bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benzylation of Toluene over Iron Modified Mesoporous Ceria
Authors: Philo K. J. Rose , Sugunan Sugunan 
Published: January 2013

Green chemistry has been looked upon as a sustainable science which accomplishes both economical and environmental goals, simultaneously.With this objective, we developed an alternative process to obtain the industrially important benzyl aromatics by benzylation of aromatics using benzyl chloride, catalysed by mesoporous solid acid catalysts. In this work mesoporous ceria is prepared using neutral surfactant which helped the calcination possible at a lower temperature enabling a higher surface area. Mesoporous ceria modified with Fe can be successfully utilized for the selective benzylation of toluene to more desirable product methyl diphenyl methane with 100% conversion and selectivity in 2 hours using only 50mg of the catalyst under milder condition. The reusability, regenerability, high selectivity, 100% conversion, moderate reaction temperature and absence of solvent, etc. make these catalysts to be used in a truly heterogeneous manner and make the benzylation reaction an environment friendly one. © 2012 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Study of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Dilute Acid Pretreated Coconut Husk
Authors: Agustriyanto Rudy , Fatmawati Akbarningrum , Liasari Yusnita 
Published: January 2013

Coconut husk is classified as complex lignocellulosic material that contains cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and some other extractive compounds. Cellulose from coconut husk can be used as fermentation substrate after enzymatic hydrolysis. In contrary, lignin content from the coconut husk will act as an inhibitor in this hydrolysis process. Therefore, a pretreatment process is needed to enhance the hydrolysis of cellulose. The objective of this research is to investigate the production of the glucose through dilute acid pretreatment and to obtain its optimum operating conditions. In this study, the pretreatment was done using dilute sulfuric acid in an autoclave reactor. The pretreatment condition were varied at 80°C, 100°C, 120°C and 0.9%, 1.2%, 1.5% for temperature and acid concentration respectively. The acid pretreated coconut husk was then hydrolyzed using commercial cellulase (celluclast) and β-glucosidase (Novozyme 188). The hydrolysis time was 72 hours and the operating conditions were varied at several temperature and pH. From the experimental results it can be concluded that the delignification temperature variation has greater influence than the acid concentration. The optimum operating condition was obtained at pH 4 and 50°C which was pretreated at 100°C using 1.5% acid concentration. © 2012 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Process Parameters Optimization of Potential SO42-/ZnO Acid Catalyst for Heterogeneous Transesterification of Vegetable Oil to Biodiesel
Authors: Istadi Istadi , Anggoro Didi D. , Buchori Luqman , Utami Inshani , Solikhah Roikhatus 
Published: January 2013

Among the possible renewable energy resources, diesel fuels derived from triglycerides of vegetable oils and animal fats have shown potential as substitutes for petroleum-based diesel fuels. The biodiesel could be produced from vegetable oils over homogeneous catalyst, heterogeneous catalyst, or enzymatic catalyst. In this study, the synthesized SO42-/ZnO catalyst was explored to be used in the heterogeneous biodiesel production by using the vegetable oils and methanol. The study began with the preparation of SO42-/ZnO catalyst followed by the transesterification reaction between vegetable oil with methanol. The independent variables (reaction time and the weight ratio of catalyst/oil) were optimized to obtain the optimum biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester) yield. The results of this study showed that the acid catalyst SO42-/ZnO was potential to be used as catalyst for biodiesel production through heterogeneous transesterification of vegetable oils. Optimum operating condition for this catalytic reaction was the weight ratio of catalyst/oil of 8:1 and reaction time of 2.6 h with respect to 75.5% yield of methyl ester products. The biodiesel product was also characterized to identify the respected fatty acid methyl ester components. © 2012 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) (Selected Paper from International Conference on Chemical and Material Engineering (ICCME) 2012)
Copolymerization of Carbon–carbon Double-bond Monomer (Styrene) with Cyclic Monomer (Tetrahydrofuran)
Authors: Sari Fouad , Ferrahi M. I. , Belbachir M. 
Published: January 2013

We reported in this work that the cationic copolymerization in one step takes place between carbon–carbon double-bond monomer styrene with cyclic monomer tetrahydrofuran. The comonomers studied belong to different families: vinylic and cyclic ether. The reaction is initiated with maghnite-H+ an acid exchanged montmorillonite as acid solid ecocatalyst. Maghnite-H+ is already used as catalyst for polymerization of many vinylic and heterocyclic monomers. The oxonium ion of tetrahydrofuran and carbonium ion of styrene propagated the reaction of copolymerization. The acetic anhydride is essential for the maintenance of the ring opening of tetrahydrofuran and the entry in copolymerization. The temperature was kept constant at 40°C in oil bath heating for 6 hours. A typical reaction product was analyzed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and IR and the formation of the copolymer was confirmed. The reaction was proved by matched with analysis. The maghnite-H+ allowed us to obtain extremely pure copolymer in good yield by following a simples operational conditions. © 2012 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Do Patient Preferences for Core Outcome Domains for Chronic Gout Studies Support the Validity of Composite Response Criteria?
Authors: Taylor William J. , Brown Melanie , Aati Opetaia , Weatherall Mark , Dalbeth Nicola 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo determine patient‐derived weights or prioritization for core outcome domains in chronic gout clinical studies.MethodsThree patient groups participated in a conjoint decision‐making exercise using 1000Minds software, which asked participants to make repeated judgments regarding which of 2 hypothetical patients with gout represented the best response to treatment. Each scenario compared 2 patients on the basis of change in 2 of 5 core outcome domains at a time. Agreement of 80% of the group was required to answer each scenario. Re‐voting was performed once after discussion in instances of disagreement.ResultsThe relative importance accorded to each outcome domain was different across the 3 groups of patients. There was some consistency that tophi was the least or second to least important outcome domain for every group and pain between attacks was ranked in the bottom third of priority for all groups. Gout attacks were ranked as the second or third most important domain in each group. However, the relative importance of serum urate (SUA) and activity limitations was quite different among the 3 groups, with 1 group ranking SUA as the most important outcome and 1 group ranking it as the second to least important outcome.ConclusionDespite some consistency in the relative value of some outcome domains for chronic gout studies, there is sufficient disagreement in the relative importance of other domains of outcome to challenge the validity of constructing a composite index of response that would be applicable to most gout patients.
Choosing Where to Put Your Energy: A Qualitative Analysis of the Role of Physical Activity in the Lives of Working Adults With Arthritis
Authors: Kaptein Simone A. , Backman Catherine L. , Badley Elizabeth M. , Lacaille Diane , Beaton Dorcas E. , Hofstetter Catherine , Gignac Monique A. M. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveResearch points to many potential benefits of physical activity (PA) for those with arthritis. However, PA has not typically been examined within the context of other life roles. This study examined the perceptions of PA among individuals managing arthritis in addition to employment and other role demands.MethodsEight focus groups were conducted with 24 women and 16 men (age range 29–72 years) who were currently or recently employed (within 2 years) and had osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis. Participants were recruited from community newspaper advertisements, rheumatology clinics, and arthritis groups. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsAll groups discussed the impact of arthritis on a range of PAs. Overall, participants discussed PA as positively influencing their health and well‐being. Yet, several overarching themes highlighted the complexity of PA, including 1) PA as a potential cause of arthritis; 2) the reciprocal impact of arthritis on PA and PA on arthritis; 3) physical and psychological benefits and harms of PA, such as difficulty making PA decisions when living in pain or when faced with episodic symptoms; 4) perceived choices about engagement in PA (e.g., role overload); and 5) social support.ConclusionThe relationships among work, health, and other roles were complex. Competing demands, pain, energy, episodic symptoms, support, and decisions to disclose one's illness at work influenced PA. Changes to PA not only affected physical health but also people's self‐identity. PA interventions may be improved by taking into account the demands of multiple life roles.
Fully Patterned Low‐Voltage Transparent Metal Oxide Transistors Deposited Solely by Chemical Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Faber Hendrik , Butz Benjamin , Dieker Christel , Spiecker Erdmann , Halik Marcus 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAll‐inorganic transparent thin‐film transistors deposited solely by the solution processing method of spray pyrolysis are reported. Different precursor materials are employed to create conducting and semiconducting species of ZnO acting as electrodes and active channel material, respectively, as well as zirconium oxide as gate dielectric layer. Additionally, a simple stencil mask system provides sufficient resolution to realize the necessary geometric patterns. As a result, fully functional low‐voltage n‐type transistors with a mobility of 0.18 cm2 V−1 s−1 can be demonstrated via a technique that bears the potential for upscaling. A detailed microscopic evaluation of the channel region by electron diffraction, high‐resolution and analytical TEM confirms the layer stacking and provides detailed information on the chemical composition and nanocrystalline nature of the individual layers.
Schizophrenia two‐hit hypothesis in velo‐cardio facial syndrome
Authors: Williams Hywel J. , Monks Stephen , Murphy Kieran C. , Kirov George , O'Donovan Michael C. , Owen Michael J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractDeletion of chr22q11 gives rise to velo‐cardio facial syndrome (VCFS) and increases schizophrenia risk. The source of this elevated risk although unknown could result from stochastic, environmental, or genetic factors, the latter encompassing a range of complexity from polygenic mechanisms to “second‐hit” mutations. For this study we tested the two‐hit hypothesis where additional risk is conferred through a second CNV. We identified large (>100 kb) CNVs in 48 VCFS cases (23 with psychosis—25 without) and show in the psychotic VCFS group there is a significant (P = 0.02) increase in the average size of CNVs (354–227 kb). To identify second‐hit loci we focused on individuals possessing gene‐centric CNVs and through literature mining identified 4 (31%) psychotic VCFS individuals (n = 13) that overlapped loci previously implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders compared to 1 (10%) from the non‐psychotic VCFS individuals (n = 10). For replication 17 VCFS patients with schizophrenia from the molecular genetics of schizophrenia dataset were used to identify further CNVs. Thirteen individuals possessing gene‐centric CNVs were identified including 3 (23%) individuals possessing a potential second‐hit, taking the overall total in the psychotic VCFS group (n = 26) to 7 (27%) potential second‐hit loci. Notably a deletion in a psychotic VCFS patient at 2q23.1 hit the gene MBD5 which when deleted gives rise to intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autistic features. Through this study we potentially extend this phenotypic spectrum to include schizophrenia. Our results suggest the two‐hit hypothesis may be relevant to a proportion of VCFS patients with psychosis but sample sizes are small and further studies warranted. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of natural rubber blended with waste rubber powder modified by both microwave and sol–gel method
Authors: Luo Mingchao , Liao Xiaoxue , Liao Shuangquan , Zhao Yanfang 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWaste rubber powder (WRP) was modified by microwave, sol–gel method, and both microwave and sol–gel method, respectively. The mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR)/modified WRP composite were investigated. The influence of bis‐(3‐(triethoxysilyl)‐propyl)‐tetrasulfide (TESPT) content on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of vulcanizate was also studied. The results showed that NR/WRP modified by both microwave and sol–gel method composite owned the best mechanical properties. Rubber processing analyzer was used to characterize the interaction between silica and rubber chains and the dispersion of silica. With increase of TESPT content, the Payne effect decreased. Scanning electron microscopy indicated the coherency and homogeneity of in situ generated silica filled vulcanizate. Dynamic mechanical analyzer showed that NR/WRP modified by both microwave and sol–gel method composite with 5 phr TESPT exhibited the lower tan δ at temperature range of 50–80°C, compared with composite without TESPT and the higher tan δ at temperature of 0°C, compared with the conventional modification of WRP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Tribological properties of porous PPS/PTFE composite filled with mesopore titanium oxide whisker
Authors: Zhu Yanji , Wang Guiying , Wang Huaiyuan , Zhang Shuai , Yang Shuhui 
Published: January 2013

AbstractNano‐micro hierarchical porous polyphenylene sulfide/polytetrafluoroethylene (PPS/PTFE) composites were prepared by mold‐leaching and vacuum melting process under high temperature condition. The tribological behaviors of porous PPS/PTFE composites and the synergism as a result of incorporation of both micro‐porogen (NaCl) and mesoporous TiO2 whiskers were investigated. The effects of mesoporous TiO2 whiskers and nonperforated TiO2 whiskers on the friction and wear properties of PPS/PTFE composites were comparatively studied, respectively. Results indicated that the wear rate of porous PPS/PTFE composites with 30 wt % NaCl and 7 wt % mesoporous TiO2 whiskers obtained the lowest values under the load of 100 N. Compared with pure PPS, the wear resistance of nano‐micro porous PPS/PTFE composite was enhanced by 6.45 × 103 times, showing outstanding wear resistance. During sliding condition, grease could be squeezed through the nano‐micro pores under the coupling effect of load and friction heat, and formed a lubricanting layer on friction surface, providing self‐lubricating effect and high wear resistance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Divergent Effects of Endogenous and Exogenous Glucocorticoid‐Induced Leucine Zipper in Animal Models of Inflammation and Arthritis
Authors: Ngo Devi , Beaulieu Elaine , Gu Ran , Leaney Alexandra , Santos Leilani , Fan Huapeng , Yang Yuanhang , Kao Wenping , Xu Jiake , Escriou Virginie , Loiler Scott , Vervoordeldonk Margriet J. , Morand Eric F. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveGlucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ) has effects on inflammatory pathways that suggest it to be a key inhibitory regulator of the immune system, and its expression is exquisitely sensitive to induction by glucocorticoids. We undertook this study to test our hypothesis that GILZ deficiency would exacerbate experimental immune‐mediated inflammation and impair the effects of glucocorticoids on inflammation and, correspondingly, that exogenous GILZ would inhibit these events.MethodsGILZ−/− mice were generated using the Cre/loxP system, and responses were studied in delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH), antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA), K/BxN serum–transfer arthritis, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced cytokinemia. Therapeutic expression of GILZ via administration of recombinant adeno‐associated virus expressing the GILZ gene (GILZ‐rAAV) was compared to the effects of glucocorticoid in collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).ResultsIncreased T cell proliferation and DTH were observed in GILZ−/− mice, but neither AIA nor K/BxN serum–transfer arthritis was affected, and GILZ deficiency did not affect LPS‐induced cytokinemia. Deletion of GILZ did not impair the effects of exogenous glucocorticoids on CIA or cytokinemia. In contrast, overexpression of GILZ in joints significantly inhibited CIA, with an effect similar to that of dexamethasone.ConclusionDespite effects on T cell activation, GILZ deficiency had no effect on effector pathways of arthritis and was unexpectedly redundant with effects of glucocorticoids. These findings do not support the hypothesis that GILZ is central to the actions of glucocorticoids, but the efficacy of exogenous GILZ in CIA suggests that further evaluation of GILZ in inflammatory disease is required.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Expression Profile of Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast‐like Synoviocytes: A Novel Role of SH2 Domain–Containing Phosphatase 2 as a Modulator of Invasion and Survival
Authors: Stanford Stephanie M. , Maestre Michael F. , Campbell Amanda M. , Bartok Beatrix , Kiosses William B. , Boyle David L. , Arnett Heather A. , Mustelin Tomas , Firestein Gary S. , Bottini Nunzio 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) in the synovial intimal lining of the joint are key mediators of inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In RA, these cells aggressively invade the extracellular matrix, producing cartilage‐degrading proteases and inflammatory cytokines. The behavior of FLS is controlled by multiple interconnected signal transduction pathways involving reversible phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine residues. However, little is known about the role of the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in FLS function. This study was undertaken to explore the expression of all of the PTP genes (the PTPome) in FLS.MethodsA comparative screening of the expression of the PTPome in FLS from patients with RA and patients with osteoarthritis (OA) was conducted. The functional effect on RA FLS of SH2 domain–containing phosphatase 2 (SHP‐2), a PTP that was up‐regulated in RA, was then analyzed by knockdown using cell‐permeable antisense oligonucleotides.ResultsPTPN11 was overexpressed in RA FLS compared to OA FLS. Knockdown of PTPN11, which encodes SHP‐2, reduced the invasion, migration, adhesion, spreading, and survival of RA FLS. Additionally, signaling in response to growth factors and inflammatory cytokines was impaired by SHP‐2 knockdown. RA FLS that were deficient in SHP‐2 exhibited decreased activation of focal adhesion kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinases.ConclusionThese findings indicate that SHP‐2 has a novel role in mediating human FLS function and suggest that it promotes the invasiveness and survival of RA FLS. Further investigation may reveal SHP‐2 to be a candidate therapeutic target for RA.
Electricity production with living plants on a green roof: environmental performance of the plant‐microbial fuel cell
Authors: Helder Marjolein , Chen Wei‐Shan , van der Harst Eugenie J.M. , Strik David P.B.T.B. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSeveral renewable and (claimed) sustainable energy sources have been introduced into the market during the last century in an attempt to battle pollution from fossil fuels. Especially biomass energy technologies have been under debate for their sustainability. A new biomass energy technology was introduced in 2008: the plant‐microbial fuel cell (P‐MFC). In this system, electricity can be generated with living plants and thus bioelectricity and biomass production can be combined on the same surface. A green roof producing electricity with a P‐MFC could be an interesting combination. P‐MFC technology is nearing implementation in the market and therefore we assessed the environmental performance of the system with an early stage life cycle assessment (LCA). The environmental performance of the P‐MFC is currently worse than that of conventional electricity production technologies. This is mainly due to the limited power output of the P‐MFC and the materials presently used in the P‐MFC. Granular activated carbon (anode material), gold wires (current collectors), and Teflon‐coated copper wires (connecting anode and cathode) have the largest impact on environmental performance. Use of these materials needs to be reduced or avoided and alternatives need to be sought. Increasing power output and deriving co‐products from the P‐MFC will increase environmental performance of the P‐MFC. At this stage it is too early to compare the P‐MFC with other (renewable) energy technologies since the P‐MFC is still under development. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Trophoblast differentiation of human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Tiruthani Karthik , Sarkar Prasenjit , Rao Balaji 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMolecular mechanisms regulating human trophoblast differentiation remain poorly understood due to difficulties in obtaining primary tissues from very early developmental stages in humans. Therefore, the use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a source for generating trophoblast tissues is of significant interest. Trophoblast‐like cells have been obtained through treatment of hESCs with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) or inhibitors of activin/nodal/transforming growth factor‐β signaling, or through protocols involving formation of embryoid bodies (EBs); however, there is controversy over whether hESC‐derived cells are indeed analogous to true trophoblasts found in vivo. In this review, we provide an overview of previously described efforts to obtain trophoblasts from hESCs. We also discuss the merits and limitations of hESCs as a source of trophoblast derivatives.
Enzyme‐enabled responsive surfaces for anti‐contamination materials
Authors: Wu Songtao , Buthe Andreas , Jia Hongfei , Zhang Minjuan , Ishii Masahiko , Wang Ping 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMany real‐life stains have origins from biological matters including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that act as gluing agents binding along with other particulates or microbes to exposed surfaces of automobiles, furniture, and fabrics. Mimicking naturally occurring self‐defensive processes, we demonstrate in this work that a solid surface carrying partially exposed enzyme granules protected the surface in situ from contamination by biological stains and fingerprints. Attributed to the activities of enzymes which can be made compatible with a wide range of materials, such anti‐contamination and self‐cleaning functionalities are highly selective and efficient toward sticky chemicals. This observation promises a new mechanism in developing smart materials with desired anti‐microbial, self‐reporting, self‐cleaning, or self‐healing functions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1805–1810. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.