bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and properties of a superabsorbent from an ultraviolet‐irradiated waste nameko mushroom substrate and poly(acrylic acid)
Authors: Zhang Mingyue , Cheng Zhiqiang , Liu Mengzhu , Zhang Yongqiang , Hu Meijuan , Li Junfeng 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTTo better use the waste nameko mushroom substrate (WNMS) and prevent its pollution into the environment, a novel superabsorbent polymer was synthesized via the UV irradiation copolymerization of acrylic acid and WNMS in the presence of an initiator (dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone and ammonium persulfate) and crosslinker N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide. The factors that had an influence on the water absorbency of the superabsorbent polymer were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, WNMS–poly(acrylic acid) was obtained. Its swelling behaviors, which followed the pseudo‐second‐order swelling kinetic model, were investigated in distilled water (1701 g/g) and a 0.9 wt % NaCl solution (388 g/g). The water absorbency was 1011 g/g in a 0.1 wt % urea solution and 80% amount of urea diffused into the gels. The urea diffusion followed a Fickian diffusion mechanism. Moreover, the product showed excellent water retention capabilities under the condition of high temperature or high pressure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40471.
Thermally and magnetically dual‐responsive mesoporous silica nanospheres: preparation, characterization, and properties for the controlled release of sophoridine
Authors: Dong Liling , Peng Hailong , Wang Shenqi , Zhang Zhong , Li Jinhua , Ai Fanrong , Zhao Qiang , Luo Mei , Xiong Hua , Chen Lingxin 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTNovel thermally and magnetically dual‐responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles [magnetic mesoporous silica nanospheres (M‐MSNs)–poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAAm)] were developed with magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles as the core, mesoporous silica nanoparticles as the sandwiched layer, and thermally responsive polymers (PNIPAAm) as the outer shell. M‐MSN–PNIPAAm was initially used to control the release of sophoridine. The characteristics of M‐MSN–PNIPAAm were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, and vibrating specimen magnetometry analyses. The results indicate that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles were incorporated into the M‐MSNs, and PNIPAAm was grafted onto the surface of the M‐MSNs via precipitation polymerization. The obtained M‐MSN–PNIPAAm possessed superparamagnetic characteristics with a high surface area (292.44 m2/g), large pore volume (0.246 mL/g), and large mesoporous pore size (2.18 nm). Sophoridine was used as a drug model to investigate the loading and release properties at different temperatures. The results demonstrate that the PNIPAAm layers on the surface of M‐MSN–PNIPAAm effectively regulated the uptake and release of sophoridine. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40477.
Etherification optimization for preparing partially hydrolized hydroxypropylated guar gum and its properties
Authors: Hongbo Tang , Yanping Li , Siqing Dong , Min Sun 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe partially hydrolized hydroxypropylated guar gum (PHHGG) was prepared using GG as the raw material, hydrochloric acid as the hydrolysis agent, epoxy propane as the etherifying agent, ethanol as the solvent to obtain better property combination. The effect of the reaction temperature, reaction time, and amounts of sodium hydroxide, ethanol, and epoxy propane on the substitution degree of the partially hydrolized hydroxypropylated GG was investigated. These process parameters were optimized by the orthogonal test. Using polarized light microscopy, infrared spectrometer, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analyzer, the appearance, structure, and thermal property of the partially hydrolized hydroxypropylated GG (PHHGG) were observed and measured. The results indicated that the best process conditions for preparing the PHHGG were: reaction temperature = 60°C, reaction time = 12 h, amount of sodium hydroxide = 1.2%, amount of ethanol = 60%. The acid resistance and alkali resistance of GG were obviously improved by the acidolysis and hydroxypropylation. The particle appearance of GG was a thin strip after it was hydrolized by acid and hydroxypropylated by epoxy propane. The acidolysis increased the melting onset temperature, peak temperature, and end temperature of GG but the hydroxypropylation decreased them. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40489.
Preparation and characterization of a temperature‐sensitive nonwoven poly(propylene) with increased affinity for guest molecules
Authors: Amiri Setareh , Duroux Laurent , Nielsen Thorbjørn Terndrup , Larsen Kim Lambertsen 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA temperature‐sensitive hydrogel with the capability of inclusion complex formation with guest molecules was successfully grafted onto the surface of nonwoven polypropylene (nonwoven PP). This was carried out by the use of N‐isopropylacrylamide monomer and a modified cyclodextrin (acrylamidomethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD‐NMA)). Fourier‐transform infra red (FT‐IR) and elemental analyses confirmed the presence of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and β‐CD‐NMA components on the surface of the textile. Equilibrium swelling ratio measurements showed that the grafted hydrogel maintained its temperature‐sensitive property compared to a nongrafted hydrogel. The effect of β‐CD‐NMA and crosslink agent concentrations on the grafting yield was studied. The β‐CD‐NMA content into the PNIPPAM‐ β‐CD‐NMA grafted nonwoven PP (PNIPAAm‐β‐CD‐NMA‐PP) was estimated by FT‐IR through a new procedure. The estimated amounts of β‐CD‐NMA in PNIPAAm‐β‐CD‐NMA‐PP were determined to be 0.9, 1.9 mg g−1 for 0.019M and 0.049M concentrations of β‐CD‐NMA in monomer solution, respectively. The PNIPAAm‐β‐CD‐NMA‐PP showed a remarkable increase in absorbance affinity of 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt at 20°C from 0.93 to 3.33 µmol g−1 compared to PNIPAAm‐PP. Furthermore, the results showed a temperature‐sensitive loading affinity for PNIPAAm‐β‐CD‐NMA‐PP in absorbance of guest molecules due to the presence of β‐CD‐NMA. The use of hydrophobic guest molecules such as fragrance oils and antibiotics in modified fabrics can provide new applications in textile and pharmaceutical industry. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40497.
Elastic biodegradable starch/ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol fibre‐mesh scaffolds for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Susano Maria A. , Leonor Isabel B. , Reis Rui L. , Azevedo Helena S. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe fabrication of a biomaterial scaffold, with adequate physical and structural properties for tissue engineering applications, is reported. A blend of starch with ethylene‐vinyl alcohol (50/50 w/w, SEVA‐C) is used to produce 3D fibre‐mesh scaffolds by wet‐spinning. The scaffolds are characterized in terms of morphology, porosity, interconnectivity, and pore size, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microcomputed tomography (μCT). The degradation behavior, as well as the mechanical properties of the scaffolds, is investigated in presence of alpha‐amylase enzyme at physiological concentration. Scaffolds with porosities ranging from 43 to 52%, interconnectivity of ∼70.5% and pore size between 118 and 159 μm, can be fabricated using the proposed methodology. The scaffolds exhibit an elastic behavior in the wet state with a compressive modulus of 7.96 ± 0.32 MPa. Degradation studies show that SEVA‐C scaffolds are susceptible to enzymatic degradation by alpha‐amylase, confirmed by the increase of weight loss (40% of weight loss after 12 weeks) and presence of degradation products (reducing sugars) in solution. The diameter of SEVA‐C scaffolds decreases with degradation time, increasing the overall porosity, interconnectivity and pore size. In vitro cell studies with human osteosarcoma cell line (SaOs‐2) showed a nontoxic and cytocompatible behavior of the developed fibre mesh scaffolds. The positive cellular response, together with structural and degradable properties, suggests that 3D SEVA‐C fibre‐meshes may be good candidates as tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40504.
Properties of powdered associative alkali‐swellable acrylics thickeners synthesized by precipitation polymerization
Authors: Ma Xiaoyuan , Du Zhiping , Wang Wanxu , Li Ping , Li Qiuxiao , Zhao Yonghong , Li Enze 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTPowdered alkali‐swellable acrylics thickener (ASAT) was synthesized by precipitation polymerization with acrylic acid (AA) and stearyl acrylate (SA) as monomer, allyl sucrose ether (ASE) as crosslink agent and lauroyl peroxide (LPO) as initiator in the solvent of ethyl acetate. The powders were normal distribution in the range 1–80 μm and showed sensitive to pH in water. Before pH 7, both of the viscosity and the light transmittance of the APAT emulsion increased with enhancing pH value. ASE and SA played an important role in the properties of ASAT. When the amount of ASE was increased, the crosslink degree in the ASAT molecule increased. As the result, the viscosity of its emulsion increased firstly and then decreased, but the light transmittance of the emulsion decreased monotonously. Introduction of SA led to formation of an associative ASAT. Therefore, both of the viscosity and light transmittance of ASAT emulsion increased firstly and then decrease with increasing the amount of SA. Meanwhile, the associative ASAT emulsion showed shear thinning behavior, good salt tolerate, and less sensitivity to temperature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40512.
A comparative study on the effects of material blending method on the physico‐mechanical properties of WPCs made from MDF dust
Authors: Chavooshi Arash , Madhoushi Mehrab , Shakeri Alireza , Khazaeian Abolghasem 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe present study was carried out to investigate the effect of material‐blending method and filler content on the physical and mechanical properties of medium density fiberboard (MDF) dust/PP composites. In the sample tests preparation, 40, 50, and 60 wt % of MDF dust were used as lignocellulosic material. Test samples were made to measure the influence of material‐blending method and MDF dust content on water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), tensile strength, tensile modulus, and withdrawal strengths of fasteners. The mechanical properties of the test panels significantly decreased with increasing MDF dust contents due to the reduction of interface bond between the fiber and polymer matrix. The WA and TS values also increased by increasing the amount of MDF dust. So with the increase in the MDF dust content, there are more water residence (high hydroxyl groups (OH) of cellulose and hemicelluloses) sites, thus more water is absorbed, so it can reduce mechanical strength. Furthermore, the results indicated that the physical and mechanical properties of samples made with melt‐blend method were more acceptable than those of dry‐blend method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy micrographs also showed that the polymer and the filler phase mixed better in the melt‐blend method. On the basis of the findings of this research, it appears evident that certain amount of MDF dust material with suitable material‐blending method can be used in manufacturing of wood–plastic composites for providing good physical and mechanical properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40513.
Whole‐community facilitation by beaver: ecosystem engineer increases waterbird diversity
Authors: Nummi Petri , Holopainen Sari 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTWetlands are rich in biodiversity, but globally threatened. After a long period of regional extirpation, beavers have recently returned to many European areas and are now restoring wetlands. The beaver is remarkable regarding the large impacts it has not only on individual species but on entire communities and ecosystems. In fact, beavers are referred to as ‘ecosystem engineers’.The facilitative effect of the beaver Castor canadensis on a waterbird community of seven species of waders and ducks in boreal ponds was studied by using the before–after control–impact method (BACI) and analysing the effect of the duration of flooding. The before–after setting could be used since beavers had caused disturbance by flooding several forest ponds during the course of this long‐term study (1988–2009). The study took place in southern Finland, where waterbirds were surveyed four times during the breeding season.The number of waterbird species per pond per year was significantly higher during beaver inundation than before beaver activity, as was the waterbird abundance per survey. Changes were negligible in the controls. The numbers of all seven species increased during flooding, although the increase was significant in only three species. Common teal Anas crecca and green sandpiper Tringa ochropus showed the most positive numerical response to flooding. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and wigeon Anas penelope were new species entering the duck guild in the flooded wetlands. The beneficial effect of the flood lasted the whole period of inundation, although the most substantial increase in species number appeared during the first two years of flooding.The beaver acted as a whole‐community facilitator for waterbirds. It was inferred from previous studies that this was done by modifying the habitat to make it more productive and structurally favourable. It is concluded that favouring beavers is a worthwhile tool in restoring wetlands to promote waterbird communities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐Dimensional Carboxylate‐Bridged GdIII Complexes for Magnetic Refrigeration
Authors: Liu Sui‐Jun , Xie Chen‐Chao , Jia Ji‐Min , Zhao Jiong‐Peng , Han Song‐De , Cui Yu , Li Yue , Bu Xian‐He 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFour carboxylate‐bridged GdIII complexes (1–4) with 1D/2D structures have been synthesized by using the hydrothermal reaction of Gd2O3 with various carboxylate ligands. Compounds 1 and 2 contained the same [2n] GdIIIOH ladders, but with different crystallographically independent GdIII ions, whilst the structures of compounds 3 and 4 were composed of [Gd4(μ3‐OH)2(piv)8(H2O)2]2+ units and 1D ladder GdIII chains, respectively. Antiferromagnetic interactions occurred in compounds 1–3, owing to their small GdOGd angles, whereas ferromagnetic coupling occurred in compound 4, in which the GdOGd angles were larger. These complexes exhibited a distinct magnetocaloric effect (MCE), which was affected by their different magnetic densities and exchange interactions. Among these compounds, complex 4 presented the largest MCE (−ΔSmmax=43.6 J kg−1 K−1), the lowest Mw/NGd ratio (the highest magnetic density), and weak ferromagnetic coupling. Therefore, a lower Mw/NGd ratio and weaker exchange interactions (a smaller absolute value of θ) between GdIII ions resulted in a larger MCE for the GdIII complexes.
Exploring the feasibility of using electronic health records in the surveillance of fetal alcohol syndrome
Authors: Hansen Craig , Adams Marvin , Fox Deborah J. , O'Leary Leslie A. , Frías Jaime L. , Freiman Heather , Meaney F. John 
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUNDExplore the use of electronic health records (EHRs) in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) surveillance systems.METHODSUsing EHRs we identified diagnoses and anthropometric measurements related to the FAS criteria developed by the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Surveillance Network (FASSNet) among children aged 0 to 12 years.RESULTSThere were 143,393 distinct children aged between 0 and 12 years enrolled in Kaiser Permanente, Georgia, during the study period. Based on diagnoses and anthropometric measurements, 20,101 children met at least one criterion of interest, and when grouped into combinations of different criteria there were 2285 who met GROWTH+CNS criteria, 76 children who met GROWTH+FACE criteria, 107 children who met CNS+FACE criteria, and 93 children who met GROWTH+CNS+FACE criteria. The prevalence of FAS as defined by FASSNet is 1.92 per 1000 children. We linked 17,084 (85.0%) children to their mothers in the health plan; only 3% of mothers of children in the GROWTH+CNS+FACE group had an indication of alcohol or drugs use, but they had the highest rate of depression (39%).CONCLUSIONData of utility in identification of FAS are readily available in EHRs and may serve as a basis for intervention with at‐risk children and in planning of future FAS surveillance programs. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:67–78, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Opening the genetic toolbox of niche model organisms with high throughput techniques: Novel proteins in regeneration as a case study
Authors: Looso Mario 
Published: February 2014

AbstractUnderstanding in vivo regeneration of complex structures offers a fascinating perspective for translation into medical applications. Unfortunately, mammals in general lack large‐scale regenerative capacity, whereas planarians, newts or Hydra can regenerate complete body parts. Such organisms are, however, poorly annotated because of the lack of sequence information. This leads to limited access for molecular biological investigations. In the last decade, high throughput technologies and new methods enabling the effective generation of transgenic animals have rapidly evolved. These developments have allowed the extensive use of niche model organisms as part of a trend towards the accessibility of a greater panel of model species for scientific research. The case study that follows provides an insight into the impact of high throughput techniques on the landscape of models of regeneration. The cases presented here give evidence of alternative stem cell maintenance pathways, the identification of new protein families and new stem cell markers.
Wie sich Mensch und Nahrung beeinflussen
Authors: Höffeler Fritz 
Published: February 2014

AbstractZwischen Menschen und ihrer Nahrung bestehen zahlreiche Wechselwirkungen und Abhängigkeiten, die sich besonders in Veränderungen der genetischen Ausstattungen und in Modifikationen der Genregulationen widerspiegeln. Vier Interaktionswege konnten identifiziert werden: Das individuelle Genrepertoire des Menschen beeinflusst die Reaktionen seines Körpers auf die zugeführte Nahrung (Nutrigenetik); Nahrungsbestandteile beeinflussen die Regulation einer Vielzahl der Gene (Nutrigenomik); traditionelle Ernährungsgewohnheiten können zu wechselseitigen genetischen Veränderungen der Menschen und seiner Nahrungsorganismen führen (Coevolution); auf Grund der positiven Selektion erwünschter und der negativen Selektion unerwünschter Eigenschaften verändert der Mensch das Genrepertoire nahezu aller seiner Nahrungsorganismen (Züchtung und Kultivierung).
Neues vom Pferde‐Stammbaum
Authors: Kronberg Inge 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDie Vorfahren unserer heutigen Pferde sind durch zahlreiche Fossilfunde dokumentiert: Ausgehend von kleinen vierzehigen Waldtieren hin zu großen einzehigen Steppentieren erscheinen sie als Lehrbuchbeispiel für eine evolutive Reihe. Jeder neue Fossilfund fügte jedoch weitere Zweige hinzu. Der Pferde‐Stammbaum gleicht eher einem Busch, in dem viele Linien ausgestorben sind und nur die Gattung Equus, also Zebra, Halbesel, Esel und echtes Pferd, bis heute erhalten blieb. Eine vergleichende Genomanalyse von Pferdeknochen‐DNA aus dem Permafrostboden Kanadas hat jetzt gezeigt, dass die Abspaltung der Equus‐Linie deutlich älter ist als bisher vermutet.
Proteinen durch Immunpräzipitation auf der Spur
Authors: Hauk Andrea 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWill man ein bestimmtes Protein in einem komplexen Gemisch aus Proteinen anreichern, so bietet sich die Immunpräzipitation als Methode der Wahl an. Hier können Antigene im kleinen Maßstab mit Hilfe von spezifischen Antikörpern ausgefällt werden. In der Forschung ist diese Methode beliebt, um beispielsweise die Aktivität von Proteinen, mögliche Modifikationen oder auch Komplexbildungen zu untersuchen.
Characterization of NO‐producing neurons in the rat corpus callosum
Authors: Barbaresi Paolo , Fabri Mara , Mensà Emanuela 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine the presence and distribution of nitric oxide (NO)‐producing neurons in the rat corpus callosum (cc).Material and methodsTo investigate this aspect of cc organization we used nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH‐d) histochemistry and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) immunocytochemistry.ResultsIntense NADPH‐d‐positive (NADPH‐d+) neurons were found along the rostrocaudal extension of the cc (sagittal sections). They were more numerous in the lateral cc and gradually decreased in the more medial regions, where they were very few or absent. The Golgi‐like appearance of NADPH‐d+ intracallosal neurons allowed dividing them into five morphological types: (1) bipolar; (2) fusiform; (3) round; (4) polygonal; and (5) pyramidal. The number of NADPH‐d+ neurons (both hemispheres) was counted in two brains using 50‐μm thick sections. In the first brain, counts involved 145 sections and neurons were 2959; in the second, 2227 neurons were counted in 130 sections. The distribution and morphology of nNOS‐immunopositive (nNOSIP) neurons was identical to that of NADPH‐d+neurons. Some of these neurons were observed in the cc ependymal region, where they might be in contact with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), monitoring its composition, pH, and osmolality changes, or playing a role in regulating the synthesis and release of several peptides. The somatic, dendritic, and axonal processes of many NADPH‐d+/nNOSIP neurons were closely associated with intracallosal blood vessels.ConclusionsSuch close relationship raises the possibility that these neurons are a major source of NO during neural activity. As NO is a potent vasodilator, these findings strongly suggest that NO‐positive neurons transduce neuronal signals into vascular responses in selected cc regions, thus giving rise to hemodynamic changes detectable by neuroimaging.