bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flammability characteristics and performance of halogen‐free flame‐retarded polyoxymethylene based on phosphorus–nitrogen synergistic effects
Authors: Sun Shuangyue , He Yadong , Wang Xiaodong , Wu Dezhen 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe flammability characteristics and thermal stability of a novel halogen‐free flame‐retardant compounding system based on polyoxymethylene (POM) were studied, and a very effective flame retarding formulation for POM was developed from a combination of ammonium polyphosphate (APP), melamine cyanurate (MC), novolak, and dipentaerythritol. The decomposition behavior of POM compounds was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The compound shows optimal flame retardancy with a limiting oxygen index of 52.8 and flammability rating of UL94 V‐0, when 27 wt % APP, 9 wt % MC, 4 wt % novolak, and 4 wt % dipentaerythritol are simultaneously incorporated into POM. The presence of novolak and dipentaerythritol as char‐forming agents results in a dense and compact multicellular char residue for the test bar after combustion, while Fourier transform infrared spectra confirm a characteristic phosphorous‐ and carbon‐rich char resulting from the APP/MC formulation. The pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis indicates that highly flammable formaldehyde gas, the main pyrolysis product of POM, is annihilated by amide derivatives produced by the pyrolysis of MC, imparting better flame retardancy. The comprehensive flame‐retardant mechanisms based on phosphorus–nitrogen synergism promote the high flame retardancy of POM to reach the nonflammability of V‐0 rating. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Bamboo fiber reinforced thermosetting resin composites: Effect of graft copolymerization of fiber with methacrylamide
Authors: Kushwaha Pradeep K. , Kumar Rakesh 
Published: May 2010

AbstractEpoxy and polyester resins have been reinforced with methacrylamide (MAA) treated bamboo strip matting to develop bamboo fiber reinforced plastic composites. Bamboo mats were graft copolymerized with 1, 3, and 5% solution of MAA. The mechanical (tensile strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus), thermal, and water absorption properties of the composites were determined. One percent treatment of bamboo with MAA gave optimum results with epoxy resin. The mechanical properties were improved. TGA results reveal that the degradation temperature of the composite has improved after grafting. The weight loss of 1% MAA treated bamboo–epoxy composite reached a value of 95.132% at 795°C compared to 97.655% at 685°C of untreated bamboo–epoxy composite. Water absorption in the composites was studied by long term immersion and 2 h boiling in distilled water. The process of water absorption indicates Fickian mode of diffusion. MAA treatment results in reduced water uptake. There was improvement in the properties of pretreated bamboo‐polyester matrix composite as well. Three percent treatment of bamboo with MAA gave optimum results with polyester resin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
New rheological method to measure diffusion coefficient of volatile liquids: Application to butylmethacrylate in molten polyethylene matrix
Authors: Liotier Pierre‐Jacques , Place Stephanie , Chalamet Yvan , Majesté Jean‐Charles 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA rheological method to assess the diffusion behavior of liquids in molten polymers above their boiling point is presented in this article. The evaporation of the liquid and the evolution of the blends complex modulus are followed by rheological measurement. Identification of the Fick's diffusion coefficient and the rate of evaporation of butylmethacrylate in low density polyethylene is done. The values of the diffusion coefficient are in agreement with those obtained by classical methods. The method developed here appears as complementary to the existent ones. It allows the measurement of diffusion coefficient of liquid/polymer system at high temperatures even for volatiles liquids. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Edge effect in RTM processes under constant pressure injection conditions
Authors: Yang Junying , Jia Yuxi , Ding Yanyu , He Haidong , Shi Tongfei , An Lijia 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn resin transfer molding processes, the edge effect caused by the nonuniformity of permeability between fiber preform and edge channel may disrupt resin flow patterns and often results in the incomplete wetting of fiber preform, the formation of dry spots, and other defects in final composite materials. So a numerical simulation algorithm is developed to analyze the complex mold‐filling process with edge effect. The newly modified governing equations involving the effect of mold cavity thickness on flow patterns and the volume‐averaging momentum equations containing viscous and inertia terms are adopted to describe the fluid flow in the edge area and in the fiber preform, respectively. The volume of fluid (VOF) method is applied to tracking the free interface between the two types of fluids, namely the resin and the air. Under constant pressure injection conditions, the effects of transverse permeability, edge channel width, and mold cavity thickness on flow patterns are analyzed. The results demonstrate that the transverse flow is not only affected by the transverse permeability and the edge channel width but also by the mold cavity thickness. The simulated results are in agreement with the experimental results. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Rheology of lubricating greases modified with reactive NCO‐terminated polymeric additives
Authors: Moreno G. , Franco J. M. , Valencia C. , Gallegos C. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA comprehensive rheological characterization of lithium lubricating greases modified with NCO‐terminated polymers has been performed in this work, with special emphasis on the effect of temperature. With this aim, NCO‐terminated polymers were prepared from several di‐ and tri‐functional polyols and polymeric MDI. Afterwards, the reaction between terminal isocyanate groups and 12‐hydroxystearate lithium soap, used as thickener for lubricating grease formulations, was promoted. Transient and steady‐state viscous flow, rheo‐destruction and stress relaxation tests were performed on the different samples studied. In this sense, the influence that temperature, free NCO content, molecular weight, and functionality of the reactive polymers exert on the rheological response of lubricating greases was analyzed. The most important rheological modification was achieved by using the lowest molecular weight polymer. In general, NCO‐terminated polymers significantly dampen the influence of temperature on the rheological functions of the additive‐free lubricating grease. In some cases, the viscosity and/or viscoelastic functions even increase with temperature, especially in formulations with residual free NCO groups. Several experimental flow problems, such as fracture and sample expelling from the measuring tool, are generally found, more frequently in formulations with high NCO content. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Adsorption of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ag(I) in aqueous solution on hollow chitosan microspheres
Authors: Wang Shan , Yu Demei 
Published: May 2010

AbstractCross‐linked chitosans synthesized by the inverse emulsion cross‐link method were used to investigate adsorption of three metal ions [Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ag(I)] in an aqueous solution. The chitosan microsphere, was characterized by FTIR and SEM, and adsorption of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ag(I) ions onto a cross‐linked chitosan was examined through analysis of pH, agitation time, temperature, and initial concentration of the metal. The order of adsorption capacity for the three metal ions was Cd2+ > Pb2+ > Ag+. This method showed that adsorption of the three metal ions in an aqueous solution followed the monolayer coverage of the adsorbents through physical adsorption phenomena and coordination because the amino (NH2) and/or hydroxy (OH) groups on chitosan chains serve as coordination sites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Feeding through artificial membranes reduces fecundity for females of the blood‐feeding insect, Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Chiang R. Gary , Chiang Jennifer A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe blood‐feeding insect, Rhodnius prolixus, has been raised in the laboratory for close to 100 years. Various feeding techniques have been employed ranging from the use of warm‐blooded hosts, to the use of previously collected blood offered through artificial membranes. This study compared the fecundity in mated and unmated females fed rabbit blood directly from the shaved belly of a rabbit to that of females fed defibrinated rabbit blood through an artificial membrane. These results confirm previous reports that this insect's feeding efficacy is reduced using an artificial membrane. It also demonstrates for the first time that the fecundity index, which measures the efficiency of turning the blood meal into eggs, is significantly reduced. We suggest that the natural feeding on a warm‐blooded host may provide cues that have the short‐term effect of enhancing the act of feeding and the long‐term effect of increasing egg production efficiency. Until an artificial feeding method that does not interfere with feeding and fecundity is devised, experiments on reproduction in R. prolixus warrant the use of a warm‐blooded host to emulate feeding in its natural setting. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Passively acquired anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies are required for congenital heart block following ovodonation but maternal genes are not
Authors: Brucato Antonio , Ramoni Véronique , Penco Silvana , Sala Elena , Buyon Jill , Clancy Robert 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAnti‐SSA/Ro antibodies are necessary but not sufficient to provoke autoimmune‐associated congenital heart block (CHB). Genetic factors are likely contributory. Accordingly, HLA‐related candidates and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of tumor necrosis factor α and codon 10 in transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) were evaluated in a unique family: the surrogate mother (anti‐SSA/Ro positive), the biologic father, and the CHB‐affected child (product of ovodonation). There was an HLA mismatch between the affected child and the surrogate mother. However, both the biologic and the surrogate mothers shared DQ2 and the profibrosing leucine polymorphism at codon 10 of TGFβ. In conclusion, we observed that CHB can develop in a genetically unrelated child exposed in utero to anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies. Testing for anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies might be considered in women undergoing artificial fertilization. It is possible that there is no direct association of maternal genes beyond a contributory role in generating the autoantibody.
Increased friction coefficient and superficial zone protein expression in patients with advanced osteoarthritis
Authors: Neu C. P. , Reddi A. H. , Komvopoulos K. , Schmid T. M. , Di Cesare P. E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify the concentration of superficial zone protein (SZP) in the articular cartilage and synovial fluid of patients with advanced osteoarthritis (OA) and to further correlate the SZP content with the friction coefficient, OA severity, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines.MethodsSamples of articular cartilage and synovial fluid were obtained from patients undergoing elective total knee replacement surgery. Additional normal samples were obtained from donated body program and tissue bank sources. Regional SZP expression in cartilage obtained from the femoral condyles was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and visualized by immunohistochemistry. Friction coefficient measurements of cartilage plugs slid in the boundary lubrication system were obtained. OA severity was graded using histochemical analyses. The concentrations of SZP and proinflammatory cytokines in synovial fluid were determined by ELISA.ResultsA pattern of SZP localization in knee cartilage was identified, with load‐bearing regions exhibiting high SZP expression. SZP expression patterns were correlated with friction coefficient and OA severity; however, SZP expression was observed in all samples at the articular surface, regardless of OA severity. SZP expression and aspirate volume of synovial fluid were higher in OA patients than in normal controls. Expression of cytokines was elevated in the synovial fluid of some patients.ConclusionOur findings indicate a mechanochemical coupling in which physical forces regulate OA severity and joint lubrication. The findings of this study also suggest that SZP may be ineffective in reducing joint friction in the boundary lubrication mode at an advanced stage of OA, where other mechanisms may dominate the observed tribological behavior.
Optimal control of fuel processing system using generalized linear quadratic Gaussian and loop transfer recovery method
Authors: Tsai Huan‐Liang , Lin Jium‐Ming 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis paper proposes an optimal control system that consists of both feedforward and state‐feedback controllers designed using a generalized linear quadratic Gaussian and loop transfer recovery (GLQG/LTR) method for a fuel processing system (FPS). This FPS uses natural gas as fuel and reacts with atmospheric air through a catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) response. The control objective is focused on the regulatory performance of the output vector in response to a desired stack current command in the face of load variation. The proposed method provides another degree of freedom in the optimal control design and gives the compensated system a prescribed degree of stability. Finally, the numerical simulations of compensated FPS reveal that the proposed method displays better performance and robustness properties in both time‐domain and frequency‐domain responses than those obtained by the traditional LQ Method.Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Delay‐dependent robustH2/H∞control for time‐delay systems with polytopic uncertainty
Authors: Sun Man , Jia Yingmin 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this paper, new separated delay‐dependentH∞andH2performance criteria are derived for a class of time‐delay systems. Then they are extended to design a multiobjective robustH2/H∞controller for polytopic uncertain systems with time delay. All the conditions are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Numerical examples are given to illustrate the proposed method.Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Global DNA hypomethylation is associated with NTD‐affected pregnancy: A case‐control study
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Guo Jin , Lei Yunping , Zou Jizhen , Lu Xiaolin , Bao Yihua , Wu Lihua , Wu Jianxin , Zheng Xiaoying , Shen Yiping , Wu Bai‐Lin , Zhang Ting 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Neural tube defects are severe, common birth defects that result from failure of neural tube closure. They are considered to be a multifactorial disorder, and our knowledge of causal mechanisms remains limited. We hypothesized that abnormal DNA methylation occurs in NTD‐affected fetuses. The correlations of global DNA methylation levels with complexity of NTDs and known risk factors of NTDs, MTHFR genotype and fever, were analyzed. METHODS: A hospital‐based case‐control study was performed. Epidemiologic data, pathologic diagnosis, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype analysis were completed. Array comparative genomic hybridization was used to exclude cytogenetic abnormalities. Global DNA methylation statuses were determined for both brain and skin tissue. RESULTS: Sixty‐five NTD‐affected fetuses and 65 normal controls matched for gestational and maternal ages were collected. In brain tissue, global DNA methylation levels were significantly decreased in cases compared with controls (4.12 vs. 4.99%; p < 0.001). DNA hypomethylation (<4.35%) resulted in a significant 5.736‐fold increased risk for NTDs (95% confidence interval, 1.731–19.009; p = 0.004). Nonisolated NTDs had lower levels of global DNA methylation than did isolated NTDs (3.77 vs. 4.70%; p = 0.022). After stratifying subjects by MTHFR genotype, we observed a skewed distribution of global DNA methylation levels. For genotype C/C, global DNA methylation status was the same in the two groups (4.51 vs. 4.72%; p = 0.687). For T/T, cases had significantly lower global methylation levels than did controls (5.23 vs. 3.79%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Global DNA hypomethylation in fetal brain tissue was associated with NTD‐affected pregnancy. DNA methylation levels were correlated with NTD complexity. The MTHFR genotype contributed to global DNA hypomethylation. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome‐scale metabolic model of methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and its use for in silico analysis of heterologous protein production
Authors: Sohn Seung Bum , Graf Alexandra B. , Kim Tae Yong , Gasser Brigitte , Maurer Michael , Ferrer Pau , Mattanovich Diethard , Lee Sang Yup 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris has gained much attention during the last decade as a platform for producing heterologous recombinant proteins of pharmaceutical importance, due to its ability to reproduce post‐translational modification similar to higher eukaryotes. With the recent release of the full genome sequence for P. pastoris, in‐depth study of its functions has become feasible. Here we present the first reconstruction of the genome‐scale metabolic model of the eukaryote P. pastoris type strain DSMZ 70382, PpaMBEL1254, consisting of 1254 metabolic reactions and 1147 metabolites compartmentalized into eight different regions to represent organelles. Additionally, equations describing the production of two heterologous proteins, human serum albumin and human superoxide dismutase, were incorporated. The protein‐producing model versions of PpaMBEL1254 were then analyzed to examine the impact on oxygen limitation on protein production.
Epidemiological study of lower limb amputation in England between 2003 and 2008
Authors: Moxey P W , Hofman D , Hinchliffe R J , Jones K , Thompson M M , Holt P J E 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of lower extremity amputation in England, to establish the associated mortality, and to determine the relationship with diabetes mellitus and previous revascularization.

Methods
Data on all patients who had a lower extremity amputation between 2003 and 2008 were extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Risk adjustment and linear regression were used to compare the data.

Results
The major amputation rate was 5·1 per 100 000 population and did not change over the 5 years. The mortality rate for major leg amputation was 16·8 per cent (21·4 per cent for above-knee and 11·6 per cent for below-knee amputation); this decreased significantly over time (P &lt; 0·001). There was a significant difference in amputation rate, mortality rate and the below-knee : above-knee amputation ratio between different areas of England (P &lt; 0·001). Some 39·4 per cent of patients who underwent major amputation had diabetes mellitus. The odds of revascularization before amputation increased significantly over time (P = 0·035).

Conclusion
Major and minor amputation rates were stable across England between 2003 and 2008, accompanied by a significant reduction in perioperative mortality. There were significant geographical variations in amputation rates, mortality rates and the below-knee : above-knee amputation ratio.
Mucins and CD56 as markers of tumour invasion and prognosis in periampullary cancer
Authors: Aloysius M M , Zaitoun A M , Awad S , Ilyas M , Rowlands B J , Lobo D N 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background
This study investigated the association of mucins and cluster of differentiation (CD) 56 with vascular and perineural invasion and survival in patients with periampullary cancer.

Methods
Immunohistochemical staining was performed on formalin-fixed pancreatic tissue microarrays (cancer, chronic pancreatitis and normal pancreatic tissue) constructed from 126 pancreatic resections (cancer, 104; chronic pancreatitis, 22). Mucin (MUC) 1, MUC4 and MUC5AC expression was quantified using the immunohistochemical score (range 0–300), MUC3 expression was described as membranous or cytoplasmic, and expression of CD56, MUC2 and MUC6 as present or absent.

Results
In cancers, vascular invasion correlated with overexpression (immunohistochemical score of 100 or more) of MUC1 (P = 0·003) and presence of MUC6 (P = 0·024), and perineural invasion correlated with overexpression of MUC5AC (P = 0·015). Reduced survival was observed with overexpression of MUC4 (P = 0·032) and MUC5AC (P = 0·048), membranous expression of MUC3 (P = 0·048), and presence of CD56 (P = 0·041). Perineural invasion also correlated with CD56 expression (P = 0·001). Overexpression of MUC4 and MUC5AC correlated with tumour recurrence (P = 0·001 and P = 0·034 respectively). Multivariable analysis identified membranous expression of MUC3 (P = 0·023), lymphatic invasion (P = 0·015) and perineural invasion (P = 0·004) as independent predictors of poor survival.

Conclusion
Mucins and CD56 may be markers of prognosis in patients with periampullary cancer.
Volume–outcome analysis of colorectal cancer-related outcomes
Authors: Borowski D W , Bradburn D M , Mills S J , Bharathan B , Wilson R G , Ratcliffe A A , Kelly S B 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackgroundSignificant associations between caseload and surgical outcomes highlight the conflict between local cancer care and the need for centralization. This study examined the effect of hospital volume on short-term outcomes and survival, adjusting for the effect of surgeon caseload.MethodsBetween 1998 and 2002, 8219 patients with colorectal cancer were identified in a regional population-based audit. Outcomes were assessed using univariable and multivariable analysis to allow case mix adjustment. Surgeons were categorized as low (26 or fewer operations annually), medium (27–40) or high (more than 40) volume. Hospitals were categorized as low (86 or fewer), medium (87–109) or high (more than 109) volume.ResultsSome 7411 (90·2 per cent) of 8219 patients underwent surgery with an anastomotic leak rate of 2·9 per cent (162 of 5581), perioperative mortality rate of 8·0 per cent (591 of 7411) and 5-year survival rate of 46·8 per cent. Medium- and high-volume surgeons were associated with significantly better operative mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0·74, P = 0·010 and OR 0·66, P = 0·002 respectively) and survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0·88, P = 0·003 and HR 0·93, P = 0·090 respectively) than low-volume surgeons. Rectal cancer survival was significantly better in high-volume versus low-volume hospitals (HR 0·85, P = 0·036), with no difference between medium- and low-volume hospitals (HR 0·96, P = 0·505).ConclusionThis study has confirmed the relevance of minimum volume standards for individual surgeons. Organization of services in high-volume units may improve survival in patients with rectal cancer.
Automatic construction of 3D animatable facial avatars
Authors: Gao Yujian , Zhao Qinping , Hao Aimin , Sezgin T. M. , Dodgson N. A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractRigging for facial animation is an important but time‐consuming task, which generally requires experienced artists with knowledge of facial anatomy. In this paper, we investigate whether it is possible to produce a good animatable avatar automatically, given only a 3D static triangle mesh of the head. An automatic mechanism is devised for constructing multi‐layer animatable facial avatars for unseen faces. We evaluate our technique with a variety of models, and give a quantitative analysis of the constructed results. We also designed and conducted a user study for evaluating the perceived quality of the generated expressive animations. The results demonstrate that our method is an appropriate tool for naïve users to customize their personal 3D avatars. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.