bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF FIBER TYPE AND COATING ON THE COMPOSITE PROPERTIES OF EPDM COMPOUNDS REINFORCED WITH SHORT ARAMID FIBERS
Authors: Hintze C. , Shirazi M. , Wiessner S. , Talma A. G. , Heinrich G. , Noordermeer J. W. M. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT
There is a renewed interest in the application of short aramid fibers in elastomers because of the considerable improvement in mechanical and dynamic properties of the corresponding rubber composites. Possible applications of short aramid fiber–reinforced elastomers are tires, dynamically loaded rubber seals, diaphragms, engine mounts, transmission belts, conveyer belts, and hoses. Our studies are related to the investigation of dispersion, length distribution, and the fiber–matrix interaction of two types of short aramid fibers, standard coated and resorcinol formaldehyde latex (RFL) coated, in ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM). Because the detection of the polymer fiber morphology in rubber compounds is hampered in the presence of carbon black, which is typically used in industrial elastomer compounds, fiber length, fiber length distribution, and dispersion are investigated in corresponding carbon black–free model compounds. Optical methods, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile testing are employed to explore the short aramid fiber–reinforced elastomer composites. The effects of morphology and fiber–matrix interaction on the mechanical properties of composites are discussed. Regarding fiber type, it is shown that co-poly-(paraphenylene/3,4′-oxydiphenylene terephthalamide) (PP/ODPTA) fibers end up with a higher final length than does poly(para-phenylene terephtalamide) (PPTA), which results in considerably higher mechanical properties of corresponding rubber compounds. For each fiber type, the higher final length as a result of RFL coating and the interaction with the rubber matrix are the key factors that overcome even the negative effect of poorer dispersion of RFL-coated fibers. The differences between the short aramid fibers and aramid cords regarding the RFL coating are also discussed.
ROLE OF COAGENTS IN PEROXIDE VULCANIZATION OF NATURAL RUBBER
Authors: Rajan Rejitha , Varghese Siby , George K. E. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe drawbacks of peroxide vulcanization can largely be overcome by introducing suitable co-curing agents (coagents) in the formulation. The role of various coagents, such as zinc diacrylate (ZDA), trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA), and triallyl cyanurate (TAC) in the peroxide vulcanization of natural rubber (NR) was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Cross-link density was measured by the equilibrium–swelling technique. Cross-linking mechanism of peroxide in NR was interpreted by comparing the spectra of cured and uncured vulcanizates. The predominance of hydrogen abstraction over the radical addition was established (at 160 °C). Coagent ZDA produces ionic as well as covalent cross-links in the vulcanizate. Ionic cross-links have the ability to slip along the hydrocarbon chains and thus resemble polysulfidic cross-links. Hence, ZDA can be chosen for applications where good mechanical properties are required. Coagent TMPTMA produces covalent cross-links between polymer chains and is suitable for high-modulus applications. TAC, although it bridges through covalent cross-links, is not a suitable coagent for highly unsaturated rubbers like NR.
Robust Portfolio Selection
Authors: Pachamanova Dessislava A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRobust portfolio selection is the process of allocating assets in such a way that the resulting portfolio is less sensitive to errors in the predicted behavior of the assets in the portfolio. Tools from robust and Bayesian statistics, simulation, and stochastic and robust optimization are often used to improve the stability, theoretical properties, and computational tractability of models for portfolio selection.
Introduction to Lévy Processes
Authors: Liu Yunan , Huang Chien‐Chia L. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
As continuous‐time analogs of random walks, Lévy processes form a rich class of stochastic processes, such as Brownian motions, Poisson processes, and Gamma processes. In this introductory note, we provide fundamental results and properties of Lévy processes. We present the two most important theorems: Lévy–Ito decomposition and Lévy–Khintchine formula.
Quality Design, Control, and Improvement
Authors: Mitra Amitava 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A fundamental requirement for the successful operation of a manufacturing or service organization is the embracing of a culture of quality that is pervasive at all levels of the organization. In manufacturing, the phases associated with the making of a quality product start at the design phase. Incorporation of customer needs in product design is fundamental, as are issues associated with a feasible manufacturing process to make the designed product. Monitoring of the production process is dealt with in quality control while improvement of the product and process to meet customer needs is considered in the quality improvement phase, respectively.
Reversibility in Queueing Models
Authors: Miyazawa Masakiyo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn stochastic models for queues and their networks, random events evolve in time. A process for their backward evolution is referred to as atime‐reversed process. If some property is unchanged under time reversal, we may better understand the model. A concept of reversibility is invented for this invariance. Local balance for a stationary Markov chain has been used, but it is still too strong for queueing applications.We are concerned with a continuous‐time Markov chain, but do not assume it has a stationary distribution. We define reversibility in structure as an invariant property of a family of the set of models under a certain operation. Any member of this set is a pair of transition rate functions and its supporting measure, and each set represents dynamics of queueing systems such as arrivals and departures. We use a permutation Γ of the family members to describe the change of the dynamics under time reversal. This reversibility is called Γ‐reversibility in structure.To apply these definitions, we introduce new classes of models, calledreacting systemsandself‐reacting systems. Using them, we give a unified view for queues and their networks. They include symmetric service, batch movements, and state‐dependent routing.
Surfactant‐Free, Lipo‐Polymersomes Stabilized by Iron Oxide Nanoparticles/Polymer Interlayer for Synergistically Targeted and Magnetically Guided Gene Delivery
Authors: Hu Shang‐Hsiu , Hsieh Tsung‐Ying , Chiang Chin‐Sheng , Chen Po‐Jung , Chen You‐Yin , Chiu Tsung‐Lang , Chen San‐Yuan 
Published: July 2013

AbstractGene therapy holds promise to suppress carcinomas but still remains far removed from clinic because of the lack of a safe and effective delivery system. Besides enhancing transfection efficiency, the difficulty in gene therapy is how to deliver sufficient gene molecules to the site of interest. Herein, the rational design of surfactant‐free lipo‐polymersomes (LPPs) to overcome these problems is reported, simultaneously using a lipid‐stabilized double emulsion approach. The LPPs are designed to conceal the cationic lipids and plasmid DNA inside the core along with iron oxide nanoparticles/polymer interlayer and a relatively neutral lipid shell to avoid the undesired interaction during circulation, leading to high accumulation in the tumors of mice. Furthermore, guided by an external magnetic field and the folic acid (FA) that target tumors via folate receptor‐mediated endocytosis on the cell surface, the vectors demonstrate a 30–40‐fold increase in cell uptake. Moreover, this synergistic tumor‐targeted approach can enhance a 10‐fold increase in in vivo transfection efficacy by promoting the delivery of LPPs to cancer cells and facilitating the endosomal escape of gene molecules. The new insights and capabilities represent a major step in nanovector engineering for safe and efficient gene delivery.
Stretchable, Multiplexed pH Sensors With Demonstrations on Rabbit and Human Hearts Undergoing Ischemia
Authors: Chung Hyun‐Joong , Sulkin Matthew S. , Kim Jong‐Seon , Goudeseune Camille , Chao Hsin‐Yun , Song Joseph W. , Yang Sang Yoon , Hsu Yung‐Yu , Ghaffari Roozbeh , Efimov Igor R. , Rogers John A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractStable pH is an established biomarker of health, relevant to all tissues of the body, including the heart. Clinical monitoring of pH in a practical manner, with high spatiotemporal resolution, is particularly difficult in organs such as the heart due to its soft mechanics, curvilinear geometry, heterogeneous surfaces, and continuous, complex rhythmic motion. The results presented here illustrate that advanced strategies in materials assembly and electrochemical growth can yield interconnected arrays of miniaturized IrOx pH sensors encapsulated in thin, low‐modulus elastomers to yield conformal monitoring systems capable of noninvasive measurements on the surface of the beating heart. A thirty channel custom data acquisition system enables spatiotemporal pH mapping with a single potentiostat. In vitro testing reveals super‐Nernstian sensitivity with excellent uniformity (69.9 ± 2.2 mV/pH), linear response to temperature (−1.6 mV °C−1), and minimal influence of extracellular ions (<3.5 mV). Device examples include sensor arrays on balloon catheters and on skin‐like stretchable membranes. Real‐time measurement of pH on the surfaces of explanted rabbit hearts and a donated human heart during protocols of ischemia–reperfusion illustrate some of the capabilities. Envisioned applications range from devices for biological research, to surgical tools and long‐term implants.
A case of Toriello–Carey syndrome with severe congenital tracheal stenosis
Authors: Yokoo Noritaka , Marumo Chieko , Nishida Yoshinobu , Iio Jun , Maeda Shinji , Nonaka Michiko , Maihara Toshiro , Chujoh Satoru , Katayama Tetsuo , Sakazaki Hisanori , Matsumoto Naomichi , Okamoto Nobuhiko 
Published: July 2013

AbstractToriello–Carey syndrome is rare condition characterized by agenesis of the corpus callosum, the Pierre Robin sequence, and facial anomalies such as telecanthus, short palpebral fissures, and a small nose with anteverted nares [Toriello and Carey, 1988]. In addition, tracheal and laryngeal anomalies are common complications in patients with Toriello–Carey syndrome, and these anomalies can lead to death [Kataoka et al., 2003]. Congenital tracheal stenosis is a life‐threatening condition with high mortality. Even if surgery is successful, several serious complications can result in a high risk of mortality. We describe a case of a Japanese boy with Toriello–Carey syndrome who had severe congenital tracheal stenosis, in whom surgical tracheal plasty was avoided because of adequate respiratory care, allowing the patient to be alive at 18 months of age. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Homozygosity for the V37I GJB2 mutation in fifteen probands with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing impairment: Further confirmation of pathogenicity and haplotype analysis in Asian populations
Authors: Gallant Emily , Francey Lauren , Tsai Ellen A. , Berman Micah , Zhao Yaru , Fetting Heather , Kaur Maninder , Deardorff Matthew A. , Wilkens Alisha , Clark Dinah , Hakonarson Hakon , Rehm Heidi L. , Krantz Ian D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHearing impairment affects 1 in 650 newborns, making it the most common congenital sensory impairment. Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing impairment (ARNSHI) comprises 80% of familial hearing impairment cases. Mutations in GJB2 account for a significant number of ARNSHI (and up to 50% of documented recessive (e.g., more than 1 affected sibling) hearing impairment in some populations). Mutations in the GJB2 gene are amongst the most common causes of hearing impairment in populations of various ethnic backgrounds. Two mutations of this gene, 35delG and 167delT, account for the majority of reported mutations in Caucasian populations, especially those of Mediterranean and Ashkenazi Jewish background. The 235delC mutation is most prevalent in East Asian populations. Some mutations are of less well‐characterized significance. The V37I missense mutation, common in Asian populations, was initially described as a polymorphism and later as a potentially pathogenic mutation. We report here on 15 unrelated individuals with ARNSHI and homozygosity for the V37I GJB2 missense mutation. Nine individuals are of Chinese ancestry, two are of unspecified Asian descent, one is of Japanese descent, one individual is of Vietnamese ancestry, one of Philippine background and one of Italian and Cuban/Caucasian background. Homozygosity for the V37I GJB2 mutation may be a more common pathogenic missense mutation in Asian populations, resulting in mild to moderate sensorineural hearing impairment. We report a presumed haplotype block specific to East Asian individuals with the V37I mutation encompassing the GJB2 gene that may account for the high prevalence in East Asian populations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel device for delivery of intranasal particulate medication: a pilot study
Authors: Khalili Sammy , Tkachenko Natalia , Rotenberg Brian 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundIntranasal medication delivery for allergic rhinitis (AR) is considered a mainstay of therapy but is hampered by poor compliance. Among reasons given are unpleasant sensations associated with spray penetration into the pharynx. Our objective was to study a novel method of particle delivery to the nose that would abrogate these issues.MethodsThis was a double‐blind, randomized study. Subjects who met study criteria underwent intranasal particle delivery using a novel device (Trivair Nasal Deposition System; Trimel Pharmaceuticals, Toronto, Canada) that delivered anhydrous lactose particles into the nose via a transoral air puff (thus elevating soft palate and blocking the nasopharynx). Subjects had nostrils randomized into 4 groups (particle sizes 5 μm and 50 μm × doses 12.5 mg and 25 mg). Particle deposition was assessed at 1 minute, 10 minutes, and 30 minutes on the inferior turbinate, middle turbinate, and nasopharynx, respectively, using high‐definition endoscopic photography. Each image was compared using an expert blinded 2‐person panel for percentage particles remaining. Nonparametric data was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test via Strata software.ResultsTwelve nostrils in total met study criteria. The results showed no difference in effectiveness of nasal particle retention between the groups based on particle size or dose. No particles entered the nasopharynx or oropharynx.ConclusionThis study provides proof‐of‐principle data that the Trivair Nasal Deposition System is effective at retaining medication in the nose without pharyngeal penetration. Larger studies on this device are warranted.
Introduction of Fluorine and Fluorine‐Containing Functional Groups
Authors: Liang Theresa , Neumann Constanze N. , Ritter Tobias 
Published: July 2013

AbstractOver the past decade, the most significant, conceptual advances in the field of fluorination were enabled most prominently by organo‐ and transition‐metal catalysis. The most challenging transformation remains the formation of the parent CF bond, primarily as a consequence of the high hydration energy of fluoride, strong metal—fluorine bonds, and highly polarized bonds to fluorine. Most fluorination reactions still lack generality, predictability, and cost‐efficiency. Despite all current limitations, modern fluorination methods have made fluorinated molecules more readily available than ever before and have begun to have an impact on research areas that do not require large amounts of material, such as drug discovery and positron emission tomography. This Review gives a brief summary of conventional fluorination reactions, including those reactions that introduce fluorinated functional groups, and focuses on modern developments in the field.
Time‐series analysis of native and non‐native crayfish dynamics in the Thames River Basin (south‐eastern England)
Authors: Almeida David , Ellis Adam , England Judy , Copp Gordon H. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Monitoring is crucial for the conservation of endangered crayfish species as well as for managing and controlling invasive species. Yet, relatively few studies have assessed relationships between native white‐clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes and non‐native signal Pacifastacus leniusculus, narrow‐clawed Astacus leptodactylus, virile Orconectes virilis and red‐swamp Procambarus clarkii crayfishes in freshwater environments at ecologically relevant spatial and temporal scales.
Thus, the present study examines the distribution dynamics of native and non‐native crayfishes in the River Thames Basin District (16 133 km2, south‐eastern England) over four decades (1971–2010).
To reveal geographical bioinvasion and decline patterns, data on occurrences (sampling site, date) of native white‐clawed and four non‐native crayfishes were used to create sequences of decade maps for each species. Cumulative numbers of occupied grid squares were used to construct ‘invasion/decline’ curves and rates. To quantify dynamic features, the frequencies of survey occurrence for each species were subjected to time‐series analysis, followed by cross‐correlation to determine relationships between crayfishes.
White‐clawed crayfish was initially widespread, but gradually disappeared after the mid‐1970s, coinciding with the introduction and initial dispersal of signal crayfish. During 2001–2010 white‐clawed crayfish numbers declined steeply. Introduced in the mid‐1980s, narrow‐clawed crayfish spread within a few years, but is now restricted to the east of the basin, where virile and red‐swamp crayfishes were reported with low presence since their introductions in 2006. Dynamics of white‐clawed and signal crayfishes showed the opposing trends with a highly significant negative association.
Geographical patterns indicate that non‐native crayfishes were introduced in multiple locations in the study area. Recovery of native crayfish seems unlikely, given the impacts of signal crayfish and the continuing arrival of new crayfish species. This paper demonstrates the utility of using broad temporal and spatial scales for revealing accurate insights on invasion and decline dynamics. Copyright © 2013 Crown copyright.
Surface Tectonics of Nanoporous Networks of Melamine‐Capped Molecular Building Blocks formed through Interface Schiff‐Base Reactions
Authors: Liu Xuan‐He , Wang Dong , Wan Li‐Jun 
Published: July 2013

AbstractControl over the assembly of molecules on a surface is of great importance for the fabrication of molecule‐based miniature devices. Melamine (MA) and molecules with terminal MA units are promising candidates for supramolecular interfacial packing patterning, owing to their multiple hydrogen‐bonding sites. Herein, we report the formation of self‐assembled structures of MA‐capped molecules through a simple on‐surface synthetic route. MA terminal groups were successfully fabricated onto rigid molecular cores with 2‐fold and 3‐fold symmetry through interfacial Schiff‐base reactions between MA and aldehyde groups. Sub‐molecular scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging of the resultant adlayer revealed the formation of nanoporous networks. Detailed structural analysis indicated that strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the MA groups persistently drove the formation of nanoporous networks. Herein, we demonstrate that functional groups with strong hydrogen‐bond‐formation ability are promising building blocks for the guided assembly of nanoporous networks and other hierarchical 2D assemblies.
Design of Fixed Structure Pid Controller for Nonlinear System with Saturation
Authors: Fang Bin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAn approach is presented to design a PID controller for a given plant with saturation. Based on the describing function models of saturation and the method of determining the sets of stabilizing a PID controller for a linear plant with time delay or one that is delay free, the new equivalent inverse Nyquist plots are given for different sinusoidal input amplitudes of saturation. The PID controller parameters are selected from intersecting sets of stabilizing PID parameter regions for different input amplitudes. The controller can effectively mitigate the saturation effect. For an open‐loop unstable plant, a prefilter is added on the reference input. Within the proposed framework, this approach can improve the stability of the system and reduce the degree of saturation. The simulation examples demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach.
Empirical assessment of urban traffic congestion
Authors: Chow Andy H.F. , Santacreu Alex , Tsapakis Ioannis , Tanasaranond Garavig , Cheng Tao 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYThis paper presents an empirical assessment of urban traffic congestion in Central London, UK. Compared with freeways or motorways, urban networks are relatively less studied because of its complexity and availability of required traffic data. This paper introduces the use of automatic number plate recognition technology to analyze the characteristic of urban traffic congestion in Central London. We also present the use of linear regression to diagnose the observed congestion and attribute them to different causes. In particular, we distinguish the observed congestion into two main components: one due to recurrent factors and the other due to nonrecurrent factors. The methodologies are illustrated through a case study of Central London Area. It is found that about 15% of the observed congestion in the region is due to nonrecurrent factors such as accidents, roadwork, special events, and strikes. Given the significance of London, the study will be valuable for transport policy evaluation and appraisal in other global cities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain microdialysate, CSF and plasma pharmacokinetics of ligustrazine hydrochloride in rats after intranasal and intravenous administration
Authors: Wang Qiao , Tang Zhan , Zhang Wanggang 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of ligustrazine hydrochloride (LZH) in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cerebral cortex after intranasal (10 mg/kg) or intravenous administration (10 mg/kg) in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Plasma, CSF and cerebral cortex microdialysates were collected at timed intervals for the measurement of LZH by a quick and sensitive HPLC‐UV method. LZH entered the brain quickly following both routes of administration. No significant difference was observed between the AUCCSF or cortex/AUCplasma ratio of LZH after intranasal administration (38.4%, 17.4%) and that after intravenous injection (45.9%, 19.9%). The drug targeting index (DTI) was 0.85 and 0.91 in the CSF and cortex, respectively. In conclusion, LZH is rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation following intranasal administration. There is no direct pathway for LZH transport from the nasal cavity to the brain. The rapidity and magnitude of LZH penetration into the brain indicate that intranasal administration of this agent is a promising alternative to intravenous administration. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.