bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rheological evaluation of metallocene polyethylenes with processing aids by multi‐wave oscillations
Authors: Vogel R. , Hatzikiriakos S. G. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDuring the die flow of metallocene polyethylenes, flow instabilities may occur. Namely, wall slip, “sharkskin,” and stick‐slip (pressure oscillations) and gross fracture may be obtained depending on the volume flow rate and die geometry. It was reported that fluoroelastomers and boron nitride powders with hexagonal crystal structure can be used as suitable processing aids in melt extrusion processes. Fluoroelastomers at low concentrations act as die lubricants and may eliminate flow instabilities such as surface and stick‐slip melt fracture. On the other hand, specific boron nitride powders may not only eliminate surface and stick‐slip melt fracture, but also postpone gross melt fracture to higher volume flow rates. In this paper, a way for quantitative differentiation of the influence of polymer processing additives on rheological behavior is shown. Standard material functions show no clear‐cut differences. However, using multi‐wave oscillations with higher strain amplitudes make a quantitative assessment possible. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2047–2051, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
The role of surface modification in digital printing on polymer‐coated packaging boards
Authors: Lahti Johanna , Savolainen Antti , Räsänen Jari P. , Suominen Tanja , Huhtinen Hannu 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDigital printing is increasingly being used for package printing. One of the major techniques of digital printing is dry‐toner electrophotography. This paper evaluates the printability of three different extrusion coatings used for packaging boards: low‐density polyethylene (PE‐LD), ethylene methyl acrylate (E/MA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Extrusion coatings in general have an impervious, chemically inert, nonporous surface with low surface energies that cause them to be non‐receptive to bonding with toners. The most common methods used in improving the adhesion properties of polymer coatings are different surface treatments. These increase the surface energy and also provide the polar molecular groups necessary for good bonds between the toner and polymer molecules. The polymer coatings have been modified with electrical corona discharge treatment. The effects of corona on polymer surfaces and the correlation between surface modification and print quality have been evaluated. Results show that sufficiently high surface energy and surface‐charge uniformity are necessary for even print quality and toner adhesion. E/MA and PET have the required surface‐energy level without the corona treatment, but PE‐LD needs surface modification in order to succeed in the electrophotographic process. E/MA also has exceptional surface‐charge properties compared with PET and PE‐LD. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2052–2060, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of NBR/organosilicate nanocomposites
Authors: Hwang Wei‐Gwo , Wei Kung‐Hwa , Wu Chang‐Mou 
Published: November 2004

AbstractNanocomposites of intercalated and exfoliated organosilicates in acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) were prepared by a solution‐blending method. The dispersion and intergallery spacings of organosilicates in these nanocomposites were examined by transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Dramatic enhancements in the mechanical and thermal properties of NBR are found by incorporating less than ten parts of organosilicate. In particular, the addition of ten parts of organosilicate provided a more than sixfold increase in tensile strength, a twofold increase in M500, and 168% and 39% enhancements in tear strength and elongation at break compared with pure NBR. The degradation temperature for NBR with ten‐parts' loading of organosilicate was 25°C higher than that of pure NBR. In addition, the relative vapor permeability of the NBR nanocomposites for water and methanol were 85% and 42% lower, respectively, than that of pure NBR. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2117–2124, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Preparation and properties of biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate)/starch composites
Authors: Ge X. C. , Li X. H. , Zhu Q. , Li L. , Meng Y. Z. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBiodegradable composites of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) reinforced with unmodified cornstarch were compounded in a batch mixer followed by compression molding. The effects of reinforcement on the morphology, static and dynamic mechanical properties, as well as thermal properties of PPC/starch composites, were investigated. Tensile tests showed that incorporation of starch improves the stiffness and tensile strength of composites significantly. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed the existence of good interfacial adhesion between the fillers and PPC matrix. Moreover, experimental results indicated that the starch addition leads to a significant improvement in the thermal stability of the composites. This paper demonstrates that the incorporation of low‐cost and biodegradable cornstarch into PPC provided a practical way to produce completely biodegradable and cost‐competitive composites with good mechanical properties. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2134–2140, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Reduction of organic dyes in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization and desorption/ionization on porous silicon
Authors: Okuno Shoji , Nakano Motohiro , Matsubayashi Gen‐etsu , Arakawa Ryuichi , Wada Yoshinao 
Published: November 2004

AbstractReduction of analytes in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) often obscures the actual determination of molecular structure. To address the redox reactions in laser desorption/ionization processes, the organic dyes Methylene Blue, Janus Green B, Crystal Violet and Rhodamine B were analyzed by MALDI or by desorption/ionization on porous silicon (DIOS). Susceptibility to reduction in MALDI was dependent on both the reduction potentials of analytes and the molar ratio of analyte to matrix molecules. Addition of Cu(II) ions as an electron scavenger suppressed the reduction of Methylene Blue in MALDI. The results suggested that electron transfer to analytes from the sample target and/or from the matrix contributed to the reduction. In DIOS, the reductions of organic dyes were more prominent than in MALDI, and were not prevented by Cu(II) ion doping, probably due to direct contact of the analytes with silicon which had little electric resistance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An advanced double column‐switching technique (LC‐LC) for liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry for fully automated analysis of caspofungin
Authors: Egle Hannes , Trittler Rainer , Kümmerer Klaus 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCaspofungin (MK‐0991; L‐743,872) is the first representative of a new important class of antifungal agents, the glucan synthesis inhibitors. To the authors' best knowledge, to date only one high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been published for the determination of caspofungin in serum. Severe difficulties with sorption were described. We developed a new method which addresses these difficulties using an advanced column‐switching technique for fully automated analysis of caspofungin in serum without any pre‐treatment. Extraction was performed automatically inline, using a diol column, followed by chromatography on a CN column. Detection was performed by electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) with isolation and fragmentation in the positive ion mode. Total analysis time was 30 min. Detection of caspofungin was achieved by retention time, isolation and fragmentation of the double positively charged caspofungin ion. This LC/MS assay was validated for between‐run accuracy (max. 110%) and precision (max. CV 16.1%). The lower limit of quantification was 0.2 μg/mL. The analytical method with fully automated inline extraction of caspofungin described here removes the need for difficult and time‐consuming sample pre‐treatment. Sorption of caspofungin is not of importance. Additional advantages of the new method are that only a small quantity of serum (5 μL) is needed and that the method is very specific. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of magnesium lithospermate B, rosmarinic acid, and lithospermic acid in beagle dog serum by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Xiaochuan , Yu Chen , Sun Weikang , Liu Gangyi , Jia Jingying , Wang Yiping 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA rapid, sensitive and specific isocratic liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative determination of magnesium lithospermate B (MLB), rosmarinic acid (RA), and lithospermic acid (LA) in beagle dog serum, with silibinin as internal standard. The serum samples were treated by liquid‐liquid extraction and analyzed using LC/MS/MS with a TurboIonSpray source. A short run‐time (3 min) fulfilled the need for monitoring serum levels of MLB, RA, and LA in large‐scale studies. The calibration curves for MLB, RA, and LA were linear over the ranges 8–2048, 4–1024, and 4–1024 ng/mL, respectively, with coefficients of correlation >0.999. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision (CV) of analysis was <10%, and accuracy ranged from 90–104%. This quantitation method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of salvianolate administrated by intravenous infusion with dosage of 6 mg/kg in beagle dogs. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable oxygen isotopes from theropod dinosaur tooth enamel: interlaboratory comparison of results and analytical interference by reference standards
Authors: Straight William H. , Karr Jonathan D. , Cox Julia E. , Barrick Reese E. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAlthough previous work has demonstrated that biological phosphates (‘biophosphates’) record significant changes in δ18O associated with variations in local climate and seasonality, the repeatability of these analyses between laboratories has not previously been tested. We serially sampled enamel on four Cretaceous dinosaur teeth for phosphate δ18O analysis at up to three different facilities. With the exception of one set of unprocessed enamel samples, the material supplied to each laboratory was chemically processed to silver phosphate. Each laboratory analyzed sample sets by pyrolysis (thermochemical decomposition) in a ThermoFinnigan TC/EA attached to a ThermoFinnigan Delta Plus mass spectrometer. Significant interference between phosphate samples and the NIST reference material 8557 barium sulfate (NBS 127) distorts some of the results. Samples analyzed immediately following NBS 127 may be depleted by 6‰ isotopically and in instrument peak amplitude response by 80%. Substantial interference can persist over the subsequent 20 silver phosphate samples, and can influence the instrument peak amplitude response from some organic standards. Experiments using reagent‐grade silver phosphate link these effects to divalent cations, particularly Ca2+ and Ba2+, which linger in the reactor and scavenge oxygen evolved from pyrolysis of subsequent samples. Unprocessed enamel includes 40 wt% calcium and self‐scavenges oxygen, disrupting the isotopic measurements for the first half of a set and depleting subsequent organic standards by up to 9‰. In sets without NBS 127 or calcium, such interference did not occur and an interlaboratory comparison of results from enamel shows reproducible, significantly correlated peaked δ18O patterns with a 2–3‰ dynamic range, consistent with previous results from contemporaneous teeth. Whereas both unprocessed enamel and the NBS 127 barium sulfate should be applied to biological phosphate (‘biophosphate’) stable isotope research with caution, seasonal variations in enamel phosphate δ18O are a paleoecologically valuable, reproducible phenomenon in theropod dinosaur teeth. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Common structures in system dynamics models of software acquisition projects
Authors: Häberlein Tobias 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn consequence of Abdel‐Hamid and Madnick's pioneer work on system dynamics modeling of software development processes, there is a great number of recent publications dealing with the simulation of the software development process (or sub‐processes of it) with system dynamics. Projects that contract third parties to develop the software are even more unpredictable and underestimated by management than pure development projects, and, thus, there is also a need to model and simulate these projects. This article deals with the design of system dynamics models of the unexplored domain—at least with respect to system dynamics—of software acquisition; a framework is described, which captures causal structures common to all models of acquisition projects. Outputs of one concrete instance of the framework are presented finally. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrated framework for simulation‐based software process improvement
Authors: Ruiz Mercedes , Ramos Isabel , Toro Miguel 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA Correction to this article has been published in Software Process: Improvement and Practice 2005; 10(3):355
In this article, we present an integrated framework for software process improvement according to the Capability Maturity Model (CMM). The framework is double‐integrated. First, it is based on the systematic integration of dynamic modules to build dynamic models that model and simulate each maturity level proposed in the reference model. As a consequence, a hierarchical set of dynamic models is developed following the same hierarchy of levels suggested in the CMM. Second, the dynamic models of the framework are integrated with different static techniques commonly used in planning, control, and process evaluation. The paper describes the reasons found to follow this approach, the integration process of models and techniques, the implementation of the framework, and shows an example of how it can be used in a software process improvement concerning the cost of software quality. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preliminary evidence of toxicity associated with the benthic cyanobacterium Phormidium in South Australia
Authors: Baker Peter D. , Steffensen Dennis A. , Humpage Andrew R. , Nicholson Brenton C. , Falconer Ian R. , Lanthois Ben , Fergusson Kim M. , Saint Christopher P. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn April 2000, the water supply for Yorke Peninsula in South Australia was deemed non‐potable when extracts from a proliferation of the benthic cyanobacterium Phormidium aff. formosum in Upper Paskeville Reservoir were found to be lethally toxic by intraperitoneal injection into mice (400 mg kg−1). Routine water quality monitoring had failed to detect the development of the Phormidium until complaints of musty taste and odour, attributable to the production of 2‐methyl‐isoborneol (MIB), were received from the consumers. The 185 ML open‐balancing storage, receiving filtered and chloraminated water from the River Murray, was isolated from the drinking water supply and a health alert was issued to approximately 15,000 consumers. The identity of the toxin(s) is thus far unknown, but clinical symptoms of toxicity in mice and chemical characteristics are distinct from the known major cyanotoxins. Preliminary characterisation of this toxin indicates that it has low solubility in water and organic solvents and is strongly associated with the particulate cellular material of the filaments. Toxicity of extracts was diminished by boiling and by treatment with chlorine, but not by chloramines. Further testing of floating cyanobacterial mats in the Torrens Lake in the city of Adelaide (Phormidium aff. formosum) and Myponga Reservoir (Phormidium aff. amoenum) in 2000/2001 was also found to be toxic by mouse bioassay. Toxicity is yet to be confirmed in monospecific cultured strains and further studies are required to identify the toxin and assess its health significance. Genetic characterisation of isolates has commenced in an attempt to classify their relatedness and to assist in the rapid identification of potentially toxic strains. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 506–511, 2001
Factors affecting biodegradation of 2‐chlorophenol by Alcaligenes sp. in aerobic reactors
Authors: Gallego A. , Gómez C. E. , Fortunato M. S. , Cenzano L. , Rossi S. , Paglilla M. , Gómez Hermida D. , Higa L. E. , Korol S. E. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe influence of variations in carbon source concentration, cell inocula, pH, presence of other substrates, and other organisms on the biodegradation of 2‐chlorophenol (2‐CP) was studied for Alcaligenes sp. isolated from natural sources. Assays of biodegradation were performed in batch and continuous‐flow fluidized‐bed aerobic reactors. Evaluation of biodegradation was performed by determining total phenols, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 2‐CP by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. Measurement of microbial growth was carried out by the plate count method. Bioassays of acute toxicity were performed to evaluate detoxification by using Daphnia magna. Results obtained show that under batch conditions with initial inocula of 106 cells/mL the strain grew exponentially with 100, 200, and 300 mg/L of 2‐CP within 48 hr. A lag period was observed with low cell density inocula (105 cells/mL). The strain showed marked delay in the biodegradation of 2‐CP at pH 5. Removal of target substrate from mixtures containing other carbon sources demonstrated the possibility of concurrent growth. Mineralization of 2‐CP was assessed by gas chromatography carried out at the end of the batch assays and at the exit of the continuous‐flow reactor. The presence of other organisms (bacteria, rotifers, ciliate, and algae) that developed in the fluidized‐bed reactor did not affect the efficacy of the biodegradation of 2‐CP. The removal of 2‐CP in the two assayed systems was over 97% in all cases. Toxicity was not detected at the exit of the continuous reactor. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 306–313, 2001
Portal and umbilical venous blood supply to the liver in the human fetus near term
Authors: Haugen G. , Kiserud T. , Godfrey K. , Crozier S. , Hanson M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the contribution of the umbilical (UV) and portal (PV) veins to blood supply to the human fetal liver in a low‐risk population near term, and to assess the distribution between the left and right lobes.MethodsIn 91 low‐risk pregnancies with normally grown fetuses at 36 weeks of gestation we measured the distribution of blood in the UV and PV to the right and left hepatic lobes using ultrasound imaging and Doppler techniques.ResultsThe median (10th, 90th centile) total UV return was 205 (127, 294) mL/min, of which 25% (13, 47%) was shunted through the ductus venosus, 55% (35, 66%) was distributed to the left hepatic lobe, and 20% (11, 30%) was distributed to the right hepatic lobe. While the left lobe was supplied exclusively by the UV, the right lobe received 50% (20, 70%; 37 (16, 65) mL/min) of its venous blood supply from the PV. The total venous blood supply to the liver parenchyma was 185 (114, 277) mL/min; 21% (8, 34%) came from the PV supply to the right lobe and the remainder came from the UV supply to both lobes.ConclusionsThe venous supply to the left lobe is from nutrient‐rich UV blood; for the right lobe, half is from UV blood and half from nutrient‐poor PV blood. This watershed between the portal and umbilical venous flows to the fetal liver suggests a corresponding functional dichotomy; this may be modified by hemodynamic influences, with long‐term consequences. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early sonographic detection of recurrent fetal eye anomalies
Authors: Mashiach R. , Vardimon D. , Kaplan B. , Shalev J. , Meizner I. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the possible association between congenital eye anomaly of a previous child in the family and current congenital eye anomaly.MethodsAn early transvaginal anomaly scan at 14–16 gestational weeks was used to diagnose fetal eye anomalies in five cases in which at least one previous child in the family had the same congenital eye anomaly.ResultsAt least one cataract was detected in four of the five fetuses and bilateral anophthalmia in one. The congenital cataract in one case was part of multiple pterygium syndrome. Both of these extremely rare malformations are commonly associated with other fetal anomalies.ConclusionOur data suggest that a detailed targeted ultrasound survey with a special focus on the orbital region should be offered at the time of genetic counseling to couples with children with congenital eye anomalies. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic evaluation of ultrasound screening options for structural fetal malformations
Authors: Vanara F. , Bergeretti F. , Gaglioti P. , Todros T. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo perform a cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing the current Italian situation of no organized screening program for structural fetal malformations with an organized screening model involving a scan at 19–21 weeks of gestation.MethodsAssumptions were made about the number of pregnant women examined per year, the number of ultrasound examinations (screening and diagnostic) and amniocenteses, the prevalence of fetal anomalies, ultrasound sensitivity and specificity and the rates of termination of pregnancy and of fetal death. The costs included procedures performed during and after the diagnosis of malformations, and the resources required to organize the program. Data sources were a literature review, estimates and national tariffs. A sensitivity analysis considered variations in screening test sensitivity, number of private scans and costs of ultrasound, fetal echocardiography, amniocentesis, care for malformed infants and organization.ResultsAn organized program would increase the number of diagnosed malformations (+10.7%) and decrease the number of malformed infants (−19.9%). It would also decrease the total cost of screening, from €505 billion to €400 billion (−20.7%), decrease the cost per woman examined from €971 to €770 (−20.7%) and decrease the cost per malformed fetus diagnosed from €79 085 to €56 637 (−28.4%).ConclusionsIn all scenarios considered, an organized program would lead to increased detection of malformations at lower cost. Further cost analyses should provide a better representation of resources used, especially those related to the care of malformed infants, while cost–benefit assessments should include all the consequences of prenatal diagnosis, such as those deriving from false results and those for both the woman and society, including ethical issues. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.