bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Configuration of Solid‐State Neutron Detector Made Possible with Solution‐Based Semiconductor Processing
Authors: Zhou Huiqiong , Coates Nelson E. , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo , Moses Daniel 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe unique benefit of solution‐based fabrication of solid‐state p‐n junctions is demonstrated for radiation detection. In particular, an in situ inorganic semiconductor synthesis and film deposition facilitates a novel neutron detector configuration consisting of a host inorganic semiconductor matrix impregnated with a guest neutron sensitizing material. Spectroscopic investigations of the structural order of the top detector active layer indicate that it consists of interpenetrating networks of the host semiconductor nanocrystals and sensitizing guest material that self‐assemble during film formation. The host semiconductor network exhibits a good charge transport as evidenced by steady‐state photoconductivity measurements. The detectors developed indicate high sensitivity to ionizing radiation and a demonstrated ability to detecting thermal neutrons.
Electrostatic Self‐Assembly Conjugated Polyelectrolyte‐Surfactant Complex as an Interlayer for High Performance Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Chang Yi‐Ming , Zhu Rui , Richard Eric , Chen Chun‐Chao , Li Gang , Yang Yang 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA simple method is demonstrated to improve the film‐forming properties and air stability of a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) without complicated synthesis of new chemical structures. An anionic surfactant, sodium dodecybenzenesulfonate (SDS), is mixed with cationic CPEs. The electrostatic attraction between these two oppositely‐charged materials provides the driving force to form a stable CPE‐surfactant complex. Compared with a pure CPE, this electrostatic complex is not only compatible with highly hydrophobic bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) films, e.g. poly(3‐hexylthiophene):[6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM), but also works well with other low bandgap polymer‐based BHJ films. Using this complex as a cathode interface layer, a high power conversion efficiency of 4% can be obtained in P3HT:PCBM solar cells together with improved stability in air. Moreover, ∼20% performance enhancement can also be achieved when the complex is used as an interlayer to replace calcium metal for low bandgap polymer‐based BHJ systems.
Using Stated Preference and Prior Purchase Intention in the Estimation of Willingness to Pay a Premium for Genetically Modified Foods
Authors: Chiang Jeng‐Tung , Lin Chen‐Yen , Fu Tsu‐Tan , Chen Chen‐Hsin 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis study provides an appropriate analytical approach using stated preference analysis and the contingent valuation method to investigate consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for genetically modified (GM) foods together with their prior purchase intentions. Although most analyses treat consumers’ attitudes and willingness to pay as separate issues, we introduce the idea of prior purchase intention to analyze these two issues as a whole. To achieve this purpose, a modeling technique invoking the multinomial logistic model and the accelerated failure time model is presented. Based on the data collected from an essential double‐bounded design, our empirical results suggest that Taiwanese consumers are willing to pay a premium of about 11NTdollars (7% of the given average market price of 150NTdollars for the non‐GMsalmon) to avoidGM‐soybean‐fed salmon. In addition, the results of this study provide evidence that our stated‐preference double‐bounded design has a better‐off statistical efficiency than the single‐bounded one.
Water‐resistant plywood adhesives prepared from phenolated larch bark in the presence of various combination catalysts
Authors: Bai Yumei , Gao Zhenhua 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe properties of larch barks phenolated with various combinations of acidic catalysts and the properties of adhesives synthesized with these phenolated barks have been investigated. The results have indicated that the catalyst species used has great effects on bark phenolation and many properties of the resultant bark adhesives (BA). High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analyses have indicated that the amount of phenol bound to the bark and recondensation of phenolated components decreased with decreasing acidity of the combination catalysts used, resulting in decreases in the extent of phenolation, bound phenol content, and molecular weight but an increase in the number of active sites on the phenolated bark. Larch bark phenolated with combined catalysts can be used to prepare water‐resistant wood adhesives with low formaldehyde emission. By judiciously decreasing the acidity of the catalyst used for bark phenolation, the properties of BA, such as storage life, bond strength, and formaldehyde emission, could be effectively improved. BA‐C showed the acceptable wet bond strength and a sufficiently low formaldehyde emission, making it a good potential candidate for commercial applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Enhancement of adhesion between copper foil and polyimide film containing thermally decomposable polystyrene particles
Authors: Tsai Mei‐Hui , Huang Yi‐Chia , Tseng I‐Hsiang , Yu Hsin‐Pei , Lin Yin‐Kai 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA facile method was developed to synthesize porous polyimide (PI) films with enhanced adhesion to Cu foil. Various amounts (0.1–4 wt %) of polystyrene (PS) spheres with the diameter of 250 nm were mixed with the PI precursor synthesized from pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4′‐oxydianiline in N,N′‐dimethylacetamide. PS was decomposed during thermal imidization process to create the porous PI structure. The increase in surface area and surface roughness was observed from the obtained porous PI films and was a function of the PS content up to 4 wt %. A significant improvement in the adhesion strength between porous PI film and Cu foil, which was determined by 90° peel test, was achieved. The adhesion strength of PI containing 4 wt % PS to Cu was 1.53 kgf/cm compared with pure PI of 1.08 kgf/cm. Meanwhile, the synthesized porous PI films exhibit sufficient mechanical strength and thermal stability for practical applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Ageing of polymeric surfaces exhibiting flow marks—Effects on surface characteristics
Authors: Iannuzzi G. , Nafari A. , Boldizar A. , Rigdahl M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSurface defects associated with manufacturing processes can severely impair the appearance of polymeric products. These defects can be enhanced with ageing (time, UV‐light, heat and weather conditions). In the present contribution, the interest is focused on the defects generated during injection molding of elastomer‐modified polymers that are often used in the automotive sector to produce interior and exterior components. In particular, defects denoted as “flow marks” or “tiger stripes” were investigated. Two different grades of elastomer‐modified polypropylene (PP)‐containing mineral fillers were studied here before and after heat ageing for 9 weeks at a constant temperature of 95°C. Although injection moldings are one of the grades that did not exhibit any flow marks, moldings of other PP‐grade showed such defects and they were enhanced after the ageing process. The properties and structure of the glossy and the dull bands (as well as the effect of the thermal ageing) have been assessed by several characteristics such as microhardness, nanohardness, crystallinity, and surface composition. An increase in surface hardness was noted after the ageing treatment as a consequence of increased crystallinity. Dull and glossy bands also exhibited different values of the nanohardness, glossy bands were harder, and the dull bands appeared to be less crystalline. The surface composition of glossy and dull regions was slightly different; the surface regions of the glossy areas contained higher amounts of filler particles. The effect of the ageing on the striped appearance is furthermore discussed in relation to possible depletion of the stabilizer system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Wash–dry cycle induced changes in low‐ordered parts of regenerated cellulosic fibers
Authors: Široká Barbora , Manian Avinash P. , Noisternig Michael F. , Henniges Ute , Kostic Mirjana , Potthast Antje , Griesser Ulrich J. , Bechtold Thomas 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThree regenerated cellulosic fiber types: lyocell, viscose, and modal were subjected to repetitive wet–dry treatments. Simulated treatments showed reorganization of the internal fiber structure which could be determined by accessibility studies. The reduction in liquid water retention capacity was found to be greater for lyocell than that for modal and viscose, sorption of iodine, and water vapor reduced for all studied fibers. The wet–dry treatment did not have influence on chemical reactivity of cellulosic fibers characterized by complexation of iron under highly alkaline conditions. The effect of wet–dry treatment on the tenacity, elongation at break, abrasion resistance, and molecular weight distribution of fibers was also explored in this study. The reduced strength in treated specimens was not accompanied by changes in molecular weight distributions. Based on these results, the changes observed in wet–dry‐treated specimens were observed mainly owing to polymer reorganization in amorphous parts of the fibers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Polyolefin composites with natural fibers and wood‐modification of the fiber/filler–matrix interaction
Authors: Sobczak L. , Brüggemann O. , Putz R. F. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractNumerous strategies to improve the fiber–matrix interaction in natural fiber composites (NFCs) and wood polymer composites (WPCs) have been proposed and investigated. We have reviewed literature on polyolefin‐based NFCs and WPCs to get an overview of the current state of the art of compatibilization methods. Those are classified in two categories here, namely fiber‐based strategies and matrix‐based strategies. Although this issue has been covered by several reviews before, as yet no work exists that is focused on polyolefin‐based NFCs and WPCs. Furthermore, a ranking of the compatibilization methods based on their effects on material properties such as tensile/flexural strength and modulus, impact strength and water absorption, allows for an assessment of the efficiency of the various methods. As to the fiber‐based strategies, silanes, maleated polyolefins (MA‐POs), mercerization and acetylation are most thoroughly investigated. Silanes are most effective judged by achievable material property improvements, allowing for increases in tensile and flexural strength of more than 100%. Among the matrix‐based strategies, MA‐POs and isocyanates are most prominent in the literature. The first class enables the more significant material improvements, with reported increases of tensile and flexural strength of 132% and 85%, respectively. While strengths can be enhanced by many compatibilization methods, moduli, and impact strength (notched in particular) are in most cases improved to a lesser degree or even reduced. Especially, the last point calls for further attention, because impact strength is still a weak point of NFCs and WPCs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2013
Emulsion copolymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate by reverse atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Wu Yumin , Dong Guoliang , Xu Jun , Ni Guangdi 
Published: April 2012

AbstractReverse atom transfer radical copolymerization of styrene (St) and butyl acrylate was carried out in emulsion under normal emulsion conditions, using CuBr2/bpy complex as catalyst. The effects of surfactant type, initiator type and concentration, and CuBr2 addition on the system livingness, polymer molecular weight control, and latex stability were examined in detail. It was found that the Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) and azodiisobutyronitrile gave the best exhibition in this system, polymer samples were got with narrow molecular‐weight dispersity (Mw/Mn = 1.1–1.2) and linear relationships of molecular weight versus monomer conversion, as well as a relatively low polydispersity index (<0.1). Through the GPC and SEM analysis, the polymerization processes under these conditions showed good living/control characteristics relative to the processes under normal emulsion polymerization, although the latex stability was susceptible to the CuBr2 catalyst. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Properties of natural cotton stalk bark fiber under alkali treating
Authors: Li Long , Sun Jianlei , Jia Guiqin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe natural cotton stalk (CS) bark fiber was obtained through degumming of CS bark, and then treated by sodium hydroxide solution. To investigate the influence of sodium hydroxide treatment on the properties of the natural CS bark fiber, the fineness, length, breaking strength, X‐ray diffraction, and morphology were tested. The results showed that the fineness, length, and crystallinity of the fiber decreased when the fiber was treated by sodium hydroxide solution. When the sodium hydroxide content increased from 10 to 50 g/L, the strengths of the fiber increased. The surface of the fiber after treating was bright compared with before treating, and the single cell had convolutions after alkali treating. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Removal of methyl orange from aqueous solutions by magnetic maghemite/chitosan nanocomposite films: Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium
Authors: Jiang Ru , Fu Yong‐Qian , Zhu Hua‐Yue , Yao Jun , Xiao Ling 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMagnetic maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3)/chitosan nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting method and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out utilizing the composite films to adsorb a typical azo dye, i.e., methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solutions. The effects of adsorbent dosage, solution pH, coexisting anions, and temperature were studied. Adsorption kinetic was verified by pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models. Results indicated that the rate of dye adsorption followed pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model for the initial dye concentration range studied. MO adsorption onto magnetic γ‐Fe2O3/chitosan composite films was better described by Langmuir isotherm. Thermodynamic studies showed that MO adsorption was exothermic and spontaneous in nature. Because magnetic maghemite/chitosan nanocomposite films could be recovered conveniently and possessed of excellent adsorptive property, it can be developed as an economical and alternative adsorbent to decolorize or treat dye wastewater. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Design, Synthesis, and Antibacterial Activity of Novel Pleuromutilin Derivatives Bearing an Amino Thiazolyl Ring
Authors: Ling Yong , Wang Xinyang , Wang Hui , Yu Jianghe , Tang Junming , Wang Donggeng , Chen Guangtong , Huang Jinhua , Li Yuqin , Zheng Heng 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA series of novel pleuromutilin derivatives containing the amino thiazolyl ring were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antibacterial activities in vitro against Gram‐positive clinical bacteria. All the target compounds showed better aqueous solubility compared with the lead compound (10). Most compounds displayed strong antibacterial activities against both susceptible and resistant bacteria, particularly for the compound (12f) which showed extraordinary antibacterial properties superior to amoxicillin and tiamulin. Molecular docking studies revealed that the amino thiazolyl ring, the side chains of the pleuromutilin derivatives, can be adopted in the binding pocket of the 50S ribosomal subunit near the mutilin core. Therefore, our novel findings may provide new insights into the design of novel pleuromutilin derivatives and lay the basis for further studies on these promising antibiotics for human clinical use.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 2(3H)‐Thiazole Thiones as Tyrosinase Inhibitors
Authors: Emami Saeed , Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal , Shahrbandi Kami , Enayati Ahmad Ali , Esmaeeli Zahra 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA series of 2(3H)‐thiazole thiones 3–5 was synthesized and evaluated for tyrosinase inhibition and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Among them, 3‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐2(3H)‐thiazole thione (4a) showed good tyrosinase inhibitory activity, even better than that of the well‐known tyrosinase inhibitor, namely, kojic acid. From the structure–activity point of view, although it was found that the phenolic hydroxyl group in prototype 3–5 might contribute to the scavenging activity against DPPH radicals, there was no correlation between the potency of tyrosinase inhibition and the presence of the phenolic moiety. The in silico ADME‐Tox screening revealed that the drug‐likeness and drug‐score values of the most potent compound 4a were significantly higher than those of kojic acid.
Short‐term exposure to 50 Hz ELF‐EMF alters the cisplatin‐induced oxidative response in AT478 murine squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Bułdak Rafał Jakub , Polaniak Renata , Bułdak Łukasz , Żwirska‐Korczala Krystyna , Skonieczna Magdalena , Monsiol Aleksandra , Kukla Michał , Duława‐Bułdak Anna , Birkner Ewa 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of cisplatin and an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF‐EMF) on antioxidant enzyme activity and the lipid peroxidation ratio, as well as the level of DNA damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in AT478 carcinoma cells. Cells were cultured for 24 and 72 h in culture medium with cisplatin. Additionally, the cells were irradiated with 50 Hz/1 mT ELF‐EMF for 16 min using a solenoid as a source of the ELF‐EMF. The amount of ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoenzyme activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity, DNA damage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed. Cells that were exposed to cisplatin exhibited a significant increase in ROS and antioxidant enzyme activity. The addition of ELF‐EMF exposure to cisplatin treatment resulted in decreased ROS levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. A significant reduction in MDA concentrations was observed in all of the study groups, with the greatest decrease associated with treatment by both cisplatin and ELF‐EMF. Cisplatin induced the most severe DNA damage; however, when cells were also irradiated with ELF‐EMF, less DNA damage occurred. Exposure to ELF‐EMF alone resulted in an increase in DNA damage compared to control cells. ELF‐EMF lessened the effects of oxidative stress and DNA damage that were induced by cisplatin; however, ELF‐EMF alone was a mild oxidative stressor and DNA damage inducer. We speculate that ELF‐EMF exerts differential effects depending on the exogenous conditions. This information may be of value for appraising the pathophysiologic consequences of exposure to ELF‐EMF. Bioelectromagnetics 33:641–651, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and effect of Ce and Mn co‐doping on photoluminescence characteristics of Ca6AlP5O20:Eu novel phosphors
Authors: Shinde K. N. , Dhoble S. J. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTA series of Ca6AlP5O20 doped with rare earths (Eu and Ce) and co‐doped (Eu, Ce and Eu,Mn) were prepared by combustion synthesis. Under Hg‐free excitation, Ca6AlP5O20:Eu exhibited Eu2+ (486 nm) emission in the blue region of the spectrum and under near Hg excitation (245 nm), Ca6AlP5O20:Ce phosphor exhibited Ce3+ emission (357 nm) in the UV range. Photoluminescence (PL) peak intensity increased in Ca6AlP5O20:Eu,Ce and Ca6AlP5O20:Eu, Mn phosphors due to co‐activators of Ce3+ and Mn2+ ions. As a result, these ions played an important role in PL emission in the present matrix. Ca6AlP5O20:Eu, Ce and Ca6AlP5O20:Eu, Mn phosphors provided energy transfer mechanisms via Ce3+ → Eu2+ and Eu2+ → Mn2+, respectively. Eu ions acted as activators and Ce ions acted as sensitizers. Ce emission energy was well matched with Eu excitation energy in the case of Ca6AlP5O20:Eu, Ce and Eu ions acted as activators and Mn ions acted as sensitizers in Ca6AlP5O20:Eu, Mn. This study included synthesis of new and efficient phosphate phosphors. The impact of doping and co‐doping on photoluminescence properties and energy transfer mechanisms were investigated and we propose a feasible interpretation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of biotin to demonstrate immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and dot blots in university practical classes
Authors: Millar Thomas James , Knighton Ronald , Chuck Jo‐Anne 
Published: April 2012

AbstractImmunological detection of proteins is an essential method to demonstrate to undergraduate biology students, however, is often difficult in resource and time poor student laboratory sessions. This method describes a failsafe method to rapidly and economically demonstrate this technique using biotinylated proteins or biotin itself as targets for detection. This negates the need for a specific primary antibody, saving cost and time. In addition, the easily available and safe reagents allow the methods to be readily adopted without specialist technical expertise. As a result, staff can confidently transfer ownership of the task to the student so as to also develop scientific inquiry skills which promotes student motivation and engagement.
Changing the Regioselectivity of a P450 from C15 to C11 Hydroxylation of Progesterone
Authors: Nguyen Kim Thoa , Virus Cornelia , Günnewich Nils , Hannemann Frank , Bernhardt Rita 
Published: April 2012

AbstractCYP106A2 is known as a 15β‐hydroxylase, but also shows minor 11α‐hydroxylase activity for progesterone. 11α‐Hydroxyprogesterone is an important pharmaceutical compound with anti‐androgenic and blood‐pressure‐regulating activity. This work therefore focused on directing the regioselectivity of the enzyme towards hydroxylation at position 11 in the C ring of the steroid through a combination of saturation mutagenesis and rational site‐directed mutagenesis. With the aid of data from a homology model of CYP106A2 containing docked progesterone, together with site‐directed mutagenesis of active‐site residues (Lisurek et al. ChemBioChem 2008, 9, 1439–1449), a saturation mutagenesis library at positions A395 and G397 was created. Screening of the library identified the mutants A395I and A395W/G397K as having 11α‐hydroxylase activities 8.9 and 11.5 times higher than that of the wild type (WT). In the next step, additional mutations were integrated by a rational site‐directed mutagenesis approach to increase the catalytic efficiency. Of the 40 candidates analyzed, the mutants A106T/A395I, A106T/A395I/R409L, and T89N/A395I turned out to display increased 11α‐hydroxylase selectivities and activities relative to the WT (14.3‐, 12.6‐, and 11.8‐fold increases in selectivity and 39.3‐, 108‐, and 24.4‐ in kcat/Km). In the last step of the study, the best mutants were applied in a whole‐cell biotransformation. In these experiments the production (percentage) of 15β‐hydroxyprogesterone decreased from 50.4 % (wild type) to 4.8 % (mutant T89N/A395I), whereas that of 11α‐hydroxyprogesterone increased from 27.7 to 80.9 %, thus demonstrating an impressive regioselectivity.