bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of soil metal contamination on glyphosate mineralization: Role of zinc in the mineralization rates of two copper-spiked mineral soils
Authors: Kim Bojeong , Kim Young Sik , Kim Bo Min , Hay Anthony G , McBride Murray B
Published: December 2010

A systematic investigation into lowered degradation rates of glyphosate in metal-contaminated soils was performed by measuring mineralization of [14C]glyphosate to 14CO2 in two mineral soils that had been spiked with Cu and/or Zn at various loadings. Cumulative 14CO2 release was estimated to be approximately 6% or less of the amount of [14C]glyphosate originally added in both soils over an 80-d incubation. For all but the highest Cu treatments (400 mg kg−1) in the coarse-textured Arkport soil, mineralization began without a lag phase and declined over time. No inhibition of mineralization was observed for Zn up to 400 mg kg−1 in either soil, suggesting differential sensitivity of glyphosate mineralization to the types of metal and soil. Interestingly, Zn appeared to alleviate high-Cu inhibition of mineralization in the Arkport soil. The protective role of Zn against Cu toxicity was also observed in the pure culture study with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting that increased mineralization rates in high Cu soil with Zn additions might have been due to alleviation of cellular toxicity by Zn rather than a mineralization specific mechanism. Extensive use of glyphosate combined with its reduced degradation in Cu-contaminated, coarse-textured soils may increase glyphosate persistence in soil and consequently facilitate Cu and glyphosate mobilization in the soil environment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:596–601. © 2011 SETAC
Thermal degradation and fire performance of wood treated with various inorganic salts
Authors: Qu Hongqiang , Wu Weihong , Wu Hongjuan , Jiao Yunhong , Xu Jianzhong
Published: December 2010

The effects of Na2WO4, Na2SnO3, and Na2MoO4 on the thermal decomposition and fire performance of wood were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, and thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry analysis. The kinetics of thermal degradation were analyzed using Doyle's equation and the limiting oxygen index was shown to be enhanced by the addition of Na2WO4, Na2SnO3, and Na2MoO4. The addition of these chemicals caused a decrease in the decomposition temperature, a reduction in weight, and an increase in the amount of char produced. The activation energies of the samples were also decreased after treatment by these flame retardants, during both the charring stage and the calcining stage. The flame retardants were shown to be able to catalyze the dehydration reaction, resulting in the formation of more H2O, CO2, and char molecules, but less levoglucosan and levoglucose. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrological and isotopic characterization of river water, groundwater, and groundwater recharge in the Heihe River basin, northwestern China
Authors: Yang Qiu , Xiao Honglang , Zhao Liangju , Yang Yonggang , Li Caizhi , Zhao Liang , Yin Li
Published: December 2010

We used hydrochemistry and environmental isotope data (δ18O, δD, tritium, and 14C) to investigate the characteristics of river water, groundwater, and groundwater recharge in China's Heihe River basin. The river water and groundwater could be characterized as Ca2+Mg2+HCO3−SO42− and Na+Mg2+SO42−Cl− types, respectively. Hydrogeochemical modelling using PHREEQC software revealed that the main hydrogeochemical processes are dissolution (except for gypsum and anhydrite) along groundwater flow paths from the upper to middle Heihe reaches. Towards the lower reaches, dolomite and calcite tend to precipitate. The isotopic data for most of the river water and groundwater lie on the global meteoric water line (GMWL) or between the GMWL and the meteoric water line in northwestern China, indicating weak evaporation. No direct relationship existed between recharge and discharge of groundwater in the middle and lower reaches based on the isotope ratios, d‐excess, and 14C values. On the basis of tritium in precipitation and by adopting an exponential piston‐flow model, we evaluated the mean residence time of shallow groundwater with high tritium activities, which was around 50 years (a). Furthermore, based on the several popular models, it is calculated that the deep groundwaters in piedmont alluvial fan zone of the middle reaches and in southern part of the lower reaches are modern water, whereas the deep groundwaters in the edge of the middle reaches and around Juyan Lake in the lower reaches of Heihe river basin are old water. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing annual runoff—broadleaf or coniferous forests?
Authors: Komatsu Hikaru , Kume Tomonori , Otsuki Kyoichi
Published: December 2010

According to widely held belief, annual evapotranspiration (ET) for broadleaf forests is less than that for coniferous forests, resulting in higher annual runoff for broadleaf forests. We processed 82 catchment runoff and 126 interception loss data from temperate regions and found that although the belief is valid under conditions of broadleaf deciduous forests and high winter precipitation (e.g. the United States), it is invalid under conditions of broadleaf evergreen forests (e.g. New Zealand) or low winter precipitation (e.g. Japan). Thus, forest management policies based on this belief should be reconsidered on the basis of our results for regions with broadleaf evergreen forests or low winter precipitation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rainfall uncertainty for extreme events in NWP downscaling model
Authors: Bray Michaela , Han Dawei , Xuan Yunqing , Bates Paul , Williams Michael
Published: December 2010

Limited area numerical weather predication (NWP) models such as MM5 have become a popular method for generating rainfall estimates for hydrological analysis, particularly for catchments where rainfall data are sparse. Although several studies have been undertaken to investigate the appropriateness of MM5 parameterization schemes for hydrological applications, the size of the nested domains and the distance between them have been overlooked as a source of uncertainty in model precipitation estimates for hydrological purposes. This study examines the uncertainty of model rainfall estimates derived from MM5 by varying the domain size and the distance between the domains. The results from this study show that domain size and buffer zone have a significant impact on model rainfall estimates, which should not be overlooked by hydrologists. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imatinib as adjuvant therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a systematic review
Authors: Essat Munira , Cooper Katy
Published: December 2010

The high risk of recurrence in resected gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) highlights the need for effective adjuvant treatment. This review evaluates the clinical efficacy and safety of imatinib for adjuvant treatment of localized KIT (CD117)‐positive resected GIST. Relevant studies were identified by searching several electronic databases from inception to August 2009. Searches were supplemented by examining bibliographies of included studies, searching conference proceedings and consulting experts. All study types were included. Methodological quality was assessed using published criteria. Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising one randomized controlled trial (RCT), three phase II studies, three cohort studies and nine case reports. In the RCT, the estimated 1‐year recurrence‐free survival was 98% [95% confidence interval (CI), 96–100] in the imatinib group versus 83% (95% CI, 78–88) in the placebo group, corresponding to a 65% reduction in the risk of disease recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.22–0.53; p < 0.0001) with an absolute recurrence‐free survival difference of 15% at 1 year. Other nonrandomized studies reported similar outcomes demonstrating that imatinib used in the adjuvant setting improved recurrence‐free survival. The optimum duration of adjuvant treatment, safety and efficacy is currently under investigation with two ongoing RCTs (EORTC 62024 and SSG XV111) and two nonrandomized studies (NCT00867113 and NCT00171977). This study adds to the evidence (based on one RCT and a number of observational studies) that GIST patients treated with adjuvant imatinib therapy show an improvement in recurrence‐free survival compared to placebo or no treatment after resection of KIT‐positive localized GIST with tolerable toxicity.
Housing arrangements among a national sample of adults with chronic schizophrenia living in the United States: a descriptive study
Authors: Tsai Jack , Stroup T. Scott , Rosenheck Robert A.
Published: December 2010

There has been no recent national description of where and with whom people with chronic mental illness reside. Using data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness, the living arrangements of 1,446 clients with schizophrenia from 57 sites throughout the United States were characterized over 1 year. At baseline, 46% of participants were living with family members and loved ones, 5% were living with other nonrelatives, 18% were living alone independently, 17% were in an institution, and 14% were not stably housed. Participants who were living alone independently showed higher clinical and psychosocial functioning than participants in other living arrangements. Over 1 year, the majority of participants remained in the same living arrangements, and those who were not stably housed had more severe schizophrenia symptomatology. These findings highlight the large number of people with schizophrenia living with others and the possible need for diverse housing services. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of high‐fat‐containing dairy wastewater in a sequential UASBR system: influence of recycle
Authors: Erdirencelebi Dilek
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND: Raw cheese whey originating from white cheese production results in a strong and complex wastewater excessively rich in organic matter (chemical oxygen demand, COD = 28–65 g L−1), fatty matter (14–24.5 g L−1) and acidity (3.9–6.1 g L−1). It was treated in a three‐stage configuration consisting of a pre‐acidification (PA) tank and sequential upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactors (UASBRs) at 2.8–7 g COD L−1 day−1 organic loading rates, during which the effects of effluent recycling at low rates and promoted SRB activity were investigated. Acidification, volatile fatty acids (VFA), COD and fatty matter removal and volatile solids were monitored throughout the system during the study.

RESULTS: Recycling of the effluent promoted VFA and COD removal as well as pH stability in both stages of the UASBRs and the effluent where high alkalinity levels were recovered reducing alkali requirement to 0.05 g OH g−1 CODapplied. Higher removal rates of 71–100 and 50–92% for VFA and COD were obtained by use of recycling. Fatty matter was removed at 63–89% throughout the study. Volatile solids build‐up was significant in the inlet zones of the UASBRs.

CONCLUSIONS: The system produced efficient acidification in the PA tank, balanced pH levels and an effluent high in alkalinity and BOD/COD ratio. Efficient VFA removal and solids immobilization was obtained in both stages up to the highest loading rate. Recycling improved the system performance under high fatty matter loading conditions. A major advantage of the sequential system was that the second stage UASBR compensated for reduced performance in the first stage. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Derivation of Birmingham's summer surface urban heat island from MODIS satellite images
Authors: Tomlinson C. J. , Chapman L. , Thornes J. E. , Baker C. J.
Published: December 2010

This study investigates the summer (June, July, August) night urban heat island (UHI) of Birmingham, the UK's second most populous city. Land surface temperature remote sensing data is used from the MODIS sensor on NASA's Aqua satellite, combined with UK Met Office station data to map the average variation in heat island intensity over the Birmingham conurbation. Results are presented of average UHI events over four Pasquill‐Gifford stability classes D, E, F, and G between 2003 and 2009, as well as a specific heatwave event in July 2006. The results quantify the magnitude of the Birmingham surface UHI as well as the impact of atmospheric stability on UHI development. During periods of high atmospheric stability, a UHI of the order of 5 °C is evident with a clear peak in the central business district. Also identified, are significant cold spots in the conurbation. In one city park, recorded surface temperatures are up to 7 °C lower than the city centre. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
CD28 expression by peripheral blood lymphocytes as a potential predictor of the development of de novo malignancies in long-term survivors after liver transplantation
Authors: Boleslawski Emmanuel , Othman Samia Ben , Aoudjehane Lynda , Chouzenoux Sandrine , Scatton Olivier , Soubrane Olivier , Calmus Yvon , Delhem Nadira , Conti Filomena
Published: December 2010

At present, no method is available for accurately monitoring the degree of immunosuppression induced by antirejection therapies. The aim of this study was to determine whether CD28 and CD38 expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells could be useful in predicting the development of de novo malignancies after liver transplantation. Flow cytometry analysis was used to measure the expression of CD28 and CD38 by peripheral blood lymphocytes in 134 stable, long-term survivors of liver transplantation. Patients who developed a de novo malignancy after undergoing a medical checkup were entered into a cancer group. Twenty-two patients (16.4%) developed at least 1 de novo malignancy over a mean interval of 22 ± 14 months (1.2-49.4 months) after the checkup. The mean frequency of CD28+CD8+ cells was significantly lower in the cancer group versus the noncancer group (39% ± 22 versus 51% ± 21, P = 0.008), but CD38 expression was similar in the 2 groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that an age greater than 50 years (odds ratio = 5.81) and a low frequency of CD28+CD8+ cells at the time of the checkup (odds ratio =3.16) were the only significant predictors of the development of de novo malignancies (P = 0.027). The actuarial proportion of patients with de novo malignancies was significantly lower when the frequency of CD28+CD8+ cells was greater than or equal to 40% instead of less than 40% (P = 0.01). Flow cytometry measurements of CD28 expression by peripheral blood lymphocytes may facilitate the identification of patients at a high risk of developing de novo malignancies. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine whether such measurements could have a place in routine clinical practice to enable the intensity of immunosuppression to be minimized in patients who have an increased risk of developing cancer. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Strategic communication at work
Authors: Ward General William E. “Kip”
Published: December 2010

General Ward, who became the first commander of the new U.S. Africa Command on October 1, 2007, details the events swirling around the creation of the command and explains what it took to deal with the controversy: not forceful posturing, but listening, learning, and patience.
Moving up: Ten questions for leaders in transition
Authors: Shaw Robert Bruce , Chayes Michael M.
Published: December 2010

Career advancements move through stages that need to be managed skillfully. When handled well, transitions offer unique and, in many respects, unmatched growth opportunities for both a company and the leaders involved. When handled poorly, there are considerable downsides for all. In the first part of a two‐part series, the authors explain the ten questions that are critical for successful transitions.
Influence of a biopolymer admixture on corrosion behaviour of steel rebars in concrete
Authors: Roux S. , Bur N. , Ferrari G. , Tribollet B. , Feugeas F.
Published: December 2010

Among the multitude of concrete structure pathologies, corrosion of rebars is one of the most important problems of concrete durability. In the context of sustainable development, it appears of primary importance to develop new means to protect the rebars against corrosion. This study aims to develop a new eco‐friendly and corrosion‐inhibiting admixture based on EPS 180 exopolysaccharides, biopolymers used in coatings already studied for the corrosion inhibition on steel in seawater. C15 rebars embedded in CEMI and CEMV cement paste containing EPS 180 were immersed in natural seawater and their electrochemical behaviour was studied using open circuit potential measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These tests highlight the decrease of the cathodic reaction kinetics due to the EPS 180 action at the rebars surface, and the absence of effect on the passive layer. Capillary imbibition tests carried out on cement paste and mortars showed that although limiting the imbibition kinetics for cement pastes, the EPS 180 did not influence the water imbibition of mortars. Tests comparing capillary imbibition of soaked cement pastes and mortars with EPS 180 solution and the same samples containing the EPS 180 admixture highlight that the corrosion inhibition induced by EPS 180 admixture is more due to the modification of the cement – rebars interface than to the clogging of the cement porous network.
Influence of bacterial exopolymers on cell adhesion of Desulfovibrio vulgaris on high alloyed steel: Corrosion inhibition by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)
Authors: Stadler R. , Wei L. , Fürbeth W. , Grooters M. , Kuklinski A.
Published: December 2010

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were studied with regard to their potential application as inhibitors of biocorrosion. EPS that have been isolated from biofilms of sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) were adsorbed on samples of high alloyed steel (type 1.4301) at different temperatures. The samples were exposed to SRB containing solution and afterwards analysed by fluorescence microscopy (FM). The results show that the EPS form an incomplete layer and lead to a smaller amount of cell adhesion when compared to pure surfaces. The results are discussed with regard to the application of EPS for the prevention of biofilm formation.
Biodeterioration of synthetic materials – A brief review
Authors: Flemming H.‐C.
Published: December 2010

Although synthetic polymers are part of our global waste problem because they are not sufficiently biologically degraded, microorganisms can severely impair the properties and functions of these materials. It seems as if consumers do not really acknowledge this cause of problems and there is only sparse systematic research about. Damaging mechanisms include (i) covering of surfaces (biofouling) which may be enhanced by leaching of biodegradable additives, (ii) depletion of such additives which can lead to loss of material properties, (iii) intrusion into materials by fungal hyphae, (iv) water uptake, and (v) discoloration. The common countermeasure is the addition of biocides or simply to tolerate the effects of biodeterioration and live on with them. It is suggested to encourage further systematic research, and to develop integrated strategies in order to avoid problems, e.g., based on nutrient and water limitation whenever possible.
Porous Semi‐Interpenetrating Hydrogel Networks Based on Dextran and Polyacrylamide With Superfast Responsiveness
Authors: Dinu Maria Valentina , Perju Maria Marinela , Drăgan Ecaterina Stela
Published: December 2010

AAm was free‐radical polymerized at various temperatures in the presence of N,N'‐methylenebisacrylamide as a cross‐linker and dextran resulting in novel Dx/PAAm semi‐IPNs. The structure and morphology of networks were investigated by means of FTIR, DSC, and ESEM. In comparison to the PAAm network, the interior network structures of the novel semi‐IPNs prepared at −18 °C exhibit a heterogeneous morphology consisting of pores of sizes about 80 µm, while those formed at +5 and +25 °C have pores with sizes about 3 µm. The Dx/PAAm semi‐IPNs exhibited higher swelling ratios, than those without Dx, irrespective of the gel preparation temperature. Moreover, Dx/PAAm semi‐IPN hydrogels formed at −18 °C attain the equilibrium state in water within 15 s.

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Constitutive Generalization of a Microstructure‐Based Model for Filled Elastomers
Authors: Lorenz Hagen , Freund Michael , Juhre Daniel , Ihlemann Jörn , Klüppel Manfred
Published: December 2010

A microstructure‐based model of rubber reinforcement is presented describing filler‐induced stress softening and hysteresis by the breakdown and re‐aggregation of strained filler clusters. An extension of the previously introduced dynamic flocculation model, it considers incomplete deformation cycles that occur in the simulation of arbitrary deformation histories. For these inner cycles additional elastic stress contributions of clusters are taken into account. A constitutive generalization of the model is introduced by referring to the engineering concept of representative directions. This allows for an implementation of the model into FE codes. Fair agreement between measurement and simulation is obtained for CB‐filled EPDM, loaded along various deformation histories.

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Effect of Intramolecular Transfer to Polymer on Stationary Free‐Radical Polymerization of Alkyl Acrylates, 5 – Consideration of Solution Polymerization up to High Temperatures
Authors: Nikitin Anatoly N. , Hutchinson Robin A. , Wang Wei , Kalfas George A. , Richards John R. , Bruni Christopher
Published: December 2010

Butyl acrylate solution polymerization has been studied at 80–170 °C over a range of monomer and initiator levels. A PREDICI model has been developed to describe the experiments, taking into account chain backbiting, β‐scission, and addition of macromonomer. The model is used to estimate Arrhenius parameters for the rate coefficients of β‐scission [A(kβ) = (1.49 ± 0.28) × 109 s−1, Ea(kβ) = 63.9 ± 0.9 kJ · mol−1], for the ratio of the termination rate coefficients of secondary and midchain radicals ${\left[ {A(k_{{\rm t}} /k_{{\rm t}}^{{\rm t}} ) = 0.74\pm 0.08,\;\;\,E_{{\rm a}} (k_{{\rm t}} /k_{{\rm t}}^{{\rm t}} ) = {-} (11.2\pm 0.5){\rm kJ}\cdot {\rm mol}^{{-} 1} } \right]}$ and for the constant of chain transfer to xylene [A(CtrS) = 107 ± 13, Ea(CtrS) = 35.4 ± 0.8 kJ · mol−1] by fitting simulated dependencies to the experimental data.

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Vom Konzept zur Anwendung
Authors: Dreja Michael , Vockenroth Inga , Weber Thomas
Published: December 2010

Von Mikroorganismen produzierte Tenside finden erste Anwendungen. Ihr Vorteil: Sie sind nachhaltiger herzustellen als konventionelle Tenside aus fossilen oder nachwachsenden Rohstoffen.
Europäische chemische Industrie: Erholt sie sich nach der Krise?
Authors: Schorsch Gilbert
Published: December 2010

Unternehmen mit mehreren Standbeinen überstanden die schlechte Wirtschaftslage der letzen Monate mit weniger Rückschlägen als andere. Meisterten große Unternehmen die Situation besser als kleinere, deutsche besser als französische? Wie bestehen sie im Weltmarkt und gegenüber der Öffentlichkeit?
Plaste und Elaste sorgen für Wachstum
Authors: Neubauer Uta
Published: December 2010

Der Polymerindustrie an den Chemiestandorten der DDR geht es 20 Jahre nach der Wiedervereinigung blendend. Umsatz und Beschäftigtenzahlen sind in den vergangenen Jahren kräftig gewachsen.
Chemie und Spiele
Authors: Junk Christiane
Published: December 2010

Bei der internationalen Chemieolympiade treten Schüler aus etwa 60 Nationen an, um ihre chemischen Kenntnisse zu messen. Seit mehreren Jahren unterstützt der Förderverein Chemieolympiade die deutschen Teilnehmer.
Promotion — und was dann?
Authors: Mischnick Petra
Published: December 2010

Zwar studieren fast genauso viele Frauen wie Männer Chemie, aber nach der Promotion beenden die meisten Frauen ihre Hochschulkarriere. Warum das so ist, hat eine qualitative Studie der Universität Rostock untersucht.
Tendenz aufwärts
Authors: Schneider Bernd W. , Kuschel Matthias
Published: December 2010

Mehr und wieder größere Transaktionen: Dies ist das Fazit der ersten drei Quartale im Chemiefinanzmarkt. Düngemittelübernahmen nehmen weitere Fahrt auf.
Tautomererzeugung basierend auf Inchi‐String
Authors: Thalheim Torsten
Published: December 2010

Der frei verfügbare Moleküldeskriptor Inchi repräsentiert chemische Strukturen. Damit lassen sich effizient und schnell die Tautomere zu einer chemischen Struktur generieren.
Robust controller synthesis with consideration of performance criteria
Authors: Chowdhury Amor , Sarjaš Andrej , Cafuta Peter , Svečko Rajko
Published: December 2010

This paper presents interactive controller synthesis methods based on an inward approach and offers some advantages over the traditional loop gain shaping methods. The indirect use of weighting functions for the robustness controller tuning is introduced. Besides that, the method allows transparent closed‐loop pole placement to achieve desirable transient performance. The obtained controllers are of lower order for comparable performance than those synthesized withrmH2, H∞or µ‐synthesis. The method is particularly well suited for robust control problems where frequency domain constraints emerge from the analyses of non‐parametric uncertainties and also for control problems where the frequency domain loop shaping is used to achieve time domain performance specifications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of microfluidic chip using micro‐hot embossing with micro electrical discharge machining mold
Authors: Huang Mao‐Suan , Chiang Yuh‐Chyun , Lin Sheng‐Chieh , Cheng Hsin‐Chung , Huang Chiung‐Fang , Shen Yung‐Kang , Lin Yi
Published: December 2010

This study develops an improved method for generating aluminum mold inserts used in the replication of polymer‐based microfluidic chip. Since molding masters that are suitable for microfluidic chip replication must have features whose dimensions are of the order of tens to hundreds of microns, micro electrical discharge machining is employed herein to fabricate an aluminum mold insert of a microfluidic chip. The width and depth of the aluminum mold insert for the microfluidic chip are 61.50 and 49.61 µm, respectively. The surface roughness values of the microchannel and the sample reservoir in aluminum mold insert for the microfluidic chip are 53.9 and 34.3 nm, respectively. PMMA material is adopted as the molded microfluidic chip that is produced by micro‐hot embossing molding. The PMMA material can replicate the microchannel and sample reservoir very well when the aluminum mold insert is used in micro‐hot embossing molding. The results indicate that the most important parameter in the replication of molded microfluidic chip is the embossing pressure, which is also the most important parameter in determining the surface roughness of the molded microfluidic chip. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superabsorbent hydrogel composites and nanocomposites: A review
Authors: Kabiri K. , Omidian H. , Zohuriaan‐Mehr M. J. , Doroudiani S.
Published: December 2010

Superabsorbent polymers are hydrophilic networks that can absorb and retain huge amounts of water or aqueous solutions. They are currently used in many areas including hygienic and bio‐related uses (particularly in disposable diapers), agricultural uses (e.g., water reserving in soil, soil conditioning, and controlled release of agrochemicals), pharmaceutical dosage forms, separation technology, fibers/textiles, water‐swelling rubbers, soft actuators/valves, electrical, construction, packaging, artificial snow, sludge/coal dewatering, fire‐extinguishing gels, etc. Addition of clays and organo‐modified clays into superabsorbent formulation has funded new generations of these hydrogels, i.e., superabsorbent hydrogel composites (SHCs) and superabsorbent hydrogel nanocomposites (SHNCs). New superabsorbent hydrogels are cheaper in price, and possess superior mechanical properties than non‐composite counterparts. This review introduces the SHC and SHNC polymers with the focus on different minerals and humic additives, synthetic methods, the hydrogel characteristics and their applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Apolipoprotein A‐I as a candidate serum marker for the response to lithium treatment in bipolar disorder
Authors: Sussulini Alessandra , Dihazi Hassan , Banzato Claudio Eduardo Muller , Arruda Marco Aurelio Zezzi , Stühmer Walter , Ehrenreich Hannelore , Jahn Olaf , Kratzin Hartmut D.
Published: December 2010

The molecular basis of bipolar disorder (BD) is still unknown as is the mechanism through which lithium, the therapy of choice, exerts its effects in treatment of BD. So far, no biomarkers exist to facilitate diagnosis of BD or treatment evaluation. To investigate whether BD and its treatment with lithium leaves a characteristic signature in the serum proteome, we used SELDI‐TOF MS to analyze individual serum samples from BD patients treated with lithium (BD‐plus‐Li, n=15) or other drugs (BD‐minus‐Li, n=10) and from healthy controls (n=15). Interestingly, features of 28 kDa (one peak) and 14 kDa (three peaks) showed a decreased level in the BD‐minus‐Li group and a level restored to that of the control group in the BD‐plus‐Li group. To reveal the identity of these features, we subjected pooled serum samples from both BD groups to the 2‐D DIGE technology and identified 28 kDa apolipoprotein A‐I (apo A‐I) and three 14 kDa fragments thereof as upregulated in the BD‐plus‐Li group. Immunoturbidimetry, a routine clinical assay, verified the characteristic apo A‐I signature in individual serum samples. In conclusion, we propose apo A‐I as a candidate marker that can visualize response to lithium treatment at the serum protein level.
Rapid and efficient protein digestion using trypsin‐coated magnetic nanoparticles under pressure cycles
Authors: Lee Byoungsoo , Lopez‐Ferrer Daniel , Kim Byoung Chan , Na Hyon Bin , Park Yong Il , Weitz Karl K. , Warner Marvin G. , Hyeon Taeghwan , Lee Sang‐Won , Smith Richard D. , Kim Jungbae
Published: December 2010

Trypsin‐coated magnetic nanoparticles (EC‐TR/NPs), prepared via a simple multilayer random crosslinking of the trypsin molecules onto magnetic nanoparticles, were highly stable and could be easily captured using a magnet after the digestion was complete. EC‐TR/NPs showed a negligible loss of trypsin activity after multiple uses and continuous shaking, whereas the conventional immobilization of covalently attached trypsin on NPs resulted in a rapid inactivation under the same conditions due to the denaturation and autolysis of trypsin. A single model protein, a five‐protein mixture, and a whole mouse brain proteome were digested at atmospheric pressure and 37°C for 12 h or in combination with pressure cycling technology at room temperature for 1 min. In all cases, EC‐TR/NPs performed equally to or better than free trypsin in terms of both the identified peptide/protein number and the digestion reproducibility. In addition, the concomitant use of EC‐TR/NPs and pressure cycling technology resulted in very rapid (∼1 min) and efficient digestions with more reproducible digestion results.
Benzo[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐based low‐bandgap polymers for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Yuan Mingjian , Rice Andrew H. , Luscombe Christine K.
Published: December 2010

The synthesis of four alternating copolymers using benzo[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene (BDP) as the common donor unit is presented. Before the synthesis, theoretical calculations that we performed predicted that the incorporation of BDP, which consists of fused dithiophene units with a benzene ring, into these polymers would produce a low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level. Low‐lying HOMO levels are desirable to produce high open circuit voltages (VOC) in organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photovoltaic devices. The polymers' structural characterization, as well as the preliminary results of their performance in BHJ devices, using (6,6)‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester as the electron acceptor, is presented. The VOC values follow the expected trend: increasing with decreasing HOMO level of the polymer. High VOC values of 0.81 and 0.82 V have been obtained from two polymers: PBDPBT and PBDPDPP. The initial power conversion efficiency achieved in these unoptimized devices was 1.11% because of relatively low JSC values. The variation observed in the JSC values between the four polymers is discussed. Device performance is expected to increase with optimization of processing conditions for the devices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Benzotriazole derivatives as long wavelength photosensitizers for diaryliodonium salt initiators
Authors: Bulut Umut , Balan Abidin , Caliskan Cagin
Published: December 2010

Two benzotriazole derivative dyes 4,7‐bis(2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐5‐yl)‐2‐dodecyl‐2H‐benzo[1,2,3]triazole, and 2‐dodecyl‐4,7‐bis(4‐hexylthiophen‐2‐yl)‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole are shown to work as efficient photosensitizers for a diphenyliodonium salt initiator in cationic photopolymerization of epoxide and vinyl monomers. Substituted thienyl groups are attached to benzotriazole backbone to extend conjugation and enhance electron density of the molecules. Thereby, it was possible to initiate polymerizations at room temperature using long wavelength UV and visible light. The progress of photopolymerizations was monitored using optical pyrometry. The photopolymerization of an epoxide monomer using solar irradiation was also demonstrated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Thickness and annealing temperature effects on the optical properties and surface morphology of layer‐by‐layer poly(p‐phenyline vinylene)+dodecylbenzenesulfonate films
Authors: Therézio Eralci Moreira , Piovesan Erick , Vega Maria Letícia , Silva Raigna A. , Oliveira Osvaldo N. , Marletta Alexandre
Published: December 2010

The fabrication of controlled molecular architectures is essential for organic devices, as is the case of emission of polarized light for the information industry. In this study, we show that optimized conditions can be established to allow layer‐by‐layer (LbL) films of poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV)+dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS) to be obtained with anisotropic properties. Films with five layers and converted at 110 °C had a dichroic ratio δ = 2.3 and order parameter r = 34%, as indicated in optical spectroscopy and emission ellipsometry data. This anisotropy was decreased with the number of layers deposited, with δ = 1.0 for a 75‐layer LbL PPV + DBS film. The analysis with atomic force microscopy showed the formation of polymer clusters in a random growth process with the normalized height distribution being represented by a Gaussian function. In spite of this randomness in film growth, the self‐covariance function pointed to a correlation between clusters, especially for thick films. In summary, the LbL method may be exploited to obtain both anisotropic films with polarized emission and regular, nanostructured surfaces. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Calorimetric study of a series of designed repeat proteins: Modular structure and modular folding
Authors: Cortajarena Aitziber L. , Regan Lynne
Published: December 2010

Repeat proteins comprise tandem arrays of a small structural motif. Their structure is defined and stabilized by interactions between residues that are close in the primary sequence. Several studies have investigated whether their structural modularity translates into modular thermodynamic properties. Tetratricopeptide repeat proteins (TPRs) are a class in which the repeated unit is a 34 amino acid helix‐turn‐helix motif. In this work, we use differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to study the equilibrium stability of a series of TPR proteins with different numbers of an identical consensus repeat, from 2 to 20, CTPRa2 to CTPRa20. The DSC data provides direct evidence that the folding/unfolding transition of CTPR proteins does not fit a two‐state folding model. Our results confirm and expand earlier studies on TPR proteins, which showed that apparent two‐state unfolding curves are better fit by linear statistical mechanics models: 1D Ising models in which each repeat is treated as an independent folding unit.
Efficacy of non‐toxic surfaces to reduce bioadhesion in terrestrial gastropods
Authors: Kennedy Alan J , Vasudevan Ravikumar , Pappas Daphne D , Weiss Charles A , Hendrix Sara H , Baney Ronald H
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND: Invasive species are described as the greatest threat to biodiversity, after habitat destruction and climate change, potentially imposing economic impacts and indigenous species impairment. Commonly applied chemical controls present the potential for legacy contamination and non‐target organism injury. This study investigated the effects of different substrates and novel topographical surfaces on the behavioral and mechanical associations of the terrestrial gastropod Otala lactea.

RESULTS: The gastropod preferentially aestivated on rough glass (61% increase, P < 0.01) relative to smooth glass but avoided a cross‐patterned surface tessellation on silicone (82% reduction, P < 0.01) relative to smooth silicone. Significant deviations in turning behavior were found on the cross‐patterned topographical surface and hydrophobic Teflon surfaces. The strongest correlation with gastropod adhesion strength to surfaces was found for surface elastic modulus (R = 0.88, P = 0.03), followed by hydrophobicity (R = − 0.71, P = 0.14), but no relationship with roughness (P = 0.36).

CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggest surface roughness controlled aestivation behavior while elastic modulus (surface flexibility) controlled adhesion strength. In spite of greater adhesion to high‐modulus materials, surface modulus was not a statistically significant controlling factor on gastropod aestivation preference. Understanding and exploiting the behavioral and mechanistic cues that organisms use while attaching to surfaces may lead to more environmentally benign control approaches. Published 2010 by John Wiley & Chemical Industry
EPR study of chromium‐doped porous titanium dioxide
Authors: Pentegov I. S. , Konstantinova E. A.
Published: December 2010

EPR study of chromium‐doped porous titanium dioxide samples has been carried out both in dark and under visible light illumination. Cr+3 spin centers located in subsurface layer and at the surface of the samples and O2–radicals were discovered in titanium dioxide and their dynamics under illumination of the samples was investigated. The number of Cr+3 spin centers correlates with content of chromium in the samples. Obtained data can be useful for development of chromium based TiO2 photocatalysts (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of patterned porous silicon structures using a poly(N‐iso‐propylacrylamide) microgel mask and catalytic etching
Authors: Pacholski Claudia
Published: December 2010

The unique properties of porous silicon such as high surface area, well‐studied surface chemistry, and tuneable optical properties triggered its application in several areas such as sensing or optics. The performance of corresponding devices could be improved by the supply of micro/nanostructured porous silicon. Here, we report on the fabrication of patterned porous silicon using a combination of colloidal lithography and metal‐assisted etching. The method is solely based on chemical techniques and therefore is fast, cost‐efficient, and simple to perform. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical properties of InSb thin films with an InAsSb buffer layer grown by MOVPE
Authors: Homma Hideyuki , Nagata Hirotaka , Yamaguchi Shigeo
Published: December 2010

We have studied the electrical and thermoelectric properties of InSb thin films. The films were prepared by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on a sapphire substrate using an InAsSb buffer layer with a thickness of 0.9 nm, 2.6 nm, 5.1 nm, 10 nm, or 15 nm. The electrical and thermoelectric properties and the crystallinity of InSb thin films with an InAsSb buffer layer were evaluated. Maximum values of electron mobility and power factor were 10,240 cm2/Vs and 3.73 × 10‐4W/mK2, respectively, at room temperature for InSb with an InAsSb buffer layer of 5.1 nm thickness. On the basis of temperature dependence of electrical properties and a simulation, we proposed and showed that two‐conduction layers exist between InSb and substrate probably caused by their lattice‐mismatch. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Internal quantum efficiency and internal loss of ultraviolet laser diodes on the low dislocation density AlGaN underlying layer
Authors: Takeda Kenichiro , Nagata Kengo , Ichikawa Tomoki , Nonaka Kentaro , Ogiso Yuji , Oshimura Yoshinori , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu , Amano Hiroshi , Yoshida Harumasa , Kuwabara Masakazu , Yamashita Yoji , Kan Hirofumi
Published: December 2010

We fabricated and evaluated GaN/AlGaN multi‐quantum wells (MQWs) and ultraviolet laser diodes (UV LDs) on high and low dislocation density underlying layers by epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) method. We analyzed the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) versus carrier concentration characteristics quantitatively by excitation intensity dependent photoluminescence method. The IQE of the MQWs on the ELO AlGaN is 75% when the carrier density is 1x1019 cm‐3. We demonstrated the UV LD on the ELO AlGaN. However, the UV LD on flat AlGaN did not operate. Also, we investigated the internal loss (αi) and the IQE multiplied the injection efficiency by changing the reflectivity of the facets. The results showed that the internal loss is 6 cm‐1, and the IQE multiplied by the injection efficiency is 18% (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Low temperature (down to 450 °C) annealed TiAl contacts on N‐type gallium nitride characterized by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Thierry‐Jebali Nicolas , Menard Olivier , Chiriac Rodica , Collard Emmanuel , Brylinski Christian , Cayrel Frédéric , Alquier Daniel
Published: December 2010

This work reports on Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements performed on Ti‐Al metallic layers stacks deposited on n+‐GaN. The aim is to get better understanding of the mechanisms leading to ohmic contact formation during the annealing stage. Two exothermic peaks were found, one below 500 °C and the other one around 660 °C. They can be respectively attributed to Al3Ti and Al2Ti compounds formation. The locations of these peaks provide clear evidence of solid‐solid reactions. Lowest contact resistance is well correlated with the presence of Al3Ti compound, corresponding to Al(200nm)/Ti(50nm) stoichiometric ratio. Subsequently, Al(200 nm)Ti(50 nm) stacks on n+‐GaN were annealed from 400 °C to 650 °C. Specific Contact Resistivity (SCR) values stay in the mid 10‐5 Ω.cm² range for annealing temperatures between 450 °C and 650 °C. Such low‐temperature annealed contacts on n+‐GaN may open new device processing routes, simpler and cheaper, in which Ohmic and Schottky contacts are annealed together. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of excitation energy transfer in quantum dot clusters in the presence of nonluminescent dots
Authors: Miyazaki Jun , Kinoshita Shuichi , Jin Takashi
Published: December 2010

We studied the excitation energy transfer (EET) process in CdSe/CdZnS quantum dot (QD) clusters by measuring time‐ and spectrally‐resolved fluorescence intensities. Radiative and non‐radiative exciton recombinations that occurs after EET were evaluated: the latter occurred in a large class of QD ensembles because of the presence of nonluminescent (dark) QDs. Numerical simulation confirmed the effect of the dark QDs on time‐dependent fluorescence intensities, and the results were compared with that of the experiment. Nonradiative recombination occurring after EET was found to be dominant in the low quantum yield of QDs. The EET rate as a function of QD energy was successfully calculated on the basis of these findings. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Variational study of polaron dynamics with the Davydov Ansätze
Authors: Luo Bin , Ye Jun , Zhao Yang
Published: December 2010

We derive explicit expressions for the amplitudes of the deviation vectors for the time‐dependent Davydov D1, D2 and $ {\tilde {\rm D}} $ Ansätze from the exact solution of the Schrödinger equation for the Holstein polaron.

By comparing the deviation amplitudes with the system energies, a systematic study is carried out on the validity of the Davydov Ansätze. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Switched system approach to stabilization of networked control systems
Authors: Yu Junyan , Wang Long , Yu Mei
Published: December 2010

Stabilization problems of networked control systems (NCSs) with bounded packet losses and transmission delays are addressed. We model such NCSs as a class of switched systems, and establish stabilizing conditions in the form of matrix inequalities by using packet‐loss dependent Lyapunov functions. By solving the inequalities, packet‐loss dependent controllers are designed for two types of packet‐loss processes: one is an arbitrary packet‐loss process, and the other is a Markovian packet‐loss process. Several numerical examples and simulations are worked out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design techniques. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesoporous materials: Why PMO? Towards Functionality and Utility of Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas (Small 23/2010)
Authors: Wang Wendong , Lofgreen Jennifer E. , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: December 2010

Creative synthetic chemistry has endowed the class of periodic mesoporous organosilica materials, dubbed PMO, with a variety of new and exciting compositions, properties, and functions since its inception a decade ago. Using a handful of recent trendsetting case histories, the multidisciplinary applications of PMO materials in chemistry and physics, materials science and engineering, biology, and medicine are demonstrated in a most powerful way. In doing so, this Review aims to inspire more collaborative and ambitious endeavors in the second decade of PMO research.
Functional and dynamic rheological properties of acetylated starches from two cultivars of cassava
Authors: Osundahunsi Oluwatooyin Faramade , Mueller Rudolf
Published: December 2010

The starches derived from two different cultivars of cassava were modified with acetic anhydride. The increase in swelling power and solubility of the cassava starch (CS) pastes treated with different acetic anhydride concentration could be attributed to easier hydration, resulting from reduction of interaction between starch chains due to the substitution. The transition temperatures (To, Tp and Tc) and enthalpy of gelatinisation (ΔH) of acetylated CS, were determined. The values were lower than those of native starches. Rheological properties of CS pastes (5% w/w) as a function of the degree of substitution were evaluated in dynamic shear force measurements. Magnitude of storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G′′) and complex viscosity (Eta*) of acetylated CS pastes were determined also. Dynamic moduli (G′, G′′ and Eta*) values of acetylated sweet cultivar pastes were generally higher than those of native starch whereas the acetylated samples of the bitter cultivar were lower than those of native starch. The magnitudes of G′ were greater than those of G′′ and Eta* at all frequencies (ω). The fact that all the tan δ (ratio G′′/G′) values (0.7–0.48 and 0.25–0.44) were less than one is an indication that the samples are more elastic than viscous. The acetylated starches could find promising industrial uses in food products like Lemon curd and Mayonnaise and other non‐food applications.