bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing digestibility of Hadza tubers using a dynamic in‐vitro model
Authors: Schnorr Stephanie L. , Crittenden Alyssa N. , Venema Koen , Marlowe Frank W. , Henry Amanda G. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTObjectivesBioaccessibility is a useful measure for assessing the biological value of a particular nutrient from food, especially foods such as tubers. The wild tubers exploited by Hadza foragers in Tanzania are of interest because they are nontoxic, consumed raw or briefly roasted, and entail substantial physical barriers to consumers. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the biological value of Hadza tubers by measuring the absorption of glucose through in‐vitro digestion.MethodsWe quantified digestibility using data from 24 experimental trials on four species of Hadza tuber using a dynamic in‐vitro model that replicates digestion in the stomach and small intestine. Analysis of glucose in the input meal and output dialysate revealed the accessible glucose fraction. We also conducted assays for protein, vitamin, and mineral content on whole tubers and meal fractions.ResultsBioaccessibility of glucose varies depending on tuber species. Holding effects of chewing constant, brief roasting had negligible effects, but high intraspecific variation precludes interpretive power. Overall, Hadza tubers are very resistant to digestion, with between one‐ and two‐thirds of glucose absorbed on average. Glucose absorption negatively correlated with glucose concentration of the tubers.ConclusionsRoasting may provide other benefits such as ease of peeling and chewing to extract edible parenchymatous tissue. A powerful factor in glucose acquisition is tuber quality, placing emphasis on the skill of the forager. Other nutrient assays yielded unexpectedly high values for protein, iron, and iodine, making tubers potentially valuable resources beyond caloric content. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:371–385, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integration between the face and the mandible of Pongo and the evolution of the craniofacial morphology of orangutans
Authors: Neaux Dimitri , Gilissen Emmanuel , Coudyzer Walter , Guy Franck 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTObjectivesExtant Pongo diverges from other hominids by a series of craniofacial morphological features, such as a concave face, a reduced supraorbital torus, or an upwardly orientated palate. These traits are not independent because the skull is a complex integrated structure. The aim of this study is to describe the relationship between the face and mandible of Pongo, in order to examine the link between mandibular structures and the set‐up of the unique facial features of orangutans.Materials and methodsUsing 3D geometric morphometrics, the morphological integration between face and mandible of Pongo is compared to that of the three extant hominids: Homo, Pan, and Gorilla. Pooled within‐species partial least squares analyses are computed in order to quantify the patterns and levels of integration.ResultsThe covariation analyses show unique patterns of integration and levels of correlation in Pongo when compared to other hominids. This study shows that the craniofacial features distinguishing Pongo from African great apes are related to differences in the patterns of integration and levels of correlation between facial and mandibular shape.DiscussionChanges in important functions may play a part in these modifications of craniofacial integration. This study underlines the importance of the mandible and of the mandibular functions in the development of the unique craniofacial features of Pongo. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:475–486, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The long‐term impact of developmental stress. Evidence from later medieval and post‐medieval London (AD1117–1853)
Authors: Watts Rebecca 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTObjectivesEpisodes of ill‐health in childhood can predispose affected individuals to further periods of illness and early adult mortality. This study uses nonspecific indicators of stress to examine how growth disruptions during infancy/early childhood, and late childhood/early adolescence affected adult longevity in later medieval and post‐medieval London.Materials and MethodsHazards analysis was used to evaluate the effect of linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) and the size of the anteroposterior (AP) and transverse (TR) diameters of the vertebral neural canal (VNC) on adult age‐at‐death. This was applied to skeletal samples from later medieval (n = 461) and post‐medieval (n = 480) London.ResultsGrowth disruptions during infancy/early childhood (LEH and AP VNC diameters) were not associated with longevity, or with impaired growth at later stages of development (TR VNC diameters). Growth disruptions during late childhood/early adolescence (TR VNC diameters) were associated with a significantly increased risk of adult mortality.DiscussionMacroscopic hypoplasia represent short periods of stress during infancy/early childhood which did not disrupt future investments in growth or cause long‐term damage to health. Small TR diameters represent chronic stress during late childhood/early adolescence which resulted in greater susceptibility to infections and increased risk of mortality. These interactions were influenced by sex and socioeconomic status, suggesting that socioeconomic circumstances in both childhood and adult life could influence exposure and resistance to stressors. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:569–580, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Porous Zirconium–Phytic Acid Hybrid: a Highly Efficient Catalyst for Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley Reductions
Authors: Song Jinliang , Zhou Baowen , Zhou Huacong , Wu Lingqiao , Meng Qinglei , Liu Zhimin , Han Buxing 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe utilization of compounds from natural sources to prepare functional materials is of great importance. Herein, we describe for the first time the preparation of organic–inorganic hybrid catalysts by using natural phytic acid as building block. Zirconium phosphonate (Zr‐PhyA) was synthesized by reaction of phytic acid and ZrCl4 and was obtained as a mesoporous material with pore sizes centered around 8.5 nm. Zr‐PhyA was used to catalyze the mild and selective Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reduction of various carbonyl compounds, e.g., of levulinic acid and its esters into γ‐valerolactone. Further studies indicated that both Zr and phosphate groups contribute significantly to the excellent performance of Zr‐PhyA.
Dual effect of chemical modification and polymer precoating of flax fibers on the properties of short flax fiber/poly(lactic acid) composites
Authors: Kodal Mehmet , Topuk Zeynep Demir , Ozkoc Guralp 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTPolymer precoated and chemically modified short flax fiber (SFF)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were successfully produced. The main focus of this study was to investigate the effects of the combinatorial use of chemical modification methods of flax fiber, such as alkaline treatment and silane coupling agents, together with polymer precoating as the film former on the physical and mechanical properties for PLA/SFF composites. The chemically modified flax fibers were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy. It was revealed from XRD analysis that alkaline treatment resulted in change in the cellulose I structure to the cellulose II structure because of the removal of the cementing non‐cellulosic components. The XPS analysis showed that the silane groups were successfully bonded to the surface of the flax fiber. As the film‐former application, PLA was coated on the surface of alkaline or silane‐treated flax fiber surfaces via a solution dipping process. The SFF content was kept constant at 25 wt % in the composites that were prepared by means of a 15 mL Xplore Instruments twin‐screw compounder. After melt processing, the positive effect of the sizing application on both the alkaline‐ and silane‐treated SFF was observed from the enhanced fiber length distribution. The mechanical properties were examined by means of tensile and impact tests and dynamic mechanical analysis. In addition, the thermal properties obtained from differential scanning calorimetry were discussed as a function of the fiber treatment method. The hydrolysis rate was determined by a weight loss test in a phosphate buffer solution. The results showed that in addition to the positive single influence of the silane coupling agent, the synergetic effect of the film former (i.e., precoated polymer) and silane treatment was observed to improve the performance of the composites. The hydrolysis rate of the polymer‐coated flax‐based composites was lower than that of uncoated flax fiber composites. In addition, polymer‐coated flax fibers could be easily processed like conventional chopped short‐glass‐fiber composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42564.
Synthesis and characterization of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide nanocomposite weak gels with high molecular weights
Authors: Xu Jingshui , Chen Denglong , Ke Yangchuan , Yang Li , Bai Xin , Zhang Guoliang , Zeng Zheling , Gao Wenshuai , Gong Deming 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTHigh‐molecular‐weight partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide nanocomposite (HPAMNC) weak gels were synthesized and evaluated for their flooding behaviors in oil‐recovery applications. The structure, morphology, and properties of the obtained HPAMNC samples and their weak gels were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD patterns clearly proved the exfoliation of the montmorillonite (MMT) layers in the polymer matrix; this was consistent with TEM analysis. The morphology of the HPAMNC was proven to be in a cross‐wire aggregated form by SEM analysis. The viscosity‐average molecular mass of the obtained HPAMNC was approximately 8.51 × 106 under the optimized MMT load at 1.0 wt %. The flooding experiments showed that the oil‐recovery rates in sand pack tubes with low and high permeability were enhanced by approximately 35.1 and 46.2%, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42626.
Synthesis of a montmorillonite‐supported titania nanocomposite with grafted cellulose as a template and its application in photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Man Xiaolin , Wu Ronglan , Lv Henghua , Wang Wei 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTWe report a study on the synthesis of anatase titania (TiO2) particles with the sol–gel method at room temperature. We immobilized the particles on a grafted‐cellulose intercalated montmorillonite (MMT). This nanocomposite, cellulose‐g‐poly(4‐vinyl pyridine)/MMT/TiO2, could be applied in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants efficiently because of the addition of a sorbent, the grafted cellulose. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Methyl orange was used as a model molecule to study photocatalytic degradation. The nanocomposite exhibited a better photocatalytic activity than in the absence of the grafted cellulose. The kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation could be described by pseudo‐first‐order rate law. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42627.
High‐performing dye‐sensitized solar cells based on reduced graphene oxide/PEDOT‐PSScounter electrodes with sulfuric acid post‐treatment
Authors: Lan Zhang , Gao Suwen , Wu Jihuai , Lin Jianming 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTFour kinds of counter electrodes are prepared with polystyrene‐sulfonate doped poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT‐PSS) as basic material, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets as additives and H2SO4as treating agent. The cyclic voltammetry and Tafel polarization are measured to evaluate catalytic activity of these counter electrodes for/I−redox couple. It is found that H2SO4treated rGO and PEDOT‐PSS hybrid counter electrode (S/rGO/PEDOT‐PSS counter electrode) has the highest catalytic activity among these counter electrodes. Power conversion efficiency of the dye‐sensitized solar cell with S/rGO/PEDOT‐PSS counter electrode can attain to 7.065%, distinctly higher than that of the cells with the other three ones, owing to the great enhanced fill factor and short‐circuit current density. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42648.
Preparation and kinetic analysis of room‐temperature vulcanized methylethylsilicone rubbers
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Zhida , Ma Depeng , Zhai Qianqian , Feng Shengyu , Zhang Jie 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTRandom copolymer poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐diethylsiloxane) is synthesized through anionic ring‐opening polymerization. Two‐component room‐temperature vulcanization (RTV‐2) silicone rubbers with excellent low‐temperature resistance are prepared using the poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐diethylsiloxane) and hydrosilicone. The mechanical properties of RTV‐2 rubbers with different formulas are investigated, and the optimized formula is obtained. Moreover, the curing kinetic analysis of RTV‐2 silicone rubber with optimized formula is conducted using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The obtained kinetic equations are used to forecast the tack‐free time at different temperatures. The results converge with the actually measured tack‐free time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42656.
A comparative study on electrosprayed, layer‐by‐layer, and chemically grafted nanomembranes loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Trejo Nidia K. , Frey Margaret 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTIn this study, carboxylic acid coated iron oxide nanoparticles (CA‐Fe3O4NPs) were applied to Nylon 6 nanomembranes by three different techniques: (1) simultaneous electrospinning/electrospraying, (2) layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly, and (3) chemical grafting. These membranes have potential use toward clean‐up of polluted rivers due to the multi‐functional properties of the NPs. However, it is critical to evaluate particle retention and stability on fibers to reduce human health and environmental concerns. This study evaluates the NP treatment uniformity, and particle retention of the membranes based on knowledge of the preparation process. Electron microscopy and CIELAB spectrophotometry revealed that the NPs were uniformly dispersed via the electrospun/electrosprayed and grafted methods while non‐uniformity was observed on LbL treated membranes. The membranes were washed in solutions of various pH levels (pH = 4, 7, 10) to investigate NP release and retention. Inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy results indicate particle release is driven by pH‐dependent, bonding interactions between the NPs and the Nylon 6 fibers. Over 97% of NPs were retained on all treated membranes after washing for 60 min. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42657.
A reassessment of settlement patterns and subsistence at Point Durham, Chatham Island
Authors: Maxwell Justin J. , Smith Ian W.G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOrthodox reconstructions of subsistence and settlement patterns on Chatham Island proposed that throughout the pre‐contact period, Moriori lived within small home ranges and relied for food predominantly on fur seals, with plant foods being of little importance. Reassessment of the Point Durham sites on which these reconstructions were based demonstrates that they were not contemporary, which undermines the orthodox model. Chronological evidence indicates two phases of pre‐contact occupation and that the largest fur seal midden probably derives from the early historical period. During both pre‐contact phases, settlement patterns involved residential mobility between sites of different function along with the transporting of resources over wider territories than the orthodox model allowed. Subsistence evidence shows a shift from initial reliance on fur seals to a broader spectrum of smaller marine animals. Furthermore, new palaeobotanical data indicate that plants, in particular kōpi (Corynocarpus laevigatus), were an important component of diet.
DNA Aptamer Based Nanodrugs: Molecular Engineering for Efficiency
Authors: Cansiz Sena , Zhang Liqin , Wu Cuichen , Wu Yuan , Teng I‐Ting , Hou Weijia , Wang Yanyue , Wan Shuo , Cai Ren , Jin Chen , Liu Qiaoling , Tan Weihong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn the past two decades, the study of cancer therapy has gradually advanced to the “nano” era. Numerous novel nanomaterials armed with unique physical properties have been introduced into biomedical research. At the same time, functional nucleic acid molecules, especially aptamers, have aroused broad attention from the biomedical community. Benefiting from the advancement of molecular engineering strategies, it is now feasible to combine the cancer‐specific recognition capability of aptamers with various other special functions of nanomaterials to develop cancer‐specific drugs at the nanoscale. Nanodrugs are now offering an unprecedented opportunity to achieve the goal of efficient targeted delivery as well as controlled release. This review highlights some achievements made in multiple aptamer‐based nanodrug systems that have emerged in recent years, including studies in the infant stage of “proof‐of‐concept”.
Structural Variety of Cobalt(II), Nickel(II), Zinc(II), and Cadmium(II) Complexes with 4,4′‐Azopyridine: Synthesis, Structure and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Pladzyk Agnieszka , Ponikiewski Łukasz , Dołęga Anna , Słowy Klaudia , Sokołowska Agata , Dziubińska Katarzyna , Hnatejko Zbigniew 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSelf‐assembled bi‐ and polymetallic complexes of CoII, NiII, ZnII, and CdII were obtained by the reaction of 4,4′‐azopyridine (azpy) with metal tri‐tert‐butoxysilanethiolates (Co, 1; Cd, 2), acetylacetonates (Ni, 3; Zn, 4), and acetates (Cd, 5). All compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis, elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Complexes 1, 2 and 4, 5 exhibit diverse structural conformations: 1 is bimetallic, 2 and 4 are 1D coordination polymers, and 5 is a 2D coordination framework formed from bimetallic units. The obtained complexes contain metal atoms bridged by a molecule of azpy. The luminescent properties of 1–5 were investigated in the solid state.
Catalytic Hairpin Assembly‐Programmed DNA Three‐Way Junction for Enzyme‐Free and Amplified Electrochemical Detection of Target DNA
Authors: Liu Shufeng , Wei Wenji , Liu Tao , Wang Li 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDNA three‐way junctions (DNA 3WJ) have been widely used as important building blocks for the construction of DNA architectures and dynamic assemblies. Herein, we describe for the first time a catalytic hairpin assembly‐programmed DNA three‐way junction (CHA‐3WJ) strategy for the enzyme‐free and amplified electrochemical detection of target DNA. It takes full advantage of the target‐catalyzed hairpin assembly‐induced proximity effect of toehold and branch‐migration domains for the ingenious execution of the strand displacement reaction to form the DNA 3WJ on the electrode surface. A low detection limit of 0.5 pM with an excellent selectivity was achieved for target DNA detection. The developed CHA‐3WJ strategy also offers distinct advantages of simplicity in probe design and biosensor fabrication, as well as enzyme‐free operation. Thus, it opens a promising avenue for applications in bioanalysis, design of DNA‐responsive devices, and dynamic DNA assemblies.
Using a Two‐Level Structure to Manage the Point Location Problem in Explicit Model Predictive Control
Authors: Zhang Ju , Xiu Xiaojie , Xie Zuozhang , Hu Biaobiao 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe problem of determining the state region in which the current state point lies is referred to as the point location problem in the explicit model predictive control. In this paper, a two‐level structure to store the state regions is proposed and two efficient methods for solving the point‐location problem are developed; these are the two‐level grid (TLG) method and the grid‐BST method. The TLG method uses a tow‐level hash table. Before building the two‐level structure, the synonymy partitions are merged to reduce the memory storage demand. By setting each parameter in a triplet, the two‐level hash table can reach its optimal state and balance the complexity among the memory storage, reprocessing (offline computation) and the online computation. The grid‐BST method uses hash table as the first‐level structure and builds the binary search tree in the hash grid in which there are many partitions. This two‐level structure reduces reprocessing time significantly especially when the state partitions and the piecewise affine control laws (PWA control laws) are in a large number. Using the hyperplane (HP) as the node (not leaf node) of the tree, the method only stores all the different PWA control laws instead of the state partitions. The two proposed methods overcome the quick complexity growth when the number of polyhedral partitions increases and 2 numerical examples show the advantages of the proposed two methods.
Distributed MPC for Tracking and Formation of Homogeneous Multi‐agent System with Time‐Varying Communication Topology
Authors: Ding Baocang , Ge Liang , Pan Hongguang , Wang Peng 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe distributed model predictive control (MPC) is studied for the tracking and formation problem of multi‐agent system with time‐varying communication topology. At each sampling instant, each agent solves an optimization problem respecting input and state constraints, to obtain its optimal control input. In the cost function for the optimization problem of each agent, the formation weighting coefficient is properly updated so that the adverse effect of the time‐varying communication topology on the closed‐loop stability can be counteracted. It is shown that the overall multi‐agent system can achieve the desired tracking and formation objectives. The effectiveness of the results is demonstrated through two examples.
Robust State Feedback Formulation for High Order Repetitive Controllers
Authors: Flores Jeferson V. , Salton Aurelio T. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper presents a robust state feedback formulation for high order repetitive controllers (HORC) able to track references and/or reject disturbances with uncertain period. We propose a modified structure of the HORC with low‐pass filter in series with the delay element, allowing us to work in the state‐space framework. The filter cut‐off frequency effects and the controller sensitiveness to harmonic and intermediary components are analyzed. A methodology based on the solution of an optimization problem subject to linear matrix inequality constraints is presented for robust synthesis of feedback gains. The advantages regarding the proposed control scheme are discussed with a simulated example of a DC motor driving an eccentric mass.