bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling surface response of the Greenland Ice Sheet to interglacial climate
Authors: Rau D. , Rogozhina I.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. This study presents a~new approach to parameterizing surface mass balance (SMB) of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) under interglacial climate validated against recent satellite observations and the results of a high-resolution model on a regional scale. Based on detailed analysis of the modeled SMB, we conclude that existing parameterizations fail to capture either spatial pattern or amplitude of the observed surface responses of the GIS. This is due to multiple simplifying assumptions adopted by the majority of modeling studies within the framework of a positive degree-day method. Modeled surface melting is found to be highly sensitive to a choice of daily temperature standard deviation (SD), which is generally assumed to have uniform distribution across Greenland. The range of commonly used SD values does not however receive support from climate datasets available. In this region, SD distribution is highly inhomogeneous and characterized by low values during summer months in areas where most surface melting occurs. Our approach is to make use of spatially variable SD and here we show that this leads to significant improvements in the modeled SMB over the instrumental record. Our findings necessitate evaluating potential consequences of the simplified SMB treatment for assessment of the history and future of glaciation on Earth.
Effects of Variety and Spacing on Yield Indices of Open-Pollinated Maize in Asaba Area of Delta State
Authors: Enujeke E. C.
Published: June 2013

This study was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Asaba Campus (Nigeria) from March to December in 2008 and replicated between March and December, 2009, to evaluate the effects of variety and spacing on yield indices of Open-pollinated maize. It was a factorial experiment carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Four open-pollinated varieties (Suwan -1- SR, ACR97, BR9922-DMRSF2 and AMATZBRC2WB) were evaluated under three different plant spacing for such yield indices as number of cobs/plant, cob length, grain weight and number of grains/cob of maize. The results obtained indicated that variety BR9922-DMRSF2 was outstanding with number of cobs/plant of 1.7 in both 2008 and 2009, cob length of 27.7 cm and 26.7 cm in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Its grain weight was 4.7 t/ha in 2008 and 4.9 t/ha in 2009, and its number of grain/cob was 467.7 in 2008, and 463.9 in 2009. Plants sown at spacing of 75 cm x 15cm had higher number of cobs/plant of 1.9 in both 2008 and 2009.Their grain weights (t/ha) were 5.0 in 2008 and 5.2 in 2009, their cob lengths were 18.6cm in 2008 and 20.1cm in 2009, while their number of grains/cob were 363.0 in 2008, and 369.0 in 2009. The results of interaction showed that except variety x space, the parameters investigated were all significantly (P < 0.05) different and affected yield indices of open-pollinated maize. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that (i) open-pollinated variety BR9922-DMRF2 be grown in the study area for increased grain yield indices of maize. (ii) Plant spacing of 75 cm x 15 cm which resulted in higher number of cobs/plant and higher grain weight be adopted in maize production.
Efeito do basquetebol em cadeira de rodas no colesterol-HDL de paraplégicos
Authors: Rodrigues Fabio Barreto
Published: June 2013

Introdução: Indivíduos com lesão medular normalmente têm estilo de vida sedentário e baixos níveis do colesterol-HDL. O exercício regular melhora o perfil lipídico, mas pouco se sabe sobre como prescrever exercícios com esta finalidade para tal população. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito do basquetebol no perfil lipídico de sujeitos com lesão medular. Métodos: Nove voluntários participaram do treinamento de basquetebol em cadeira de rodas, três vezes por semana, durante 14 semanas. A intensidade média do treino foi 60% da frequência cardíaca máxima. Analisou-se o perfil lipídico antes e após o treinamento. Resultados: Verificaram-se aumentos significantes de 24,6% nos níveis de HDL-C (colesterol HDL) (p 0,05); e diminuições de 11,4% e 12,4%, nas relações CT (colesterol total)/HDL-C e LDL-C (colesterol LDL)/HDL-C, respectivamente, comparados ao grupo controle (n=12). Conclusões: O basquetebol em cadeira de rodas promoveu alterações positivas no colesterol-HDL e pode ser estratégia não medicamentosa para redução do risco de doença cardiovascular nessa população.
Comparação dos parâmetros espaçotemporais da marcha durante a execução do TUG associado à dupla tarefa em adultos jovens
Authors: Silva José Adolfo Menezes Garcia , Nunes Ariane Diane Morais , Reis Flora Isabel Ramalho Leite , Fischer Carlos Norberto , Navega Marcelo Tavella
Published: June 2013

Introdução: A análise biomecânica da marcha se mostra eficiente na identificação de alterações nos padrões de movimento e no declínio funcional. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito da dupla tarefa sobre os parâmetros espaçotemporais da marcha. Métodos: Participaram 32 sujeitos de ambos os sexos com idade entre 18 e 25 anos. O teste Timed Up and Go foi aplicado sob duas condições: na forma original e associado à tarefa cognitiva (verbalizar os meses do ano em ordem inversa). Foi avaliado o tempo total de execução, número de passos, cadência, tempo gasto para levantar, velocidade média e variabilidade do tempo de passo. Resultados: Com a adição da tarefa cognitiva, foram observadas mudanças em diversos dos parâmetros espaçotemporais da marcha analisados. Conclusão: Os testes realizados mostraram que o incremento de tarefas cognitivas durante a deambulação pode acarretar alterações no desempenho desta atividade.
Alterações induzidas pelo treinamento físico militar sobre a composição corporal de militares adultos jovens
Authors: Madureira Thiago Borges Sabino , Farah Breno Quintella , Dos Santos Marcos André Moura , Berenguer Mariana De Freitas , Lima Paulo Fernando Marinho de , Prado Wagner Luiz do , Ritti-Dias Raphael Mendes
Published: June 2013

Introdução: O treinamento físico militar (TFM) promove melhorias da aptidão física; entretanto, os efeitos desta metodologia sobre a composição corporal permanecem pouco estudados. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito do TFM na composição corporal de militares adultos jovens. Métodos: Quarenta e sete recrutas do sexo masculino, com idade entre 18 e 23 anos, realizaram o TFM durante três semanas. Antes e após o TFM foram realizadas medidas de massa corporal e estimativas da gordura corporal relativa, massa muscular total, área muscular do braço e área muscular da coxa. Resultados: Após o TFM, foram observadas reduções significantes na gordura corporal relativa (11,4 ± 6,9 vs. 10,1 ± 5,4; p
Efeitos do treinamento resistido nas respostas sanguíneas, composição corporal e taxa metabólica basal em diabéticos tipo II
Authors: Sousa Moisés Simão Santa Rosa de , Sousa Josenaldo Mendes de , Saraiva Alam , Bentes Claudio Melibeu , Miranda Humberto Lameira , Novaes Jefferson Da Silva
Published: June 2013

Introdução: O treinamento resistido (TR) pode trazer benefícios nas variáveis sanguíneas, no metabolismo e na composição corporal em diabéticos. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos de 12 semanas de TR nas respostas sanguíneas, na composição corporal e na taxa metabólica basal (TMB) e verificar as suas associações. Método: Foram analisados, em 34 portadores de diabetes tipo II, composição corporal e amostras sanguíneas (leptina, glicemia e insulina) antes e depois do TR. Resultados: Observaram-se reduções significativas na leptina, massa corporal, IMC, percentual de gordura e massa gorda e uma correlação da leptina vs. IMC, % de gordura vs. peso gordo antes e depois do treinamento; e com a insulina, após o treinamento. A TMB correlacionou-se com o IMC, % de gordura, peso gordo e massa magra, antes e depois do treinamento. Conclusão: Um programa de 12 semanas de TR mostrou-se eficaz na melhoria da saúde do diabético tipo II.
Adaptações do sistema respiratório referentes à função pulmonar em resposta a um programa de tratamento muscular pelo método de Reeducação Postural Global
Authors: Guimarães Élcio Alves , Alkmim Danila Naves , Nascimento Mariana Carla , Boaventura Cristina De Matos , Magazoni Valéria Sachi
Published: June 2013

Introdução: A Reeducação Postural Global (RPG) trata-se de um tratamento fisioterapêutico que aplica posturas ativas e simultâneas, em posições excêntricas dos músculos da estática aplicadas em decoaptação articular progressiva, apresentando preocupação especial com a reeducação da musculatura respiratória, demonstrando influência positiva na mecânica respiratória. Objetivos: Analisar as adaptações do sistema respiratório referentes à função pulmonar em resposta ao método RPG. Método: Participaram 15 voluntários, de ambos os sexos, não tabagistas, com idade entre 19 e 55 anos. O RPG foi realizado duas vezes por semana totalizando 15 sessões. O grupo foi submetido à prova de função pulmonar antes e após o período de intervenção. Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças significantes entre os valores de todas as variáveis analisadas, e os maiores valores foram obtidos após a intervenção pelo método. Conclusão: O RPG mostrou ser eficiente para promover aumento das variáveis espirométricas.
Compreendendo os significados das emoções e sentimentos em indivíduos autistas no ambiente aquático
Authors: Santos Daniela Amorim dos , Miranda Lara De Araújo , Silva Emília Amélia Costa Pinto da , Moura Petrucio Venceslau de , Freitas Clara Maria Silvestre Monteiro de
Published: June 2013

Introdução: O autismo é um transtorno do desenvolvimento que consiste em uma alteração do sistema nervoso central, ocasionando problemas no comportamento. Entretanto, a prática da natação tem auxiliado na socialização dos portadores. Objetivo: Analisar as manifestações emocionais influenciadas pela prática aquática em crianças autistas. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa. Participaram do estudo seis crianças que frequentam regularmente a Fisioclínica de Casa Forte, Recife (PE). Os instrumentos utilizados foram questionário sociodemográfico, roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada e de observação. Resultados: As crianças demonstraram ansiedade antes de entrarem na piscina, mas, após, mostraram entusiasmo, alegria e sentimento de calma. No término das aulas, 50% delas resistiram em sair da água, sugerindo interesse em permanecer na aula. As participantes interagiram mais com brinquedos do que entre si ou com a professora. Conclusão: O trabalho realizado de forma lúdica proporcionou às crianças um ambiente prazeroso, contribuindo no desenvolvimento biopsicomotor e emocional.
Determination of Ochratoxin A in Feed by Immunoaffinity Cleanup and Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Ding Ping , Mi Ziyou , Hou Yali , He Yigang , Xie Jianhua
Published: June 2013

A method using LC was developed for determination of ochratoxin A (OTA) in feeds. The extracted samples were cleaned up by an immunoaffinity column prepared by covalently coupling polyclonal antibodies against OTA to cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose 4B. The eluates were determined by LC with fluorescence detection. Recoveries of OTA from fortified samples of 1–10 μg/kg levels ranged from 84.3 to 90.0%, with CVs of 3.3–7.8%. The detection limit was 0.045 μg/kg based on an S/N of 3:1. A total of 65 feed samples were screened for OTA with the proposed method. The results showed that only nine samples were contaminated with OTAs at low levels. The presented method was successfully applied to quantify OTAs in real feed samples.
Validation of Artemisia Genus-Specific Gene, GEL4, for Use as an Endogenous Reference Gene in Qualitative PCR Detection of Putative Transgenic Artemisia annua
Authors: Liu Hua , Jiang Lingxi , Tan Furong , Zhao Xinghai , Lin Heyan , Zhu Hong , Wang Jinbin , Zhao Kai , Li Peng , Pan Aihu , Jia Junwei , Tang Xueming
Published: June 2013

Artemisia annua L. is a popular medical plant used against malaria. Transgenic A. annua plants have been developed to increase the artemisinin content using genetic engineering. To develop a reliable PCR method of detecting transgenic A. annua, one Artemisia specific gene, GEL4, was selected and validated as suitable. Qualitative PCR methods were assayed with 16 different A. annua ecotypes and four Artemisia plants, and identical amplified products were obtained. No amplified products were observed when genomic DNA samples were extracted from 15 different plant species. An LOD of 0.05 ng of A. annua DNA was also determined. Furthermore, the results of a Southern blot method showed that the GEL4 gene was in three copies of the six A. annua ecotypes tested. To determine whether there was intraspecific variability in the GEL4 region between different A. annua ecotypes, the GEL4 region corresponding to the 10 A. annua ecotypes was cloned and sequenced. Alignment of the obtained sequences presented a highly conserved amplification product region in 10 A. annua ecotypes. Therefore, it is concluded that the GEL4 gene can be used as an endogenous reference gene of A. annua, and that the qualitative PCR system was reliable for the detection of transgenic A. annua.
Evaluation of a Commercial ELISA for Detection of Ruminant Processed Animal Proteins in Non-Ruminant Processed Animal Proteins
Authors: Bremer Maria G E G , Margry Rob J C F , Vaessen Judith C H , Van Doremalen Anke M H , Van Der Palen Johan G P , Van Kaathoven Robert G C , Kemmers-Vonken Anniek E M , Van Raamsdonk Leo W D
Published: June 2013

Due to a growing aquaculture industry, demand for high-quality proteins for aquatic feeds is increasing. Non-ruminant processed animal proteins (PAPs) have shown great potential for this purpose. Safe reintroduction of non-ruminant PAPs in aqua feed requires methods that can discriminate ruminant and non-ruminant PAPs at contamination levels at or below 2%. Because the official European Union method lacks species specificity, the performance of MELISA-TEK™ Ruminant, a commercial immunoassay, combined with the MELISA-TEK High Sensitivity Sample Extraction kit was evaluated. Various non-ruminant PAPs spiked with ruminant PAPs (processed at 133, 137, 141, and 145°C) were analyzed. Results showed an overall specificity of 99%, indicating no cross-reaction with non-ruminant PAPs. The sensitivity of the assay strongly depended on both processing temperature and proportion of muscle fibers of the ruminant PAPs. Overall sensitivity of samples with 1 and 2% ruminant PAPs was 92 and 100%, respectively. For ruminant PAPs processed at 133 and 137°C, the sensitivity was 100% for both 1 and 2% ruminant spikes. Overall accuracies were 96 and 99% for 1 and 2% ruminant spikes, respectively. In conclusion, the MELISA-TEK Ruminant assay showed satisfactory results, which makes it a suitable candidate method to enable safe reintroduction of non-ruminant PAPs in aqua feed.
Rapid Determination of Chloramphenicol in Honey by Laser Diode Thermal Desorption Using Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Blachon Grégory , Picard Pierre , Tremblay Patrice , Demers Sarah , Paquin Réal , Babin yves , Fayad Paul B
Published: June 2013

A high-throughput, rapid, and reliable method based on laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization coupled to tandem MS (APCI-MS/MS) was used to identify and quantify chloramphenicol (CAP) residues in honey. Sample pretreatment consisted of a liquid–liquid extraction of diluted honey in water with ethyl acetate containing stearic acid. After extraction, a 2 μL aliquot of the organic phase was deposited into a 96-well plate prior to detection by LDTD-APCI-MS/MS. The total analysis time was less than 6 s compared to several minutes for traditional chromatographic methods used for CAP detection, since no chromatographic separation was necessary. The extraction and analysis were made with honey samples of different color grading ranging from extra white to dark amber. The method showed good linearity (R2 = 0.99995) within a concentration range of 0.1 to 500 ng/g for CAP with D5-CAP as an internal standard. The RSD varied between 8 and 24% over the calibration range (n = 4). The method LOD for CAP in honey was 0.19 ng/g. This work demonstrates that LDTD-APCI-MS/MS could be used for fast and effective quantification of CAP in honey samples.
Online Preconcentration System Using 6-(2-Thienyl)-2-Pyridine Carboxaldehyde Functionalized Amberlite XAD-4 Resin for the Determination of Trace Elements in Waters by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Karadaş Cennet , Kara Derya
Published: June 2013

An online flow injection method was developed for the determination of trace elements in waters using 6-(2-thienyl)-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde functionalized Amberlite XAD-4 resin. The metals were eluted with 1.0 M HNO3 directly to a flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination system. The sorption capacities of the resin for metal ions were 74.6, 113.7, 48.3, 131.6, and 88.6 μmol/g for Cd(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), Co(II), and Cu(II), respectively. The resin was found to be very stable and capable of being used for more than 250 retention and elution cycles without major loss of performance. Detection limits (3SD) were determined to be 0.14 μg/L for Cd, 0.39 μg/L for Cu, 0.82 μg/L for Ni, 0.88 μg/L for Co, and 2.54 μg/L for Pb using 10 mL sample loading. The accuracy of the proposed method was checked using different certified reference materials [estuarine water (SLEW-3), riverine water (SRLS-5), 19-element aqueous standard (QCS-19), wheat flour (NBS 1567 a), and rice flour unpolished high level Cd (NIES 10c)]. Results were in agreement with certified values. The proposed method was applied to the determination of Cu, Ni, Co, Cd, and Pb in natural water samples. The recovery values for spiked water samples were between 91.9 and 107.4%.
Fatty Acid Analysis of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) and Pygeum (Prunus africana) in Dietary Supplements by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry in the Selected Ion Monitoring Mode
Authors: Wang Mei , Avula Bharathi , Wang Yan-Hong , Zhao Jianping , Parcher Jon F , Khan Ikhlas A
Published: June 2013

A GC/selected ion monitoring mode-MS (GC/SIM-MS) method was developed to chemically distinguish saw palmetto and pygeum in dietary supplements. A sample set including authenticated plant samples, commercial plant extracts, a National Institute of Standards and Technology standard reference material extract, and commercial dietary supplements purported to contain either saw palmetto, pygeum, or both was investigated. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were analyzed by GC/SIM-MS. The ability to selectively monitor each solute allowed accurate quantitation of all detected FAMEs, even those that were not chromatographically resolved. The major fatty acid components that were common to both saw palmetto and pygeum were oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids. The major component characteristic of pygeum was stearic acid. Lauric and myristic acids were observed predominantly in saw palmetto samples. Principal component analysis was used for interpretation of the analytical results. A distinct cluster was observed for the samples containing pygeum alone. A separate cluster was observed for the samples containing saw palmetto alone or mixed with pygeum. The proposed GC/MS method is useful for chemical fingerprint analysis and QC of dietary supplements claiming to contain pygeum and/or saw palmetto.
Development and Validation of a Method for the Simultaneous Determination and Confirmation of Melamine and Cyanuric Acid in Fish Kidney by LC/MS/MS
Authors: Nochetto Cristina B , Stine Cynthia B , Reimschuessel Renate
Published: June 2013

A method was validated to simultaneously determine and confirm melamine and cyanuric acid in fish kidneys by LC/MS/MS. This method is capable of detecting both compounds in a single procedure, whether present as free compounds or bound together as the melamine–cyanurate complex in both channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) kidneys. Residues are extracted with no additional cleanup and analyzed by LC/MS/MS using external standard calibration. The method is capable of quantifying residues over a range of 0.4 to 50 μg/g. For both compounds and species of fish tested, the LOD is estimated to be 0.1 μg/g and the LOQ 0.4 μg/g. Recoveries and RSDs are 83 to 101% and 2 to 8%, respectively. In catfish, matrix effects are higher for melamine than cyanuric acid. In rainbow trout, similar matrix effects are found for both compounds.
iQ-Check Listeria spp. Real-Time PCR Test Kit
Authors: Lauer Wendy F , Tourniaire Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2013

A comparative evaluation study of the Bio-Rad® iQ-Check™Listeria species Kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) was conducted at Q Laboratories, Inc., Cincinnati, OH. iQ-Check is a rapid method based on real-time PCR amplification and detection of all species of Listeria, including L. grayi, in food and environmental samples. The iQ-Check method was compared to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for the analysis of five ready-to-eat meats—deli turkey, hot dogs, liver paté, raw fermented sausage, and deli ham—and one stainless steel surface. Each food matrix was analyzed at two contamination levels: a low level at 0.2–2 CFU/25 g and a high level at 2–5 CFU/25 g. The environmental surfaces were analyzed at a low level of 0.2–2 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area and a high level of 2–5 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area. There were 20 replicates per contamination level and five control replicates at 0 CFU/25 g or 0 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area (uninoculated). All samples that were detected by iQ-Check were subsequently confirmed by reference method protocol. There was no significant difference in the number of positive samples detected by the iQ-Check Listeria spp. Kit in comparison to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 method for all matrixes tested.
Gate Metal Dependent Reverse Leakage Mechanisms in AlGaN/GaN Schottky Diode
Authors: Shin Jong-Hoon , Park Jinhong , Jang SeungYup , Jang Tae-Hoon , Kim Kyu Sang
Published: June 2013

The dependence of the gate leakage mechanism in the AlGaN/GaN Schottky diode on the metal–semiconductor (MS) interface state has been investigated. Schottky gates with Au, Pt, Pd, and Ni showed the remarkably different gate leakage mechanisms in the reverse direction. Through the analysis of the temperature dependent reverse leakage currents, it is shown that the discrete energy levels of MS interface states are the key factor in determining whether the leakage mechanism at the high temperature over 300 K is caused by the electron tunneling or by the Frenkel–Poole emission from the MS interface state to the conductive dislocation state.
Acid Diffusion Length in Line-and-Space Resist Patterns Fabricated by Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography
Authors: Kozawa Takahiro , Santillan Julius Joseph , Itani Toshiro
Published: June 2013

Acids generated upon exposure to radiation induce the polarity change of the polymer through catalytic chain reactions in chemically amplified resists. With the reduction of feature size, the acid diffusion length increasingly becomes an important issue. In this study, we investigated the acid diffusion length in line-and-space patterns fabricated using a small field exposure tool for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography and the EIDEC standard resist to clarify the acid diffusion length in a state-of-the-art resist. The acid diffusion length depended on the nominal line width and exposure dose. Upon exposure to EUV radiation with an exposure dose of 16 mJ cm-2, the acid diffusion length (three-dimensional) in a line-and-space pattern with 21 nm nominal line width was 9.5 nm.
Quality assurance of Chinese herbal medicines: Procedure for single‐herb extraction
Authors: Lau Yeuk T. , Ng Ka M. , Lau David T.W. , Wibowo Christianto
Published: June 2013

A procedure for herbal extraction has been developed for producing a Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) with consistent quality regardless of the source of the herb. The quality assurance (QA) procedure is based on a model which accounts for the physicochemical phenomena governing herbal extraction. With this model and the companion experiments for determining the relevant model parameters, the amount of each herb needed from different herb quality classes to produce a CHM decoction with consistent quality can be determined. The procedure was illustrated by the extraction of Danshen and that of Gegen. For both examples, the experimental chemical marker concentrations fell within ± 10% of the specified concentrations by using the amount of herb from each herb class as predicted. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4241–4254, 2013
On the high‐gasification rate of Brazilian manganese ore in chemical‐looping combustion (CLC) for solid fuels
Authors: Frohn Peter , Arjmand Mehdi , Azimi Golnar , Leion Henrik , Mattisson Tobias , Lyngfelt Anders
Published: June 2013

The high rate of char gasification observed when using a Brazilian manganese ore as compared to ilmenite is investigated in a batch fluidized‐bed reactor. Experiments were carried out at 970°C using petroleum coke, coal and wood char as fuel with a 50% H2O in N2 as fluidizing gas. A manufactured manganese oxygen carrier was also used, however, which presented a slower char conversion rate than the manganese ore. It is concluded that decrease in H2 inhibition and oxygen release are unlikely to be the main responsible mechanisms for the ore's unexpected gasification rate. The ore was also mixed in different ratios with ilmenite and it was observed that the presence of even small amounts of ore in the bed resulted in increased gasification rate. Thus, the high‐gasification rate for the manganese ore could be due to a contribution from the impurities in the ore by catalyzing the gasification reaction. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4346–4354, 2013
Outcome of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse
Authors: Sarkozy Clémentine , Gardin Claude , Gachard Nathalie , Merabet Fathia , Turlure Pascal , Malfuson Jean‐Valère , Pautas Cécile , Micol Jean‐Baptiste , Thomas Xavier , Quesnel Bruno , Celli‐Lebras Karine , Preudhomme Claude , Terré Christine , Fenaux Pierre , Chevret Sylvie , Castaigne Sylvie , Dombret Hervé
Published: June 2013

To provide data for future drug evaluation, we analyzed the outcome of 393 patients aged 50 years or older (median, 64 years) with AML in first relapse after treatment in recent ALFA trials. Salvage options were retrospectively classified as follows: best supportive care (BSC), low‐dose cytarabine (LDAC), gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), intensive chemotherapy (ICT), or ICT combined with GO. Second complete remission (CR2) rate was 31% and median post‐relapse survival was 6.8 months (0, 17, 42.5, 53, and 80% and 3.2, 5.6, 8.9, 9, and 19.8 months in BSC, LDAC, GO, ICT, and ICT + GO subsets, respectively). Age, performance status, WBC, CR1 duration, and favorable AML karyotype, but not other cytogenetic or molecular features, influenced post‐relapse outcome. Multivariate adjustment and propensity score matching showed that intensive salvage (ICT/ICT+GO/GO versus LDAC/BSC) was associated with longer post‐relapse survival, at least in patients with CR1 duration ≥12 months (P = 0.001 and 0.0005, respectively). Of interest, GO appeared to be as effective as standard ICT, and ICT + GO combination more effective than standard ICT. In conclusion, older patients with CR1 duration ≥12 months appeared to benefit from intensive salvage and results observed with GO‐containing salvage suggest that GO combination studies should be actively pursued in this setting. Am. J. Hematol. 88:758–764, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aspects of fundamental physics in precision spectroscopy of highly charged ions in Penning traps
Authors: Vogel Manuel , Quint Wolfgang
Published: June 2013

Highly charged ions, in particular hydrogen‐like ions, are simple systems which allow to observe a number of fundamental processes and quantities within physics at low energies. This comprises electromagnetic transitions in the fine and hyperfine structures, magnetic moments of bound electrons and ionic nuclei as well as the atomic mass of the electron and the value of the fine structure constant. In highly charged ions, the bound electrons are subjected to extreme fields which generate a number of interesting features. High precision is achieved by ion confinement in Penning traps where cooling of the ion motion and trap‐specific manipulation and measurement techniques can be applied. This work reports on spectroscopy experiments for precision studies of highly charged ions in Penning traps and their connection to fundamental symmetries and constants.
Preparation and characterization of polylactide nanofibers via melt extrusion of polylactide/copolyester blends
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhu Keying , Ouyang Yang , Xiao Ru
Published: June 2013

In this article, polymer blends of polylactide (PLA) and co‐polyester (co‐PET) were prepared at various weight ratios of PLA/co‐PET, such as 10/90, 20/80, 30/70, and 40/60, through a twin‐screw extruder. The PLA nanofibers were fabricated by removal of the co‐PET matrix in water at 80°C. The morphology development of PLA dispersed phase obtained from the three different sample connections and the die of the twin‐screw extruder were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was found that the uniformed PLA nanofibers with averaged diameters less than 500 nm were fabricated by the suitable processing parameters. The processing immiscibility and rheological behavior of PLA/co‐PET blends were also studied by means of Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Capillary Rheometer. The test of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated that the co‐PET was removed clearly in water at 80°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2832–2838, 2013
Importance of the structure of paper support in gas transfer properties of protein‐coated paper
Authors: Cagnon Thibaut , Guillaume Carole , Gastaldi Emmanuelle , Gontard Nathalie
Published: June 2013

Composite materials made from fibrous support coated with agro‐polymers are widely commercialized for different applications. But, their transfer properties have only been sparingly studied despite their importance in membrane technologies or food packaging. Furthermore, most of past studies on the topic have been focused on the impact of surface properties of the support on the final coated material structure and its properties; leaving unexplored the potential impact of the in‐bulk structure of the support. This study demonstrated the influence of in‐bulk structure and especially fibers refining degree of 4 kraft papers (SP28, 36, 60, and 80) on the structure, and surface and gas transfer properties of their respective wheat gluten (WG) coated papers (WGP28, 36, 60, and 80). Paper presenting a high fibers refining degree (SP28) exhibited very tight and narrow in bulk fibers network which prevented most of the WG‐coated layer penetration, maintaining an important WG apparent layer on top of the paper and a small fibers/wheat gluten composite zone inside (WGP28). Such structure gave strong “WG‐like” properties to the final coated material with moderate oxygen permeation and high permselectivity (1.50 × 10−11 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 and 8.09, respectively for WGP28) whereas the highly impregnated structure of coated papers built on lowly refined papers (SP80, with wide and loose structure) gave coated materials presenting weak “WG‐like” properties, supposedly due to a thick composite zone presenting interfacial defects, with higher oxygen permeation and very limited permselectivity (11.90 × 10−11 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 and 1.06, respectively for WGP80). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2848–2858, 2013
Preparation and characterization of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for selective recognition of 3‐methylindole
Authors: Niu Dandan , Zhou Zhiping , Yang Wenming , Li Yuan , Xia Li , Jiang Bo , Xu Wanzhen , Huang Weihong , Zhu Tingyang
Published: June 2013

In this work, magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) were used as novel adsorbents for selective adsorption of 3‐methylindole from model oil. The MMIPs were synthesized by precipitation polymerization and surface molecularly imprinted technique, using Fe3O4 nanoparticles as magnetically susceptible component, methylacrylic acid as dressing agent and functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker, and 3‐methylindole as template molecule. The MMIPs were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and thermogravimetric analyzer, respectively. The adsorption performances of MMIPs were investigated by batch adsorption experiments in terms of kinetics, isotherms, and selective recognition adsorption, respectively. The results indicate that MMIPs have high recognition ability and fast binding kinetics for 3‐methylindole. Meanwhile, the adsorption equilibrium time was about 2 h and the equilibrium adsorption amount was ∼38 mg g−1 at 298 K. The heterogeneous MMIPs were modeled with pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir isotherm equation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2859–2866, 2013
Preparation and characterization of supermacroporous polyacrylamide cryogel beads for biotechnological application
Authors: Zhan Xiao‐Yong , Lu Dan‐Ping , Lin Dong‐Qiang , Yao Shan‐Jing
Published: June 2013

Polymer beads, particularly supermacroporous beads, play important roles in biotechnological applications, such as their application as adsorbents in bioseparation processes and used as carriers in immobilization of cells or/and enzymes. In this study, supermacroporous polyacrylamide (pAAm) based cryogel beads were prepared via an inverse suspension polymerization method at low temperature (<0°C). Standard porous beads were also prepared at room temperature for comparison. The results showed that the diameter of the beads were in the range of 50–400 μm and some irregular large pores of the beads were of 3–90 μm in diameter, which had good biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, high porosity and large connected pores. To modify the properties of these cryogel beads, cryogel beads embedded with nanoparticles of TiO2 were also prepared. The physical properties of the composite cryogel beads with supermacroporous were characterized and the results showed an improvement in mechanical strength and stability, which indicated that these supermacroporous cryogel beads may be useful in biotechnological applications as the networks in the beads can facilitate the mass transfer of nutrients and oxygen. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3082–3089, 2013
Thermal conductivity augmentation of composite polymer materials with artificially controlled filler shapes
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Jian , Zhang Li‐Zhi , Pei Li‐Xia
Published: June 2013

Plastics or polymers of high thermal conductivity are highly desired in various industries. Adding fillers of high thermal conductivity to the base materials is a solution to make composite plastics of high thermal conductivity. Previous researches were focused on increasing the thermal conductivity of the composite materials by increasing the filler content and the thermal conductivity of the fillers. Relatively little attention was paid to the optimization of filler shapes. In this study, the effects of the filler shapes on the thermal conductivity of the composite materials are investigated, where the filler shapes are artificially designed. Heat conduction between the base materials and the artificially designed fillers is modeled. It is found that the filler shapes have great impacts on the effective thermal conductivity of the composite materials. Of the various shapes, the double Y shaped fillers are found to be the best choice for composite materials in which the fillers are distributed randomly. In future industrial applications, new filler shapes, such as double Y, Y, quad Y shaped, I and T shapes should be specially produced to replace the traditional fillers shapes: particles, fibers or slices. At last, composite materials made of paraffin wax and steel fillers of ten shapes are fabricated to simulate and validate the results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39550.
Graphene‐reinforced biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization
Authors: Zhao Jian , Wang Xiaowei , Zhou Weidong , Zhi Erjuan , Zhang Wei , Ji Junhui
Published: June 2013

In this study, poly(ethylene succinate)(PES)/graphene nanocomposites were facilely prepared by in situ melt polycondensation of succinic acid and ethylene glycol in which contained well dispersed graphene oxide (GO). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), GPC, TGA, and XRD were used to characterize the composites. The FTIR spectra and TGA measurement confirmed that PES chains had been successfully grafted onto GO sheets along with the thermal reduction of GO to graphene during the polymerization. GPC results indicated that increasing amounts of graphene caused a slight decrease in number average molecular weight of PES matrix when polymerization time was kept constant. The content of grafted PES chains on graphene sheets was also determined by TGA and was to be about 60%, which made the graphene sheets homogeneously dispersed in the PES matrix, as demonstrated by SEM and XRD investigations. Furthermore, the incorporation of thermally reduced graphene improved the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composites significantly. With the addition of 0.5 wt % graphene, onset decomposition temperature of the composite was increased by 12°C, and a 45% improvement in tensile strength and 60% in elongation at break were also achieved. The enhanced performance of the composites is mainly attributed to the uniform dispersion of graphene in the polymer matrix and the improved interfacial interactions between both components. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3212–3220, 2013
Electrospun nanofibers from a multihole spinneret with uniform electric field
Authors: Zheng Yuansheng , Liu Xuekai , Zeng Yongchun
Published: June 2013

This study presents a multihole spinneret with a metal flat electrode to obtain uniform electric field and meet a high production requirement. We demonstrate that the multihole spinneret produces finer fiber diameters and more concentrated fiber mat compared to the conventional multineedle electrospinnig system. This study focuses on the effect of the electric field distribution on the spinning process and the resultant nanofibers. The three‐dimensional electric field simulation results show that the multihole spinneret creates not only a more uniform electric field, but also a stronger electric field except for the area very close to the spinneret. The measurement of the electric field verifies the simulation results. This study shows that fine fibers, as well as concentrated and thick fiber mat can be obtained by this multihole electrospinning system at a high production rate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3221–3228, 2013
Improving the properties of chemically damaged wool fabrics with carbohydrate polymers
Authors: Ghosh Arun , Grosvenor Anita J. , Dyer Jolon M.
Published: June 2013

Wool is a natural composite material consisting of keratin and keratin‐associated proteins as the key molecular components. During wool product processing, a variety of chemical and enzymatic reagents are used, the side‐effects of which can include the removal of the outside layers of the fiber (cuticle) and damage within the internal protein matrix of the fiber. This can reduce the mechanical strength and durability of wool fabrics. We report the use of neutral, cationic, and anionic carbohydrate polymers, namely 2‐hydroxyethyl cellulose, chitosan and alginate, as repair agents to improve the mechanical properties and morphology of wool fabrics damaged under harsh alkaline conditions. Tensile strength, peel adhesion, scanning electron micrographs, and fabric wettability evaluation reveal the cationic polymer, chitosan, to be most effective at remedying the effects of the alkaline treatment. The improved mechanical properties observed after chitosan treatment may offer viable remediation routes for adding value to processing‐damaged wool textiles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3105–3111, 2013
Optimization of LC droplet size and electro‐optical properties of acrylate‐based polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal by controlling photocure rate
Authors: Cho Jung‐Dae , Lee Sang‐Sub , Park Su‐Cheol , Kim Yang‐Bae , Hong Jin‐Who
Published: June 2013

We investigated the effects of the different content ratios of 2‐ethylhexylacrylate (2‐EHA) and 2‐ethylhexylmethacrylate (2‐EHMA) on the relationships among the photopolymerization rate, morphology of liquid crystals (LCs) droplets, and electro‐optical properties of trifunctional urethane acrylate‐based polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) systems. Photo‐differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and resistivity measurement revealed that increasing 2‐EHMA content gradually decreased the photocure rate of trifunctional urethane acrylate‐based PDLCs, which prolonged the phase separation between the LC molecules and the prepolymers. Morphological observations and electro‐optical measurements demonstrated that trifunctional urethane acrylate‐based PDLCs with the 2‐EHA:2‐EHMA ratios from 4:1 to 3:2 in weight percent formed the favorable microstructures of LC droplets being within the range of 1–5 µm to scatter light efficiently and showed the satisfactory off‐state opacity and on‐state transmittance and the relatively low‐driving voltage. The microstructures of LC droplets and electro‐optical properties of trifunctional urethane acrylate‐based PDLCs could be usefully optimized by controlling the photocure rate using the different 2‐EHA/2‐EHMA content ratios. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3098–3104, 2013
SO2‐catalyzed steam explosion: The effects of different severity on digestibility, accessibility, and crystallinity of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Kang Yuzhi , Bansal Prabuddha , Realff Matthew J. , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: June 2013

Lignocellulosic biomass is the most promising feedstock for biofuels production. To enhance the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis, lignocellulosics needs to be pretreated to lower their recalcitrance. SO2‐catalyzed steam explosion is an efficient and relatively cost‐efficient pretreatment method for softwood. This work investigates the effects of steam explosion severity on the digestibility, accessibility, and crystallinity of Loblolly pine. Higher severity was found to increase the accessibility of the feedstock while also promoting nonselective degradation of carbohydrates. The adsorption behavior of Celluclast® enzymes on steam‐exploded Loblolly pine (SELP) can be described by a Langmuir isotherm. Cellulose crystallinity was found to first increase and then decrease with increasing pretreatment severity. A linear relationship between initial hydrolysis rates and crystallinity index (CrI) of pretreated Loblolly pine was found; moreover, a strong correlation between X‐ray diffraction intensities and initial rates was confirmed. The findings demonstrate the significance of CrI in enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:909–916, 2013
EPR Relaxation‐Enhancement‐Based Distance Measurements on Orthogonally Spin‐Labeled T4‐Lysozyme
Authors: Razzaghi Sahand , Brooks Evan K. , Bordignon Enrica , Hubbell Wayne L. , Yulikov Maxim , Jeschke Gunnar
Published: June 2013

Lanthanide‐induced enhancement of the longitudinal relaxation of nitroxide radicals in combination with orthogonal site‐directed spin labeling is presented as a systematic distance measurement method intended for studies of bio‐macromolecules and bio‐macromolecular complexes. The approach is tested on a water‐soluble protein (T4‐lysozyme) for two different commercially available lanthanide labels, and complemented by previously reported data on a membrane‐inserted polypeptide. Single temperature measurements are shown to be sufficient for reliable distance determination, with an upper measurable distance limit of about 5–6 nm. The extracted averaged distances represent the closest approach in LnIII–nitroxide distance distributions. Studies of conformational changes and of bio‐macromolecule association‐dissociation are proposed as possible application area of the relaxation‐enhancement‐based distance measurements.
Studies of Asymmetric Styrene Cyclopropanation with a Rhodium(II) Metallopeptide Catalyst Developed with a High‐Throughput Screen
Authors: Sambasivan Ramya , Ball Zachary T.
Published: June 2013

Dirhodium metallopeptides have been developed as selective catalysts for asymmetric cyclopropanation reactions. A selective ligand sequence has been identified by screening on‐bead metallopeptide libraries in a 96‐well plate format. Efficient ligand synthesis and screening allows a 200‐member library to be created and assayed in less than three weeks. These metallopeptides catalyze efficient cyclopropanation of aryldiazoacetates, providing asymmetric access to cyclopropane products in high diastereoselectivity. Chirality 25:493–497, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic matrix control of a high‐purity internal thermally coupled distillation column
Authors: Cong Lin , Liu Xinggao , Wang Chengyu
Published: June 2013

The internal thermally coupled distillation column (ITCDIC) is a frontier in the energy‐saving distillation research. The process inside a high‐purity ITCDIC is of great nonlinear dynamics, high sensitivity to disturbances and inverse response, which prevent the process from being commercialised. To obtain a satisfactory control performance, a dynamic matrix control (DMC) is presented. The benzene/toluene system is studied as a simulation example. The results are compared with a traditional PID and an adaptive multivariable generalised predictive control (AM‐GPC) in detail. The performances in both servo and regulatory control confirm the accuracy and validity of the DMC for the high‐purity ITCDIC process.
Saudi Arabian White Silica as a Good Adsorbent for Pollutants
Authors: Abd El Maksod Islam Hamdy , AlBishri Hassan M. , Al‐bogami Abdullah Saad
Published: June 2013

The Saudi Arabian white silica is used as a starting material for preparation of adsorbent for heavy metals and some organic dyes. Hydrothermal treatment of white silica with aluminum source resulted in an amorphous phase of microporous materials with large enhancement of ion exchange properties in addition to adsorption of some organic dyes. In this research we examine the modified white silica towards ion exchange of Cu2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ ions. The ion exchange curve was elucidated. Cu2+ has higher affinity for ion exchange while Co2+ and Ni2+ nearly the same affinity. Adsorption of methylene blue and methyl red was examined and a simulation study was performed.