bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryogenic extinguishment of liquid pool fires
Authors: Levendis Yiannis , Ergut Ali , Delichatsios Michael 
Published: August 2009

AbstractResults on fire extinguishment using direct application of liquid nitrogen are presented in this article. This technique targets challenging fires, such as burning hazardous chemicals or fuels, in which cases prompt suppression or extinguishment is paramount to prevent explosions, avoid release of toxic fumes and avert environmental catastrophes. Liquid nitrogen is a rather environmentally benign extinguishing agent that does not cause property damage or groundwater contamination. Application of this cryogen onto a hot pyrolyzing/burning surface induces abrupt vaporization, spread and expansion. The pyrolyzing gases are inerted, the surface is cooled and hence its pyrolysis rate is reduced, air is separated from the fuel, and the fire extinguishes. To demonstrate this technique, experiments were conducted with pool fires of ethanol, propanol, and diesel fuel. To examine the underlying principles, analysis of the results was conducted based on simplified calculations. Sufficient quantities of the cryogen extinguished the fires nearly instantaneously. Half‐liter quantities were sufficient to extinguish 1 m2 pool fires. The method of dispensing and distributing the cryogen on the pool fires proved to be of considerable importance. The existence of wind, which disturbed the flame, was not found to prevent extinguishment. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2010
Auxetic lattice of multipods
Authors: Pikhitsa Peter V. , Choi Mansoo , Kim Hyung‐Jung , Ahn Sung‐Hoon 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAuxetics are novel counterintuitive materials that grow thicker perpendicularly to the applied force when stretched and therefore are described by a negative Poisson's ratio. We show that a regular lattice of individual multipods properly assembled in three dimensions has the ultimate negative Poisson's ratio −1: the lattice expands or contracts uniformly in all directions. Our ball‐and‐stick working model verifies the mathematical construction. Application of the model to real materials is discussed. Our result is important for understanding the ways to create entangled materials with interesting mechanical properties.
Mechanical properties of auxetic carbon/epoxy composites: static and cyclic fatigue behaviour
Authors: Bezazi A. , Boukharouba W. , Scarpa F. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis work describes the effect that stacking sequence lay‐ups have on the static and cyclic fatigue properties of T300/914 auxetic carbon/epoxy composites. Two laminate composites [±20]2S and [±25]2S providing a theoretical NPR effect through the thickness have been subjected to quasi‐static and cyclic fatigue under 3‐point bending. The static tests have shown that the stiffness and the maximum failure load decrease with increasing fibre orientation angles for the laminates. The fatigue tests also show that the stiffness degradations versus the number of cycles occur on tree stages, with significant energy dissipation recorded for the two auxetic specimens.
Stress–strain behavior in main chain liquid crystalline elastomers: effect of crosslinking density and transverse rod incorporation on “Poisson's ratio”
Authors: Ren Wanting , McMullan Philip J. , Griffin Anselm C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractStress–strain results are reported for two series of smectic C main chain liquid crystalline elastomers (MCLCEs). The structural variable in one series is crosslink density; in the other, transverse rod content. With increasing crosslinker content, the LCEs exhibit increased modulus, a shorter polydomain‐to‐monodomain (P–M) plateau, and a lower elongation at break. Increasing transverse rod content leads to lower clearing temperatures and lower modulus. For each series, stress–strain measurement was made simultaneously with Poisson's ratio determination. For the variable crosslinker series, typical behavior showed the Poisson's ratio increased at small strain, rose to a maximum about 50% strain, then decreased with greater strain. For the transverse rod series, typical behavior also showed the Poisson's ratio increased at small strain, rose to a maximum about 50% strain, then decreased with greater strain. In both series, the maximum in the Poisson's ratio corresponded to the onset of the P–M transition. Possible deformation mechanisms are presented.
Process selection for higher production yield based on capability index Spk
Authors: Lin Chen‐ju , Pearn W. L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractProcess selection is the problem of comparing two processes and selecting the one that has a higher capability value. In this paper, we consider the process selection problem by using the yield index Spk to compare two production processes and select one that has higher production yield. An analytical exact approach is proposed to solve this problem. Testing hypotheses with two phases for comparing two processes are developed. Critical values of the test are obtained to determine the selection decisions. Sample sizes required for designated selection power and confidence level are also investigated. The results provide useful information to practitioners. An application example on comparing two thin‐film transistor (TFT) type liquid‐crystal display (LCD) production processes is presented to illustrate the practicality of the proposed approach to a real problem in the factory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing experiments for nonlinear models—an introduction
Authors: Johnson Rachel T. , Montgomery Douglas C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe illustrate the construction of Bayesian D‐optimal designs for nonlinear models and compare the relative efficiency of standard designs with these designs for several models and prior distributions on the parameters. Through a relative efficiency analysis, we show that standard designs can perform well in situations where the nonlinear model is intrinsically linear. However, if the model is nonlinear and its expectation function cannot be linearized by simple transformations, the nonlinear optimal design is considerably more efficient than the standard design. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density functional investigations of endohedral metallofullerenes TM@C24 (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn)
Authors: Yue Yun , Li Xiao‐Jun 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe theoretical investigations on TM@C24 (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) with different spin configurations have been performed by using the hybrid DFT‐B3PW91 functional in conjunction with 6‐31G(d) basis sets. The results show that the ground states of Fe@C24 and Ni@C24 are their spin triplet states, whereas the ground state of Co@C24 is spin quartet state. Moreover, three Fe@C24 isomers are favorable in energy. The HOMO and LUMO of Zn@C24 indicates that there is no hybridization between Zn atomic orbitals and the C24 cage orbitals. Natural population analysis shows that the charges always transfer from the TM atoms to the C24 cage. In going from isolated TM atom to TM@C24, the occupation of the 4s orbital is strongly reduced. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Imaging and studying human topoisomerase I on mica surfaces in air and in liquid by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Liu Zhiguo , Meng Ronghua , Zu Yuangang , Li Qingyong , Yao Liping 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this study, the topography of human topoisomerase I (TOPO I) on mica surfaces in air and in liquid has been studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The average height of TOPO I on mica surface in air measured by AFM was 2.59±0.32 nm. After adsorption of the 0.3 U/µl TOPO I on mica surfaces for 2 h, and then imaged in liquid by AFM, well‐separated single TOPO I was observed. The average height of TOPO I on mica surfaces in liquid measured by AFM was 2.93±0.42 nm. After adsorption of the 4 U/µl TOPO I on mica surfaces for 1.5 h, TOPO I monolayer can be formed. The produced TOPO I monolayer on mica was flat and exhibited good stability. SCANNING 31: 160–166, 2009. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of fiber diameter and CO2 activation temperature on the pore characteristics of polyacrylonitrile based activated carbon nanofibers
Authors: Tavanai Hossein , Jalili Rouholah , Morshed Mohamad 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe effects of fiber diameter and activation temperature on the pore characteristics of polyacrylonitrile based activated carbon nanofibers are investigated. It was found that lower fiber diameters as well as higher activation temperatures lead to a higher weight loss, specific surface area and total pore volume. The nitrogen adsorption capacity of activated carbon nanofibers is almost three times that of activated carbon fiber with a diameter of 10 µm. As far as the size of pores in activated carbon nanofibers is concerned, it is basically the micropores that dominate the scene. Moreover, tailoring the pore characteristics by adjusting the activation temperature and fiber diameter is plausible. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nodal Signaling via an Autocrine Pathway Promotes Proliferation of Mouse Spermatogonial Stem/Progenitor Cells Through Smad2/3 andOct-4Activation
Authors: He Zuping , Jiang Jiji , Kokkinaki Maria , Dym Martin 
Published: August 2009

AbstractSpermatogenesis is the process that involves the division and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells into spermatozoa. However, the autocrine molecules and signaling pathways controlling their fate remain unknown. This study was designed to identify novel growth factors and signaling pathways that regulate proliferation, differentiation, and survival of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells. To this end, we have for the first time explored the expression, function, and signaling pathway of Nodal, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, in mouse spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells. We demonstrate that both Nodal and its receptors are present in these cells and in a spermatogonial stem/progenitor cell line (C18-4 cells), whereas Nodal is undetected in Sertoli cells or differentiated germ cells, as assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blots, and immunocytochemistry. Nodal promotes proliferation of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells and C18-4 cells, whereas Nodal receptor inhibitor SB431542 blocks their propagation as shown by proliferation and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays. Nodal knockdown by RNA interference results in a marked increase of cell apoptosis and a reduction of cell division as indicated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling and proliferation assays. Conversely, overexpression of Nodal leads to an increase of cell proliferation. Nodal activates Smad2/3 phosphorylation, Oct-4 transcription, cyclin D1, and cyclin E expression, whereas SB431542 completely abolishes their increase. Together, Nodal was identified as the first autocrine signaling molecule that promotes proliferation of mouse spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells via Smad2/3 and Oct-4 activation. This study thus provides novel and important insights into molecular mechanisms regulating proliferation and survival of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells.
Signaling Pathways Controlling Pluripotency and Early Cell Fate Decisions of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Vallier Ludovic , Touboul Thomas , Brown Stephanie , Cho Candy , Bilican Bilada , Alexander Morgan , Cedervall Jessica , Chandran Siddharthan , Ährlund-Richter Lars , Weber Anne , Pedersen Roger A. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells from embryonic origins and those generated from reprogrammed somatic cells share many characteristics, including indefinite proliferation and a sustained capacity to differentiate into a wide variety of cell types. However, it remains to be demonstrated whether both cell types rely on similar mechanisms to maintain their pluripotent status and to control their differentiation. Any differences in such mechanisms would suggest that reprogramming of fibroblasts to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) results in novel states of pluripotency. In that event, current methods for expanding and differentiating human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) might not be directly applicable to human iPSCs. However, we show here that human iPSCs rely on activin/nodal signaling to control Nanog expression and thereby maintain pluripotency, thus revealing their mechanistic similarity to human ESCs. We also show that growth factors necessary and sufficient for achieving specification of human ESCs into extraembryonic tissues, neuroectoderm, and mesendoderm also drive differentiation of human iPSCs into the same tissues. Importantly, these experiments were performed in fully chemically defined medium devoid of factors that could obscure analysis of developmental mechanisms or render the resulting tissues incompatible with future clinical applications. Together these data reveal that human iPSCs rely on mechanisms similar to human ESCs to maintain their pluripotency and to control their differentiation, showing that these pluripotent cell types are functionally equivalent.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Privatization in Saudi Arabia: Is slow beautiful?
Authors: Akoum Ibrahim 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe aim of this article is to abridge the dearth of academic research on Saudi Arabia's privatization strategy, which is touted by government as key to empowering the business community in the largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa region. Whereas some contend privatization has moved at a slow pace and that the business model employed for privatizing public enterprises lacks commercial business efficiency standards, government retorts that, guided by an organized and sequential process, privatization has been successful. This article maintains that if privatization is to confer the benefits claimed for it and sway international investors equipped with modern managerial skills and technical know‐how, authorities need to accelerate privatization and subject enterprises to steadfast market competitive forces. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knowledge seeking in going abroad
Authors: Sallis James E. , Deo Sharma D. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBased on knowledge theories, this study examines the impact of client‐following and market‐seeking entry strategies on foreign market entry by firms. The article also explores the subsequent development of knowledge in firms. Using data from 116 firms, we test three hypotheses using logistic regression. Our hypotheses are supported in the data. Our analysis shows that significant differences exist between client‐following firms and market‐seeking firms. Client followers are both supported and trapped by their international network, whereas market seekers, though not supported, are much freer to pursue higher‐order learning. Due to differences in their network ties, these two types of firms learn at different speeds and learn different things. We also found that firms with proactive knowledge‐seeking strategies learn more. Thus, learning strategies have consequences for exploration and exploitation of international markets, what is learned and how much is learned, and proactive internationalization strategies for firms. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How market orientation and outsourcing create capability and impact business performance
Authors: Singh Satyendra 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFor most firms, developing the capability to compete and perform is crucial. The literature suggests that market orientation and outsourcing are two such sources for building capabilities in the marketplace. However, the relative contribution of market orientation and outsourcing to capability and superior business performance is unclear. To bring clarity, two pathways through which market orientation and outsourcing build capability and enhance business performance are proposed. Using data from foreign and Indian firms, the results indicate that both market orientation and outsourcing contribute to building capability, and that outsourcing further contributes to business performance. Also, it was discovered that low‐risk market‐oriented and high‐risk outsourcing firms experienced a positive impact on business performance. The implication of these results for managers is that market orientation and outsourcing can be complementary tools in their efforts to build capability, enhance business performance, and manage risky environmental conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chinese tax changes and offshore comparisons
Authors: Lipsher Laurence E. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractLipsher delivered the following observations and remarks in Shanghai to a group consisting primarily of Chinese tax professionals. The size and composition of the group marked an achievement that validated the close to two decades that Lipsher has lived in China—especially since January 1, 1994, when the first national tax law came into effect. He was in China here when the first, six‐page tax law went into effect. Simultaneously, on that very same day, a new U.S. tax law came into effect. Only that law was 1,447 pages long! His remarks offer an overview of tax‐law changes in China and the advantages of offshore tax benefits from the perspective of an American who has lived and worked in the Chinese business environment as a tax expert as it has evolved and matured. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound examination for assigning a specific diagnosis to adnexal masses
Authors: Sokalska A. , Timmerman D. , Testa A. C. , Van Holsbeke C. , Lissoni A. A , Leone F. P. G. , Jurkovic D. , Valentin L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the sensitivity and specificity of subjective evaluation of gray‐scale and Doppler ultrasound findings (here called pattern recognition) when used by experienced ultrasound examiners with regard to making a specific diagnosis of adnexal masses.MethodsWithin the framework of a European multicenter study, the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis study, comprising nine ultrasound centers, women with at least one adnexal mass were examined with gray‐scale and color Doppler ultrasonography by experienced ultrasound examiners. A standardized examination technique, and standardized terms and definitions were used. Using pattern recognition the examiners classified each mass as benign or malignant and suggested a specific diagnosis (e.g. dermoid cyst or endometrioma). The reference standard was the histology of the surgically removed adnexal tumors.ResultsA total of 1066 women were included, of whom 800 had a benign mass and 266 a malignant mass. A specific diagnosis based on ultrasound findings was suggested in 899 (84%) tumors. The specificity was high for all diagnoses (range, 94–100%). The sensitivity was highest for benign teratoma/dermoid cysts (86%, 100/116), hydrosalpinges (86%, 18/21), peritoneal pseudocysts (80%, 4/5) and endometriomas (77%, 153/199), and lowest for functional cysts (17%, 4/24), paraovarian/parasalpingeal cysts (14%, 3/21), benign rare tumors (11%, 1/9), adenofibromas (8%, 3/39), simple cysts (6%, 1/18) and struma ovarii (0%, 0/5). The positive and negative likelihood ratios of pattern recognition with regard to dermoid cysts, hydrosalpinges and endometriomas were 68.2 and 0.14, 38.9 and 0.15, and 33.3 and 0.24, respectively. Dermoid cysts, hydrosalpinges, functional cysts, paraovarian cysts, peritoneal pseudocysts, fibromas/fibrothecomas and simple cysts were never misdiagnosed as malignancies by the ultrasound examiner, whereas more than 10% of inflammatory processes, adenofibromas and rare benign tumors including struma ovarii were misdiagnosed as malignancies.ConclusionsUsing subjective evaluation of gray‐scale and Doppler ultrasound findings it is possible to make an almost conclusive diagnosis of a dermoid cyst, endometrioma and hydrosalpinx. Many other adnexal pathologies can be recognized but not confidently confirmed or excluded. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic performance of routine ultrasound screening for fetal abnormalities in an unselected Swedish population in 2000–2005
Authors: Romosan G. , Henriksson E. , Rylander A. , Valentin L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the detection rate of fetal malformations and chromosomal abnormalities and the rate of false‐positive ultrasound diagnoses at routine ultrasound examinations carried out by specially trained midwives in an unselected pregnant population from 2000 to 2005, and to describe the consequences of true‐positive and false‐positive ultrasound diagnoses of fetal malformations.MethodsA retrospective analysis was undertaken of all babies born in Malmö, Sweden, between January 2000 and December 2005 by mothers residing in Malmö and of all fetuses with an ultrasound diagnosis of malformation made in the same time interval at the two units performing all routine pregnancy scans in Malmö. All women underwent two routine scans, at 18 and 32 weeks, including scrutiny of the fetal anatomy. Detection rates and false‐positive rates were calculated per fetus.ResultsThe prevalence of chromosomally abnormal fetuses was 0.31% (52/16 775); that of chromosomally normal fetuses with major and minor malformations was 1.80% (302/16 775) and 1.32% (222/16 775), respectively. The detection rate of fetuses with major malformations but normal chromosomes was 68% (205/302), with a detection rate at < 22 weeks of 37% (112/302). In addition, 46% (24/52) of all chromosomally abnormal fetuses were diagnosed before birth because a malformation was detected at ultrasound imaging, 33% (17/52) being detected at < 22 gestational weeks. In all, 68 pregnancies were terminated because of an ultrasound diagnosis of fetal malformation (0.4% of all pregnancies and 47% of the pregnancies in which a fetal malformation was detected by ultrasound examination before 22 weeks). A false‐positive ultrasound diagnosis of malformation was made in 0.19% (31/16 180) of the normally formed fetuses and in 20 (0.12%) fetuses the abnormal finding persisted during pregnancy. No fetus assigned a false‐positive diagnosis was lost by termination of pregnancy, but most were subjected to one or more unnecessary interventions before birth (e.g. amniocentesis), at birth (e.g. Cesarean section) or after birth (e.g. electrocardiogram, X‐ray, ultrasound examination or treatment with antibiotics).ConclusionsIn a screening program consisting of one fetal anomaly scan at 18 weeks and another at 32 weeks the detection rate of major malformations in chromosomally normal fetuses was 68% with a detection rate of 37% at < 22 weeks. The corresponding detection rates of chromosomally abnormal fetuses were 46% and 33%. Fewer than one in 500 screened fetuses had an ultrasound diagnosis of an anomaly that was not confirmed after birth. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of a 3D Polymeric Cobalt(II) Carboxylate Derivative from 1,2,4,5‐Benzenetetracarbonitrile
Authors: Sun Baiwang , Chen Xiaodan , Ang Siau Gek , Li Zhongshu , Jiang Xindong 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe metal‐organic complexes Co2(terpy)2(btec)·H2O 1 (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine, btec = 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylate) was synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis method, using 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarbonitrile, terpy and CoAc2·4H2O. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction showed that each btec4– ligand links four CoII atoms and each CoII atom links to two btec4– ligands forming a 1D double‐chain structure. Furthermore, the chains pack together through short face–face π–π interactions forming a 3D supramolecular structure. Additionally, the magnetic measurements show antiferromagnetic interactions among metal ions for compound 1.