The first

two steps were conducted to have the basic polymers. The first step was introducing of epoxy groups to its chemical structure through grafting process with poly(glycidylmethacrylate) (PGMA). The second step was converting the introduced epoxy groups to imides groups followed by phosphoric acid (-PO3H) doping as the last step. This step significantly contributes to induce ion exchange capacity (IEC) and ionic conductivity (IC). Chemical changes of the cellophane composition and morphology characters were followed using FTIR, learn more TGA, and SEM analysis. Different factors affecting the membranes characters especially IEC, methanol permeability, and thermal stability were investigated and optimized to have the best preparation selleck products conditions. Compared to Nafion 117 membrane, cellophane-modified membranes show a better IEC, less methanol permeability, and better mechanical and thermal stability. IEC in the range of 12.3 meq/g compared to 0.9 meq/g per Nafion was obtained, and methanol permeability has been reduced by one-order magnitude. However, the maximum obtained IC for cellophane-PGMA-grafted membrane doped with phosphoric acid was found 2.33 x 10(-3) (S cm(-1)) compared to 3.88 x 10(-2) (S cm(-1)) for Nafion 117. The obtained

results are very promising for conducting further investigations taking into consideration the very low price of cellophane compared to Nafion. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 3710-3724, 2012″
“By spherical aberration

(CS)-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), the atomic and electronic structures at the CrN/Cr interface are studied. A transition layer is formed at the CrN/Cr interface, which is identified as hexagonal Cr(2)N. The atomic structures at the interfaces are revealed. The elemental concentration distribution across the interface was quantified by EELS. The fine structures of Cr-L(2,3) in Cr, CrN, and Cr(2)N exhibit a subtle difference. The Cr-L(2,3) edge in CrN shows a noticeable chemical shift as check details compared to Cr and Cr(2)N, accompanied by a slight variation at the corresponding N-K edge. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3624772]“
“C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the macrophages in the liver and adipocytes and is integrated in the acute-phase response pathway. Being a nonspecific marker of inflammation, it increases in response to inflammation. The results of recent studies that have analyzed the role of CRP have not yet influenced current clinical practice. When used in combination with other established biomarkers for the prediction of the first major cardiovascular event or death, CRP does not improve the risk stratification obtained with the current guidelines.