bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxadiargyl and Its Determination on 2‐(4‐((4‐Acetylphenyl)diazenyl)phenylamino)‐ethanol Modified Graphene‐Paste Electrode
Authors: Saber‐Tehrani M. , Pourhabib A. , Husain S. Waqif , Arvand M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe electrochemical behavior of oxadiargyl at a graphene‐paste electrode modified with an azo dye, 2‐(4‐((4‐acetylphenyl)diazenyl)phenylamino)ethanol (ADPE), ADPE/MGRPE was investigated. The modified electrode showed high electrocatalytic activity toward oxadiargyl. The apparent electron transfer rate constant (ks) and charge transfer coefficient (α) between electrode and ADPE were 1.16 s−1 and 0.41, respectively. The differential pulse voltammetry response of the modified graphene‐paste electrode was linear against the concentration of oxadiargyl in the range from 0.03 to 1.4 mg L−1. The limit of detection was found to be 1.3 µg L−1 (S/N=3). The practical analytical utility of this electrode was demonstrated by measurement of oxadiargyl in river water, soil and rice samples.
Automated AC Voltammetric Sensor for Early Fault Detection and Diagnosis in Monitoring of Electroplating Processes
Authors: Jaworski Aleksander , Wikiel Hanna , Wikiel Kazimierz 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAn in situ sensor employing AC‐voltammetry techniques was designed to provide a response strongly affected by the presence of specific disturbances like foreign contaminants, accumulated degradation products, severely out‐of‐target concentrations of electroplating bath constituents and out‐of‐target physical conditions of the plating process (i.e. temperature). Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) is a pattern recognition method which describes each class separately in eigenvector space. In this supervised classification technique the projected new measurements are evaluated to determine whether they belong to a certain class or not. An automated analytical system was developed capable of collecting on‐line AC voltammetric data and investigating similarities between measurements in proper conditions and measurements with upset behavior with known disturbances which can be utilized to recognize a likely pattern of behavior. The shape differences between deformed and reference set voltammograms are quantified by Mahalanobis Distance (MD)‐SIMCA. In addition to the numerical approach, a graphical projection is utilized to diagnose the root cause of the detected process disturbances.
Amperometric Determination of Creatinine with a Dialysis Membrane‐Covered Nitrobenzene/Water Interface for Urine Analysis
Authors: Matsui Risa , Sakaki Toru , Osakai Toshiyuki 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe ion transfer of creatinine (CRE) at a polarized nitrobenzene (NB)/water (W) interface has been studied. When the pH of the W phase is in the range of 1.2 to 4.0, a well‐defined voltammetric wave is observed for a simple transfer of CRE+ (protonated form) at the NB/W interface. This transfer reaction has been applied to develop an amperometric method for the determination of CRE in urine. In this system, the NB/W interface is covered with a dialysis membrane to prevent possible interference from urine proteins. The concentration of CRE in a urine control has successfully been determined.
The use of ballistic trajectory and granular flow models in predicting rockfall propagation
Authors: Bourrier Franck , Dorren Luuk , Hungr Oldrich 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe term rockfall is often used ambiguously to describe various mass movement processes. Here we propose more precise terminology based on the physical nature of the moving mass, differentiating between two distinct types of rockfall: fragmental rockfall and rock mass fall. For both rockfall types, the current knowledge of the mechanisms controlling propagation of the mass movement are described, showing how these mechanisms can be simulated with different modelling approaches. However, we point out that almost no development has been realized concerning dynamic behaviour of the transitional processes between these two end‐member rockfall types. Some simplified means of dealing with these complications are suggested, but we emphasize that a considerable amount of fundamental methodological development remains necessary. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulated slope development sequences in a three‐dimensional context
Authors: Armstrong Adrian C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractDownvalley sequences of slope profiles have been inferred to represent temporal sequences. Results from a simulation model are presented which demonstrate that for a slope system in dynamic equilibrium, the downvalley variation in form is best explained as a response to downvalley variation in basal conditions, and hence that in such an equilibrium system the direct substitution of time for space is not valid.
Biochar-mediated reductive transformation of nitro herbicides and explosives
Authors: Oh Seok-Young , Son Jong-Gil , Chiu Pei C. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Biochar, a subset of black carbon produced via pyrolysis of biomass, has received much attention in recent years due to its potential to address many important issues, from energy and climate to agriculture and environmental quality. Biochar is known to influence the fate and transport of organic contaminants, although its role has been generally assumed to be as an adsorbent. In this study, the authors investigated the ability of biochar to catalyze the reductive reactions of nitro herbicides and explosives. Two biochars, derived from poultry litter and wastewater biosolids, were found to promote the reductive removal of the dinitro herbicides pendimethalin and trifluralin and the explosives 2,4-dinitrotoluene and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) by dithiothreitol. Parallel experiments using another black carbon material, graphite powder or granular activated carbon, in place of a biochar resulted in comparable rate enhancement to show reduction products, such as 2,4-diaminotoluene and formaldehyde. A cyclization product of trifluralin and reduction products of dinitrotoluene and RDX were detected only when biochar and dithiothreitol were both present, supporting the ability of biochar to promote redox reactions. Three possible catalysts, including graphene moieties, surface functional groups, and redox-active metals, in biochar may be responsible for the biochar-mediated reactions. The environmental significance, implications, and applications of this previously unrecognized role of biochar are discussed. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:501–508. © 2012 SETAC
On a relaxation method for mathematical programs with vanishing constraints
Authors: Achtziger Wolfgang , Kanzow Christian , Hoheisel Tim 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe paper considers a numerical approach for the solution of mathematical problems with vanishing constraints (MPVC). It is well known that direct numerical approaches for the treatment of MPVCs typically fail because standard constraint qualifications usually are not satisfied at a local minimizer. This parallels the situation in the related class of mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). For MPVC several concepts of stationarity have been proposed in the last few years generalizing the usual KKT‐conditions. The paper considers a direct relaxation approach where the original problem is replaced by a perturbed problem. This approach has also been investigated by Izmailov and Solodov [1]. Under standard regularity conditions, we prove the convergence of KKT‐points of the perturbed problem to suitable stationary points of the MPVC. Moreover, conditions are provided showing convergence to a strongly stationary point (i.e., a KKT‐point) of MPVC. The paper closes with a numerical test of this approach for a problem arising in the field of topology optimization of mechanical structures with vanishing stress constraints (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Existence and uniqueness of a global weak solution of a Darcy‐Nernst‐Planck‐Poisson system
Authors: Herz Matthias , Ray Nadja , Knabner Peter 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper deals with the analytical investigations of a nonstationary Darcy‐Nernst‐Planck‐Poisson‐type system which is a mathematical model describing electrolyte solutions. For this nonlinear fully coupled system of partial differential equations we proof existence and uniqueness of global weak solutions. Furthermore, we establish physical properties for the number densities such as nonnegativity and boundedness in L∞((0, T) × Ω) (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and Properties of Thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene Derivatives for Application of OFET Active Layer
Authors: Ito Hiroki , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Yoshimoto Noriyuki , Tsushima Noboru , Muraoka Hiroki , Ogawa Satoshi 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTA series of thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene derivatives having styryl groups were synthesized via short steps and characterized by UV–vis absorption spectra and cyclic voltammetry. Based on these results, we found that the introduction of long chain alkyl groups to the terminal styryl groups leads to narrower HOMO–LUMO gaps and higher HOMO energy levels than the unalkylated styryl substituted molecules. Organic field–effect transistor (OFET) devices using these derivatives as the active layer were fabricated by a vacuum deposition process. It was demonstrated that these devices showed a relatively high hole mobility up to 3.5 × 10−2 cm2/Vs. These devices also showed a good stability, namely their mobilities did not decrease over 100 days in air. Therefore, these facts suggested that the introduction of long‐chain alkylated styryl groups is an effective way to improve the hole mobilities in OFETs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 24:25–35, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21059
INFORMAL PAYMENTS AND HEALTH WORKER EFFORT: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY FROM TANZANIA
Authors: Lindkvist Ida 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTInformal payments—payments made from patients to health personnel in excess of official fees—are widespread in low‐income countries. It is not obvious how such payments affect health worker effort. On the one hand, one could argue that because informal payments resemble formal pay for performance schemes, they will incite higher effort in the health sector. On the other hand, health personnel may strategically adjust their base effort downwards to maximise patients' willingness to pay informally for extra services. To explore the relationship between informal payments and health worker effort, we use a unique data set from Tanzania with over 2000 observations on the performance of 156 health workers. Patient data on informal payments are used to assess the likelihood that a particular health worker accepts informal payment. We find that health workers who likely accept payments do not exert higher average effort. They do however have a higher variability in the effort they exert to different patients. These health workers are also less sensitive to the medical condition of the patient. A likely explanation for these findings is that health workers engage in rent seeking and lower baseline effort to induce patients to pay. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐Rac1 activity downregulates MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cell motility on a nanoscale topography prepared on polystyrene substrates in vitro
Authors: Zheng Liling , Kim Hyun‐Man 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSurface roughness affects various cell activities, including osteoblast motility, which may have an effect on bone regeneration. Defective cell signaling, which is associated with the slow motility of osteoblasts on a substrate with rough topology at nanometer dimensions (Ra = 123.8 ± 29.1 nm), was studied. Osteoblasts grown on the rough surface at nanometer dimensions showed the high activities of small GTPase RhoA and Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK) on the rough surface at nanometer dimensions and downregulated Rac1 activity compared to the smooth surface. The inhibition of ROCK in the cells with Y‐27632, a specific ROCK inhibitor, reversed the low‐cell motility. In addition, the transfection of constitutively active Rac1 reversed the low‐cell motility. However, Rac1 inhibition abolished the reversal of low‐cell motility induced by ROCK inhibition. These results indicate that upregulated RhoA/ROCK activity suppresses Rac1 activity to decrease the motility of osteoblasts on a rough surface at nanometer dimensions, and the low motility of osteoblasts on a rough surface at nanometer dimensions can be reversed by ROCK inhibition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Self‐assembly of model graft copolymers of agarose and weak polyelectrolyte‐based amphiphilic diblock copolymers: Controlled drug release and degradation
Authors: Muppalla Ravikumar , Jewrajka Suresh K. , Prasad Kamalesh 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPolysaccharide‐based copolymers are promising biomaterials due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. For potential biomedical applications the copolymer as a whole and all the degraded species must be biocompatible and easily removable from the system. In this regards, new model pH‐responsive seaweed agarose (Agr) grafted with weak polyelectrolyte‐based well‐defined amphiphilic block copolymers ca. poly[(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐(2‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)] (PMMA‐b‐PDMA) were designed and synthesized to study the self‐assembly, degradation, and in vitro hydrophobic/hydrophilic drug release behavior. The graft copolymer solutions display extremely low critical micelle concentration (CMC) and form pH responsive stable micelles. The degradation study of the graft copolymer reveals that the entire degraded components are well soluble/dispersible in water due to formation of mixed micelles. The micelles are also strongly adsorbed on the mica surface owing to electrostatic interaction. One application of the graft copolymer micelles is that it can entrap both hydrophilic and poorly water soluble hydrophobic drugs effectively and exhibit slow release kinetics. The release kinetics of both the hydrophilic and poorly water soluble hydrophobic drugs change with pH as well as with the composition of the graft copolymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: , 2013.
Efficacy of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in delivering BMP‐2 plasmid DNA for in vitro osteogenic stimulation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kim Tae‐Hyun , Kim Meeju , Eltohamy Mohamed , Yun Ye‐Rang , Jang Jun‐Hyeog , Kim Hae‐Won 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe report the ability of aminated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN–NH2) with large mesopore space and positive‐charged surface to deliver genes within rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The amine functionalized inorganic nanoparticles were complexed with bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) plasmid DNA (pDNA) to study their transfection efficiency in MSCs. Intracellular uptake of the complex BMP2 pDNA/MSN–NH2 occurred significantly, with a transfection efficiency of approximately 68%. Furthermore, over 66% of the transfected cells produced BMP2 protein. The osteogenic differentiation of the transfected MSCs was demonstrated by the expression of bone‐related genes and proteins including bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, and osteocalcin. The MSN–NH2 delivery vehicle for BMP2 pDNA developed in this study may be a potential gene delivery system for bone tissue regeneration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Part II: Enhancement of transcorneal delivery of gatifloxacin by solid lipid nanoparticles in comparison to commercial aqueous eye drops
Authors: Abul Kalam Mohd. , Sultana Yasmin , Ali Asgar , Aqil Mohd. , Mishra Anil K. , Chuttani Krishna , Aljuffali Ibrahim A. , Alshamsan Aws 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis study describes corneal permeation of gatifloxacin from solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) through the cornea and its effect on corneal hydration level. The aqueous humor levels of gatifloxacin after single topical instillation in Gate® Eyedrops and positively charged SLN‐C were determined. A 3.37‐fold increase in the relative bioavailability was observed with the SLN‐C (AUC0→∞ 2.192 μg mL−1 h) (AUC, area under the curve) as compared to Gate® Eyedrops (AUC0→∞ 0.651 μg mL−1 h). The t1/2 of drug in SLN‐C exhibited a 2.34‐fold higher than Gate® Eyedrops seem to be significantly increased (p > 0.05), Cmax of gatifloxacin from SLN‐C showed 1.09‐fold higher concentration as compared to Gate® Eyedrops. The results suggested that SLNs could enhance ocular bioavailability of gatifloxacin and prolong its residence time in the eyes. Moreover, no signs of ocular irritation were seen with the SLN formulations, indicating their relative safety compared to the marketed drops. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
In vitro and in vivo studies on nanocrystalline Ti fabricated by equal channel angular pressing with microcrystalline CP Ti as control
Authors: Nie F. L. , Zheng Y. F. , Wei S.C. , Wang D. S. , Yu Z. T. , Salimgareeva G. K. , Polyakov A. V. , Valiev R. Z. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBulk nanocrystalline Ti bars (Grade 4, ϕ4 × 3000 mm3) were massively fabricated by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) via follow‐up conform scheme with the microcrystalline CP Ti as raw material. Homogeneous nanostructured crystals with the average grain size of 250 nm were identified for the ECAPed Ti, with extremely high tensile/fatigue strength (around 1240/620 MPa) and adorable elongation (more than 5%). Pronounced formation of bonelike apatite for the nanocrystalline Ti group after 14 days static immersion in simulated body fluids (SBF) reveals the prospective in vitro bioactive capability of fast calcification, whereas an estimated 17% increment in protein adsorption represents good bioaffinity of nanocrystalline Ti. The documentation onto the whole life circle of osteoblast cell lines (MG63) revealed the strong interactions and superior cellular functionalization when they are co‐incubated with bulk nanocrystalline Ti sample. Moreover, thread‐structured specimens were designed and implanted into the tibia of Beagles dogs till 12 weeks to study the in vivo responses between bone and metallic implant made of bulk nanocrystalline Ti, with the microcrystalline Ti as control. For the implanted nanostructured Ti group, neoformed bone around the implants underwent the whole‐stage transformation proceeding from originally osteons or immature woven bone to mature lamellar bone (skeletonic trabecular), even with the remodeling being finished till 12 weeks. The phenomenal osseointegration of direct implant‐bone contact can be revealed from the group of the ECAPed Ti without fibrous tissue encapsulation in the gap between the implant and autogenous bone. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Enzymatic modification of regenerated cellulosic fabrics to improve bacteria sorption properties
Authors: Akbari M. , Dadadashian F. , Kordestani S. S. , Xue M. , Jackson C. J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis research investigates the effect of enzymatic treatment of two different regenerated cellulosic fibers (Lyocell and viscose) on their ability of bacteria sorption from an aqueous suspension. The sorption of Escherichia coli (E. coli, Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, Gram positive) cells by treated Lyocell and viscose fabrics were determined by measuring the optical density (OD) of the remaining bacteria suspension after removal of the fabric samples using spectrometry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to investigate structural and morphological changes of the enzyme treated samples. The result showed that the moisture content and crystallinity of both viscose and Lyocell samples increased after enzymatic treatment. Comparing the results of OD measurements indicated that enzymatic treatment of cellulosic samples significantly increased the bacteria absorption properties compared to those untreated samples. However, treated samples showed different ranges of sorption ability with different kinds of bacteria. The maximum bacteria sorption of 38% and 37% of E. coli bacteria from an aqueous suspension was found for the treated viscose and Lyocell samples compared with only 20% and 10% of the untreated viscose and Lyocell samples, respectively. It was also found that S. aureus sorption of cellulose‐treated viscose and Lyocell fabrics from a bacterial suspension could significantly improve up to 33% compared with only 5% of untreated samples. Furthermore, SEM micrographs confirmed that bacterial sorption of the cellulose‐treated samples were effectively improved in terms of their uniform sorption on the fibers surface. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Nanopatterning effects on astrocyte reactivity
Authors: Ereifej Evon S. , Matthew Howard W. , Newaz Golam , Mukhopadhyay Ashis , Auner Gregory , Salakhutdinov Ildar , VandeVord Pamela J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAn array of design strategies have been targeted toward minimizing failure of implanted microelectrodes by minimizing the chronic glial scar around the microelectrode under chronic conditions. Current approaches toward inhibiting the initiation of glial scarring range from altering the geometry, roughness, size, shape, and materials of the device. Studies have shown materials which mimic the nanotopography of the natural environment in vivo will consequently result in an improved biocompatible response. Nanofabrication of electrode arrays is being pursued in the field of neuronal electrophysiology to increase sampling capabilities. Literature shows a gap in research of nanotopography influence in the reduction of astrogliosis. The aim of this study was to determine optimal feature sizes for neural electrode fabrication, which was defined as eliciting a nonreactive astrocytic response. Nanopatterned surfaces were fabricated with nanoimprint lithography on poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces. The rate of protein adsorption, quantity of protein adsorption, cell alignment, morphology, adhesion, proliferation, viability, and gene expression was compared between nanopatterned surfaces of different dimensions and non‐nanopatterned control surfaces. Results of this study revealed that 3600 nanopatterned surfaces elicited less of a response when compared with the other patterned and non‐nanopatterned surfaces. The surface instigated cell alignment along the nanopattern, less protein adsorption, less cell adhesion, proliferation and viability, inhibition of glial fibrillary acidic protein, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1 compared with all other substrates tested. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.