bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stretchable Metallic Electrodes for Electroactive Polymer Actuators
Authors: Habrard Florian , Patscheider Jörg , Kovacs Gabor 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper describes preparation and characterization of silver electrodes deposited by magnetron sputtering with high stretching capability while maintaining their electrical conductivity. It is shown that tuning the microstructure and grain size of silver films of 30 nm thickness deposited on silicone membranes is an effective way to extend the stretching limit until rupture to 13%. It is shown that films with an open pores microstructure and small grains of 18 nm do not develop cracks that are observable by AFM, while dense films with grains of ca. 25 nm develop crack networks with individual crack widths of several hundred nanometers, causing conductive failure already at 4% strain.
Polyurethane–Bentonite Nanocomposites: Morphology and Oxygen Permeation
Authors: Mittal Vikas 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTTo provide additional functionality to the adhesive polyurethane (PU) matrices, a solution intercalation approach was used to synthesize PU nanocomposite films with layered silicate bentonites modified with different surface ammonium ions. The oxygen permeation through the composite films was correlated to the filler fraction in the composites. The morphology in the composites was characterized using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposites were observed to have mixed morphology with varying thicknesses of filler particles. The platelets were also misaligned, and a quantitative value of 50–75% randomness was determined from finite element model predictions. The X‐ray diffraction signals also indicated that the basal plane spacing was increased to 3.5 nm in the composites irrespective of the filler type and volume fraction. The oxygen permeation in the case of Tixogel VZ decreased to 25% as compared to pure polymer at 6 wt% (2.13 vol%) filler, and an average aspect ratio of 100 was observed by the finite element permeation models. The Tixogel VP filler, on the other hand, had an excess of modification molecules on the surface and combined with the polarity mismatch (Hansen parameters) of the modification with the PU chains led to an increase in the oxygen permeation through the nanocomposite films.
Photopolymerization Kinetics of Block Polyether Based Terminal Urethane Methacrylate with/without Cross‐Linker
Authors: Reghunathan Harikrishna 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe present work deals with the photopolymerization of difunctional macromonomer with a polyether chain and urethane methacrylate terminations. Macromonomeric formulations were prepared by mixing macromonomer with two different concentrations of photoinitiator. Formulations were also prepared by the addition of 10 wt% of soft‐segmented difunctional cross‐linker to the abovementioned macromonomic formulations. All formulations were then subjected to photopolymerization studies and the effects of light intensity on the photopolymerization kinetics were studied at two different isothermal conditions using photo differential scanning calorimetry (Photo DSC) with polychromatic radiation. The isothermal heat flow against time was recorded for all formulations and the kinetic parameters were noted. It was observed that the rate of maximum polymerization as well as peak maximum time showed a general trend. However, the ultimate conversion as well as the conversion at maximum rate did not show any trend due to diffusional restrictions imparted by the increase in viscosity with conversion. The photopolymerization of the formulations and curing kinetics including evaluation of autocatalytic model are discussed.
Sonoelectrochemical and Electrochemical Synthesis of Polypyrrole Films on St‐12 Steel and Their Corrosion and Morphological Studies
Authors: Ashassi‐Sorkhabi H. , Bagheri R. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe electrochemical and sonoelectrochemical synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy) on St‐12 steel was achieved in an oxalic acid medium by using a galvanostatic method with a current density of 4 mA/cm2. Direct application of low‐frequency ultrasound led to more compact and more homogeneous surface structures for PPy. The corrosion behavior of the coatings was studied through open circuit potential‐time curves, potentiodynamic polarization technique, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements in NaCl 3.5% solution. The Kramers–Kronig transformations were applied to evaluate the validity of the impedance data. The results showed that the coating resistance (Rcoat), corrosion resistance (Rcorr), and warburge resistance of ultrasonically prepared samples were higher than that of nonultrasonically synthesized PPy. With the help of scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the effects of the ultrasonic irradiation on the morphology and the results reveal that the sonoelectrochemical synthesis method yielded strongly adherent and smooth coats.
The fate of chronic rhinosinusitis sufferers after maximal medical therapy
Authors: Baguley Campbell , Brownlow Amanda , Yeung Kaye , Pratt Ellie , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundMany chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) treatment regimes revolve around “one‐off” maximal medical therapy (MMT) protocols, and although many patients initially respond, long‐term control is unpredictable. The value of imaging, endoscopy, and patient progress after MMT for CRS is assessed.MethodsSymptomatic CRS patients with computed tomography (CT)‐confirmed disease were recruited at a tertiary rhinology clinic. All patients received at least a 3‐week oral prednisone course as part of their MMT. Pretreatment and posttreatment nasal symptoms scores (NSS), quality of life (22‐item SinoNasal Outcomes Test [SNOT‐22]), and CT (Lund‐Mackay [LM]) scores were recorded along with post‐MMT endoscopy status.ResultsA total of 86 patients (38% female, age 46 ± 13 years) met inclusion criteria. Pre‐MMT and post‐MMT LM scores were 10.9 ± 5.3 and 8.3 ± 5.5 (change 2.6 ± 3.8, p < 0.001). Median follow‐up after their initial post‐MMT assessment was 6.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 17) months. At initial post‐MMT review, 43 (50%) were symptomatic with persistent radiologic disease (“symptomatic CRS”), 12 (14%) were asymptomatic with no radiologic disease (“resolved CRS”), 21 (24%) were asymptomatic with persistent radiologic disease (“asymptomatic CRS”), and 10 (12%) were symptomatic with no radiologic disease (“alternate diagnosis”). Pre‐MMT NSS and SNOT‐22 were similar among groups. The “asymptomatic CRS” group had the highest age (52 ± 11 years, p = 0.07). The “alternate diagnosis” group had the lowest initial LM scores (5.2 ± 2.9, p = 0.001). Of the “asymptomatic CRS” patients, 43% relapsed between 3 and 23 months (median 6; IQR 4.4 months) post‐MMT and 29% eventually underwent surgery.ConclusionAlthough MMT for CRS achieved symptomatic relief in 38% patients, objective evidence of disease was associated with clinical relapse. The concepts of “response” to medical therapy and the need to “control” long‐term inflammatory burden need to be balanced.
Improvement of histocompatibility of silk fibroin/polyurethane membrane with controlled release of aspirin
Authors: Wang Weici , Wang Jian , Yang Hongjun , Li Yiqing , Jin Bi , Ouyang Chenxi 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe histocompatibility of polyurethane (PU) modified by superfine silk‐fibroin (SF) powder (1 : 1) with different dosage of aspirin to determine the best dosage for histocompatibility was investigated. Aspirin powder was incorporated into SF–PU (1 : 1) blend mixture at doses of 0%, 5%, or 10% (w/w). The influence of different doses of aspirin on histocompatibility of the hybrid material was studied by using morphology examination, infrared spectroscopy,in vitrodrug release study, andin vivotests including an acute toxicity test, an assessment of local reaction in the muscle, hematological examination, and histological examination. SF–PU (50 : 50) blend film had superior performance over the polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) film in terms of histocompatibility, and the anti‐inflammatory/anti‐platelet effects were improved after integration with limited doses of aspirin to yield a valuable drug release vascular graft. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 40580.
1,2,3‐triazole crosslinked polymers as binders for solid rocket propellants
Authors: Lee Dong‐Hoon , Kim Kyoung Tae , Jang Yujin , Lee Sookyeong , Jeon Heung Bae , Paik Hyun‐jong , Min Byoung Sun , Kim Wonho 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIn this study, 1,2,3‐triazole crosslinked polymers were synthesized as a new binder for solid rocket propellant systems by reacting the azide groups of the polymer with the ethynyl groups of a dipolarophile curing agent. All the mixtures were cured in an oven at 52°C for 7 days, and the curing reactivity of the products was analyzed using a Fourier transform‐infrared spectrometer. The carbonyl group adjacent to the triple bond, which acts as an electron‐withdrawing group, considerably accelerated the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between the azide and ethynyl functional groups, affording rubbery materials. The modulus of the polymers increased whereas the elongation at the break decreased with increasing ratio of the crosslinker to the prepolymer, resulting in highly crosslinked polymers. The molecular weights between the crosslinking points and interaction parameters of the 1,2,3‐triazole crosslinked polymers were determined from the swelling data, Flory–Rehner equation, and Mooney–Rivlin equation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40594.
Enhanced transient recombinant protein production in CHO cells through the co‐transfection of the product gene withBcl‐xL
Authors: Zustiak Matthew P. , Jose Lisa , Xie Yueqing , Zhu Jianwei , Betenbaugh Michael J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTransient gene expression is gaining popularity as a method to rapidly produce recombinant proteins in mammalian cells. Although significant improvements have been made, in terms of expression, more improvements are needed to compete with the yields achievable in stable gene expression. Much progress has come from optimization of transfection media and parameters, as well as altering culturing conditions to enhance productivity. Recent studies have included cell lines engineered for apoptosis resistance through the constitutive expression of an anti‐apoptotic protein, Bcl‐xL. In this study, we examine an alternative method of using the benefits of anti‐apoptotic gene expression to enhance the transient expression of biotherapeutics, namely, through the co‐transfection ofBcl‐xLand the product‐coding gene. CHO‐S cells were co‐transfected with the product‐coding gene and a vector containingBcl‐xLusing polyethylenimine. Cells co‐transfected withBcl‐xLshowed reduced levels of apoptosis, increased specific productivity, and an overall increase in product yield of approximately 100%. Similar results were produced by employing another anti‐apoptotic protein, Bcl‐2 delta, in CHO cells, or through the co‐transfection with Bcl‐xLusing HEK‐293E cells. This work provides an alternative method for increasing yields of therapeutic proteins in TGE applications without generating a stable cell line and subsequent screening, which are both time‐ and resource‐consuming.See accompanying commentary by Matthias Hackl and Nicole Borth DOI:10.1002/biot.201400104
Evodiamine might inhibit TGF‐beta1‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in NRK52E cells via Smad and PPAR‐gamma pathway
Authors: Wei Jiali , Li Zhuori , Yuan Feng 
Published: March 2014

AbstractEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐beta1 is the main inducer of EMT. Phosphorylation of Smad proteins and PPAR‐gamma activation are required for the process of TGF‐beta1‐induced EMT. Evodiamine possesses anti‐inflammatory, anti‐obesity, anti‐cancer, and anti‐nociceptive effects. We have examined the effects of evodiamine in EMT induced by TGF‐beta1 and the role of Smad and PPAR‐gamma signal pathway in rat renal proximal tubular epithelial (NRK52E) cells in vitro. E‐cadherin, alpha‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), Smad 2 and PPAR‐gamma mRNA and protein expressions were detected by real‐time PCR and Western blot, respectively. NRK52E treated with TGF‐beta1 for 48 h induced EMT, as evidenced by loss of E‐cadherin and de novo expression of alpha‐SMA. EMT was almost completely blocked by evodiamine and rosiglitazone. TGF‐beta1 significantly increased Smad 2 expression and decreased PPAR‐gamma expression in NRK52E cells compared with the control group, while evodiamine and rosiglitazone almost reversed these effects. These observations suggest that evodiamine and rosiglitazone inhibit TGF‐beta1‐induced EMT in NRK52E cells. Smad 2 and PPAR‐gamma signal pathway might participate in the effects of evodiamine and rosiglitazone in EMT induced by TGF‐beta1.
Nuclear factor‐κB as a link between endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation during cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation
Authors: Wu Qin , Wang Qiqi , Guo Zhidong , Shang Yunpeng , Zhang Lei , Gong Shikun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) can initiate inflammation, and the coupling of these responses is thought to be fundamental to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanism linking ERS and inflammation in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion needs further investigation. Cultured cardiomyocytes were pretreated with SP600125 or salubrinal, followed by tunicamycin to clarify the involvement of the IRE1α and PERK pathways in ERS inflammation. The cardiomyocytes were given hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), and the effects of the NF‐κB inhibitor, SN50, were followed. GRP78 protein levels were similar in the tunicamycin (Tm), salubrinal, and SP600125 groups, but were lower in cells treated with SN50. SN50 might effectively block the H/R‐induced link between ERS and inflammation in cardiomyocytes by decreasing GRP78. This knowledge will aid in the development of therapies for myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Control Parameterization‐Based Adaptive Particle Swarm Approach for Solving Chemical Dynamic Optimization Problems
Authors: Zhou You , Liu Xinggao 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA control parameterization‐based particle swarm optimization (CP‐PSO) approach is presented which combines control parameterization with particle swarm optimization to solve dynamic optimization problems in chemical engineering. To improve search efficiency and convergence rate, a control parameterization‐based adaptive particle swarm optimization (CP‐APSO) approach is proposed, in which inertia weight and acceleration coefficients are updated according to population distribution characteristics. Three benchmark chemical dynamic optimization problems are explored as illustration. The results demonstrate that CP‐APSO is efficient for solving a general class of chemical dynamic optimization problems and CP‐APSO largely outperforms CP‐PSO on the convergence rate.
Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysis by a N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Iridium Complex on a Polyoxometalate Platform
Authors: Modugno Gloria , Monney Angele , Bonchio Marcella , Albrecht Martin , Carraro Mauro 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA divacant Keggin polyanion has been decorated with a N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) iridium(I) organometallic complex to provide a molecular model of an Ir‐based supported catalyst. The characterization of the hybrid compound has been performed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and mass spectroscopy, and the results are in agreement with a bisfunctionalization of the polyoxometalate scaffold. The resulting supported homogeneous complex has been successfully used to catalyze the transfer hydrogenation from iPrOH to benzophenone [with a turnover number (TON) of 680 and a turnover frequency (TOF) of up to 540 h–1].
Efficient C–N and C–S Bond Formation Using the Highly Active [Ni(allyl)Cl(IPr*OMe)] Precatalyst
Authors: Martin Anthony R. , Nelson David J. , Meiries Sébastien , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Nolan Steven P. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTwo new [Ni(allyl)Cl(NHC)] complexes with the bulky yet flexible N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands IPr* {N,N′‐bis[2,6‐bis(diphenylmethyl)‐4‐methylphenyl]imidazole‐2‐ylidene} and IPr*OMe {N,N′‐bis[2,6‐bis(diphenylmethyl)‐4‐methoxyphenyl]imidazol‐2‐ylidene} are reported. These complexes were employed in the amination and sulfination of aryl halide species and were shown to perform well in these reactions, which typically required less than half as much catalyst as previous state‐of‐the‐art nickel complexes.
Solar drying and organoleptic characteristics of two tropical African fish species using improved low‐cost solar driers
Authors: Mustapha Moshood K. , Ajibola Taiye B. , Salako Abdulbashir F. , Ademola Sunmola K. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study was done to evaluate the drying performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of five different types of improved low‐cost solar driers in terms of moisture loss from two tropical African fish species Clarias gariepinus (African sharp tooth catfish) and Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) and testing the organoleptic characteristics of the dried samples. The driers used were made from plastic, aluminum, glass, glass with black igneous stone, and mosquito net, with traditional direct open‐sun drying as a control. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in weight resulting from moisture loss in the two fish species was observed in all the driers, with the highest reduction occurring in the glass drier containing black stone. The rate of weight loss was faster in the first 4 days of drying with black stone‐inserted glass drier showing the fastest drying rate with a constant weight in C. gariepinus attained on the 11th day and in O. niloticus on the eighth day. The slowest drier was plastic where a constant weight of the species were recorded on and 13th day and 11th day, respectively. Volunteers were used to assess the organoleptic characteristics of the dried samples and they showed lowest acceptability for the open‐sun drying, while samples from the glass drier containing black stone had the highest acceptability in terms of the taste, flavor, appearance, texture, odor, palatability, and shelf‐life. The low‐cost solar driers were effective found in removing water from the fish resulting in significant loss of weight and moisture. The highest drying time, efficient performance, drying effectiveness, and high acceptability of the organoleptic parameters of the dried products from the black stone‐inserted glass drier were due to the ability of the glass and the black stone to retain, transmit, and radiate heat to the fish sample all the time (day and night). These low‐cost driers are simple to construct, materials for its construction readily available, easy to maintain and operate, hygienic in use, reliable, effective, occupies less area, dry products faster with increased shelf‐life, save man‐hour, user‐friendly, use renewable energy, protect the drying samples from filthiness, wetness, and invasion by pests, insects, and microbes, with well‐dried, high‐quality, and better preserved final products. The adoption and use any of these low‐cost solar driers by artisanal fishermen and general household in sub‐Saharan Africa will not only help in reducing post catch losses, but also ensure food safety and security as there is abundant solar energy in these sub‐Saharan African tropical countries for the operation of the driers.
Comparison Between Anode‐Supported and Electrolyte‐Supported Ni‐CGO‐LSCF Micro‐tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Droushiotis N. , Grande F. Dal , Dzarfan Othman M. H. , Kanawka K. , Doraswami U. , Metcalfe I. S. , Li K. , Kelsall G. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTwo types of micro‐tubular hollow fiber SOFCs (MT‐HF‐SOFCs) were prepared using phase inversion and sintering; electrolyte‐supported, based on highly asymmetric Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95(CGO) HFs and anode‐supported based on co‐extruded NiO‐CGO(CGO)/CGO HFs. Electroless plating was used to deposit Ni onto the inner surfaces of the electrolyte‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs to form Ni‐CGO anodes. LSCF‐CGO cathodes were deposited on the outer surface of both these MT‐HF‐SOFCs before their electrochemical performances were compared at similar operating conditions. The performance of the anode‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs which delivered ca. 480 mW cm–2 at 600 °C was superior to the electrolyte‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs which delivered ca. six times lower power. The contribution of ohmic and electrode polarization losses of both FCs was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrolyte‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs had significantly higher ohmic and electrode polarization ASR values; this has been attributed to the thicker electrolyte and the difficulties associated with forming quality anodes inside the small (<1 mm) lumen of the electrolyte tubes. Further development on co‐extruded anode‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs led to the fabrication of a thinner electrolyte layer and improved electrode microstructures which delivered a world leading 2,400 mW cm–2. The newly made cell was investigated at different H2 flow rates and the effect of fuel utilization on current densities was analyzed.
Positive perception of pharmacogenetic testing for psychotropic medications
Authors: Lanktree Matthew B. , Zai Gwyneth , VanderBeek Laura E. , Giuffra Daniel E. , Smithson David S. , Kipp Lucas B. , Dalseg Timothy R. , Speechley Mark , Kennedy James L. 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionPharmacogenetics attempts to identify inter‐individual genetic differences that are predictive of variable drug response and propensity to side effects, with the prospect of assisting physicians to select the most appropriate drug and dosage for treatment. However, many concerns regarding genetic tests exist. We sought to test the opinions of undergraduate science and medical students in southern Ontario universities toward pharmacogenetic testing.Methods and ResultsQuestionnaires were completed by 910 undergraduate medicine and science students from 2005 to 2007. Despite students' concerns that the results of genetic tests may be used for other purposes without consent (71%) or lead to discrimination (78%), an overwhelming number of students were in favor of pharmacogenetic testing (90%).DiscussionTo our knowledge, this study is the first to survey a large sample for their attitude toward pharmacogenetic testing for psychotropic medications. Our results indicate that, although concerns remain and scientific advancements are required, respondents were in support of pharmacogenetic testing for medications used to treat schizophrenia. © 2014 The Authors. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Class II HDACs and Neuronal Regeneration
Authors: Tang Bor Luen 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe vastly more superior regenerative capacity of the axons of peripheral nerves over central nervous system (CNS) neurons has been partly attributed to the former's intrinsic capacity to initiate and sustain the functionality of a new growth cone. Growth cone generation involves a myriad of processes that centers around the organization of microtubule bundles. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) modulate a wide range of key neuronal processes such as neural progenitor differentiation, learning and memory, neuronal death, and degeneration. HDAC inhibitors have been shown to be beneficial in attenuating neuronal death and promoting neurite outgrowth and axonal regeneration. Recent advances have provided insights on how manipulating HDAC activities, particularly the type II HDACs 5 and 6, which deacetylate tubulin, may benefit axonal regeneration. These advances are discussed herein. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1225–1233, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.