bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical and structural characterization of alkaline‐extractable hemicelluloses from various eucalyptus species
Authors: Wei Wen‐bang , Li Li‐na , Chang Liang , Wang Zheng
Published: May 2013

Eucalyptus species are currently one of the main feedstock for pulping and papermaking industry in China. In the present study, alkali‐extractable hemicelluloses were isolated from different eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. urophylla × grandis, and E. urophylla × E. tereticornis) at mild conditions prior to pulping. Structural characterization of these hemicellulosic polymers based on monosaccharide, molecular weight, Fourier transform infrared, 1H, 13C, and two‐dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that these alkali‐extractable polysaccharides shared the common structure composed of the (1→4)‐linked‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl backbone with 4‐O‐methyl‐α‐D‐glucuronic acid attached to O‐2 of the xylose residues. The potential structures of the alkali‐extractable hemicelluloses were proposed based on the comprehensive analysis. The well‐characterized structures of these hemicelluloses could enlarge the industrial application of these hemicelluloses from the Eucalyptus species in a biorefinery process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2390–2398, 2013
Synergistic effects by compatibilization and annealing treatment of metallocene polyethylene/PLA blends
Authors: Lai Sun‐Mou , Hung Kun‐Che , Kao Hui Cheng , Liu Liang‐Chuan , Wang Xue Fen
Published: May 2013

The properties of metallocene polyethylene (mPE)/polylactic acid (PLA) bio‐based blends containing an ethylene‐glycidyl methacrylate‐vinyl acetate (EGMA‐VA) compatibilizer, with or without the annealing effect of PLA were investigated. The results from SEM (Scanning electron microscope) morphology observation revealed that the dispersed PLA particles sizes within the mPE matrix tended to decrease with the added compatibilizer due to the enhanced interfacial interaction. DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry) and XRD (X‐ray diffractometer) results indicated that the addition of the compatibilizer completely hindered the cold crystallization and rearrangement crystallization of PLA, even though the additional annealing effect tended to increase the crystallization of PLA. Tensile test results showed the synergistic effects by compatibilization and annealing treatment improved the tensile strength and Young's modulus, up to 38 % and 62 % increase, respectively. With the incorporation of the compatibilizer, the viscosity increased and reached the highest level among all neat resins and blends, which was attributed to the enhanced interfacial interaction between mPE and PLA. Hopefully, the incorporated bio‐based PLA materials could be helpful in reducing the use of petroleum‐based materials and are beneficial to the environment in terms of the sustainable development concern. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2399–2409, 2013
Modification of vital wheat gluten with phosphoric acid to produce high free swelling capacity
Authors: Robertson George H. , Cao Trung K. , Gregorski Kay S. , Hurkman William J. , Tanaka Charlene K. , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Glenn Gregory M. , Orts William J.
Published: May 2013

Wheat gluten reacts with phosphoric acid in the presence of urea to produce natural superabsorbent gels. Fourier Transform Infra‐red (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) reveal chemical changes from the reaction. Temperatures above 120°C and dry conditions create the opportunity for reaction. FT‐IR analyses confirm the formation of esters, carbamates, and phosphoramides on the gluten samples. 2DE protein composition topographies indicate a shift in the isoelectric point (pI) to lower values along with extensive inter‐protein linkages. A free swelling capacity (FSC) in excess of 85× the mass of the converted gluten is obtainable using a conservative vacuum‐assisted method to recover and quantify the properties of the wet gel. Other methods produce FSC values nearly twice as high. FSC for acid‐treated gluten is lower for solutions containing solutes than the FSC for deionized water. Native gluten produces FSC values that are about 2% of those for treated gluten, but these values are less sensitive to the presence of ionic solutes and increase slightly in the presence of aqueous ethanol up to a mole fraction of 0.25.. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39440.
Synthesis and characterization of fullerene functionalized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and dehydrochlorinated PVC using atom Transfer Radical Addition and AIBN based fullerenation
Authors: Seeponkai Narumon , Wootthikanokkhan Jatuphorn , Thanachayanont Chanchana
Published: May 2013

The research presented details chemical modifications of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and its derivative, dehydrochlorinated PVC (DH‐PVC) through the use of two grafting techniques, namely a normal fullerenation, using AIBN (2,2′‐Azoisobutyronitrile), and the atom transfer radical addition (ATRA). The products were characterized and the presence of new FTIR peaks at 528 and 577 cm−1 along with new 1H‐NMR signal at 3.9 ppm, suggested that fullerenes has been grafted to the polymer molecules. Percentage of C60 in the fullerene grated products determined by UV/Visible spectroscopy initially increased with the amount of fullerene used to a maximum value (∼5.66 % wt) before decreasing again. It was also determined that the C60 content of the fullerene grafted PVC product prepared by using ATRA, was notably greater than that obtained using the normal fullerenation approach, regardless of the amount of C60 used. When the dehydrochlorinated PVC was used as the starting polymer for fullerenation, the fullerene grafted DH‐PVC using ATRA, was markedly insoluble in many common solvents (THF and dichlorobenzene). This was not the cases for the fullerene grafted DHPVC prepared via an AIBN based fullerenation. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity values of the modified PVC products determined by using a four‐point probe method were found to increase linearly with the amount of C60 present. Overall our data suggest that the suitable and efficient techniques for grafting C60 onto PVC and DHPVC chains are ATRA and AIBN‐based fullerenation, respectively. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2410–2421, 2013
Preparation and characterization of potassium nitrate controlled‐release fertilizers based on chitosan and xanthan layered tablets
Authors: Melaj Mariana A. , Daraio Marta E.
Published: May 2013

Solid polymeric matrices based on xanthan and chitosan and using KNO3 as a model agrochemical were prepared by direct compression, with a view to evaluating their potential as controlled‐release fertilizers (CRFs). The swelling behavior, surface characteristics, and durability in soil of the tablets were studied. The release data were treated with a power law model in order to understand the delivery kinetics of KNO3. This proved to be non‐Fickian diffusion, with release exponents ranging from 0.80 to 0.88, highlighting the importance of polymer relaxation on drug release. The presence of drug‐free surface layers was an important factor in modulating the release. When comparing experiments without and with stirring, the release time ratios between them were as high as 40, predicting a significantly greater release time in soils. In durability experiments in soil, the polymeric matrices lasted longer than 6 weeks. These results show that layered xanthan and xanthan–chitosan matrices perform as a promising system for developing CRFs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2422–2428, 2013
Entanglement network of chitin and chitosan in ionic liquid solutions
Authors: Horinaka Jun‐ichi , Urabayashi Yuhei , Takigawa Toshikazu , Ohmae Masashi
Published: May 2013

Concentrated solutions of a chitin from squid pens and of two commercial samples of chitosan were successfully prepared by using an ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate as a solvent. The dynamic viscoelasticity data for the solutions exhibited rubbery plateaus, indicating the existence of entanglement network of chitin and chitosan in the solutions. To characterize the network, the values of the molecular weight between entanglements (Me) for chitin and chitosan in the solutions were determined from the plateau moduli. Then the values of Me in the molten state (Me,melt), a material constant reflecting the inherent nature of polymer species, for chitin and chitosan were estimated to be 1.7 × 103 and 3.0 × 103, respectively. It was found that there was a significant difference in Me,melt between chitin and chitosan. Compared with other polysaccharides such as cellulose and agarose in terms of the number of monosaccharide units between entanglements (Nunit), chitin had significantly smaller Nunit of 8, while chitosan had equivalent Nunit of 19. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2439–2443, 2013
Investigation of the effects of adhesion promoters on the adhesion properties of rubber/steel cord by a new testing technique
Authors: Shi Xinyan , Ma Mingqiang , Lian Chengbo , Zhu Dawei
Published: May 2013

The effects of adhesion promoters, cobalt decanoate and PN759 (modified resorcinol) on the static and dynamic adhesion properties of rubber/steel cord in a carcass recipe are examined. A new testing method with special rubber/steel cord specimens was developed. It was found that cobalt decanoate could improve the static adhesion and favored the dynamic adhesion of rubber/steel cord so that adhesive failure mainly occurred in rubber phase. A resorcinol‐formaldehyde‐silica promoting system was deleterious to adhesion stability, but improved initial adhesion strength. PN759 improved the dynamic mechanical properties compared with resorcinol for the carcass vulcanizates at strains less than 10%. PN759 instead of resorcinol slightly improved the static and dynamic adhesion and the probability that adhesion failure occurred in the interphase was similar to that occurring in the rubber phase. The dynamic “pull‐out forces” for samples with 1.0 phr cobalt decanoate first increased and then decreased with the increase in the number of fatigue cycles and reached a maximum at 100,000 fatigue cycles. The covered rubber on the “pulled‐out” cord after fatigue appeared to form a screw thread form and the greater pull‐out force corresponded to more uniform and narrower screw threads. SEM images indicated that un‐dispersed filler agglomerates could be the initiating factor for adhesive failure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39460.
The investigation of a new moderate water shutoff agent: Cationic polymer and anionic polymer
Authors: Dai Caili , Zhao Guang , You Qing , Zhao Mingwei
Published: May 2013

Cationic polymers and anionic polymers were selected as a moderate water shutoff agent for water production control. Due to the adsorption of polymers on the sand surface, the adsorption capacity under static condition, in porous media, and adsorption morphology on mica were investigated through starch–cadmium iodide method, core flow test, and atomic force microscopy measurement. The adsorption quantity on the sand surface increased with the high polymer concentrations and long adsorption time. With the increase of temperature and shearing time, the adsorption capacity slightly decreased. In addition, the adsorption capacity under water wettability condition was significantly larger than that under oil wettability condition. Alternate injection of cationic polymer and anionic polymer caused larger adsorption capacity in the core test. An adsorption multilayer was formed through alternate adsorption of cationic polymer and anionic polymer confirmed by atomic force microscopy. The visual simulation experiment was also conducted to illustrate adsorption and enhanced oil recovery mechanism. The polymers preferentially entered the high permeability zone and adsorbed on the sand surface, thus enhanced oil recovery. Furthermore, alternate injection of cationic and anionic polymers as a moderate water shutoff agent was successfully applied for water production control in oilfield test. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39462.
Properties and nanoscale structure of polypropylene‐layered double hydroxide composites prepared by compatibilizer‐free way
Authors: Araújo Rafael S. , Grafova Iryna , Marques Maria de Fátima Vieira , Kemell Marianna , Leskelä Markku , Grafov Andriy
Published: May 2013

Polypropylene (PP) is the second most widespread commodity polyolefin. Even a small quantity of inorganic component is sufficient to achieve significant improvement of stiffness, strength, thermal stability, biodegradability, etc. The major drawback of inorgano‐organic composite materials is insufficient compatibility of the PP matrix with inorganic filler. A suitable choice of the layered double hydroxide‐modifying anion opens a possibility to obtain PP‐inorganic nanocomposites without a need to use compatibilizers like maleic anhydride grafted PP. The nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin‐screw mini‐extruder and characterized by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and electron microscopy. Nonpolar PP matrix mix uniformly with clay organophilized with functionalized surfactant acids, giving rise to composites with improved thermo‐mechanical properties. Influences of the anionic modifier and the filler content (2 or 5% w/w) on mechanical properties and nanoscale structure of the composites are discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2429–2438, 2013
Changes in a coral reef fishery along a gradient of fishing pressure in an Indonesian marine protected area
Authors: Campbell S. J. , Mukminin A. , Kartawijaya T. , Huchery C. , Cinner J. E.
Published: May 2013

Human population growth, rising incomes, and increased commercialization of marine resources promote demand for reef fish, yet few studies in Indonesia have examined how artisanal fisheries are influenced by the socio‐cultural conditions that contribute to their exploitation. This study examined artisanal fisheries of Karimunjawa National Park, Java, to understand how the condition of an artisanal fishery was related to socio‐cultural factors, along a gradient in fishing pressure.

A total of 8674 fishes landed in Karimunjawa by fishers using four artisanal fishing gears were examined to understand how the condition of the artisanal fishery (standard and infinite fish length, trophic level and weight) related to fishing gear use, village fishing grounds, management, human population size, human population density and estimated fishing pressure.

Depletion in fish lengths and trophic structure were found at or above 46 fishing trips day‐1 km‐2, suggesting that fishing pressure is a key factor driving fishery catch structure. When catch characteristics were examined in relation to the fishing pressure estimates from each village, negative correlations were found between inshore fishing pressure (no. trips day‐1 km‐2) and all four fish catch characteristics, but owing to small sample sizes (n = 5), only the effects on trophic level were significant.

Fishery closures had limited impact on fish characteristics, and lack of any effect of spatial controls on fishing also supports the notion that fishing pressure and the types of fishing gears used, most likely driven by human population densities, are the greatest drivers of reef fish catch characteristics in the Karimunjawa fishery.

In the absence of support for fishery closures from local fishing communities or adequate enforcement of fishery closures, targeted gear or species management strategies that limit impacts on large‐bodied fish and aim to conserve key species may be more effective in improving the size and trophic structure of fish populations.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Donor–Acceptor Oligoimides for Application in High‐Performance Electrical Memory Devices
Authors: Lai Yi‐Cang , Kurosawa Tadanori , Higashihara Tomoya , Ueda Mitsuru , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: May 2013

Two new oligoimides, OI(APAP-6FDA) and OI(APAN-6FDA), which consisted of electron‐donating N‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐N‐phenyl‐1‐aminopyrene (APAP) or N‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐N‐phenyl‐1‐aminonaphthalene (APAN) moieties and electron‐accepting 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) moieties, were designed and synthesized for application in electrical memory devices. Such devices, with the indium tin oxide (ITO)/oligoimide/Al configuration, showed memory characteristics, from high‐conductance Ohmic current flow to negative differential resistance (NDR), with corresponding film thicknesses of 38 and 48 nm, respectively. The 48 nm oligoimide film device exhibited NDR electrical behavior, which resulted from the diffusion of Al atoms into the oligoimide layer. On further increasing the film thickness to 85 nm, the OI(APAP-6FDA) film device showed a reproducible nonvolatile “write once read many” (WORM) property with a high ON/OFF current ratio (more than ×104). On the other hand, the device that was based on the 85 nm OI(APAN-6FDA) film exhibited a volatile static random access memory (SRAM) property. The longer conjugation length of the pyrene unit compared to that of a naphthalene unit was considered to be responsible for the different memory characteristics between these two oligoimides. These experimental results suggested that tunable switching behavior could be achieved through an appropriate design of the donor–acceptor oligoimide structure and controllable thickness of the active memory layer.
Enlightening the brain: Linking deep brain photoreception with behavior and physiology
Authors: Fernandes António M. , Fero Kandice , Driever Wolfgang , Burgess Harold A.
Published: May 2013

Vertebrates respond to light with more than just their eyes. In this article, we speculate on the intriguing possibility that a link remains between non‐visual opsins and neurohormonal systems that control neuronal circuit formation and activity in mammals. Historically, the retina and pineal gland were considered the only significant light‐sensing tissues in vertebrates. However over the last century, evidence has accumulated arguing that extra‐ocular tissues in vertebrates influence behavior through non‐image‐forming photoreception. One such class of extra‐ocular light detectors are the long mysterious deep brain photoreceptors. Here, we review recent findings on the cellular identity and the function of deep brain photoreceptors controlling behavior and physiology in zebrafish, and discuss their implications.
Latent class regression: Inference and estimation with two‐stage multiple imputation
Authors: Harel Ofer , Chung Hwan , Miglioretti Diana
Published: May 2013

Latent class regression (LCR) is a popular method for analyzing multiple categorical outcomes. While nonresponse to the manifest items is a common complication, inferences of LCR can be evaluated using maximum likelihood, multiple imputation, and two‐stage multiple imputation. Under similar missing data assumptions, the estimates and variances from all three procedures are quite close. However, multiple imputation and two‐stage multiple imputation can provide additional information: estimates for the rates of missing information. The methodology is illustrated using an example from a study on racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer severity.
Cetylpyridinium Chloride Activated Trinitrotoluene Explosive Lights Up Robust and Ultrahigh Surface‐Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering in a Silver Sol
Authors: Liu Honglin , Lin Dongyue , Sun Yudie , Yang Liangbao , Liu Jinhuai
Published: May 2013

Surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) is not realized for most molecules of interest. Here, we developed a new SERRS platform for the fast and sensitive detection of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), a molecule with low Raman cross section. A cationic surfactant, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) was modified on the surface of silver sols (CP‐capped Ag). CPC not only acts as the surface‐seeking species to trap sulfite‐sulfonated TNT, but also undergoes complexation with it, resulting in the presence of two charge‐transfer bands at 467 and 530 nm, respectively. This chromophore absorbs the visible light that matches with the incident laser and plasmon resonance of Ag sols by the use of a 532.06 nm laser, and offered large resonance Raman enhancement. This SERRS platform evidenced a fast and accurate detection of TNT with a detection limit of 5×10−11 M under a low laser power (200 μW) and a short integration time (3 s). The CP‐capped Ag also provides remarkable sensitivity and reliable repeatability. This study provides a facile and reliable method for TNT detection and a viable idea for the SERS detection of various non‐resonant molecules.
Identification of the Structural Determinants for Anticancer Activity of a Ruthenium Arene Peptide Conjugate
Authors: Meier Samuel M. , Novak Maria , Kandioller Wolfgang , Jakupec Michael A. , Arion Vladimir B. , Metzler‐Nolte Nils , Keppler Bernhard K. , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: May 2013

Organometallic Ru(arene)–peptide bioconjugates with potent in vitro anticancer activity are rare. We have prepared a conjugate of a Ru(arene) complex with the neuropeptide [Leu5]‐enkephalin. [Chlorido(η6‐p‐cymene)(5‐oxo‐κO‐2‐{(4‐[(N‐tyrosinyl‐glycinyl‐glycinyl‐phenylalanyl‐leucinyl‐NH2)propanamido]‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl}‐4H‐pyronato‐κO)ruthenium(II)] (8) shows antiproliferative activity in human ovarian carcinoma cells with an IC50 value as low as 13 μM, whereas the peptide or the Ru moiety alone are hardly cytotoxic. The conjugation strategy for linking the Ru(cym) (cym=η6‐p‐cymene) moiety to the peptide involved N‐terminal modification of an alkyne‐[Leu5]‐enkephalin with a 2‐(azidomethyl)‐5‐hydroxy‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one linker, using CuI‐catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC), and subsequent metallation with the Ru(cym) moiety. The ruthenium‐bioconjugate was characterized by high resolution top‐down electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) with regard to peptide sequence, linker modification and metallation site. Notably, complete sequence coverage was obtained and the Ru(cym) moiety was confirmed to be coordinated to the pyronato linker. The ruthenium‐bioconjugate was analyzed with respect to cytotoxicity‐determining constituents, and through the bioconjugate models [{2‐(azidomethyl)‐5‐oxo‐κO‐4H‐pyronato‐κO}chloride (η6‐p‐cymene)ruthenium(II)] (5) and [chlorido(η6‐p‐cymene){5‐oxo‐κO‐2‐([(4‐(phenoxymethyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl]methyl)‐4H‐pyronato‐κO}ruthenium(II)] (6) the Ru(cym) fragment with a triazole‐carrying pyronato ligand was identified as the minimal unit required to achieve in vitro anticancer activity.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly of Ferrocene‐Modified Linear Polyethylenimine Redox Polymer Films
Authors: DeLuca Jared L. , Hickey David P. , Bamper Daniel A. , Glatzhofer Daniel T. , Johnson Matthew B. , Schmidtke David W.
Published: May 2013

Herein, both electrostatic and covalent layer‐by‐layer assembly were used for the construction of multicomposite thin films using a ferrocene‐modified linear poly(ethylenimine) redox polymer (Fc‐C6‐LPEI) as the cationic polyelectrolye, and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(glutamic acid) (PGA), or glucose oxidase (GOX) as the negative polyelectrolyte. The assembly of the multilayer films was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV/Vis spectroscopy, and ellipsometry with the enzymatic response of the films containing GOX being characterized via constant potential amperometry. CV measurements suggested that the successful buildup of multilayer films was dependent upon the nature of the anionic polyelectrolyte used. Electrostatic assembly of films composed of Fc‐C6‐LPEI and either PAA or PGA produced large oxidation peak current densities of 630 and 670 μA cm−2, respectively, during cyclic voltammetry. Increased measured absorbance by UV/Vis spectroscopy and increased measured film thicknesses (400–600 nm) by ellipsometry provided additional evidence of successful film formation. In contrast, the films incorporating GOX that were electrostatically assembled surprisingly produced significantly lower electrochemical responses (12 μA cm−2), low absorbance values, and reduced film thicknesses (∼15 nm), and glucose electro‐oxidation current densities less than 1 μA cm−2, which all suggested unstable or minimal film formation. Subsequently, we developed a covalent layer‐by‐layer approach to fabricate films of Fc‐C6‐LPEI/GOX by covalently linking the amine groups of Fc‐C6‐LPEI to the aldehyde groups of periodate‐oxidized glucose oxidase. Covalent assembly of the Fc‐C6‐LPEI/GOX films produced oxidation peak current densities during cyclic voltammetry of 40 μA cm−2 and glucose electro‐oxidation current densities of 220 μA cm−2. These films also showed an increase in their thicknesses (∼140 nm) relative to the electrostatic GOX films. For the films containing either PAA or PGA, the pH of the polymer solutions used for construction was found to have a significant effect on the response of the multilayer films, and the electrochemical response of the Fc‐C6‐LPEI/PAA, Fc‐C6‐LPEI/PGA, or covalently assembled Fc‐C6‐LPEI/GOX films could be tuned by varying the number of bilayers (n=1–16) in the film. These results are important because this is the first report of the use of the novel Fc‐C6‐LPEI redox polymer in the successful development of multicomposite layer‐by‐layer films. The electrochemical response achieved with the covalently assembled Fc‐C6‐LPEI/GOX films demonstrates that this redox polymer and layer‐by‐layer assembly technique can be used for possible biosensor and biofuel applications, and the success of multiple anionic polyelectrolytes could lead to additional applications with other enzyme systems.
Dynamics of Monolayer–Island Transitions in 2,7‐Dioctyl‐benzothienobenzthiophene Thin Films
Authors: Dohr Michael , Werzer Oliver , Shen Quan , Salzmann Ingo , Teichert Christian , Ruzié Christian , Schweicher Guillaume , Geerts Yves Henri , Sferrazza Michele , Resel Roland
Published: May 2013

The order in molecular monolayers is a crucial aspect for their technological application. However, the preparation of defined monolayers by spin‐coating is a challenge, since the involved processes are far from thermodynamic equilibrium. In the work reported herein, the dynamic formation of dioctyl‐benzothienobenzothiophene monolayers is explored as a function of temperature by using X‐ray scattering techniques and atomic force microscopy. Starting with a disordered monolayer after the spin‐coating process, post‐deposition self‐reassembly at room temperature transforms the initially amorphous layer into a well‐ordered bilayer structure with a molecular herringbone packing, whereas at elevated temperature the formation of crystalline islands occurs. At the temperature of the liquid‐crystalline crystal–smectic transition, rewetting of the surface follows resulting in a complete homogeneous monolayer. By subsequent controlled cooling to room temperature, cooling‐rate‐dependent kinetics is observed; at rapid cooling, a stable monolayer is preserved at room temperature, whereas slow cooling causes bilayer structures. Increasing the understanding and control of monolayer formation is of high relevance for achieving ordered functional monolayers with defined two‐dimensional packing, for future applications in the field of organic electronics.
Physical and Mental Health, Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Caregivers of Patients in Vegetative State and Minimally Conscious State
Authors: Pagani M. , Giovannetti A. M. , Covelli V. , Sattin D. , Raggi A. , Leonardi M.
Published: May 2013

Caregivers of patients in vegetative state and minimally conscious state play a crucial role in the process of taking care and, as previous studies reported, they can suffer of high burden and negative health outcomes. The aim of this national cross‐sectional study was to assess whether physical and mental health of caregivers, considering gender differences, is related to the presence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, age and patient's disease duration. Four‐hundred and eighteen caregivers, 294 women and 124 men, completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory‐Y, Beck Depression Inventory, second version and Short Form‐12. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate to which extent depressive and anxiety symptoms predict physical and mental health. Men reported higher levels of mental health state, whereas physical health was not different across gender. High levels of anxiety symptoms were associated to negative mental health outcomes in both genders, whereas depressive symptoms were found to impact on female's mental and physical health only. A comprehensive and cost‐effective screening of anxiety and depressive symptoms may help to identify determinants of health worsening in order to plan, when necessary, caregivers' support. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

Female caregivers of patients in vegetative state and minimally conscious state have poorer levels of mental health, whereas physical health is similar to men's.

Anxiety symptoms are related to negative mental health outcomes in both male and female caregivers, whereas depressive symptoms are found to impact on female mental and physical health only.

It is essential to consider and assess depressive and anxiety symptoms as they may contribute to caregivers' health worsening. This knowledge can lead to plan more comprehensive and tailored caregivers' supports and a better care for patients.
Pim1 permits generation and survival of CD4+T cells in the absence of γc cytokine receptor signaling
Authors: Linowes Brett A. , Ligons Davinna L. , Nam Anna S. , Hong Changwan , Keller Hilary R. , Tai Xuguang , Luckey Megan A. , Park Jung‐Hyun
Published: May 2013

γ‐chain (γc) cytokine receptor signaling is required for the development of all lymphocytes. Why γc signaling plays such an essential role is not fully understood, but induction of the serine/threonine kinase Pim1 is considered a major downstream event of γc as Pim1 prevents apoptosis and increases metabolic activity. Consequently, we asked whether Pim1 overexpression would suffice to restore lymphocyte development in γc‐deficient mice. By analyzing Pim1‐transgenic γc‐deficient mice (Pim1TgγcKO), we show that Pim1 promoted T‐cell development and survival in the absence of γc. Interestingly, such effects were largely limited to CD4+ lineage αβ T cells as CD4+ T‐cell numbers improved to near normal levels but CD8+ T cells remained severely lymphopenic. Notably, Pim1 over‐expression failed to promote development and survival of any T‐lineage cells other than αβ T cells, as we observed complete lack of γδ, NKT, FoxP3+ T regulatory cells and TCR‐β+ CD8αα IELs in Pim1TgγcKO mice. Collectively, these results uncover distinct requirements for γc signaling between CD4+ αβ T cells and all other T‐lineage cells, and they identify Pim1 as a novel effector molecule sufficient to drive CD4+ αβ T‐cell development and survival in the absence of γc cytokine receptor signaling.
Influence of cultivar and harvest year on triglyceride composition of olive oils produced in Calabria (Southern Italy)
Authors: Giuffrè Angelo Maria
Published: May 2013

Olive oils extracted from Italian cultivars in South West Calabria, Southern Italy were analyzed for their triglyceride composition, for three successive harvest years 2005‐2006‐2007. Three autochthonous cultivars from Calabria (Cassanese, Ottobratica and Sinopolese) and seven allochtonous cultivars (Coratina, Itrana, Leccino, Nocellara Messinese, Nociara, Pendolino and Picholine) were considered. All cultivars showed a trilinolein content ≤ 0.10% of the total triglycerides, the equivalent carbon number42 (ECN42) content was always less than 0.75% of the total triglycerides. Triolein ranged from a minimum of 28.60% ± 2.12 in Nocellara Messinese to a maximum of 48.25% ± 2.67 found in Coratina. This work demonstrates the presence of significant differences (ANOVA) for the different triglyceride compounds present in these olive oils, taking into consideration the cultivar and the harvest year.

Practical applications: Practical applications for the study entitled “Influence of cultivar and harvest year on triglyceride composition of olive oils produced in Calabria (Southern Italy)” regard the possibility of knowing the triglyceridic composition of olive oil produced in South West Calabria (Southern Italy) from ten cultivars, three autochtonous from Calabria: Cassanese, Ottobratica and Sinopolese and seven allochtonous cultivars: Coratina, Itrana, Leccino, Nocellara Messinese, Nociara, Pendolino and Picholine. It is very important to understand if and how cultivar and harvest year influence the triglyceridic composition. In addition, the adaptability of the allochthonous cultivars in a different geographical context can be also evaluated by comparing olive oil triglyceride data between autochthonous and allochthonous cultivars.
Characterization of microchip electrophoresis devices fabricated by direct‐printing process with colored toner
Authors: Gabriel Ellen F. M. , do Lago Claudimir L. , Gobbi Ângelo L. , Carrilho Emanuel , Coltro Wendell K. T.
Published: May 2013

This paper reports for the first time the use of colored toner to produce polyester toner (PT) ME devices. Colored PT devices were designed in drawing software and printed on a polyester film using a color laser printer with 3600 dpi resolution. The colored toner is composed of a copolymer mixture (styrene and acrylate), wax, silicon dioxide, and pigments. The presence of silica in the toner composition has enhanced the EOF magnitude and improved the analytical performance. For a pH range between 2 and 12, the EOF measured on a magenta PT chip, for example, ranged from 3.8 to 5.8 (× 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1). Typical separations of inorganic cations (K+, Na+, and Li+) were used as model system to investigate the analytical feasibility of the proposed devices. The repeatability for the migration times of all analytes exhibited RSD values lower than 1% (n = 10). The separation efficiencies found on colored PT devices ranged from 10 000 to 49 000 plates/m, which means between 7 and 23% of the maximum theoretical efficiency on this microfluidic platform (1.85 × 105 plates/m). The improvements achieved on the proposed devices are associated with the small additional amount of silica on the toner composition as well as the printing of channels with smoother surfaces and better uniformity when compared to the conventional PT chips printed with monochromatic laser printers.
Long‐term consequences of single and multiple mild blast exposure on select physiological parameters and blood‐based biomarkers
Authors: Ahmed Farid A. , Kamnaksh Alaa , Kovesdi Erzsebet , Long Joseph B. , Agoston Denes V.
Published: May 2013

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), especially when it is repeated (rmTBI), can lead to progressive degenerative diseases and lasting neuropsychiatric abnormalities. To better understand the long‐term pathobiological changes in mTBI and rmTBI, we exposed rats to single or repeated (5 total; administered on consecutive days) mild blast overpressure, monitored changes in physiological parameters, and determined the plasma levels of select biomarkers at 42 days post injury by proteomics. We unexpectedly found comparable changes in arterial oxygen saturation levels and heart rates of single‐injured (SI) and multiple‐injured (MI) rats throughout the observation period. Our analyses indicated lasting oxidative stress, vascular abnormalities, and neuronal and glial cell loss in both injured groups. However, MI rats exhibited a relatively more pronounced increase in the plasma levels of most of the tested markers—particularly those associated with inflammation—albeit the differences between the two injured groups were not statistically significant. Our findings indicate that the frequency of blast exposures is an important determinant of the resulting cumulative damage in rmTBI.
A simple chip free‐flow electrophoresis for monosaccharide sensing via supermolecule interaction of boronic acid functionalized quencher and fluorescent dye
Authors: Yin Xiao‐Yang , Dong Jing‐Yu , Wang Hou‐Yu , Li Si , Fan Liu‐Yin , Cao Cheng‐Xi
Published: May 2013

Here, a simple micro free‐flow electrophoresis (μFFE) was developed for fluorescence sensing of monosaccharide via supermolecule interaction of synthesized boronic acid functionalized benzyl viologen (ο‐BBV) and fluorescent dye. The μFFE contained two open electrode cavities and an ion‐exchange membrane was sandwiched between two polymethylmethacrylate plates. The experiments demonstrated the following merits of developed μFFE: (i) up to 90.5% of voltage efficiency due to high conductivity of ion‐exchange membrane; (ii) a strong ability against influence of bubble produced in two electrodes due to open design of electrode cavities; and (iii) reusable and washable separation chamber (45 mm × 17 mm × 100 μm, 77 μL) avoiding the discard of μFFE due to blockage of solute precipitation in chamber. Remarkably, the μFFE was first designed for the sensing of monosaccharide via the supermolecule interaction of synthesized ο‐BBV, fluorescent dye, and monosaccharide. Under the optimized conditions, the minimum concentration of monosaccharide that could be detected was 1 × 10−11 M. Finally, the developed device was used for the detection of 0.3 mM glucose spiked in human urine. All of the results demonstrated the feasibility of monosaccharide detection via the μFFE.
A microfluidic chip‐based fluorescent biosensor for the sensitive and specific detection of label‐free single‐base mismatch via magnetic beads‐based “sandwich” hybridization strategy
Authors: Wang ZongWen , Fan YingWei , Chen JinFa , Guo Ying , Wu WeiHua , He Ye , Xu LiangJun , Fu FengFu
Published: May 2013

A novel microfluidic chip‐based fluorescent DNA biosensor, which utilized the electrophoretic driving mode and magnetic beads‐based “sandwich” hybridization strategy, was developed for the sensitive and ultra‐specific detection of single‐base mismatch DNA in this study. In comparison with previous biosensors, the proposed DNA biosensor has much more robust resistibility to the complex matrix of real saliva and serum samples, shorter analysis time, and much higher discrimination ability for the detection of single‐base mismatch. These features, as well as its easiness of fabrication, operation convenience, stability, better reusability, and low cost, make it a promising alternative to the SNPs genotyping/detection in clinical diagnosis. By using the biosensor, we have successfully determined oral cancer‐related DNA in saliva and serum samples without sample labeling and any preseparation or dilution with a detection limit of 5.6 × 10−11 M, a RSD (n = 5) < 5% and a discrimination factor of 3.58–4.54 for one‐base mismatch.
Assessing calves as carriers ofCryptosporidiumandGiardiawith zoonotic potential on dairy and beef farms within a water catchment area by mutation scanning
Authors: Abeywardena Harshanie , Jex Aaron R. , Firestone Simon M. , McPhee Sandra , Driessen Nicole , Koehler Anson V. , Haydon Shane R. , von Samson‐Himmelstjerna Georg , Stevens Melita A. , Gasser Robin B.
Published: May 2013

In the present study, we undertook a molecular epidemiological survey ofCryptosporidiumandGiardiain calves on three dairy and two beef farms within an open drinking water catchment area (Melbourne, Australia). Faecal samples (n= 474) were collected from calves at two time points (5 months apart) and tested using a PCR‐based mutation scanning‐targeted sequencing phylogenetic approach, employing regions within the genes of small subunit (SSU) of ribosomal RNA (designated partial SSU), 60 kDa glycoprotein (pgp60) and triose phosphate isomerase (ptpi) as genetic markers. Using partial SSU, theC. bovis,C. parvum,C. ryanaeand a new genotype ofCryptosporidiumwere characterised from totals of 74 (15.6%), 35 (7.3%), 37 (7.8%) and 9 (1.9%) samples, respectively. Using pgp60,C. parvumgenotype IIa subgenotype A18G3R1 was detected in 29 samples. Using ptpi,G. duodenalisassemblages A and E were detected in totals of 10 (2.1%) and 130 (27.4%) samples, respectively. The present study showed that a considerable proportion of dairy and beef calves in this open water catchment region excretedCryptosporidium(i.e. subgenotype IIaA18G3R1) andGiardia(e.g. assemblage A) that are consistent with those infecting humans, inferring that they are of zoonotic importance. Future work should focus on exploring, in a temporal and spatial way, whether these parasites occur in the environment and water of the catchment reservoir.
Chemical composition of household malodours – an overview
Authors: Hammond Christopher J.
Published: May 2013

Modern lifestyles create plentiful opportunities for malodour generation and proliferation. A domestic dwelling provides a number of micro‐environments in which a range of malodour‐producing activities such as laundry, food preparation and necessary bodily functions take place. With a significant proportion of time spent indoors, there is increasing exposure to these micro‐environments. Knowledge of the chemical composition and, in particular, the key malodour components present in these situations, is crucial to understand how to limit their impact. This is a multi‐disciplinary undertaking, encompassing analytical measurements, physical–organic chemistry, biology and sensory evaluation. As a consequence information can be dispersed over a number of sources in the literature and is not always readily recognizable as malodour related. The current review addresses this situation, examining the state of knowledge of household malodour composition, covering in detail areas such as food preparation and disposal, indoor air concentrations and building emissions, and body effluents. Examples to illustrate these areas are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mass‐fraction‐based interface‐capturing method for multi‐component flow
Authors: Wu Z. D. , Sun L. , Zong Z.
Published: May 2013

An interface‐capturing method based on mass fraction is developed to solve the Riemann problem in multi‐component compressible flow. Equations of mass fraction with modified form, which is derived from conservative equations of mass, are employed here to capture the interface. By introducing mass fraction into Euler equations system, as well as other conservative coefficients, a quasi‐conservative numerical model is created. Numerical examples show that the mass fraction model performs well not only in multi‐component fluids modeled by simple stiffened gas equation of state (EOS) but also in that modeled by complex Mie–Grüneisen EOS. Moreover, the mass fraction model is applied to Riemann problem with piecewise EOS; the expression of which depends on density. It is found that the mass fraction model can well adapt to the analytic change in piecewise EOS and produce accuracy solutions with fewer unknown quantities, and the model can be easily extended to m‐component fluid mixture by using only m + 4 equations with no additional conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A design of residual error estimates for a high order BDF‐DGFE method applied to compressible flows
Authors: Dolejší V.
Published: May 2013

We deal with the numerical solution of the non‐stationary compressible Navier–Stokes equations with the aid of the backward difference formula – discontinuous Galerkin finite element method. This scheme is sufficiently stable, efficient and accurate with respect to the space as well as time coordinates. The nonlinear algebraic systems arising from the backward difference formula – discontinuous Galerkin finite element discretization are solved by an iterative Newton‐like method. The main benefit of this paper are residual error estimates that are able to identify the computational errors following from the space and time discretizations and from the inexact solution of the nonlinear algebraic systems. Thus, we propose an efficient algorithm where the algebraic, spatial and temporal errors are balanced. The computational performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by a list of numerical experiments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of Si and S on the stability of bcc iron with respect to tetragonal strain at the Earth's inner core conditions
Authors: Cui Hang , Zhang Zhigang , Zhang Yigang
Published: May 2013

The Earth's inner core is primarily composed of iron, but the stable crystalline structure of iron under core conditions still remains uncertain. The body‐centered cubic (bcc) phase has been suggested as a possible candidate to explain the observed seismic complexity, but its stability at core conditions is highly disputed. In this study, we utilized thermodynamic integration techniques based on extensive first‐principles molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the combining effects of high temperature and impurities on the stability of bcc structure with respect to tetragonal strain. According to our simulations, a small amount of Si/S permitted by seismological data at high temperature increases the stability of the bcc structure at high pressure, but not enough to achieve complete stability. This means the bcc‐structured iron is highly unlikely to present in the Earth's inner core.
Sound velocities for hexagonally close‐packed iron compressed hydrostatically to 136 GPa from phonon density of states
Authors: Gleason A. E. , Mao W. L. , Zhao J. Y.
Published: May 2013

The phonon density of states of pure iron (57Fe) was measured under hydrostatic conditions using nuclear resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering (NRIXS) at pressures up to 136 GPa. Extracting shear (Vs) and compressional (Vp) wave speeds from the Debye velocity and equation of state, we find the hydrostatic shear wave speed trend above previously collected NRIXS data under nonhydrostatic conditions by roughly 5%–6% in the measured pressure range. Using the Birch Murnaghan finite strain approach to fit pressure‐dependent adiabatic bulk and shear moduli, we extrapolated our velocities to inner Earth core densities and found that our shear wave speeds are 3% higher than those in previous studies. Our results on pure iron provide a more accurate and precise baseline to which added complications (e.g., Ni concentration, inclusion of various light elements, and temperature effects) can be considered when comparing experimental elasticity measurements to inner core seismic data.
Advances in simultaneous atmospheric profile and cloud parameter regression based retrieval from high‐spectral resolution radiance measurements
Authors: Weisz Elisabeth , Smith William L. , Smith Nadia
Published: May 2013

The dual‐regression (DR) method retrieves information about the Earth surface and vertical atmospheric conditions from measurements made by any high‐spectral resolution infrared sounder in space. The retrieved information includes temperature and atmospheric gases (such as water vapor, ozone, and carbon species) as well as surface and cloud top parameters. The algorithm was designed to produce a high‐quality product with low latency and has been demonstrated to yield accurate results in real‐time environments. The speed of the retrieval is achieved through linear regression, while accuracy is achieved through a series of classification schemes and decision‐making steps. These steps are necessary to account for the nonlinearity of hyperspectral retrievals. In this work, we detail the key steps that have been developed in the DR method to advance accuracy in the retrieval of nonlinear parameters, specifically cloud top pressure. The steps and their impact on retrieval results are discussed in‐depth and illustrated through relevant case studies. In addition to discussing and demonstrating advances made in addressing nonlinearity in a linear geophysical retrieval method, advances toward multi‐instrument geophysical analysis by applying the DR to three different operational sounders in polar orbit are also noted. For any area on the globe, the DR method achieves consistent accuracy and precision, making it potentially very valuable to both the meteorological and environmental user communities.