Corrective factors for author- and journal-based metrics impacted by citations to accommodate for retractions

Scientometrics - Citation-based metrics are frequently used to evaluate the level, or quality, of a researcher, or their work, often as a function of the ranking of the journal in which they...     

Identification and evaluation of progressive thermal degradation caused by carbamate formation in cyanate ester resin‐based composites

The effect of moisture during cure on the mechanical and thermal performance was evaluated for a series of cyanate ester composite laminates. Data presented in our investigation show that the amount of carbamate formation is inversely proportional to the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the cured composite and is typically localized on the outer surface plies adjacent the moisture source. Even though the majority of the composite may remains largely unaffected, the T_g of the localized areas will show sharp decreases which correlate with strength as verified by flatwise tensile tests. Additionally, our test data show that performing just one T_g measurement after cure will not necessarily provide a valid assessment of the state of the composite since additional degradation may occur with subsequent thermal exposure. Accordingly, a second dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurement should be performed after an extended, elevated temperature, post‐treatment thereby allowing direct assessment of carbamate degradation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Small angle neutron scattering as fingerprinting of ancient potteries from Sicily (Southern Italy)

The mesoscopic structure of numerous samples of Archaic Ionian Cups found in different archaeological sites of Sicily was non-invasively investigated by means of small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Similar values of the mesoscopic structural parameters, radius of gyration and fractal dimension of the interfaces of the investigated potteries, testify a similar manufacturing technique. Many samples showed mesoscopic planar anisotropy probably due to some external mechanical stress during forging. Similar porosity was found for all the studied ceramics and appeared in general agreement with the Hg porosimetry values. Finally, the firing temperatures were estimated by comparison with raw materials fired under controlled conditions.     

Compartments for Synthetic Cells: Osmotically Assisted Separation of Oil from Double Emulsions in a Microfluidic Chip

Liposomes are used in synthetic biology as cell-like compartments and their microfluidic production through double emulsions allows for efficient encapsulation of various components. However, residual oil in the membrane remains a critical bottleneck for creating pristine phospholipid bilayers. It has been discovered that osmotically driven shrinking leads to detachment of the oil drop. Separation inside a microfluidic chip has been realized to automate the procedure, which allows for controlled continuous production of monodisperse liposomes.