bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental assessment on potential for processiblity of carbon nanotubes/epoxy system used as nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Baichen , Zhou Xia , Yin Junshan , Wang Li 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn this study, carboxylic acid functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to modify epoxy with intent to develop a nanocomposite matrix for hybrid multiscale composites combining benefits of nanoscale reinforcement with well‐established fibrous composites. CNTs were dispersed in epoxy by using high energy sonication, followed by the fabrication of epoxy/CNTs composites. The processibility of CNTs/epoxy systems was explored with respect to their dispersion state and viscosity. The dependences of viscosity, mechanical and thermomechanical properties of nanocomposite system on CNTs content were investigated. The dispersion quality and reagglomeration behavior of CNTs in epoxy and the capillary infiltration of continuous fiber with the epoxy/CNTs dispersion were characterized using optical microscope and capillary experiment. As compared with neat epoxy sample, the CNTs nanocomposites exhibit flexural strength of 126.5 MPa for 1 wt% CNTs content and impact strength of 28.9 kJ m−2 for 0.1 wt% CNTs content, respectively. A CNTs loading of 0.1 wt% significantly improved the glass transition temperatures, Tg, of the nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surface of the failed specimens. It is demonstrated that the properties of CNTs/epoxy system are dispersion‐dominated and interface sensitive. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reuse of waste sludge from papermaking process in cement composites
Authors: Yadollahi Rahim , Hamzeh Yahya , Ashori Alireza , Pourmousa Shademan , Jafari Mohammad , Rashedi Kambiz 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPapermaking sludge (PS), a waste residue from the pulp and paper processing, has brought great pressure on the environment because of large quantities that are produced in paper mills. This work was carried out to explore the possibility of making PS/cement composite products using solid waste of PS. Boards measuring 350 × 270 × 12 mm3 were manufactured using PS contents of 40, 50, and 60 wt%, adhesive dosages of 0, 10, and 15 wt%, and 0 and 5 wt% of calcium chloride as an accelerator. At least three replications were fabricated for each treatment, and some mechanical and physical properties of the boards were evaluated. Test results showed that the bending and internal strengths of the specimens decreased with an increase in the PS content, and the maximum values were obtained at PS loading of 40 wt%. The negative influence of PS content on the mechanical properties can be explained by the reduced bonding ability because of weaker PS compared with cement. Screw withdrawal values were up to 22.7 kPa. Water absorption and thickness swelling of cement mortar considerably increased with increased content of PS, with a corresponding reduction of bulk density. In general, all properties of the boards were improved when the adhesive and calcium chloride contents were increased. The results showed that an increase in board density improved the mechanical and physical properties. Finally, results showed that PS has good potential for recycling and utilization in developing value‐added building components. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of the critical concentration parameters on the morphology of chitosan scaffolds for chondrocyte culture
Authors: Gartner Carmiña , López Betty Lucy 
Published: July 2012

AbstractChitosan‐based membranes are widely investigated as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, due to the biochemical and structural similarities between chitosan and the components of extracellular matrix. The morphological characteristics of the scaffolds, which determine the cells viability, are highly dependent on their preparation technique. This research compares chondrocytes viability seeded on chitosan scaffolds obtained from two different fabrication techniques: leaching out a porogenic agent and freeze‐gelation. Because these techniques are based on chitosan solutions, the critical overlap and entanglement concentrations are important parameters to be identified and thus the dilute and concentrated regimes were calculated from rheological data. Hence, scaffolds were prepared from chitosan solutions at two concentration regimes, leading us to conclude that chitosan concentration in solution affected the final morphology of the scaffold. The preparation techniques that were used yielded scaffolds with adequate porosity to permit cell adhesion as was observed by scanning electronic microscopy, as well as good mechanical strength to support them measured by dynamic mechanical analysis. The histochemical results obtained after the chondrocytes culture assay showed that scaffolds within a three dimensional structure promoted a higher cell adherence and growth. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Health‐related quality of life in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: the mediation effects of illness perceptions and coping
Authors: Fan Sheng‐Yu , Eiser Christine , Ho Ming‐Chih , Lin Cheng‐Yao 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe aims of this study were to explore health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report the following: (1) differences in HRQOL between patients with HCC and the general population; (2) significant physical and psychological predictors of HRQOL; and (3) mediation effects of illness perceptions and coping on HRQOL.MethodsPatients with HCC (n = 286) from Taiwan completed standardized measures of HRQOL, illness perception (cognitive representations, emotional representations and illness comprehensibility) and coping (emotion‐oriented and problem‐orientation coping). Demographic and physical variables were also collected.ResultsPatients with HCC had worse global HRQOL, physical, role, cognitive and social functioning, but better emotional functioning than the general population. Physical variables and cognitive representation were significant predictors of global HRQOL, physical functioning and emotional functioning. Cognitive representation mediated the relationships between physical variables and global HRQOL, physical functioning and emotional functioning, but coping only mediated the relationship between cognitive representation and global HRQOL.ConclusionsThe results suggest that physical variables have direct effects on global HRQOL and physical functioning, but there were also partial mediations through cognitive representation. The effect of physical variables on emotional functioning was mediated through cognitive and emotional representations. Patients with better performance status and positive illness perceptions tended to report better HRQOL, but those with negative illness perceptions and who used more emotion‐oriented coping had worse HRQOL. Limitations of the work associated with use of theory and measures developed in Europe and the US are discussed, as are the clinical implications for patients with HCC. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Investigation into the Dominant Reactions for Ethylene Destruction in Non‐Thermal Atmospheric Plasmas
Authors: Aerts Robby , Tu Xin , De Bie Christophe , Whitehead J. Christopher , Bogaerts Annemie 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA crucial step, which is still not well understood in the destruction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with low temperature plasmas, is the initiation of the process. Here, we present a kinetic model for the destruction of ethylene in low temperature plasmas that allows us to calculate the relative importance of all plasma species and their related reactions. Modifying the ethylene concentration and/or the SED had a major impact on the relative importance of the radicals (i.e., mainly atomic oxygen) and the metastable nitrogen (i.e., more specifically N2(${\rm A}^{3} \Sigma _{{\rm u}}^{ + } $)) in the destruction process. Our results show that the direct destruction by electron impact reactions for ethylene can be neglected; however, we can certainly not neglect the influence of N2(${\rm A}^{3} \Sigma _{{\rm u}}^{ + } $)). magnified image
Deposition of Hydrophobic Functional Groups on Wood Surfaces Using Atmospheric‐Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Helium‐Hexamethyldisiloxane Gas Mixtures
Authors: Levasseur Olivier , Stafford Luc , Gherardi Nicolas , Naudé Nicolas , Blanchard Vincent , Blanchet Pierre , Riedl Bernard , Sarkissian Andranik 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis work examines the functionalization of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and black spruce (Picea mariana) wood surfaces using an atmospheric‐pressure dielectric barrier discharge in He and He/HMDSO (hexamethyldisiloxane) gas mixtures. Wood samples were placed on one of the electrodes and the plasma was sustained by applying a 3.5 kV peak‐to‐peak voltage at 12 kHz. Analysis of the discharge stability through current–voltage (I–V) characteristics revealed a filamentary behaviour, in sharp contrast with the homogeneous He discharge obtained with a glass sample. Optical emission spectroscopy performed near the wood vicinity revealed strong N2 and ${\rm N}_{{\rm 2}}^{{\rm + }} $ emissions, suggesting that wood outgassing plays an important role in the evolution of the discharge regime. Analysis of the surface wettability through water contact angle (WCA) measurements indicated that freshly sanded wood samples treated in He/HMDSO plasmas became more hydrophobic with WCAs in the 120°–140° range depending on treatment time and wood species. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy measurements on samples exposed to He/HMDSO plasmas revealed the deposition of hydrophobic Si(CH3)3‐O‐Si(CH3)2, Si(CH3)3 and Si(CH3)2 functional groups as well as an increase of the CH‐to‐OH band intensity ratio. For relatively thick coatings, the WCA following natural aging under uncontrolled conditions remained constant at 132° ± 3° which highlights the stability of the plasma‐deposited thin films, a very promising result for structural and decorative outdoor applications.magnified image
Theoretical study of the agostic bond in Me2Al(tBu2pz)2Li(THF)
Authors: Hô Minhhuy , Hernández‐Lamoneda Ramón 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA detailed theoretical study of the agostic bond CH···Li in Me2Al(tBu2pz)2Li(THF) is performed at the HF and B3LYP levels. The interaction is characterized using structural, energetic, and spectroscopic information which shows an unusually short LiH distance but a very small barrier for internal rotation of the methyl group indicating the weak nature of this interaction. The HF calculation is shown to be sufficient in reproducing the main geometrical and energetic parameters characterizing the agostic interaction pointing out to the importance of electrostatic/overlap effects over dispersion forces. This is confirmed by calculations using the M062X functional which has been shown to perform much better than B3LYP for noncovalent interactions. Topological analysis of the electron density shows a bond path between the Li and the H atoms bent strongly toward the C atom, the first ever reported for agostic interaction involving lithium. The bond is characterized as mainly ionic where analysis of the Kohn–Sham orbital components shows that the contribution arises largely from the 2sorbital of the lithium atom and the 1sof the hydrogen atom while the C atom plays a minor role with its interaction with Li secondary via the CH bond. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Power loss minimization considering short‐circuit capacity in distribution system with decentralized distributed generation
Authors: Liu Chang , Tsuji Takao , Oyama Tsutomu 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn the future, a large number of distributed generators are expected to be connected to the distribution system. However, with the connected capacity of distributed generation (DG) increasing, the problems of short‐circuit capacity (SCC) over the interrupting capacity of the circuit breaker (CB) and power loss increases due to reverse power flow from DG are inevitable. In this paper, a reconfiguration methodology based on an optimal algorithm is applied to the distribution system with DG to minimize power loss, taking into account the SCC. Moreover, in order to further reduce the loss, the daily load variation is also considered and the optimal model decided by calculations. Finally, to illustrate its application, the methodology is applied to a case study of a 33‐bus system with decentralized DG units. The results show that this method is obviously able to reduce power loss and make the network operate in the optimal mode with normal load variation, at the same time decreasing the SCC within the interrupting maximum of the faulty CB. Moreover, the whole voltage profile is also improved. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Processing of precipitated nongranular PVC in the brabender measuring mixer
Authors: Piszczek K. , Tomaszewska J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe structure and properties of processed poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) depend on temperature, shear rate, operations time, and morphology of the PVC grains. The aim of our research was the preparation of a nongranular PVC and the examination of its processing during kneading in a Brabender plastographometer in comparison with the processing of commercial PVC. It was stated that grains of virgin PVC‐S61, a commercial suspension resin, cause a self‐heating of the compound during kneading in such a way that point X of the plastograms occurs at a temperature 15°C lower than that of precipitated PVC (i.e., PVC without grains). As a result of self‐heating, time of compound processing needed to reach point depends largely on the grain morphology of the PVC. The less compact structure, the smaller bulk density, and the greater absorption of plasticizer, result in a longer processing time. Homogeneous, loosely packed particles of powder and the crystalline structure of precipitated PVC are different from PVC‐S61 morphology and cause a high degree of gelation and low melt flow rate values for compounds processed at 175°C and higher. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 18:147–152, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Blindsight: recent and historical controversies on the blindness of blindsight
Authors: Overgaard Morten 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe phenomenon ‘blindsight’ has received much interest from neuroscientists, philosophers, and psychologists during the last decades. Several researchers seem to agree that blindsight might be of great importance in the ambition to find neural correlates of consciousness. However, the history of blindsight is a history of changing experimental paradigms and very few patients. In late 19th century, researchers debated why lesions to primary visual cortex seemingly left some visual abilities intact in animals, while human patients reported to be blind. From the 1970s until today, experiments have attempted to compare measures of conscious and unconscious perception, suggesting a distinction between visual functions and visual experience. However, more recently, newer methods and an interest in introspective reports have cast doubts about the ‘blindness’ of blindsight. A cautious conclusion is suggested, though current research can be interpreted in different ways.WIREs Cogn Sci2012 doi: 10.1002/wcs.1194This article is categorized under:Psychology > Brain Function and Dysfunction
Peptide delivery using phospholipid micelles
Authors: Banerjee Amrita , Onyuksel Hayat 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPeptide based drugs are an important class of therapeutic agents but their development into commercial products is often hampered due to their inherent physico‐chemical and biological instabilities. Phospholipid micelles can be used to address these delivery concerns. Peptides self‐associate with micelles that serve to thwart the aggregation of these biomolecules. Self‐association with micelles does not modify the peptide chemically; therefore the process does not denature or compromise the bioactivity of peptides. Additionally, many amphiphilic peptides adopt α‐helical conformation in phospholipid micelles which is not only the most favorable conformation for receptor interaction but also improves their stability against proteolytic degradation, thus making them long‐circulating. Furthermore, the nanosize of micelles enables passive targeting of peptides to the desired site of action through leaky vasculature present at tumor and inflamed tissues. All these factors alter the pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles of peptides therefore enhance their efficacy, reduce the dose required to obtain a therapeutic response and prevent adverse effects due to interaction of the peptide with receptors present in other physiological sites of the body. These phospholipid micelle based peptide nanomedicines can be easily scaled‐up and lyophilized, thus setting the stage for further development of the formulation for clinical use. All things considered, it can be concluded that phospholipid micelles are a safe, stable and effective delivery option for peptide drugs and they form a great promise for future peptide nanomedicines. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2012, 4:562–574. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1185This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Peptide-Based Structures
The Influence of Participation, Gender and Organizational Sense of Community on Psychological Empowerment: The Moderating Effects of Income
Authors: Speer Paul W. , Peterson N. Andrew , Armstead Theresa L. , Allen Christopher T. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis study explored the influence of participation, gender and organizational sense of community (SOC) on both the intrapersonal and interactional components of psychological empowerment (PE). Participants were residents (n = 562) involved in community organizing efforts in five U.S. communities. Measures of participation and SOC were tailored to community organization contexts. SOC assessed three dimensions: (1) connection of members to the organization; (2) perceptions about the organization as a bridge to other groups and organizations in the broader community; and (3) bond or attachment to the community at large. Income (low, middle and high‐income) was tested as a moderator of these relationships. Results showed significant moderating effects of income on the relationship between participation, gender and SOC on both components of PE. Participation was positively related with intrapersonal empowerment across income levels, but positively related with interactional empowerment only for low‐income individuals. Gender was only associated with intrapersonal empowerment, and only for low‐income individuals. SOC, as expressed through bridging to the broader community, was positively related with interactional PE for all income levels, but with intrapersonal PE for only low and middle‐income individuals. In contrast, member connection to the organization was not related to interactional empowerment and significantly related to intrapersonal empowerment only for individuals with higher income. The importance of participation, gender and SOC for different types of empowerment and the impact of income on the SOC‐empowerment relationship are discussed.
Delaying the onset of dynamic wetting failure through meniscus confinement
Authors: Vandre Eric , Carvalho Marcio S. , Kumar Satish 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDynamic wetting is crucial to processes where liquid displaces another fluid along a solid surface, such as the deposition of a coating liquid onto a moving substrate. Numerous studies report the failure of dynamic wetting past some critical process speed. However, the hydrodynamic factors that influence the transition to wetting failure remain poorly understood from an empirical and theoretical perspective. The objective of this investigation is to determine the effect of meniscus confinement on the onset of dynamic wetting failure. A novel experimental system is designed to simultaneously view confined and unconfined wetting systems as they approach wetting failure. The experimental apparatus consists of a scraped steel roll that rotates into a bath of glycerol. Confinement is imposed via a gap formed between a coating die and the roll surface. Flow visualization is used to record the critical roll speed at which wetting failure occurs. Comparison of the confined and unconfined data shows a clear increase in the relative critical speed as the meniscus becomes more confined. A hydrodynamic model for wetting failure is developed and analysed with (i) lubrication theory and (ii) a two-dimensional finite-element method (FEM). Both approaches do a remarkable job of matching the observed confinement trend, but only the two-dimensional model yields accurate estimates of the absolute values of the critical speeds due to the highly two-dimensional nature of the stress field in the displacing liquid. The overall success of the hydrodynamic model suggests a wetting failure mechanism primarily related to viscous bending of the meniscus.
“The Spice of the Department Store”: The “Consumers' Republic,” Imported Knock-Offs from Latin America, and the Invention of International Development, 1936–1941
Authors: Sedgewick Augustine 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMajor recent work in US history has credited the New Deal with a dubious double legacy. One group of historians has shown how Roosevelt's domestic policies subsidized the consolidation of a political economy and culture of mass consumption, while another has described how his foreign policies generated the strategies and institutions of neoimperialism. Scholars have analyzed these developments in isolation, but this essay demonstrates that they were linked and synergistic. Working from the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to the nascent program for multilateral international development, it argues that an integrated complex of New Deal domestic and foreign policies harnessed the rise of the United States as a “consumers' republic” to the forms of imperialism refined in Latin America in the thirties and forties and deployed globally after the war. This policy complex rationalized the global production of US mass-consumer prosperity, displaced the costs of the Keynesian rehabilitation of US capitalism abroad, and evolved to regulate the metabolism between domestic mass consumerism and international hegemony after 1945.
The Work of Invisibility: Radiation Hazards and Occupational Health in South African Uranium Production
Authors: Hecht Gabrielle 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article explores the technopolitical mechanisms by which radiation hazards in South African uranium production were rendered invisible. The occupational health effects of underground uranium mining were deeply contested for decades, all over the world. From the 1950s to the 1990s, the volatile nature of labor relations under apartheid shaped how the South African mining industry responded to the presence of radon gas. With occasional help from state scientists, the industry muffled the political menace of radon gas by making its physical presence difficult to see. Sometimes this invisibility resulted from deliberate decisions, sometimes from structural suppression, sometimes from the tangle of both. This article argues that maintaining radon's invisibility took work.