bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large Deformable Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Core–Shell Structure on Polystyrene Beads
Authors: Lee Jun‐Ho , Lee Youngkwan , Nam Jae‐Do 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMultiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐coated polystyrene (PS) beads have been prepared by dispersion polymerization followed by a layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly method. The concentration of carboxylic acid groups on the MWCNTs increased from 1.81 × 1021 to 3.43 × 1022 COO− per g as the treatment time was increased from 3 to 9 h. The sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) beads changed from being negatively charged to positively charged when the cationic polyelectrolyte was self‐assembled on their surface. The surface morphology of the adsorbed polyelectrolyte was smooth without any aggregation and the thickness of the polyelectrolyte coating on the SPS beads was ≈0.6 µm. The electrical conductivity and resistance of the MWCNT‐coated SPS beads were measured to be 4.0 × 10−2 S · cm−1 and 12.8 Ω at a volume fraction of 91%, respectively.magnified image
Medial plantar nerve testing facilitates identification of polyneuropathy
Authors: Sylantiev Constantin , Schwartz Roseline , Chapman Joab , Buchman Aron S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMany studies have used sural nerve action potential (NAP) as an electrophysiological marker for distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSP). We examined the role of medial plantar nerve testing for identifying DSP by comparing amplitudes from sural, superficial peroneal, and medial plantar nerves in 85 participants with symptoms and clinical signs of DSP and 204 participants without DSP. Receiver‐operating characteristic curves were used to determine the sensitivity of all three sensory conduction studies for the diagnosis of DSP. All three nerves could be used to discriminate between subjects with and without DSP with an area under the curve of more than 85% of cases. Sural and superficial peroneal nerve testing sensitivities were about 55%, whereas medial plantar nerve testing sensitivity was more than 90%. These findings suggest that testing the medial plantar nerve may increase the diagnostic yield of nerve conduction studies for DSP. Muscle Nerve 38: 1595–1598, 2008
Needlestick injuries among electromyographers
Authors: Mateen Farrah J. , Grant Ian A. , Sorenson Eric J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the self‐reported prevalence of needlestick injuries among practicing electromyographers. In January 2008, an anonymous electronic survey was sent to all active members of the American Association for Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) who provided e‐mail addresses to the Association. Eight hundred and eight members (56% neurologists, 43% physiatrists; 97% practicing physicians, 3% trainees) responded, with a response rate of 22% (808 of 3659). The mean number of years in practice, involving electromyography (EMG) at least 1 day per week, was 16 years. A majority of physicians (64%) reported at least one needlestick injury involving EMG, and 8% reported five or more injuries. Needlestick injuries involving patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis B, and/or hepatitis C occurred in 1 of every 11 electromyographers. Nearly half of all respondents (44%) who experienced a needlestick injury stated that they did not report at least one injury event to official centers. Injuries were most likely to occur during a routine procedure (45%) or when a patient moved (26%). The most common preventable reason for injury was a perceived lack of time. Muscle Nerve 38: 1541–1545, 2008
Complete recovery of an aged patient with Guillain–Barré syndrome associated with multiple IgM anti‐ganglioside antibodies
Authors: Furiya Yoshiko , Hirano Makito , Kusunoki Susumu , Ueda Masami , Sugie Kazuma , Nishiwaki Tomohisa , Ueno Satoshi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn this report we describe a 72‐year‐old woman who had cytomegalovirus infection–related Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with multiple immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti‐ganglioside antibodies. She became tetraplegic with respiratory failure, but recovered completely after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and plasmapheresis. The serum contained high‐titer IgM antibody activities to several gangliosides with disialosyl residues (GD1b, GD3, GT1b, GQ1b, and GT1a) and GD1a. These antibodies are often found in sera from patients with chronic sensory ataxic neuropathy, but they occur rarely in GBS. Muscle Nerve 38: 1630–1633, 2008
Ultrasound‐guided needle EMG of the diaphragm: Technique description and case report
Authors: Boon Andrea J. , Alsharif Kais I. , Harper C. Michel , Smith Jay 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe describe an ultrasound (US)‐guided technique for needle examination of the diaphragm and report a case in which the adjuvant use of diagnostic US in conjunction with electrophysiologic studies provided additional information regarding the motion of the diaphragm in a patient who was a potential candidate for phrenic nerve pacing. US imaging provides excellent direct and real‐time visualization of soft tissue, anatomic landmarks, fascial planes, and neurovascular structures. It thereby enhances safety by avoiding accidental needle puncture of vital organs, and it also increases the diagnostic utility of the needle examination. Muscle Nerve 38: 1623–1626, 2008
Development of a finite element contact analysis algorithm for charged‐hydrated soft tissues with large sliding
Authors: Chen Xian , Sunagawa Kenji , Hisada Toshiaki 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper focuses on a finite element analysis of contact phenomena with large sliding between charged‐hydrated biological soft tissues, such as articular cartilages, based on the triphasic theory. The impenetrability constraint between the contacting bodies and the continuity of the interstitial fluid and ion phases at the contact surfaces are imposed by applying a Lagrange multiplier approach with the contact pressure, chemical potential of the fluid and electrochemical potentials of ions as Lagrange multipliers. A node‐to‐segment one‐pass approach is adopted to cope with large deformations and sliding between the contact surfaces. To pass the contact patch test, contact boundary integrations are performed on both the master and slave contact surfaces. On the other hand, the degrees of freedom of the multipliers at the master nodes are eliminated by projecting the master nodes onto the slave surface to avoid overconstraint. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by a couple of numerical examples, in which continuous distributions of displacement, fluid flow, ionic molar flow and Lagrange multipliers on or across the contact surface are confirmed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of composite beams with partial interaction using the direct stiffness approach accounting for time effects
Authors: Ranzi Gianluca , Bradford M. A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper presents a modelling technique based on the direct stiffness method (DSM) to describe the behaviour in time of composite beams with partial shear interaction accounting for creep and shrinkage of the slab. The time‐dependent behaviour of the concrete is modelled using algebraic representations, such as the age‐adjusted effective modulus method and the mean stress method, while the steel joist, the reinforcement and the shear connection are assumed to behave in a linear‐elastic manner. Only one discretization (i.e. in the time domain) is required by the proposed stiffness formulations to perform a time analysis, while two discretizations (i.e. one in the time domain and the other in the spatial domain along the beam axis) are required by other modelling techniques available in the literature. The ability of the derived elements to overcome curvature locking problems observed to occur in some conventional displacement formulations is also highlighted. The proposed DSM approach is then validated against analytical solutions derived by the authors for simple structural systems. The applicability of this method for the time analysis of continuous composite beams is also illustrated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel electromagnetism‐assisted imprinting technology to replicate microstructures onto a large‐area curved surface using a flexible magnetic mold
Authors: Weng Y.‐J. , Weng Y.‐C. , Yang S.‐Y. , Wong J.‐L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractReplication of microstructures from a mold onto a curved surface is difficult. The conformal contact between the mold and the substrate has to be ensured. The present study proposes an innovative mechanism, which employs an electromagnetic disk to provide magnetic force and a PDMS flexible mold with a layer compounded magnetic powder. This mechanism provides not only the gradual contact from center to edge to avoid air entrapment but also conformal contact between the mold and the substrate during the imprinting operation. A system based on this electromagnetic soft imprinting technology has been implemented, and imprinting to replicate microstructures from the mold onto a curved surface has been carried out. The results reveal that the PDMS magnetic mold and the electromagnetic disk‐controlled magnetic force can successfully perform the imprinting and accurately replicate the microstructures onto the large‐area, curved surface glass. The PDMS flexible magnetic mold incorporated with the magnetic disk can be employed to achieve the conformal contact between the mold and the substrate. In addition, due to the low surface free energy of the PDMS, the de‐molding without sticking can be easily accomplished. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pH sensitive microporous polypropylene membrane prepared through ozone induced surface grafting
Authors: Li Weihong , Liu Pengbo , Zou Huawei , Fan Ping , Xu Wen 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPeroxide was introduced onto the microporous polypropylene (PP) membrane through ozone treatment. The acrylic acid monomer was further grafted onto the membrane by peroxide initiation. The effects of different ozone treatment and grafting conditions on the structure, tensile properties, graft yield of the membrane, and the water permeability of the grafted membrane were studied in this paper. The experimental results show that with the increase of ozone treatment time and the raising of ozone treatment temperature, more carbonyl groups (CO) and peroxide were introduced onto the microporous PP membrane. However, excessive ozone treatment made the mechanical properties of the membrane deteriorate, which means the ozone treatment time should be restricted within an appropriate range. With the increase of grafting time, concentration of acrylic acid and the raising of grafting temperature, the graft yield of microporous PP membrane increased. The graft yield could be controlled by altering these reaction conditions. After grafting, the amount of the pores in the microporous PP membrane decreased and the pore size became smaller. The water flux through the grafted membranes decreased dramatically when pH value varied from 3 to 6 because the conformation of the PAA varied significantly with the change of pH value of the contacting solution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of complexation of PVP copolymer with DNA
Authors: Zhang Lifen , Liang Yong , Meng Lingzhi , Wang Chang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractInteractions of amphiphilic copolymer poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐N‐t‐Boc‐ tryptophanamido‐N′‐methacrylthiourea) [P(NVP‐co‐TrpAMT)] and poly(N‐vinylpyrrlidone) (PVP) with DNA were studied with the aim to understand the difference in their complexation efficiencies when considered as a potential non‐viral delivery vector. Fluorescence spectroscopy, ethidium bromide (EB) quenching, ζ potential measurement, and agarose gel electrophoresis were all carried out in Tris‐HCl (pH 7.4) solution to assess the degree of interaction between the (co)polymers P(NVP‐co‐TrpAMT) and DNA. All of these measurements show that the high affinity of the copolymer for DNA can be demonstrated. We also found that P(NVP‐co‐TrpAMT)‐I (PVP/PTrpAMT molar ratio was 100:2.88) exhibited a high DNA cleavage activity and induced the supercoiled form of the plasmid cleavage in the nicked and linear forms.Moreover, P(NVP‐co‐TrpAMT)‐I exhibited stronger affinity for DNA than PVP and P(NVP‐co‐TrpAMT)‐II (PVP/PTrpAMT molar ratio of 100:6.35). This phenomenon is believed to be related to the structure of TrpAMT and the hydrophobic nature of the copolymer. P(NVP‐co‐TrpAMT)‐II with higher hydrophobic segments creates a strong hydrophobic interaction and induces a steric barrier which hinders their complexation with DNA. The study reveals important information about the inner mechanisms involved in the interaction of the PVP copolymer with DNA, which aids in the design of novel efficient non‐ionic gene carriers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High performance toughened cyanate ester resin with low injection temperature for RTM process
Authors: He Shaobo , Liang Guozheng , Yan Hongxia , Wang Jinhe , Yang Lianli 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA high‐performance modified cyanate resin system with low injection temperature for fabricating advanced composites via resin transfer molding (RTM) was developed, which was made of bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCy) and diallyl phthalate (DAP). The processing characteristics, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resin were studied, and the effect of the content of DAP on the processing and performance parameters was discussed. The results show that the processing properties of the modified cyanate system are dependent on the content of DAP. All the formulations studied in this paper have good processing characteristics; their injection temperatures are between 30 and 40°C and the pot life is about 20 hr at 50°C. The cured resins exhibited good thermal stability, excellent toughness, and good hot–wet resistance, suggesting that the toughened cyanate resin is a potential high‐performance RTM matrix for advanced composites. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reinforcement of compatibilized NR/NBR blends by fly ash particles and precipitated silica
Authors: Kantala C. , Wimolmala E. , Sirisinha C. , Sombatsompop N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractEffects of precipitated silica (PSi) and silica from fly ash (FA) particles (FASi) on the cure and mechanical properties before and after thermal and oil aging of natural rubber (NR) and acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) blends with and without chloroprene rubber (CR) or epoxidized NR (ENR) as a compatibilizer have been reported in this paper. The experimental results suggested that the scorch and cure times decreased with the addition of silica and the compound viscosity increased on increasing the silica content. The mechanical properties for PSi filled NR/NBR vulcanizates were greater than those for FASi filled NR/NBR vulcanizates in all cases. The PSi could be used for reinforcing the NR/NBR vulcanizates while the silica from FA was regarded as a semi‐reinforcing and/or extending filler. The incorporation of CR or ENR enhanced the mechanical properties of the NR/NBR vulcanizates, the ENR being more effective and compatible with the blend. The mechanical properties of the NR/NBR vulcanizates were improved by post‐curing effect from thermal aging but deteriorated by the oil aging. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diaminobisbenzothiazole chain extended polyurethanes as a novel class of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers with improved thermal stability and electrical insulation properties
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid , Ghaffari Mehdi , Jangi Abolfazl 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis work was devoted to the development of a new class of modified polyurethane as an electrical insulating material. For this purpose, NCO‐terminated urethane prepolymers at different NCO contents were prepared and chain extended by 6,6′‐oxybis(2‐aminobenzothiazole) (ABT) to produce thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers. All of the polymers were characterized by FTIR and 1HNMR spectroscopies and examined for their thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. The dynamic mechanical measurements results showed two glass transitions indicating phase separation. A considerable improvement in the thermal and electrical properties in comparison to common polyurethanes was detected for these polymers. The level of enhancement in the measured properties was related to the polyol molecular weight, hard segment content, and consequently the amount of the introduced urea and benzothiazole moieties. These findings indicated the improved high service temperature performance of these materials as electrical insulator for metallic surfaces. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust method of manufacturing rubber waste‐based water repellent surfaces
Authors: Bormashenko Edward , Goldshtein Vadim , Barayev Reuven , Stein Tamir , Whyman Gene , Pogreb Roman , Barkay Zahava , Aurbach Doron 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA novel method of rubber waste recycling is presented. Shredded rubber is processed into a biomimetic superhydrophobic material demonstrating high apparent contact angles (APCAs). Wetting properties of the obtained surfaces are reported. The presented method of rubber waste processing is robust, inexpensive and promises a good potential for building industry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic characteristics of plug‐assist thermoforming process
Authors: Hosseini H. , Berdyshev B.V. , Mehrabani‐Zeinabad A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPlug‐assist thermoforming is a well‐known technique in polymer processing because of its interesting features. The dynamic value of driving‐force for the stretching process is determined based on equilibrium equation. This amount of force is required for applying to a plug to stretch a sheet. It is used for calculation of the required theoretical work and power of a plug‐assist thermoforming process. By using a nonlinear viscoelastic rheological model in the proposed mathematical model, its validity was examined by performing experimental tests on ABS sheets. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evolution of rheological properties and morphology development during crosslinking of polyolefin elastomers and their TPV blends with polypropylene
Authors: Li Zuning , Kontopoulou Marianna 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis work investigates the evolution of the rheological properties of elastomeric dynamically vulcanized ethylene‐α‐olefin copolymers (ECs) and their blends with polypropylene (PP), during peroxide initiated crosslinking. Rheological techniques are used in conjunction with gel content measurements to determine the onset of gelation during static crosslinking. The complex viscosity and moduli follow power‐law dependence with respect to frequency at the gel point. The relaxation exponent and corresponding values of tan δ at the gel point are determined from the complex viscosity versus frequency curves and used as criteria for the determination of the instance of gelation. The evolution of morphology of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) blends consisting of EC and PP during dynamic crosslinking is discussed in the context of the evolving rheological properties of the matrix and the dispersed phase that take place upon peroxide modification. TPVs having the crosslinked EC as the matrix present a very fine morphology, whereas the blends containing crosslinked EC particles, present a coarser morphology. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Accelerated controlled radical polymerization of methacrylates
Authors: Ansong Omari E , Jansen Susan , Wei Yen , Pomrink Gregory , Lu Hui , Patel Alpa , Li Shuxi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Nitroxide adducts 1,1‐ditertbutyl‐1‐(1‐methyl‐1‐cyanoethoxy)‐amine (AIBN/DBN), 1,1‐ditertbutyl‐1‐(benzoylperoxy)‐amine (BPO/DBN) and 2,2,6,6,‐tetramethyl‐4‐oxo‐1‐(1‐methyl‐1‐cyanoethoxy)‐piperidine (AIBN/4‐OXO‐TEMPO) were prepared and evaluated as stabilized unimolecular initiators for controlled radical polymerization of methacrylate monomers using sulfuric acid as an accelerating additive. Their effectiveness was evaluated from polymerization rates, molecular weight control and dispersity (D) of the polymers. Thermal stabilities of the polymers were also examined. The monomers used were methyl methacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA).RESULTS: Polymerization was accomplished at 70 and 130 °C in 5 min to 144 h. The value of D of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was 1.05–1.22. The glass transition temperature (Tg) for PMMA was 122–127 °C. The activity of the chain ends was established by chain extension and controlled polymerization was established by plotting Mn versus monomer conversion. First‐order kinetics in monomer consumption was established and an electron paramagnetic resonance study was conducted. Decomposition temperature (Td) for PMMA was 360–380 °C, for poly(TEGDMA) was 300–380 °C and for poly(EBPADMA) was 360–440 °C. Photoinitiation without additive yielded no polymer. Thermal initiation by AIBN/4‐OXO‐TEMPO was the fastest.CONCLUSIONS: The initiators are applicable in low‐temperature additive‐enhanced controlled polymerization of methacylates and dimethacrylates, producing polymers with excellent attributes and a low value of D. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile‐blend‐soy protein hydrogel fibers: a study of structure and dynamic pH response
Authors: Yu Liwei , Gu Lixia 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The introduction of protein into polyacrylonitrile artificial muscle systems has been shown to be a good way to achieve quicker and better responses. This research work mainly focused on the structure and dynamic pH response of hybrid hydrolyzed polyacrylonitirile‐blend‐soy protein (H‐PAN/SP) hydrogel fibers.RESULTS: The micro‐morphology and swelling/shrinking kinetics of H‐PAN/SP hydrogel fibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and elongation/contraction experiments with different fiber diameters, concentration of crosslinker and temperature. The results revealed good consistency between Tanaka–Fillmore theory and the surface morphology of the multi‐porous microstructures of the fibers. In addition, the crosslinking density and temperature had a great impact on the pH response of the hydrogel fibers, consistent with Flory–Huggins theory. Hydrogel fibers with a high content of soy protein showed an excellent and stable pH response.CONCLUSION: Studies of dynamic elongation and contraction behavior assist in the understanding and control of the pH response of H‐PAN/SP hydrogel fibers. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry