bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formulation and Characterization of New pH Dependent [Alizarin‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine)‐mica] Pigments
Authors: Mansri Ali , Dergal Fayçal , Billon Laurent 
Published: August 2015

SummaryWe formulate for the first time new [Alizarin‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine)‐mica] inorganic@organic pH dependent pigmentary materials. The present formulation is carried out via two steps: (i) the preparation by adsorption of poly(4‐vinylpyridine) [P4VP] on mica particles, of two hybrid composite materials [P4VP@Mica], with respectively ratios R = 0.2 and R = 0.5; (ii) the formulation of new pigmentary materials by fixation of Alizarin dyes on [P4VP@Mica] composite materials. The composite materials [P4VP@Mica] were characterized using, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transformed infrared (IRTF), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX) and UV‐visible. The adsorbed polymers on the inorganic surface have a potential interest for the modification of the interfacial properties of the MICA. These new pigmentary materials can either differ by their colors, or to present interferential effects.
Synthesis, Processing and Tensile Testing of a Poly(l‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone) Monofilament Fiber for Use as an Absorbable Surgical Suture
Authors: Ruengdechawiwat Sujitra , Molloy Robert , Siripitayananon Jintana , Somsunan Runglawan , Topham Paul D. , Tighe Brian J. 
Published: August 2015

SummarySummary A poly(l‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone), P(LL‐co‐CL), 75:25 mol % copolymer was synthesized via the bulk ring‐opening copolymerization of l‐lactide (LL) and ϵ‐caprolactone (CL) at 130 °C for 48 hrs. The P(LL‐co‐CL) copolymer obtained was characterized in terms of its molecular weight (GPC), copolymer composition (1H‐NMR), monomer sequencing (13C‐NMR) and thermal properties (DSC, TGA). For processing, the P(LL‐co‐CL) was melt spun into a monofilament fiber with fast cooling and minimal draw in order to produce an as‐spun fiber that was largely amorphous and unoriented. This enabled the required oriented semi‐crystalline morphology to be gradually built into the as‐spun fiber in a series of controlled off‐line annealing and hot‐drawing steps. The final fiber, which combined sufficient tensile strength with flexibility for use as a suture material, exhibited a stress and strain at break of 344 MPa and 70%, respectively.
Reactive ABA‐Type Triblock Phospholipid Copolymer by ATRP and Its Chemical Functionalizations
Authors: Chantasirichot Surasak , Inoue Yuuki , Ishihara Kazuhiko 
Published: August 2015

SummaryReactive ABA‐type triblock phospholipid copolymers composed of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) as A segments and poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) as B segments (PGMA‐block‐PMPC‐block‐PGMA (PMbG)) were synthesized via controlled/living polymerization. The PMPC moiety was hydrophilic and water‐soluble while PGMA containing an epoxide ring worked as the reactive group for interaction with the nucleophiles. These reactions provided a facile route to modify the copolymer for desired functions. In this study, we synthesized phenylboronic acid‐containing (PMbB) and diethanolamine‐containing (PMbD) copolymers by functionalizing PMbG. PMbB and PMbD spontaneously formed stable hydrogels in aqueous media without any external stimuli. Owing to the excellent biocompatibility of the PMPC segments and easy functionalization of the PGMA segments, these reactive triblock phospholipid polymers can prove useful in various biomedical applications.
Potentiometric Urea Biosensor Based on a Urease‐Immobilized Polypyrrole
Authors: Prissanaroon‐Ouajai Walaiporn , Sirivat Anuvat , Pigram Paul J. , Brack Narelle 
Published: August 2015

SummaryUrea is one of the metabolic products of protein metabolism. The accurate determination of urea is important in glomerular filtration rate determination, renal function testing, and other biomedical applications. This research presents a simple fabrication of potentiometric urea biosensor based on a urease‐immobilized polypyrrole (PPy). Thin film of PPy doped with hydroquinone monosulfonate (HQS) was electropolymerized on stainless steel supporting electrode. Urease was immobilized onto the PPy film by mean of physical adsorption. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed to confirm the existence of urease on PPy surface. The PPy film immobilized with urease activity of 200 U/mL showed the sensitivity of 43.4 ± 3.3 mV/pUrea (r2 > 0.99) in the urea concentration ranging from 0.5 to 10 mM (pUrea 2.0–3.3). The response time was less than 60 sec. The urease‐immobilized PPy film offers a great potential in the use of conducting PPy film as an effective transducer to convert physiochemical change into an electronic signal, enhancing in performance of the biosensor.
Surface Modification on Poly(ether ether ketone) with Phospholipid Polymer via Photoinduced Self‐Initiated Grafting
Authors: Ishihara Kazuhiko , Inoue Yuuki , Kyomoto Masayuki 
Published: August 2015

SummaryA new and safer method for constructing a nanometer‐scale modified surface on the poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is examined by “photoinduced self‐initiated graft polymerization”. The generation of semi‐benzopinacol‐containing radicals of the benzophenone units in PEEK molecular structure acted as a photoinitiator. This polymerization system is realized in the absence of a photoactive low molecular compound and in an aqueous medium; these are human‐friendly and exhibit excellent biocompatibility. In this study, we demonstrated the fabrication of modified surface with phospholipid polymer, i.e., poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) using the photoinduced self‐initiated graft polymerization process. Effects of MPC concentration in the reacting solution and intensity of UV irradiation on the surface properties were examined. On the surface on PMPC‐graft‐PEEK, a significant reduction in the protein adsorption was observed. We conclude that the smart PMPC‐graft‐PEEK prepared by the photoinduced self‐initiated graft polymerization to produce PMPC layer on the surface will bring novel biomedical devices with both good mechanical property and biocompatible surface.
Quantitative Analysis of Total Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Fresh Field Natural Rubber Latex
Authors: Siriwong Suwimon , Rungvichaniwat Adisai , Klinpituksa Pairote , Musa Khalid Hamid , Abdullah Aminah 
Published: August 2015

SummaryDried films of fresh field natural rubber latex from Pattani local rubber plantation, Thailand were prepared. The film (1g) was dissolved by various solvent (100ml) i.e. hexane, chloroform and mixtures of chloroform: methanol in the ratio of 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1. The solution was purified by separated the rubber out with methanol. The non‐rubber solution was then quantitative analyzed to verify total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity using Oxicount Antioxidant kit test. It was found that only hexane, chloroform and mixture of chloroform: methanol of ratio 4:1 can dissolve rubber film completely. The non‐rubber content yields after evaporated solvent were 8.23 ± 0.05, 8.93 ± 0.81 and 11.56 ± 0.01%, TPCs were 226.18 ± 8.60, 230.91 ± 15.66 and 233.71 ± 12.44 milligrams of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g of initial weight (IW) and FRAP were 153.04 ± 13.75, 178.43 ± 10.37 and 189.04 ± 1.34 milligrams of Trolox equivalents (TE) per 100 g of IW, the percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity were 88.32 ± 0.99, 91.48 ± 0.86 and 92.42 ± 0.05%, respectively. This study found that TPC and antioxidant activity of rubber film clearly depend on the type of dissolved solvent. The highest antioxidant activity from this study was found by using the mixture of chloroform: methanol in the ratio of 4:1. Furthermore, the phenolic acid content of natural rubber were reported using HPLC, based on which more phenolic acids were presented in the sample extracted by chloroform:methanol mixture.
Preparation of Dichlorocarbene Modified Butadiene Rubber and Its Thermal Properties
Authors: Witinuntakit Tapanee , Poompradub Sirilux 
Published: August 2015

SummaryDichlorocarbene modified butadiene rubber (DCBR) was prepared from butadiene rubber (BR) via an alkali hydrolysis of chloroform with using cetyltrimetylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a phase transfer agent. The chemical structure of DCBR was characterized by a fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H‐ and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The chlorine content in DCBR matrix was extracted by acid digestion method and estimated based on a volhard method. The chlorine content of DCBR increased with the increase of reaction time. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of DCBR (Tg = −3.4 °C) was shifted to the higher temperature compared to Tg value of BR (Tg = −102.8 °C) due to the presence of dichlorocarbene group. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the decomposition profile of BR and DCBR. The thermal stability of DCBR was decreased compared to that of BR, while the flame retardant of NR/DCBR blend was improved due to the presence of chlorine in DCBR. The chlorine char from dichlorocarbene group acted as a thermal insulator for rubber.
Preparation of Natural Rubber‐graft‐Poly(lactic acid) Used as a Compatibilizer for Poly(lactic acid)/NR Blends
Authors: Sookprasert Phijittra , Hinchiranan Napida 
Published: August 2015

SummaryPoly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable plastic with good properties in terms of high tensile strength and high tensile modulus, but the brittleness and low impact strength behavior limit its applications. To enhance the impact strength of PLA, natural rubber (NR) with excellent elastic property should be applied to PLA. However, the polarity difference of these constituents leads the incompatibility resulting in poor mechanical properties of PLA/NR blends. Thus, the chemical modification of NR to increase its polarity is required. This research aimed to synthesize NR‐graft‐PLA (NR‐PLA) as a compatibilizer for PLA/NR blends. There were 2 steps to prepare NR‐PLA compatibilizer. Firstly, NR was functionalized by various maleic anhydride (MAH) contents (5‐20 phr) to produce NR‐MAH having higher polarity than NR. Then, NR‐MAH was grafted with PLA via esterification using 4‐dimethyaminopyridine (DMAP) as a catalyst. The structural characterization of the NR‐MAH and NR‐PLA was conducted by FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectrooscopy. This was observed that the increase in the MAH contents increased the amount of grafted MAH in the NR‐MAH structure. The higher grafted MAH content induced the greater efficiency for grafting PLA in preparation of NR‐PLA. The effects of DMAP, NR/PLA wt ratio and temperature in the esterification step on the grafted PLA were investigated.
Preparation and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) by Acid Hydrolysis Using Microwave Assisted Method from Cotton Wool
Authors: Kusumattaqiin Fataa , Chonkaew Wunpen 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted by microwave assisted from cotton wool. The effects of sulfuric acid concentration, time and temperature on the yield were investigated by a single factor experiments and the preparation condition were optimized using 23 factorial design and analyzed by statistical test. The obtained MCC were characterized using particle size analyzer, FT‐IR and XRD. The results showed that the main parameter in order of increasing effects on the MCC yield were time, temperature and acid concentration. The optimum condition was found at acid concentration 55% (w/w), time 1 minute and temperature 30°C. The range of particle size at that condition was from 0.052 μm to 353.078 μm, the yield was 78.67% (w/w) and the crystallinity index was 53.16%. Moreover the crystal structure transformed from cellulose I to cellulose II. The crystal structure of cellulose II was obtained without mercerization and ionic liquid treatments.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of Sawdust/Poly(lactic acid) Composites: Effects of Alkali Treatment and Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) Content
Authors: Nomai Jiraporn , Jarapanyacheep Rapisa , Jarukumjorn Kasama 
Published: August 2015

SummarySawdust/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were prepared using a melt blending process. Sawdust content was 30 wt%. The effects of alkali treatment and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) content on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the composites were investigated. With the addition of sawdust into PLA, tensile modulus increased whereas tensile strength, elongation at break, impact strength, and thermal stability decreased. Alkali treatment improved the interfacial adhesion between sawdust and PLA matrix leading to the enhancement in mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composites. PBAT was used to improve toughness of the composites. PBAT content was varied as 10, 20, and 30 wt%. With increasing PBAT content, elongation at break and impact strength of the composites increased whereas tensile strength and tensile modulus decreased due to the presence of soft elastomeric phase that exhibited high flexibility and toughness. Additionally, thermal stability of the composites improved with increasing PBAT content. SEM micrographs revealed enhanced filler‐matrix interfacial adhesion and some features of ductile fracture in the composites toughened with PBAT.
Mechanical Properties and Thermal Stability of Poly(butylene succinate)/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber Blend
Authors: Hemsri Sudsiri , Thongpin Chanchai , Moradokpermpoon Narongsuk , Niramon Pitchayapa , Suppaso Mukrawee 
Published: August 2015

SummaryAcrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) has been blended into biodegradable Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). The PBS/NBR blends with ratios of 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 and 50/50 by weight were prepared in an internal mixer. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was used for vulcanization of the NBR phase in the blends. Mechanical properties and thermal stability as well as morphologies of pure PBS, vulcanized NBR and PBS/NBR blends were investigated. The blends provide much higher elongation and impact strength than the pure PBS. The PBS/NBR blend with a ratio of 90/10 shows superior result to toughness, and gives comparable results for modulus and tensile strength at break with respect to the pure PBS. Morphology observation reveals the compatibility of the PBS/NBR blends, especially in the blends with 10‐30 wt% NBR content. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result shows that thermal stability of PBS is enhanced when NBR is added.
Tobacco Use Among Siblings of Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Buchbinder David , Oeffinger Kevin , Franco‐Villalobos Conrado , Yasui Yutaka , Alderfer Melissa A. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Casillas Jacqueline , Ford Jennifer , Krull Kevin R. , Leisenring Wendy , Recklitis Christopher , Robison Leslie L. , Zeltzer Lonnie K. , Lown E. Anne 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundHaving a brother or sister with childhood cancer may influence health behaviors during adulthood. The aim of this study was to compare tobacco use in siblings of survivors with peers and to identify factors associated with sibling tobacco use.ProceduresA retrospective cohort study was conducted using adult siblings (N = 1,974) of 5+ year cancer survivors in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) and participants (N = 24,105, weighted to match CCSS) in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey. Self‐reported tobacco use, sociodemographic, and cancer‐related risk factors were analyzed.ResultsSiblings were equally likely to have ever smoked compared to their peers (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–1.12). Siblings were less likely to be current smokers (OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.73–0.94), but more likely to be former smokers (OR 1.21, 95%CI 1.08–1.35). Siblings with low education were more likely to ever smoke (OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.15–2.00) and be current smokers (OR 1.67, 95%CI 1.24–2.26) compared to their peers. Among siblings, risk factors for current tobacco use included the following: low income <$20,000 (OR 1.66, 95%CI 1.09–2.54), low education (OR 6.68, 95%CI 4.07–10.97), psychological distress (OR 5.36, 95%CI 2.21–13.02), and heavy alcohol use (OR 3.68, 95%CI 2.50–5.41).ConclusionsSiblings of survivors take up smoking at similar rates to their peers, but are more likely to quit. Efforts are needed to address disparities by providing greater psychosocial support and education for the lowest socioeconomic status families facing childhood cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 9999:XX–XX © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Production of flexible polymeric photoanodes using binder‐free electrophoretic deposition and compression for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kocaoglu Bahadir Can , Ozenbas Macit 
Published: August 2015

AbstractElectrophoretic deposition (EPD) of titania nanoparticles have been utilized in order to form the nanoporous photoanodes of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) on flexible polymeric (PEN/PET) substrates. Highly uniform, adherent nanoporous thick films were produced by uniformly dispersing the titania nanoparticles in alcoholic suspensions without any binders. Suspension performances of each type of isopropanol based mixtures have been examined. Additionally, the effect of acetylacetone addition in suspensions on zeta potential and effective particle size of the colloids is investigated. EPD process has been conducted in single step while the uniformity of the morphology and the thickness of the films were maintained preventing the damage on ITO layer due to excessive voltage exposure. Subsequently, the mechanical compression is applied via cold isostatic pressing (CIP) with a pressure profile in order to obtain 12‐14 µm film thickness and photon to current conversion efficiency of 2.16% was obtained under AM1.5 conditions. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Misunderstandings about Q and ‘Cochran's Q test' in meta‐analysis
Authors: Hoaglin David C. 
Published: August 2015

Many meta‐analyses report using ‘Cochran's Q test' to assess heterogeneity of effect‐size estimates from the individual studies. Some authors cite work by W. G. Cochran, without realizing that Cochran deliberately did not use Q itself to test for heterogeneity. Further, when heterogeneity is absent, the actual null distribution of Q is not the chi‐squared distribution assumed for ‘Cochran's Q test'. This paper reviews work by Cochran related to Q. It then discusses derivations of the asymptotic approximation for the null distribution of Q, as well as work that has derived finite‐sample moments and corresponding approximations for the cases of specific measures of effect size. Those results complicate implementation and interpretation of the popular heterogeneity index I2. Also, it turns out that the test‐based confidence intervals used with I2 are based on a fallacious approach. Software that outputs Q and I2 should use the appropriate reference value of Q for the particular measure of effect size and the current meta‐analysis. Q is a key element of the popular DerSimonian–Laird procedure for random‐effects meta‐analysis, but the assumptions of that procedure and related procedures do not reflect the actual behavior of Q and may introduce bias. The DerSimonian–Laird procedure should be regarded as unreliable. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myeloma Propagating Cells, Drug Resistance and Relapse
Authors: Karadimitris Anastasios , Chaidos Aristeidis , Caputo Valentina , Goudevenou Katerina , Ponnusamy Kanagaraju , Xiao Xiaolin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable tumor of the plasma cells, the terminally differentiated immunoglobulin secreting B lineage cells. The genetic make-up of MM has been extensively characterized but its impact on the biology of the disease is incomplete without more precise knowledge of the identity and functional role of cells with multiple myeloma propagating activity (MMPA). We review here recent data that link MMPA with myeloma clonotypic populations organized in a cellular hierarchy that mirrors normal B cell development and also with drug resistance and disease relapse. We further propose a conceptual framework which, with optimal use of recent technological advances in genomics and phenomics, could allow dissection of the cellular and molecular properties of cells with MMPA, drug resistance and in vivo relapse in an integrated and patient-specific manner. There is real hope that these approaches will significantly contribute to further improvements in disease control, overall survival, and possibly cure of patients with MM. Stem Cells 2015;33:3205–3211
A Mouse Model of Targeted Musashi1 Expression in Whole Intestinal Epithelium Suggests Regulatory Roles in Cell Cycle and Stemness
Authors: Cambuli F.M. , Correa B.R. , Rezza A. , Burns S.C. , Qiao M. , Uren P.J. , Kress E. , Boussouar A. , Galante P.A.F. , Penalva L.O.F. , Plateroti M. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is very peculiar for its continuous cell renewal, fuelled by multipotent stem cells localized within the crypts of Lieberkühn. Several lines of evidence have established the evolutionary conserved RNA-binding protein Musashi1 as a marker of adult stem cells, including those of the intestinal epithelium, and revealed its roles in stem cell self-renewal and cell fate determination. Previous studies from our laboratories have shown that Musashi1 controls stem cell-like features in medulloblastoma, glioblastoma, and breast cancer cells, and has pro-proliferative and pro-tumorigenic properties in intestinal epithelial progenitor cells in vitro. To undertake a detailed study of Musashi1's function in the intestinal epithelium in vivo, we have generated a mouse model, referred to as v-Msi, overexpressing Musashi1 specifically in the entire intestinal epithelium. Compared with wild type litters, v-Msi1 mice exhibited increased intestinal crypt size accompanied by enhanced proliferation. Comparative transcriptomics by RNA-seq revealed Musashi1's association with gut stem cell signature, cell cycle, DNA replication, and drug metabolism. Finally, we identified and validated three novel mRNA targets that are stabilized by Musashi1, Ccnd1 (Cyclin D1), Cdk6, and Sox4. In conclusion, the targeted expression of Musashi1 in the intestinal epithelium in vivo increases the cell proliferation rate and strongly suggests its action on stem cells activity. This is due to the modulation of a complex network of gene functions and pathways including drug metabolism, cell cycle, and DNA synthesis and repair. Stem Cells 2015;33:3621–3634
Catalytic Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Imines: Recent Advances
Authors: Foubelo Francisco , Yus Miguel 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn this review article recent developments in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines from 2008 up to today are presented. The main methodology involves either metal‐catalyzed procedures in the presence of a chiral ligand or organocatalyzed technologies using a Hantzsch ester and a chiral BINOL‐derived phosphoric acid. The most important procedures are collected, paying special attention to the application of this methodology in synthetic organic chemistry.graphic