bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C30‐45 long‐chain alkyls modified silsesquioxane: A promising additive for polyethylene
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Yongjie , Yu Fan , Yang Wei , Li Xiaopei , Wang Zhichao , Wang Shuai 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA novel commercial available and inexpensive long‐chain alkyl (C30‐45) modified silsesquioxane, namely (C30‐45 alkyl)dimethylsilyl polypropylsilsesquioxane (C30PSS), was applied as a functional filler for linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). For comparison, LLDPE/octaisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (BuPOSS) nanocomposites were also prepared via melt blending. The chemical and crystalline structures of C30PSS and BuPOSS were first identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid 29Si NMR, and X‐ray diffraction. The dispersion of two fillers in the polymer matrix was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. The rheological, tensile, and thermal properties of pristine LLDPE, LLDPE/C30PSS, and LLDPE/BuPOSS composites were systematically studied. Our results showed that C30PSS can serve as a promising and low‐priced filler for LLDPE with respect to its fine dispersion in LLDPE and its abilities to improve the rheological and mechanical properties of LLDPE.
Rheological behavior, electrical conductivity, and morphology of multi‐walled carbon nanotube filled poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites: Effect of nanofiller content
Authors: Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad , Saeedi Fatemeh , Ziaee Farshid 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNanocomposites derived from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) with 30 wt% EVA and 0–10 wt% multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) content were prepared. Scanning electron microscope images showed a two‐phase morphology for the unfilled blend in which the EVA droplets were dispersed within the PMMA domain. However, the size of EVA droplets was considerably smaller in the nanocomposites than that of the unfilled blend. The tensile results revealed that the maximum elastic modulus, tensile strength, yield stress, and strain at break were achieved for the nanocomposite containing 5 wt% MWCNT. The electrical conductivity sharply increased for the nanocomposite containing 2.5 wt% MWCNT, in comparison with that of the unfilled blend, beyond which the conductivity was less dependent on the MWCNT content. The rheological characterization showed that the normalized relaxation time increased up to 5 wt% nanofiller and remained reasonably constant for higher amounts of MWCNT.
Preparation and properties of starch‐based polyurethane/montmorillonite composite coatings for controlled‐release fertilizer
Authors: Liao Yun , Liu Li , Wang Meng , Li Li‐Xia , Cao Bing , Wang Hai , Huang Wei‐Qiang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn order to enhance the controlled‐release property of starch‐based polyurethane (SPU) coating, polyurethane/montmorillonite (SPU/MMT) composite coatings for controlled‐release urea were prepared by in‐situ polymerization with a rotating drum. The effect of MMT on morphology, structure, physico‐chemical properties, especially controlled‐release property of the as‐prepared composite coatings were studied in detail. The results showed that MMT particles dispersed well in SPU matrix, and the obtained SPU/MMT composite coatings possessed more tough and compact morphology with less‐visible holes compared with SPU coating. With the content of MMT rising to 3%, the time needed for 75% nitrogen release increased to 49 days, much longer than 14 days of SPU coating. Further, the nitrogen release mechanism underlying the structure and properties of SPU/MMT composite coatings were discussed and elucidated. According to the analysis, the superior controlled‐release property of SPU/MMT coatings originated from the impermeablity to water molecules of layered MMT acting as mechanical barriers to increase the diffusion path and resistance, the enhanced crosslinking density and hydrophobicity of composite system due to the introduction of MMT, as well as the improved mechanical properties hindering the formation of cracks and enlargement of the holes on the surface of composite coatings.
Formation of uniform polymer assembly with silica nano‐sol‐supported metallocene catalysts in a stirred‐tank reactor
Authors: Li Kuo‐Tseng , Yang Cheng‐Ni 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSilica nano‐sol is the precursor (before gelation and drying) of silica gel and has much greater surface area than gel. In this study, a spherical commercial silica nano‐sol in toluene with a dimension of less than 50 nm was successfully used to support two bridged metallocenes (dicholo ‐ dimethyl silybis(indenyl) zirconium (IV) and dichloro – ethylenebis(indenyl) zirconium (IV),denoted by ZrSi and ZrEt, respectively). These sol‐supported catalysts showed significantly better propylene polymerization activities than gel‐supported catalyst reported earlier. The influences of solution co‐catalyst ([Al4O3Me6]n, n = 5–7, abbreviated as MAO) content and reaction time on polymerization were investigated. The increase of co‐catalyst concentration increased activity, polymer length, and melting temperature. Polymer assemblies produced with ZrSi/Sol changed from diamond‐shape to rod‐like shape as time proceeded. Uniform dumbbell – shaped micro‐sized polypropylene assemblies were obtained with catalyst ZrEt/Sol. The results were explained in terms of the penetration theory proposed before for multiphase mass transfer.
Polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) interfaces reinforced with diblock carbon nanotubes
Authors: Seyni Fatoumata Ide , Barrett Lawrence , Crossley Steven , Grady Brian P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn asymmetric double cantilever beam test was used to determine the ability of carbon nanotubes with varying chemistry along their lengths, that is, diblock nanotubes, to compatibilize the polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) interface. PS molecules were grafted primarily to one of the blocks to cause that block to migrate to the PS phase since otherwise both blocks would prefer to reside in PMMA. Fracture toughnesses increased monotonically with increasing diblock carbon nanotube concentration and maximum values were like those for block copolymer‐reinforced interfaces while single‐chemistry nanotubes showed no reinforcing effect. However, the abrupt increase in fracture toughness with added compatibilizer indicative of a transition to crazing was not found consistent with nanotubes suppressing crazing in homopolymers. Scanning electron microscopy images of the fractured surfaces show agglomerates of carbon nanotubes present which are likely limiting the efficacy of carbon nanotubes at toughening the interface.
Food effects on the formulation, dosing, and administration of cannabidiol (CBD) in humans: A systematic review of clinical studies
Authors: Silmore Lucy H. , Willmer Andrew R. , Capparelli Edmund V. , Rosania Gus R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCannabidiol (CBD), a non‐psychotropic phytocannabinoid from the Cannabis plant, is increasingly being pursued as a treatment for differing ailments. The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of CBD are not well understood, and proper dosing schemes have not been adequately developed for its clinical use. CBD is a lipophilic molecule and exhibits low water solubility, so its formulation expectedly impacts its gastrointestinal absorption and subsequent blood plasma concentrations. In this review article, the food effects on CBD pharmacokinetics were analyzed. Clinical trials focusing on the performance of Epidiolex, the FDA‐approved CBD formulation, were found in several databases and systematically analyzed in terms of administration method, dosing schedules, and patient characteristics. 44 data sets from clinical trials were found to be useful in the quantitative analysis. Following the normalization of all the pharmacokinetic data sets by dose and patient weight, CBD exhibited a much greater bioavailability in fed patients. For Epidiolex, administration in the fed state led to lower interindividual variability and more predictable pharmacokinetics. Considering all the different oral formulations of CBD, further analysis points to the main excipient of oral CBD formulations (refined sesame seed oil) as a major contributor to the dose‐dependent variations in CBD pharmacokinetics, especially affecting the fasted state. We discuss the implications of these results on the downstream pharmacodynamics of endocannabinoid receptor modulation and its broad physiological implications.
Psychometric properties of the Albanian version of Olweus Bullying Questionnaire‐Revised
Authors: Danuza Teuta , Masten Robert 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe study examined the validity of the scores produced by the Albanian version of the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire‐Revised (OBQ‐R), a self‐reported measure for assessing the phenomena of bullying among school students. A sample of third to ninth grade students (N = 3262) completed the OBQ‐R and the data were analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis, and a measurement invariance across gender and grade levels. The results demonstrated that the OBQ‐R had a clear two‐factor structure (bullying and victimization) that demonstrated a reasonable fit to the OBQ‐R items. Results of the measurement invariance tests indicated configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender and grade level groups. Findings from this study suggest that the Albanian version of the OBQ‐R can be used to elicit responses from Kosovar primary and lower secondary students.
Soft red winter wheat ‘GA 051207‐14E53’: Adapted cultivar to Georgia and the U.S. Southeast region
Authors: Mergoum Mohamed , Johnson Jerry W. , Buck James W. , Sutton Steve , Lopez Benjamin , Bland Daniel , Chen Z. , Buntin G.D. , Mailhot Daniel J. , Babar Md A. , Mason Richard E. , Harrison Stephen A. , Murphy J. Paul , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Sutton Russell L. , Brown‐Guedira Gina L. , Simoneaux Bryan E. , Bockelman Harold E. , Baik Byung‐Kee , Marshall David , Cowger Christina , Kolmer James A. , Jin Yue , Chen X. , Cambron Sue E. , Boyles Richard 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSoft red winter wheat (SRWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major crop in Georgia and the U.S. Southeast (SE) region. Hence, new cultivars with high yield potential, high resistance levels to predominant pests, and adequate quality parameters are required to capture and maximize regional market values. Therefore, the University of Georgia SRWW breeding program in collaboration with the SUNGRAINS breeding programs, aims to develop and release SRWW cultivars adapted to Georgia and the SE wheat region with high yield, quality, and pest resistance. ‘GA 051207‐14E53’ SRWW (Reg. no. CV‐1168, PI 689518) was developed and released by the University of Georgia and licensed to AGSouth Genetics Company in 2017 under the name AGS 3040. GA 051207‐14E53 is well adapted to Georgia and the SE region. It has high yield and high resistance to leaf rust, stripe rust, and Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus. It has medium resistance to powdery mildew and to biotypes C and O of Hessian fly and is resistant to biotypes B and L. GA 051207‐14E53 has good Fusarium head blight resistance. GA 051207‐14E53 possesses H9, Sbm1, and the 2NS:2AS alien introgression from Aegilops ventricosa Tausch, having the Yr17/Lr37/Sr38 genes that protect it against these pests. Grain volume weight and milling and baking qualities of GA 051207‐14E53 are good and meet the SRWW grade standards.
The prevalence of severe personality disorder in perpetrators of homicide
Authors: Swinson Nicola , Webb Roger , Shaw Jenny 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundCurrent UK evidence on the prevalence of personality disorder in homicide is lacking. The aims were to estimate the prevalence of personality disorder in homicide perpetrators from court reports and carry out a dimensional assessment in keeping with the new ICD‐11 classification of the prevalence of severe personality disorder. Associations between severe personality disorder and sociodemographic, historical and offence‐related characteristics were then explored.MethodsSix hundred court reports from a national case series of homicide perpetrators in England and Wales were analysed using a document‐derived version of the Personality Assessment Schedule (PAS‐DOC), providing categorical and dimensional personality assessments. The prevalence of personality disorder and severe personality disorder was estimated. Factors associated with the diagnosis of severe personality disorder were examined.ResultsThe prevalence of personality disorder using the PAS‐DOC was 56.3% (95% confidence interval 52.3%, 60.3%), compared with 16% as diagnosed in reports. Severe personality disorder was present in 62% (n = 338) of all those with a personality disorder and was significantly associated with homicides of strangers and previous violence.ConclusionsSevere personality disorder is highly prevalent among perpetrators of homicide, and the finding that it is more prevalent when strangers are the victims stresses both the need for early identification of those at risk of developing severe personality disorder and the development of appropriate early preventive interventions. There is also a need for the development of effective treatment and interventions for those with established severe personality disorder and better identification of this level of disorder by psychiatrists. The forthcoming ICD‐11 classification should help in this endeavour. © 2021 The Authors Personality and Mental Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Aggregation‐induced multicolor luminescent nanoparticles with adaptive and fixed cores derived from brominated tetraphenylethene‐containing block copolymer
Authors: Furukawa Masaki , Nakabayashi Kazuhiro , Mori Hideharu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active nanoparticles (NPs) exhibiting multicolor fluorescence and high‐quantum yields independent of the environment are important for the further development of next‐generation smart fluorescent materials. In this work, AIE‐active amphiphilic block copolymers were designed and synthesized by RAFT polymerization of a brominated tetraphenylethene (TPE)‐containing acrylate (A‐TPE‐Br). The block copolymer exhibited typical AIE effects in selective solvents, which can be explained by hydrophobic TPE aggregated in the core during micelle formation. Luminescent core–shell NPs with a crosslinked AIE core (fixed structure) were synthesized by the Suzuki coupling reaction of the bromine groups of the assembled block copolymer and boronic acid compounds. The NPs composed of TPE/thiophene crosslinked core showed green emission in both diluted state and solid state, implying the ability to fluoresce regardless of environmental changes and molecular dispersion. Multicolor luminescent NPs capable of changing color from blue to red were synthesized by changing the coupling compounds, such as anthracene for electron‐rich units and benzothiadiazole for electron‐deficient units. The effects of the nature of the donor and acceptor, as well as their combination (TPE/donor/acceptor sequence), on the color and fluorescent intensity of the core crosslinked NPs in the nonpolar and polar solvents, and solid state, were investigated.
Preparation and characterization of PCL‐grafted zein film via atmospheric‐pressure cold plasma pretreatment
Authors: Dong Shuang , Li Xiao‐yu , Guo Peng , Chen Ye , Li Hong‐jun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo improve the water resistance property of zein film, polycaprolactone (PCL) was grafted on the zein film after atmospheric‐pressure cold plasma (ACP) pretreatment. The grafting yields of PCL ranging from 15.91% ± 0.67% to 28.95% ± 0.79% were remarkably enhanced than the untreated one (12.15% ± 0.57%; p < . 05), which indicated that ACP modification could effectively improve the grafting ability of the zein film. Fourier‐transform infrared spectrum and X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed that PCL layer had been successfully grafted and the lateral α‐helix packing was susceptible to plasma treatment. Findings from this study indicated that ACP pretreatment was an effective modification approach in zein‐based polymers for packaging application.
Effect of 2,4,6‐Triamino‐3,5‐Dinitropyridine‐1‐Oxide on the Properties of 1,3,5‐Trinitro‐1,3,5‐Triazinane‐based PBX Explosives
Authors: He Zhiwei , Meng Tao , Wang Yang , Guo Ziru , Liu Feng , Liu Zuliang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn the design and preparation of polymer‐bonded explosives (PBX), the energetic systems possessing the characteristics of high energy output and low sensitivity are always preferred for researchers. The integration of high explosives and an energetic passivator is considered to be the most useful method in achieving this object. Herein, to explore the effect of 2,4,6‐triamino‐3,5‐dinitropyridine‐1‐oxide (TANPyO) on the detonation properties and mechanical safety of 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazinane (RDX)‐based PBX, two methods including direct mixing and crystallization coating were utilized to prepare main explosives, followed by the solvent suspension distillation method to obtain relevant composites. The morphology, mechanical sensitivity, and detonation velocity of as‐prepared samples were tested and characterized, as well as armor‐piercing ability. Results show that TANPyO plays a positive role in increasing the mechanical safety of RDX‐based PBX and is reflected by the 4 %‐56 % reduction in explosion probability than that of pure RDX. Moreover, the prepared samples using the crystallization coating method exhibit better performances in detonation velocity and perforation ability than the direct mixing method. These differences reach the peak when the mass ratio of RDX and TANPyO is 1 : 1. In that situation, the reduced values of explosion probability are 20 % (impact sensitivity) and 8 % (friction sensitivity) and the increasing detonation velocity is 309 m ⋅ s−1. These results demonstrate that the integration of TANPyO and the crystallization coating method is a promising way of adjusting the properties of RDX‐based PBX.
Quantifying the taxonomic bias in enzymology
Authors: Vickers Chelsea J. , Fraga Dean , Patrick Wayne M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ongoing biotechnological revolution is rooted in our knowledge of enzymes. However, metagenomics is showing how little we know about Earth's enzyme repertoire. Deep sequencing has revolutionized our view of the tree of life. The genomes of newly‐discovered organisms are replete with novel sequences, emphasizing the trove of enzyme structures and functions waiting to be explored by biochemists. Here, we sought to draw attention to the vastness of the “enzymatic dark matter” within the tree of life by placing enzymological knowledge in the context of phylogeny. We used kinetic parameters from the BRaunschweig ENzyme DAtabase (BRENDA) as our proxy for enzymological knowledge. Mapping 12,677 BRENDA entries onto the phylogenetic tree revealed that 55% of these data were from eukaryotes, even though they are the least diverse part of the tree. At the next taxonomic level, only four of 18 archaeal phyla and 24 of 111 bacterial phyla are represented in the BRENDA dataset. One phylum, the Proteobacteria, accounts for over half of all bacterial entries. Similarly, the supergroup Amorphea, which includes animals and fungi, contains over half the data on eukaryotes. Many major taxonomic groups are notable for their complete absence from BRENDA, including the ultra‐diverse bacterial Candidate Phyla Radiation. At the species level, five mammals (including human) contribute 15% of BRENDA entries. The taxonomic bias in enzymology is strong, but in the era of gene synthesis we now have the tools to address it. Doing so promises to enrich our biochemical understanding of life and uncover powerful new biocatalysts.
Mass balance and pharmacokinetics of an oral dose of 14C‐napabucasin in healthy adult male subjects
Authors: Dai Xiaoshu , Karol Michael D. , Hitron Matthew , Hard Marjie L. , Blanchard John Evan , Eraut Nicola C. J. E. , Rich Natalie , Gufford Brandon T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis phase 1, open‐label study assessed14C‐napabucasin absorption, metabolism, and excretion, napabucasin pharmacokinetics, and napabucasin metabolites (primary objectives); safety/tolerability were also evaluated. Eight healthy males (18–45 years) received a single oral 240‐mg napabucasin dose containing ~100 μCi14C‐napabucasin. Napabucasin was absorbed and metabolized to dihydro‐napabucasin (M1; an active metabolite [12.57‐fold less activity than napabucasin]), the sole major circulating metabolite (median time to peak concentration: 2.75 and 2.25 h, respectively). M1 plasma concentration versus time profiles generally mirrored napabucasin; similar arithmetic mean half‐lives (7.14 and 7.92 h, respectively) suggest M1 formation was rate limiting. Napabucasin systemic exposure (per Cmax and AUC) was higher than M1. The total radioactivity (TRA) whole blood:plasma ratio (AUClast: 0.376; Cmax: 0.525) indicated circulating drug‐related compounds were essentially confined to plasma. Mean TRA recovery was 81.1% (feces, 57.2%; urine, 23.8%; expired air, negligible). Unlabeled napabucasin and M1 recovered in urine accounted for 13.9% and 11.0% of the dose (sum similar to urine TRA recovered); apparent renal clearance was 8.24 and 7.98 L/h. No uniquely human or disproportionate metabolite was quantified. Secondary glucuronide and sulfate conjugates were common urinary metabolites, suggesting napabucasin was mainly cleared by reductive metabolism. All subjects experienced mild treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), the majority related to napabucasin. The most commonly reported TEAEs were gastrointestinal disorders. There were no clinically significant laboratory, vital sign, electrocardiogram, or physical examination changes. Napabucasin was absorbed, metabolized to M1 as the sole major circulating metabolite, and primarily excreted via feces. A single oral 240‐mg dose was generally well tolerated.
University engagement to improve safety education
Authors: Lim Kok Hwa , Teng Chong Seng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWith major hazards installations regulatory framework implemented in Singapore, taking effect from September 2017, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry needed to build up its capabilities to demonstrate to regulators how risks from major accident hazards in the premises can be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable. Specialist Certificate in Process Safety was initiated after discussion between Singapore Institute of Technology and Pfizer. It was established that there was a need to harmonize process safety training across the industry and a need to train process safety practitioners to build up in‐house capability to meet the new standard. After the discussion with Pfizer on their needs, a program outline was drafted and subsequently sent to Pfizer's process safety subject matter experts for comments. Upon receiving their feedback, the Process Safety Workshop Series for Pharmaceutical Industry was developed. The training pedagogy for this workshop integrated hands‐on learning at the workplace by collaborating with the company for plant walk‐throughs of relevant areas during the workshops. In addition, the fundamental topics from the workshops were integrated into the BE Pharmaceutical Engineering's Process Safety Module to ensure new engineering graduates entering the pharmaceutical industry have basic process safety skills needed by the industry.