bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of an industrial chemical waste‐water using a granular activated carbon adsorption‐microwave regeneration process
Authors: Liu Qing‐Song , Wang Peng , Zhao Shan‐Shan , Zhang Wei 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Industrial waste‐water is posing an ever‐greater environmental hazard. Recently, a process for purification combining activated carbon adsorption and microwave regeneration has drawn much attention. In this study, the effectiveness of this process for the treatment of industrial waste‐water from a chemical plant was tested.RESULTS: The effects of various factors including solution pH, granular activated carbon (GAC) dosage and contact time on the adsorption efficiency of organic compounds were studied. The regeneration of the exhausted GAC under microwave radiation was investigated, and the optimal conditions were: microwave power 400 W, radiation time 3 min for 10 g GAC. Under the optimal conditions the regenerated GAC recovered 97.6% of its original adsorption capacity. Repetitive uses of the GAC showed that it maintained a stable performance in the first few repetitions, but a decrease was observed after further repetitions. A GAC weight loss of about 10% at the sixth repetition was observed and a decrease in the surface area and increase in the surface basicity were observed for the regenerated GAC. Economic evaluation of the microwave regeneration process suggested that the total cost was about 24.3% of the GAC price at a pilot scale.CONCLUSIONS: A satisfactory regeneration of the chemical waste‐water exhausted GAC could be achieved under microwave radiation. The GAC adsorption‐microwave regeneration process was applicable for the treatment of this chemical waste‐water. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Recyclable plant tannin‐chelated Rh(III) complex catalysts for aqueous–organic biphasic hydrogenation of quinoline
Authors: Mao Hui , Liao Xuepin , Zhang Wenhua , shi Bi 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Synthetic ligands have conventionally been used for the preparation of homogenous Rh complex catalyst but biomass has rarely been utilized for this purpose. In the present investigation, plant tannins (natural polyphenols) were used as water‐soluble ligands for the preparation of homogenous Rh3+ complex catalysts.RESULTS: Based on X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (HNMR) analyses, the preparation mechanism of these complex catalysts was proven to involve chelating interactions between Rh3+ and the adjacent phenolic hydroxyls of plant tannins. As a result, the use of plant tannin promoted aqueous‐organic biphasic interactions and the plant tannin‐chelated Rh3+ complex catalysts exhibited much higher catalytic activity than commercial Rh complex catalysts in the biphasic hydrogenation of quinoline. Furthermore, the plant tannin‐chelated Rh3+ complex can be reused three times without significant loss of catalytic activityCONCLUSION: Our experimental results suggested that black wattle tannin (BWT) can be used as water‐soluble ligands for the preparation of highly active and recyclable Rh3+ complex catalysts. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
An optimization‐oriented green design for methanol plants
Authors: Taghdisian Hosein , Farhadi Fatola , Pishvaie Mahmoud Reza 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: A new design for a methanol plant is proposed in which CO2 addition, as one of the important parameters, is used to optimize the synthesis gas composition. An attempt has been made to assess the environmental features as well as the process operability of the proposed plant, in which the required CO2 is provided from reformer flue gas. As a starting point, simulation of a conventional reference methanol case (RMC) and also the proposed green integrated methanol case (GIMC) are performed to obtain operational and kinetic parameters. In order to compare properly GIMC and RMC, the objective function is defined so that SynGas production, and thereby methanol production, in the GIMC is equal to that of the RMC.RESULTS: In the optimization the optimum values of decision variables are calculated using a genetic algorithm. In the best case, the eco‐efficiency indicators of GIMC would decrease to 330.3 kg CO2 tonne−1 MeOH, which is 15% lower than that of RMC. The environmental damage cost of 2.9 million dollars could also be prevented in GIMC when compared with RMC.CONCLUSION: It was found that the CO2 needed in GIMC could be provided by an environmentally friendly process and that the GIMC is a cleaner process compared with RMC. Furthermore, the proposed GIMC would be capable of reducing CO2 emission while its mitigation potential depends significantly on the type of solvent employed in the GIMC. The results obtained show that environmental damage cost would be important and should be considered in the process design. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Scale‐up of MSC under hypoxic conditions for allogeneic transplantation and enhancing bony regeneration in a rabbit calvarial defect model
Authors: Yew Tu‐Lai , Huang Tung‐Fu , Ma Hsiao‐Li , Hsu Yuan‐Tong , Tsai Chih‐Chien , Chiang Chao‐Ching , Chen Wei‐Ming , Hung Shih‐Chieh 
Published: January 2012

AbstractTo realize the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), we aimed to develop a method for isolating and expanding New Zealand rabbit MSCs in a great scale. Rabbit MSCs expanded under hypoxic and normoxic conditions were compared in terms of replication capacity, differentiation potential, and the capacity for allogeneic transplantation in a calvarial defect model. The cells from all tested rabbits were expanded more rapidly when plated at low‐density under hypoxic conditions compared to under normoxic conditions. Moreover, cells expanded under hypoxic conditions increased in the potential of osteoblastic, adipocytic, and chondrocytic differentiation. More importantly, radiographic analysis and micro‐CT measurement of bone volume revealed the hypoxic cells when transplanted in the calvarial defects of another rabbit increased in the ability to repair bone defect compared to the normoxic cells. Six weeks after allogeneic transplantation of hypoxic MSCs, histological analysis revealed a callus spanned the length of the defect, and several bone tissues spotted in the implant. At 12 weeks, new bone had formed throughout the implant. Using BrdU labeling to track the transplanted cells, the hypoxic cells were more detected in the newly formed bone compared to the normoxic cells. For defects treated with allogeneic MSCs, no adverse host response could be detected at any time‐point. In conclusion, we have developed a robust method for isolation and expansion of rabbit MSCs by combining low‐density with hypoxic culture, which can be applied for the design of clinical trials in allogeneic transplantation of MSCs for bone healing. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1213–1220, 2012
PRISM (Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure): A new method for the assessment of suffering after trauma
Authors: Wittmann Lutz , Schnyder Ulrich , Büchi Stefan 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis pilot study tested the validity of a 1‐item visual assessment method originally developed to evaluate suffering in chronic illness that has been adapted for use with patients who have been exposed to traumatic events. The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) was administered 5 times during the course of a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment outcome study (N = 29). The PRISM scores declined significantly under trauma‐focused psychotherapy and differentiated between participants with and without PTSD diagnoses. Test‐retest reliability over a 6‐month period was high (r = .85). PRISM showed significant correlations with measures of PTSD, depression, and psychopathology symptom load (r = −.38 to r = −.81; convergent validity). At the same time, PRISM was not significantly related to trauma history (discriminant validity). Illustrations of symptom time courses indicated that PRISM was more closely related to trauma‐specific psychopathology than to nontrauma‐specific psychopathology (discriminant validity) and sensitive to change. In summary, PRISM appears to be a valid tool for the assessment of trauma‐related suffering and adds to multimethod approaches in trauma research.
Targeting of Multidrug‐Resistant Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells With Anti‐P‐Glycoprotein Antibody Conjugates
Authors: Fowers Kirk D. , Kopeček Jindřich 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA monoclonal antibody (mAb) to P‐glycoprotein (Pgp), UIC2, is used as a targeting moiety for N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer/drug [(meso chlorin e6 mono(N‐2‐aminoethylamide) (Mce6) or doxorubicin (DOX)] conjugates to investigate their cytotoxicity towards the Pgp‐expressing human ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780/AD. The binding, internalization, and subcellular trafficking of a fluorescein labeled UIC2 targeted HPMA copolymer are studied and show localization to the plasma membrane with limited internalization. The specificity of the UIC2‐targeted HPMA copolymer/drug conjugates are confirmed using the sensitive cell line A2780 that does not express Pgp.magnified image
Numerical Assessment of PE 80 and PE 100 Pipe Lifetime Based on Paris‐Erdogan Equation
Authors: Frank Andreas , Hutař Pavel , Pinter Gerald 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSummary: A novel accelerated fracture mechanics extrapolation procedure based on cyclic test with cracked round bar (CRB) specimens was verified by a correlation of real pipe failure time to simulated failure times at a temperature of 60 °C. The procedure was applied to predict the long‐term failure of modern PE 80 and PE 100 pipes 23 °C. Moreover, the used stress intensity factor concept also allows to consider the impact of arbitrary additional loading situations like soil loads or point loads and to assess pipe lifetime under complex loading situations.
Towards the Antimicrobial Finishing of Poly(isoprene)
Authors: Kienberger Julia , Kreutzwiesner Elisabeth , Noormofidi Nadja , Klarholz Ingo , Harms Carsten , Slugovc Christian 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSummary: Anionically polymerised (poly)isoprene was functionalized with cysteamine applying thiol‐ene click chemistry. Subsequent quaternisation of the primary amino groups gave polymers with antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Eschericchia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Staphylococcus aureus as revealed from tests performed according to the Japanese Industrial Standard Z2801:2000. The novel polymers feature sufficient thermal stability for the compounding with commodity polymers such as poly(propylene) and might be used as a non leaching additive to finish commodity polymers with antimicrobial acitivity.
Simulation of the Long Term Behaviour of Plastics Components
Authors: Stommel M. , Naumann T. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSummary: This paper presents a method to model the mechanical behavior of polymers over a wide time‐ and load‐range by means of finite element analyses. The method includes a material model as well as the determination of material parameters to calibrate the material model. As a special feature of this method the model is calibrated only by using creep data that are commonly available in material data bases. So the procedure improves the simulation of the long time behavior of plastic‐components without an additional experimental effort. In combination with time‐temperature‐superposition principle, the temperature dependency of the long term behavior is represented, too. The simulation results are validated by creep experiments on an example part.
Analytical and Numerical Methods for the Design of Maddock Mixers in Single Screw Plasticizing Technology
Authors: Olbrich Michael , Zitzenbacher Gernot , Hochenauer Christoph , Kneidinger Christian , Lawlor Vincent 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSummary: In single screw plasticizing technology dispersive mixing elements, i.e., axial and spiral Maddock shear heads, are often used to improve the melt quality. Mathematical models are necessary to efficiently design the mixing section. An analytical model for the design of Maddock mixers is presented in this work. In addition, a CFD‐software package is employed to determine the flow and pressure field for different geometries and processing conditions. For the design and process analysis of fluted dispersive mixers the validity and potential of simplified analytical solutions are compared to more versatile and detailed CFD‐simulations.
Preparation and Thermal Characterization of PTFE/PES Nanocomposites
Authors: Antonioli Diego , Laus Michele , Sparnacci Katia , Deregibus Simone , Kapeliouchko Valerj , Poggio Tiziana , Zuccheri Giampaolo , Passeri Rosita , Boarino Luca 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSummary: PTFE/PES composites were prepared by precipitation of Radel A® into a PTFE latex containing nanoparticles with average diameters of 48 nm and spherical shape. Several samples were prepared by varying the relative ratio between the Radel A® and PTFE content. The combination of SEM and AFM analysis indicates that the precipitation of Radel A in the presence of PTFE leads mainly, if not exclusively, to a bimodal mixture of the two homoparticles. The fractionated crystallization behaviour of these samples is revealing of the PTFE dispersion degree within the Radel A® matrix. When the PTFE amount is lower than 2%, a perfect PTFE nanoparticle dispersion is obtained. When the amount of PTFE is comprised between 5 and 30%, larger PTFE clusters are obtained that, after melting, coalesce and crystallize at higher temperatures depending on the crystallization propensity of their individual heterogeneous nuclei. Finally, in case of samples 40%, only one crystallization exotherm is observed at 310 °C indicating the formation of very large clusters that after melting coalesce into wide domains.
Analysis of Molecular and Morphological Effects on Slow Crack Growth in Modern PE Pipe Grades by Cyclic Fracture Mechanics Tests
Authors: Redhead Anita , Pinter Gerald , Frank Andreas 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSummary: Three different polyethylene (PE) pipe grades as well as three different lots of one of the grades were investigated by cyclic tests with cracked round bar (CRB) specimens, concerning resistance to slow crack growth. To enhance the test sensibility and proof its applicability for a quick quality assurance method various molecular and morphological characterizations on compression molded plates were carried out, with special attention on the influence of molecular and morphological differences, as well as lot to lot variations on the resistance to slow crack growth. The cyclic CRB tests allowed a ranking of the different pipe grades and lots with short testing times per material and testing machine, as a function of failure time as well as of crack initiation time with further reduction of testing time of about 50%. Moreover the ranking corresponded to the expectations based on the molecular and morphological properties of the materials, where only minor changes in the molecular mass distribution and the co‐monomer concentration in case of lot to lot variations were proofed reliably.
Effect of the Mixture Composition on Shear and Extensional Rheology of Recycled PET and ABS Nanocomposites
Authors: Kracalik Milan , Laske Stephan , Witschnigg Andreas , Holzer Clemens 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSummary: Recycled PET as well as ABS ‐ organomodified montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared via melt compounding in a counter‐rotating twin screw extruder. The topological changes in polymer matrices as dependency on clay modification have been evaluated from dynamic experiments in the shear flow using low amplitude oscillatory measurements. Flow characteristics of all studied organoclay nanocomposites showed shear‐thinning behavior at low frequencies. Filling of PET with some organoclays led to degradation reactions, which were reflected by lower magnitudes of viscosity and storage modulus in the range of higher frequencies as compared to unfilled polymer matrix. On the contrary, no degradation during the processing of different organoclays with recycled ABS has been observed.
Numerical Simulation of Crack Growth in Polyethylene Composites by Means of the Cohesive Zone Model
Authors: Janko Marian , Ecker Werner , Pinter Gerald , Kolednik Otmar 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSummary: The cohesive zone model is used for the numerical simulation of crack growth in homogeneous specimens made of two different grades of polyethylene (PE) as well as in PE‐bimaterials. The material data and the shapes of the cohesive function are deduced from experimental data by Ivankovic et al., Eng. Fract. Mech. 71, 2004, 657–668 and Ting et al., Polym. Eng. Sci. 46, 2006, 763–777. Fracture toughness parameters are evaluated from the simulated load versus displacement curves. The results show a significant influence of the arrangement of the two PE‐grades in the bimaterial specimens, caused by both the different material properties and the different characteristic parameters of the cohesive function.
Mathematical Modeling of Acid‐Catalyzed 1,3‐Propanediol Polymerization
Authors: Mueller Philipp A. , Rajagopalan Bhuma , Congalidis John P. , Murphy Edward R. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA reaction mechanism for the polymerization of 1,3‐propanediol is proposed for two acid catalysts. Population and mass balance equations are derived for small molecules and for polymeric species of chain distributions distinguishable in terms of protonation state and end group functionality. Since the sulfuric acid catalyzed process has two types of polymer linkages, the derivation of the moment equations is challenging. The reverse reactions are also accounted thus creating a moment closure problem. A mass transfer model is developed to predict reaction mixture water content. The Sanchez‐Lacombe equation of state is used to calculate phase behavior and species partitioning. Optimization of selected parameters is accomplished by comparison to laboratory data resulting in a fully predictive model.magnified image
Does the presence of the palmaris longus tendon influence median nerve function?
Authors: Werner Robert A. , Spiegelberg Teresa 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction: The objective of this study was to determine if the presence or absence of a palmaris longis tendon influenced the function of the median nerve across the wrist. The primary hypothesis was that the presence of a palmaris longus tendon would be associated with more median nerve entrapment at the wrist. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study. Subjects were recruited at a screening of dental professionals. The median and ulnar sensory nerve latencies across the wrist (relative prolongation of the median compared with the ulnar) and the presence or absence of the palmaris longus tendon were the primary outcome measures. Results: A total of 462 subjects were recruited into the study of which 16.2% lacked a palmaris longus tendon. There was no difference in the median nerve function or the percentage with a 0.5 ms prolongation of the median sensory latency when comparing subjects with and without a palmaris longus tendon. Conclusions: The presence of a palmaris longus tendon does not influence the median nerve function across the wrist. Muscle Nerve 45: 895–896, 2012
A practical network coding and routing scheme based on maximum flow combination
Authors: Wu Lianlong , Curran Kevin 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYNetwork coding is a novel field of information theory and coding theory. It is a breakthrough over the traditional store‐and‐forward routing methods by allowing coding of two or more packets together. From an information flow aspect, multiple flows could be overlapped in a routing scheme. Hence the theoretical upper bound of multicast capacity could be achieved by network coding. In this project, a complete routing and coding scheme is constructed to realize the maximum multicast transportation task. In order to implement the scheme, the paths of multiple max‐flows are determined. Edges are divided into overlapped and normal type based on the merged max‐flows. The transmitting data are represented using packets in a specific format. Multicast, forward and coding operations are defined to transmit data at the nodes. The nodes are classified according to the type of operation. A dynamic coding and routing algorithm is proposed to route packets gradually from source node to destinations in topological sorting order by the three operations on the path of merged max‐flows. We show that the use of simple XOR operations can satisfy most of the network topologies. The running time of the algorithm presented here is less than 1 second for most of the benchmark and random datasets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ETHICAL CULTURE AND THE VALUE‐BASED APPROACH TO INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
Authors: Webb Werner Nicholaas 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYIn this article the author proposes that a compliance‐based approach be supplemented by a value‐based approach in attempts to reduce public service malfeasance. The compliance‐based approach per se should not be regarded as the panacea for corruption. It could be argued that such an approach not only reduces malfeasance, but creates additional layers of oversight and reduces public service efficiency and effectiveness. In fact, additional structures and policies could create opportunities for corruption. Conversely, the value‐based approach seeks to promote the ethical culture within a public institution. This research builds on an existing body of literature concerned with the ethical culture of organisations. This author identified the Department of Correctional Services as a case study to determine how the promotion of an ethical culture could enhance the implementation of corruption prevention policies. The author makes use of a survey to collect data. The captured data is analysed and subjected to exploratory factor analysis. A total of 11 factors of ethical culture are provided and the correlation between factors is provided with the Pearson's correlation coefficient. The findings indicate that the promotion of some factors of ethical culture coincides with reduced levels of malfeasance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CONFRONTING CORRUPTION IN THE HEALTH SECTOR IN VIETNAM: PATTERNS AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Vian Taryn , Brinkerhoff Derick W. , Feeley Frank G. , Salomon Matthieu , Vien Nguyen Thi Kieu 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYCorruption in Vietnam is a national concern that could derail health sector goals for equity, access and quality. Yet, there is little research on vulnerabilities to corruption or associated factors at the sectoral level. This article examines current patterns and risks of corruption in Vietnam's health sector and reviews strategies for addressing corruption in the future. The article builds on the findings and discussion at the sixth Anti‐Corruption Dialogue between the Vietnamese government and the international donor community. Development partners, government agencies, Vietnamese and international non‐governmental organisations, media representatives and other stakeholders explored what is known about important problems such as informal payments, procurement corruption and health insurance fraud. The participants proposed corruption‐reduction interventions in the areas of administrative oversight, transparency initiatives and civil society participation and health reforms to change incentives. The analysis assesses the prospects for success of these interventions, given the Vietnamese institutional context, and draws conclusions relevant to addressing health sector corruption in other countries. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.