bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real Time Monitoring of Morphologic and Mechanical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites During Extrusion by near Infrared and Ultrasonic Spectroscopy
Authors: Fischer Dieter , Müller Jan , Kummer Sven , Kretzschmar Bernd 
Published: August 2011

AbstractExtrusion is one of the most applied technologies for the processing of polymer nanocomposites for applications in automotive, electrical and packaging industrial sectors. These nanostructured materials have advantages in comparison to traditional polymer materials, so that properties like tensile strength and modulus, barrier and surface properties, electrical properties and flame retardancy will be improved. There is a need to control amount and dispersion of the nanofillers in the polymer matrix during melt processing and to control the influence of the processing conditions on the nanocomposite formation. For an adequate real time characterization it is necessary to measure directly in the extruder. Spectroscopic methods and Ultrasonic measurements are outstanding methods for this kind of in‐line monitoring.This paper deals with the real time determination of the dispersion and the impact strength of polymer nanocomposites in the melt during extrusion by Ultrasonic measurements and NIR spectroscopy. These in‐line measurements were correlated with off‐line rheological measurements, transmission electron microscopy and mechanical test measurements by multivariate data analysis. The polymers used are polypropylene and polyamide 6. As nanofillers we used different modified layered silicates. We determined the degree of exfoliation as an indicator for the dispersion of the nanofiller in the polymer matrix for different layered silicates and at different process conditions.
Spectroscopic Investigation of Polypeptide Plane Brushes
Authors: Vlasova Elena , Volchek Boris , Tarasenko Irina , Vlasov Guennadii 
Published: August 2011

AbstractFourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for determination of orientational and conformational characteristics of plane polypeptide brushes with different density of polypeptide chains grafted to modified silicon surface. The determination of grafting density of polypeptide chains in brushes, which depends on chemical structure of spacer groups, was carried out using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The influence of chemical structure of modifying spacer groups and outer conditions on the characteristics of plane polypeptide brushes was established. The peculiarities of α‐helical structure (random coil transfer of polymer chains in brushes under the action of denaturants) were investigated.
Peripheral nerve reconstruction with collagen tubes filled with denatured autologous muscle tissue in the rat model
Authors: Dornseifer ULF , Fichter Andreas M. , Leichtle Stefan , Wilson Andrew , Rupp Angelika , Rodenacker Karsten , Ninkovic Milomir , Biemer Edgar , Machens Hans‐Günther , Matiasek Kaspar , Papadopulos Nikolaos A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractConventional nerve conduits lack cellular and extracellular guidance structures critical for bridging larger defects. In this study, an exogenous matrix for axonal regeneration was provided by pretreated muscle tissue. In 24 rats, 14‐mm sciatic nerve segments were resected and surgically reconstructed using one of the following methods: autograft (AG); bovine type I collagen conduit; (MDM) collagen tube filled with modified denatured autologous muscle tissue. For 8 weeks, functional regeneration was evaluated by footprint and video gait analysis. Evaluation was complemented by electrophysiology, as well as qualitative and quantitative structural assessment of nerves and target muscles. Group AG was superior both structurally and functionally, showing higher axon counts, a more normal gait pattern, and less severe muscle atrophy. Fiber quality (fiber size and myelin thickness) was highest in group MDM, possibly related to the myelin‐producing effect of muscular laminin. However, axon count was lowest in this group, and ultrastructural analysis of the denatured muscle tissue showed areas of incomplete denaturation that had acted as a mechanical barrier for regenerating axons. In light of these results, the often advocated use of muscular exogenous matrix for peripheral nerve reconstruction is reviewed in the literature, and its clinical application is critically discussed. In conclusion, combined muscle tubes may have a positive influence on nerve fiber maturation. However, muscle pretreatment is not without risks, and denaturation processes need to be further refined. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Prescribing long‐acting beta2‐ agonist inhalers in asthma
Authors: Spencer Rachel , Serumaga Brian 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn this series we present a number of prescribing safety indicators developed as part of an RCGP project.1 The evidence base behind each of the indicators is given along with information to illustrate their clinical significance. We provide a ‘real‐life’ audit based on the indicator to show how practices could begin to analyse their own prescribing data. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Ranibizumab for visual loss due to diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Morphis George 
Published: August 2011

AbstractRanibizumab (Lucentis) has recently been licensed for the treatment of visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects and Mr George Morphis discusses its place in treatment. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Indirect interaction of magnetic domain walls
Authors: Sedlmayr N. , Dugaev V. K. , Inglot M. , Berakdar J. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe calculate the electron‐mediated exchange interaction between two domain walls in magnetic wires. This corresponds to the equilibrium regime and, therefore, the interaction can be additionally controlled by an electric current. The ex‐ change interaction is long ranged and oscillates as a function of the distance between the walls. It also depends oscillatory on the polarization angle of the walls, having the maximum value for collinear polarization. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Self‐protecting networking using dynamic p‐cycle construction within link capacity constraint
Authors: Zhang Weiyi , Kandah Farah , Du Xiaojiang , Wang Chonggang 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThe p‐cycle design problem has been extensively studied because it can provide both ring‐like fast self‐protection speed and spare capacity efficiency of path protection scheme. However, p‐cycle provisioning for dynamic traffic has not been fully addressed. Most related works have not considered link capacity in the construction of p‐cycles, which may cause problems in practice because the protection paths may not have enough backup bandwidth. In this paper, with the consideration of link capacity, we present a sufficient and necessary condition that guarantees p‐cycles for providing enough protection bandwidth. Based on this condition, we propose an effective solution to provide connections for dynamic requests with the property that each link used for a connection is protected by a p‐cycle. Simulation results show that our dynamic p‐cycle provisioning solution outperforms the traditional path protection scheme. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Factor Structure of the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire in a Literate Kenyan Population
Authors: Abubakar A. , Fischer R. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe study evaluated the factorial structure of the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) in a population of Kenyan adults and adolescents. A sample of 1216 people aged 12–60 years completed the English version of the GHQ‐12. To evaluate the factor structure of the GHQ‐12, a confirmatory analysis using MPLUS was carried out. A unidimensional model of GHQ‐12 as originally conceptualized did not provide a good fit for the data (Comparative Fit Index = 0.843, Tuckler Lewis Index = 0.841, Root Mean Square of Error Approximation = 0.078, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.063). Unidimensional models, which partial out the effects of negative wording showed an adequate fit to the data. Additionally, multidimensional models showed an excellent fit to the data. Based on the principles of parsimony, pattern of item loading and the correlation between identified factors in the multidimensional models, it was concluded that the GHQ−12 is a unidimensional measure whose structure is significantly influenced by wording effects. The GHQ‐12, when applied to a literate population in Africa, showed similar factor structure as in other regions of the world; hence, it can be recommended for use as a screening tool for general symptoms of psychological distress. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a method for business process and informal business rules compliance
Authors: De Nicola Antonio , Missikoff Michele , Smith Fabrizio 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYBusiness process reengineering (BPR) is a common practice for a continuous improvement of the organization and the operations of an enterprise. An important technique of BPR is based on business rules (BRs). The latter are, in general, represented using natural language and, therefore, carry a certain degree of imprecision and ambiguity; therefore, our first objective is to start from informal BR and disambiguate them by using a question answering method based on a decision table. The introduction of BRs impacts on existing business processes (BPs), requiring often a reengineering intervention. In this paper, we present an approach to BPR based on the systematic use of ontologies and semantic annotations and focused on dependency constraints, a particular kind of BRs. To this end, we propose the synergic use of Business Process Abstract Language, a BP modeling framework to represent BP schemas, and Object Process Actor modeling Language, an ontological framework to capture the semantics of a business scenario. Both the frameworks are grounded in logic, and therefore, it is possible to apply effective reasoning methods to make inferences over a Business Process Knowledge Base stemming from the union of the two above components. Then we propose a query engine allowing for the detection of BPs that are not compliant with the BRs and, more precisely, the specific BP segment where to intervene. The proposed platform has been conceived not to substitute existing BPM tools but to integrate them providing advanced services to support rule‐based BPR activities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Deformation on Continuous Cooling Phase Transformation Behaviors of 780 MPa Nb‐Ti Ultra‐High Strength Steel
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Du Linxiu , Xie Hui , Di Hongshuang , GU Dehao 
Published: August 2011

AbstractFor the purpose of achieving the reasonable rolling technology of 780 MPa hot‐rolled Nb‐Ti combined ultra‐high strength steel, the effect of deformation and microalloy elements Nb and Ti on phase transformation behaviors was investigated by thermal simulation experiment. The results indicated: the deformation promoted ferritic transformation; due to the carbon content of the experimental steel was lower (<0.12% wt), the deformation indirectly impacted perlitic transformation through promoting ferritic transformation; the effect of the deformation on bainitic transformation was subject to condition whether proeutectoid ferrite precipitated before bainitic transformation. At low cooling rate of 0.5 °C/s, Nb and Ti promote transformation process γ → α, but that not good for refining the ferrite grain; at high cooling rate of 25 °C/s, Nb and Ti to a certain extent promote bainitic transformation. The recrystallization stop temperature of experimental steel was greater than 1000 °C, and phase transformation point Ar3 was 764 °C. In order to obtain the fully bainite microstructure in the practical rolling process, the cooling rate should be controlled above 15 °C/s, the start finish rolling temperature between 950–980 °C, the finishing temperature between 830–850 °C, the coiling temperature between 450–550 °C.
Effects of perinatal exposure to low doses of tributyltin chloride on pregnancy outcome and postnatal development in mouse offspring
Authors: Si Jiliang , Li Jie , Zhang Fengmei , Li Guozhen , Xin Quanbin , Dai Bingqin 
Published: August 2011

AbstractTributyltin (TBT), an endocrine‐disrupting chemical, is well known to induce imposex in female gastropods. In this study, we assessed the effects of low doses of tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) on dams and their offspring. Pregnant mice were administered by gavage with 0, 1, 10, or 100 μg TBTCl/kg body weight/day from day 6 of pregnancy through the period of lactation. There were no TBT treatment‐related deaths or clinical signs of toxicity for dams, and no treatment‐related effects on body weight, litter sizes, gestational length of dams, and sex ratio, lactational body weight, postnatal survival, age at eruption of incisors, and eye opening of pups. However, at 100 μg/kg, TBTCl retarded the testes descent of male offspring. Behavioral tests showed a significant delay in cliff‐drop aversion response in offspring of 10 and 100 μg/kg groups, but no significant difference in the righting reflex between control and TBT‐exposed offspring was detectable. These results indicate that neurobehavioral toxicity seems to be one sensitive indicator to assess the risk of low doses of TBT. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Intraoperative Ultrasound with Contrast Medium in Resective Pancreatic Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Spinelli Antonino , Del Fabbro Daniele , Sacchi Matteo , Zerbi Alessandro , Torzilli Guido , Lutman Fabio R. , Laghi Luigi , Malesci Alberto , Montorsi Marco 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe introduction of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound has been a major innovation in liver and pancreatic imaging. Previous studies have validated its intraoperative use during liver surgery, while there is a lack of data regarding its use during pancreatic surgery. The purpose of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the possible role of contrast‐enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CEIOUS) during resective pancreatic surgery for primary lesion characterization and intraoperative staging.Materials and MethodsThirty‐four patients (70% males, mean age 67.9 years) were selected for pancreatic surgery between October 2006 and July 2009. All patients underwent intraoperative ultrasound with intravenous injection of 4.8 mL sulfur‐hexafluoride microbubbles. Location of the primary tumor, relation to the main vessels, contrast medium uptake modalities, presence of liver metastases, and multifocal pancreatic involvement were evaluated. The majority of operations were pancreatoduodenectomies (70.6%) performed for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (64.7%).ResultsAdditional lesions were detected by ultrasound in six patients (17.6%: liver metastases in four patients, a hemangioma in one patient, and a further pancreatic lesion in one patient). In five of these patients (5/34, 14.7%) surgical management was modified by these findings. All these new findings were diagnosed before injection of contrast medium, except for a metastasis from a neuroendocrine tumor; the characterization of the hemangioma was possible only after contrast injection. Intraoperative findings regarding location of primary tumor, relation to the main vessels, and lesion characterization did not differ from those obtained with preoperative imaging.ConclusionsIn our experience intraoperative ultrasound is a valid technique for intraoperative staging prior to pancreatic resection; it is unclear whether, in pancreatic surgery, the addition of contrast enhancement adds any benefit to traditional intraoperative ultrasound.
Large Clinical Experience of Primary Angiosarcoma of the Breast in a Single Korean Medical Institute
Authors: Bae Soo Youn , Choi Min‐Young , Cho Dong Hui , Lee Jeong Eon , Nam Seok Jin , Yang Jung‐Hyun 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundAngiosarcoma of the breast is rare. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and the clinical outcomes of patients with primary breast angiosarcoma.MethodsWe analyzed the clinicopathologic factors of patients with angiosarcoma of the breast treated between 1997 and 2010 at the Samsung Medical Center. We reviewed the related demographic data, preoperative imaging studies, method of histologic confirmation, tumor size, histologic grades, status of hormonal receptors, treatment modality, and survival data.ResultsNine women with angiosarcoma of the breast were identified. The median age of patients with primary angiosarcoma of the breast at diagnosis was 31 years (range: 19–63 years), and the median tumor size was 9.0 cm (range: 3.5–10.7 cm). Seven patients (77.7%) died within a median follow‐up of 46.7 months (range: 3.9–63.3 months), and all deaths were directly attributed to angiosarcoma. Overall, the median time from diagnosis of angiosarcoma to death was 46.8 months (range: 8.21–63.3 months). The 5 year overall survival with angiosarcoma was 42.9%.ConclusionsPrimary angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis, even with complete resection. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have limited value as treatments to date. Total mastectomy appears to be the most appropriate and beneficial treatment. More aggressive surgical management should be considered, and future clinical research should explore the most appropriate adjuvant therapy in the treatment of angiosarcoma.
Biotransformation of puerarin into puerarin-6″-O-phosphate by Bacillus cereus
Authors: Yu Lijuan , Gao Fang , Yang Liping , Xu Lei , Wang Zhaohui , Ye Hui 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The biotransformation of puerarin catalyzed by Bacillus cereus NT02 was studied. A primary screening was carried out using 307 strains of bacteria isolated from soil which were able to grow in the presence of puerarin. Strain NT02, identified as B. cereus, was able to convert puerarin into puerarin-6″-O-phosphate. Under the optimum conditions, resting cells of B. cereus NT02 converted 27% of added 0.4 g/l puerarin into puerarin-6″-O-phosphate that was characterized by MS, 13C NMR, 31P NMR. The activity of puerarin-6″-O-phosphate was 25 times higher than that of puerarin in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging system. The water solubility of puerarin-6″-O-phosphate was 85.4 times higher than that of puerarin.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Anorexia Nervosa: a Pilot Study
Authors: Van den Eynde F. , Guillaume S. , Broadbent H. , Campbell I.C. , Schmidt U. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe search for new treatments to improve outcome in people with anorexia nervosa continues. This pilot study investigated whether one session of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex reduces eating disorder related symptoms following exposure to visual and real food stimuli. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. Ten right-handed people with anorexia nervosa underwent one session of rTMS. Subjective experiences related to the eating disorder (e.g. urge to restrict, feeling full etc.) were assessed before and after rTMS. Non-parametric repeated measures tests were used. rTMS was safe and well-tolerated, and resulted in reduced levels of feeling full, feeling fat and feeling anxious. Thus, rTMS may reduce core symptoms of anorexia nervosa. Future research should establish the therapeutic potential of rTMS in anorexia nervosa.
Attenuation for the Simple Expansion Chamber Muffler with a Right Angle Inlet
Authors: Wu C.-H. , Wang C.-N. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThe simple expansion chamber muffler is a base control device whose use is to attenuate sound power, and has been known for a long time. Some of the most compelling research has focused on the mufflers with a straight inlet and outlet. To date, a muffler with a right angle inlet has never been studied. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to analyze the simple expansion chamber muffler with a right angle inlet. The numerical results show a comparable agreement between the experiment and other numerical approaches. A discussion is also presented in this work on the muffler with a different radius to that of the inlet/outlet pipe, a different inlet part, etc. The result clearly shows that the attenuation of the muffler with a right angle inlet is better than that with a straight inlet at particular frequencies. In addition, the mufflers do not have any absorbent linings attached to the inside of them, unlike the right angle-inlets which do. However, the propagation of sound in the muffler with a right angle inlet can lead its sound power to be attenuated about 10 ∼ 40dB at those particular frequencies.
A Self-Contained Portable Polymerase-Chain-Reaction System Integrated with Electromagnetic Mini-Actuators for Bi-Directional Fluid Transport
Authors: Chia B. T. , Yang S.-A. , Cheng M.-Y. , Lin C.-W. , Yang Y.-J. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the development of a portable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device is presented. Integrating electromagnetic mini-actuators for bi-directional fluid transport, the proposed device, whose dimension is 67mm × 66mm × 25mm, can be fully operated with a 5V DC voltage. The device consists of four major parts: A disposable channel chip in which PCR mixture is manipulated and reacted, a heater chip which generates different temperature zones for PCR reaction, a linear actuator array for pumping PCR mixture, and a circuit module for controlling and driving the system. The advantages of the device include the rapid temperature responses associated with continuous-flow-type PCR devices, as well as the programmable thermal cycling associated with chamber-type PCR devices. The thermal characteristics are measured and discussed. PCR amplification is successfully performed for the 122 bp segment of MCF-7/adr cell line. Due to its small footprint, this self-contained system potentially can be employed for point-of-care (POC) applications.
Predicting Failure Behavior of Polymeric Composites Using a Unified Constitutive Model
Authors: Vallejo M. J. , Tarefder R. A. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThis study predicts the failure behavior of an IM7/977-2 carbon epoxy composite material through a unified constitutive model. The traction-separation response and damage initiation and evolution behavior were studied by modeling a composite double cantilever beam subjected to a Mode I delamination. Damage within the composite panels was also taken into consideration through the use of the disturbed state concept (DSC). The finite element modeling software Abaqus was used to model the failure behavior of the composite using a unified constitutive modeling approach. The finite element model was validated by comparing the model results to referenced laboratory testing performed on IM7/977-2 carbon epoxy composite. The results of the finite element modeling performed in this study are in good agreement with the referenced laboratory testing. The damaged states associated with various stages of loading are presented in this study.