bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of humic substances and probiotics on growth performance and meat quality of rabbits
Authors: Ondruška Ľubomí­r , Chrastinová Ľubica , Rafay Ján , Pospí­šilová Darina , Parkányi Vladimí­r 
Published: April 2012

The aim of this work was determined effect of supplemental humic substances and probiotics on growth performance and meat quality of rabbits. The growth performances were observed on two hundred and twelve growing rabbits assigned randomly by weight to two treatments. The treatments included: 1) Control group: in this group were rabbits fed with basal diet during all experiment (35th – 77th day), 2) experimental group: the animals were fed with basal diet+3kg/t humic substances – Humac Nature during whole experiment. In this group was during fattening period (35th – 49th and 63rd – 70th days of age) added to feed the probiotic preparation – Propoul (Lactobacillus fermentum CCM 7158 1x108 CFU) 2 g per ten pieces. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly in order to determine the average daily gain, average daily feed intake and gain/feed. The characteristics of meat quality were determined on twelve rabbit males at the age of 77 days, when the rabbits achieved average slaughter weight 2500g. Results of the whole experimental period showed that addition humic substances and probiotic preparation to the diet had positive effect (not significantly) on intensity of growth live weight in the last phase of fattening period. The results of this study suggest that humic substances with probiotics might be utilized as a feed additive in the rabbit diet. It could not significantly improve growth performance and meat quality of rabbits.
Analysis of carotenoids and lycopene in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and their retention in tomato juice
Authors: Mendelová Andrea , Andrejiová Alena , Lí­šková Miriam , Kozelová Dagmar , Mareček Ján 
Published: April 2012

In this work we investigated the effect of variety and processing on the content of carotenoids and lycopene in fruits and Tomato juice from the fruit after heat treatment. The experiment included four varieties are edible tomato for industrial processing (Báb, Žiara PK, Šampion and Roti PK). The concentration of total carotenoids and lycopene were determined spectrophotometrically on UV-VIS spectrophotometer Jenway at a wavelength of 445 and 472 nm. The highest average content of carotenoids in fruits were recorded at a variety Roti PK (7.0 mg/100 g-1) and lowest in variety Báb (4.8 mg/100 g-1). Heat treatment had a statistically significant positive effect on the lycopene content, changes in carotenoid content were not significant. Effect of genotype (variety) for the content of the endpoint was significantly important.
The effect of reduction concentrations of the broiler chickens per unit area on the final live weight and production economics
Authors: Angelovičová Mária , Kliment Martin , Mrázová Ľubica , Tkáčová Jana , Kráľ Martin , Alfaig Ebrahim , Lopašovský Ľubomí­r 
Published: April 2012

The aim of the present study was a mathematical and statistical assessment for the effect of concentration of broiler chickens per unit area to the final live weight and production economics. Cobb 500 chickens were fattening for 42 days in a hall on deep litter. During the two experiments the chickens were divided to two groups according to concentration per unit area and it was about 30 and 25 kg/m2. The experiments had been complied with recommended nutritional requirements for breeding and final fattening type of chickens Cobb500. The average final weight of broiler chickens in the first experiment were 2.14 and 2.17 kg for concentrations of 29.41 and 25.76 kg/m2 respectively, and for the second experiment were 2.01 and 2.02 kg for concentrations of 29.33 and 23.90 kg/m2 respectively. According to statistical analysis (P≥0.05), the average final live weight of broiler chickens was not affected by concentrations. The calculated production total live weight of broiler chickens across the halls were 48526.5, 48 394.5, 42504.0 and 39435.0 kg at a concentrations of 29.41, 29.33, 25.76 and 23.90 kg/m2 respectively. By reducing the concentration of birds in the hall from 29.41 to 29.33 kg/m2 and from 25.76 to 23.9 kg/m2 the total production of broiler chickens was decreased by 6022.5 and 8959.5 kg live weight respectively. The concentration of birds per unit area of ​​25.76 and 23.90 kg/m2 lead to lower the price of the product of broiler chickens by 4745.73 and 7060.09 € respectively, compared with the price for the product of the concentrations of 29.41and 29.33 kg/m2 respectively.
Enterococci and their ability to form a biofilm
Authors: Čanigová Margita , Ducková Viera , Kročko Miroslav , Račková Jana , Bezeková Jana 
Published: April 2012

Number of enterococci determined in raw milk cistern samples was in range of 2.95 to 4.18 log CFU.ml-1 and raw milk samples obtained from storage tanks contained enterococci count in the range of 3.04 to 4.51 log CFU.ml-1. Results of microbiological quality evaluation showed, that count of enterococci increased during cold storage of raw milk. Portion of enterococci from the total microflora of raw milk taken from cistern samples was 0.44 %, otherwise in raw milk samples taken from storage tanks portion of enterococci decreased to 0.38 %. Among enterococci isolates E. faecalis was the predominat species in tested samples of raw milk from both cistern – 58.1 % and storage tank – 71.7 %. The following species were identified E. faecium, E. group III., E. mundtii, E. casseliflavus. It was found that 38 % E. faecalis isolates were able to form a biofilm.
Single‐Molecule Tracking of Fibrinogen Dynamics on Nanostructured Poly(ethylene) Films
Authors: Kastantin Mark , Keller Thomas F. , Jandt Klaus D. , Schwartz Daniel K. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractUsing fibrinogen (Fg) protein as a probe molecule, mapping using accumulated probe trajectories (MAPT) is performed on nanostructured melt‐drawn high‐density poly(ethylene) (HDPE) films composed of well‐oriented crystalline patches separated by amorphous regions. The spatially grouped molecular trajectories allow for identification of regions with distinct surface properties (i.e., crystalline vs. amorphous) while simultaneously determining the characteristic dynamic protein behavior within those regions. In the presence of solution with a sufficiently high Fg concentration, discrete patches of a dense, ordered protein layer form (presumably on crystalline HDPE regions), leading to a dramatic rise in the surface residence time (by more than two orders of magnitude) of molecules incorporated into the film. Within this ordered Fg layer, individual molecules exhibit slow anisotropic lateral diffusion; the mobility is restricted by the nanostructure boundaries of the underlying HDPE. On HDPE films at low Fg surface coverage, or on films that have been rendered hydrophilic with Ar plasma, short surface residence times and fast, isotropic diffusion are observed. These results demonstrate the ability of spatially resolved single‐molecule tracking to provide mechanistic information about biomolecule‐surface interactions in a highly heterogeneous environment.
High‐Performance Inverted Polymer Solar Cells: Device Characterization, Optical Modeling, and Hole‐Transporting Modifications
Authors: Zou Jingyu , Yip Hin‐Lap , Zhang Yong , Gao Yan , Chien Shang‐Chieh , O'Malley Kevin , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Chen Hongzheng , Jen Alex K.‐Y. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAlthough high power conversion efficiencies (PCE) have already been demonstrated in conventional structure polymer solar cells (PSCs), the development of high performance inverted structure polymer solar cells is still lagging behind despite their demonstrated superior stability and feasibility for roll‐to‐roll processing. To address this challenge, a detailed study of solution‐processed, inverted‐structure PSCs based on the blends of a low bandgap polymer, poly(indacenodithiophene‐co‐phananthrene‐quinoxaline) (PIDT‐PhanQ) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) layer is carried out. Comprehensive characterization and optical modeling of the resulting devices is performed to understand the effect of device geometry on photovoltaic performance. Excellent device performance can be achieved by optimizing the optical field distribution and spatial profiles of excitons generation within the active layer in different device configurations. In the inverted structure, because the peak of the excitons generation is located farther away from the electron‐collecting electrode, a higher blending ratio of fullerene is required to provide higher electron mobility in the BHJ for achieving good device performance.
Mitigation of Staphylococcus aureus‐Mediated Surgical Site Infections with IR Photoactivated TiO2 coatings on Ti Implants
Authors: Aboelzahab Asem , Azad Abdul‐Majeed , Dolan Shawn , Goel Vijay 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSurgical site infections caused by methicillin‐resistant and methicillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, MSSA) lead to patient hospitalization for an extended period coupled with concomitant hospitalization resources and cost. The detrimental effect resulting from the onset of these infections poses great health risks, leading to death in some instances. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is endowed with the unique capability of photoactivity which has been extensively exploited in antibacterial activities. It has been shown to be very effective in its bactericidal efficacy against infection‐causing bacterial strains, namely, E. coli and S. aureus. In this study, the use of IR‐photoactivated TiO2 nanocoatings on titanium implants to mitigate the onset of surgical site infections is described. TiO2 coatings were created on implantable materials by way of an aqueous plasma electrodeposition technique and were used to mitigate the harmful bacterial growth upon brief activation by an infrared (IR) laser source. The necrosis of S. aureus cells was found to exceed 90% within 30 min. following a 30s exposure of the titania‐coated model implants (Ti mesh and plate). Promising potential of antibacterial coatings in mitigating surgical site infections has been shown.
Epilepsy, suicidality, and psychiatric disorders: A bidirectional association
Authors: Hesdorffer Dale C. , Ishihara Lianna , Mynepalli Lakshmi , Webb David J. , Weil John , Hauser W. Allen 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjective:A study was undertaken to determine whether psychiatric disorders associated with suicide are more common in incident epilepsy than in matched controls without epilepsy, before and after epilepsy diagnosis.Methods:A matched, longitudinal cohort study was conducted in the UK General Practice Research Database. A total of 3,773 cases diagnosed with epilepsy between the ages of 10 and 60 years were compared to 14,025 controls matched by year of birth, sex, general practice, and years of medical records before the index date. We examined first diagnosis of psychosis, depression, anxiety, and suicidality in each of the 3 years before and after the index date and annual prevalence of suicide. Referent diagnoses were eczema and acute surgery. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) was calculated for each year in the study period; the prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated for suicidality.Results:The IRR of psychosis, depression, and anxiety was significantly increased for all years before epilepsy diagnosis (IRR, 1.5–15.7) and after diagnosis (IRR, 2.2–10.9) and for suicidality before epilepsy diagnosis (IRR, 3.1–4.5) and 1 year after diagnosis (IRR, 5.3). The PR was increased for suicide attempt before epilepsy onset (PR, 2.6–5.2) and after onset (PR, 2.4–5.6). Eczema and acute surgery were both associated with epilepsy in the first and third year after diagnosis.Interpretation:Epilepsy is associated with an increased onset of psychiatric disorders and suicide before and after epilepsy diagnosis. These relations suggest common underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that both lower seizure threshold and increase risk for psychiatric disorders and suicide. ANN NEUROL 2012
Synthesis and characterization of heat‐resistant N‐phenylmaleimide–styrene–maleic anhydride copolymers and application in acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene resin
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Dong Jianting , Li Suming , Fan Zhongyong 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe heat‐resistant copolymer of N‐phenylmaleimide (NPMI)–styrene (St)–maleic anhydride (MAH) was synthesized in xylene at 125°C with di‐tert‐butyl diperoxyterephthalate as an initiator. The characteristics of the copolymer were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR), gel permeation chromatography, and elemental analysis. The 13C‐NMR results show that the copolymer possessed random sequence distribution; this was also supported by the differential scanning calorimetry experiment, in which a single glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of 202.3°C was observed. The thermal stability and degradation mechanism of the copolymer were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Using the Kissinger equation and Ozawa equation, we proved a nucleation controlling mechanism with an apparent activation energy of 144 kJ/mol. Blends of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene with the NPMI–St–MAH copolymer with various contents were prepared with a twin‐screw extruder processes. The mechanical and thermal properties of the materials, such as the tensile and flexural strength, Tg's, and Vicat softening temperatures, were all enhanced with the addition of the modifier, whereas the melt flow index decreased. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Toughened polystyrene with improved photoresistance: Effects of the compatibilizers
Authors: Libio Illen Canani , Grassi Vinícius Galhard , Dal Pizzol Marcus Fernando , Bohrz Nachtigall Sônia Marlí 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe dispersion of ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubber in a polystyrene (PS) matrix is an alternative for improving the weathering resistance of high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS), which commonly contains polybutadiene as an impact modifier. However, EPDM and PS are immiscible, and compatibilizers are required to improve the final properties. In this study, EPDM–PS blends were prepared by melt mixing, and the compatibilizing effects of two block copolymers on these blends was studied. The materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, tensile and impact tests, and exposure to UV light for 20 days. The addition of styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) and styrene–ethylene‐co‐butylene–styrene block copolymer (SEBS) improved the dispersion of EPDM in the PS matrix. The compatibilized blends showed lower tensile properties, but an important increase in the impact strength was observed compared to the noncompatibilized blend. With regard to the impact strength, SBS was more effective than SEBS as a compatibilizer. All of the blends showed higher UV resistances than the commercial HIPS, and the best performance was observed in the blends compatibilized with SEBS. These results are discussed and explained in terms of the blends' morphologies and chemical compositions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Tube extrusion of polymeric materials: Optimization of the processing parameters
Authors: Mamalis A. G. , Vortselas A. K. , Kouzilos G. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn the study described in this article, we aimed to apply multiparametric optimization to the processing conditions in a spider die used for the extrusion of polymers, in this case, high‐density polyethylene tubes. Product quality is affected by the homogeneity of the flow speed and the temperature at the die exit. Inhomogeneity causes shape distortions and material weak spots (weld lines), and its major cause in spider dies is the discontinuity and distortion of the flow caused by spider legs, the ties by which the inner mandrel of the die is secured to its external casing. The Nelder–Mead nonlinear optimization technique was applied to the numerical model to pinpoint the processing conditions, namely, the inlet pressure, inlet temperature of the melt, temperature of the die walls, and temperature of the spider legs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Properties and morphology of supertoughened polyamide 6 hybrid composites
Authors: Ding Yun , Chen Guangxin , Song Jiangxuan , Gou Yunshu , Shi Jianjun , Jin Riguang , Li Qifang 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this study, supertoughened polyamide (PA) nanocomposites were prepared by the incorporation of epoxidized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) into the polyamide 6 (PA6)/methyl methacrylate–butadiene–styrene copolymer (MBS) blend via a melt‐blending method. The effect of POSS on the rheological properties, mechanical properties, water uptake, and morphology of the hybrid PA6 nanocomposites was studied. The results show that under impact loading, the hybrid PA6 composites exhibited significant improvements in both the crack initiation energy and the crack propagation energy. This hybrid composite showed supertough behavior. Meanwhile, the tensile strength and the water absorption resistance was also improved with the addition of epoxidized POSS. The capillary and torque rheological results indicated that the epoxidized POSS, which acted as nanoscale ball bearings, significantly decreased the melt viscosity of the matrices and facilitated the melting process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to study the microstructure–property relationships of the hybrid PA6 composites. The TEM results showed that the MBS particles were dispersed homogeneously in the PA6 matrix. The mean diameter of the MBS particles decreased, and the size distribution of the MBS particles narrowed down with the introduction of the epoxidized POSS and compatiblizer. The SEM micrographs indicated that the impact fracture surfaces of the PA composites showed morphological characteristics of supertough polymers because of the synergistic effect of the functionalized POSS and compatibilized MBS particles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and properties of maleimide‐functionalized hyperbranched polysiloxane and its hybrids based on cyanate ester resin
Authors: Hu Jiang‐tao , Gu Aijuan , Liang Guozheng , Zhuo Dongxian , Yuan Li 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA new hyperbranched polysiloxane containing maleimide (HPMA) was synthesized through the reaction between N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) maleimide and 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, which was then used to prepare cyanate ester (CE) resin‐based hybrids (coded as HPMAx/CE, where x is the weight fraction of HPMA in the hybrid). The curing behavior of uncured hybrids and the typical properties (impact strength and dielectric properties) of cured hybrids were systemically investigated. Results show that the performance of hybrids is greatly related with the content of HPMA. Hybrids have obviously lower curing temperature than CE, overcoming the poor curing characteristics (higher curing temperature and longer curing time) of neat CE, for example, the curing peak temperature of HPMA20/CE is about 65°C lower than that of CE. In the case of cured resin and hybrids, the hybrids exhibit decreased dielectric constant and loss than CE resin; moreover, the former also exhibits lower water absorption than the latter. Specifically, the dielectric loss of HPMA15/CE hybrid is only about 27% of that of neat CE resin. In addition, the hybrids with suitable contents of HPMA have significantly improved impact strengths. The overall improved properties suggest that HPMAx/CE hybrids have great potential in applications needing harsh requirements of curing feature, dielectric properties, and toughness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Chiral recognition of tryptophan enantiomers based on a polypyrrole‐flake graphite composite electrode column
Authors: Kong Yong , Li Xueying , Yao Chao , Wei Jingxuan , Chen Zhidong 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA polypyrrole (PPy)‐flake graphite composite was synthesized by in situ polymerization of pyrrole on flake graphite surface, and the resulting organic–inorganic composite material was developed as the conductive stationary phase in an electrode column for enantioselective recognition of tryptophan (Trp) enantiomers. Compared with the stationary phase made up with conducting PPy, the conductivity of the composite stationary phase was enhanced significantly. As a result, satisfactory enantioselectivity of Trp enantiomers can be achieved easily by modulating the potential applied on the electrode column. Various important parameters influencing the performance of the composite electrode column were investigated to obtain the optimum recognition efficiency. A recognition efficiency of 3.7 could be achieved under the optimum conditions. Enantioselectivity of the composite material for Trp enantiomers is attributed to the reversible doping/de‐doping properties of PPy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of novel aromatic polyamides via Yamazaki–Higashi phosphorylation method
Authors: Zhao Jing , Xu Hongjie , Fang Jianhua , Yin Jie 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe synthesized four aromatic diacids: 1,3‐bis(3‐carboxyphenoxy)benzene, 1,4‐bis(4‐carboxyphenoxy)benzene, 1,4‐bis(3‐carboxyphenoxy) benzene, and 1,3‐bis(4‐carboxyphenoxy)benzene, following a procedure of a previously reported synthesis (Ueda and Komatsu, J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 1989, 27, 1017). These diacids were condensed directly with aromatic diamines 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA), via the Yamazaki–Higashi phosphorylation method in the presence of triphenylphosphite (TPP), pyridine (Py) and halide salts to give high molecular aromatic polyamides (PAs). The synthesized PAs were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities between 0.5 and 1.0 dL g−1. The structures and properties of the obtained PAs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), polarizing optical microscope (POM). Four PAs all showed good solubility in polar solvents, such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), 1‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP), and so on. The obtained polymers showed high thermal stability with decomposition temperature around 400°C. The polyamide membranes manifest excellent mechanical properties, with Young's modulus of 2.5–5.5 GPa. Interestingly, the film of PA‐1, PA‐2, and PA‐3 is completely transparent in the visible range, while PA‐4 film is opaque. Crystallization was observed in PA‐4 film, although the molecular structure of PA‐4 is not as symmetrical as PA‐2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Designing polyethylene terephthalate‐based barrier resins
Authors: Gohil Ramesh M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe have studied the efficiencies of commercially available barrier resins used for food packaging and beverage bottle applications and compared them with resins made using copolymer and blending approaches. The effects of various copolymer related parameters that influence oxygen barrier performance and the underlying mechanisms for these effects in PET‐based copolymers and blends were investigated. Using these approaches, it is possible to make highly effective PET‐based copolymers for gas barrier applications. Blending of PET with phenolic and other organic materials shows equivalent barrier performance in PET copolymers having comonomer levels of <8‐mole %. Reduction in oxygen permeation rates results from the reduction or elimination of short range molecular motion of polyethylene terephthalate molecules. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012