Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
mPEG-PLA microspheres with narrow size distribution increase the controlled release effect of recombinant human growth hormone

The overall goal of this research is to prepare amphiphilic poly(monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-co-D,L-lactide) (mPEG-PLA, PELA) microspheres with narrow size distribution for sustained release of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) without any exogenous stabilizing excipients. In order to obtain microspheres with narrow size distribution, we used a double emulsion method combined with a premix membrane emulsification technique. The morphology, internal structure, rhGH encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release and rhGH stability of PELA microspheres were characterized in detail. The results were compared with those of rhGH encapsulated in poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres. All microspheres possessed a narrow size distribution and had mean diameters of 2 μm. The encapsulation efficiency of PELA, PLA, and PLGA microspheres were 89.3%, 65.0% and 58.6%, respectively. PELA microspheres showed an initial burst release of 14.2% rhGH, followed by a constant release of 78.3% over a 45-day period. Whereas, the PLA and PLGA microspheres showed higher burst levels of 22.3% and 26.2%, followed by release of 49.1% and 60.5%, respectively. In addition, the PELA microspheres maintained much better integrity of rhGH than PLA and PLGA microspheres. These results suggested that PELA is an excellent polymer for encapsulating rhGH. We propose that the mPEG-PLA block copolymer acts in a similar way to a surfactant and that it may orientate itself on the biphasic interface, thereby minimizing the contact of protein with the oil/water interface for protein stabilization. Furthermore, the microcosmic mechanisms responsible for rhGH encapsulation and rhGH stability were elucidated using a confocal laser scanning microscope. These results are promising for the construction of a sustained release system for rhGH using PELA microspheres.
Novel blood‐compatible waterborne polyurethane using chitosan as an extender

A series of novel block polymers of polyur- ethane (PU) and chitosan have been prepared in two steps. The first step is the preparation of PU prepolymer, obtained from polytetramethylene oxide glycol (PTMO, Mn 5 1000), isophrone diisocyanate (IPDI), and 2,2 0 -dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), followed by ionizing PU prepoly- mer with triethylamine (TEA). The second step involves PU chain-extended by water-soluble chitosan of low mo- lecular weight (Mn 5 5000) by self-emulsion polymeriza- tion method. The sizes of the latex particles, morphology, and copolymer architecture have been characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), general tensile test, infra- red spectroscopy (IR), surface contact angle measurement, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, it shows that the addition of chitosan remarkably increases anticoagulative property of PU elastomers confirmed by the recalcification time. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 109: 240-246, 2008
Shoot cadmium concentration of soil-grown plants as related to their root properties

Cadmium (Cd) is toxic to plants, animals, and humans. However, different plant species growing on the same soil may have very different shoot Cd concentrations depending on properties such as size of the root system, Cd net influx, shoot-growth rate, Cd translocation from root to shoot, and the ability to affect Cd availability in the soil. To investigate possible reasons for different shoot Cd concentrations maize, sunflower, flax, and spinach were grown on an acid sandy soil (pH _{{\rm{(CaCl}}_{\rm{2}} {\rm)} 4.5, and Corg 2.8%) in a growth chamber with Cd additions as Cd(NO3)2 of none, 14, and 40 μmol (kg soil)–1 resulting in Cd soil-solution concentrations of 0.04, 0.68, and 2.5 μM. Only the high Cd addition caused a significant growth reduction of flax and spinach. The shoot Cd concentration was up to 30 times higher in spinach than in maize; the other species were intermediate. Of the plant properties studied only the variation of the Cd net influx explained the differences in shoot Cd concentrations. This was due to a decreased (maize, sunflower) or increased (flax) Cd concentration in soil solution or more effective uptake kinetics (spinach).
Synthesis and Transformations of New Spiro-4-piperidines. Acetyl Migration in 1-Acetyl-1-Benzyl-4-Methyl-3,4-Dihydrospiro[(1H)quinoline-2,4-piperidines] Under Debenzylation Conditions

Synthesis of new dihydrospiro(quinoline-2,4'-piperidines) by a two-step synthetic route based on 4-piperidone imine reactivity is reported. An acetyl migration in 1-acetyl-1'-benzyl-4-methyl-3,4- dihydrospiro(quinoline-2,4'-piperidines) under debenzylation conditions (HCOONH4/Pd/C/MeOH) is found.
Structural relations and tetrahedral ordering pattern of synthetic orthorhombic Cs2CdSi5O12 leucite: a combined synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and multinuclear MAS NMR study

A previously unknown leucite-related structure has been determined for synthetic CszCdSisO~2. NMR spectroscopy shows that there are five distinct tetrahedral sites (T-sites) occupied by Si and one T-site occupied by Cd in the framework structure, while analysis of the synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction pattern establishes that this material is orthorhombic, Pbca [RI = 13.1%, R wp = 16.1%, Rex p = 13.1%; eight formula units per unit cell; unit-cell parameters a= 13.6714(1), b= 13.8240 (1), c= 13.8939 (1) ,~, V = 2625.83 (6) ,~3]. Tetrahedral cation ordering rates for Si and Cd are sufficiently high for both hydrothermally and dry-synthesized samples to be fully ordered. The symmetry relations between leucites with P2/c and Pbca structures are discussed and it is shown that such materials are related by a displacive phase transition, in which the
THE MATERIAL BONE: Structure-Mechanical Function Relations

▪ Abstract The term bone refers to a family of materials, all of which are built up of mineralized collagen fibrils. They have highly complex structures, described in terms of up to 7 hierarchical levels of organization. These materials have evolved to fulfill a variety of mechanical functions, for which the structures are presumably fine-tuned. Matching structure to function is a challenge. Here we review the structure-mechanical relations at each of the hierarchical levels of organization, highlighting wherever possible both underlying strategies and gaps in our knowledge. The insights gained from the study of these fascinating materials are not only important biologically, but may well provide novel ideas that can be applied to the design of synthetic materials.
Personality Characteristics of Abusing and Neglecting Mothers.

In order to explore hypotheses based on descriptive studies of abusing and neglecting parents, 12 abusing, 12 neglecting, and 32 con­ trol mothers were compared using 8 different measures. As and Ns differed in that As expressed more dissatisfaction with the affection they give and receive than Ns, but otherwise mothers in these two groups were very similar. As and Ns differed from Cs by scoring higher on TAT need Dependency Frustration and TAT need Aggression, and lower on family adjustment (Family Concept Inventory) and interpersonal self esteem (FIR0-B). As compared with Cs, As and Ns were described as more depen­ dent, more frustrated in the satisfaction of their dependency needs, having a lower threshold for the expression of aggression, having less self confidence, and having families which function less effectively. Suggestions for therapy with As and Ns included providing an opportunity to satisfy dependency needs, considering family therapy as an adjunct method, and separating therapy with parents from protective services for children. Further research efforts were encouraged to refine the descriptions of As and Ns. Consideration of race and site of testing as important independent variables was suggested.
XRD, FTIR, and thermal analysis of bauxite ore-processing waste (red mud) exchanged with heavy metals

The present work shows the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and thermal analysis of untreated (RMnt) and acid-treated red mud (RMa), a bauxite ore-processing waste, exchanged with Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ cations. These studies were performed in order to investigate the changes in the sorbent structure caused by the exchange with metals of different ionic radii.The XRD pattern of RMnt, analyzed according to the Rietveld method, showed a mixture of eight different phases. However, just three phases made up 78 wt. % of the RMnt: cancrinite (33 wt.%), hematite (29 wt.%), and sodalite (16 wt.%). X-ray diffraction patterns of RMnt exchanged with Pb2+ and Cd2+ cations revealed two additional phases, namely hydrocerussite [Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 (10 wt.%))] and octavite [CdCO3 (8 wt.%)]. These two phases probably originated from the carbonate precipitation processes which were due to the decarbonation of cancrinite. Hydrocerussite and octavite were not found in the case of acid-treated red mud samples.In the FTIR spectra, the introduction of cations caused a distinct shift to higher wavenumbers in the peak at ∼1100 cm−1, which is attributed to the asymmetric stretch of Si-O-Al. This effect may be associated with the Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ adsorbed by the red muds which caused a deformation of the initial structure.Thermal analysis data of the red mud samples were obtained by thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetric analysis, and these methods were employed to evaluate the desorption behavior of water and to clarify the thermal stability of the chemical phases of the different red mud samples. The loss of metal-bound water in the red mud samples was found to depend on the size of non-framework cations and water loss consistently followed the order: Zn2+>Cd2+>Pb2+.
Meshpore: A Software Able to Apply Image-Based Meshing Techniques to Anisotropic and Heterogeneous Porous Media

Abstract Nowadays, powerful numerical codes are available for the simulation of complex configurations such as drying of heterogeneous materials or for scaling methods in porous media. However, these tools are very demanding in relevant finite element description of real structures. A new standalone application, MeshPore, has been developed for this purpose. It allows a comprehensive finite element mesh to be prepared from digital images of heterogeneous and anisotropic products. The most important steps allowed by this application are listed below: image segmentation and description of contours by segment chains node and point edition (add, delete, move, defined as fixed) chain edition (add, delete, close, joint, split) add chain type for further control of boundary conditions chain re-sampling and orientation for further control of the mesh properties mesh generation (the file format is suitable for EasyMesh, developed by Bojan Niceno) element edition (material type, local angle and density, spread angle, and material type throughout connex zones). Finally, some mesh examples are proposed to depict the possibilities offered by this software.
KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF GRAFT COPOLYMERIZATION OF VINYL MONOMERS (ACRYL AMIDE, ACRYLIC ACID, METHACRYLATE) ONTO STARCH BY POTASSIUM DICHROMATE AS REDOX INITIATOR

Grafting of various monomers onto macromolecules such as starch, cellulose, etc. has opened a vast horizon to the scientists to amend some attentive properties of such huge homopolymers. For instance, we may use modified starch in health materials [1,2], cation exchanger membrane [3], and corrosion protection of aluminium [4]. Grafting of acrylic acid onto starch has been reported by potassium bromate/thiocarbonate [5] and permanganate/acid [6]. On other hand, grafting of acrylamide onto Kinetics and Mechanism of Graft Copolymerization of Vinyl Monomers (Acrylamide, Acrylic Acid, and Methacrylate) onto Starch by Potassium Dichromate as Redox Initiator
Experimental partitioning of Rb, Cs, Sr, and Ba between alkali feldspar and peraluminous melt

Abstract Hydrous partial melting experiments performed between 650 and 750 °C at 200 MPa (H2O) on synthetic metapelite compositions (quartz + albite + muscovite + biotite mineral mixtures) doped with Ba, Sr, Rb, and Cs yielded alkali feldspar crystals with a wide range of compositions in equilibrium at their rims with peraluminous melt. Measured partition coefficients for normally trace lithophile elements between feldspar and melt [D(M)Fsp/gl,M = Ba, Sr, Rb, Cs] do not depend on either temperature or bulk composition of melt for the compositions studied. Values of D(Sr)Fsp/gl are between 10 and 14 and appear to be independent of the albite and orthoclase contents of the feldspar crystals. In contrast, values of D(Ba)Fsp/gl and D(Rb)Fsp/gl are strongly dependent on the orthoclase content of feldspar, relationships that can be expressed by the following linear equations: D(Ba)Fsp/gl= 0.07 + 0.25(orthoclase) and D(Rb)Fsp/gl= 0.03 + 0.01(orthoclase), where orthoclase is in mole percent. These equations reproduce the range of previously reported values for D(Ba) and D(Rb) determined on natural and synthetic samples. A single partition coefficient for Cs was also determined at D(CS)Fsp/gl= 0.13. These data can be used in conjunction with recently published partition coefficients for muscovite, biotite, and plagioclase feldspars (Blundy and Wood 1991; Icenhower and London 1995) to model quantitatively the trace element signatures of peraluminous magmas during anatexis and crystallization. Depending on bulk composition and pressuretemperature trajectories during episodes of partial melting, Ba and Sr (and to a lesser extent, Rb) are retained at the source while Cs and Li are enriched in the first melts. These results explain why peraluminous granitic magmas with S-type (sedimentary) sources carry a distinctive enrichment in Li and Cs.
Polymer Systems for Water Shutoff and Profile Modification: A Review Over the Last Decade

Unwanted water production is a serious issue in oiland gas-producing wells. It causes corrosion, scale, and loss of productivity. One method of treating this problem is to chemically reduce unwanted water. This paper discusses the use of polymer systems for this purpose and presents a thorough review of available literature over the last decade. In this paper, field-application data for various polymer systems are summarized over the range of 40 to 150 C (104 to 302 F). These applications cover a wide range of permeabilities from 20 to 2,720 md in sandstone and carbonate reservoirs around the globe. Moreover, the review revealed that the last decade of developments can be categorized into two major types. The first type is polymer gels for total water shutoff in the near-wellbore region, in which a polymer is crosslinked with either an organic or an inorganic crosslinker. The second type is concerned with deep treatment of water-injection wells diverting fluids away from high-permeability zones (thief zones). These thief zones take most of the injected water, which results in a large amount of unrecovered oil. For the total-blocking gels, various systems were identified, such as polyurethane resins, chromium (Cr3þ) crosslinking terpolymers, Cr3þ crosslinking foamed partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA), and nanoparticle polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) sequestering Cr3þ for elongation of its gelation time with PHPA. In addition, polyethylenimine (PEI) was identified to crosslink various polyacrylamide(PAM-) based polymers. The Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) Research and Development Center developed a PAM-based thermally stable polymer and an organic crosslinker. The system is applicable for a wide temperature range from 50 to 160 C (130 to 320 F). For the deep modification of water-injection profiles in waterinjection wells, two systems were identified: microspheres prepared from PAM monomers crosslinked with N,N0-methylenebisacrylamide and microspheres produced by crosslinking 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) with diacrylamides and methacrylamides of diamines (thermally activated microparticles known as Bright Water). This paper highlights all major developments in these areas.
SURFACE AREA RELATIONSHIPS IN POLARIZATION AND CORROSION

Abstract The polarization behavior of surfaces containing regions which exhibit different overvoltage parameters for the same reaction are described. Also, the effect of cathode area fraction on corrosion potential and corrosion rate is considered for a corroding surface controlled by activation polarization. It is shown that the corrosion potential and corrosion rate are most sensitive to area changes when the surface is largely cathode or anode. The corrosion current reaches a maximum when the surface is equally divided into anodic and cathodic regions. 3.6. 8
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Behaviors of High Surface Area BiFeO3 Thin Films

High surface area BiFeO3 thin films were deposited on ITO substrates by templates method and chemical solution deposition. The resulting phase composition and microstructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. We further demonstrated the useful photocatalytic activity of these films as determined by degradation of Congo red under visible-light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). Our results showed that the surface area have a great effect on the photocatalytic performances of the BiFeO3 thin films.
Coparenting Early School-Age Children: An Examination of Mother-Father Interdependence within Families.

Mothers and fathers within families are assumed to exert mutual influences on each other (i.e., to be interdependent). However, there is little evidence on the nature of this interdependence. Mother-father interdependence was examined in a middle-class, White nonclinic sample in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, consisting of intact families with an early school-age child. Interdependence was investigated in the forms of correlation, similarity, and complementarity for variables in 4 domains of parenting. For individual variables there was a substantial degree of similarity. However, there was considerable diversity and complexity in the pattern of similarity and difference, across variables and for different families. Interdependence appears to take various forms in different families
Propagation and extinction of an unsteady spherical spray flame front

Experimental evidence seems to indicate that the life of a laminar spherical flame front propagating through a fresh mixture of air and liquid fuel droplets can be roughly split into three stages: (1) ignition, (2) radial propagation with a smooth flame front and (3) propagation with flame front cellularization and/or pulsation. In this work, the second stage is analysed using the slowly varying flame approach, for a fuel rich flame. The droplets are presumed to vaporize in a sharp front ahead of the reaction front. Evolution equations for the flame and evaporation fronts are derived. For the former the combined effect of heat loss due to droplet vaporization and radiation plays a dominant explicit role. In addition, the structure of the evaporation front is deduced using asymptotics based on a large parameter associated with spray vaporization. Numerical calculations based on the analysis point to the way in which the spray modifies conditions for flame front extinction. Within the framework of the present simplified model the main relevant parameters turn out to be the initial liquid fuel load in the fresh mixture and/or the latent heat of vaporization of the fuel.
Presence of Listeria species in fresh meats from retail markets in Serbia

Listeria spp. are Gram positive, short, non-sporing rods, microaerophilic. Of the six species currently recognized, Listeria monocytogenes is the most important as it causes a range of infections in humans and animals. The organism can be found in a wide variety of habitats including the soil, food processing environments and raw foods. The ability of the organism to grow at refrigeration temperatures is of major importance in food production. This study examines the presence of Listeria species in fresh meat. 29 samples (chicken, pork and beef) meat. This bacteria was found in 82.7% of analyzed samples; 7 L. innocua, 8 L. monocytogenes and 9 L. welshimeri (of all isolates). L. innocua prevailed in pork meat (40%), L. monocytogenes in chicken and pork meat (30%), and L. welshimeri in beef meat (44.4%).
Microencapsulation in polyurea shell: Kinetics and film structure

Interfacial polycondensation is an important polymerization technique that encapsulates a variety of active principles. Mechanisms governing the reaction and interplay of physical and chemical rate processes need to be understood for both rational design of reaction equipment and the process control to produce capsules with desired characteristics. A theoretical and experimental study of the process is reported here. Kinetic data were obtained over a range of concentrations, monomer mole ratios and polymer film thicknesses, using a technique that relies on the on-line measurement of pH as a function of time. To understand the mechanisms the reaction was slowed down by reducing the interfacial area. A minimum thickness of the polymer was observed to be necessary so that capsules preserve their integrity and do not break up. The theoretical model developed considers ionic equilibria in the aqueous phase and the resistance due to external mass transfer, diffusion through the polymer, and interfacial reaction. Under the conditions chosen, the resistance due to the chemical reaction is generally more dominant. Values of rate parameters were determined by fitting the model to the experimental data. Observed variations in the diffusivity between different experiments were rationalized through a study of the crystalline structure of polymers.
Preparation of antimicrobial poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers containing Ag nanoparticles were prepared by electrospinning PVA/silver nitrate (AgNO3) aqueous solutions, followed by short heat treatment, and their antimicrobial activity was investigated for wound dressing applications. Since PVA is a water soluble and biocompatible polymer, it is one of the best materials for the preparation of wound dressing nanofibers. After heat treatment at 155 °C for 3 min, the PVA/AgNO3 nanofibers became insoluble, while the Ag+ ions therein were reduced so as to produce a large number of Ag nanoparticles situated preferentially on their surface. The residual Ag+ ions were reduced by subsequent UV irradiation for 3 h. The average diameter of the Ag nanoparticles after the heat treatment was 5.9 nm and this value increased slightly to 6.3 nm after UV irradiation. It was found that most of the Ag+ ions were reduced by the simple heat treatment. The PVA nanofibers containing Ag nanoparticles showed very strong antimicrobial activity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2468–2474, 2006