bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A practical method for calculating the corrosion rate of uniformly depassivated reinforcing bars in concrete
Authors: Ghods P. , Isgor O.B. , Pour‐Ghaz M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe quantification of active corrosion rate of steel in concrete structures through nondestructive methods is a crucial task for scheduling maintenance/repair operations and for achieving accurate service life predictions. Measuring the polarization resistance of corroding systems and using the Stern‐Geary equation to calculate the corrosion current density of active steel is a widely‐used method for this purpose. However, these measurements are greatly influenced by environmental factors; therefore, accurate monitoring of corrosion requires integrating the instantaneous corrosion rates over time. Although advanced numerical models are helpful in research settings, they remain to be computationally expensive and complex to be adopted by general engineering community. In this paper, a practical numerical model for predicting corrosion rate of uniformly depassivated steel in concrete is developed. The model is built on Stern's earlier work that an optimum anode‐to‐cathode ratio exists for which the corrosion current on the metal surface reaches a maximum value. The developed model, which represents the corrosion rate as a function of concrete resistivity and oxygen concentration, is validated using experimental data obtained from the literature.
Very high‐resolution three‐dimensional functional MRI of the human visual cortex with elimination of large venous vessels
Authors: Barth M. , Norris D. G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe propose a very high‐resolution, three‐dimensional (3D) gradient‐echo technique with a twofold parallel imaging acceleration using a specialized occipital receiver coil at 3 T to perform functional MRI (fMRI) of the visual cortex. This configuration makes it possible to acquire 3D fMRI data within a timescale compatible with a block design. Without further processing, the functional maps at an isotropic 3D resolution of 0.42 µL (0.75 mm voxel size) and near‐isotropic resolution of 1.2 µL (1 mm voxel size) show very robust activation in visual areas, but with clear contamination from larger veins. As this technique allows direct identification of veins in the functional scan, it permits removal of their effect from the activation maps. In our study, elimination of veins qualitatively improves the spatial specificity of activation maps, while reducing the activated volume by about 25%. The proposed technique provides functional information at the resolution of anatomical scans, is localized to gray matter, and facilitates functional to anatomical co‐registration because of minimal distortions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eikonal equation‐based front propagation for arbitrary complex configurations
Authors: Wang Y. , Guibault F. , Camarero R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper presents a front propagation method using the Eikonal equation, ∇ϕ ⋅ ∇ϕ = 1, in which, ϕ represents the smallest Euclidean distance field to the front to be propagated. The offset capturing approach consists in first calculating the ϕ field over a uniform Cartesian grid fully covering the front to be propagated, and then constructing the iso‐ϕ curves or surfaces as the propagated result. The calculation of ϕ uses a 3D numerical scheme, the Fast Sweeping Scheme. Validation for accuracy of the method is presented using academic test cases. A real 3D industry application, draft tube with two piers, is successfully propagated and demonstrated using special boundary conditions to cope with inlet and outlet planes during front propagtion. This application involves the propagation of a front that exhibits both concave and convex shape regions, sharp corners, and local tangent plane surface discontinuities as well as a multi‐connected domain. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties and morphology of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/bisphenol a polycarbonate/poly(styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene) blends by low‐temperature solid‐state extrusion
Authors: Guo Weihong , Zhang Hongsheng , Yin Guorong , Tang Xianwen , Li Binyao , Wu Chifei 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAmong the various methods available for recycling plastics waste, blending technology is a straightforward and relatively simple method for recycling. In this paper, a new blending technology, low‐temperature solid‐state extrusion, was discussed. Several recycled poly(terephthalate ethylene)/bisphenol a polycarbonate/poly(styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene) blends (R‐PET/PC/SEBS blends) have been prepared by this technology. The results show that thermal and hydrolytic degradation of R‐PET is improved when extruding temperature was between the glass transition temperature (Tg) and cold crystallization temperature (Tcc). Elongation at break and notched impact strength were increased evidently, from 15.9% to 103.6, and from 8.6 kJ/m2 to 20.4 kJ/m2, respectively. The appropriate rotating speed of screws was between 100 and 150 rpm. At the same time, the appropriate rotating speed of the screws brings a suitable shear viscosity ratio of R‐PET and PC, which is of advantage to blending of R‐PET and PC together with SEBS. Dispersion of minor phase, PC and SEBS, became finer and smaller, to about 1 µm. Chain extender, Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) can react with the end‐carboxyl group and end‐hydroxyl group of R‐PET. FT‐IR spectra testified that the reactions have been happened in the extruding process. A chain extending reaction not only increased the molecular weight of PET and PC, but also can synthesize PET‐g‐PC copolymer to act as a reactive compatilizer. An SEM micrograph shows that a micro‐fiber structure of PET was formed in the blend sample. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave‐assisted extraction of the main phenolic compounds in flaxseed
Authors: Beejmohun Vickram , Fliniaux Ophélie , Grand Éric , Lamblin Frédéric , Bensaddek Lamine , Christen Philippe , Kovensky José , Fliniaux Marc‐André , Mesnard François 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) method has been applied for the first time to the extraction of the main lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), and the two most concentrated hydroxycinnamic acid glucosides in flaxseed. The effects of microwave power, extraction time and alkaline treatment were investigated. It was shown that a 3 min MAE resulted in an SDG content of 16.1 ± 0.4 mg/g, a p‐coumaric acid glucoside content of 3.7 ± 0.2 mg/g and a ferulic acid glucoside content of 4.1 ± 0.2 mg/g. These values were compared with those obtained using conventional extraction methods and the results demonstrated that MAE was more effective in terms of both yield and time consumption. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical investigation of Phyllanthus reticulatus by HPLC‐SPE‐NMR and conventional methods
Authors: Lam Sio‐Hong , Wang Chen‐Yu , Chen Chien‐Kuang , Lee Shoei‐Sheng 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEight compounds, including two flavonoid glycosides, were isolated from the butanol‐soluble fraction of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Phyllanthus reticulatus by conventional methods. A polyphenol‐rich fraction, obtained by Sephadex LH‐20 fractionation, was also studied using an HPLC‐SPE‐NMR technique leading to the characterization of six compounds including three additional flavonoid glycosides. The latter approach used only 1 mg of samples, theoretically equivalent to 0.3 g of dry leaves. This study demonstrates that HPLC‐SPE‐NMR is very useful for thorough chemical investigation and also offers the advantages of saving time, plant materials and consumables over more conventional methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twin‐screw compounding of poly(methyl methacrylate)/clay nanocomposites: effects of compounding temperature and matrix molecular weight
Authors: Liaw Jr Hao , Hsueh Tony Yi , Tan Tai‐Sheng , Wang Yeh , Chiao Shu‐Min 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPoly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/organoclay nanocomposites prepared by melt‐compounding using a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder were intercalated nanocomposites. Commercially available PMMA resins of various molecular weights were used for comparison. The results showed an optimum compounding temperature for maximum intercalation with balanced shear and diffusion. Higher operating temperature reduced the shear mixing effect, and might have induced early degradation of the organoclay. Lower operating temperature, in contrast, reduced the mobility of the polymer molecules, which not only hampered the intercalation attempts, but also generated high torque in the extrusion. The mechanical behavior of the nanocomposites was studied. The tensile modulus, storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites increased with increasing clay content; however, an associated decrease in strength and strain at break was also observed. The notched impact strength also showed a slight decrease with clay content. Nanocomposites based on the lower molecular weight PMMA yielded more significant improvement in mechanical and thermal properties at the same clay content. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation, characterization, and thermal properties of hydrophilic copolymers: p‐chlorophenylmaleimides with hydroxylethyl methacrylate and β‐methyl itaconate
Authors: Pizarro Guadalupe del C , Marambio Oscar G , Jeria‐Orell Manuel , Huerta Margarita R , Sánchez Julio , Rivas Bernabé L , Habicher Wolf D 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis work describes the synthesis, characterization, and thermal behavior of copolymers of p‐chlorophenylmaleimide (Cl‐PhMI) with β‐methyl itaconate (β‐MHI) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Copolymerization was carried out with a radical initiator by varying the feed mole fraction of Cl‐PhMI from 0.25 to 0.75. The copolymer composition was determined from the N/C ratio based on elemental analysis data and with 1H NMR spectroscopy for poly(Cl‐PhMI‐co‐HEMA) using a proton signal attributed to the CH3 of HEMA (δ = 0.7–1.4 ppm) and the area of aromatic ring protons (δ = 7.2–7.8 ppm), where the proton/area relationship confirmed the copolymer compositions calculated by elemental analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios r1 and r2 were determined using the Kelen–Tüdös method. These values demonstrated that copolymerization produced random copolymers with an alternation tendency. The molecular weight and polydispersity were also determined. The thermal behavior can be correlated with the copolymer composition. An increase of the thermal decomposition temperature occurred when the content of Cl‐PhMI increased. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of poly(β‐MHI) or poly(HEMA) increased with an increasing amount of Cl‐PhMI in the polymer backbone. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The targeting of drugs using polymeric microspheres
Authors: Davis Stanley S. , Illum Lisbeth 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe use of polymeric microspheres for the targeting of drugs to specific sites in the body is discussed in terms of the physico‐chemical properties that influence the fate and deposition of colloidal particles following intravenous administration. These include particle size, surface charge and surface hydrophobicity. Adsorbed surface coatings and adsorbed blood components also play a significant role in determining the site and extent of deposition. Drug targeting via the intravenous route can be achieved in certain instances. However, following administration the major site of particle deposition for small particles is the liver. The use of monoclonal antibodies as a coating agent to increase site specificity is also considered.
Lessons learned from statistical reform efforts in other disciplines
Authors: Fidler Fiona , Cumming Geoff 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCompelling arguments for reform of statistical practices have been made in many disciplines, in some cases over several decades, but achieving reform has proved difficult. We discuss how reform has progressed—or not progressed—in psychology, medicine, and ecology and describe case studies of attempts by pioneering journal editors to change statistical practices. Lessons for those seeking reform in education include the need to recognize the importance of journal editors and of provision of articles, books, and software that give practical guidance to researchers wishing to use the recommended statistical techniques. Research is required on recommended techniques so that statistical practice can become evidence based. Also, improvement in statistical practice should be encouraged along with improvement in the way a discipline theorizes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 441–449, 2007.
Better statistics for better decisions: Rejecting null hypotheses statistical tests in favor of replication statistics
Authors: Sanabria Federico , Killeen Peter R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDespite being under challenge for the past 50 years, null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) remains dominant in the scientific field for want of viable alternatives. NHST, along with its significance level p, is inadequate for most of the uses to which it is put, a flaw that is of particular interest to educational practitioners who too often must use it to sanctify their research. In this article, we review the failure of NHST and propose prep, the probability of replicating an effect, as a more useful statistic for evaluating research and aiding practical decision making. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 471–481, 2007.
Using multilevel modeling to examine the effects of multitiered interventions
Authors: Clements Melissa A. , Bolt Daniel , Hoyt William , Kratochwill Thomas R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractData collected in school settings are inherently hierarchical. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly common for interventions to be implemented within the context of a similar multitiered intervention framework where different interventions are provided at different levels of the hierarchy, often simultaneously. This prevalence of hierarchical structures in educational intervention research makes the use of multilevel models (MMs) an appealing methodology for the study of multitiered interventions. We provide an overview of (1) the hierarchical nature of educational intervention research, (2) relevant practical issues in the design of multitiered intervention studies, and (3) the use of MMs for providing a descriptive characterization of multitiered intervention effects. Findings from a hypothetical data example demonstrate that MMs provide noticeably more accurate estimates of effects than traditional single‐level analyses and clarify the advantages of MMs for examining data analysis issues relevant to multitiered intervention studies. Finally, the article provides recommendations for the use of MMs in future intervention studies, especially within the context of multitiered intervention models and response to intervention frameworks. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 503–513, 2007.
Dynamic modelling in a study of surgical error management
Authors: Solis‐Trapala I. L. , Carthey J. , Farewell V. T. , de Leval M. R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe demonstrate the use of dynamic longitudinal models to investigate error management in cardiac surgery. Case study data were collected from a multicentre study of the neonatal arterial switch operation (ASO). Information on two types of negative events, or ‘errors’, observed during surgery, major and minor events, was extracted from case studies. Each event was judged to be recovered from (compensated) or not (uncompensated). The aim of the study was to model compensation given the occurrence of past events within a case. Two models were developed, one for the probability of compensating for a major event and a second model for the probability of compensating for a minor event. Analyses based on dynamic logistic regression models suggest that the total number of preceding minor events, irrespective of compensation status, is negatively related with the ability to compensate for major events. The alternative use of random effects models is investigated for comparison purposes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How dynamic can organizational capabilities be? Towards a dual‐process model of capability dynamization
Authors: Schreyögg Georg , Kliesch‐Eberl Martina 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe recent discussion in the field of strategic management broadly favors the idea of dynamic capabilities in order to overcome potential rigidities of organizational capability building. The major question addressed in this paper is whether capabilities can actually be conceived as being in flux—and if so, to what extent and in which way? After briefly recapitulating the distinguishing features of organizational capabilities, path dependency, structural inertia, and commitment are identified as the main capability‐rigidity drivers causing a managerial dilemma. In the search for a resolution of this dilemma different approaches of dynamic capabilities are identified and discussed. The analysis shows that the approaches suffer from inherent conceptual contradictions: the dynamization runs the risk of dissolving the original idea and strength of organizational capability building. Ultimately, capabilities would lose the strategic power attributed to them in the resource‐based view. The last section of this paper therefore aims to develop an alternative approach, which aims at preserving the original merits of organizational capability and solving the rigidity issue not by integrating a dynamic dimension into the capability construct but rather by establishing a separate function (‘capability monitoring’). The suggestions mount up to a tier solution. Its logic builds on the dynamics of countervailing processes and second‐level observation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
At Aldus, globalization wasn't an afterthought
Authors: Kalbacker Warren 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAt Aldus, entering foreign markets was not a strategy pursued after its products had been successfully marketed in the U.S. Aldus President Paul Brainerd set out from the beginning to build products that could be quickly adapted to local markets. With a strong competitive position in the European Community, the Seattle‐based computer software producer now looks to the Pacific Rim.
Hiring local managers and employees overseas
Authors: Fetterolf Cynthia 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHiring and retaining local employees for an overseas plant or office calls for abandoning ordinary American hiring techniques and assumptions and rethinking the entire process. When hiring a national, whether a manager or lower‐level employee, you must be acutely aware of that country's cultural mores. Only then can you best fulfill your organization's goals while simultaneously meeting the needs of the employee.
The “Brain Drain” from Hong Kong
Authors: Shelton Scott K. , Quok David 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAt one time, the top jobs in subsidiaries of Western companies located in Hong Kong were held by Westerners. Only recently have companies moved to fill professional positions with local talent. But as the localization process has speeded up, the once plentiful supply of talent is shrinking dramatically. Hong Kong Chinese professionals are leaving from fear of what repatriation with the PRC will bring.
The state of North American free trade
Authors: Tancer Shoshana B. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn 1989, a Free Trade Agreement was signed between the United States and Canada. This past June, at a meeting between the presidents of the United States and Mexico, agreement was reached to begin negotiations toward a similar agreement between their countries. Could this be the impetus for a trilateral agreement among the three countries and, perhaps, even creation of a North American Common Market?
Serum carnitine, triglyceride and cholesterol profiles in Korean neonates
Authors: Ahn Eun-Mi , Cho Soo-Chul , Lee Myoungsook , Cha Youn-Soo 
Published: April 2007

This study evaluated carnitine and lipid status of fifty Korean newborns. Each subject was assigned to two groups: one according to body weight at birth and the other according to gestational age. Serum total, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol were significantly lower and triacylglycerols were significantly higher, by 14 %, in the low birth weight infant (LBWI, 1310–2490 g) group compared with the normal birth weight infant (NBWI, 2570–4420 g) group. Neither birth weight nor gestational age affected serum total carnitine concentrations. However, serum ASAC (acid-soluble acylcarnitine) concentrations were 43 % higher (P < 0·001) in the LBWI group compared with the NBWI group, and approximately twice as high (P < 0·05) in the 28–32 gestational age group compared with the other gestational age groups. NEC (non-esterified acyl carnitine) fractions were significantly higher in the NBWI and 28–32 week groups (P < 0·001 andP < 0·05); consequently serum acyl/NEC carnitine ratios were four times higher in the LBWI group compared with the NBWI group and 2–3 times higher in the 25–32 week age group compared with the more advanced gestational age groups. Urinary carnitine excretion, including the NEC fraction and total carnitine, was significantly higher (P < 0·001) for LBWI than for NBWI. By gestational age, NEC excretion of the 28–32 week group was significantly (P < 0·05) higher than that of the other two groups, but total carnitine excretion was not different among the groups. This study demonstrated that Korean immature and preterm newborns have higher serum triacylglycerol concentrations but lower carnitine status than NBWI. Therefore, the lower carnitine status and moderately higher triacylglycerols may suggest that LBWI in Korea might be at risk for poor carnitine status and decreased capacity to utilise fatty acids for energy.
Influence of cabbage processing methods and prebiotic manipulationof colonic microflora on glucosinolate breakdown in man
Authors: Fuller Zoë , Louis Petra , Mihajlovski Agnès , Rungapamestry Vanessa , Ratcliffe Brian , Duncan Alan J. 
Published: April 2007

Glucosinolate consumption from brassica vegetables has been implicated in reduction of cancer risk. The isothiocyanate breakdown products of glucosinolates appear to be particularly important as chemoprotective agents. Before consumption, brassica vegetables are generally cooked, causing the plant enzyme, myrosinase, to be denatured, influencing the profile of glucosinolate breakdown products produced. Some human intestinal microflora species show myrosinase-like activity (e.g. bifidobacteria). We aimed to increase bifidobacteria by offering a prebiotic (inulin) in a randomised crossover study. Six volunteers consumed inulin (10 g/d) for 21 d followed by a 21 d control period (no inulin). Treatment periods were reversed for the remaining six volunteers. During the last 5 d of each period two cabbage-containing meals were consumed. Total urine output was collected for 24 h following each meal. Cabbage was microwaved for 2 min (lightly cooked) or 5·5 min (fully cooked). Faecal samples were collected at the start and after the inulin and control treatments. Bifidobacteria were enumerated by real-time PCR. Allyl isothiocyanate production was quantified by measuring urinary excretion of allyl mercapturic acid (AMA). Bifidobacteria increased following prebiotic supplementation (P < 0·001) but there was no impact of this increase on AMA excretion. AMA excretion was greater following consumption of lightly cooked cabbage irrespective of prebiotic treatment (P < 0·001). In conclusion, the most effective way to increase isothiocyanate production may be to limit the length of time that brassica vegetables are cooked prior to consumption.