bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonisothermal curing kinetics of epoxy resin composite utilizing Ga (III) xanthate as a latent catalyst
Authors: Vagvala Tarun Chand , Kapil Gaurav , Pandey Shyam S. , Ogomi Yuhei , Hayase Shuzi 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTCure kinetics and curing mechanism of epoxy resin composite utilizing gallium (III) xanthate as a latent catalyst was investigated and compared with the commercial latent catalyst UCAT3512T formulation. Nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetric technique at different heating rates was employed to investigate the kinetic parameters. Activation energy was determined using Kissinger's and Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa methods. Ga (III) xanthate was found to possess superior latent properties compared with UCAT3512T since the activation energy value obtained was higher for epoxy resin composite consisting of Ga (III) xanthate than UCAT3512T. Friedman's isoconversional method was utlizied to for kinetic modeling. An autocatalytic model was found to be successful in describing the curing reaction for both of the formulations. The calculated conversion rate as a function of temperature obtained by solving the autocatalytic equation showed a very good fit with experimental values. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42149.
Combined puncture/cutting of elastomer membranes by pointed blades: Characterization of mechanisms
Authors: Triki Ennouri , Nguyen‐Tri Phuong , Gauvin Chantal , Azaiez Meriam , Vu‐Khanh Toan 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe simultaneous puncture and cutting behavior of elastomers was investigated by pointed blades. Puncture/cutting tests by three‐pointed blades were performed with different elastomer membranes, including butyl, neoprene, and nitrile rubbers. The fracture mechanisms associated to puncture/cutting were investigated. The quantitative material properties which control the puncture/cutting resistance are obtained. The results have showed that the crack growth propagation is controlled by the material viscoelastic and the fracture behaviors of material, as well as the friction between the pointed blade and material. As evidenced from the fracture mechanism analysis, the friction contributes to the resistance of material against the simultaneous puncture and cutting by a factor of more than 60%. It has also been that the penetration force and the global fracture energy depend on the blade tip angle, the cutting edge angle, and the blade lubrication. Finally, an analysis of mixed‐mode fracture based on puncture/cutting by pointed blades has been described. The crack propagation is a synergistic interaction between the fracture modes I and III. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42150.
Optimization of the silane treatment of cellulosic fibers from eucalyptus wood using response surface methodology
Authors: Rojo Ester , Alonso M. Virginia , Del Saz‐Orozco Belén , Oliet Mercedes , Rodriguez Francisco 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTViscose cellulosic fibers from eucalyptus wood were treated with organosilanes to introduce specific functionalities on the fibers and enhance their wettability and adhesion with phenolic matrices in composites. Modeling procedures were employed to optimize the conditions of the treatments of the fibers with the silanes (3‐aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APS) and 3‐(2‐aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilane (AAPS). The analyzed responses were relative intensities of the bands 1565/897 and 1120/897 cm−1, measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the silicon amount incorporated into the cellulosic fibers, which was determined by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. In addition, surface morphology of the silane treated fibers was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The treatments of the cellulosic fibers with 2.2% APS for 120 min and 1.5% AAPS for 100 min were selected as optimums. According to contact angle measurements, both treatments enhanced the wettability between the fibers and a resol‐type phenolic resin, revealing the possible use of the silane treated fibers as reinforcement in phenolic composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42157.
Relationship between ocean mean temperatures and Indian summer monsoon rainfall
Authors: Ali M. M. , Nagamani P. V. , Sharma N. , Venu Gopal R. T. , Rajeevan M. , Goni G. J. , Bourassa Mark A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBesides improving the understanding of the physics of the challenging problem of monsoon prediction, it is necessary to evaluate the efficiency of the input parameters used in models. Sea‐surface temperature (SST) is the only oceanographic parameter applied in most of the monsoon forecasting models, which many times do not represent the heat energy available to the atmosphere. We studied the impacts of ocean mean temperature (OMT), representing the heat energy of the upper ocean, and SST on the all India summer monsoon rainfall through a statistical relation during 1993–2013 and found that OMT has a better link than SST.
Enhanced power generation in annular single‐chamber microbial fuel cell via optimization of electrode spacing using chocolate industry wastewater
Authors: Noori Parisa , Najafpour Darzi Ghasem 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDevelopment and practical application of microbial fuel cell (MFC) is restricted because of the limitations such as low power output. To overcome low power limitation, the optimization of specific parameters including electrode materials and surface area, electrode spacing, and MFC's cell shape was investigated. To the best of our knowledge, no investigation has been reported in the literature to implement an annular single‐chamber microbial fuel cell (ASCMFC) using chocolate industry wastewater. ASCMFC was fabricated via optimization of the stated parameters. The aspects of ASCMFC were comprehensively examined. In this study, the optimization of electrode spacing and its impact on performance of the ASCMFC were conducted. Reduction of electrode spacing by 46.15% (1.3–0.7 cm) resulted in a decrease in internal resistance from 100 to 50 Ω, which enhanced the power density and current output to 22.898 W/m3 and 6.42 mA, respectively. An optimum electrode spacing of 0.7 cm was determined. Through this paper, the effects of these parameters and the performance of ASCMFC are also evaluated.
Risk of cancer among children with birth defects: A novel approach
Authors: Dawson Somer , Charles Adrian K. , Bower Carol , de Klerk Nicholas H. , Milne Elizabeth 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundAssociations between birth defects (BDs) and childhood cancers have been studied previously and have identified several specific birth defect‐cancer associations. No studies have examined the risk after exclusion of known associations.MethodsWe analyzed data from high‐quality population‐based registers of BDs and cancers for Western Australian births 1982 to 2007. The cohort comprised 641,036 babies still alive at 90 days. Two experts independently reviewed all 120 births with a BD and a cancer to determine whether the cancer was congenital, caused by the BD, known to be associated with the BD or otherwise. These categories were used in sensitivity analyses. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for any cancer and specific cancers associated with any BD and specific BDs.ResultsThe HR for any cancer among children with any BD was 1.96 (95% confidence interval, 1.59–2.43). The HR for any cancer among children with a BD not known to be related to a cancer (n = 57) was 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.56). The HR for the latter association among children diagnosed with cancer before 5 years of age was 1.74 (95% confidence interval, 1.28–2.37).ConclusionThis novel approach aimed to prevent inflated HRs arising from reverse causation, and allow identification of associations beyond those already well documented. Larger studies using this method are needed to explore currently undocumented associations between BDs and cancers. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:284–291, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
rs1801133C>T polymorphism in MTHFR is a risk factor for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the Brazilian population
Authors: de Aguiar Pamella Kelly Farias , Coletta Ricardo D. , de Oliveira Allane Maria Lacerda Ferreira , Machado Renato Assis , Furtado Paulo Germano Cavalcante , de Oliveira Lindalva Alves , de Aquino Sibele Nascimento , Martelli‐Junior Hercilio , de Almeida Reis Silvia Regina , Moreira Helenara Salvati Bertolossi , Persuhn Darlene Camati 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundThe MTHFR rs1801131A>C and rs1801133C>T variants have been analyzed as putative genetic risk factors for oral clefts within various populations worldwide.MethodsTo test the role of these polymorphisms in nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in the Brazilian population, we conducted a study combining a Family‐Based Association Test (transmission disequilibrium test) and a structured association analysis (case–control study) based on the individual ancestry proportions. The rs1801131 and rs1801133 were initially analyzed in 197 case‐parent trios by transmission disequilibrium test, and polymorphisms showing significant association with NSCL/P were subsequently studied in independent sample composed of 318 isolated samples of NSCL/P and 598 healthy controls in a case–control approach. Genomic ancestry was characterized by a set of 40 biallelic short insertion/deletion markers.ResultsA strong overtransmission of the T allele of rs1801133 was observed in case‐parent trios of NSCL/P (p = 0.002), but no preferential parent‐of‐origin transmission was detected. No association of rs1801131 polymorphism with NSCL/P was observed. The structured case–control analysis supported that the T allele was significantly more frequent in the NSCL/P group (odds ratio: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.12–1.69; p = 0.002) than in the control group. Both polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 0.94 and r2 = 0.79), and haplotype‐transmission disequilibrium test for allelic combination of rs1801131 and rs1801133 showed a significant overtransmission of haplotype A‐T to the affected NSCL/P offspring (p = 0.001).ConclusionOur findings provide evidences for the involvement of rs1801133 in the development of NSCL/P in the Brazilian population. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:292–298, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma folate levels in early to mid pregnancy after a nation‐wide folic acid supplementation program in areas with high and low prevalence of neural tube defects in china
Authors: Liu Jufen , Gao Lili , Zhang Yali , Jin Lei , Li Zhiwen , Zhang Le , Meng Qinqin , Ye Rongwei , Wang Linlin , Ren Aiguo 
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUNDFolic acid supplementation is recommended for all women of child‐bearing age to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). A nation‐wide folic acid supplementation program was implemented in rural areas of China since 2009; however, changes in plasma folate levels in pregnant women were unknown.METHODSA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2011 to 2012, with 1736 pregnant women enrolled, and results were compared with a previous survey in 2002 to 2004. A microbiological method was used to determine plasma folate levels. Preprogram and postprogram median plasma folate concentrations were compared while stratified by prevalence of NTDs and residence.RESULTSIn the high NTD prevalence population, plasma folate concentration increased to 33.4 (18.7, 58.4) nmol/L in the postprogram sample, which is 2.9 times of the preprogram. In the low NTD prevalence population, plasma folate increased to 67.9 (44.5, 101.9) nmol/L, which is 1.9 times of the preprogram. Gaps remained in plasma folate levels with respect to prevalence of NTDs and residence. Folic acid supplementation has a strong impact on plasma folate concentrations. Earlier supplementation (before the last menstrual period), increased supplementation frequency and more total days of supplementation were associated with a higher plasma folate concentration as demonstrated in both the high‐ and low‐prevalence populations.CONCLUSIONPlasma folate levels among pregnant Chinese women increased dramatically after the nation‐wide folic acid supplementation program in both rural and urban areas, and in populations of high and low NTD prevalence. The nation‐wide program should have a component to ensure that supplementation begins before pregnancy. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:501–508, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanoluminescence, thermoluminescence, photoluminescence studies on Ca3Y2Si3O12:RE3+ (RE3+ = Dy3+and Eu3+) phosphors
Authors: Kadukar Monali R. , Yawalkar P. W. , Choithrani Renu , Dhoble S. J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDy3+ and Eu3+ activated Ca3Y2Si3O12 phosphors were synthesized by the solid‐state synthesis method. The phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), mechanoluminescence (ML), thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL) to determine structure and luminescence. For ML glow curves, only one peak was observed, as only one type of luminescence centre was formed during irradiation. The Ca3Y2Si3O12:Dy3+ TL glow curve showed a single peak at 151.55°C and the Ca3Y2Si3O12:Eu3+ TL glow curve peaked at 323°C with a small peak at 192°C, indicating that two types of traps were activated. The trapping parameters for both the samples were calculated using Chen's peak shape method. Dy3+‐activated Ca3Y2Si3O12 showed emission at 482 and 574 nm when excited by a 351 nm excitation wavelength, whereas the Eu3+‐activated Ca3Y2Si3O12 phosphor PL emission spectra showed emission peaks at 613 nm, 591 nm, 580 nm when excited at 395 nm wavelength. When excited at 466 nm, prominent emission peaks were observed at their respective positions with very slight shifts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming growth factor type‐β inhibits Mas receptor expression in fibroblasts but not in myoblasts or differentiated myotubes; Relevance to fibrosis associated to muscular dystrophies
Authors: Cofre Catalina , Acuña María José , Contreras Osvaldo , Morales María Gabriela , Riquelme Cecilia , Cabello‐Verrugio Claudio , Brandan Enrique 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDuchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by myofiber degeneration, muscle weakness, and increased fibrosis. Transforming growth factor type‐β (TGF‐β), a central mediator of fibrosis, is upregulated in fibrotic diseases. Angiotensin‐(1–7) [Ang‐(1–7)] is a peptide with actions that oppose those of angiotensin‐II (Ang II). Ang‐(1–7) effects are mediated by the Mas receptor. Treatment with Ang‐(1–7) produce positive effects in the mdx mouse, normalizing skeletal muscle architecture, decreasing local fibrosis, and fibroblasts, and improving muscle function. Mdx mice deficient for the Mas receptor showed the opposite effects. To identify the cell type(s) responsible for Mas receptor expression, and to characterize whether profibrotic effectors had any effect on its expression, we determined the effect of profibrotic agents on Mas expression. TGF‐β, but not connective tissue growth factor or Ang‐II, reduced the expression of Mas receptor in fibroblasts isolated from skeletal muscle cells and fibroblasts from two established cell lines. In contrast, no effects were observed in myoblasts and differentiated myotubes. This inhibition was mediated by the Smad‐dependent (canonical) and the PI3K and MEK1/2 (noncanonical) TGF‐β signaling pathways. When both canonical and noncanonical inhibitors of the TGF‐β‐dependent pathways were added together, the inhibitory effect of TGF‐β on Mas expression was lost. The decrease in Mas receptor induced by TGF‐β in fibroblasts reduced the Ang‐(1–7) mediated stimulation of phosphorylation of AKT pathway proteins. These results suggest that reduction of Mas receptor in fibroblasts, by TGF‐β, could increase the fibrotic phenotype observed in dystrophic skeletal muscle decreasing the beneficial effect of Ang‐(1–7). © 2015 BioFactors, 41(2):111–120, 2015
Divalent cation‐aided identification of physico‐chemical properties of metal ions that stabilize RNA g‐quadruplexes
Authors: Balaratnam Sumirtha , Basu Soumitra 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTDNA and RNA sequences rich in guanosines (G) can form a four‐stranded secondary structure known as a G‐quadruplex (GQ), which plays a role in regulation of gene expression at the transcription and translation level. Both DNA and RNA GQs typically use the monovalent K+ ion for stabilization of the structures. However, the fundamental reasons for K+ acting as the most stabilizing metal ion for RNA GQs are not known. To identify the properties of a metal ion that stabilizes an RNA GQ we investigated the effect of alkaline earth metal cations and a set of divalent transition metal ions on two previously identified highly stable RNA GQs. Our results based upon circular dichroism and RNase T1 structure mapping data reveal that the RNA GQs are destabilized in the presence of the tested divalent metal cations. The destabilizing effect of a divalent metal cation is reversible upon increasing K+ concentration. Results show that ionic radius, hydration energy, and binding strength towards the hard ligand (guanine O6) are important factors that determine a metal ion's ability to stabilize an RNA GQ. Additionally, the tested set of divalent metal cations incongruously affects RNA and DNA GQs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 376–386, 2015.
crystal structure analyses of azasulfuryltripeptides reveal potential for γ‐turn mimicry†
Authors: Turcotte Stéphane , Lubell William D. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTAzasulfurylpeptides feature an amino acid residue in which the CαH and the carbonyl are replaced respectively by a nitrogen atom and a sulfonyl group. Insight into the conformational preferences of azasulfurylpeptides containing an azasulfurylglycine (AsG) residue has been pursued using X‐ray analysis in the solid state. Crystals of N‐(Boc)‐Pro‐AsG‐Val‐OMe (10) and N‐(Cbz)‐Ala‐AsG‐D‐Phe‐Ot‐Bu (11) showed tetrahedral geometries about the sulfur atom with the ω torsion angle preferring a staggered conformation. Furthermore, the ϕ and ψ torsion angles of the central azasulfuryl residue were respectively within close proximity to those of ideal inverse and classical γ‐turns. In the crystal lattice, azasulfurylpeptide 11 engaged in intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the sulfonyl oxygen and hydrazide hydrogen in an antiparallel orientation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 622–628, 2015.
Molecular weight characterization of high molecular weight dextran with multiangle light scattering in on‐line and off‐line mode
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Wang Jing 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis work reports the molecular weight (MW) analysis of high MW dextran using multiangle light scattering (MALS) in both chromatography and automated batch measurement mode. The results show that the chromatographic columns alter the high MW native dextran and cause underestimation of the MW as a consequence. Alternatively, a batch MALS measurement (without columns) provides more accurate MW values. The batch MALS measurement was automated with the incorporation of an automatic sample dilution and injection device. This automation reduces the sample preparation time and minimizes concentration errors introduced by manual sample dilution. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using an automated batch MALS in the analysis of high MW dextran. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 387–392, 2015.
Kinetics of peptide folding in lipid membranes
Authors: Oh Kwang‐Im , Smith‐Dupont Kathryn B. , Markiewicz Beatrice N. , Gai Feng 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTDespite our extensive understanding of water‐soluble protein folding kinetics, much less is known about the folding dynamics and mechanisms of membrane proteins. However, recent studies have shown that for relatively simple systems, such as peptides that form a transmembrane α‐helix, helical dimer, or helix‐turn‐helix, it is possible to assess the kinetics of several important steps, including peptide binding to the membrane from aqueous solution, peptide folding on the membrane surface, helix insertion into the membrane, and helix‐helix association inside the membrane. Herein, we provide a brief review of these studies and also suggest new initiation and probing methods that could lead to improved temporal and structural resolution in future experiments. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 281–290, 2015.
Site‐selective modification of peptides: From “customizable units” to novel α‐aryl and α‐alkyl glycine derivatives, and components of branched peptides
Authors: Romero‐Estudillo Iván , Saavedra Carlos , Boto Alicia , Álvarez Eleuterio 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe creation of peptide libraries by site‐selective modification of a few peptide substrates would increase the efficiency of discovery processes, but still is a real synthetic challenge. The site‐selective modification of small peptides at serine or threonine residues, by using a short scission–addition procedure, allows the preparation of peptides with unnatural α‐aryl glycines. In a similar way, the scission of hydroxyproline residues is the key step in the production of optically pure α‐alkyl glycines which are precursors or components of branched peptides. With these versatile processes, a single peptide can be transformed into a variety of peptide derivatives. The process takes place under mild conditions, and good global yields are obtained. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 650–662, 2015.
Conditions, preventable deaths, procedures and validation of a countrywide survey of surgical care in Nepal
Authors: Gupta S , Shrestha S , Ranjit A , Nagarajan N , Groen R S , Kushner A L , Nwomeh B C 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
To determine a true denominator of worldwide surgical need, it is imperative to include estimations at a population-based level, to capture those individuals unable to access surgical care. This study was designed to validate the Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical need (SOSAS) tool with the addition of a visual physical examination, and describe the prevalence of surgical conditions, deaths possibly averted with access to surgical care, and the number of surgical procedures performed annually, in Nepal.

Methods
The SOSAS tool, developed to measure the prevalence of surgical conditions at a population level and used in two African countries, was employed. Fifteen of the 75 districts of Nepal were chosen proportional to population. Responses were recorded for the head of the household for demographic information and recalled deaths, and two randomly selected household members underwent a verbal head-to-toe interview for surgical conditions and a visual physical examination by a trained physician.

Results
A total of 1350 households were surveyed (2695 respondents). Observed agreement between the verbal response and physical examination findings was 94·6 per cent. Some 10·0 (95 per cent c.i. 8·9 to 11·2) per cent of respondents had a current condition requiring surgical care and 23 per cent of deaths may have been averted with proper access to surgical care. An estimated 291·8 major operations per 100 000 population are performed annually in Nepal.

Conclusion
The visual physical examination component validated the SOSAS tool, and justified the estimates of previous studies in Sierra Leone and Rwanda. These data provide insights into the health needs of Nepal and provide evidence to develop surgical programmes, assist with monitoring and evaluation, and help with advocacy for increased resources in Nepal.