bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological reconstruction after resection of bone tumors of the proximal tibia using allograft shell and intramedullary free vascularized fibular graft: Long‐term results
Authors: Innocenti Marco , Abed Yasser Y. , Beltrami Giovanni , Delcroix Luca , Manfrini Marco , Capanna Rodolfo 
Published: June 2009

AbstractReconstruction after excision of bone tumor of the proximal tibia is a challenging issue for the reconstructive surgeon. The combined use of a free fibular flap and allograft can provide a reliable reconstructive option in this location. This article describes the authors' long‐term follow‐up using this technique. Twenty‐seven patients that had resection of proximal tibia bone tumors underwent reconstruction using this technique. Only 21 patients that had primary reconstruction were included in this study. All patients had their surgeries performed at least 24 months before the end of the study. The average age at time of operation was 18.1 years. The average follow‐up time was 139.3 months. Limb salvage was 82.7%. The average length of the resected tibial segment was 15.3 cm and that of the residual proximal tibia remaining after resection was 2.7 cm. The average time of union of fibula was 5.4 months and for union of allograft was 19.1 months. Primary union of the allograft was achieved in 90.5% of cases. Full weight‐bearing was achieved at an average of 21.6 months. Ten patients (47.6%) had 14 local complications. The (MTSRS) average score at final follow‐up was 27.3. Local recurrences occurred in two patients (9.5%). Distant metastasis to the lung occurred in three patients (14.3%). One patient died of disease. This technique provides good long‐term results in reconstruction of proximal tibia. The viability of the fibula is a cornerstone in both success of reconstruction as well as successful management of complications. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
How to bring about change in the Bangladesh civil service? Attempts to change mindsets, behaviours and practice
Authors: Jacobs Colin 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis article addresses three critical questions central to many donor funded programmes which seek to enable pro‐poor reform and growth. In the context of Bangladesh, the research asks first, does the civil service has a role in promoting change of this kind? Second, can a senior civil service development programme succeed in creating reform minded civil servants? And, third, if so how might the contribution be made both more substantive and of value? These questions are addressed systematically through a literature review and evidence drawn from Managing at the Top (MATT 2)—a DFID funded programme. Some tentative conclusions are drawn in the final section. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Downregulation of CD36 results in reduced phagocytic ability of peritoneal macrophages of women with endometriosis
Authors: Chuang Pei‐Chin , Wu Meng‐Hsing , Shoji Yutaka , Tsai Shaw‐Jenq 
Published: June 2009

AbstractEndometriosis, defined as the growth of endometrial tissues outside of the uterine cavity, is a severe and complex disease affecting more than 10% of women. The aetiology of endometriosis is unclear but immune dysfunction might be an important factor for its development. The natural function of the immune system is to detect and destroy aberrant or abnormal cells. Failure of the immune system to eradicate these aberrant cells often results in disease pathogenesis. We report here that the phagocytic ability of macrophages is reduced in peritoneal macrophages isolated from women with endometriosis. In‐depth investigation revealed that the level of CD36, a class B scavenger receptor, in peritoneal macrophages derived from women with endometriosis was lower than that in normal macrophages. Blockage of CD36 function by neutralized antibody or knocking down CD36 using siRNA impaired the phagocytic ability of normal macrophages. In contrast, forced expression of CD36 in macrophages isolated from women with endometriosis restored phagocytic ability. Taken together, we identified that the scavenger receptor CD36 is reduced in the peritoneal macrophages of women with endometriosis, which leads to a decrease of the phagocytic ability of macrophages. These findings revealed a potential mechanism of immune dysfunction during endometriosis development. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of nickel, calcium and magnesium in xylem sap by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using a microsampling technique
Authors: Alves Sheila , Gonçalves Maria L. Simões , Santos Margarida M. Correia dos 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIntroductionKnowledge of xylem sap chemical composition is important to the understanding of translocation, detoxification and tolerance mechanisms. However, the small amount of sample available often hampers its characterisation. Hence, low volume consumption techniques are needed for xylem sap analysis.ObjectiveTo develop a microsampling technique for the determination of elements in xylem sap from different plants by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS).MethodologyThe microsampling device was optimised in terms of sample volume and integration time. The analytical characteristics of the microsampling technique (µ‐FAAS) were established and compared with those of FAAS with traditional continuous nebulisation. The method was validated by means of an independent technique.ResultsCa, Mg and Ni were determined in a 50 µL aliquot of xylem sap solution/element that was introduced directly into the flame via the microsampling accessory. Good precision was obtained with relative standard deviations of 1.1, 0.6 and 2.3% for Ca, Mg and Ni, respectively. Matrix effects resulting from the physical characteristics of the samples and possible chemical interferences caused by phosphate and/or sulphate were ruled out.ConclusionA simple, rapid and reproducible microsampling technique coupled to FAAS was developed and successfully applied in the determination of Ca, Mg and Ni in xylem sap. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A retention index calculator simplifies identification of plant volatile organic compounds
Authors: Lucero Mary , Estell Rick , Tellez María , Fredrickson Ed 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIntroductionPlant volatiles (PVOCs) are important targets for studies in natural products, chemotaxonomy and biochemical ecology. The complexity of PVOC profiles often limits research to studies targeting only easily identified compounds. With the availability of mass spectral libraries and recent growth of retention index (RI) libraries, PVOC identification can be achieved using only gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GCMS). However, RI library searching is not typically automated, and until recently, RI libraries were both limited in scope and costly to obtain.ObjectiveTo automate RI calculation and lookup functions commonly utilised in PVOC analysis.MethodologyFormulae required for calculating retention indices from retention time data were placed in a spreadsheet along with lookup functions and a retention index library. Retention times obtained from GCMS analysis of alkane standards and Koeberlinia spinosa essential oil were entered into the spreadsheet to determine retention indices. Indices were used in combination with mass spectral analysis to identify compounds contained in Koeberlinia spinosa essential oil.ResultsEighteen compounds were positively identified. Total oil yield was low, with only 5 ppm in purple berries. The most abundant compounds were octen‐3‐ol and methyl salicylate. The spreadsheet accurately calculated RIs of the detected compounds.ConclusionThe downloadable spreadsheet tool developed for this study provides a calculator and RI library that works in conjuction with GCMS or other analytical techniques to identify PVOCs in plant extracts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of Y‐shaped amphiphilic block copolymers and their micellization behavior
Authors: Zhang Bao , Li Yapeng , Sun Jinghui , Wang Shuwei , Zhao Yili , Wu Zhanyu 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Y‐shaped block copolymers are a type of special star polymer that have received considerable attention due to their unique morphologies and phase behavior. This research is based on the preparation of novel Y‐shaped block copolymers using enzymatic ring‐opening polymerization (eROP) and atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), followed by an investigation of their micellization properties.RESULTS: Y‐shaped block copolymers consisting of polycaprolactone and poly(glycidyl methacrylate) were synthesized successfully by the combination of eROP and ATRP. NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared and atomic force microscopy analyses confirmed the compositions of the block copolymers. The dispersity obtained from GPC was less than 1.4, which indicated a control of the polymerization. The self‐assembly behavior of the Y‐shaped block copolymers was investigated in aqueous media. Aggregates of various morphologies (such as spherical micelles, lamellae, worm‐like micelles and large compound micelles) were observed. In addition, it was found that both the copolymer composition and concentration in tetrahydrofuran greatly influenced the morphologies of the aggregates.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the Y‐shaped diblock copolymers can be synthesized by simple methods. They have various morphologies, including normal spherical micelles, lamellae, worm‐like micelles and large compound micelles. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, characterization and properties of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate)‐block‐poly(propylene glycol) segmented copolyesters
Authors: Huang Xi , Li Chuncheng , Zheng Liuchun , Zhang Dong , Guan Guohu , Xiao Yaonan 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: To obtain a biodegradable thermoplastic elastomer, a series of poly(ester‐ether)s based on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), with various mass fractions and molecular weights of PPG, were synthesized through melt polycondensation.RESULTS: The copolyesters were characterized using 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, mechanical testing and enzymatic degradation. The results indicated that poly(ester‐ether)s with high molecular weights were successfully synthesized. The composition of the copolyesters agreed very well with the feed ratio. With increasing content of the soft PPG segment, the glass transition temperature decreased gradually while the melting temperature, the crystallization temperature and the relative degree of crystallinity decreased. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the toughness of PBS was improved significantly. The elongation at break of the copolyesters was 2–5 times that of the original PBS. Most of the poly(ester‐ether) specimens were so flexible that they were not broken in Izod impact experiments. At the same time, the enzymatic degradation rate of PBS was enhanced. Also, the difference in molecular weight of PPG led to properties being changed to some extent among the copolyesters.CONCLUSION: The synthesized poly(ester‐ether)s having excellent flexibility and biodegradability extend the application of PBS into the areas where biodegradable thermoplastic elastomers are needed. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Methodology and experimental system for measuring and displayingI–Vcharacteristic curves of PV facilities
Authors: Durán E. , Andújar J. M. , Galán J. , Sidrach‐de‐Cardona M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper describes a methodology and the developed system for measuring, capturing, and displayingI–VandP–Vcharacteristic curves of photovoltaic (PV) modules or arrays based on single‐ended primary inductance converters (SEPIC) in parallel connection, operating in interleaved mode. The proposed methodology and the developed system allow the real time capture and displaying of theI–VandP–Vcurves of a PV panel or array, and show several advantages with regard to classical methods: simple structure, scalability, fast response, versatility, direct display, and low cost. The measuring of the characteristic curves of PV modules includes high speed of response and high fidelity, with low ripple. An experimental prototype based on four SEPIC converters in parallel connection has been implemented to validate the proposed methodology. This new methodology and experimental system has been registered in the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office with the number P200930198. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface Coating by Repeated Plasma‐Assisted Grafting and Cross‐Linking of Molecular Precursors
Authors: Ohl Andreas , Besch Wilfried , Steffen Hartmut , Foest Rüdiger , Arens Michael , Wandel Klaus 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPlasma assisted deposition of thin films with defined chemical structure and controlled thickness of a few nanometers requires basically new coating techniques. Here, repeated grafting deposition of molecular precursors was investigated. This technique might lead to plasma polymer films with new properties. Self‐limited growth of layers with monomolecular thickness is shown. Film thickness is a linear function of the number of growth cycles. The growth rate per cycle is independent of precursor dosing time and to some degree also of plasma exposure time. However, imperfect gap penetration must be admitted. Chemical structure retention can be better than for usual plasma polymerization. A potential usefulness for deposition of films with tailored surface chemistry is demonstrated.magnified image
Rapidly Solidified Thick Iron Base Alloy Deposit with Vanadium Carbide Particles Produced by Plasma Spraying
Authors: Hoshiyama Yasuhiro , Hirano Kentaro , Miyake Hidekazu 
Published: June 2009

AbstractFe‐C‐V alloy powder is low‐pressure plasma sprayed to produce iron base composite deposits with finely dispersed vanadium carbide particles. The as‐sprayed deposit formed on a water‐cooled substrate is composed of α phase that is saturated with vanadium and carbon, V8C7 and amorphous. The form of vanadium carbides in the as‐sprayed deposit shows more granular compared with that in the cast whose chemical compositions are similar to that of deposit. With increasing heat treatment temperature up to 1 273 K and heat treatment time up to 7.2 ks, the carbide particles coarsen. The constituents of the as‐sprayed deposit formed on a non‐cooled substrate are α and V8C7. The hardness of deposit formed on a water‐cooled substrate is higher than that of deposit formed on a non‐cooled substrate.
Wear Mechanisms of (Cr,Al,Y)N PVD Coatings at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Scheerer Herbert , Berger Christina 
Published: June 2009

AbstractOver the past years there have been developments in machining operations to replace the use of liquid cooling by dry cutting operations. This results in higher loads for the tools and therefore demands the continuous development of surface coatings. (Cr,Al,Y)N‐coatings designed at the Institute of Materials Technology in Darmstadt, Germany, show beneficial tribological properties especially at high loads and high temperatures. Samples of different yttrium content have been distinguished and compared to an industrial TiAlN coating. Even though the configuration of the (Cr,Al,Y)N coatings is not yet as optimised as that of the TiAlN, which leaves plenty of room for improvement, the (Cr,Al,Y)N shows comparable and partly superior properties to the TiAlN coating. An increasing yttrium content of the (Cr,Al,Y)N leads to a more amorphous microstructure and to finer and denser morphology with a smoother surface. The TiAlN, in contrast, exhibits a porous, columnar structure. This results in advantages in the wear behaviour as well as in the oxidation resistance. Furthermore, a distinct improvement of the adhesion of the layer to the carrier is determinable, which results in higher sustainable loads at the scratch test.
Can WSeC Coatings Be Competitive to WSC Ones?
Authors: Evaristo Manuel , Polcar Tomas , Cavaleiro Albano 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWSeC coatings were deposited by co‐sputtering from WSe2 and C targets. Carbon content varied from 25 up to 70 at.%, Se/W ratio was between 0.9 and 1.0, with no significant influence of the carbon content on their variations. The hardness of the coatings was evaluated by nano‐indentation with values between 3.8 and 5.6 GPa. The structure of the coatings analysed by X‐ray diffraction in glancing mode could be defined as quasi‐amorphous. The tribological properties were evaluated in an SRV machine using reciprocating ball‐on‐disk tests under increasing loads. In general, the friction gets decreased with increasing loads. The comparison with other transition metals, dichalcogenides alloyed with carbon, namely MoSeC and WSC systems, showed that WSeC coatings could be a good alternative with almost identical friction properties.
Interaction of Stearic Acid Deposited on Silicon Samples With Ar/N2 and Ar/O2 Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Post‐discharges
Authors: Noël Cédric , Duday David , Verdier Stéphane , Choquet Patrick , Belmonte Thierry , Migeon Henri‐Noël 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this work, the interactions of a stearic acid film deposited on silicon by spin coating with the post‐discharge of an Ar/N2 or Ar/O2 atmospheric pressure microwave plasma are studied. Sample surface before and after plasma treatment is analysed by means of different surface analysis methods (water contact angle measurements, XPS, ToF‐SIMS and FTMS). Both plasma treatments modify the surface but with a higher etching rate for Ar/O2 post‐discharges. The creation of double carbon bonds CC is observed during the treatments, with a higher quantity after Ar/N2 treatments. The mechanisms leading to modifications of stearic acid are discussed.
Development of VHF Plasma Source with Short Discharge Gap for Solar Cells
Authors: Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Baba Tomoyoshi , Takeuchi Yoshiaki , Takatsuka Hiromu , Muta Hiroshi , Uchino Kiichiro , Kawai Yoshinobu 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA new balanced power feeding method was applied to produce a large area VHF plasma using short discharge gaps and the electric characteristics of the discharge electrodes were measured as a function of pressure for different discharge gaps. It was found that the new balanced power feeding method is suitable for short gap discharges in the VHF range. Furthermore, the plasma parameters were examined as a function of pressure for different discharge gaps. The plasma density peaked at a certain pressure independent of the length of discharge gaps.
Comparative Study of Total Power Density at a Substrate in Pulsed DC Magnetron and Hollow‐Cathode Plasma Jet Sputtering Systems
Authors: Čada Martin , Virostko Petr , Kment Štěpán , Hubička Zdeněk 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe pulsed DC magnetron and hollow‐cathode plasma jet sources have been studied from the point of view of total energy flux density at a “floating” substrate. Both plasma sources were operated under identical experimental conditions and differences between both systems were investigated. The aim of this work is focused on the characterization of total power density at electrically isolated substrate for various duty cycles and for different pulsing frequencies. A calorimeter probe with incorporated thermocouple junction was used for measurement of the total power density on the substrate. The main results from the calorimeter probe show clearly that total power density at the substrate is much higher for the planar magnetron operating at low duty cycle and high pulsing frequency than for the plasma jet. The total power density measured in the planar magnetron depends more strongly on the duty cycle and the pulsing frequency than measured in the plasma jet.
Production of VHF excited H2 Plasma by New Method of Superposing the Standing Waves
Authors: Kaneko Hirofumi , Kodera Akio , Soejima Yukio , Tsuji Shinji , Murata Masayoshi 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA novel VHF plasma source using a method of superposing standing waves is proposed in this article. The characteristics of VHF plasma generated by this method were measured with the Langmuir probe and a digital camera. Here, the frequency was 80 MHz, and an electrode size and discharge gap of electrodes was 1 800 × 300 mm2 and 20 mm, respectively. The distributions of plasma light emission were uniform across the whole electrode in the pressure range from 0.1 to 0.3 Torr. The spatial profile of the ion saturation current density was flat in the direction of the electrode. In this case, the non‐uniformity of VHF plasma was less than ±10% at 0.3 Torr.
Combined Laser Alloying/Dispersing and Plasma Nitriding, an Efficient Treatment for Improving the Service Lifetime of the Forging Tools
Authors: Gläser Thorsten , Bausch Sascha , Ruset Cristian , Grigore Eduard , Craciunescu Teddy , Tiseanu Ion 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDuring the application, the active surface of the forging dies is subjected to intense mechanical and thermal stresses combined with chemical oxidation. The fatigue resistance is an important characteristic which limits the service lifetime of the forging tools. This characteristic was significantly improved by a combined treatment between laser alloying/dispersing and plasma nitriding. This treatment was developed for W1.2365 and W1.2344 steels using TiC and WC + Co powders as additive materials. The surface layers have been examined by optical microscopy, glow discharge optical spectrometry (GDOS), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), X‐ray microtomography and other techniques. The combined treatment was successfully applied to a number of 13 forging tools from 4 European Companies, leading to an increase of their lifetime by factors ranging between 180 and 270%.
Effect of Pre‐deforming on Low Temperature Plasma Nitriding of Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Nishimoto Akio , Akamatsu Katsuya 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper reports a study on the effect of a modified layer caused by pre‐deforming on the low temperature plasma nitriding of SUS 316 austenitic stainless steel. The pre‐deformed sample was prepared by the rolling in 0, 1, 2, 5, and 10% ratios. Plasma nitriding was carried out at 673 and 723 K for 18 ks under 600 Pa pressures in the presence of N2/H2 in 50:50 ratio. After nitriding, maximum hardness ∼1 070 HV was achieved on the pre‐deformed sample. XRD pattern showed that the most dominant phase of the nitrided layer consisted of the expanded austenite (S phase). In addition, the pre‐deforming by the rolling had a great influence on the increment of hardness and thickness of the S phase.
Micro‐Particles as Electrostatic Probes for Plasma Sheath Diagnostics
Authors: Wolter Matthias , Haass Moritz , Ockenga Taalke , Blažek Josef , Kersten Holger 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn basic plasma physics and plasma technology, micro‐particles (dust grains) play an important role for the investigation and understanding of the behavior of different plasma species. It is well known that micrometer‐sized particles can find an equilibrium position if all acting forces to the particles are balanced. This stable point is a few millimeters above the powered electrode in the plasma sheath. In our experimental set‐up, we observed the position and the motion of microscopic test particles with a typical radius between 4.78 and 13.3 µm. In addition to the experiments, we also investigate the particle behavior by a numerical model. By comparison between the numerical model and the experimental observation, internal plasma parameters can be obtained.