bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Closed form solution of resin flow from multiple line gates in liquid composite molding
Authors: Markicevic B. , Nalla A. , Navaz H.K. , Heider D. , Walsh S. , Advani S.G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe resin flow from multiple line injection into a fibrous porous medium is investigated analytically and experimentally. The flow in a rectangular porous medium is created by placing two inlets: a channel along one of the domain edges, and a manifold placed in the center of the domain perpendicular to the first inlet on the top surface of the porous medium. It is demonstrated that two distinct sub‐regions of the porous medium exist: inner sub‐region which is filled by the liquid from the manifold, and outer sub‐region that is filled by fluid from the channel. In the experiments, the following geometric parameters are varied: channel cross‐sectional area, mold width, and thickness to investigate how the processing parameters influence which part of the overall domain is filled by fluid from a specific inlet. Neither fluid nor porous medium are varied throughout the study. For nonconstrained flow, an analytical model is formulated to predict the interface between the two sub‐regions which is called the inner sub‐region thickness. Both, implicit and explicit solutions are found, where the explicit solution is represented as inverse Lambert function. The solution relies on one physical constant which is a function of the pressure gradients and the directional permeabilities of the fibrous preform. Comparisons between experimental and analytical results reveal an excellent agreement for various sets of geometric parameters. This research should prove useful in understanding the flow in composites manufacturing when resin is injected simultaneously from multiple gates and channels. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1434–1441, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nonisothermal melt crystallization kinetics of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Barite nanocomposites
Authors: Ge Chunhua , Shi Liyi , Yang Hui , Tang Shengfu 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPoly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/Barite nanocomposites were prepared by direct melt compounding. The nonisothermal melt crystallization kinetics of pure PET and PET/Barite nanocomposites, containing unmodified Barite and surface‐modified Barite (SABarite), was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under different cooling rates. With the addition of barite nanoparticles, the crystallization peak became wider and shifted to higher temperature and the crystallization rate increased. Several analysis methods were used to describe the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of pure PET and its nanocomposites. The Jeziorny modification of the Avrami analysis was only valid for describing the early stage of crystallization but was not able to describe the later stage of PET crystallization. Also, the Ozawa method failed to describe the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of PET. A combined Avrami and Ozawa equation, developed by Liu, was used to more accurately model the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of PET. The crystallization activation energies calculated by Kissinger, Takhor, and Augis‐Bennett models were comparable. The results reveal that the different interfacial interactions between matrix and nanoparticles are responsible for the disparate effect on the crystallization ability of PET. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1504–1514, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microstructural characteristics of glass bead‐ and wollastonite‐filled isotactic‐polypropylene composites modified with thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: Balkan Onur , Ezdeşir Ayhan , Demirer Halil 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMicrostructural characteristics of isotactic‐polypropylene/glass bead (iPP/GB) and iPP/wollastonite (iPP/W) composites modified with thermoplastic elastomers, poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene) copolymer (SEBS) and corresponding block copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA), were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) showed that the iPP/SEBS and iPP/SEBS‐g‐MA blends were partially compatible two‐phase systems. Well‐dispersed spherical GB and acicular W particles without evidence of interfacial adhesion were observed in the iPP/GB and iPP/W binary composites respectively. Contrary to the blends, melt flow rates of the iPP/GB and PP/W composites decreased more with SEBS‐g‐MA than with SEBS because of enhanced interfacial adhesion with SEBS‐g‐MA elastomer. The SEM analyses showed that the ternary composites containing SEBS exhibited separate dispersion of the rigid filler and elastomer particles (i.e., separate microstructure). However, SEBS‐g‐MA elastomer not only encapsulated the spherical GB and acicular W particles completely with strong interfacial adhesion (i.e., core‐shell microstructure) but also dispersed separately throughout iPP matrix. In accordance with the SEM observations, the DSC and DMA revealed quantitatively that the rigid filler and SEBS particles in iPP matrix acted individually, whereas the rigid filler particles in the ternary composites containing SEBS‐g‐MA acted like elastomer particles because of the thick elastomer interlayer around the filler particles. The Fourier transform infrared analyses revealed an esterification reaction inducing the strong interfacial adhesion between the SEBS‐g‐MA phase and the filler particles. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1265–1284, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Usefulness of prescription monitoring programs for surveillance—analysis of Schedule II opioid prescription data in Massachusetts, 1996–2006
Authors: Katz Nathaniel , Panas Lee , Kim MeeLee , Audet Adele D. , Bilansky Arnold , Eadie John , Kreiner Peter , Paillard Florence C , Thomas Cindy , Carrow Grant 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPurposeElectronic prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) have been developed in many states as a public health surveillance tool. We analyze herein 11 years of Massachusetts PMP data to evaluate trends in opioid prescribing, dispensing, and usage.MethodsPrescription records from the Massachusetts PMP for Schedule II opioids from fiscal year 1996 to 2006 were analyzed. ‘Questionable activity’ (potential ‘doctor shopping’) estimates were based on individual use of multiple prescribers and pharmacies, and early refills.ResultsThe number of prescriptions, doses prescribed, and individuals receiving Schedule II prescription opioids steadily increased from 1996 to 2006. Most individuals (87.5%) used 1–2 prescribers, 1–2 pharmacies, and had no early refills (2006). The greater the number of prescribers used, the greater the number of pharmacies used. When defined as the use of ≥4 prescribers and ≥4 pharmacies, questionable activity accounted for 2748 individuals, 47 953 prescriptions, and 2 966 056 doses (2006). The Schedule II opioid most highly associated with questionable activity was short‐acting oxycodone.ConclusionsPMPs can become a useful public health surveillance tool to monitor the medical and non‐medical use of prescription opioids and to inform public health and safety policy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient focused drug surveillance of elderly patients in nursing homes
Authors: Olsson Inger Nordin , Curman Bengt , Engfeldt Peter 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPurposeTo examine whether patient focused drug surveillance was associated with a higher quality of drug treatment at nursing homes.MethodsAn intervention study in four nursing homes in Sweden and four other nursing homes served as controls. At the intervention nursing homes physicians focused on patients' health status as a baseline for further ongoing medication. The outcomes were mortality, health care consumption, and number of drugs, health status and evaluations as parameters for “quality of drug treatment”.ResultsThere were no significant differences in mortality rates. Health care consumption and polypharmacy were extensive in both groups. There was a significant reduction of number of drugs used per patient at the intervention homes during the study (p < 0.05). Monitoring and evaluation of the effects of medications were significantly more frequent at the intervention homes (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe intervention resulted in significant positive results in relation to “quality of drug treatment”, a shift in health care utilization with concomitant use of fewer drugs. The study showed an extreme shortage of monitoring of health status and surveillance of the effects of drugs in the elderly. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of ammonium polyphosphate on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of ramie fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) biocomposites
Authors: Shumao Li , Jie Ren , Hua Yuan , Tao Yu , Weizhong Yuan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractFully degradable natural fiber/degradable polymer composites have received much research attention and have various applications such as in automotive components. But flammability limits their application; it is important to improve the flame retardancy of fully degradable composites with environmentally friendly flame retardants. Flame‐retarded ramie fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were prepared using three processes: (1) PLA was blended with ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and then the resulting flame‐retarded PLA was combined with ramie fibers; (2) ramie fibers underwent flame‐retardant treatment with APP, which were then compounded with PLA; and (3) PLA and ramie, both of which had been flame‐retarded using APP, were blended together. The APP in the composites is shown to be very effective in improving flame retardancy according UL94 test and limiting oxygen index measurements. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the improved flame retardancy is due to increased char residue at high temperature. The loading of APP disturbs the compatibility between PLA and fibers, which can be directly observed using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore it has an influence on the dynamic mechanical properties and mechanical properties according dynamic mechanical analysis and mechanical measurements. The results show that composites produced using the third process not only have the best flame retardancy but also comparatively better mechanical properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The role of communication and support in return to work following cancer‐related absence
Authors: Yarker J. , Munir F. , Bains M. , Kalawsky K. , Haslam C. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective: Many cancer survivors experience difficulties returning to work. However, there have been relatively few attempts to understand why problems with employer support and work adjustment occur. This paper aims to extend previous work in two ways: first, through exploring the way in which communication and support at work effect cancer survivors on their return to work and during the post‐return period; and second, by drawing on a research sample working in the United Kingdom.Methods: In all, 26 cancer survivors took part in a semi‐structured telephone interview. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The analysis revealed three key findings. First, the central role of communication and support from (and between) occupational health, line managers, and colleagues was highlighted. Second, two discrete processes or periods of return to work were identified: the experience of return to work during the initial period of return and the experiences of post‐return to work. Third, during the post‐return period, the importance of the delayed impact of cancer on the ability to work, the lack of follow‐up and monitoring, and the wear‐off effect of empathy and support were highlighted as contributing to return‐to‐work difficulties.Conclusions: This qualitative study highlights the importance of communication within the workplace with regard to the return‐to‐work process and the need to provide better support and guidance to cancer survivors, line managers and colleagues. Research is required in delineating how employers without occupational health or human resources support manage the return‐to‐work process. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social support buffers the impact of functional impairments on caregiver psychological well‐being in the context of brain tumor and other cancers
Authors: Ownsworth Tamara , Henderson Laura , Chambers Suzanne K 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective: This study investigated the association between functional impairments of individuals with cancer and caregiver psychological well‐being, and examined the moderating effect of social support.Methods: Sixty‐three caregivers (71% female) of individuals with brain tumor (n=27) and other cancers (n=36) were recruited from community services. Caregivers rated their psychological well‐being on the World Health Organisation Quality of Life measure Brief version, social support on a brief version of the Social Support Questionnaire, and the individuals' functional impairments on the Patient Competency Rating Scale.Results: For caregivers of individuals with brain tumor, better psychological well‐being was associated with lower functional impairment in all domains (rs=0.33–38, p<0.05), except for cognitive difficulties. For caregivers of individuals with other cancers, better psychological well‐being was associated with lower functional impairment in all domains (rs=0.30–0.49, p<0.05), with the exception of activities of daily living. For the total caregiver sample, better psychological well‐being was significantly correlated with overall functional impairment (r=0.34, p<0.005) and satisfaction with support (r=0.40, p<0.005). Caregivers supporting individuals with greater functional impairment had better psychological well‐being if they were highly satisfied with their social support.Conclusions: Effective social support is particularly important for caregivers who support individuals with poorer functional status, and this study highlights the need to evaluate caregiver social support interventions in the context of cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐Time Measurement of the Size Distribution of Diesel Exhaust Particles using a Portable 4‐stage Electrical Low Pressure Impactor
Authors: Park Dongho , Choi Nak‐Kyoung , Lee Sang‐Gu , Hwang Jungho 
Published: December 2009

AbstractFor this study, a 4 stage electrical low pressure impactor was designed to measure the real‐time size distribution of diesel particulate matter (DPM). For the performance evaluation, sodium chloride (NaCl) particles and dioctyl sebacate (DOS) particles were used. After evaluating the collection efficiency of each stage of the impactor, the size distributions of test particles were estimated using electrical current data and their inversion algorithm, and this was found to agree with the results obtained by a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). For measurement of DPM, a common‐rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engine, for engine speeds of 1,200 rpm and 1,500 rpm at 2.7 kgf·m, was used.Therefore, it was found that the size distribution of the DPM could be easily obtained, with the currents measured by the impactor and the data inversion algorithm, in less than 5 seconds. Furthermore, the effective density of the DPM could be obtained using the calculated results and the SMPS data.
Simple Relationship for Predicting Impact Sensitivity of Nitroaromatics, Nitramines, and Nitroaliphatics
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper describes the development of a simple model for predicting the impact sensitivity of nitroaromatics, benzofuroxans, nitroaromatics with α‐CH, nitramines, nitroaliphatics, nitroaliphatics containing other functional groups, and nitrate energetic compounds using their molecular structures. The model is optimized using a set of 86 explosives for which different structural parameters exist. The model is applied to a test set of 120 explosives from a variety of the mentioned chemical families in order to confirm the reliability of a new method. Elemental composition and two specific structural parameters, that can increase or decrease impact sensitivity, would be needed in this new scheme. The predicted impact sensitivities for both sets have a root mean square (rms) of deviation from experiment of 23 cm, which shows good agreement with respect to the measured values as compared to the best available empirical correlations.
Studies on the Non‐isothermal Crystallization Behavior of Aluminum Nanopowder‐Filled Poly(3,3‐bis‐azidomethyl Oxetane)
Authors: Luo Yunjun , Guo Kai 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNon‐isothermal crystallization of aluminum nanopowder‐filled poly(3,3‐bis‐azidomethyl oxetane) (PBAMO) from melt at various constant cooling rates from 1 to 10 °C min−1 was studied. Ozawa's approach was used to analyze non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics. It was found that Ozawa's approach was effective at medium constant cooling rate. The crystallization activation energy derived from Kissinger's equation was 80.8 kJ mol−1. The experimental results showed that the aluminum nanopowder acted as a nucleating agent to raise the peak crystallization temperature and to accelerate the crystallization rate at higher constant cooling rates. Uniform crystals which showed one melting peak could be obtained at a constant cooling rate of 1 °C min−1.
Micro Videographic Analysis of the Melt Layer of Self‐Deflagrating HMX and RDX
Authors: Washburn Ephraim B. , Parr Timothy P. , Hanson‐Parr Donna M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMicro videographic analysis of the thin molten layer on the surface of HMX (Octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine) and RDX (Hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine) during self deflagration were performed. This was done to gain a better understanding of the physical structure present in this 100–300 μm layer and give a visual picture for the development of computational models. During steady‐state combustion, RDX had a consistent melt layer with vigorous bubble formation. There was a continuous liquid layer throughout combustion and no foam was formed. The surface of HMX during steady‐state combustion at ambient initial temperatures was an uneven layer of foam. Foam appeared to convect across the surface in undulating waves. At elevated initial temperatures, the HMX molten layer was a consistent foam layer in both time and space. Micro videography was also done with a diagnostic laser sheet as illumination to measure the melt layer thickness. The RDX bubbling layer was about 217±30 μm thick. The HMX foam thickness varied from almost nothing to 660 μm, with an average value of about 234±106 μm.
Unexpected transport and magnetic properties in Y–Ba–Cu–O superconductors
Authors: Topal Ugur 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSolid‐state reactions of Y2O3, BaCO3, and CuO mixtures at stoichiometric ratios of YBa4Cu6Ox reveal superconducting products having quite interesting and unusual properties. For instance, superconducting transition Tc at 90 K even without annealing in oxygen flow could be observed. Existence of a ferromagnetic‐like behavior was recognized at low temperatures and magnetic fields greater than 1 T. Critical current densities are higher than the one expected from a polycrystalline superconductor. In addition, intergranular Jct‐values obtained from the transport measurements show strong magnetic field dependency. Magnetic fields of ∼6.4 Oe decrease Jct by about 62% in magnitude. These materials seem to be good candidate for a low field sensor in superconducting gaussmeters.
Brittle‐to‐ductile transition temperature in InP
Authors: Bayu‐Aji Leonardus B. , Pirouz P. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDeformation experiments were conducted on monocrystalline InP by 4‐point bend tests as well as by conventional and depth‐sensing indentation (DSI) tests. Temperature ranges where the material exhibited a brittle or a ductile behavior were investigated with particular focus on the transition from one deformation mode to the other. The 4‐point bend tests show that InP exhibits a sharp brittle‐to‐ductile transition (BDT) temperature within 5° between 350 and 355 °C at a strain rate of 2.9 × 10−5 s−1. The indentation BDT (IBDT) temperature is found to be significantly lower at ∼250 °C. The difference of nearly 100 °C between the two techniques is attributed to the hydrostatic component of the indentation stress field that suppresses fracture and shifts the transition to a lower temperature.
Threshold voltage shift under electrical stress in amorphous, polymorphous, and microcrystalline silicon bottom gate thin‐film transistors
Authors: Oudwan Maher , Moustapha Oumkelthoum , Abramov Alexey , Daineka Dmitriy , Bonnassieux Yvan , Cabarrocas Pere Roca i 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe crucial influence of the interface between the gate dielectric and intrinsic layer has been studied in detail for amorphous silicon, polymorphous silicon and microcrystalline silicon bottom gate thin‐film transistors. We show that the electrical parameters of the TFTs depend directly on the quality of this interface, which can be strongly degraded by a vacuum break. A hydrogen plasma pretreatment of this interface greatly improves the electrical characterstics of polymorphous silicon TFTs, the mobility increases from 0.4 to 0.75 cm2/V s while their subthreshold slope decreases from 1 to 0.7 V/dec. Moreover, we show that these improvements also translate into more stable TFT characteristics. Finally, microcrystalline silicon TFTs show the best stability and a nitrogen‐plasma treatment of the dielectric improves their stability.
The red luminescence characteristics of fully concentrated Eu‐based phosphor EuBaB9O16
Authors: Lin Hao , Huang Yanlin , Seo Hyo Jin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe red phosphor EuBaB9O16 was prepared by the conventional solid‐state reaction method. The crystallite phase of the phosphor was observed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Scanning electron micrographs were obtained to study the morphologic features and the particle size of the phosphor. The photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra, temperature dependence of luminescence intensity and the decay curves were investigated. The phosphor, when excited with near‐UV wavelength radiation, exhibited an intense red luminescence. The characteristic emission of Eu3+ ions corresponding to the electric dipole transition 5D0 → 7F2 was located at 613 nm under 254‐ and 365‐nm excitation. Its room temperature fluorescent decay profile exhibits a single‐exponent shape with a decay time of 2.03 ms. The color coordinates were also discussed. In addition, the PL properties of EuBaB9O16 were compared with those of La0.9Eu0.1BaB9O16 and Gd0.9Eu0.1BaB9O16.
Band alignment at metal–semiconductor and metal–oxide interfaces
Authors: Robertson John 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe mechanisms of Schottky barrier formation are reviewed from the metal‐induced gap state model to the universal defect model, and the chemical reaction model. The recent progress in understanding barrier heights and band offsets in Si – high dielectric constant oxide and metal high dielectric constant oxide systems is then discussed, and interesting they contain components of each model. The greater emphasis on understanding defect reactions has allowed us to separate the effects of intrinsic mechanisms, metal induced gap states (MIGS) and extrinsic mechanisms (defects).