bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic investigation of the interaction of the toxicant, 2‐naphthylamine, with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Liu Yan , Chen Mingmao , Bian Guangling , Liu Junfeng , Song Ling 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe mechanism of interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 2‐naphthylamine (2‐NA) in aqueous solution was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, and UV–vis spectroscopy. It was proved from fluorescence spectra that the fluorescence quenching of BSA by 2‐NA was a result of the formation of complex between 2‐NA and BSA, and the binding constants (Ka) as well as the numbers of binding sites for 2‐NA in BSA were determined according to the modified Stern–Volmer equation. The results of synchronous fluorescence and CD spectra demonstrated 2‐NA could decrease the amount of α‐helix of BSA, leading to the loosening of protein skeleton. UV–vis spectroscopy and resonance light scattering spectra (RLS) results also suggested the conformation of BSA were changed and the BSA aggregation occured, which could induce toxic effects on the organism. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:362–368 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20400
Inactivation of Crotalus atrox venom hemorrhagic activity by direct current exposure using hens' egg assay
Authors: Calzia Daniela , Ravera Silvia , Aluigi Maria Grazia , Falugi Carla , Morelli Alessandro , Panfoli Isabella 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe hemotoxic venoms of Viperidae and Crotalidae are responsible for most of the evenomations in the United States, West Africa, India, South‐East Asia, New Guinea, and Latin America. We previously reported that a short exposure of Crotalus atrox venom to direct electric current (dc) from a low‐voltage generator, in solution, causes consistent and irreversible inactivation of venom phospholipase A2 and metalloproteases. Here we report by in vivo assay on chicken embryos at stage 18 of development according to Hamburger and Hamilton that the hemorrhagic activity of C. atrox venom is lost after exposure to dc (from low voltage). Venom was exposed to dc ranging between 0 and 1 mA. dc values above 0.7 mA abolished hemorrhage. Such in vivo data, showing that dc neutralizes C. atrox venom hemorrhagic activity suggest that a deeper knowledge is needed to understand the relationship among dc and biological matter. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:377–381 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20404
Simultaneous removal of COD and NH3‐N in secondary effluent of high‐salinity industrial waste‐water by electrochemical oxidation
Authors: Huang Yao‐Kun , Li Shuang , Wang Can , Min Ji 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Electrochemical oxidation has been applied successfully in industrial waste‐water treatment. The simultaneous removal of CODCr and NH3‐N, as well as the corresponding mechanisms and reaction zone, were examined in this study. The reaction kinetics and the significant factors that affect removal performance were also studied.RESULTS: The CODCr removal efficiency without chlorides in waste‐water was only 11.8% after 120 min of treatment, which was much lower than the efficiency with chlorides, and agitation did not improve the performance. When the current density was increased from 2.5 to 10 mA cm−2, the removal efficiency was improved. The removal efficiencies of CODCr and NH3‐N were less at initial pH = 11 than at pH = 3 and 8.7 (without adjustment). The CODCr and NH3‐N removal efficiencies were decreased by about 30% and 50%, respectively, when the electrode distance was increased from 4 to 12 cm. Instantaneous current efficiency decreased with increase in current density.CONCLUSIONS: The degradation of pollutants occurred mainly at the boundary layer between the electrode and the bulk solution. The indirect oxidation by active chlorine generated from the chlorides was proven to be the primary mechanism of electrochemical oxidation treatment. The removal of CODCr in this study followed a pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Trace detection of hormones and sulfonamides in viscous cosmetic products by neutral desorption extractive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Xinglei , Ouyang Yongzhong , Hu Zhong , Ma Li , Zhang Jinghua , Lin Jinming , Chen Huanwen 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA sensitive method based on a geometry‐independent neutral desorption (GIND) in combination with extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI‐MS) has been developed for fast detection of illicit additives such as sulfonamides and hormones in highly viscous cosmetic products. The method gave a low limit of detection (LOD) (in the range of 0.001–1 ng/g), acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD = 6.8–11.4%) and reasonable recovery (87–116%) for direct measuring of nine types of hormones and sulfonamides in the cosmetic products. The average measurement time for two types of samples was less than 1 min. Trace amounts of analytes in commercial cosmetic products have been quantitatively detected, without any sample pretreatment. The experimental results showed that non‐volatile illicit additives such as sulfonamides and hormones could be sensitively liberated using the GIND device for quantitative detection from the highly viscous cosmetic products, demonstrating that GIND‐EESI‐MS is a promising tool for high throughput, sensitive and quantitative analysis of highly complex viscous samples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fibroblast growth factor‐2 deficiency causes defects in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which are not rescued by exogenous fibroblast growth factor‐2
Authors: Werner Sandra , Unsicker Klaus , von Bohlen und Halbach Oliver 
Published: July 2011

AbstractNeurogenesis within the adult brain is restricted to selected areas, one of which is the dentate gyrus (DG). Several growth factors have been reported to affect neurogenesis in the adult DG. However, a role of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) in adult hippocampal neurogenesis has not been firmly established. We have analyzed neurogenesis in the DG using in vivo and in vitro approaches. FGF‐2–/– mice revealed no alterations in the number of proliferating cells but a significant decrease in the numbers of newly generated neurons. Moreover, FGF‐2 added to hippocampal slice cultures from FGF‐2–/– mice was unable to rescue the phenotype. Although an increase in death of neurogenic cells in the FGF‐2‐deficient DG could not be specifically demonstrated, there was a massive increase in global cell death in FGF‐2–/– hippocampal slice cultures compared with slices from wild‐type mice. Cell death could not be prevented by addition of FGF‐2. Neutralization of endogenous FGF‐2 in hippocampal slices did not interfere with neurogenesis in a short‐term paradigm. Together, our data suggest that FGF‐2 is essentially required for maturation of new neurons in adult hippocampal neurogenesis but is likely to operate synergistically in combination with other mechanisms/growth factors. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Luteolin protects against reactive oxygen species‐mediated cell death induced by zinc toxicity via the PI3K–Akt–NF‐κB–ERK‐dependent pathway
Authors: Zhou Futao , Qu Lina , Lv Ke , Chen Hailong , Liu Jiankang , Liu Xinmin , Li Yinghui , Sun Xuechuan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractZinc ion elevation contributes to acute excitotoxic brain injury and correlates with the severity of dementia in chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Downstream control of zinc‐triggered signals is believed to be an efficient countermeasure. In the current study, we examined whether the flavonoid luteolin (Lu) could protect human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells against zinc toxicity. We found that Lu suppressed overproduction of reactive oxygen species and protected against apoptotic cell death induced by zinc. By using specific inhibitors, we found that zinc strongly triggered Akt and ERK1/2 activation via a PI3K–Akt–NF‐κB–ERK1/2‐dependent pathway. Furthermore, Lu completely blocked this activation. Our study strongly supports the hypothesis that Lu might protect SH‐SY5Y cells against ROS‐mediated apoptotic cell death induced by zinc in part by inhibiting the PI3K–Akt–NF‐κB–ERKs pathway. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of zinc deficiency and effect of dietary carrot, amchur and onion on zinc status during repletion in zinc‐deficient rats
Authors: Gautam Smita , Platel Kalpana , Srinivasan Krishnapura 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Food acidulants, β‐carotene‐rich vegetables and sulfur compound‐rich Allium spices are known to improve zinc bioaccessibility from food grains. This animal study evaluated the positive influence of these promoters of zinc bioaccessibility on zinc status during zinc repletion in Wistar rats previously rendered zinc‐deficient by feeding a zinc‐deficient semi‐synthetic diet for 4 weeks. Groups of these zinc‐deficient animals were subsequently maintained on a zinc‐containing grain‐based diet for 2 weeks. Various experimental diets consisted of the grain‐based diet supplemented with (1) carrot, (2) onion, (3) amchur, (4) carrot + amchur and (5) onion + amchur.RESULTS: Zinc deficiency was confirmed by lower zinc concentration in tissues and bones and lower activity of zinc‐containing enzymes. Zinc concentration was 10–15% lower in serum, liver and kidney of zinc‐deficient rats. Bone weight in zinc‐deficient rats was 20% lower than that in normal rats. Activities of zinc‐containing enzymes (hepatic superoxide dismutase and alcohol dehydrogenase and serum alkaline phosphatase) were lower in the zinc‐deficient group. Animals fed diets supplemented with these promoters of zinc bioaccessibility showed better zinc status in tissues and bones compared with those repleted with the control stock diet.CONCLUSION: This animal study supports the claim of promoters of zinc bioaccessibility for improving zinc status, which may find practical application. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Relating raw rice colour and composition to cooked rice colour
Authors: Bett‐Garber Karen L , Champagne Elaine T , Thomson Jessica L , Lea Jeanne 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The whiter the rice, the more it is preferred by consumers and the more value it has in the market place. The first objective of this study was to determine the interrelationships of raw colour, cooked colour, amylose content and protein content in rice. The second objective was to assess whether or not the colour of cooked rice can be predicted from raw rice colour in conjunction with amylose and protein contents.RESULTS: Protein and amylose contents were not significantly correlated with the colour measurements for raw rice. Protein and amylose showed moderate, significant associations with L* and a* and a*, b* and C* respectively for cooked rice. Only the colour variable a* of cooked rice could be predicted using protein, amylose and raw rice colour with high enough precision to be useful, and this was only for modelling using samples cooked in the same manner (rice cooker). Cooking method (rice cooker versus excess water) affected the colour of cooked rice.CONCLUSION: Being able to predict a* in cooked rice is likely of limited value. Only the model that used samples where postharvest handling conditions were controlled (US‐grown rice) was able to predict C*, a more useful measure, and then with only moderate ability. L*, a measure of brightness/whiteness, was not predicted well by any of the models. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Strong cation exchange monoliths for HPLC by Reactive Gelation
Authors: Brand Bastian , Krättli Martin , Storti Giuseppe , Morbidelli Massimo 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPolymeric monolithic stationary phases for HPLC can be produced by Reactive Gelation. Unlike the conventional method of using porogens, such novel process consists of a number of separate steps, thus enabling a better control of the quality of the final material. A suspension of polymer nanoparticles in water is produced and subsequently swollen with hydrophobic monomers. The particles are then destabilised (usually by salt addition) to make them aggregate into a large percolating structure, the so‐called monolith. Finally, the added monomer can then be polymerised to harden the structure. In this work, a polystyrene latex is used as the base material and functionalised by introduction of epoxide groups on the surface and subsequent reaction to sulphonic acid groups, yielding a ${\rm{SO}}_{\rm{3}}^{\rm{ - }}$ density of 0.7 mmol/g dry material. Morphological investigations show 54% porosity made of 300 nm large pores. Van Deemter measurements of a large protein show no practical influence of diffusion limitations on the plate number. Finally, a preliminary separation of a test protein mixture is shown, demonstrating the potential of using ion‐exchange chromatography on Reactive Gelation monoliths.
LMI‐based gain scheduling for bridge flutter control using eccentric rotational actuators
Authors: Körlin Rüdiger , Boonto Sudchai , Werner Herbert , Starossek Uwe 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYLong‐span bridge girders can show dangerous instable flutter vibrations caused by aerodynamic forces due to very strong winds. The control objective of flutter control is to enhance the structure‐dependent and control‐dependent critical wind speed of flutter onset. An active mass damper system with two eccentric rotational actuators (ERA) is presented for flutter control. By using a bridge girder model that moves in two degrees of freedom (DOFs) and is subjected to wind, the equations of motion of the controlled structure equipped with ERA are established. For determination of critical wind speed, a flutter analysis is carried out with the help of a numerical simulation scheme. Considering the plant without the aerodynamic forces and neglecting the interaction effects between the two ERA, the simplified control problem of one ERA is affine to the translational oscillator and rotational actuator (TORA) benchmark problem. LMI‐based gain scheduling technique has been used successfully for the TORA and is implemented for flutter control with ERA in this research. For an example, the performance of the controlled bridge girder is investigated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal cardiac evaluation at 11–14 weeks by experienced obstetricians in a low‐risk population
Authors: Volpe Paolo , Ubaldo Passamonti , Volpe Nicola , Campobasso Gianluca , Robertis Valentina De , Tempesta Annalisa , Volpe Grazia , Rembouskos Georgios 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the detection rate of congenital heart diseases (CHD) in a low‐risk population by performing cardiac evaluation during the first‐trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities. In this context, the role of four‐chamber view, tricuspid regurgitation and abnormal ductus venosus flow in the screening for cardiac anomalies in a low‐risk population was also investigated.MethodThe cardiac examination was performed by obstetricians with extensive experience in first‐ and second‐trimester ultrasound (US). Follow‐up US evaluations during the second and third trimesters were offered to all patients. In case of abnormal findings during routine assessment, fetal echocardiography was performed by a fetal cardiologist.ResultsAmong the 4445 fetuses included in the study, 42 CHD were detected (39 diagnosed prenatally and 3 postnatally). In 27 cases, the fetal cardiologist confirmed the type of CHD diagnosed at US screening. In 1 case, the diagnosis was slightly different in the second trimester, and in 3 of the 26 correctly diagnosed in the first‐trimester cases, the CHD developed and progressed in severity. A significant association of major CHD and US first‐trimester markers was observed.ConclusionsFirst‐trimester assessment of the fetal heart is feasible in a low‐risk population when performed by experienced obstetricians. However, although most types of CHD can be diagnosed early in pregnancy, some may become apparent later in gestation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characteristics of thermoplastic elastomer based on polyamide‐6
Authors: Yi Chunwang , Peng Zhihan , Wang Huaping , Li Min , Wang Chaosheng 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA new class of polyether amide thermoplastic elastomers (TPAE) was synthesized via a three‐step polymerization route. In the first step a binary carboxyl terminated polyamide‐6 (PA6) with relatively low number‐average molecular weight was prepared via a caprolactam hydrolytic ring‐opening process. 4,4′‐Diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) was reacted with the PA6 to produce PA6–MDI hard segments in the second step. Chain extension of the hard segments with poly(tetramethylene glycol) was the last step to furnish a series of new TPAEs. Structural characterization, physical properties and the effects of reaction conditions on the properties of the copolymer were investigated by infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and other analytical techniques. Possible side reactions and phase separation are reported. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Silole‐containing polymers for high‐efficiency polymer solar cells
Authors: Song Jinsheng , Du Chun , Li Cuihong , Bo Zhishan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSilole‐containing conjugated polymers (P1 and P2) carrying methyl and octyl substituents, respectively, on the silicon atom were synthesized by Suzuki polycondensation. They show strong absorption in the region of 300–700 nm with a band gap of about 1.9 eV. The two silole‐containing conjugated polymers were used to fabricate polymer solar cells by blending with PC61BM and PC71BM as the active layer. The best performance of photovoltaic devices based on P1/PC71BM active layer exhibited power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.72%, whereas that of the photovoltaic cells fabricated with P2/PC71BM exhibited PCE of 5.08%. 1,8‐Diiodooctane was used as an additive to adjust the morphology of the active layer during the device optimization. PCE of devices based on P2/PC71BM was further improved to 6.05% when a TiOx layer was used as a hole‐blocking layer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Parameters influencing the molecular weight of 3,6‐carbazole‐based D‐π‐A‐type copolymers
Authors: Fu Yuanhe , Kim Jinseck , Siva Ayyanar , Shin Won Suk , Moon Sang‐jin , Park Taiho 
Published: July 2011

AbstractCondensation copolymerization reactions of carbazole 3,6‐diboronate with 4,7‐bis(5‐bromo‐2‐thienyl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (DTBT) only produce low‐molecular‐weight donor (D)‐π‐acceptor (A) copolymers. High‐molecular‐weight copolymers for use in optoelectronic devices are necessary for achieving extended π‐conjugation and for controlling the copolymer processibility. To elucidate the cause of the persistently low molecular weight, we synthesized three 3,6‐carbazole‐based D‐A copolymers using copolymerizations of N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐3,6‐carbazole with DTBT, N‐9′{2‐[2‐(2‐methoxy‐ethoxy)‐ethoxy]‐ethyl}‐3,‐6‐carbazole with DTBT, and N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐3,6‐carbazole with alkyl‐substituted DTBT. We investigated several parameters for their influence on molecular copolymer weight, including the conformation of the chain during growth, the solubility of the monomers, and the dihedral angles between the donor and acceptor units. Size exclusion chromatography, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, and computational studies revealed that the low molecular weights of 3,6‐carbazole‐based D‐A copolymers resulted from conjugation breaks and the resulting high coplanarity, which led to strong interactions between polymer chains. These interactions limited formation of high‐molecular‐weight‐copolymers during copolymerization. The strong intermolecular interactions of the 3,6‐carbazole moiety were exploited by incorporating 3,6‐carbazole units into poly[9′,9′‐dioctyl‐2,7‐flourene‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)] prepared from 9′,9′‐dioctyl‐2,7‐flourene and DTBT. Interestingly, the number average molecular weight increased gradually with increasing 2,7‐fluorene monomer content but the number of conjugation breaks was a range of 6–7. The hole mobilities of the copolymers were studied for comparison purposes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Bandgap engineering of indenofluorene‐based conjugated copolymers with pendant donor‐π‐acceptor chromophores for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Duan Chunhui , Cai Wanzhu , Zhong Chengmei , Li Yanhu , Wang Xiaohui , Huang Fei , Cao Yong 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThree narrow‐band‐gap conjugated copolymers based on indenofluorene and triphenylamine with pendant donor‐π‐acceptor chromophores were successfully synthesized by post‐functionalization approach. All the polymers have good solubility in common solvents and excellent thermal stability. The photophysical properties, energy levels and band gaps of the polymers were well manipulated by introducing different acceptor groups onto the end of their conjugated side chains. By using different acceptor groups, the band gaps of the polymers were narrowed from 1.86 to 1.53 eV by lowering their lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels, whereas their relatively deep highest occupied molecular orbital levels of approximately −5.35 eV were maintained. Bulk‐heterojunction solar cells with these polymers as electron donors and (6,6)‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester as acceptor showed power conversion efficiencies as high as 3.1% and high open circuit voltages more than 0.88 eV. The relationships between the performance and film morphology, energy levels, charge mobilities were discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Acid release from catalyst tanks—cumulative effects of multiple system changes
Authors: Wayne Garland R. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis is the story of how the cumulative effects of several seemingly innocent changes to a catalyst system resulted in a near miss process safety incident. Several aspects will be discussed including cumulative effects of multiple changes to the system, identification of potential scenarios in safety reviews, and design of controls and alarms. Results from the root cause analysis and the lessons learned will be explained. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011