bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into the use of zinc–mannitol alkoxide as a novel thermal stabilizer for rigid poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Fu Ming , Li Degang , Liu Hao , Zhang Jun 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTZinc–mannitol alkoxide (Zn–Man) was synthesized through alcohol exchange reaction, and investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The thermal stability of Zn–Man for rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was evaluated by Congo red testing, conductivity measurements, thermal aging testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy test. The experimental results demonstrate that the addition of Zn–Man not only apparently prolonged the static thermal stability time to approximately 96.5 min but also evidently improved the initial color of PVC. More importantly, the color of the PVC sheets stabilized with Zn–Man did not change to black within 180 min; this showed that no zinc‐burning phenomenon occurred. In addition, the results of TGA reveal that Zn–Man raised the initial degradation temperature of PVC to about 273.4°C. UV–vis testing indicated that the presence of Zn–Man decreased the content and shortened the length of the conjugated double bonds of PVC. The possible thermal stability mechanism is discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42038.
Cultural Economics and Intellectual Property: Tensions and Challenges for the Region
Authors: Forsyth Miranda 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Pacific islands region is currently experiencing an intensification of interest in culture as an enabler, rather than an inhibitor, of development. The emerging field of cultural economics seeks to chart ways in which culture can lead to both economic development and also to other goals, such as positive social relationships, community cohesion and maintenance and enjoyment of cultural heritage. However, bringing together these different range of goals at times involves tensions, often manifested in differences between individual autonomy and family and community obligations, generational focus and clashes of cultural logics. This paper investigates these tensions through the lens of intellectual property, an area where competing ideologies and perspectives of entitlement often come head to head. It identifies and reflects upon four areas of tension that will have to be navigated as the region experiments with both global models of intellectual property and national and local regulatory mechanisms.
Assay of ceftazidime and cefepime based on fluorescence quenching of carbon quantum dots
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhang Ying , Yan Zhengyu , Liao Shenghua 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA novel and sensitive method for the determination of ceftazidime and cefepime in an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) has been developed based on the fluorescence quenching of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)2000‐capped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) prepared using a chemical oxidation method. The quenching of fluorescence intensity is proportional to the concentration of ceftazidime and cefepime over the range of 0.33–3.30 and 0.24–2.40 µg/mL, respectively. The mode of interaction between PEG2000‐capped CQDs and ceftazidime/cefepime in aqueous solutions was investigated using a fluorescence, UV/Vis and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) at physiological pH. UV/Vis and FTIR spectra demonstrated that ground state compounds were formed through hydrophobic interaction the fluorescence quenching of CQDs caused by ceftazidime and cefepime. The quenching constants decreased with increases in temperature, which was consistent with static quenching. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences Between Individual ZSM‐5 Crystals in Forming Hollow Single Crystals and Mesopores During Base Leaching
Authors: Fodor Daniel , Krumeich Frank , Hauert Roland , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAfter base treatment of ZSM‐5 crystals below 100 nm in size, TEM shows hollow single crystals with a 10 nm shell. SEM images confirm that the shell is well‐ preserved even after prolonged treatment. Determination of the Si/Al ratios with AAS and XPS in combination with argon sputtering reveals aluminum zoning of the parent zeolite, and the total pore volume increases in the first two hours of base treatment. In corresponding TEM images, the amount of hollow crystals are observed to increase during the first two hours of base treatment, and intact crystals are visible even after 10 h of leaching; these observations indicate different dissolution rates between individual crystals. TEM of large, commercially available ZSM‐5 crystals shows inhomogeneous distribution of mesopores among different crystals, which points to the existence of structural differences between individual crystals. Only tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum is detected with 27Al MAS NMR after the base leaching of nano‐sized ZSM‐5.
Chiral Resolution and Absolute Configuration of the Enantiomers of the Psychoactive “Designer Drug” 3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone
Authors: Suzuki Masaki , Deschamps Jeffrey R. , Jacobson Arthur E. , Rice Kenner C. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIllicit rac‐MDPV (3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone), manufactured in clandestine labs, has become widely abused for its cocaine‐like stimulant properties. It has recently been found as one of the toxic materials in the so‐called “bath salts,” producing, among other effects, psychosis and tachycardia in humans when introduced by any of the several routes of administration (e.g., intravenous, oral, etc.). The considerable toxicity of this “designer drug” probably resides in one of the enantiomers of the racemate. In order to obtain a sufficient amount of the enantiomers of rac‐MDPV to determine their activity, we improved the known synthesis of rac‐MDPV and found chemical resolving agents, (+)‐ and (–)‐2’‐bromotetranilic acid, that gave the MDPV enantiomers in >96% enantiomeric excess as determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography. The absolute stereochemistry of these enantiomers was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Chirality 27:287‐293, 2015. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Evolution of pigment‐dispersing factor neuropeptides in panarthropoda: Insights from onychophora (velvet worms) and tardigrada (water bears)
Authors: Mayer Georg , Hering Lars , Stosch Juliane M. , Stevenson Paul A. , Dircksen Heinrich 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTPigment‐dispersing factor (PDF) denotes a conserved family of homologous neuropeptides present in several invertebrate groups, including mollusks, nematodes, insects, and crustaceans (referred to here as pigment‐dispersing hormone [PDH]). With regard to their encoding genes (pdf, pdh), insects possess only one, nematodes two, and decapod crustaceans up to three, but their phylogenetic relationship is unknown. To shed light on the origin and diversification of pdf/pdh homologs in Panarthropoda (Onychophora + Tardigrada + Arthropoda) and other molting animals (Ecdysozoa), we analyzed the transcriptomes of five distantly related onychophorans and a representative tardigrade and searched for putative pdf homologs in publically available genomes of other protostomes. This revealed only one pdf homolog in several mollusk and annelid species; two in Onychophora, Priapulida, and Nematoda; and three in Tardigrada. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the last common ancestor of Panarthropoda possessed two pdf homologs, one of which was lost in the arthropod or arthropod/tardigrade lineage, followed by subsequent duplications of the remaining homolog in some taxa. Immunolocalization of PDF‐like peptides in six onychophoran species, by using a broadly reactive antibody that recognizes PDF/PDH peptides in numerous species, revealed an elaborate system of neurons and fibers in their central and peripheral nervous systems. Large varicose projections in the heart suggest that the PDF neuropeptides functioned as both circulating hormones and locally released transmitters in the last common ancestor of Onychophora and Arthropoda. The lack of PDF‐like‐immunoreactive somata associated with the onychophoran optic ganglion conforms to the hypothesis that onychophoran eyes are homologous to the arthropod median ocelli. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1865–1885, 2015 © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of the π Bridge and Acceptor on Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Push–Pull Cationic Chromophores: An Ultrafast Spectroscopic and TD‐DFT Computational Study
Authors: Carlotti Benedetta , Benassi Enrico , Barone Vincenzo , Consiglio Giuseppe , Elisei Fausto , Mazzoli Alessandra , Spalletti Anna 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThree (donor–π–acceptor)+ systems with a methyl pyridinium or quinolinium as the electron‐deficient group, a dimethyl amino as the electron‐donor group, and an ethylene or butadiene group as the spacer have been investigated in a joint spectroscopic and TD‐DFT computational study. A negative solvatochromism has been revealed in the absorption spectra, which implies a solution color change, and interpreted by considering the variation in the permanent dipole moment modulus and orientation upon photoexcitation. The fluorescence efficiency decreases upon increasing solvent polarity, in agreement with the excited‐state optimized geometries (planar in low‐polarity media and twisted in high‐polarity media). Femtosecond transient absorption has revealed the occurrence of a fast photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and the molecular factors that determine an efficient ICT. Considering the crucial role of the ICT in tuning the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, these compounds can be considered promising NLO materials.
Voltammetric Determination of Uric Acid Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Motghare Ramani V. , Tadi Kiran Kumar , Dhawale Payal , Deotare Samiksha , Kawadkar Aruna K. , Chillawar Rakesh , Khan Shirinaz 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for uric acid (UA) was synthesized by thermal polymerization using acrylic acid (AA) as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross linker and 2,2′‐azobis(2‐isobutyro) nitrile (AIBN) as initiator. The noncovalent interactions involved in four possible conformations of pre‐polymer complex were computationally studied by density functional theory. The hydrogen bond formation between UA and AA was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of the MIP before extraction of UA. After extraction of the template, the molecularly imprinted polymer based carbon paste electrode (MIPCPE) was fabricated under optimized conditions. A significant enhancement in the electrocatalytic oxidation of UA was found at MIPCPE. The electrochemical behavior of sensor was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV). The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies revealed less charge transfer resistance (Rct) at MIPCPE than NIPCPE. Under optimized conditions, calibration curve was obtained with a linearity range of 0.5 µM to 100 µM and the limit of detection was 0.1 µM. The sensor showed good selectivity towards UA in the presence of interferents and was successfully applied for the determination of UA in spiked serum samples.
Synthesis of Nitrogen Doped Multilayered Graphene Flakes: Selective Non‐enzymatic Electrochemical Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid in presence of Ascorbic Acid.
Authors: Biswas Sudip , Das Rashmita , Chakraborty Dipanjan , Bandhyopadhyay Rajib , Pramanik Panchanan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractNitrogen doped multilayered graphene (NDMLG) is synthesized by annealing the black fluffy mass obtained by decomposing the complex prepared from Zn(OAc)2, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. The NDMLG has been characterized by HRTEM, FESEM, XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, BET which indicate formation of nitrogen doped multilayer graphene flakes with high surface area. NDMLG shows better electrochemical oxidation property towards Dopamine, Uric acid and Ascorbic acid. The linear response ranges for determination of DA, UA and AA are 0.5–150 µM, 3–60 µM and 80–2000 µM respectively and the detection limits (S/N=3) are 15 nM, 15 nM, 580 nM, respectively in the mixture.
From personal fear to mass panic: The neurological basis of crowd perception
Authors: Huis in ‘t Veld Elisabeth M. J. , de Gelder Beatrice 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRecent studies have investigated the neural correlates of how we perceive emotions of individuals or a group of individuals using images of individual bodily expressions. However, it is still largely unknown how we perceive the emotion of a dynamic crowd. This fMRI study used realistic videos of a large group of people expressing fearful, happy or neutral emotions. Furthermore, the emotions were expressed by either unrelated individuals in the group or by an interacting group. It was hypothesized that the dynamics between the people in a crowd is a more salient signal than merely the emotion of the crowd. Second, it was expected that the group interaction is of special importance in a fearful or “panic” situation, as opposed to a happy or neutral situation. Using a fast‐event related design, it was revealed that observing interactive individuals, more so than independently expressive individuals, activated networks related to the perception, execution and integration of action and emotion. Most importantly, the interactive or panicked crowds, as opposed to the individually fearful crowds, triggered more anticipatory and action preparation activity, whereas the brain was less sensitive to the dynamics of individuals in a happy or neutral crowd. This is the first study to assess the effect of the dynamics between people and the collectively displayed emotion as an important aspect of emotional crowd perception. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2338–2351, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multicenter mapping of structural network alterations in autism
Authors: Valk Sofie L. , Di Martino Adriana , Milham Michael P. , Bernhardt Boris C. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions primarily characterized by abnormalities in social cognition. Abundant previous functional MRI studies have shown atypical activity in networks encompassing medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and medial parietal regions corresponding to posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus (PCC/PCU). Conversely, studies assessing structural brain anomalies in ASD have been rather inconsistent. The current work evaluated whether structural changes in ASD can be reliability detected in a large multicenter dataset. Our comprehensive structural MRI framework encompassed cortical thickness mapping and structural covariance analysis based on three independent samples comprising individuals with ASD and controls (n = 220), selected from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange open‐access database. Surface‐based analysis revealed increased cortical thickness in ASD relative to controls in mPFC and lateral prefrontal cortex. Clusters encompassing mPFC were embedded in altered inter‐regional covariance networks, showing decreased covariance in ASD relative to controls primarily to PCC/PCU and inferior parietal regions. Cortical thickness increases and covariance reductions in ASD were consistent, yet of variable effect size, across the different sites evaluated and measurable both in children and adults. Our multisite study shows regional and network‐level structural alterations in mPFC in ASD that, possibly, relate to atypical socio‐cognitive functions in this condition. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2364–2373, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Affordances of Blogs and Digital Video
Authors: Ranker Jason 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn this article, the author presents examples of two ninth‐grade students’ literacy processes as they used blogs and digital video (amongst other media) to inquire into the subject matter of fast food. The author discusses the students’ uses of these focal media through the concept of affordances, a concept that refers to the distinct possibilities and limitations of a particular mode or medium. Blogs afforded a means of responsive, written social interaction with other students about their learning, and the possibility of composing texts with embedded links to other webpages that had been explored on the topic. Digital video afforded distinctly visual means of representing their subject matter and the presentation of complex ideas through visual montage and juxtaposition of text and image. Teachers can use knowledge about these media affordances as they consider how these two media might be useful in their own classrooms and inquiry projects.
Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of melatonin entrapped PLA nanoparticles: An oxidative stress and T‐cell response using golden hamster
Authors: Pandey Sanjeev K. , Haldar Chandana , Vishwas Dipanshu K. , Maiti Pralay 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis study was carried out to evaluate the effects of melatonin entrapped PLA nanoparticles (Mel‐NPs) and pure Mel on impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS), blastogenic responses (%SR) in terms of proliferation of splenocytes. ROS have been proposed to play an important role in balancing the pro‐ and antioxidant homeostasis during different physiological condition of organism. Melatonin has been suggested as an effective free radical scavenger that may have an important role during this process. Mel‐NPs were prepared by using emulsification (o/w) nanoprecipitation method and their physicochemical characterizations were studied for evaluation of particle size and encapsulation efficiency by using SEM, TEM, particle size analyzer, DSC and FTIR. The TEM micrograph showed excellent findings regarding size, shape, encapsulation efficiency and difference between pure PLA nanoparticles and Mel‐NPs. The SEM micrographs of Mel‐NPs showed spherical shape, smooth surfaces and the homogeneous particle size distribution. In TEM micrograph, the average diameter of Mel‐NPs was found to be 36 ± 8 nm with ∼78% (w/w) of entrapment efficiency. The size of pure PLA nanoparticles was found to be larger as compared to Mel‐NPs which confirm that the drug supports the reduction of the size of Mel‐NPs. In in vitro study, we observed that Mel‐NPs significantly reduce the level of ROS in splenocytes and increased the level %SR at 96 h of splenocytes culture as compared to the culture with pure Mel. Thus our results propose high clinical value for improvement of depressed immunity by Mel‐NPs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3034–3044, 2015.
Electrospinning, mechanical properties, and cell behavior study of chitosan/PVAnanofibers
Authors: Koosha Mojtaba , Mirzadeh Hamid 
Published: February 2015

AbstractElectrospinning process has been widely used to produce nanofibers from polymer blends. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CS) have numerous biomedical applications such as wound healing and tissue engineering. Nanofibers of CS/PVA have been prepared by many works, however, a complete physicochemical and mechanical characterization as well as cell behavior has not been reported. In this study, PVA and CS/PVA blend solutions in acetic acid 70% with different volume ratios (30/70, 50/50, and 70/30) were electrospun in constant electrospinning process parameters. The structure and morphology of nanofibrous mats were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and XRD methods. The best nanofibrous mat was achieved from the CS/PVA 30/70 blend solution regarding the electrospinning throughput. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) of PVA and CS/PVA 30/70 nanofibrous mats were measured which were not considered in the previous studies. DMTA results in accordance to the DSC analysis approved the partial compatibility between the two polymers, while a single glass transition temperature was not observed for the blend. The tensile strength of PVA and CS/PVA nanofibers were also reported. Results of cell behavior study indicated that the heat stabilized nanofibrous mat CS/PVA 30/70 was able to support the attachment and proliferation of the fibroblast cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3081–3093, 2015.
Investigation of the cytotoxicity of aluminum oxide nanoparticles and nanowires and their localization in L929 fibroblasts and RAW264 macrophages
Authors: Hashimoto Masanori , Sasaki Jun‐Ichi , Imazato Satoshi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe biological responses of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) and nanowires (NWs) in cultured fibroblasts (L929) and macrophages (RAW264) were evaluated from their cytotoxicities and micromorphologic properties. Cultured cells were exposed to Al2O3NPs (13 nm diameter) and Al2O3NWs (2–6 × 200–400 nm). Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were examined by immunostaining with fluorescence microscopy, and nanomaterial localization was studied by using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The NPs were cytotoxic and genotoxic, whereas the NWs were not. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the NPs aggregate more on the cell surface than do the NWs. The transmission electron microscopy images showed that the NPs were internalized into the vesicle and nuclei, for both cell types. In contrast, numerous solid NWs were observed as large aggregates in vesicles, but not in nuclei. Nuclear damage was confirmed by measuring cell viability and by immunostaining for NPs. The chemical changes induced by the NPs in the vesicles or cells may cause cell damage because of their large surface area per volume. The extent of NW entrapment was not sufficient to lower the viability of either cell type. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 241–252, 2016.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of strontium‐containing nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite/sodium alginate for sinus lift in rabbits
Authors: Valiense Helder , Barreto Mauricio , Resende Rodrigo F. , Alves Adriana T. , Rossi Alexandre M. , Mavropoulos Elena , Granjeiro José M. , Calasans‐Maia Mônica D. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractVarious synthetic bone substitutes have been developed to reconstruct bone defects. One of the most prevalent ceramics in bone treatment is hydroxyapatite (HA) that is a useful material as bone substitute, however, with a low rate of biodegradation. Its structure allows isomorphic cationic and anionic substitutions to be easily introduced, which can alter the crystallinity, morphology, biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo biological responses to strontium‐containing nanostructured carbonated HA/sodium alginate (SrCHA) spheres (425<ϕ <600 μm) that were used for sinus lifts in rabbits using nanostructured carbonated HA/sodium alginate (CHA) as a reference. Cytocompatibility was determined using a multiparametric assay after exposing murine preosteoblasts to the extracts of these materials. Twelve male and female rabbits underwent bilateral sinus lift procedures and were divided into two groups (CHA or SrCHA) and in two experimental periods (4 and 12 weeks), for microscopic and histomorphometric analyses. The in vitro test revealed the overall viability of the cells exposed to the CHA and SrCHA extracts; thus, these extracts were considered cytocompatible, which was confirmed by three different parameters in the in vitro tests. The histological analysis showed chronic inflammation with a prevalence of macrophages around the CHA spheres after 4 weeks, and this inflammation decreased after 12 weeks. Bone formation was observed in both groups, and smaller quantities of SrCHA spheres were observed after 12 weeks, indicating greater bioresorption of SrCHA than CHA. SrCHA spheres are biocompatible and osteoconductive and undergo bioresorption earlier than CHA spheres. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 274–282, 2016.