bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and properties of in‐situ polymerized polyurethane/stearate intercalated layer double hydroxide nanocomposites
Authors: Kotal Moumita , Srivastava Suneel Kumar , Manu Saraswathi Kesavapillai , Saxena Aravind Kumar , Pandey Kailash Nath 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe present work deals with the effect of stearate intercalated layered double hydroxide (St‐LDH) loadings on the morphological, mechanical, thermal, adhesive and flame retardant properties of polyurethane (PU)/St‐LDH nanocomposites prepared by the in situ polymerization method. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed that exfoliation takes place at 3 wt% loading followed by intercalation at higher filler loadings in the PU matrix. The exfoliated structure has been further verified by atomic force microscopy. The measurements of stress‐strain, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, lap shear strength and peel strength analysis showed that the nanocomposites containing 3 wt% St‐LDH exhibit excellent improvement in tensile strength (ca 175%) and log storage modulus (ca 14%), while PU/St‐LDH (5 wt%) possesses optimum improvement in glass transition temperature (ca 6 °C), lap shear strength (200%) and peel strength (130%) over neat PU. In addition, the gradual improvements in limiting oxygen index value with St‐LDH loading indicated the higher effectiveness in providing better barrier properties as well as better flame retardant behavior. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Foaming behaviour and cell structure of poly(lactic acid) after various modifications
Authors: Yu Long , Toikka Gary , Dean Katherine , Bateman Stuart , Yuan Qiang , Filippou Con , Nguyen Tri 
Published: September 2012

AbstractImproving the melt strength of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is of continuing strategic research interest since a low melt strength results in poor processability of foaming and blowing film. PLA was modified in various ways including crosslinking, chain extension, grafting, blending, plasticizing and nucleation to improve its melt strength. This work focuses on the effect of melt strength after various modifications on foaming behaviour and cell structures of PLA foam. Cell density was increased and cell structure became more uniform with increasing melt strength, in particular when the melt strain was also increased after modification. With increasing melt strength the phenomenon of open and ruptured cells was decreased. The foaming window was widened with increasing melt strength, in particular after crosslinking, chain extension and blending with elastomer. Molecular weight, thermal properties and viscosity of PLA after various modifications were also studied and used to explain the foaming behaviour and foam structures. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of polystyrene nanoparticles “armoured” with nanodimensional graphene oxide sheets by miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: Che Man S. H. , Thickett Stuart C. , Whittaker Michael R. , Zetterlund Per B. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPolystyrene particles “armoured” with nanosized graphene oxide (GO) sheets have been prepared by aqueous miniemulsion polymerization of styrene, exploiting the amphiphilic properties of GO in the absence of conventional surfactants. The nanoscale GO sheets were prepared from graphite nanofibers of diameter approximately 100 nm based on a novel procedure, thus effectively ensuring the absence of larger sheets. Polymerization proceeded to high conversion with minor coagulation, with final number‐average particle diameters of approximately 500 nm, but relatively broad particle size distributions. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed particles with a textured surface, consistent with the expected morphology. Interestingly, analysis of GO sheets recovered from the polymerization revealed that the GO sheets are partially reduced during the polymerization—approximately 50% of the initial carboxyl groups of the GO were lost, consistent with some loss in colloidal stability at high conversion. The overall approach offers a convenient and attractive synthetic route to novel graphene‐based polymeric nanostructures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Substructure‐based annotation of high‐resolution multistage MSn spectral trees
Authors: Ridder Lars , van der Hooft Justin J. J. , Verhoeven Stefan , de Vos Ric C. H. , van Schaik René , Vervoort Jacques 
Published: September 2012

RATIONALEHigh‐resolution multistage MSn data contains detailed information that can be used for structural elucidation of compounds observed in metabolomics studies. However, full exploitation of this complex data requires significant analysis efforts by human experts. In silico methods currently used to support data annotation by assigning substructures of candidate molecules are limited to a single level of MS fragmentation.METHODSWe present an extended substructure‐based approach which allows annotation of hierarchical spectral trees obtained from high‐resolution multistage MSn experiments. The algorithm yields a hierarchical tree of substructures of a candidate molecule to explain the fragment peaks observed at consecutive levels of the multistage MSn spectral tree. A matching score is calculated that indicates how well the candidate structure can explain the observed hierarchical fragmentation pattern.RESULTSThe method is applied to MSn spectral trees of a set of compounds representing important chemical classes in metabolomics. Based on the calculated score, the correct molecules were successfully prioritized among extensive sets of candidates structures retrieved from the PubChem database.CONCLUSIONSThe results indicate that the inclusion of subsequent levels of fragmentation in the automatic annotation of MSn data improves the identification of the correct compounds. We show that, especially in the case of lower mass accuracy, this improvement is not only due to the inclusion of additional fragment ions in the analysis, but also to the specific hierarchical information present in the MSn spectral trees. This method may significantly reduce the time required by MS experts to analyze complex MSn data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential strategies and biosafety protocols used for dual‐use research on highly pathogenic influenza viruses
Authors: Du Lanying , Li Ye , Gao Jimin , Zhou Yusen , Jiang Shibo 
Published: September 2012

SUMMARYInfluenza A viruses (IAVs), particularly the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, have posed a substantial threat to public health worldwide. Although the laboratory generation of the mutant influenza virus H5N1 with airborne transmissibility among mammals, which has been considered as a dual‐use research, may benefit the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics against the emerging infectious agents, it may also pose threats to national biosecurity, laboratory biosafety, and/or public health. This review introduces the classification and characterization of IAVs, pinpoints historic pandemics and epidemics caused by IAVs, emphasizes the significance and necessity of biosafety, summarizes currently established biosafety‐related protocols for IAV research, and provides potential strategies to improve biosafety protocols for dual‐use research on the highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and other emerging infectious agents. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of 0.36 wt% C High Strength TRIP‐Assisted Steel
Authors: Ghosh Swarup Kumar , Chattopadhyay Partha Protim 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPhase evolution in a 0.36 wt% C steel has been studied by thermodynamic calculation and dilatometric analysis with an aim to achieve high strength TRIP‐assisted steel with bainitic microstructure. The equilibrium phase fraction calculated as the function of temperature indicated the formation of δ‐ferrite (≈98%) at 1417°C. In contrast, similar calculation under para‐equilibrium condition exhibited transformation of δ‐ferrite to austenite at the temperature below 1300°C. During further cooling two‐phase (α+γ) microstructure has been found to be stable at the intercritical temperature range. The experimentally determined CCT diagram has revealed that adequate hardenability is achievable in the steel under continuous cooling condition at cooling rate >5°C s−1. In view of the aforesaid results, the steel has been hot rolled and subjected to different process schedule conducive to the evolution of bainitic microstructure. The hot rolled steel has exhibited reasonably good tensile properties. However, cold deformation of the hot rolled sample followed by intercritical annealing and subsequent isothermal bainitic transformation has resulted in high strength (>1000 MPa) with attractive elongation due to the favorable work hardening condition during plastic deformation offered by the multiphase microstructure.
Nation‐wide litter fall data from 21 forests of the Monitoring Sites 1000 Project in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi N. , Ishihara Masae I. , Nakamura Masahiro , Abe Shin , Hiura Tsutom , Homma Kosuke , Higa Motoki , Hoshino Daisuke , Hoshizaki Kazuhiko , Ida Hideyuki , Ishida Ken , Kawanishi Motohiro , Kobayashi Kazutaka , Kuraji Koichiro , Kuramoto Shigeo , Masaki Takashi , Niiyama Kaoru , Noguchi Mahoko , Nomiya Haruto , Saito Satoshi , Sakai Takeshi , Sakimoto Michinori , Sakio Hitoshi , Sato Tamotsu , Shibano Hirofumi , Shibata Mitsue , Suzuki Maki , Takashima Atsushi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Takagi Masahiro , Tashiro Naoaki , Tokuchi Naoko , Yoshida Toshiya , Yoshida Yumiko 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis data paper reports litter fall data collected in a network of 21 forest sites in Japan. This is the largest litter fall data set freely available in Japan to date. The network is a part of the Monitoring Sites 1000 Project launched by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan. It covers subarctic to subtropical climate zones and the four major forest types in Japan. Twenty‐three permanent plots in which usually 25 litter traps were installed were established in old‐growth or secondary natural forests. Litter falls were collected monthly from 2004, and sorted into leaves, branches, reproductive structures and miscellaneous. The data provide seasonal patterns and inter‐annual dynamics of litter falls, and their geographical patterns, and offer good opportunities for meta‐analyses and comparative studies among forests.
Surface Activity and Cleavability of Gemini Surfactants Featuring Hydrophilic Spacer Groups
Authors: Su Shuenn‐Kung , Lin Li‐Huei , Lai Yu‐Ching 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn this study we prepared and characterized a series of novel ester‐linked gemini surfactants, featuring ester bonds in their structures, through the reactions of polyethylene glycol (PEG400) with various fatty acids (C8–C18). These gemini surfactants exhibit excellent surface activities, as evidenced by their surface tension, wetting power, and low‐foaming and buffer abilities. We examine the influence of the concentrations of the ester‐linked gemini surfactants on the surface tension, from which we obtain the critical micelle concentrations. Under basic conditions, each of these cleavable surfactants decomposes into a water‐insoluble fatty acid and two water‐soluble products; in contrast, they are stable under neutral and acidic conditions.
Prooxidant Activity of Polar Lipid Oxidation Products in Bulk Oil and Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion
Authors: Kittipongpittaya Ketinun , Chen Bingcan , Panya Atikorn , McClements David Julian , Decker Eric A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractLipid oxidation products can arise when oils are subjected to high temperature and exposed to oxygen. Many of these oxidation products have higher polarity than the original triacylglycerols due to the incorporation of oxygen. These polar oxidation products could have a negative impact on oxidative stability by acting as prooxidants. In this study, the influence of polar lipid oxidation products on the oxidative stability of bulk oils and oil‐in‐water emulsions was investigated. Polar compounds were isolated from used frying oil by silica gel column chromatography. They were added to bulk stripped corn oil (with/without reverse micelles formed by dioleoylphosphatidylcholine, DOPC) and oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion to evaluate their prooxidative activity. Polar compounds increased lipid oxidation in bulk oil with and without DOPC. The presence of DOPC reverse micelles decreased the prooxidant activity of the polar oxidation products. On the other hand, there was no significant effect of the polar compounds on oxidation of O/W emulsions. To gain a better understanding of the polar compounds responsible for the prooxidant effect, linoleic acid and linoleic hydroperoxide were added into bulk oil at the same concentration as those in the polar fraction of the frying oil. However, they did not show the same prooxidative activity compared to oil with the polar fraction.
Lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates of sub-clinical psychosis symptoms in a community cohort of 50-year-old individuals
Authors: Rössler W. , Hengartner M.P. , Ajdacic-Gross V. , Haker H. , Angst J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground:Estimation of prevalence rates of sub-clinical psychosis symptoms can vary considerably depending on the methodology used. Furthermore, discussions are ongoing how prevalence rates may differ across various syndromes.Method:We analyzed data from the prospective Zurich Study, assessing sub-clinical psychosis with a semi-structured clinical interview in a community cohort of 50 years old individuals. The higher-order factors of psychosis symptoms were analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis to validate the a priori specified symptom-structure. Further associations were examined with contingency tables and logistic regressions.Results:The confirmatory factor analysis was consistent with a structure with four higher-order syndromes. Those different syndromes were labeled “thought disorder” (lifetime prevalence = 10.6%), “ego disorder” (4.8%), “hallucination” (9.7%), and “schizotypy” (28.2%). A strong discrepancy was noted between the 12-month prevalence of any symptoms and those considered to be severe. Twelve-month prevalence rates of distressful syndromes ranged from 0.1% for hallucinations up to 6.6% for schizotypy. The most strongly interrelated syndromes were thought disorder and ego disorder (OR = 12.4).Conclusion:Our findings indicate a continuity of sub-clinical psychosis within the general population even though only a small proportion suffers from distressing symptoms. Our analyses showed that the syndromes identified here are similar to those found in full-blown schizophrenia, albeit in an attenuated form.
Is ADHD severity in adults associated with the lifetime prevalence of comorbid depressive episodes and anxiety disorders?
Authors: Simon V. , Czobor P. , Bitter I. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose:The objective of the present study was to examine the association between ADHD severity and the lifetime prevalence of comorbid depressive episodes and anxiety disorders in adults with ADHD.Subjects/materials and methods:Analyses were based on data of the Conner's Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) and a parent study examining the epidemiology of adult ADHD in 17 GP practices in Budapest, Hungary. Subjects between 18 and 60 years were included in the screening phase (n = 3529). Out of 279 positively screened subjects 161 participated in a clinical interview and completed the CAARS to confirm the diagnosis. We applied four diagnostic criteria: “DSM-IV”; “No-onset” (DSM-IV criteria without the specific requirement for onset); “Symptoms-only” (DSM-IV symptom criterion only); and “Reduced symptoms-only” (DSM-IV symptom criterion with a reduced threshold for symptom count). The MINI PLUS 5.0 was used to assess psychiatric comorbidity.Results:ADHD severity, as measured by the CAARS ADHD Index, showed a significant positive association with the prevalence of comorbid depressive episodes in all but the “ADHD_No-onset” group (“DSM-IV”: F[1.23] = 8.39, P = 0.0081; “No-onset”: F(1.27) = 0.97, P = 0.3346; “Symptoms-only”: F[1.55] = 30.79, P < 0.0001; “Reduced symptoms-only”: F(1.62) = 26.69, P < 0.0001).Discussion and conclusion:Results indicate that ADHD symptom severity increases in association with lifetime comorbidity with depression.
Syncytiotrophoblast‐derived microparticle shedding in early‐onset and late‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Chen Yu , Huang Yajuan , Jiang Rongzhen , Teng Yincheng 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the concentration of syncytiotrophoblast‐derived microparticles (STBMs) in the maternal circulation and the rate of syncytiotrophoblast apoptosis in the placenta of patients with early‐onset and late‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia.MethodsA prospective case–control study was conducted that enrolled 15 women with early‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia, 15 women with late‐onset severe pre‐eclampsia, and 10 women with normal pregnancies. Plasma STBM levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, while placental levels of active caspase‐3 were determined by western blotting. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with STBMs and the proliferation and apoptosis rates of the HUVECs assessed.ResultsLevels of STBMs in the early‐onset group (71.2 ± 20.7 ng/mL) were significantly higher than those detected in the late‐onset group (41.9 ± 29.7 ng/mL) and the control group (26.3 ± 11.2 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). The amount of active caspase‐3 was increased in the early‐onset (0.85 ± 0.61) and late‐onset groups (0.77 ± 0.46) relative to the control group (0.32 ± 0.15) (P < 0.05). Proliferation of HUVECs was inhibited, while apoptosis was elevated, following co‐culture with STBMs.ConclusionShedding of STBMs into the maternal circulation occurs in greater amounts in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia than in late‐onset pre‐eclampsia.
The linear spin-up of a stratified, rotating fluid in a square cylinder
Authors: Foster M. R. , Munro R. J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHere we present experimental and theoretical results for how a stratified fluid, initially rotating as a solid body with constant angular velocity, $\Omega $, within a closed cylinder of square cross-section, is spun up when subject to a small, impulsive increase, $ \mrm{\Delta} \Omega $, in the cylinder’s rotation rate. The fluid’s adjustment to the new state of solid rotation can be characterized by: (a) an inviscid, horizontal starting flow which conserves the vorticity of the initial condition; (b) the eruption of Ekman layer fluid from the perimeter region of the cylinder’s base and lid; (c) horizontal-velocity Rayleigh layers that grow into the interior from the container’s sidewalls; and (d) the formation and decay of columnar vortices in the vertical corner regions. Asymptotic results describe the inviscid starting flow, and the subsequent interior spin-up that occurs due to the combined effects of Ekman suction through the base and lid Ekman layers, and the growth of the sidewall Rayleigh layers. Attention is focused on the flow development over the spin-up time scale ${T}_{s} = {E}^{\ensuremath{-} 1/ 2} {\Omega }^{\ensuremath{-} 1} $, where $E$ is the Ekman number. (The spin-up process over the much longer diffusive time scale, ${T}_{d} = {E}^{\ensuremath{-} 1} {\Omega }^{\ensuremath{-} 1} $, is not considered here.) Experiments were performed using particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) to measure horizontal velocity components at fixed heights within the flow interior and at regular stages during the spin-up period. The velocity data obtained are shown to be in excellent agreement with the asymptotic theory.
Differences in dietary intakes, food sources and determinants of total flavonoids between Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study
Authors: Zamora-Ros Raul , Knaze Viktoria , Luján-Barroso Leila , Romieu Isabelle , Scalbert Augustin , Slimani Nadia , Hjartåker Anette , Engeset Dagrun , Skeie Guri , Overvad Kim , Bredsdorff Lea , Tjønneland Anne , Halkjær Jytte , Key Timothy J. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Mulligan Angela A. , Winkvist Anna , Johansson Ingegerd , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Peeters Petra H. M. , Wallström Peter , Ericson Ulrika , Pala Valeria , de Magistris Maria Santucci , Polidoro Silvia , Tumino Rosario , Trichopoulou Antonia , Dilis Vardis , Katsoulis Michael , María Huerta José , Martínez Virginia , Sánchez María-José , Ardanaz Eva , Amiano Pilar , Teucher Birgit , Grote Verena , Bendinelli Benedetta , Boeing Heiner , Förster Jana , Touillaud Marina , Perquier Florence , Fagherazzi Guy , Gallo Valentina , Riboli Elio , González Carlos A. 
Published: September 2012

A greater adherence to the traditional Mediterranean (MED) diet is associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases. This dietary pattern is based on higher consumption of plant products that are rich in flavonoids. We compared the total flavonoid dietary intakes, their food sources and various lifestyle factors between MED and non-MED countries participating in the EPIC study. Flavonoid intakes and their food sources for 35 628 subjects, aged 35–74 years and recruited between 1992 and 2000, in twenty-six study centres were estimated using standardised 24 h dietary recall software (EPIC-Soft®). An ad hoc food composition database on flavonoids was compiled using analytical data from the United States Department of Agriculture and Phenol-Explorer databases. Moreover, it was expanded to include using recipes, estimations of missing values and flavonoid retention factors. No significant differences in total flavonoid mean intake between non-MED countries (373·7 mg/d) and MED countries (370·2 mg/d) were observed. In the non-MED region, the main contributors were proanthocyanidins (48·2 %) and flavan-3-ol monomers (24·9 %) and the principal food sources were tea (25·7 %) and fruits (32·8 %). In the MED region, proanthocyanidins (59·0 %) were by far the most abundant contributor and fruits (55·1 %), wines (16·7 %) and tea (6·8 %) were the main food sources. The present study shows similar results for total dietary flavonoid intakes, but significant differences in flavonoid class intakes, food sources and some characteristics between MED and non-MED countries. These differences should be considered in studies about the relationships between flavonoid intake and chronic diseases.