bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical study of AISI 304 stainless steel during the exposure at the disinfectant solutions with fungal suspensions
Authors: Stoica M. , Brumă M. , Cârâc G. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe effect of fungal suspensions on the disinfectant solution (Actisept with sodium dichloroisocyanurate as active substance, which releases 140 ppm active chlorine) and the corrosion behavior of type AISI 304 stainless steel (SS) were evaluated through linear polarization. The work presents a study of biocide Actisept solution as reference solution and the mixed solutions: reference biocide Actisept solution with three fungal suspensions (10 vol%), Aspergillus niger, Candida mycoderma, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The fungal suspension has an important influence on the synergistic effect of the SS corrosion in the following order: Saccharomyces cerevisiae > Candida mycoderma > Aspergillus niger. The Ecorr values from the mixed solutions decreased with immersion time of the samples. In the case of Aspergillus niger, the corrosion rate was lower than that of any other type of fungal suspension tested, because the arrangement in solutions, the size and composition of Aspergillus niger spores were more favorable to protect the spores of the chemical and the electrical stressing. The results showed that there is a synergistic effect between the active substances from the disinfectant, fungal suspensions and applied potential, thus this effect can be taken into consideration for the hygienic and safety food industry.
Poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)]‐block‐Poly(2‐vinylpyridine) Rod–Coil Star‐block Copolymers: Synthesis, Micellar Structures, and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Li Dian‐Han , Lin Chia‐Hung , Chen Ching‐Yi , Hsu Jung‐Ching , Chiu Yu‐Cheng , Chang Wei‐Tsuan , Chen Wen‐Chang 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe first successful synthesis of conjugated rod–coil star block copolymer, (PF‐b‐P2VP)n, containing conjugated poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)] (PF), and coil‐like poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P2VP) by combining a Suzuki coupling reaction and living anionic polymerization is reported. With increasing methanol content in THF/methanol mixtures (PF‐b‐P2VP)n symmetric star‐block copolymers maintain spherical micelles, but PF‐b‐P2VP asymmetric diblock copolymers vary from spherical micelles to vesicles. Both the absorption and emission spectra of PF‐b‐P2VP blue shift with increasing methanol content, suggesting an “H‐type” aggregation. However, (PF‐b‐P2VP)n star‐block exhibits no shift in absorption but a red shift in the emission spectra, indicating a different type of aggregation. These results suggest the significance of polymer architectures on microphase‐separated morphologies and photophysical properties. magnified image
Nanocatalysis in Polyamide 6.6 Solid‐State Polymerization
Authors: Boussia Anastasia C. , Konstantakopoulou Maria O. , Vouyiouka Stamatina N. , Papaspyrides Constantine D. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSolid‐state polymerization (SSP) of a poly(hexamethyleneadipamide) (PA 6.6)/clay nanocomposite system was studied. SSP runs were performed in a fixed‐bed reactor, at temperatures 160–200 °C and reaction times up to 8 h. The influence of clay presence on the PA 6.6 SSP rate constant was herewith quantified for the first time to prove significant acceleration of the SSP process. A catalysis mechanism was suggested, according to which the positive effect of clay is of a synergistic origin attributed to nucleated crystal morphology, that increased the concentration of reactive end groups in the amorphous regions, to chain extension performed by clay SiOH groups, and to thermal protection of the polyamide matrix due to the presence of the nanoparticles. magnified image
Highly Extensible Bio‐Nanocomposite Fibers
Authors: Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , Schexnailder Patrick J. , Dundigalla Avinash , White James D. , Matos‐Pérez Cristina R. , Cloud Joshua L. , Seifert Soenke , Wilker Jonathan J. , Schmidt Gudrun 
Published: December 2010

AbstractHere, we show that a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer can be physically cross‐linked with silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) to yield highly extensible, bio‐nanocomposite fibers that, upon pulling, stretch to extreme lengths and crystallize polymer chains. We find that both, nanometer structures and mechanical properties of the fibers respond to mechanical deformation by exhibiting strain‐induced crystallization and high elongation. We explore the structural characteristics using X‐ray scattering and the mechanical properties of the dried fibers made from hydrogels in order to determine feasibility for eventual biomedical use and to map out directions for further materials development. magnified image
Dynamic Random Access Memory Effect and Memory Device Derived from a Functional Polyimide Containing Electron Donor‐Acceptor Pairs in the Main Chain
Authors: Tian Guofeng , Wu Dezhen , Qi Shengli , Wu Zhanpeng , Wang Xiaodong 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA functional polyimide, hexafluoroisopropyl bis(phthalic dianhydride)/3,6‐diaminocarbazole (6FDA/DAC), in which DAC serves as electron donor and 6FDA as electron acceptor, has been synthesized in our present work. Electrical characterization results on the sandwiched polyimide memory device (ITO/Thin polyimide Layer/Au) indicate that the polyimide possesses electrical bistability and the device exhibits two accessible conductivity states, which can be reversibly switched from the low‐conductivity (OFF) state to the high‐conductivity (ON) state with an ON/OFF current ratio of about 104. Different from the widely reported write‐once‐read‐many‐times (WORM) effects, the device with the 6FDA/DAC polyimide as the active layer shows dynamic random access memory (DRAM) behavior. The ON state of the device was lost immediately after removal of the applied voltage, while by applying a constant bias (e.g., 3 V) the ON state can be electrically sustained. The roles of donor and acceptor components in the polyimide main chain were elucidated through molecular simulation. magnified image
Hyperbranched Polycarbonate‐Based Multimolecular Micelle with Enhanced Stability and Loading Efficiency
Authors: Su Wei , Luo Xiao‐hua , Wang Hua‐fen , Li Lei , Feng Jun , Zhang Xian‐Zheng , Zhuo Ren‐xi 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe herein develop a facile catalyst‐free method to prepare hyperbranched hydroxyl‐enriched aliphatic polycarbonate according to SCROP strategy. PEG‐attached multiarm hyperbranched copolymer HEHDO‐star‐mPEG was further designed. It was found that HEHDO‐star‐mPEG can self‐assemble into supramolecular multimolecular micelles in water. HEHDO‐star‐mPEG micelle showed excellent stability with respect to micellar size upon dilution, and displayed good cell‐biocompatibility. An anticancer drug of doxorubicin with hydrogen‐bonding functionality was incorporated into obtained micelles to establish a drug delivery system model. A high drug‐loading content as well as sustained release pattern for HEHDO‐star‐mPEG based delivery system was achieved. magnified image
Reinnervation of thenar muscle after repair of total brachial plexus avulsion injury with contralateral C7 root transfer: Report of five cases
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Xin , Gao Kaiming , Lao Jie , Gu Yu‐Dong 
Published: December 2010

AbstractObjective:In this report, we present the findings of reinnervation of the thenar muscle in five patients who underwent the contralateral C7 nerve root transfers for repair of total brachial plexus root avulsions.Patients and methods:Five (2 children and 3 adults) of 32 patients who received two‐staged procedures of the contralateral C7 nerve root transfers to the median nerves showed reinnervation of thenar muscle were evaluated. The patients also received other procedures including the intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve, the spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve, and the ipsilateral phrenic nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve before the contralateral C7 nerve root transfers. The patients were followed up from 24 to 118 months after surgery.Results:Varied degrees of functional restorations were achieved after different procedures. The strength of abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle with Grade M2 was found in four patients. The incomplete interference pattern in the APB muscle was detected by electromyogram (EMG) in two patients, and the minority motor unit potential (MUP) was detected in other two patients. The strength of APB muscle was found with Grade M1 in one patient with EMG showing MUP.Conclusion:The findings from our series show reinnervation of thenar muscles after repair of the median nerve with the contralateral C7 nerve root transfer, which provides evidence for further investigation of reconstruction of the brachial plexus root avulsion injury with this procedure. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Repair of complete nerve lacerations at the forearm: An outcome study using Rosén–Lundborg protocol
Authors: Galanakos Spyridon P. , Zoubos Aristides B. , Ignatiadis Ioannis , Papakostas Ioannis , Gerostathopoulos Nikolaos E. , Soucacos Panayotis N. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA comparison of outcomes based on a scoring system for assessments, described by Rosén and Lundborg, after sharp complete laceration of median and/or ulnar nerves at various levels in the forearm was carried out. There were 66 males (90.4%) and 7 females (9.6%), with a mean age of 31 years (range: 14–62 years). The patients were categorized into three groups according to the type of nerve injury. The median nerve was injured in 25 cases (group M, 34.3%), the ulnar in 27 (group U, 36.9%), and both the nerves in 21 (group MU, 28.8%). The demographic data of the patients and the mechanism of injury were recorded. We also examined the employment status at the time of the injury and we estimated the percentage of patients who returned to their work after trauma. In all cases, a primary epineural repair was performed. Concomitant injuries were repaired in the same setting. The mean period of time between injury and surgery was 5.3 hours (range: 2–120 hours). A rehabilitation protocol and a reeducation program were followed in all cases. The mean follow‐up was 3 years (range: 2–6 years), with more distal injuries having a shorter follow‐up period. The total score was 2.71 in group M (range: 0.79–2.99) and 2.63 in group U (range: 0.63–3), with no significant differences observed. There was a significant difference between these two groups and group MU (total score 2.03, range: 0.49–2.76, P = 0.02). Up to the last follow‐up, 61 patients (83.5%) had returned to their previous work. The Rosén–Lundborg model can be a useful and simple tool for the evaluation of the functional outcome after nerve injury and repair temporally reflecting the processes of regeneration and reinnervation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
In vivo carotid plaque MRI using quantitative T2* measurements with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles: a dose–response study to statin therapy
Authors: Patterson Andrew J. , Tang Tjun Y. , Graves Martin J. , Müller Karin H. , Gillard Jonathan H. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis study investigates T2* quantification in carotid plaques before and after the administration of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIOs) in a cohort of patients receiving statin therapy. Phantom studies were performed using gels with varying concentrations of USPIOs. In the phantom study, 12 gels were prepared with a range of freely distributed concentrations of USPIO nanoparticles (0–0.05 mg/mL). Relative signal intensity measurements were obtained from a T2*‐weighted sequence as well as quantitative T2* (qT2*) measurements. In the patient study, 40 patients with >40% carotid stenosis were randomised to low‐ and high‐dose statin therapy (10 and 80 mg of atorvastatin). Pre‐ and post‐ (36 h) USPIO‐enhanced MRI were performed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks. A linear mixed‐effects model was applied to account for the inherent correlation of multiple‐plaque measurements from the same patient and to assess dose–response differences to statin therapy. In the phantom study, the T2*‐weighted sequence demonstrated an initial increase (T1 effect), followed by a decrease (T2* effect), in relative signal intensity with increasing concentrations of USPIO. The qT2* values decreased exponentially with increasing concentrations of USPIO. In the patient study, there was a highly significant difference in post‐USPIO T2* measurements in plaques between the low‐ and high‐dose statin groups. This was observed for both the difference in qT2* measurements (post‐USPIO minus pre‐USPIO) (p < 0.001) and for qT2* post‐USPIO only (p < 0.001). The post‐USPIO qT2* values were as follows: baseline: low dose, 13.6 ± 5.5 ms; high dose, 12.9 ± 6.2 ms; 6 weeks: low dose, 13.3 ± 6.7 ms; high dose, 14.3 ± 7.7 ms; 12 weeks: low dose, 14.0 ± 7.6 ms; high dose, 18.3 ± 11.2 ms. It can be concluded that qT2* measurements provide an alternative method of quantifying USPIO uptake. These results also demonstrate that changes in USPIO uptake can be measured using post‐USPIO imaging only. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) functional MRI of visual stimulation in the rat retina at 11.7 T
Authors: La Garza Bryan H. De , Muir Eric R. , Li Guang , Shih Yen‐Yu I. , Duong Timothy Q. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAlthough optically based imaging techniques provide valuable functional and physiological information of the retina, they are mostly limited to the probing of the retinal surface and require an unobstructed light path. MRI, in contrast, could offer physiological and functional data without depth limitation. Blood oxygenation level‐dependent functional MRI (BOLD fMRI) of the thin rat retina is, however, challenging because of the need for high spatial resolution, and the potential presence of eye movement and susceptibility artifacts. This study reports a novel application of high‐resolution (111 × 111 × 1000 µm3) BOLD fMRI of visual stimulation in the anesthetized rat retina at 11.7 T. A high‐field MRI scanner was utilized to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio, spatial resolution and BOLD sensitivity. Visual stimuli (8 Hz diffuse achromatic light) robustly increased BOLD responses in the retina [5.0 ± 0.8% from activated pixels and 3.1 ± 1.1% from the whole‐retina region of interest (mean ± SD), n = 12 trials on six rats, p < 0.05 compared with baseline]. Some activated pixels were detected surrounding the pupil and ciliary muscle because of accommodation reflex to visual stimuli, and were reduced with atropine and phenylephrine eye drops. BOLD fMRI scans without visual stimulations showed no significantly activated pixels (whole‐retina BOLD changes were 0.08 ± 0.34%, n = 6 trials on five rats, not statistically different from baseline, p > 0.05). BOLD fMRI of visual stimulation has the potential to provide clinically relevant data to probe hemodynamic neurovascular coupling and dysfunction of the retina with depth resolution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalized carbon nanotube/polyacrylonitrile composite nanofibers: fabrication and properties
Authors: Wang Kaitao , Gu Mingbo , Wang Jian‐jun , Qin Chuanxiang , Dai Lixing 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) were obtained by Friedel–Crafts acylation, which introduced aromatic amine groups onto the sidewall. And the grafted yield was adjusted by controlling the concentration of the catalyst. The composite solutions containing f‐MWCNTs and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were then prepared by in‐situ or ex‐situ solution polymerization. The resulting solutions were electrospun into composite nanofibers. In the in‐situ polymerization, morphological observation revealed that f‐MWCNTs was uniformly dispersed along the axes of the nanofibers and increased interfacial adhesion between f‐MWCNTs and PAN. Furthermore, two kinds of f‐MWCNTs/PAN composite nanofibers had a higher degree of crystallization and a larger crystal size than PAN nanofibers had, so the specific tensile strengths and modulus of the composite nanofibers were enhanced. And the thermal stability of f‐MWCNTs/PAN from in‐situ method was higher than that of ex‐situ system. When the f‐MWCNTs content was less than 1 wt%, the specific tensile strengths and modulus of nanofibers were enhanced with increase in the amounts of f‐MWCNTs, and f‐MWCNTs/PAN of in‐situ system provided better mechanical properties than that of ex‐situ system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of targeting the VEGF and PDGF pathways in diffuse orthotopic glioma models
Authors: Navis Anna C , Hamans Bob C , Claes An , Heerschap Arend , Jeuken Judith WM , Wesseling Pieter , Leenders William PJ 
Published: December 2010

AbstractCurrently available compounds that interfere with VEGF‐A signalling effectively inhibit angiogenesis in gliomas, but influence diffuse infiltrative growth to a much lesser extent. Development of a functional tumour vascular bed not only involves VEGF‐A but also requires platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFRβ), which induces maturation of tumour blood vessels. Therefore, we tested whether combined inhibition of VEGFR and PDGFRβ increases therapeutic benefit in the orthotopic glioma xenograft models E98 and E473, both displaying the diffuse infiltrative growth that is characteristically observed in most human gliomas. We used bevacizumab and vandetanib as VEGF(R) inhibitors, and sunitinib to additionally target PDGFRβ. We show that combination therapy of sunitinib and vandetanib does not improve therapeutic efficacy compared to treatment with sunitinib, vandetanib or bevacizumab alone. Furthermore, all compounds induced reduction of vessel leakage in compact E98 tumour areas, resulting in decreased detectability of these mostly infiltrative xenografts in Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI scans. These data show that inhibition of VEGF signalling cannot be optimized by additional PDGFR inhibition and support the concept that diffuse infiltrative areas in gliomas are resistant to anti‐angiogenic therapy. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of luminescent and thermal properties of long afterglow SrAlxOy:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor synthesized by combustion method
Authors: Bem D.B. , Swart H.C. , Luyt A.S. , Duvenhage M.M. , Dejene F.B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractEuropium and dysprosium codoped strontium aluminate green phosphor was synthesized by combustion method using urea as reducer and fuel. The morphology, particle size, and structure of the products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, while the characteristic luminescence properties were investigated using excitation and emission spectra. Polymer‐phosphor composites were made and thermally characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Phosphor nanocrystallites with high brightness were obtained without significantly changing the structure of the aluminate host. The average crystallite sizes, calculated from the Scherrer equation ranged between 34 ± 7 and 43 ± 7 nm. Emissions arising from transitions between the 5d and 4f orbital gaps of Eu2+ are manifested in the broadband excitation and emission spectra with major peaks at 360 and 515 nm, respectively. The decay curves and half‐life times show a clear trend in the influence of the phosphor in the improvement of the initial brightness and the afterglow times, which are ascribed to the presence of shallow and deep traps. Thermal results indicate that the phosphor nanoparticles acted as nucleating agents and improved the overall crystallinity in the LDPE/phosphor system. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of hyperbranched acrylates on UV‐curable soy‐based biorenewable coatings
Authors: Wu Jennifer F , Fernando Shashi , Jagodzinski Katie , Weerasinghe Dimuthu , Chen Zhigang 
Published: December 2010

AbstractUtilization of biorenewable components in UV‐curable coating formulations is both economically and environmentally beneficial, particularly when compared to their petrochemical‐based counterparts. To produce UV‐curable coatings of high biorenewable content with enhanced performance, acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (ASBO) was combined with biorenewable reactive diluent tetrahydrofufuryl acrylate, adhesion promoters, photoinitiator and hyperbranched acrylates (HBAs) as synthetic tougheners. The HBAs were found to impart high functionality and low viscosity, thus increasing crosslinking in the coating network and improving mechanical and thermal properties such as film hardness, adhesion, solvent resistance, impact resistance, tensile modulus and toughness, glass transition temperature and thermal stability. Real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed decreased acrylate conversion when compared with a reference formulation without HBAs, which was attributed to earlier coating network vitrification during UV irradiation. ASBO‐based coatings were also thermally annealed to allow further reaction of unreacted components in the vitrified network. As a result, coating properties were further improved. Overall, the addition of HBAs as synthetic tougheners to UV‐curable ASBO‐based biorenewable coating systems was shown to greatly improve the corresponding coating properties. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐assembly and degradation of poly[(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)‐block‐(D,L‐lactide)] diblock copolymers: large compound micelles to vesicles
Authors: Liu Gongyan , Hu Xiaofen , Chen Chaojian , Jin Qiao , Ji Jian 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBiodegradable poly[(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)‐block‐(D,L‐lactide)] (PMPC‐b‐PLA) diblock copolymers with various hydrophilic PMPC weight fractions (fPC) will spontaneously self‐assemble into well‐defined vesicles and large compound micelles (LCMs) in water. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and fluorescence microscopy were used to observe their aggregate morphologies. The degradation of the LCMs was investigated and the loss of molecular weight of PLA blocks was confirmed using 1H NMR analysis. The hydrolysis of PLA increases fPC and consequently shifts the preferred morphology from LCMs to vesicles. Such degradation‐induced morphological transitions mean that the biocompatible and biodegradable LCMs have great application potential in drug delivery. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Fast and highly efficient one‐pot synthesis of polyoxadiazole/carbon nanotube nanocomposites in mild acid
Authors: Loos Marcio R , Abetz Volker , Schulte Karl 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSulfonated poly(4,4′‐diphenylether‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) (POD) composites have been successfully prepared through solution polycondensation of 4,4′‐diphenylether dicarboxylic acid and hydrazine sulfate. The reactions were performed in the presence of various types of pristine carbon nanotubes, i.e. single‐, double‐ and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, using mild poly(phosphoric acid) as a condensing agent. The POD composites with high molecular weight (of the order of 105 g mol−1) were highly soluble in polar aprotic solvents and thermally stable at temperatures as high as 475 °C. The synthesis method used guaranteed an improved interaction between filler and matrix, thus allowing an enhanced load transfer. The overall performance of the composites was enhanced due to a synergistic reinforcement effect. The nanocomposites exhibited an increase of +33% in storage modulus, +56% in tensile strength and +245% in tensile energy to break. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry