bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging of intratympanic gadolinium helps differentiate vestibular migraine from Ménière disease
Authors: Sun Wenfang , Guo Ping , Ren Tongli , Wang Wuqing 
Published: February 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo study the differential diagnosis of vestibular migraine (VM) and Ménière disease (MD) by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of intratympanic gadolinium.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsDefinite MD patients (n = 30) and definite or probable VM patients (n = 30) were included, and the two groups were age and sex matched. Three‐dimensional real inversion recovery (3D‐real‐IR) MRI was performed 24 hours after bilateral intratympanic gadolinium to assess the presence and degree of endolymphatic hydrops (EH). Response rates, amplitudes, latency, and response threshold of cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (c/oVEMPs) were tested by using air‐conducted sound. Pure tone audiometry was used to evaluate the level of hearing loss.ResultsDifferent degrees of EH were observed in the cochlea and vestibule in the affected ears of MD patients, but only suspicious cochlear hydrops and no vestibular hydrops was noted in the VM patients. The correlation between the degree of EH and low‐frequency hearing loss was statistically significant. Only the response threshold for c/oVEMP differentiated the MD‐affected side from VM. The latency and amplitude for c/oVEMP showed no significant difference between groups.ConclusionsCharacteristic pathological changes of MD include EH in the inner ear, and 3D‐real‐IR MRI helps differentiate VM from MD. VM and MD behaved similarly in vestibular dysfunction and their transduction pathway, but MD appeared to be more severe than VM. An association in their pathophysiology may play a part in these responses.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 127:2382–2388, 2017
Creation of Technosols to Decrease Metal Availability in Pyritic Tailings with Addition of Biochar and Marble Waste
Authors: Moreno‐Barriga Fabián , Díaz Vicente , Acosta José A. , Muñoz María Ángeles , Faz Ángel , Zornoza Raúl 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCreation of Technosols with the use of different materials is a sustainable strategy to reclaim mine tailings and reduce metal mobility. For this purpose, a short‐term incubation experiment was designed with biochars derived from pig manure, crop residues and municipal solid waste added to tailings alone or in combination with marble waste. We aimed to assess the efficiency of the different amendments to decrease Cd, Pb and Zn availability in the Technosols and the fractions where metals were retained. Results showed that all amendments reduced metal mobility, directly related to increases in pH. Those materials with higher content of carbonates were more effective to immobilize metals (~99%). Municipal solid waste was highly effective to decrease metal mobility owing to the higher carbonate content, but addition of marble waste was needed to enhance metal immobilization with pig manure and crop residue. Decreases in Cd mobility were related to retention by the carbonate, Mn/Fe oxides and oxidizable (organic compounds) fractions. Decreases in Pb mobility were related to retention in the Mn/Fe oxides and residual fractions, while decreases in Zn mobility were related to retention in Mn/Fe oxides and oxidizable fractions. Association of Zn and Pb with the oxidizable fraction was also related to the recalcitrance of the organic compounds and so dependent on biochar type. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray showed that biochar showed great affinity to interact with iron oxides, calcium sulfates and phyllosilicates. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multifunctional Dendrimer Formation Using Thiolactone Chemistry
Authors: Kaya N. Uğur , Du Prez Filip E. , Badi Nezha 
Published: February 2017

Thiolactone chemistry is a powerful tool for the design of complex multifunctional architectures. In this study, this versatile click‐inspired synthetic strategy is conducted to prepare multifunctional dendrimer‐like structures. For this purpose, a thiolactone bearing an isocyanate function, prepared in multigram scale, is utilized for multiple step functionalization starting from a 4‐arm star‐shaped poly(ethylene glycol). Amine‐thiol‐acrylate conjugation is carried out in order to form the aforementioned structures. The efficient aminolysis of the thiolactone ring and the reaction of the generated thiol with the double bond of an acrylate derivative are completed in a one‐pot procedure. The choice of the amine and/or acrylate derivatives can allow the introduction of different functional groups for each new generation, potentially leading to multivalent dendrimer‐like structures.
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Effect of Phase Selective Localization of Silica on Mechanical Properties of Polymethyl Methacrylate/Ethyl Vinyl Acetate/Silica Composites
Authors: Ying Teoh Pei , Rahman Rozyanty , Ab. Wahab Mohd Kahar , Uy Lan Du Ngoc 
Published: February 2017

SummaryPhase selective localization of silica in polymethyl methacrylate/ ethyl vinyl acetate (PMMA/EVA) composite controls the concentration of silica in each PMMA and EVA phases and affects the mechanical properties of the composite. In order to produce the different concentration of silica in each polymer phase, pre‐dispersion of silica into single phase of PMMA and EVA was carried out by using twin screw extruder and heated two rolls mill, respectively. The pre‐dispersed mixture then was compounded with the other polymer by using a twin‐screw extruder and produced PMMA/EVA composites. Conventional method by adding of silica into PMMA/EVA blend was also carried out as control sample. Distinguished morphologies were obtained from different processing, which induced significant effect on mechanical properties of these pre‐dispersed composites. Observation from SEM result, EVA exhibited rod morphology in control composite but more spherical morphology in pre‐dispersion composites. It is assumed that higher concentration of silica in PMMA phase resulted in the optimum mechanical strength of pre‐dispersion of silica in PMMA composites compared to others. In addition, composite prepared by conventional method also showed the lowest mechanical properties.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of ENR Compatibilized NR/NBR Blends Reinforced Nanoclay and Nanosilica
Authors: Romli Ahmad Z. , Mamauod Siti N. L. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryProperties of the unfilled rubber blends (Natural rubber, NR and Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, NBR) were poor due to the absence of reinforcing agent. However, the strength of compound had been improved with the addition of nanofiller. There were two (2) types of nanofillers that had been introduced which are nanoclay (NC) and nanosilica (NS). NR/NBR composites were prepared by open milling process where different amount of nanofiller was added ranging from 1 until 7 phr. There are a few possibilities might occur when using small particles size of fillers especially in term of interaction between rubber‐filler and filler‐filler interaction. Apart from that, different polarity and composition of both rubbers were influenced the interaction between filler and rubber phases. The interaction between non‐polar and polar rubber was enhanced using epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). The rubber compound was cured via a conventional sulphur vulcanization system. The cure characteristic result shows that the incorporation of nanofiller does not affect much on the t90. The physical and mechanical properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) compatibilized NSi‐NR/NBR blends were determined by conducting the density measurements, hardness and tensile tests. The NC filler gave the highest tensile strength compared to NS. On top of that, reduction trend on the tensile strength observed at 3 phr of NS loading due to the formation of NS aggregates. The values of moduli, hardness and densities of vulcanizates increased as the nanofiller loading increased. It occurs due to better filler dispersion in the rubber matrix and strong interaction between filler‐rubber phases. The result shows that NC has more pronounce effect on the physical and mechanical proportion of the rubber vulcanizates.
The Effect of Surface Modification on the Properties of Palygorskite Filled Natural Rubber Nanocomposite
Authors: Othman Nadras , Muttalib Siti Nadzirah Abdul , Ismail Nur Izzati 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThis paper reports the effect of surface modification on the mechanical and morphological properties of palygorskite (PAL) filled natural rubber (NR) nanocomposite. NR/PAL nanocomposites were prepared by co‐coagulating rubber latex with clay suspension and after that, compounded with SMR 20 using melt mixing method. The aim is to investigate the efficiency of surface modification via cation exchange treatment on treated NR/PAL nanocomposite properties as compared to untreated NR/PAL nanocomposite. The organo‐modified palygorskite was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐Ray diffraction (XRD). The NR/PAL composites were subjected to cure characteristic, tensile, tear, hardness and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x‐ray (EDX) testing. The treated NR/PAL nanocomposite showed higher mechanical properties compared to untreated samples. FTIR revealed the functional group from 1‐dodecylammonium chloride react with PAL. The dispersion of PAL in the rubber matrix, can be seen clearly using XRD and SEM/EDX.
Preparation of Micro Fibrillated Cellulose Based on Arenga Pinnata “Ijuk” Fibre for Nucleating Agent of Polypropylene: Characterization, Optimization and Feasibility Study
Authors: Yuanita Evana , Pratama Juniko Nur , Chalid Mochamad 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe applications of micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC) are growing rapidly due to their environment benefit. In the present experiment, MFC from “Ijuk” fibre by chemical method was got. MFC was extracted from the fibre using multistage process, alkaline treatment for the removal of pectin, waxes and impurities on the surface fibre, oxidation treatment with sodium hypochlorite and then hydrolysis treatment with sulphuric acid. The removal of non‐cellulosic components was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR). The treatment lead to increase crystalline part of fibre was demonstrated by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD). Diameter and surface morphology of MFC was displayed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The MFC had diameters in range 5.4‐5.95 µm. Untreated ijuk fibre still had impurities and waxes and the diameter was 54 µm, on the other hand, the fibre became fibrillated after hydrolysis treatment. The feasibility study of MFC for nucleating agent was investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The result showed a new approach for utilization of “Ijuk” fibre to examine MFC potential used as nucleating agent in polypropylene (pp) composite application.
Preparation and Characterization for Sorgum‐Based Micro‐Fibrillated Celluloses
Authors: Ramahdita Ghiska , Ilmiati Salma , Suryanegara Lisman , Khalid Akhmad , Chalid Mochamad 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe development of micro‐fibrillated cellulose (MFC) is currently a topic of interest among researchers and industry. The aim from this research is to get MFC from sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), which contains about 45.9% of cellulose. Sorghum also has good mechanical properties that promising to be applied as the reinforcement for polymer matrix. The main challenge to get MFC is the removal of lignin and hemicellulose. Chemical treatments viz. alkalinization (NaOH 20%), bleaching (NaClO 5%) and acid hydrolysis (H2SO4 25%), were applied to sorghum. Different characterizations such as FTIR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) were used to evaluate this study. FTIR spectroscopy and SEM showed that the chemical treatment effectively reduced lignin and hemicellulose. XRD and FTIR characterization showed the highest crystallinity obtained through alkalinization treatment − acid hydrolysis from 7.5% up to 43.95%. The size of the smallest fibers produced was about 2‐4 microns.
Controlling Ordered Structures of PS‐b‐P2VP Block Copolymer Thin Film by Tuning Solvent Evaporation Rate
Authors: Shamsudin Siti Aisyah , Mikihito Takenaka , Hirokazu Hasegawa 
Published: February 2017

SummarySelective solvents for each block were chosen to induce specific blocks of the Polystyrene‐block‐poly(2vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P2VP) block copolymer (BCP) thin film with the purpose of comparing the degree of block swelling affected by solvent vapors onto the thin film. Solvents with high boiling point have been preferred for this study, because these solvents evaporate slowly, and allowing the block copolymer to self‐assemble properly. Toluene and acetic acid were considered as suitable solvents for polystyrene (PS) and poly(2vinylpyridine) (P2VP), respectively. We prepared 1 wt% PS‐b‐P2VP BCP (79.0k‐b‐36.5k kg/mol) solution in a mixed solvent of toluene and tetrahydrofuran (THF) with a ratio of 7:3. Then, applied solvent annealing to the thin films with toluene and acetic acid at 21 °C for 3 hours, 6 hours and 9 hours. Thermal annealing to the thin films at 80 °C, 100 °C, 150°C, 200 °C and 250 °C for 24 hours was also applied. The morphology of the resulting thin film has been characterized using the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The formation of the block copolymer structure on thin film revealed highly affected by the evaporation rate owing to the decreased polymer mobility occurred by lower temperature of the solvent with high boiling point.
Thermal, Conductivity and Molecular Interaction Studies of Poly(ethylene oxide)/Poly(methyl acrylate) Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Halim Suhaila Idayu Abdul , Chan Chin Han , Winie Tan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSummary Solid polymer electrolytes of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) with addition of lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) were studied. Samples were prepared by solution casting method. An existence of single and compositional‐dependant glass transition temperature (Tg) of PEO/PMA systems [studied by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)] shows miscibility of the binary PEO/PMA blends as well as when added with small of amount of LiClO4 in the molten state and amorphous phase. The systems are miscible in molten state and amorphous phase at high salt content with PEO content in the blends is in excess. In this case, the Tgs of the PEO/PMA blends increase slightly with increasing salt concentration suggesting the molecular interaction of salt with the polymers. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) studies reveal that PEO/PMA 80/20 blend (w/w) added with 0.12 of LiClO4 (YS) shows the highest conductivity (σDC = 1.43 × 10−5 S cm−1) as compared to PEO/LiClO4 system at the same salt concentration (σDC = 6.43 ×10−6 S cm−1). Results of Tg using DSC and molecular interaction from Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra suggest that blend with PEO in excess, Li+ ions coordinate with ether oxygen of PEO instead of carbonyl oxygen of PMA. Hence, the percolation pathway for these SPEs is lying in the amorphous region of the PEO phase.
Computational Biology and Chemistry in MTi: Emphasis on the Prediction of Some ADMET Properties
Authors: Miteva Maria A. , Villoutreix Bruno O. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOur research and teaching group called MTi (Molécules Thérapeutiques in silico) has developed numerous applications available online, thanks to the RPBS platform (Ressource Parisienne en Bioinformatique Structurale), in the field of chemoinformatics, structural bioinformatics and drug design. Since its opening in 2009, over 200 articles/reviews have been reported and involve virtual screening studies, prediction of druggability, analysis of protein‐protein interaction inhibitors, development of databases, data mining and knowledge discovery, as well as combined in silico‐in vitro work to search for new hits and chemical probes acting on original targets in several therapeutic areas. An international training program has also been developed pertaining to the field of in silico drug design. In this review, we present some tools developed in our laboratory with a special emphasis on the prediction of some ADMET properties, compound collection preparation and 3D‐ADMET computations.
Multi‐component diffusion characterization of radiation‐induced white matter damage
Authors: Karunamuni Roshan A. , White Nathan S. , McDonald Carrie R. , Connor Michael , Pettersson Niclas , Seibert Tyler M. , Kuperman Joshua , Farid Nikdokht , Moiseenko Vitali , Dale Anders M. , Hattangadi‐Gluth Jona A. 
Published: February 2017

PurposeWe used multi‐b‐value diffusion models to characterize microstructural white matter changes after brain radiation into fast and slow components, in order to better understand the pathophysiology of radiation‐induced tissue damage.MethodsFourteen patients were included in this retrospective analysis with imaging prior to, and at 1, 4–5, and 9–10 months after radiotherapy (RT). Diffusion signal decay within brain white matter was fit to a biexponential model to separate changes within the slow and fast components. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to obtain estimates of the effect of radiation dose and time on the model parameters.ResultsWe found an increase of 0.11 × 10−4 and 0.14 × 10−4 mm2/s in the fast diffusion coefficient per unit dose–time (Gy‐month) in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively. By contrast, the longitudinal slow diffusion coefficient decreased independently of dose, by 0.18 × 10−4, 0.16 × 10−4, and 0.098 × 10−4 mm2/s at 1, 4, and 9 months post‐RT, respectively.ConclusionsRadiation‐induced white matter changes in the first year following RT are driven by dose‐dependent increases in the fast component and dose‐independent decreases in the slow component.
Inline Turbidity Measurements of Batch Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Bloch Dimitrie , Bröge Peter , Pauer Werner 
Published: February 2017

The aim of the present study is to investigate applications of inline turbidity as a tool to monitor optical properties during batch emulsion polymerization and during emulsification with high sample rates. For this purpose, an InPro 8200 turbidity probe with a Trb 8300 transmitter is used in combination with an RC1e Mettler Toledo reaction calorimeter. Reproducible turbidity inline monitoring during emulsification and polymerization is achieved. Turbidity measurements allow the observation of droplet formation as well as the determination of the time needed to reach a certain emulsion state. Therefore, turbidity can be used to optimize the duration of emulsification. Higher stirring speed and longer duration lead to smaller monomer droplets and to faster reaction. Furthermore, inline turbidity can be used to detect the start of the reaction and to identify emulsion stability problems.
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Trifluoroethoxy‐Coated Subphthalocyanine affects Trifluoromethylation of Alkenes and Alkynes even under Low‐Energy Red‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Matsuzaki Kohei , Hiromura Tomoya , Tokunaga Etsuko , Shibata Norio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPhotoredox chemical reactions induced by visible light have undergone a renaissance in recent years. Polypyridyl dyes such as Ir(ppy)3 and Ru(bpy)3 are key catalysts in this event, and blue‐ or white‐light irradiation is required for the chemical transformations. However, it remains a challenge to achieve reactions under the lower energy of red light. We disclose, herein, that trifluoroethoxy‐coated subphthalocyanine realizes the red‐light‐driven trifluoromethylation of alkenes and alkynes with trifluoromethyl iodide in good‐to‐high yields. Perfluoroalkylations were also achieved under red light. The reaction mechanism is discussed with the support of UV/Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry of trifluoroethoxy‐coated subphthalocyanine. Light irradiation/dark study also supports the proposed mechanism.
Advances in polymer precursors and bio‐based polymers synthesized from 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Zhang Daihui , Dumont Marie‐Josée 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTIn recent years, considerable efforts have been made regarding the synthesis of renewable chemicals from natural resources. 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an interesting platform chemical which has been widely exploited due to its rich chemistry and potential availability. The versatility of HMF has been demonstrated in several areas such as fine chemicals, biofuel precursors, and polymers. In particular, the potential to replace petroleum‐based analogues in the preparation of polymers associated with high performance has been observed owing to the structural rigidity of furan rings. This review aims at critically discuss the current research studies related to the derivatives of HMF, alongside with the synthesis and characterization of (co‐) polymers derived from HMF and its derivatives. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1478–1492
Isolation and prayer as means of solace for Arab women with breast cancer: An in‐depth interview study
Authors: Assaf Ghada Najjar , Holroyd Eleanor , Lopez Violeta 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveThis study explored Arab women's experiences following the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.MethodsFace‐to‐face in‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 Arab women attending a public hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, following a recent diagnosis of breast cancer. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic method.ResultsArab women's experiences following their breast cancer diagnoses and treatments included the themes of (1) protecting one's self from stigma, (2) facing uncertainties and prayers, and (3) getting on with life. Overall, the ways to find solace were through isolation and prayer, which are heavily influenced by religion and spiritual practices. They recommended that to help women with breast cancer, a campaign to raise awareness for early screening is needed as well the need to form a peer‐led support group for women with breast cancer consisting of breast cancer survivors so that they can learn from each other's experiences.ConclusionsArab women with breast cancer experienced a myriad of social, cultural, psychological, and relationship difficulties that impacted their overall health and well‐being. The findings also found that these women were not passive agents. They sought to solve problem, move forward, and recreate the meanings in their lives in their own unique ways. Action is needed for possible ways to implement religion‐health partnerships between breast cancer nurses, peer‐led support groups, palliative care services, and religious institutions.