bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thickness‐Dependent Properties of Relaxor‐PbTiO3 Ferroelectrics for Ultrasonic Transducers
Authors: Lee Hyeong Jae , Zhang Shujun , Luo Jun , Li Fei , Shrout Thomas R. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe electrical properties of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PMN‐PT)‐based polycrystalline ceramics and single crystals were investigated as a function of scale ranging from 500 μm to 30 μm. Fine‐grained PMN‐PT ceramics exhibited comparable dielectric and piezoelectric properties to their coarse‐grained counterpart in the low frequency range (<10 MHz), but offered greater mechanical strength and improved property stability with decreasing thickness, corresponding to higher operating frequencies (>40 MHz). For PMN‐PT single crystals, however, the dielectric and electromechanical properties degraded with decreasing thickness, while ternary Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3‐Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PIN‐PMN‐PT) exhibited minimal size‐dependent behavior. The origin of property degradation of PMN‐PT crystals was further studied by investigating the dielectric permittivity at high temperatures, and domain observations using optical polarized light microscopy. The results demonstrated that the thickness‐dependent properties of relaxor‐PT ferroelectrics are closely related to the domain size with respect to the associated macroscopic scale of the samples.
High Electromechanical Response of Ionic Polymer Actuators with Controlled‐Morphology Aligned Carbon Nanotube/Nafion Nanocomposite Electrodes
Authors: Liu Sheng , Liu Yang , Cebeci Hülya , de Villoria Roberto Guzmán , Lin Jun‐Hong , Wardle Brian L. , Zhang Q. M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractRecent advances in fabricating controlled‐morphology vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA‐CNTs) with ultrahigh volume fraction create unique opportunities for markedly improving the electromechanical performance of ionic polymer conductor network composite (IPCNC) actuators. Continuous paths through inter‐VA‐CNT channels allow fast ion transport, and high electrical conduction of the aligned CNTs in the composite electrodes lead to fast device actuation speed (>10% strain/second). One critical issue in developing advanced actuator materials is how to suppress the strain that does not contribute to the actuation (unwanted strain) thereby reducing actuation efficiency. Here, experiments demonstrate that the VA‐CNTs give an anisotropic elastic response in the composite electrodes, which suppresses the unwanted strain and markedly enhances the actuation strain (>8% strain under 4 V). The results reported here suggest pathways for optimizing the electrode morphology in IPCNCs using ultrahigh volume fraction VA‐CNTs to further enhanced performance.
The release of catanionic mixtures embedded in gels: An approximate analytical analysis
Authors: Frenning Göran , Gråsjö Johan , Hansson Per 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe present an approximate analytical analysis of the release of catanionic mixtures from gels. The starting points are the monomer–mixed micelle equilibrium, described by using regular solution theory, and the one‐dimensional diffusion equation. Focusing on a half‐infinite planar system, we first point out an exact reduction of the problem to a system of ordinary differential equations. By using the pseudo‐steady‐state approximation and the integral‐balance method, we then derive a single nonlinear equation for the mole fraction of drug in micelles at the extraction front. This equation may be readily solved numerically (or graphically), and once the solution is found, all quantities of interest may be determined in closed form. Comparisons with numerical solutions of the fully nonlinear problem indicate that the errors resulting from the approximations typically do not exceed 10 %. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Mass/heat transfer from a neutrally buoyant sphere in simple shear flow at finite Reynolds and Peclet numbers
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhang Jingsheng , Koch Donald L. , Yin Xiaolong 
Published: July 2010

AbstractTheoretical analyses of mass/heat transfer from a neutrally buoyant particle in simple shear flow indicate that mass/heat must diffuse across a region of closed streamlines of finite thickness at zero Reynolds number, whereas spiraling streamlines allow the formation of a thin mass transfer boundary layer at small but non‐zero Reynolds numbers (Subramanian and Koch, Phys Rev Lett. 2006;96:134503; Subramanian and Koch, Phys Fluids. 2006;18: 073302). This article presents the first numerical results for mass/heat transfer at finite Reynolds and Peclet numbers. The simulations indicate that fluid particles in the flow‐gradient plane spiral away from the particle for Reynolds numbers smaller than about 2.5 while they spiral toward the particle for higher Reynolds numbers. Solutions of the Navier‐Stokes equations coupled with a boundary layer analysis of mass transfer yield predictions for the rate of mass transfer at asymptotically large Peclet numbers and Reynolds numbers up to 10. Simulations of mass transfer for zero Reynolds number and finite Peclet numbers confirm Acrivos' (Acrivos, J Fluid Mech. 1971;46:233–240) prediction that the Nusselt number approaches a finite value with increasing Peclet number. Simulations at finite Reynolds numbers and Peclet numbers up to 10,000 confirm the theoretical predictions for the concentration gradient at the particle surface at angular positions away from the flow‐gradient plane. However, the wake near the flow‐gradient plane remains too large at this Peclet number to yield a quantitative agreement of the overall rate of mass transfer with the theory for asymptotically large Peclet number. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Acid‐sensitive magnetic nanoparticles as potential drug depots
Authors: Wuang Shy Chyi , Neoh Koon Gee , Kang En‐Tang , Leckband Deborah E. , Pack Daniel W. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSuperparamagnetic magnetic nanoparticles were successfully functionalized with poly(methacrylic acid) via atom transfer radical polymerization, followed by conjugation to doxorubicin (Dox). Because of pH‐sensitive hydrazone linkages, the rate and extent of Dox release from the particles was higher at a lower pH and/or a higher temperature than at physiological conditions. Appropriate changes to the pH and temperature can increase the drug release from the particles. Because of the released drug, the particles were found to be cytotoxic to human breast cancer cells in vitro. Such magnetic nanoparticles, with the potential to retain drug under physiological conditions and release the drug in conditions where the pH is lower or temperature is higher, may be useful in magnetic drug targeting by reducing the side effects of the drug caused to healthy tissues. In addition, they may serve as hyperthermia agents where the high temperatures used in hyperthermia can trigger further drug release. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Poly(ethylene glycol) in Drug Delivery: Pros and Cons as Well as Potential Alternatives
Authors: Knop Katrin , Hoogenboom Richard , Fischer Dagmar , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPoly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is the most used polymer and also the gold standard for stealth polymers in the emerging field of polymer‐based drug delivery. The properties that account for the overwhelming use of PEG in biomedical applications are outlined in this Review. The first approved PEGylated products have already been on the market for 20 years. A vast amount of clinical experience has since been gained with this polymer—not only benefits, but possible side effects and complications have also been found. The areas that might need consideration and more intensive and careful examination can be divided into the following categories: hypersensitivity, unexpected changes in pharmacokinetic behavior, toxic side products, and an antagonism arising from the easy degradation of the polymer under mechanical stress as a result of its ether structure and its non‐biodegradability, as well as the resulting possible accumulation in the body. These possible side effects will be discussed in this Review and alternative polymers will be evaluated.
Dynamics of air drawing in the melt blowing of nonwovens from isotactic polypropylene by computer modeling
Authors: Jarecki Leszek , Ziabicki Andrzej , Lewandowski Zbigniew , Blim Anna 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe dynamics of stationary air drawing in the melt blowing of nonwovens were determined on the basis of a single‐filament model in a thin‐filament approximation that accounts for polymer viscoelasticity, heat of viscous friction in the polymer bulk, and surface energy. Predetermined distributions of the air velocity and temperature along the melt blowing axis were assumed. Axial profiles of the polymer velocity, temperature, elongation rate, filament diameter, tensile stress, and extrapressure were computed for the melt blowing of isotactic polypropylene. The effects of the air‐jet velocity, die‐to‐collector distance, and polymer molecular weight are discussed. We predicted that the filament attenuation and velocity at the collector located in the air‐drawing zone would increase with increasing die‐to‐collector distance. The air‐drawing zone was shorter for higher air velocities and lower molecular weights. No online crystallization was predicted before the achievement of the collector, and melt bonding of the filament in the web should have occurred during cooling on the collector, accompanied by spherulitic crystallization. Significant online extrapressure in the filament was predicted in the case of supersonic air jets as resulting from polymer viscoelasticity, which could have led to longitudinal splitting of the polymer into subfilaments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Surface photografting: New application for flame retardant finishing of polyamide6.6 (PA6.6) fabric
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Sheng , Yu Lihua , Chen Xiaosui , Li Lingyao , Feng Qingli , Zhu Xinjun 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSurface photografting modification with maleic anhydride (MAn) under UV irradiation in association with a post reaction with triethanolamine has been used to improve the flame retardancy of polyamide6.6 (PA6.6) fabric in this study. The effects of irradiation time and monomer concentration on the fabric surface grafting were investigated. The flame retardancy and thermal decomposition behavior of the samples were characterized by limiting oxygen index test (LOI), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), and the results indicate that flame retardancy of the treated PA6.6 fabric samples has been significantly improved. The chemical structures of the treated samples' surface were characterized by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), and the possible photochemical mechanisms were discussed. It is suggested that this could be the first time to use photografting technology to enhance the flame retardancy of PA6.6 fabric. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Study on effect of filler loading on the flow and swelling behaviors of polypropylene‐kaolin composites using single‐screw extruder
Authors: Rahim N. A. Abdul , Ariff Z. M. , Ariffin A. , Jikan S.S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMelt flow and extrudate swelling behavior of polypropylene‐kaolin (PP‐Kaolin) composites were investigated using a single‐screw extruder. Kaolin was mixed with polypropylene (PP) using a heated two‐roll mill at 185°C and the filler loading were varied from 5 to 30 wt %. Subsequently, flow behavior of the compounded formulations were evaluated through Melt Flow Index (MFI) measurement at various temperatures ranging from 190 to 230°C. The extrudate swelling ratio was also measured by using an image analysis instrument and software. It was proven that the MFI decreased with increasing loading of kaolin for test temperatures of 190 and 200°C. However, for temperatures exceeding 200°C, the MFI value rose slightly at 5 wt % of kaolin content then seemed to reduce as more kaolin was added. This is also detected in rheological measurement where the apparent visosity, ηapp, appear to be lowered at 5 wt % loading of kaolin. Further increase in kaolin loading resulted in increasing value of the composites ηapp. The swelling ratio decrease with increasing filler loading for composites below 20 wt %. However, at 30 wt % of kaolin content, the extrudate swelling ratio increased and noticeable blistered surface texture was observed on the extrudate surface. Furthermore, at this level of filler loading, shrinkage occurence due to the existence thermal gradient between the surface and the inner core of the extrudate caused void formation in the middle section of the extrudate. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Optical and thermal properties of diethyl‐(2R, 3R) (+)‐tartrate based chiral polyurethanes with main chain amido chromophores
Authors: Varkey Elizabeth Chirackal , Sreekumar Krishnapillai 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe toluene diisocyanate based optically active chiral polyurethanes were synthesized according to the symmetry conditions. The noncentrosymmetric (both charge asymmetry and spatial asymmetry) environment were attained by the incorporation of the chiral units (diethyl‐(2R,3R)(+)‐tartrate) and donor‐acceptor building blocks in the main chain which induce a helical conformation in the macromolecular chain. A series of optically active polyurethanes containing chiral linkages in the polymer back bone have been synthesized by using DBTDL catalyst by incorporating the amido diols which were obtained by the aminolysis of ε‐caprolactone by using the diamines, diaminoethane, diaminobutane, and diaminohexane respectively. The effect of incorporation of the chiral molecule diethyl‐(2R,3R)(+)‐tartrate on the properties of polyurethanes was studied by changing the chromophores and also by varying the chiral‐chromophore composition. Various properties of polyurethanes were investigated by UV, Fluorescence, TG/DTA, XRD, polarimetric techniques, Kurtz‐Perry powder techniques, etc. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Chronic Alcohol Consumption Affects Gastrointestinal Motility and Reduces the Proportion of Neuronal NOS‐Immunoreactive Myenteric Neurons in the Murine Jejunum
Authors: Bagyánszki Mária , Krecsmarik Mónika , De Winter Benedicte Y. , De Man Joris G. , Fekete Éva , Pelckmans Paul A. , Adriaensen Dirk , Kroese Alfons B.A. , Nassauw Luc Van , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAlcohol consumption interferes with gastrointestinal transit causing symptoms in alcoholic patients. Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) plays an important role in the control of gastrointestinal motility. Our aim was to investigate whether chronic alcohol intake in a murine model induces gastrointestinal motility disturbances and affects the nitrergic myenteric neurons in the stomach and jejunum. Gastric emptying, small intestinal transit and geometric centre were measured in vivo after intragastric gavage of Evans blue. Nitrergic relaxations to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and exogenous NO were recorded in jejunal muscle strips in vitro. The proportion of nNOS‐immunopositive myenteric neurons was assessed using PGP9.5 and nNOS immunostaining. After chronic alcohol consumption, gastric emptying and small intestinal transit were delayed compared with control mice, and the nitrergic nerve‐mediated relaxations to EFS in the jejunum were decreased, whereas relaxations to exogenous NO did not differ. The proportion of nNOS‐immunoreactive neurons did not change in the stomach, whereas in the jejunum the percentage decreased from 33% to 27% (P < 0.001) after chronic alcohol intake. The total number of myenteric neurons remained unchanged. These results suggest that chronic alcohol consumption disturbs gastric and small intestinal motility in vivo and in vitro and is associated with a decrease in the proportion of nNOS‐immunoreactive myenteric neurons in the murine jejunum. Anat Rec 293:1536–1542, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lymphatic/Blood Endothelial Cell Connections at the Capillary Level in Adult Rat Mesentery
Authors: Robichaux Jennifer L. , Tanno Eleanor , Rappleye Jeff W. , Ceballos Mariana , Stallcup William B. , Schmid‐Schönbein Geert W. , Murfee Walter L. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAnalyses of microvascular networks with traditional tracer filling techniques suggest that the blood and lymphatic systems are distinct without direct communications, yet involvement of common growth factors during angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis suggest that interactions at the capillary level are possible. To investigate the structural basis for lymphatic/blood endothelial cell connections during normal physiological growth, the objective of this study was to characterize the spatial relations between lymphatic and blood capillaries in adult rat mesenteric tissue. Using immunohistochemical methods, adult male Wistar rat mesenteric tissues were labeled with antibodies against PECAM (an endothelial marker) and LYVE‐1, Prox‐1, or Podoplanin (lymphatic endothelial markers) or NG2 (a pericyte marker). Positive PECAM labeling identified apparent lymphatic/blood endothelial cell connections at the capillary level characterized by direct contact or direct alignment with one another. In PECAM labeled networks, a subset of the lymphatic and blood capillary blind ends were connected with each other. Intravital imaging of FITC‐Albumin injected through the femoral vein did not identify lymphatic vessels. At contact sites, lymphatic endothelial markers did not extend along blood capillary segments. However, PECAM positive lymphatic sprouts, structurally similar to blood capillary sprouts, lacked observable lymphatic marker labeling. These observations suggest that nonlumenal lymphatic/blood endothelial cell interactions exist in unstimulated adult microvascular networks and highlight the potential for lymphatic/blood endothelial cell plasticity. Anat Rec 293:1629–1638, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic analysis of the venom from the endoparasitoid waspPteromalus puparum(Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Zhu Jia‐Ying , Fang Qi , Wang Lei , Hu Cui , Ye Gong‐Yin 
Published: July 2010

AbstractParasitoid venom is a complex mixture of active substances with diversified biological functions. Because of its range of activities, venom is an important resource with respect to potential application in agriculture and medicine. Only a limited number of peptides, proteins, and enzymes have been identified and characterized from parasitoid venom. Here we describe a proteomic analysis of the venom from the endoparasitoid waspPteromalus puparum(Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Venom resolved by two‐dimensional electrophoresis yielded 56 protein spots with major proteins in thepI range 4–7 and molecular mass range of 25–66.2 kDa. The amino acid sequences of the proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Several venom proteins such as calreticulin, venom acid phosphatase, serine protease, arginine kinase, serine protease homolog, aminotransferase‐like venom protein, and heat shock protein 70, were identified in silico based on their amino acid sequences. The full‐length cDNAs of calreticulin and arginine kinase were cloned. Calreticulin showed 62% identity with calreticulin in the venom ofCotesia rubecula. Arginine kinase showed a high level of sequence identity (92%) with its counterpart in the venom ofCyphononyx dorsalis. RT‐PCR analysis revealed that the transcript levels ofcalreticulinandarginine kinasewere developmentally changed, suggesting a possible correlation with the oviposition process. This study contributes to our appreciation of a parasitoid wasp venom composition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellular shellization: Surface engineering gives cells an exterior
Authors: Wang Ben , Liu Peng , Tang Ruikang 
Published: July 2010

AbstractUnlike eggs and diatoms, most single cells in nature do not have structured shells to provide extensive protection. It is a challenge to artificially confer shell structures on living cells to improve their inherent properties and functions. We discuss four different types of cellular shellizations: man‐made hydrogels, sol‐gels, polyelectrolytes, and mineral shells. We also explore potential applications, such as cell storage, protection, delivery, and therapy. We suggest that shellization could provide another means to regulate and functionalize cells. Specifically, the integration of living cells and non‐living functional shells may be developed as a novel strategy to create “super” or intelligent cells. Unlike biological approaches, this material‐based bio‐interface regulation is inexpensive, effective, and convenient, opening up a novel avenue for cell‐based technologies and practices.
Form and function of dosage‐compensated chromosomes – a chicken‐and‐egg relationship
Authors: Grimaud Charlotte , Becker Peter B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractDoes the three‐dimensional (3D) conformation of interphase chromosomes merely reflect their function or does it actively contribute to gene regulation? The analysis of sex chromosomes that are subject to chromosome‐wide dosage compensation processes promises new insight into this question. Chromosome conformations are dynamic and largely determined by association of distant chromosomal loci in the nuclear space or by their anchoring to the nuclear envelope, effectively generating chromatin loops. The type and extent of such interactions depend on chromatin‐bound transcription regulators and therefore reflects function. Dosage compensation adjusts the overall transcription activity of X chromosomes to assure balanced expression in the two sexes. Initial analyses of mammalian and Drosophila X chromosomes have led to the hypothesis that their conformations may not only reflect their functional state but may in turn contribute to the coordination of chromosome‐wide tuning of transcription.
Consumer driven corporate environmentalism: Fact or fiction?
Authors: Sandhu Sukhbir , Ozanne Lucie K. , Smallman Clive , Cullen Ross 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe role of consumers in driving organizations to be environmentally responsive is currently contentious. It is, however, important to understand the role that consumers play, because they can be a crucial pull factor for organizations. In this paper, we re‐examine the role of consumers in driving business organizations to be environmentally responsive. Our analysis suggests that, despite the growth and interest in green consumerism, it has not yet matured to the stage where it is viewed by managers as driving corporate environmentalism. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Managing strategic alliances through a community‐enabled balanced scorecard: The case of Merck Ltd, Thailand
Authors: Hansen Erik G. , Sextl Martin , Reichwald Ralf 
Published: July 2010

AbstractCorporations often engage in corporate community involvement (CCI) in order to improve the social and environmental conditions in their local communities. Firms also become involved in strategic alliances with non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) to guarantee that the initiatives are meaningful. At the same time, such alliances strengthen business impacts resulting from employee and customer proximity to CCI, which is defined as the awareness of, perceived credibility of, and active involvement in CCI activities. Though these effects are strategically relevant, strategic alliances for CCI mostly remain separate from corporate strategy. We propose the community‐enabled balanced scorecard (CBSC) as a conceptual framework for integrating both community and business goals in the strategic management of the firm. We use a case study research approach covering qualitative interviews and action research at Merck Ltd, Thailand, a subsidiary of a large German chemical and pharmaceutical corporation, to demonstrate the practicability of the framework. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.