bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compatible and tearing properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glutaric‐co‐terephthalate) copolyester blends
Authors: Yeh Jen‐Taut , Tsou Chi‐Hui , Lu Wei , Li Ya‐Ming , Xiao Han Wen , Huang Chi‐Yuan , Chen Kan‐Nan , Wu Chin‐San , Chai Wan‐Lan 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance results suggest that the carboxylic acid groups of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) molecules react with the hydroxyl groups of FePol (FP) molecules during the melt‐blending of PLAxFPy specimens. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) experiments of PLA and PLA/FP specimens suggest that only small amounts of poor PLA and/or FP crystals are present in their corresponding melt crystallized specimens. In fact, the percentage crystallinity, peak melting temperature, and onset re‐crystallization temperature values of PLA/FP specimens reduce gradually as their FP contents increase. However, the glass transition temperatures of PLA molecules found by DSC and DMA reduce to a minimum value as the FP contents of PLAxFPy specimens reach 6 wt %. Further DMA and morphological analysis of PLA/FP specimens reveal that FP molecules are compatible with PLA molecules at FP contents equal to or less than 6 wt %, as no distinguished phase‐separated FP droplets and tan δ transitions were found on fracture surfaces and tan δ curves of PLA/FP specimens, respectively. In contrast to PLA, the FP specimen exhibits highly deformable and tearing properties. After blending proper amounts of FP in PLA, the inherent brittle deformation and poor tearing behavior of PLA were successfully improved. Possible reasons accounting for these interesting crystallization, compatible and tearing properties of PLA/FP specimens are proposed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 913–920, 2010
Morphology evolution of polypropylene in immiscible polymer blends for fabrication of nanofibers
Authors: Xue Chao Hua , Wang Dong , Xiang Bei , Chiou Bor‐sen , Sun Gang 
Published: March 2010

AbstractImmiscible blends of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and isotactic polypropylenes (iPPs) with different melting index were extruded through a two‐strand rod die. The extrudates were hot‐drawn at the die exit at different draw ratios by controlling the drawing speed. The morphologies of iPP fibers extracted from the as‐obtained extrudates after removal of CAB by acetone were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The influences of draw ratio, viscosity ratio, and composition ratio of CAB/iPP on the morphology evolution of iPP phase into nanofibers in the immiscible blends were studied. It was found that the thermoplastic iPP nanofibers were formed from the elongation of iPP ellipsoids, end‐to‐end merging of elongated iPP microfibers, and the size decrease of iPP microfibers in the processes of extrusion and drawing. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 921–931, 2010
Physical characteristics and properties of waterborne polyurethane materials reinforced with silk fibroin powder
Authors: Tao Yongzhen , Yan Yun , Xu Weilin 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDegummed silk filament was pulverized with a home‐made machine to obtain silk fibroin (SF) powder, and the structure, morphology, and particle size of the SF powder were investigated. The individual spherical particles and aggregates with different morphology of silk fibroin coexisted in water. A waterborne polyurethane (WPU) aqueous dispersion was blended with the SF powder to prepare novel blended materials with improved physical properties. The average particle size and zeta potential of the WPU/SF aqueous dispersions were characterized. The result showed that the WPU/SF dispersion with higher SF content exhibited a less negative zeta potential and a larger average particle size. Furthermore, the effect of SF content on the morphology, miscibility, and mechanical properties of the resulting blended films was studied by scanning electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and tensile testing. The films showed an improved Young's modulus and tensile strength from 0.3 to 33.8 MPa, and 0.6 to 5.2 MPa, respectively, with the increasing of SF up to a content of 26 wt %. The negative charges in the periphery and the small particle size made a good effort on dispersing SF powder into the WPU matrix as small aggregates, and the SF powder led to the efficient strengthening of WPU materials. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 940–950, 2010
Effects of solvent, casting temperature, and guest/host stoichiometries on the properties of shape memory material based on partial α‐CD‐PEG inclusion complex
Authors: Yu Zhijun , Liu Yan , Fan Minmin , Meng Xianwei , Li Bangjing , Zhang Sheng 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA series of supramolecular inclusion complex (IC) films were formed by threading α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) molecules over poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), according to the designed ratio of α‐CD/PEG. Because of containing α‐CD‐PEG inclusion crystallites as physical crosslinks and uncovered PEG crystallites as “switch phase”, the resulting supramolecular α‐CD‐PEG partial ICs displayed a shape memory effect. The properties of the materials were investigated by 1H‐NMR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and swelling measurement. It was found that the casting temperature, solvent, and the ratio of α‐CD‐PEG inclusion/PEG had great influence on the formation and properties of α‐CD‐PEG partial ICs. The modes of complexes on different conditions were proposed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 951–957, 2010
Interplay between bulk viscoelasticity and surface energy in autohesive tack of rubber‐tackifier blends
Authors: Kumar K. Dinesh , Tsou Andy H. , Bhowmick Anil K. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe effects of change in surface energy and bulk viscoelastic properties on the autohesive tack strength of brominated isobutylene‐co‐p‐methylstyrene (BIMS) rubber have been investigated by the addition of hydrocarbon resin (HCR) tackifier and maleated hydrocarbon resin (MA‐g‐HCR) tackifier. The addition of compatible HCR tackifier results in a reasonable increment in the tack strength of BIMS rubber by modifying only the bulk viscoelastic properties (compliance, entanglement molecular weight, relaxation time, self‐diffusion, and monomer friction coefficient values) of BIMS rubber to perform better during the course of bonding and debonding steps of the peel test. Incorporation of MA‐g‐HCR tackifier (containing 5–20 wt % of grafted maleic anhydride) steadily increases the tack strength of BIMS rubber further by precisely modifying both the surface energy and bulk viscoelastic properties to perform much better in the bonding and debonding steps. However, beyond 20 wt % of grafted maleic anhydride in the HCR tackifier, the tack strength starts decreasing due to the incompatibility between the blend components, and hence, the bulk viscoelastic properties required for bond formation are severely retarded by the interrelated reinforcing effect and the phase separation effect of the brittle MA‐g‐HCR tackifier in the BIMS rubber. Hence, the polar groups in a tackifier will contribute to significant enhancement of autohesive tack strength only if the bulk viscoelastic property of the rubber‐tackifier blend is favorable for bond formation and bond separation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 972–982, 2010
Influence of physical aging on the performance of corona‐charged amorphous polymer electrets
Authors: Erhard Dominik P. , Lovera Deliani , Giesa Reiner , Altstädt Volker , Schmidt Hans‐werner 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe influence of physical aging on the electret properties before corona charging of three amorphous polymers, polyetherimide (PEI), poly(phenylene ether) (PPE), and polystyrene (PS), as well as with blends of PPE and PS, was investigated. The degree of aging was monitored by determining the enthalpy relaxation Δh using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The electret performance was evaluated by isothermal potential decay (ITPD) at elevated temperatures and by thermal stimulated discharge (TSD) measurements. It was demonstrated that physical aging below the glass transition temperature substantially improves the electret performance of amorphous polymers by reducing the free volume and thus hindering charge motion. As an example, the performance of nonaged PEI was improved by physical aging at 200 °C for 4 days from 18 to 95% retained charge after 24 h at 120 °C. A similar beneficial influence of physical aging on the charge storage capability was achieved using blends of PPE with PS. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 990–997, 2010
Attractions to radiation‐like eras in superstring cosmologies
Authors: Partouche H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe review the cosmology induced by finite temperature and quantum effects on non‐supersymmetric string models. We show the evolution is attracted to radiation‐like solutions after the Hagedorn era and before the electroweak phase transition. This mechanism generates a hierarchy between the Planck mass and the supersymmetry breaking scale. A dynamical change of space‐time dimension can take place.
Compatibility of traditional and novel acaricides with bumblebees (Bombus terrestris): a first laboratory assessment of toxicity and sublethal effects
Authors: Besard Linde , Mommaerts Veerle , Vandeven Jessica , Cuvelier Xavier , Sterk Guido , Smagghe Guy 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: This project assessed the potential hazards of different classical and novel acaricides against an important non‐target and beneficial insect for the pollination of wild flowers and cultivated crops, the bumblebee Bombus terrestris (L). Twenty‐three acaricides used commercially in the control of phytophagous mites (Acari) were tested in greenhouses and/or the open field. Side effects included acute mortality and also sublethal effects on nest reproduction. The different compounds were administered in the laboratory via three different worst‐case field scenario routes of exposure: dermal contact and orally via the drinking of treated sugar water and via treated pollen. The compounds were tested at their respective maximum field recommended concentration (MFRC), and, when strong lethal effects were observed, a dose–response assay with a dilution series of the MFRC was undertaken to calculate LC50 values.RESULTS: From the different acaricide classes, several chemistries caused high levels of acute toxicity in bumblebee workers, especially bifenthrin and abamectin which resulted in 100% mortality by contact. In addition, several acaricides tested were found to have a detrimental effect on drone production. For oral exposures via treated sugar water, the dose–response assay showed the LC50 values for abamectin, bifenazate, bifenthrin and etoxazole to be 1/15 MFRC (1.17 mg AI L−1), 1/10 MFRC (9.6 mg AI L−1), 1/83 MFRC (0.36 mg AI L−1) and 1/13 MFRC (4.4 mg AI L−1) respectively, indicating that their use should be carefully evaluated.CONCLUSION: Overall, the results suggest that most of the acaricides tested are compatible with bumblebees, with the exceptions of abamectin, bifenazate, bifenthrin and etoxazole. However, the risks also depended on the type of treatment. As a result, the sugar water treatment seems to present the worst‐case situation of exposure, indicating that this approach is suitable for determining the hazards of pesticides against bumblebees. Finally, it is suggested that future tier testing under more field‐related conditions is required for a final decision of their risks. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Probing the magnetism of nanostructures buried in metallic surfaces and their possible utilization
Authors: Brovko Oleg O. , Stepanyuk Valeri S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe discuss the possibility to probe magnetic properties of nanostructures buried beneath a metallic surface by means of local probe techniques. We prove, that those properties can be deduced from the spin‐resolved local density of states (LDOS) above the surface. In‐plane polarization maps in vacuum above the surface are shown to allow one to simultaneously detect electronic, magnetic, and even geometric properties of subsurface structures. It is argued, that the coupling of buried nanostructures to each other can be deduced from the symmetry of the polarization map. To underline the importance of studying buried nanostructures several possible applications of buried magnetic impurities are pointed out. The exchange coupling of an adatom to a nanostructure or a monolayer (ML) across a paramagnetic spacer is shown to oscillate with the thickness of the latter. This could provide one with reliable means to stabilize the spin of a magnetic adatom in either a ferromagnetic or an antiferromagnetic configuration with respect to the magnetic orientation of the monolayer or nanostructure. The possibility to tailor the exchange coupling between single magnetic impurities on a surface through the adjustment of the overlayer thickness and the interatomic separation in a dimer, is discussed.
Multiple surface‐plasmon‐polariton waves localized to a metallic defect layer in a sculptured nematic thin film
Authors: Faryad Muhammad , Lakhtakia Akhlesh 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe propagation of a surface‐plasmon‐polariton (SPP) wave guided by a thin metallic defect layer in a sculptured nematic thin film (SNTF) – a periodically nonhomogeneous, anisotropic, dielectric material – was studied theoretically. If the defect layer is sufficiently thick, SPP waves propagate independently along the two metal/SNTF interfaces formed by the presence of the defect layer in the SNTF. As the thickness of the defect layer is reduced, SPP wave propagation is modified by the coupling of the two interfaces. The number of SPP waves increases and lower attenuation rates along the direction of propagation become possible.magnified image(© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Antihyperglycaemic and protective effects of flavonoids on streptozotocin–induced diabetic rats
Authors: Rauter Amélia P. , Martins Alice , Borges Carlos , Mota‐Filipe Helder , Pinto Rui , Sepodes Bruno , Justino Jorge 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe antihyperglycaemic effect of eight standard flavonoids, previously identified in the ethanol extract of the claimed antidiabetic plant Genista tenera, was evaluated on streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic Wistar rats. The aglycones apigenin, chrysoeriol and genistein, the monoglucosides apigenin 7‐O‐glucoside, luteolin 7‐O‐glucoside and genistein 7‐O‐glucoside and the diglycosides rutin and luteolin 7,3′‐di‐O‐glucoside were administered i.p. for 7 days (4 mg/kg b.w./day). The protective effect of these compounds over liver and kidneys of STZ–diabetic models was also evaluated by the determination of seric AST, ALT and urea levels. After 7 days of treatment, apigenin, chrysoeriol and genistein significantly lowered the blood glucose levels of diabetic animals; this effect was more pronounced (P < 0.01) in the oral glucose tolerance test. Glucose tolerance was also significantly improved in the rutin (P < 0.01) and in the genistein 7–O–glucoside (P < 0.05) treated groups. In addition, almost all the tested compounds effectively protected the liver and kidneys against STZ‐induced damage in rats. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State estimation of convective storms with a two‐moment microphysics scheme and an ensemble Kalman filter: Experiments with simulated radar data
Authors: Xue Ming , Jung Youngsun , Zhang Guifu 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe ability of the ensemble Kalman filter method to estimate an increased number of state variables associated with a double‐moment (DM) microphysics scheme is examined for the first time through observing system simulation experiments, assuming either a perfect or imperfect prediction model and/or observation operators. With the DM scheme, mixing ratios and total number concentrations of hydrometeor species are predicted.It is found that the increased number of state variables can be reasonably well estimated when both radial velocity (Vr) and reflectivity (ZH) observations are used and when the prediction model is assumed to be perfect. However, the errors increase significantly when ZH is used alone. In this case, the filter has difficulty in estimating independently‐varying mixing ratios and number concentrations, which are both directly involved in the calculation of ZH. The addition of Vr data helps alleviate a problem associated with the solution not being sufficiently constrained by observations.With the DM scheme, the correlations between ZH and model state variables exhibit complex spatial structures that depend on the location of the ZH observation. Collocated ZH and vertical velocity show negative correlation when the observation is taken where ice phase hydrometeors are dominant, but positive correlation when it is taken where large quantities of liquid hydrometeors exist. Further study is needed to fully understand the complex correlation structures.Imperfect model experiments were performed, with two types of model errors: (1) microphysical parametrization error due to incorrectly assumed shape parameter of the gamma particle size distribution (PSD), and (2) different ways of calculating hydrometeor scattering. The results show that the model error degrades the state estimation in general. Nevertheless, the estimated states are still reasonably good when both Vr and ZH are assimilated. Perturbing the shape parameter of gamma PSDs within the forecast ensemble improves the overall state estimation. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Corrective osteotomy using customized hydroxyapatite implants prepared by preoperative computer simulation
Authors: Oka Kunihiro , Murase Tsuyoshi , Moritomo Hisao , Goto Akira , Sugamoto Kazuomi , Yoshikawa Hideki 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundOpening wedge corrective osteotomy usually requires a bone graft. However, it is difficult to shape the graft into an appropriate configuration. To resolve this problem, we developed an original computer program system that calculates the size and shape of a bone graft and cuts a hydroxyapatite block into the desired shape.MethodsFive patients with forearm deformity were included in this study. The amount of deformity and the three‐dimensional (3D) shape of the bone graft to be inserted into the osteotomy site were calculated and designed by comparing bilateral 3D bone models. For the bone graft, a block of hydroxyapatite was cut based on the preoperative simulation. In addition, a customized osteotomy template was designed and manufactured before surgery, based on preoperative simulations and used during the actual operation.ResultsCorrective osteotomy based on simulations was achieved in all cases. The average angular deformities on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were decreased from 16.8° to 1.2° and from 16.6° to 0.6°, respectively, after surgery. All patients had bone fusion within 5 months.ConclusionsCustomized hydroxyapatite implants are helpful for accurate correction and good functional results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Programming in the complex: Cybernetic insights into software process and architecture
Authors: Donaires Omar Sacilotto 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper introduces the concept of programming in the complex to designate the development and maintenance of complex software systems in situations where the software process and the software architecture need to change dynamically in order to cope with the impact of unpredicted and frequent environmental changes. The article proposes a systemic‐cybernetic process model, which is a composition of Stafford Beer's viable system model (VSM) and Barry Boehm's spiral model. The VSM provides adaptability to the software architecture and self‐organizing capability to the software process. As a result of the application of the VSM, four relevant insights are presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D‐FE Modelling and Simulation of Multi‐way Loading Process for Multi‐ported Valves
Authors: Zhang D. W. , Yang H. , Sun Z. C. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMulti‐ported valves are widely used in the marine, sanitary, petrochemical and power industry. Multi‐way loading forming technology provides an efficient approach for integral forming of high strength multi‐ported valves, such as tee pipe coupling, high‐pressure cross valves, large‐scale complex valves, and so on. Since the multi‐way loading process is a very complicated plastic forming process due to the complexity of loading path, finite element numerical simulation is adopted to investigate the multi‐way loading process in order to predict and control the multi‐ported valve forming process. A reasonable model of the process is developed under DFEORM‐3D environment based on the coupled thermo‐mechanical finite element method. Then the reliability of the model is validated with respect to geometry development and forming defects. Numerical simulations of multi‐way loading forming for a tee valve and a cross valve have been carried out via using the developed model. Further, the forming processes of tee valve and cross valve have been compared. Moreover, the modelling method is also suitable for multi‐way loading processes of other complex components.
Intratumoral Hypoxic Gradient Drives Stem Cells Distribution and MGMT Expression in Glioblastoma
Authors: Pistollato Francesca , Abbadi Sara , Rampazzo Elena , Persano Luca , Della Puppa Alessandro , Frasson Chiara , Sarto Eva , Scienza Renato , D'avella Domenico , Basso Giuseppe 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are highly proliferative tumors currently treated by surgical removal, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which are counteracted by intratumoral hypoxia. Here we exploited image guided surgery to sample multiple intratumoral areas to define potential cellular heterogeneity in correlation to the oxygen tension gradient within the GBM mass. Our results indicate that more immature cells are localized in the inner core and in the intermediate layer of the tumor mass, whereas more committed cells, expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein and β-III-tubulin, are distributed along the peripheral and neo-vascularized area, where Smad1/5/8 and Stat3 result to be activated. Moreover, GBM stem cells, identified with the stem cell marker CD133, express high level of DNA repair protein O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) known to be involved in chemotherapy resistance and highly expressed in the inner core of the tumor mass. Importantly, these cells and, particularly, CD133+ cells result to be resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), the most used oral alkylating agent for the treatment of GBM, which specifically causes apoptosis only in GBM cells derived from the peripheral layer of the tumor mass. These results indicate a correlation between the intratumoral hypoxic gradient, the tumor cell phenotype, and the tumor resistance to chemotherapy leading to a novel concentric model of tumor stem cell niche, which may be useful to define the real localization of the chemoresistant GBM tumor cells in order to design more effective treatment strategies.