bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering Inorganic Nanoemulsions/Nanoliposomes by Fluoride‐Silica Chemistry for Efficient Delivery/Co‐Delivery of Hydrophobic Agents
Authors: Chen Yu , Gao Yu , Chen Hangrong , Zeng Deping , Li Yaping , Zheng Yuanyi , Li Faqi , Ji Xiufeng , Wang Xia , Chen Feng , He Qianjun , Zhang Linlin , Shi Jianlin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA novel drug‐formulation protocol is developed to solve the delivery problem of hydrophobic drug molecules by using inorganic mesoporous silica nanocapsules (IMNCs) as an alternative to traditional organic emulsions and liposomes while preserving the advantages of inorganic materials. The unique structures of IMNCs are engineered by a novel fluoride‐silica chemistry based on a structural difference‐based selective etching strategy. The prepared IMNCs combine the functions of organic nanoemulsions or nanoliposomes with the properties of inorganic materials. Various spherical nanostructures can be fabricated simply by varying the synthetic parameters. The drug loading amount of a typical highly hydrophobic anticancer drug‐camptothecin (CPT) in IMNCs reaches as high as 35.1 wt%. The intracellular release of CPT from carriers is demonstrated in situ. In addition, IMNCs can play the role of organic nanoliposome (multivesicular liposome) in co‐encapsulating and co‐delivering hydrophobic (CPT) and hydrophilic (doxorubicin, DOX) anticancer drugs simultaneously. The co‐delivery of multi‐drugs in the same carrier and the intracellular release of the drug combinations enables a drug delivery system with efficient enhanced chemotherapeutic effect for DOX‐resistant MCF‐7/ADR cancer cells. The special IMNCs‐based “inorganic nanoemulsion”, as a proof‐of‐concept, can also be employed successfully to encapsulate and deliver biocompatible hydrophobic perfluorohexane (PFH) molecules for high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) synergistic therapy ex vivo and in vivo. Based on this novel design strategy, a wide range of inorganic material systems with similar “inorganic nanoemulsion or nanoliposome” functions will be developed to satisfy varied clinical requirements.
Highly Fluorescent Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Nanostructures: Synthesis, Self‐Assembly, and Al3+ Ion Sensing
Authors: You Jungmok , Kim Jeonghun , Park Teahoon , Kim Byeonggwan , Kim Eunkyoung 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA highly fluorescent triazine‐bridged polymer, poly[(diphenylamino‐s‐triazine)‐co‐(2‐methoxy‐5‐propyloxysulfonate‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene)] (DTMSPV), is synthesized from Wittig polycondensation of a triazine monomer with a water‐soluble p‐phenylene vinylene monomer. The fluorescent amphiphilic polymer in aqueous solution self‐assembled into nanoassemblies of micelle‐like nanostructure (MS) and π stacking nanostructure (πS), which have average sizes of 93 to 270 nm, depending on the concentration of DTMSPV. The micelle‐like nanostructure of DTMSPV (MS) shows blue emission at 457 and 488 nm with a high emission quantum yield (ΦE) of 31% in aqueous solution. On the other hand, the ΦE of π stacking structures (πS), formed in a highly concentrated solution, is lower than the MS. The MS exhibits fluorescence quenching as well as color change from blue to green/yellow, depending on the kinds of metal ions. The metal ion sensitivity is larger in the order of the main group ions (Na+, K+) < dicationic transition metal ions (Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Pd2+) < trivalent transition metal ions (Fe3+, Ru3+), with an exception of Al3+. In particular, the fluorescence of MS is dramatically quenched with color change to yellow in response to Al3+ concentrations. The selectivity and sensitivity of MS to Al3+ are unusually high even in the presence of competitive metal ions, which can be attributed to the specific interaction of triazine units with Al3+.
Polymer Microparticles with Controllable Surface Textures Generated through Interfacial Instabilities of Emulsion Droplets
Authors: Liu Shanqin , Deng Renhua , Li Weikun , Zhu Jintao 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA general and versatile route to prepare hierarchical polymer microparticles via interfacial instabilities of emulsion droplets is demonstrated. Uniform emulsion droplets containing hydrophobic polymers and n‐hexadecanol (HD) are generated through microfluidic devices. When organic solvent diffuses through the aqueous phase and evaporates, shrinking emulsion droplets containing HD and polystyrene (PS) will trigger interfacial instabilities to form microparticles with wrinkled surfaces. Interestingly, surface‐textures of the particles can be accurately tailored from smooth to high textures by varying the HD concentration and/or the rate of solvent evaporation. Moreover, composite particles can be generated by suspending different hydrophobic species to the initial polymer solutions. This versatile approach for preparing particles with highly textured surfaces can be extended to other type of hydrophobic polymers which will find potential applications in the fields of drug delivery, tissue engineering, catalysis, coating, and device fabrication.
Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm in a 9‐year‐old boy with classical Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: de Leeuw K. , Goorhuis J.F. , Tielliu I.F.J. , Symoens S. , Malfait F. , de Paepe A. , van Tintelen J.P. , Hulscher J.B.F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA 9‐year‐old boy with the classical type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) developed a symptomatic aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery. His EDS diagnosis had been confirmed biochemically and genetically. Vascular complications are known to be associated with the vascular type of EDS, but this is the first report of a child with classical EDS who developed a major vascular complication. Clinicians should be aware that severe vascular complications albeit rare, can also occur in classical EDS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Consanguinity and occurrence of cleft lip/palate: A hospital‐based registry study in Riyadh
Authors: Ravichandran Kandasamy , Shoukri Mohamed , Aljohar Aziza , Shazia Naz Subhani , Al‐Twaijri Yasmin , Al Jarba Ibtisam 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis paper focuses on the influence of consanguinity on the occurrence of orofacial clefts. All patients with orofacial clefts registered at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh since June 1999 until December 2009 were included in this study. Patients were classified in two distinct groups: cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL ± P) and isolated cleft palate (CP). Chi‐squared test was used to test independence of variables. Intracluster correlation coefficient was estimated to assess the degree of concordance between siblings. Among 1,171 total patients, CL ± P was found to be more common (64.0%). Males were more likely to be affected with CL ± P (M:F = 1.5:1) and females were more likely to be affected with CP (M:F = 0.9:1; P < 0.0001). About a third of patients had a family history of clefts; family history was more likely to be positive for patients with CL ± P than for patients with CP (33.6% vs. 22.0%; P < 0.0001). Consanguineous relationships were seen in 56.8% of our patients' parents. Family history was more likely to be positive for patients whose parents were consanguineous than those who were non‐consanguineous (34.2% vs. 25.8%; P = 0.003), both for the CL ± P and CP groups. Recurrence among siblings did not differ between those born to consanguineous versus non‐consanguineous parents. Recurrence of clefts in offspring was higher among parents affected by cleft compared to those who were not affected (51.4% vs. 11.4%; P < 0.0001), both for CL ± P and CP groups. Education about anticipated genetic consequences of consanguinity is important for populations with a high degree of consanguinity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
R179H mutation in ACTA2 expanding the phenotype to include prune‐belly sequence and skin manifestations
Authors: Richer J. , Milewicz D.M. , Gow R. , de Nanassy J. , Maharajh G. , Miller E. , Oppenheimer L. , Weiler G. , O'Connor M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMutations in ACTA2 (smooth muscle cell—specific isoform of α‐actin) lead to a predisposition to thoracic aortic aneurysms and other vascular diseases. More recently, the ACTA2 R179H mutation has been described in individuals with global smooth muscle dysfunction. We report a patient heterozygous for the mutation in ACTA2 R179H who presented with megacystis at 13 weeks gestational age and, at birth, with prune‐belly sequence. He also had deep skin dimples and creases on his palms and soles, a finding not previously described but possibly related to ACTA2. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the R179H mutation in ACTA2 in a child with prune‐belly sequence. We think the R179H mutation in ACTA2 should be included in the differential diagnosis of individuals presenting with the sequence without an identified mechanical obstruction. Furthermore, as ACTA2 R179H has been reported in patients with severe vasculomyopathy and premature death, we recommend that molecular testing for this mutation be considered in fetuses presenting with fetal megacystis with a normal karyotype, particularly if the bladder diameter is 15 mm or more, to allow expectant parents to make an informed decision. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transport and dephasing in a quantum dot: Multiply connected graph model
Authors: Treiber M. , Yevtushenko O.M. , von Delft J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractUsing the theory of diffusion in graphs, we propose a model to study mesoscopic transport through a diffusive quantum dot. The graph consists of three quasi‐1D regions: a central region describing the dot, and two identical left‐ and right‐ wires connected to leads, which mimic contacts of a real system. We find the exact solution of the diffusion equation for this graph and evaluate the conductance including quantum corrections. Our model is complementary to the RMT‐models describing quantum dots. Firstly, it reproduces the universal limit at zero temperature. But the main advantage compared to RMT‐models is that it allows one to take into account interaction‐induced dephasing at finite temperatures. Besides, the crossovers from open to almost closed quantum dots and between different regimes of dephasing can be described within a single framework. We present results for the temperature dependence of the weak localization correction to the conductance for the experimentally relevant parameter range and discuss the possibility to observe the elusive 0D‐regime of dephasing in different mesoscopic systems.
Simplified design and control of an ideal heat‐integrated distillation column (ideal HIDiC)
Authors: Wu Guosong , Huang Kejin , Chen Haisheng , Wang Shaofeng , Wei Ningning , Wang San‐Jang 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThree kinds of process simplification are derived for an ideal heat‐integrated distillation column (ideal HIDiC: S–0) using three heat exchangers between its rectifying and stripping sections. These include one with the heat exchangers located in the top, middle, and bottom of the ideal HIDiC, respectively (S–1), one with the vapor flows from the rectifying section and compressor as hot flows in the three heat exchangers (S–2), and one with the vapor flow from the rectifying section as sole hot flows in the three heat exchangers (S–3). The impact of process simplification is examined in terms of the separation of a binary mixture of ethylene and ethane. The S–1 appears inferior to the S–0 in thermodynamic efficiency, but with comparable dynamic behaviors. The S–2 and S–3 need lower capital investment and operating cost than the S–1, but with a sharp degradation in process dynamics and controllability. Although the augment of heat transfer areas leads to a reduction in operating cost, almost no favorable effect is identified on process operation. To derive a feasible design of the ideal HIDiC, one must therefore exercise a careful trade‐off between design and operation via the locations of these heat exchangers. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A single‐mode rheological model for steady flows of polymer melts
Authors: Yang Jia , Liang Ji‐Zhao , Wang Kejian 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe steady shear viscosity (ηs), the steady first normal stress coefficient (Ψ1), the steady second normal stress coefficient (Ψ2), and extensional viscosity (ηe) are four important parameters for polymer melts during polymer processing. In this article, we propose a stress and rate‐dependent function to describe creation and destruction of polymer junctions. Moreover, we also introduce a movement expression to describe nonaffine movement of network junctions. Based on network theory, a nonaffine single‐mode rheological model is presented for the steady flow of polymeric melts, and the equations of ηs, Ψ1, Ψ2, and ηe are derived from the model accordingly. Furthermore the dependences of ηs and ηe on model parameters are discussed for the model. Without a complex statistical simulation, the single‐mode model with four parameters yields good quantitative predictions of the steady shear and extensional flows for two low density polyethylene melts reported from previous literature in very wide range of deformation rates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of talc on thermal stability and flame retardancy of polycarbonate/PSBPBP composite
Authors: Zhao Xiaomin , Wei Ping , Qian Yong , Yu Haizhou , Liu Jiping 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA novel flame retardant poly(3‐aminopropyl methylsiloxane bis(3‐hydroxy phenyl spirocyclic pentaerythritol bisphosphate)) (PSBPBP) in combination with talc was blended into polycarbonate (PC) by melt compounding. The flame retardancy and thermal stability of PC/PSBPBP/talc composites were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, UL‐94 rating test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties were also measured in this work. Increasing talc content leads to observed improvement on flame retardancy of PC composites. LOI value of PC/PSBPBP/10 wt % talc system was 34, and this system passed V0 rating in the UL‐94 test. The char yield at 700°C was 28.2% and the onset decomposition temperature shifted up to 540°C for PC/10% PSBPBP/10% talc system in TGA. In the Raman measure, the R value and G linewidth of PC/PSBPBP with 10 wt % talc composite increased to 1.41 and 65 cm−1 from 1.12 and 43 cm−1 of pure PC, respectively. The Raman results suggest that the char residue of PC/PSBPBP with talc composites was denser and had better barrier property, which is agreement with the SEM results. Besides, talc had no remarkable influence on the mechanical properties of PC/PSBPBP composites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of polybenzimidazole–nanodiamond hybrids via in situ polymerization method
Authors: Zhang Ru , Shi ZhiXing , Liu Yang , Yin Jie 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPoly[2,2′‐(p‐oxydiphenylene)‐5,5′‐bibenzimidazole] (OPBI) was polymerized in poly(phosphoric acid) (PPA) with the presence of the pristine nanodiamonds (NDs) (0.2–5 wt %) to fabricate NDs‐g‐OPBI/OPBI nanocomposites via Friedel–Crafts (F‐C) reaction. The OPBI chains were successfully attached to the NDs through F‐C reaction between carboxylic acid from OPBI and NDs, which was proved by nuclear magnetic resonance, X‐ray photoelectron, and X‐ray diffraction. NDs‐g‐OPBI/OPBI nanocomposites show more homogeneous dispersion than the physical blending containing pristine NDs and OPBI matrix, as showed through scanning electronic microscopy images. The mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, yield strength, and tensile strength are all improved by the introduction of NDs (<1 wt %) without loss of ductility, which overcomes the brittleness brought by the addition of inorganic reinforced agent in traditional composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that the modulus of the ND‐g‐OPBI/OPBI nanocomposites was significantly higher than OPBI matrix, and the NDs‐g‐OPBI/OPBI nanocomposites displayed more pronounced improvement than the physical blending, which could be ascribed to the homogeneous dispersion of NDs particles and the covalent bonding between NDs and OPBI via F‐C reaction. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that all the OPBI nanocomposites containing NDs displayed the improved thermal stability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Electrospinning of type I collagen and PCL nanofibers using acetic acid
Authors: Chakrapani V. Yogeshwar , Gnanamani A. , Giridev V.R. , Madhusoothanan M. , Sekaran G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFabrication of nanofibrous biomaterials based on natural materials (collagen, gelatin, etc.) through various techniques is an important research topic. Electrospinning, a well‐established technique for nanofiber production has also been extended for producing nanofibrous structures of natural materials. Collagen nanofiber production utilizes hexafluoro isopropanol (HFIP) as a solvent for electrospinning. Research efforts are now focused on replacing HFIP with an environmentally benign solvent. In this study, electrospinning of Type I collagen of bovine skin with polycaprolactone (PCL) as a blend and an environmentally benign solvent, acetic acid, was carried out. The samples produced were subjected to contact angle measurements, porosity estimation, SEM, FTIR, TGA, and DSC. Nanofibers in the range of 100–200 nm were produced with an optimum porosity of 60%. The instrumental analyses confirm the physical interaction between collagen and PCL. Electrospinning of collagen in an environmentally benign solvent has been carried out and its usage in tissue engineering is being investigated by our research group. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Characterization of extruded film based on thermoplastic potato flour
Authors: Zhang Yachuan , Yuan Xin , Thompson Michael R. , Liu Qiang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPotato flour is abundant and less expensive than starch, though its major component is starch. It would therefore seem to be an attractive and viable source of biomass for biodegradable thermoplastic products. This study prepared thermoplastic potato flour (TPF) and thermoplastic potato starch (TPS) films by extrusion and investigated their properties. A mixture of glycerol and triethyl citrate (25−35% of total weight) was chosen for the plasticizer. Properties of the TPF film, such as mechanical properties, surface hydrophilicity, surface energy, moisture sorption isotherm, and glass transition temperature (Tg), were characterized and compared with TPS film. The results showed that TPF film was comparable to TPS film in many properties. The mechanical properties of the TPF film, including tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile modulus, were similar in magnitude to TPS film. In addition, TPF film showed lower Tg and surface hydrophilicity, but higher surface wetting capacity than TPS film. Components other than starch in potato flour were believed to have had a plasticization effect on TPF properties. Overall, potato flour demonstrated a comparable capacity for manufacturing thermoplastic film similar to the more expensive starch feedstock. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Influence of the relative amounts of crystalline and amorphous phases on the mechanical properties of polyamide‐6 nanocomposites
Authors: Gargalaka João , Couto Ricardo A. A. , Constantino Vera R. L. , Toma Henrique E. , Araki Koiti 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe relative amounts of amorphous and crystalline γ‐ and α‐phases in polyamide‐6 nanocomposites, estimated from the deconvolution of X‐ray diffraction peaks using Gaussian functions, correlates with their mechanical, thermomechanical, and barrier properties. The incorporation of organoclay platelets (Cloisite 15A and 30B) induced the crystallization of the polymer in the γ form at expense of the amorphous phase, such that 1–2 wt % of Cloisite is enough to enhance the mechanical and the thermomechanical properties. However, higher nanofiller loads were necessary to achieve good barrier effects, because this property is mainly dependent on the tortuous path permeation mechanism of the gas molecules through the nanocomposite films. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of solvent nature in casting‐based carbon nanofiber/poly(methyl‐methacrylate) nanocomposites
Authors: Varela‐Rizo Helena , Rodriguez‐Pastor Iluminada , Martin‐Gullon Ignacio 
Published: February 2012

AbstractEight different solvents, of different polarities, were used to prepare carbon nanofiber (CNF)/poly(methyl methacrylate nanocomposites by solvent casting. Selected solvents ranged from organic acetone to nonpolar toluene, passing through N‐containing solvents. In addition, pristine and oxygen and nitrogen‐functionalized CNFs were used. Two objectives were pursued: (1) the role of the solvent in the dispersion of the CNFs and (2) the benefit of the functionalization on the dispersion through the stability in the solvent and compatibility with the matrix. The dispersion analysis of the materials leads to the conclusion that solvents containing oxygen groups work better with the oxidized CNFs, similarly solvents containing nitrogen groups with the nitrogen‐functionalized CNFs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Properties of potassium titanate whisker reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene‐based friction materials of ultrasonic motors
Authors: Fan Yu , Ding Qing‐Jun , Yao Zhi‐Yuan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractUltrasonic motors (USMs) are driven by friction forces between a stator and rotor. So the output properties and life of USMs are strongly related to the properties, such as the mechanical and tribological properties, of the frictional materials. In this study, the effects of the content of potassium titanate whiskers (PTWs) on the mechanical and tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)‐based friction materials and the performances of the corresponding USMs were studied. The morphology of worn surfaces of PTFE composites were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The experimental results show that the PTWs not only increased the hardness and elastic modulus of the PTFE composites but also increased the friction coefficient and wear resistance of the PTFE composites. On the whole, the PTFE‐based friction materials filled with 5 wt % PTWs were the preferable friction materials for USMs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Dithienocyclopentathieno[3,2‐b]thiophene Hexacyclic Arene for Solution‐Processed Organic Field‐Effect Transistors and Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Cheng Yen‐Ju , Chen Chiu‐Hsiang , Lin Tai‐Yen , Hsu Chain‐Shu 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe have developed a ladder‐type dithienocyclopentathieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (DTCTT) hexacyclic unit in which the central thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene ring was covalently fastened to two adjacent thiophene rings through carbon bridges, thereby forming two connected cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) units in a hexacyclic coplanar structure. This stannylated Sn‐DTCTT building block was copolymerized with three electron‐deficient acceptors, dibromo‐thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD), dibromo‐benzothiadiazole (BT), and dibromo‐phenanthrenequinoxaline (PQX), by Stille polymerization, thereby furnishing a new class of alternating donor–acceptor copolymers: PDTCTTTPD, PDTCTTBT, and PDTCTTPQX, respectively. Field‐effect transistors based on PDTCTTPQX and PDTCTTBT yielded high hole mobilities of 0.017 and 0.053 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, which are among the highest performances among amorphous donor–acceptor copolymers. A bulk heterojunction solar cell that incorporated PDTCTTTPD with the lower‐lying HOMO energy level delivered a higher Voc value of 0.72 V and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 2.59 %.