bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Initial Conditions of a Prepolymer for a Solid‐State Step‐Growth Polymerization Process
Authors: Ye Yuesheng , Choi Kyu Yong 
Published: August 2010

AbstractA new and simple method is described to estimate the initial properties of a condensation prepolymer for the modeling of an SSP process using BAPC synthesis as a model polymerization system. The proposed method utilizes Flory's theory of chain length distribution for a stoichiometrically unbalanced AA‐BB‐type polycondensation system. The simulation results of a solid‐state polymerization using the prepolymer properties estimated by the proposed method agreed quite well with those obtained by solving a rigorous prepolymerization process model to estimate the prepolymer properties.magnified image
Development of a new method using HILIC‐tandem mass spectrometry for the characterization of O‐sialoglycopeptides from proteolytically digested caseinomacropeptide
Authors: Hernandez‐Hernandez Oswaldo , Lebron‐Aguilar Rosa , Quintanilla‐Lopez Jesus Eduardo , Sanz Maria Luz , Moreno Francisco Javier 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis work addresses the optimization of HILIC (hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography)‐ESI‐MSn conditions for the comprehensive characterization of O‐glycopeptides from proteolytically digested caseinomacropeptide. O‐Glycopeptides were satisfactorily analysed on a zwitterionic HILIC column based on their glycan structure and amino acid sequence. The contribution of ionic interactions to the retention of charged glycopeptides was found to be substantial. Thus, O‐glycopeptides carrying neutral glycans were more retained than O‐sialoglycopeptides because negatively charged sialic acid residues were electrostatically repelled by the stationary phase. In addition, glycopeptides differing only in the position of the linkage of the sialic acid moiety could be separated. The same chromatographic behaviour was observed for model systems constituted by a synthetic tetrapeptide covalently conjugated to neutral and sialylated carbohydrates. Subsequent detection of caseinomacropeptide O‐glycopeptides was carried out on an electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometer at both positive and negative ionization modes. MS2 fragmentation at positive ionization mode was valid for determining the glycan structure as the resulting main fragments corresponded to Yn‐type ions derived from sequential glycosidic bond fragmentation, whilst the fragmentation of the peptide structure was preferably obtained through the formation of bn‐type ions at the MS3 stage, allowing the complete structure elucidation of the peptidic chain. Overall, the developed method allowed the identification and characterization of 41 O‐glycopeptides covering all the known glycosylation sites without any previous enrichment step. These results point out that HILIC coupled to multistage MS procedures can be a powerful technique for future glycoproteomic applications.
Preparation of size‐controlled silver nanoparticles by the hydrothermal method
Authors: Kometani Noritsugu , Teranishi Takeshi 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe have examined the hydrothermal synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the flow‐type reactor system. The reactor was designed to allow for the quick mixing of two kinds of reaction solutions; solution 1 containing silver nitrate and solution 2 containing a reducing reagent along with polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizer, under hydrothermal conditions. It was found that, among the reaction conditions examined, the temperature of about T =300 °C and pressure of P =20∼23 MPa were the optimal condition for the synthesis of fine and uniform Ag nanoparticles. The flow rate of solutions fed into the reactor also had a significant influence on the size distribution of obtained Ag nanoparticles. The flow rate higher than 10 cm3min–1 was favourable for the synthesis of uniform nanoparticles because of the effective mixing of solutions. To facilitate the mixing of solutions, an orifice having 0.5 or 1.0 mm pinhole at the center was installed inside the reactor. It was confirmed that the use of orifice is of great benefit for the synthesis of fine Ag nanoparticles with a narrow size‐distribution. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their stabilization in different sol‐gel matrices: Optical and structural characterization
Authors: Saraidarov Tsiala , Levchenko Viktoria , Reisfeld Renata 
Published: August 2010

AbstractDifferent size of silver nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized, stabilized in colloidal solutions and added to various sol‐gel precursors for glassy materials. Optical and structural characteristics of the NPs were compared to the silver NPs obtained in situ in organically modified siloxanes (ormosils). Sizes of NPs were controlled by pH of the precursors and estimated from measured absorption spectra and SEM. The reaction conditions of synthesis of the NPs were determined for each ormocer matrix to obtain stabilized sol‐gel composite structure for different applications (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanoparticle heterocoalescence induced by deposition
Authors: Jiménez‐Sáez J. C. , Ettaoussi M. S. , Pérez‐Martín A. M. C. , Kerkeb M. L. , Jiménez‐Rodríguez J. J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCoalescence induced by collision between a projectile Cu cluster and an epitaxial Co cluster supported on a Cu (001) substrate is studied by constant‐temperature molecular dynamics simulations. Results are compared with Co‐Co and Cu‐Cu coalescences. The degree of epitaxy of the Cu cluster decreases with the impact parameter and is related to the evolution of temperature with time in both clusters after the collision, especially, with the maximum. Firstly, the type of material, and secondly, the initial structure of the projectile cluster, icosahedral or cuboctahedral, determine the evolution of grains and their boundaries, and therefore, the degree of matching between both clusters. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature dependence of the ground‐state exciton in PbSe core and relevant core‐shell colloidal quantum dot structures
Authors: Maikov Georgy I. , Vaxenburg Roman , Yanover Diana , Sashchiuk Aldona , Lifshitz Efrat 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe present study describes a thorough investigation of the temperature dependence of the photoluminescence (PL) and the PL decay processes in PbSe/PbS core‐shell and PbSexS1‐x/PbSeyS1‐y‐alloy core‐shell colloidal quantum dots (CQDs). The obtained data reveal a reduction of the temperature coefficient of the energy band‐gap and a slight decrease of exciton and optical phonon coupling in PbSe/PbS core‐shell, PbSexS1‐x/PbSeyS1‐y alloy core‐shell CQDs with respect to the coupling in the corresponding PbSe core. The PL decay process of core‐shell CQDs is characterized by single exponential behaviour similar to that of PbSe core CQDs. Also, the core‐shell structures lifetime is on the µs scale, and reflects substantially longer lifetimes (by a factor of 1.4‐1.8) with respect to the corresponding core samples. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Distribution of Eu ions in Y2O3:Eu nanopowders prepared by solution combustion method
Authors: Ganjkhanlou Yadolah , Hessari Fereydoun Alikhani , Kazemzad Mahmood , Darbandi Ghader 
Published: August 2010

AbstractY2O3:Eu nanopowder was prepared by urea solution combustion method. The samples were then characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The XRD patterns of samples were investigated by Warren‐Averbach method in order to determine crystallite size and strain distribution. An innovative method was developed for prediction of dopant ion distribution in host lattice using Warren‐Averbach method and micro‐strain distribution. Analyzing of Y2O3:Eu nanopowder by this method revealed that the Eu ions preferentially accumulated in near the grain boundaries more than the inner parts of crystallites. The good match between the crystallite size distribution prediction by Warren‐Averbach method and distribution calculated from HRTEM image was obtained (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical fiber pH sensor fabrication by means of indium tin oxide coated optical fiber refractometers
Authors: Zamarreño C. R. , Hernáez M. , Del Villar I. , Fernandez‐Valdivielso C. , Arregui F. J. , Matias I. R. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn this work, the fabrication of a novel optical fiber pH sensor is described. This optical fiber pH sensor is based on the utilization of a pH sensitive polymeric coating fabricated onto indium tin oxide coated optical fiber refractometers. The pH of the external medium modifies the thickness of the polymeric coating and hence the effective refractive index. Thus, ITO coated optical fiber refractometers based on electromagnetic resonances are used as suitable transducers in order to monitor the variations of the pH in the surrounding medium. The fabricated devices permit wavelength based pH detection in the near infra‐red region, showing high sensitivity (17.5 nm/pH unit) and fast response. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic‐field‐induced electron transitions in concentric double quantum rings
Authors: Escartin José Maria , Malet Francesc , Pi Marti , Barranco Manuel 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWithin local spin‐density functional theory, we show that changes in the intensity of a magnetic field perpendicularly applied to a few‐electron concentric double quantum ring may alter the electron distribution in the constituent rings producing an observable effect on the infrared spectrum of the system. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Proposal for measurement of repulsive Casimir forces using silicon membranes
Authors: Vidal Gabriel , Agustí Jordi , Torres Francesc , Abadal Gabriel , Barniol Nuria 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe present a procedure to measure the Casimir forces, a direct manifestation of boundary dependence of quantum vacuum due to the alteration by the boundaries of the zero‐point electromagnetic energy, using MEMS. Our approach is based on the measurement of the frequency shift of a silicon membrane caused by Casimir forces. We present theoretically computations of that frequency shift using the Anharmonic Casmir Oscillator model for different experimental configurations. Our main aim is to measure the repulsive Casimir forces using geometric approach and use these repulsive forces to minimize the sticktion of MEMS. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of diallyl sulphide in chondrocyte and cartilage in experimental osteoarthritis in rabbit
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ping , Tang Jing‐Li , Bao Jia‐Peng , Hu Peng‐Fei , Yu Chong , Shi Zhong‐Li , Wu Li‐Dong 
Published: August 2010

AbstractDiallyl sulphide (DAS) is known for its antioxidant, anticancer and detoxifying properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DAS on rabbit articular chondrocytes and cartilage in experimental osteoarthritis (OA) induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). DAS inhibited matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 expression in interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β)‐induced chondrocytes. In an in vivo study, DAS ameliorated cartilage degradation as assessed by morphological and histological examination. Messenger RNA expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐13 and IL‐1β was inhibited by DAS in cartilage. In addition, DAS increased the collagen II level in cartilage. The results suggest that DAS may protect cartilage in the development of OA. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Representation of correlation functions in variational assimilation using an implicit diffusion operator
Authors: Mirouze I. , Weaver A. T. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCorrelation models are required in data assimilation to characterize the error structures of variables defined on a numerical grid. Previous studies have shown that the diffusion equation can provide a flexible and computationally efficient framework for representing grid‐point correlation functions for problems of large dimension such as those encountered in atmospheric or ocean variational data assimilation. In this article, an implicit formulation of the diffusion‐based correlation model is presented as an alternative to the traditional explicit formulation. The implicit formulation is analyzed in detail for the one‐dimensional (1D) problem and shown to be closely related to the first‐order recursive filter. Integrating a 1D implicit diffusion equation, with constant coefficient, over M steps is shown to be equivalent to convolving the initial condition with an Mth order auto‐regressive (AR) function. Expressions for both the length‐scale of the AR function and the normalization factor required to generate unit‐amplitude (correlation) functions are given in terms of M and the diffusion coefficient. For a fixed length‐scale the Gaussian function, which is the only function that can be represented using an explicit formulation of the constant‐coefficient diffusion equation, is the limiting case as M → ∞ of the AR functions generated by the implicit diffusion equation. Generalizations of the diffusion model are discussed to allow for different shapes in the correlation function and spatial variations in the length‐scale. An important consequence of employing spatially varying length‐scales is that the normalization factors are no longer constant. Approximate expressions for the normalization factors are evaluated in terms of their effectiveness to provide viable alternatives to estimates produced using expensive algorithms such as randomization. Boundary conditions can distort the correlation functions near the boundaries and significantly degrade the accuracy of the analytical expressions for the normalization factors. These problems can be avoided through a straightforward extension of the diffusion model that makes the boundaries effectively transparent, although the solution comes at the expense of an extra application of the diffusion equation. Extensions of the method to construct two‐ and three‐dimensional correlation models are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Community resilience following extreme disturbances: The response of ground beetles to a severe summer flood in a Central European lowland stream
Authors: Gerisch Michael , Dziock Frank , Schanowski Arno , Ilg Christiane , Henle Klaus 
Published: August 2010

AbstractExtreme environmental events are predicted to increase in future due to global climate change. However, their effects on biodiversity still remain insufficiently understood because of the rarity and consequently the difficulty of studying the effects of extreme events. Here, we investigate the impacts on ground beetles of an unpredictable catastrophic flood event of the Elbe River in Germany in the year 2002 using pre‐ and post‐flood data. We analysed the response of grassland communities differentially exposed to flooding and focused on the question of how long their response lagged behind this extreme flood.Ground beetles were sampled from 1998 to 1999 (pre‐flood period) and from 2002 to 2006 (post‐flood period) on 48 floodplain grassland plots with a stratified randomized sampling design. Community resilience was quantified by calculating changes in species richness, species abundances, Simpson diversity and beta diversity of ground beetle assemblages.Ground beetles showed low resistance but high resilience to the extreme flood. Species richness decreased strongly immediately after the flood but reached pre‐flood values 2 years later. However, beta diversity remained relatively high in the subsequent years indicating persistent shifts in species composition and abundances. Contrary to our expectation, assemblages inhabiting plots prone to flooding, expected to be less sensitive to floods, did not recover faster than those on rarely inundated plots.We considered both the timing and the long duration of the flood as main reasons for the low community resistance to the flood. Strategies related to dispersal and habitat generality are identified to be crucial for the quick community recovery following the extreme flood. Our results endorse that extreme floods are integral parts of functioning floodplain ecosystems and that species can cope well even with such unpredictable extreme events, although recovery time tends to be longer than after normal floods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing teacher preparation loan forgiveness programs: Variables related to perceived influence
Authors: Liou Pey‐Yan , Lawrenz Frances 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis research used multilevel modeling to investigate the perceived effect of a teacher preparation loan forgiveness program on recruiting science and mathematics majors to become teachers and teach in high‐need schools. The study investigated how and which personal perceptions, characteristics, and teacher preparation program variables influenced recipient perceptions. Data used for the study were collected from participants in the National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, which provides funding for highly qualified science and mathematics majors to teach in high‐need schools. Recipients agree to teach in high‐need schools for at least 2 years in return for each year of funding. The results suggest that scholars' race, their path into teaching, their perceptions of their preparation for teaching in high‐need schools, and the amount of funding were significant variables. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 95: 121–144, 2011
Testing‐based process for component substitutability
Authors: Flores Andres , Polo Macario 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYSoftware components have emerged to ease the assembly of software systems. However, updates of systems by substitution or upgrades of components demand careful management due to stability risks of deployed systems. Replacement components must be properly evaluated to identify if they provide the expected behaviour affected by substitution. To address this problem, this paper proposes a substitutability assessment process in which the regular compatibility analysis is complemented with the use of black‐box testing criteria. The purpose is to observe the components' behaviour by analysing their internal functions of data transformation, which fulfils the observability testing metric. The approach is conceptually based on the technique Back‐to‐Back testing. When a component should be replaced, a specific Test Suite TS is built in order to represent its behavioural facets, viz. a Component Behaviour TS. This TS is later exercised on candidate upgrades or replacement components with the purpose of identifying the required compatibility. Automation of the process is supported through the testooj tool, which constrains the conditions and steps of the whole process in order to provide a rigorous and reliable approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Seed Roasting on Tocopherols, Carotenoids, and Oxidation in Mustard Seed Oil During Heating
Authors: Vaidya Bipin , Choe Eunok 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSeed roasting is practiced in the mustard oil industry in some areas of the world, and can affect the physicochemical properties of the oil for further applications. This research studied the differences in oxidative stability, tocopherols, and carotenoids during heating at 160 °C between oil extracted from roasted mustard seeds and that from unroasted seeds. The content of free fatty acids, polar compounds (PC), and lutein were not significantly different between the roasted and unroasted seed oils before heating. The fatty acid compositions of both oils were also similar, with high amounts of erucic, linoleic, and oleic acids, moderate amounts of linolenic and eicosenoic acids, and low amounts of palmitic and stearic acids. However, the levels of tocopherols and conjugated dienoic acids (CDA) were higher in the roasted seed oil. Heating increased the content of CDA and PC in both oils, but decreased tocopherols and lutein. The rates of increase in CDA and PC and the degradation rates of tocopherols and lutein during heating were lower in the roasted than in the unroasted seed oil. Overall, the increased thermo‐oxidative stability of the mustard oil by roasting the seeds before oil extraction was highly correlated with improved heat stabilities for both tocopherols and lutein.
Surgical Smoke Evacuation Guidelines: Compliance Among Perioperative Nurses
Authors: Ball Kay 
Published: August 2010

AbstractMore than 500,000 health care workers are exposed to surgical smoke every year. Toxic gases create an offensive odor, small particulate matter causes respiratory complications, and pathogens may be transmitted in the surgical smoke to the surgical team. Previous research notes that perioperative nurses do not consistently follow smoke evacuation recommendations. The purpose of this study was to determine key indicators that are associated with compliance with smoke evacuation recommendations. Data from a web‐based survey completed by 777 nurse members of AORN were analyzed to examine the relationship between the key indicators and compliance with smoke evacuation recommendations. Major findings were that specific key indicators influencing compliance include increased knowledge and training, positive perceptions about the complexity of the recommendations, and increased specialization, interconnectedness, and leadership support in larger facilities. Education programs can be developed that directly address these key predictors so that a surgical environment free from surgical smoke is promoted.
The Nurse Liaison in Perioperative Services: A Family‐Centered Approach
Authors: Stefan Kimberly Ann 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSurgery is a stressful time for patients, their family members, and their significant others. A perioperative nurse liaison can offer support, reinforce preoperative teaching, answer questions, and provide information during the surgical procedure that may help family members manage stress and view the process more positively. To provide the best possible care to patients and their family members, perioperative leaders at the Exempla Good Samaritan Hospital, Lafayette, Colorado, started a nurse liaison program when the facility opened in 2004. Although OR nurses were the first choice for the position, the director of perioperative services soon found that postanesthesia care unit nurses were the best candidates for this role. Positive outcomes of the program have included letters from patients praising the nurse liaison, better informed patients, and less anxious family members. As a result of this program, the facility's patient satisfaction survey scores related to communication had a marked improvement by June 2009.
Speleothem evidence of warm episodes in northeast France during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 and implications for permafrost distribution in northern Europe
Authors: Pons-Branchu Edwige , Hamelin Bruno , Losson Benoit , Jaillet Stephane , Brulhet Jacques 
Published: August 2010

AbstractU–Th ages have been obtained by TIMS on the growth periods of a stalagmite from the “Grotte des Puits de Pierre-la-Treiche” (northeastern France), during the middle part of the “Weichselian glaciation” (Marine Isotope Stage 3), between 55.36 ± 0.95 and 53.34 ± 0.49 ka and around 45.85 ± 0.49 ka. These episodes are contemporaneous with abrupt climatic variations recorded in Greenland ice cores (Greenland interstadials 12, 14 and 15) that have been previously recognized in European speleothems. They also coincide with two interstadials, known as “Goulotte” and “Pile” in the Grande Pile pollen sequence (eastern France), which have been correlated with the Moershoofd complex in the Netherlands. Such evidence of speleothem deposition related to temperate episodes gives a strong indication of the absence of continuous shallow permafrost during the middle part of MIS 3 in northeastern France.