bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecularization in nutritional science: A view from philosophy of science
Authors: Ströhle Alexander , Döring Frank 
Published: June 2010

AbstractScope: Over the past decade, a trend toward molecularization, which could be observed in almost all bioscientific disciplines, now appears to have also developed in nutritional science. However, molecular nutrition research gives birth to a series of questions. Therefore, we take a look at the epistemological foundation of (molecular) nutritional science.Methods and results: We (i) analyze the scientific status of (molecular) nutritional science and its position in the canon of other scientific disciplines, (ii) focus on the cognitive aims of nutritional science in general and (iii) on the chances and limits of molecular nutrition research in particular. By taking up the thoughts of an earlier work, we are analyzing (molecular) nutritional science from a strictly realist and emergentist–naturalist perspective.Conclusion: Methodologically, molecular nutrition research is bound to a microreductive research approach. We emphasize, however, that it need not be a radical microreductionism whose scientific reputation is not the best. Instead we favor moderate microreductionism, which combines reduction with integration. As mechanismic explanations are one of the primary aims of factual sciences, we consider it as the task of molecular nutrition research to find profound, i.e. molecular‐mechanismic, explanations for the conditions, characteristics and changes of organisms related to the organism–nutrition environment interaction.
Analysis of a sperm surface molecule that binds to a vitelline envelope component of Xenopus laevis eggs
Authors: Kubo Hideo , Shiga Keiko , Harada Yuichirou , Iwao Yasuhiro 
Published: June 2010

AbstractTo analyze sperm surface molecules involved in sperm–egg envelope binding in Xenopus laevis, heat‐solubilized vitelline envelope (VE) dot blotted onto a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) sheet was incubated with a detergent extract of sperm plasma membrane (SP‐ML). The membrane components bound to the VE were detected using an antibody library against sperm plasma membrane components, and a hybridoma clone producing a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 16A2A7 was identified. This mAb was used in a Far Western blotting experiment in which VE was separated by electrophoresis, and then transferred to a PVDF strip that was incubated with SP‐ML. It was found that SP‐ML binds to the VE component gp37 (Xenopus homolog of mammalian ZP1). The antigens reactive to mAb 16A2A7 showed apparent molecular weights of 65–130 and 20–30 kDa, and were distributed relatively evenly over the entire sperm surface. Periodate oxidation revealed that both the pertinent epitope on the sperm surface and the ligands of VE gp37 were sugar moieties. VE gp37 was exposed on the VE surface, and the mAb 16A2A7 dose‐dependently inhibited sperm binding to VE. The sperm membrane molecules reactive with mAb 16A2A7 also reacted with mAb 2A3D9, which is known to recognize the glycoprotein SGP in the sperm plasma membrane and is involved in interactions with the egg plasma membrane, indicating that the sperm membrane glycoprotein has a bifunctional role in Xenopus fertilization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 728–735, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of PEG chain length and hydrophilic weight fraction on polymersomes prepared from branched (PEG)3‐PLA co‐polymers
Authors: Ayen Wubeante Yenet , Chintankumar Bhavsar , Jain Jay Prakash , Kumar Neeraj 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA series of monomethoxy‐polyethylene glycol (mPEG)‐based branched amphiphilic copolymers of poly(dl‐lactic acid) (PLA) with varying hydrophilic fraction and mPEG chain length were synthesized and used for preparing polymersomes by emulsion‐diffusion‐evaporation method. Effect of mPEG chain length and hydrophilic weight fraction on polymersome's particle size, protein adsorption, degradation, drug loading, and release kinetics were studied. For degradation study, polymersomes were suspended in acidic buffer at 37°C where they degraded by poration followed by fragmentation and were stable at 4°C and pH 7.4. Polymersomes were relatively stable with increased mPEG chain length and hydrophilic weight fraction, maintaining vesicular integrities under conditions of study. Protein adsorption studies showed a decrease in protein adsorption with increasing mPEG chain length and hydrophilic weight fraction of the copolymer. Drug loading and drug release profile of polymersomes were carried out using hydrophobic and hydrophilic dyes. The copolymers with short hydrophobic block chain have shown lower hydrophobic dye loading, while copolymers with longer hydrophobic block have shown higher hydrophobic dye loading however such trend was not observed for hydrophilic dye. The results indicated that hydrophobic dye, localized in the membrane of polymersomes, released within 2 hr while hydrophilic dye showed 25% burst release followed by sustained release till 21 days that could be attributed to thick bilayer membrane. The findings of this study have suggested that polymersomes made from such copolymers would be potential carrier systems for hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs and would be able to control and sustain the release of hydrophilic dye. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electroactive alumina particles embedded in an acrylic elastomer
Authors: Tangboriboon Nuchnapa , Wongpinthong Piraya , Sirivat Anuvat , Kunanuruksapong Ruksapong 
Published: June 2010

AbstractComposites of alumina particles embedded in a polar acrylic rubber polymer matrix are being investigated as potential electroactive polymer actuators. The measured FTIR spectra, XRD patterns, and SEM micrographs suggest that the alumina particles with an average diameter of 9.873 ± 0.034 μm having the rhombohedral form of the corundum phase are intercalated homogeneously within the acrylic rubber matrix. At an Al2O3 volume fraction of 0.144, the electrical conductivity increases from 10−9 to 10−8 (Ω m)−1 at 500 Hz. The storage modulus without applied electrical field, G′o, increases from 9,533 to 105,540 Pa, an order of—a single—magnitude increase, as the particle volume fraction is varied from 0 to 0.144. The increase in the matrix rigidity of the hybrid organic‐inorganic composites are because of the stress transfer from matrix to the reinforcement particles, the partial substitution of a soft matrix with a stiffer filler, and the segmental immobilization caused by the interaction between the matrix polymer chains and the filler surface. Under an applied electric field, induced dipole moments and particle‐particle interaction are generated, leading to an increase in the matrix rigidity. Under an applied electrical field, G′2 kV/mm increases from 9,775 to 139,080 within the same volume fraction range, a difference of more than 30% is observed because of presence of an electrical field. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
High temperature vacuum assisted resin transfer molding of phenylethynyl terminated imide composites
Authors: Fu Xiang , Zhang Chuck , Liang Richard , Wang Ben , Fielding Jennifer C. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractVacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) has proven to be a cost effective process for manufacturing composite structures compared with prepreg/autoclave and traditional resin transfer molding (RTM) processes. However, VARTM has not been accomplished with high temperature resins (such as polyimides) until recently, primarily because no resins had low melt viscosity and long melt stability that are required by VARTM. With the recent invention of phenylethynyl terminated imides (PETIs), high temperature VARTM has been achieved. Two processing methods, in‐plane and through‐thickness resin flow, were proposed and tested. Both methods are capable of fabricating polyimide matrix composites; and the carbon fiber laminates yield good fiber‐resin interfacial bonding and comparable mechanical properties to those laminates fabricated using RTM. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hybrid effect on mechanical properties of M40‐T300 carbon fiber reinforced Bisphenol A Dicyanate ester composites
Authors: Ren Penggang , Zhang Zengping , Xie Li , Ren Fang , Jin Yanling , Di Yingying , Fang Changqing 
Published: June 2010

AbstractInterply and intraply hybrid composites based on Bisphenol A Dicyanate ester (BADCy), high strength carbon fibers T300, and high modulus carbon fibers M40 were prepared by monofilament dip‐winding and press molding technique. The tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear properties and SEM analysis of the hybrid composites with different fiber content and fiber arrangement were investigated. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of intraply hybrid composites were mainly determined by fiber volume contents. When the ratio of fiber volume content was close to 1:1, the intraply hybrid composites possessed lowest tensile and flexural strength. The mechanical properties of interply hybrid composite mainly depended on the fiber arrangement, instead of the fiber volume contents. The hybrid composites using T300 fiber layout as outside layer possessed high flexural strength and low flexural modulus, which was close to that of T300/BADCy composites. The hybrid composites ([(M40)x/(T300)y]S) using M40 fiber layout as outside layer and T300 fibers in the mid‐plane had high flexural modulus and interlaminar shear strength. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Studies of reinforcement behavior of unique elastomer‐based nanocomposite gels
Authors: Mitra Suman , Chattopadhyay Santanu , Bhowmick Anil K. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractUnique nanocomposite (NC) gels were prepared by blending water swollen unmodified montmorillonite clay suspension with natural rubber (NR) and styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) latices followed by prevulcanization. These were extensively characterized by dynamic light scattering, solvent swelling, tensile, and dynamic mechanical measurements. Reinforcement behavior of NC gels was investigated by adding NC gels into virgin NR and SBR matrices at various loadings. The distribution and morphology of NC gels in the elastomer matrices was studied by X‐ray dot mapping and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Experimental results indicated tremendous improvement of tensile strength (TS) and modulus of the NC gel‐filled matrices along with noticeable changes in dynamic mechanical and rheological properties. Compared with virgin NR, the TS of 16 phr NC gel‐filled NR system increased by 117%. Similar level of enhancement of TS was also registered for the NC gel‐filled SBR systems. NC gel‐filled systems showed higher shear viscosities and lower die‐swell values compared with their virgin counterparts. Contemporary particulate composite and nanofiller reinforcement models were used to understand the reinforcing behavior of these NC gels. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of ACS modified epoxy resin composites with fly ash and cenospheres as fillers: Mechanical and microstructural properties
Authors: Mohammed Altaweel Abdullah M.A. , Ranganathaiah C. , Kothandaraman B. , Raj J.M. , Chandrashekara M.N. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractComposites of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A resin modified with Amine Containing Silicone as matrix and fly ash and cenospheres as fillers have been examined for their mechanical and microstructural properties. The microstructural features of the composites in terms of free volume size and content, and its influence on the mechanical properties has been investigated. The results indicate that amine containing silicones works as a good coupling agent between the filler and the resin. Composites with 5 phr fly ash and 30 phr cenospheres showed improved thermal stability as indicated by the increased Tg of the composites, possibly because of increased SiOSi linkages. The tensile strength of cenospheres‐filled composites showed good improvement compared with that of the fly ash‐filled composites. Low density (0.6 g/cc) and higher silica content (60%) of cenospheres seems to be the reason for this observation, which is well corroborated by the free volume data. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ethylene maleated amorphous propylene compatibilized polyethylene nanocomposites: Stress and temperature effects on nonlinear creep
Authors: Shaito Ali , Fairbrother Debora , Sterling Jerry , D'Souza Nandika Anne 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe effects of stress and temperature on the nonlinear creep behavior of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) nanocomposites reinforced with montmorillonite‐layered silicate (MLS) nanoclay and compatibilized with an amorphous maleated ethylene copolymer (amEP) is investigated. To study the effect of stress on the creep resistance of these materials, creep tests were conducted at different stress levels (10, 25, and 50% yield stress). The effect of temperature was examined by analyzing the creep and recovery of the films at temperatures in the range of −100 to 25°C. The individual creep compliance curves for each stress level and temperature were fitted to both the Burgers model and the Kohlrausch‐Williams‐Watts (KWW) function. The results indicate that modification of the polyethylene results in a suppression of relaxation times but the temperature trends are reversed below the β transition temperature. Filled systems exhibited a distribution in relaxation times whose trend matched the relaxation time trends in both Burger and KWW models. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1633–1645, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
NMR and DFT calculation study on structures of 2‐[2‐nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione (NTBC) and its two metabolites isolated from urine of patients suffering from tyrosinemia type I
Authors: Gryff‐Keller Adam , Szczeciński Przemysław , Kraska‐Dziadecka Anna 
Published: June 2010

Abstract2‐[2‐Nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione (NTBC) is an active component of nitisinone, a medicine against tyrosinemia type I. Using 1H, 13C and 19F NMR spectroscopy it has been found that in the urine of patients treated with nitisinone two compounds possessing CF3 group are always present. They have been isolated by using TLC technique and identified as 4‐hydroxy‐2‐[2‐nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione and 5‐hydroxy‐2‐[2‐nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione, the latter being previously unknown. The constitution, tautomerism and stereochemistry of these compounds have been thoroughly investigated using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy supported by theoretical calculations. Molecular structures have been optimized using density functional theory (DFT) with PBE1PBE functional and 6‐31G* basis set. In NMR parameter calculations, the larger 6‐311++G(2d,p) basis set has been used. At both calculation stages, the polarizable continuum model of the solvent has been employed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and associated factors of sexual problems after early‐stage breast cancer treatment: results of a French exploratory survey
Authors: Brédart Anne , Dolbeault S. , Savignoni A. , Besancenet C. , This P. , Giami A. , Michaels S. , Flahault C. , Falcou M.‐C. , Asselain B. , Copel L. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexual activity, sexual problems or sexual satisfaction in French early‐stage breast cancer survivors (BCS).Methods: Eight hundred and fifty eligible, post‐treatment (6 months–5 years) female patients, aged 18–70 years, randomly selected from a consultation list, were invited to fill in questionnaires exploring quality of life (EORTC QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐BR23), body image scale, and sexuality (Sexual Activity Questionnaire–SAQ; Relationship and Sexuality Scale; French Sexual Behaviour Survey—CSF).Results: Fifty‐three percent of BCS agreed to participate. Participating women (n=378) were younger, more often premenopausal at diagnosis and with a more recent diagnosis than non‐respondents. The prevalence of sexual problems was significantly higher in BCS compared with adjusted data from a French female representative sample (p<0.0001). In logistic regression, no sexual activity (R2=0.37) or sexual dissatisfaction (R2=0.28) were associated with the feeling of emotional separation in the couple or of partner's fear of sexual intercourse, lower emotional functioning, poorer body image, or co‐morbidities. In sexually active women (71% of respondents), lower frequency of sexual activity (R2=0.26), lower sexual pleasure (R2=0.22), or higher sexual discomfort (R2=0.22) were associated with the feeling of emotional separation in the couple or of partner's fear of sexual intercourse, lower emotional functioning, age (>50 years), nausea, or insomnia (all Hosmer–Lemeshow tests:p=NS).Conclusions: Psychological factors including the perception of the couple relationship appeared prominent in BCS women's experience of sexual problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutual dependence, partner substitutability, and repeated partnership: the survival of cross‐border alliances
Authors: Xia Jun 
Published: June 2010

AbstractDrawing on the resource dependence perspective, this study suggests that alliance survival is an adaptive response to both environmental dependence and partner dependence independently and jointly. Based on a sample of cross‐border alliances formed and terminated by local and foreign firms in a longitudinal setting, the results suggest that the mutual trade dependence between a home country and a host country is positively related to the survival of cross‐border alliances in the host country. Whereas partner substitutability reduces the probability of alliance survival, repeated partnership increases the probability. Moreover, mutual trade dependence reduces the negative effect of partner substitutability on alliance survival. The findings support the idea that resource dependence theory provides an important framework for the study of cross‐border alliances. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dual agency view of board compensation: the joint effects of outside director and CEO stock options on firm risk
Authors: Deutsch Yuval , Keil Thomas , Laamanen Tomi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper contributes to multiple agency theory by examining how the compensation schemes awarded to outside directors and the CEO jointly affect firm‐level risk taking. Using data of the S&P 1500 firms from 1997 to 2006, we find support for earlier arguments that providing the CEO, the outside directors, or both with stock options increases risk taking. More importantly, we find that compensating outside directors with stock options has significantly stronger effects than CEO stock options. Finally, contrary to what one would expect, we find that these effects are mutually substituting; that is, if both the outside directors and the CEO are provided with stock option compensation, outside directors' incentives weaken the effect of the CEO's incentives on firms' risk taking. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and physical properties of maltodextrin stearates of low to high degree of substitution
Authors: Shogren Randal L. , Biswas Atanu , Willett Julious L. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractMaltodextrin stearates of degree of substitution (DS) 0.07–2.40 were prepared by heating dry maltodextrin and vinyl stearate in the ionic liquid BMIM dca at 75°C. Stearates of low DS (0.07) were insoluble in water but formed a gel and absorbed over seven times their weight of water. Stearates with high DS (2.4) were soluble in chloroform or toluene and had a high degree of swelling in hydrocarbons such as hexane. Films cast from maltodextrin stearates had water contact angles of 84–93°, indicating a very hydrophobic surface. X‐ray diffraction and DSC of DS >0.6 indicated some short‐range crystallization of the stearate side chains. Optical birefringence was noted at moderate to high DS, suggesting liquid crystal formation. Maltodextrin stearates of DS ∼0.6 showed intense birefringence resembling starch granules in DMSO while cholesteric liquid crystalline behavior was observed in toluene (reflected blue light). Blue light reflection disappeared on heating to >60–80°C then reformed on cooling. These results suggest that starch stearates have some interesting structural ordering and have potential applications as water absorbents, hydrocarbon/oil absorbents, water resistant coatings, and liquid crystalline materials.
Thermally Stimulated Currents of SiO2/Low‐density Polyethylene Micro‐ and Nanocomposites
Authors: Yin Yi , Li Zhe , Li Xuguang , Jiang Pingkai 
Published: June 2010

AbstractComposite samples of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/nano‐SiO2and LDPE/micro‐SiO2were prepared with the method of double‐solution mixture. Depolarization currents of all samples were investigated with thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC). It was found that the currents of both composites increased with the loading level of nano‐SiO2and/or micro‐SiO2, and that the peak width of each composite is greater than that of pure LDPE. In addition, the peak position of the nanocomposite shifts as the loading level increases, while that of the microcomposite does not shift significantly. In order to understand activation energy of both composites and pure LDPE, the initial‐rise method was used to analyze the depolarization current. It was found that LDPE has the greatest activation energy among all samples and the activation energy of both composites decreases with increasing loading levels. Moreover, the activation energy of the nanocomposite is less than that of the microcomposite at each of the same loading level. As the nano‐SiO2loading level reaches 5.0%wt, the composite has the lowest activation energy of 0.25 eV. In addition, dielectric spectra of all samples were investigated in the range of 10−4to 107Hz, and it was found that the peak position of loss tangent varied consistently with the TSDC curves as the loading levels of nano‐SiO2and/or micro‐SiO2were increased. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
HVDC, the Next Generation of Transmission: Highlights with Focus on Extruded Cable Systems
Authors: Jeroense Marc 
Published: June 2010

AbstractOur world carries an increasing burden of increasing CO2 emissions. Rather than rationing the use of electric power, we should all together organize ourselves toward a positive solution that benefits growth and a sustainable society. The high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology is a cornerstone that makes it possible to transport sustainable energy to the regions of consumptions that are often far away from the location of generation. Today's commercially available highest HVDC transmission voltage is 800 kV. This system makes use of classic converter stations. The newer HVDC Light technology, Voltage source converters (VSCs) and extruded cable systems, that are commercially available, are characterized today by a highest voltage of 320 kV and 1000–1200 MW of transmission power. This paper describes the need for higher HVDC transmission powers, the general technology of the VSC stations, and an in‐depth description of HVDC technology with a focus on extruded cable systems. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.