The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:9, Jun.2008 Page: 10-15
The Ecological Problems and Possible Solutions of Beekeeping in Hills and Terai of Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Suroj 
Published: February 2013

A general survey accomplished in hills and terai of Chitwan, Nepal in 2004 with an objective to investigate the ecological problems of bee keeping in chitwan and to recommend solutions for its improvement. The survey identifies predators, parasites, diseases, pesticide poisoning, and bee pasture as the key ecological problems in the Hills. Simultaneously, deforestation and pesticide poisoning are the concerned ecological problems in Terai. A very high majority of beekeepers in hills and more than half in Terai faced colony absconding problem in Chitwan. The general survey realized on the need of a special package of program to over come these problems, which include advanced apicultural research and educational activities for the commercialization of beekeeping and advance level crop pollination management in Nepal. For this a clear-cut beekeeping policy and guideline should be developed andshould be implemented. Key words: ecological, absconding, colony status, productivity, species specificThe Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:9, Jun.2008 Page: 23-33
Rapid thinning of lake-calving Yakutat Glacier and the collapse of the Yakutat Icefield, southeast Alaska, USA
Authors: Trüssel Barbara L. , Motyka Roman J. , Truffer Martin , Larsen Christopher F. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBoth lake-calving Yakutat Glacier (337 km2), Alaska, USA, and its parent icefield (810 km2) are experiencing strong thinning, and under current climate conditions will eventually disappear. Comparison of digital elevation models shows that Yakutat Glacier thinned at area-averaged rates of 4.76 ± 0.06 m w.e.a−1(2000–07) and 3.66 ± 0.03 m w.e.a−1(2007–10). Simultaneously, adjacent Yakutat Icefield land-terminating glaciers thinned at lower but still substantial rates (3.79 and 2.94 m w.e.a−1respectively for the same time periods), indicating lake-calving dynamics helps drive increased mass loss. Yakutat Glacier terminates into Harlequin Lake and for over a decade sustained a ∼3 km long floating tongue, which started to disintegrate into large tabular icebergs in 2010. Such floating tongues are rarely seen on temperate tidewater glaciers. We hypothesize that this difference is likely due to the lack of submarine melting in the case of lake-calving glaciers. Floating-tongue ice losses were evaluated in terms of overall mass balance and contribution to sea-level rise. The post-Little Ice Age collapse of Yakutat Icefield was driven in part by tidewater calving retreats of adjacent glaciers, the lake-calving retreat of Yakutat Glacier, a warming climate and by the positive feedback mechanisms through surface lowering.