bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Trade Openness, FDI, Exchange Rate and Inflation on Economic Growth: A Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Bibi Sadia , Ahmad Syed Tauqeer , Rashid Hina
Published: October 2014

This study focuses on empirical analysis to find out the role of trade openness, inflation, imports, exports, real exchange rate and foreign direct investment in enhancing economic growth in Pakistan. The analysis based on time series data for the period 1980 to 2011. This paper uses ADF; PP and DF-GLS tests to find out stationarity of the variables and Co-integration and DOLS (Dynamic Ordinary Least Square) techniques have been used for the estimation. Co integration results indicated the long run relationship among the variables. However, negative impact of trade openness can be overcome by producing import substitutes and creating conditions for trade surplus. Furthermore, foreign direct investment and trade are considered vital elements that improve the influence of economic growth.
Causes of Tax Evasion in Pakistan: A Case Study on Southern Punjab
Authors: Khan Waseem Ahmad , Ahmad Prince Fawad
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Tax evasion is main problem in Pakistan due to which Pakistan remains under a lot of stress. Tax evasion results in less revenue. Many causes have been discussed which play major role in tax evasion in Pakistan. It is a primary research.Literature review: Many authors have discussed impacts of tax evasion in different sectors of economy. Previously tax evasion cause major trouble in Tanzania & Greece.Methodology: A questioner has been filled by targeted population of 100 Professionals & Business students of Department of Management Sciences Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Questioner was consisted of 5 major parts i.e. Tax System, High rate, Go with the flow, Corrupt Govt. & Progressive taxation.Findings: Most of the population agrees that these causes play a vital role in the tax evasion in the Pakistan.Conclusion: Tax evasion is main problem of Pakistan which needs to be eliminating by following the recommendations that tax system must base on ground realities, tax rates should be low. There should be proper check & balance of government, tax awareness in public should arise by different channels.
The Role of Service Quality in Developing Customer Loyalty in the Banking Sector: A Case study of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mian Tariq Saeed
Published: October 2014

Maintaining a strong and loyal customer base is the objective of every organisation. However, in reality this is difficult to achieve in the current competitive environment. When the widespread challenges of the business environment are taken into account, organisations cannot simply plan to absorb new customers but instead adopt the strategy of preserving existing customers and promoting their loyalty to the organisation. This study examined customer loyalty in the banking sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A theoretical model was constructed through an extensive literature review and by extracting the most relevant and important variables for customer loyalty. A questionnaire was used to collect data from customers of different banks. Regression results showed that service quality significantly influences customer satisfaction and customer trust. Furthermore, customer satisfaction and trust significantly affect customer loyalty towards banks. In this respect, service quality is imperative to maintain customer loyalty through customer satisfaction and trust.
Numerical Approaches of Cluster Statistics for Stochastic Manganese Deposits
Authors: Bayirli Mehmet
Published: October 2014

In terms of origin, the most important manganese deposits are sedimentary deposits which grow on the surface and/or fractures of the natural magnesite ore. They reveal various morphological characteristic according to their location in origin. Some of them may be fractal in appearance. Although several studies have been completed with regards to their growth mechanism, it may be safe to say that their cluster statistics and scaling properties have rarely been subject an academic scrutiny. Hence, the subject of this study has been designed to calculate cluster statistics of manganese deposits by first; transferring the images of manganese deposits into a computer and then scaling them with the help of software. Secondly, the root-mean square (rms) thickness (also called as expected value in systems), the number of particles, clusters and cluster sizes are computed by means of scaling method. In doing so it has been found that the rms thickness and the number of particles are in correlation, a result which is called as power-law behaviour, T~N-ε (the critical exponent is computed as ε = 1.743). It has also been found that the correlation between the number of clusters and their sizes are determined with the power-law behaviour n(s)~s-τ (the critical exponent t may vary between 1.054 and 1.321). Finally, the distribution functions of natural manganese clusters on the magnesite subtract have been determined. All that may point to the fact that the manganese deposits may be formed according to a Poisson distribution. The results found and the conclusion reached in this study may be used to compare various natural deposits in geophysics.
Between Bandura and Giddens: Structuration Theory in Social Psychological Research?
Authors: Oppong Seth
Published: October 2014

In any social analysis, one can attribute observed behavioural outcomes to actions and inactions of people (agents) or to the presence or absence of certain structures or systems. The dualism of agent and structure is resolved through the concept of duality as proposed by Anthony Giddens in his structuration theory (ST). Though ST has been applied in other disciplines, it is either less known or applied in psychology. This paper sought to examine ST as a framework for understanding the interdependent relationship between structure and agents in the light of offering explanatory framework in social science research or policy formulation. It concluded with an integrated model comprising elements of both Bandura’s social-cognitive theory and Giddens’ ST.
Influence of Personality on Perception of Psychological Contract Breach
Authors: Jafri Hassan
Published: October 2014

The present research aimed to investigate the influence of personality (Five-Factor Model) on Psychological Contract Breach. Using random sampling procedure, data were collected from 90 faculties of colleges of Royal University of Bhutan. Personality scales by John, Naumann, and Soto (2008) and Robinson and Morrison’s (2000) Psychological Contract Breach scale were used in this study. Correlation and regression analysis were carried out to analyze the obtained data. Results revealed that Extraversion and Neuroticism dimensions of the personality model have been found to be positively associated with the perception of breach. Employees who are by nature Agreeable and Conscientiousness are less likely to perceive breach in their psychological contract. Organization should look into the personality aspect while recruiting employees. If employees are hired with certain personality traits, they may focus on their performance and organizational growth.
Predicting flow and transport in highly heterogeneous alluvial aquifers
Authors: Dogan Mine , Van Dam Remke L. , Liu Gaisheng , Meerschaert Mark M. , Butler James J. , Bohling Geoffrey C. , Benson David A. , Hyndman David W.
Published: October 2014

Successful prediction of groundwater flow and solute transport through highly heterogeneous aquifers has remained elusive due to the limitations of methods to characterize hydraulic conductivity (K) and generate realistic stochastic fields from such data. As a result, many studies have suggested that the classical advective‐dispersive equation (ADE) cannot reproduce such transport behavior. Here we demonstrate that when high‐resolution K data are used with a fractal stochastic method that produces K fields with adequate connectivity, the classical ADE can accurately predict solute transport at the macrodispersion experiment site in Mississippi. This development provides great promise to accurately predict contaminant plume migration, design more effective remediation schemes, and reduce environmental risks.
Evidence for small‐scale collisionless shocks at the Moon from ARTEMIS
Authors: Halekas J. S. , Poppe A. R. , McFadden J. P. , Angelopoulos V. , Glassmeier K.‐H. , Brain D. A.
Published: October 2014

ARTEMIS observes structures near the Moon that display many properties commonly associated with collisionless shocks, including a discontinuity with downstream compression of magnetic field and density, heating and wave activity, and velocity deflections away from the Moon. The two‐probe ARTEMIS measurements show that these features do not exist in the pristine solar wind and thus must result from lunar influences. Discontinuity analyses indicate mass flux and heating across the boundary, with the normal velocity dropping from supermagnetosonic to submagnetosonic across the discontinuity. The shock location with respect to crustal magnetic fields suggests a causal relationship, implying that solar wind protons reflected from crustal fields may produce the observed structures. These observations may indicate some of the smallest shocks in the solar system (in terms of plasma scales), driven by solar wind interaction with magnetic fields on the order of the ion gyroradius and inertial length.
Contribution of multidomain titanomagnetite to the intensity and stability of Mars crustal magnetic anomalies
Authors: Brachfeld Stefanie , Cuomo David , Tatsumi‐Petrochilos Lisa , Bowles Julie A. , Shah Deepa , Hammer Julia
Published: October 2014

Two basalts with compositions relevant to the crusts of Mars and Earth were synthesized at igneous temperatures and held at 650°C for 21 to 257 days under quartz‐fayalite‐magnetite fO2 buffer conditions. The run products are germane to slowly cooled igneous intrusions, which might be a significant volumetric fraction of the Martian crust and carriers of magnetic anomalies in the Southern Highlands. Both basalts acquired intense thermoremanent magnetizations and intense but easily demagnetized anhysteretic remanent magnetizations carried by homogeneous multidomain titanomagnetite. Hypothetical intrusions on Mars composed of these materials would be capable of acquiring intense remanences sufficient to generate the observed anomalies. However, the remanence would be easily demagnetized by impact events after the cessation of the Mars geodynamo. Coercivity enhancement by pressure or formation of single domain regions via exsolution within the multidomain grains is necessary for long‐term retention of a remanence carried exclusively by multidomain titanomagnetite grains.
Estimating the free gas content in Baltic Sea sediments using compressional wave velocity from marine seismic data
Authors: Tóth Zsuzsanna , Spiess Volkhard , Mogollón José M. , Jensen Jørn Bo
Published: October 2014

A 2‐D high‐resolution velocity field was obtained from marine seismic data to quantify free gas content in shallow muddy sediments at in situ pressure and temperature. The velocities were acquired applying Migration Velocity Analysis on prestack time‐migrated data. Compressional wave velocities are highly sensitive to free gas as very small amounts of gas can cause a significant decrease in the medium velocity. The analyzed profile crosses a depression filled with organic‐rich Holocene mud in the Bornholm Basin, Baltic Sea. The interval velocity field reveals two low‐velocity patches, which extend from the reversed polarity reflections marking the top of the gassy sediment layer down to the base of the Holocene mud. Average interval velocities within the gassy mud are lower than the seafloor migration velocity by up to ∼500 m/s. This decrease, using a geoacoustic model, is caused by an average 0.046% gas volume fraction. The interval velocities in individual cells of the velocity field are reduced to ∼200 m/s predicting up to 3.4% gas content. The velocity field is limited in resolution due to velocity determination at and between reflections; however, together with the stratigraphic interpretation, geological units containing free gas could be identified. Shallow gas occurs vertically throughout most of the Holocene mud in the gassy area. Comparison with biogeochemical studies at other Baltic Sea sites suggests that the distribution of free gas is likely to be patchy in the sediment, but the gas concentration may peak below the sulfate‐methane transition zone and gradually decrease below.
Dansgaard‐Oeschger forcing of sea surface temperature variability in the midlatitude North Atlantic between 500 and 400 ka (MIS 12)
Authors: Naafs B. D. A. , Hefter J. , Stein R.
Published: October 2014

Using a high‐resolution record of alkenone‐based sea surface temperatures (SSTs) from the midlatitude North Atlantic covering the period between 500 and 400 ka here we show that during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 12, SSTs in this region were characterized by numerous abrupt jumps in the order of 3–6°C, spaced every 3–4 ka. We argue that these abrupt warming events in the midlatitude North Atlantic reflect Dansgaard‐Oeschger (D/O) events, which are corroborated by the correlation to the synthetic record of Greenland climate for this time period. These results demonstrate that during MIS 12 the direct influence of high‐latitude climate was far larger than during the last glacial and reached all the way into the midlatitude North Atlantic. In addition the consistent temporal lag between surface water cooling and appearance of ice‐rafted debris demonstrates that icebergs were not the cause for cooling in the North Atlantic at this time. We hypothesize that the extreme impact of D/O events during MIS 12 as recorded in our record must have had an imprint on global climate and will therefore be important to evaluate future high‐resolution climate records or model efforts that cover this time period.
High prevalence of NMDA receptor IgA/IgM antibodies in different dementia types
Authors: Doss Sarah , Wandinger Klaus‐Peter , Hyman Bradley T. , Panzer Jessica A. , Synofzik Matthis , Dickerson Bradford , Mollenhauer Brit , Scherzer Clemens R. , Ivinson Adrian J. , Finke Carsten , Schöls Ludger , Müller vom Hagen Jennifer , Trenkwalder Claudia , Jahn Holger , Höltje Markus , Biswal Bharat B. , Harms Lutz , Ruprecht Klemens , Buchert Ralph , Höglinger Günther U. , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Unger Marcus M. , Körtvélyessy Peter , Bittner Daniel , Priller Josef , Spruth Eike J. , Paul Friedemann , Meisel Andreas , Lynch David R. , Dirnagl Ulrich , Endres Matthias , Teegen Bianca , Probst Christian , Komorowski Lars , Stöcker Winfried , Dalmau Josep , Prüss Harald
Published: October 2014

Objective

To retrospectively determine the frequency of N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) autoantibodies in patients with different forms of dementia.

Methods

Clinical characterization of 660 patients with dementia, neurodegenerative disease without dementia, other neurological disorders and age‐matched healthy controls combined with retrospective analysis of serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the presence of NMDAR antibodies. Antibody binding to receptor mutants and the effect of immunotherapy were determined in a subgroup of patients.

Results

Serum NMDAR antibodies of IgM, IgA, or IgG subtypes were detected in 16.1% of 286 dementia patients (9.5% IgM, 4.9% IgA, and 1.7% IgG) and in 2.8% of 217 cognitively healthy controls (1.9% IgM and 0.9% IgA). Antibodies were rarely found in CSF. The highest prevalence of serum antibodies was detected in patients with “unclassified dementia” followed by progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome, Parkinson's disease‐related dementia, and primary progressive aphasia. Among the unclassified dementia group, 60% of 20 patients had NMDAR antibodies, accompanied by higher frequency of CSF abnormalities, and subacute or fluctuating disease progression. Immunotherapy in selected prospective cases resulted in clinical stabilization, loss of antibodies, and improvement of functional imaging parameters. Epitope mapping showed varied determinants in patients with NMDAR IgA‐associated cognitive decline.

Interpretation

Serum IgA/IgM NMDAR antibodies occur in a significant number of patients with dementia. Whether these antibodies result from or contribute to the neurodegenerative disorder remains unknown, but our findings reveal a subgroup of patients with high antibody levels who can potentially benefit from immunotherapy.
Blood Ties: Co3O4 Decorated Blood Derived Carbon as a Superior Bifunctional Electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Chao , Antonietti Markus , Fellinger Tim‐Patrick
Published: October 2014

A simple, versatile and cheap synthetic route is demonstrated for the preparation of Co3O4 decorated blood powder derived heteroatom doped porous carbon (BDHC). The inorganic hybrid performs well as an advanced bifunctional non‐precious metal electrocatalyst. The hybridization of Co3O4 with the blood‐derived carbon results in improved activities not only towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but also in the reverse oxygen evolution reaction (OER). An improved ORR activity and a tuned four electron transfer selectivity can be assigned to a synergistic catalytic effect due the intimate contact between Co3O­4 particles and the highly conductive heteroatom doped carbon support, mediated by cobalt‐nitrogen or cobalt‐phosphorous coordination sites. This heterojunction may facilitate the electron transfer by preventing an accumulation of electron density within the Co3O­4 particles. The straight‐forward and cheap synthesis of the highly active and durable electrocatalyst make it a promising candidate for a next‐generation bifunctional electrocatalyst for applications such as reversible fuel cells/electrolyzers or metal air batteries.
Fast Li Storage in MoS2‐Graphene‐Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites: Advantageous Functional Integration of 0D, 1D, and 2D Nanostructures
Authors: Zhu Changbao , Mu Xiaoke , van Aken Peter A. , Maier Joachim , Yu Yan
Published: October 2014

A 3D porous composite consisting of nano‐0D MoS2, nano‐1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and nano‐2D graphene is successful prepared using an electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) technique. Depending on the preparation procedure either nanodots of amorphous MoS2 (0.5–5 nm) or nanocrystalline few‐layered MoS2 (5–10 nm) bonded to graphene‐carbon nanotubes backbone are obtained. These functionalized carbon nanotubes adhere to a porous graphene‐based network. Such composites can be directly ­deposited on the current collectors without any binder or conductive additives to assemble a battery that shows superior rate performance and cycling ­stability. For nanodots, nucleation and diffusion issues usually connected with ­conversion are largely mitigated if not totally nullified. The use of mechanically and diffusionally isolated but electrochemically well connected electroactive nanodots offer an effective solution to render conversion reaction reversible. The use of nano‐1D and nano‐2D carbon structures offer additional electrical and mechanical advantages that are discussed. Furthermore, this technique, which is easily extendable to other electrode materials, seems to be of a great potential, especially for thin‐film batteries, flexible batteries, and future ­paintable batteries.
Synergy Between Metal Oxide Nanofibers and Graphene Nanoribbons for Rechargeable Lithium‐Oxygen Battery Cathodes
Authors: Yin Jun , Carlin Joseph M. , Kim Jangwoo , Li Zhong , Park Jay Hoon , Patel Bharat , Chakrapani Srinivasan , Lee Sangho , Joo Yong Lak
Published: October 2014

The challenges for rechargeable lithium‐oxygen batteries of low practical capacity and poor round‐trip efficiency urgently demand effective cathode materials to overcome the limitations. However, the synergy between the multiple active materials is not well understood. Here, findings of the synergistic effect between electrospun zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibers and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) unzipped from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as cathode materials in rechargeable lithium‐oxygen batteries are described. Furthermore, the overpotentials and discharge capacities are tuned by the surface defect states of ZnO nanofibers and Pt nanocrytals in GNRs. It is observed that the optimized zinc oxide nanofibers hybridized with GNRs achieved a high reversible capacity of 6300 mAh g‐1carbon and enhanced stable cyclability under specific 50% of full discharge capacities. This report demonstrates that the ZnO nanofibers with a high degree of defects and hydrophilicity of the surface may be a promising cathode component for rechargeable lithium‐oxygen batteries and the optimum synergy between ZnO nanofibers and GNRs can balance the discharge capacity and cycle life.
A study on the modeling of static pressure distribution of wet gas in Venturi
Authors: Yu Peining , Xu Ying , Zhang Tao , Zhu Zicheng , Ba Xili , Li Jing , Qin Zigeng
Published: October 2014

A model for gas–liquid annular and stratified flow through a standard Venturi meter is investigated, using the two‐phase hydrokinetics theory. The one‐dimensional momentum equation for gas has been solved in the axial direction of Venturi meters, taking into consideration the factors including the void fraction, the friction between the two phases and the entrainment in the gas core. The distribution of wet gas static pressure between the two pressure tapings of the Venturi meters has been modeled in the pressure range of 0.1–0.6 MPa. Compared with the experimental data, all the relative deviations of the predicted points by the model were within ±15%. As the model is less dependent on the specific empirical apparatus and data, it provides the basis for further establishing a flow measurement model of wet gas which will produce fewer biases in results when it is extrapolated. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 699–708, 2015
Comparison of total body and abdominal adiposity indexes to dual x‐ray absorptiometry scan in obese adolescents
Authors: Thivel David , O'Malley Grace , Pereira Bruno , Duché Pascale , Aucouturier Julien
Published: October 2014

Objective

While indexes have been proposed to estimate total and abdominal adiposity in adults, the assessment of adiposity among obese adolescents remains difficult in clinical setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical applicability of total and visceral and fat mass indexes in obese adolescents.

Methods

One hundred and thirty, 12–16 year old obese adolescents were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric characteristics [Height, weight, waist (WC), and hip (HC) circumferences] were measured and body composition assessed by Dual X‐Ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessed. High Density Lipoprotein‐Cholesterol (HDL‐C) and Triglycerides (TG) plasma concentrations were assessed from fasting blood samples. Body Adiposity indexes (BAI) were calculated from formulas taking into account, height, weight, and WC, and for the Visceral Adiposity indexes, a formula including WC, HDL‐C, and TG.

Results

Both the BAI and Pediatric Body Adiposity Index (BAIp) were significantly correlated to the percentage of total body fat assessed by DXA (DXA %FM; P < 0.001; r = 0.67 and r = 0.64, respectively). The best concordance with DXA %FM was found using BAI. The Visceral Adiposity Index was only weakly associated with abdominal fat mass assessed by DXA (r = 0.27, P < 0.01) and only significantly in boys (r = 0.41, P < 0.01) when the analysis was performed by gender.

Conclusion

The BAI initially developed in adults presented a better but still weak association with DXA‐%FM when compared with the BAIw and BAIp. The three indices thus do not provide better estimate of obese adolescents' adiposity than the widely used Body Mass Index. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:334–338, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paternal age predicts offspring chances of marriage and reproduction
Authors: Fieder Martin , Huber Susanne
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Mutation‐selection balance theory proposes that a balance of forces between constantly arising mildly harmful mutations and selection causes variation in genetic configuration and phenotypic condition. As mutations are predominantly deleterious, the entry of variation due to mutations is kept at low frequencies by selection. It has recently been demonstrated that nearly all de novo mutation are caused by paternal age.

Methods

We examined on basis of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (n = 6,182) whether a subject's probability of having ever married as well as having ever reproduced is associated with that subject's father's age at subject's birth.

Results

We find that advanced paternal but not maternal age at subject's birth predicts a lower chance of ever being married and a higher chance of childlessness, even controlling for various confounders.

Conclusions

As marriage is a prerequisite of reproduction in this sample, we discuss that mate choice may provide a mechanism to prevent too high mutation load in the progeny. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:339–343, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diurnal variation in salivary cortisol across age classes in Ache Amerindian males of Paraguay
Authors: Amir Dorsa , Ellison Peter T. , Hill Kim R. , Bribiescas Richard G.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Cortisol levels exhibit a diurnal rhythm in healthy men, with peaks in the morning and troughs in the evening. Throughout age, however, this rhythm tends to flatten. This diurnal flattening has been demonstrated in a majority of industrialized populations, although the results have not been unanimous. Regardless, little attention has been paid to nonindustrialized, foraging populations such as the Ache Amerindians of Paraguay. As testosterone levels had previously been shown to diminish with age in this population (Bribiescas and Hill [2010]: Am J Hum Biol 22: 216–220), we hypothesized that cortisol levels would behave similarly, flattening in rhythmicity over age.

Methods

We examined morning and evening salivary cortisol samples in Ache Amerindian men in association with age (n = 40, age range 20–64 years).

Results

Men in the first age class (<20–29 years) exhibited significantly different morning (AM) and evening (PM) values as did men in the second age class (30–39 years). However, men in the third and fourth age classes (40–49 years, and >50 years, respectively) did not exhibit a significant difference between AM and PM values.

Conclusion

Ache Amerindian men exhibit a flattening of the diurnal rhythm across age classes. Our results were able to capture both within‐ and between‐individual variations in cortisol levels, and reflected age‐related contrasts in daily cortisol fluctuations. The flattening of the diurnal rhythm with age among the Ache may reflect a common and shared aspect of male senescence across ecological contexts and lifestyles. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:344–348, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of enduringly antifouling PVDF membrane with compatible zwitterionic copolymer via thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Tu Kai , Shen Peng , Li Jian , Fan Bo , Yang Changyu , Du Ruxu
Published: October 2014

The compatible zwitterionic copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate [3‐(methacryloylamino)propyl]dimethyl(3‐sulfopropyl)ammonium‐hydroxide) p(MMA‐MPDSAH) with different MPDSAH ratio are synthesized by free radical polymerization. A serial of copolymers are obtained successfully with narrow molecular weight dispersion. The MPDSAH branch ratio varies from 5% to 20%. It is initially applied to fabricate enduringly antifouling poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane through a simple approach of blending by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). The influence of zwitterionic copolymer on membrane morphology is studied by scanning electron microscopy. It was proven effective to improve the hydrophilic property of PVDF membrane as the water contact angles dramatically decreased from 80° to 40°, leading to a significant enhancement of antifouling ability. The absorbed bull serum albumin (BSA) content on modified membranes has cut almost 50%. The residual content of p(MMA‐MPDSAH) in membrane is over 40% and able to reach 80% even at vigorous rinsing by controlling copolymer structure. It guarantees the modified membrane has vested enduringly antifouling ability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41362.
Mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of nanotalc reinforced PA6/SEBS‐g‐MA composites
Authors: Hemlata  , Maiti S. N.
Published: October 2014

Ternary butylene‐styrene‐g‐maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) (100/20 w/w) blend with varying content of nanotalc (1, 3, and 5 wt %) were prepared by melt compounding followed by injection molding. Thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the results show that the thermal properties of nanocomposites are slightly improved by the addition of nanotalc content. The morphology of nanocomposites using wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the delamination of talc layers in the ternary nanocomposites. The dynamic mechanical properties of the samples were analyzed by using dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). The results show that the storage modulus of the blend monotonically increased while tan δ curve show the diffuse pattern with the nanotalc content. The mechanical properties of PA6/SEBS‐g‐MA nanocomposites were studied by tensile, flexural, and impact tests. The tensile and flexural properties continuously increased while izod impact and elongation‐at‐break decreased with nanotalc content. Various theoretical predictive models were used to correlate tensile modulus with the experimental data. The experimental data shows the positive deviation with the applied models. Bela Pukanszky model has been used to calculate the value of parameter B by employing tensile strength data. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41381.
Impact of oxygen transport properties on polypropylene thermal oxidation, part 1: Effect of oxygen solubility
Authors: François‐Heude Alexandre , Richaud Emmanuel , Guinault Alain , Desnoux Eric , Colin Xavier
Published: October 2014

A general kinetic model is proposed to describe the polypropylene thermal oxidation of thin polypropylene films in a wide range of temperatures (from 60 to 200°C) and oxygen partial pressures (from 0.02 to 5 MPa) using a single set of parameters. This model was calibrated with several series of experimental data including analyses of primary (hydroperoxides) and secondary oxidation products (carbonyl species), and subsequent changes in macromolecular properties (average molecular masses). It predicts the experimental data previously published in the literature in terms of induction times and maximal oxidation rates. The variability of the oxygen solubility coefficient allows to explain the scattering of induction times and oxidation rates among the whole iPP family, but also the dependence of this latter quantity with oxygen partial pressure. This variability is presumably due to iPP polymorphism in the temperature range where oxygen permeability is commonly measured. It is concluded that the kinetic model can be used to study the direct effect of iPP morphology on its thermal oxidation kinetics (chemistry of oxidation). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41441.
Development of fibrin conjugated chitosan/nano β‐TCP composite scaffolds with improved cell supportive property for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Siddiqui Nadeem , Pramanik Krishna
Published: October 2014

In the present study, an attempt has been made to improve cell supportive property of chitosan/nano beta tri‐calcium phosphate (β‐TCP) composite scaffolds by modification of scaffold surface with fibrin using ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodimide (EDC) as crosslinking agent. The developed fibrin conjugated chitosan/nano β‐TCP composite scaffolds possess desired pore size and porosity in the range of 45–151 µm and 81.4 ± 4.1%, respectively. No significant change in compressive strength of scaffolds was observed before and after fibrin conjugation. The calculated compressive strength of fibrin conjugated and non‐conjugated chitosan/nano β‐TCP scaffolds are 2.71 ± 0.14 MPa and 2.67 ± 0.11 MPa, respectively. Results of cell culture study have further shown an enhanced cell attachment, cell number, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization on fibrin conjugated chitosan/nano β‐TCP scaffold. The uniform cell distribution over the scaffold surface and cell infiltration into the scaffold pores were assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, higher expression of osteogenic specific genes such as bone sialo protein, osteonectin, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin (OC) on fibrin conjugated scaffolds was observed when compared to scaffolds without fibrin. Altogether, results indicate the potentiality of developed fibrin conjugated composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41534.
Exploring the role of stearic acid in modified zinc aluminum layered double hydroxides and their acrylonitrile butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Eshwaran Subramani Bhagavatheswaran , Basu Debdipta , Vaikuntam Sankar Raman , Kutlu Burak , Wiessner Sven , Das Amit , Naskar Kinsuk , Heinrich Gert
Published: October 2014

The proposed study attempted to explore the role of stearic acid modification on the properties of zinc‐aluminum based layered double hydroxides (LDH) and their composites with acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). Three distinctive LDH systems were adapted for such comparison; an unmodified LDH and two stearic acid modified LDH. The use of zinc oxide and stearic acid in the rubber formulation was avoided as the modified LDH would be able to deliver the necessary activators for the vulcanization process. Emphasis was predominantly given to reconnoiter the merits of stearic acid modification on the increase in interlayer distance of the LDH. X‐ray diffraction studies and transmission electron microscope morphological investigations of LDH powders indicated that modification with stearic acid increased the interlayer spacing which would favor the intercalation of NBR polymer chains into the layered space. However, stress–strain studies indicated better mechanical properties for composites with unmodified LDH. Composites with LDH showed higher crosslinking densities than conventionally sulfur cured control compounds using zinc oxide/stearic acid as activators. This was evident from equilibrium swelling method as well as statistical theory of rubber elasticity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 41539.
Preparation and evaluation of nonphosphate terpolymer as scale inhibitor and dispersant for Ca3(PO4)2, BaSO4, and Iron (III) hydroxide scales
Authors: Bu Yunyun , Zhou Yuming , Yao Qingzhao , Chen Yiyi , Sun Wei , Wu Wendao
Published: October 2014

The polymeric scale inhibition and dispersion agents (PAYS) were prepared by graft copolymerization of acrylic acid, allylpolyethoxy carboxylate (APEY) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐propanesulfonic acid by using ammonium persulfate as a radical initiator in aqueous solution, among which APEY was synthesized in laboratory. Structure of PAYS was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Experimental data showed that the terpolymer was a high‐efficient chelate sorbent, and it exhibited excellent ability for calcium orthophosphate, with approximately 96% efficiency at the dosage of 4 mg/L, as well as high efficiency toward barium sulfate scales nearly 80% inhibition. The effectiveness of PAYS depends on the agent concentration, temperature and the ratio of the reactant. The formation of Ca3(PO4)2 and BaSO4 precipitates was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. It appeared that the crystal shape, size, and the morphology of scale changed apparently at the dosage of 4 and 15 mg/L, respectively. In addition, it has good effect on controlling iron (III) scaling. This study was also devoted to the understanding of the action mechanism of these inhibitors in suppressing the crystal nucleus formation and preventing the crystal growth. Based on the contrast experiment of scale formation, the supposing mechanism diagram was also delineated and analyzed in detail. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41546.
Redox polymer with N,N‐dichlorosulfonamide functional groups as arsenite oxidant in aqueous solutions
Authors: Ociński Daniel , Stanisławska Ewa , Kociołek‐Balawejder Elżbieta
Published: October 2014

A macroporous, styrene‐divinylbenzene polymer with N,N‐dichlorosulfonamide functional groups (SO2NCl2), containing two chlorine atoms with oxidation number +1, have been prepared through the chemical modification of a commercial sulfonic cation exchanger (Amberlyst 15, Rohm and Haas). Obtained product was used as the heterogeneous oxidant of As(III) in aqueous solutions. The polymer's oxidizing capacity, determined as part of the batch studies, amounted to 193.29 mg As(III) g−1 (pH = 7.7) and 206.03 mg As(III) g−1 (pH = 2.0). The suitability of the redox polymer for long‐lasting operation in the aqueous environment was confirmed in the column study conducted using a solution with a concentration of 10 mg As(III) dm−3 at a flow rate of 6 bed volumes (BV) h−1. The concentration of As(III) in the effluent reached the value of 0.01 mg As(III) dm−3 only after 8 weeks of continuous operation when 7930 BV of the solution had passed through the bed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41552.
Synthesis and application of streptavidin functionalized organosilica microparticles
Authors: Hou Cailing , Zhang Linxia , Wang Yue , Wang Zhimin
Published: October 2014

This article reports on the chemical synthesis, functionalization and application of streptavidin (SA)‐coated organosilica microparticles. Thiol‐functionalized organosilica microparticles are synthesized via a two‐step approach involving acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation of 3‐mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS), followed by base‐catalyzed condensation. The surfaces of these particles are modified with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), and characterized by FTIR, XPS, and TGA. Then, APS‐functionalized microparticles are covalently coated with SAs by using glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent, and characterized by FTIR, SEM, and AFM. Immobilization of biotinylated λ DNA onto microparticles via SA‐biotin immuoreaction is confirmed by confocal microscopy. The results show that these SA‐functionalized organosilica microparticles are useful carriers for DNA manipulation at the single molecule level. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41560.
Preparation, swelling properties, and displacement performance of functional amphiphilic microspheres
Authors: Zhang Peng , Dong Yuanjun , Huang Wenzhang , Jia Zhenfu , Zhou Chengyu , Guo Maolei , Yu Haiyang
Published: October 2014

Because polymers containing benzyl chloromethyl groups are easily modified for functional production, the dispersion polymerization of acrylamide, 4‐vinylbenzyl chloride, and N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide in dimethylformamide initiated with α,α‐azobisisobutyronitrile was carried out to produce amphiphilic microspheres containing benzyl chloromethyl groups. The structure of the amphiphilic microspheres was determined by IR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The polymerization conditions, the temperature, amount of crosslinking agent, and initiator included, were optimized. The size distribution of the microspheres after swelling equilibrium ranged from 4 to 62 μm. The swelling behavior of the microspheres was also investigated. The increase in temperature and the decrease in salinity caused a gradual increase in the swelling ratio. The prepared microspheres were transported uniformly in porous media when the permeability was 0.436 μm2. The oil displacement experiments indicated that amphiphilic microspheres had the ability to enhance oil recovery under homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions but was more suitable for heterogeneous formation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41578.
Integral Operators in Relation to the HOSVD‐Based Canonical Form
Authors: Rövid András , Szeidl László , Várlaki Péter
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the relation of the higher order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) based canonical form to the Hilbert‐Schmidt type integral operators. This connection between the canonical form of f(x) and the integral operators determined by function f(x) is important; on the one hand it gives a new aspect for the consideration of LPV models, and on the other hand it allows for the approximation of eigenfunctions and integral operators based on a numerical reconstruction of the canonical form.
An AAA–DDD Triply Hydrogen‐Bonded Complex Easily Accessible for Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Han Yi‐Fei , Chen Wen‐Qiang , Wang Hong‐Bo , Yuan Ying‐Xue , Wu Na‐Na , Song Xiang‐Zhi , Yang Lan
Published: October 2014

For a complementary hydrogen‐bonded complex, when every hydrogen‐bond acceptor is on one side and every hydrogen‐bond donor is on the other, all secondary interactions are attractive and the complex is highly stable. AAA–DDD (A=acceptor, D=donor) is considered to be the most stable among triply hydrogen‐bonded sequences. The easily synthesized and further derivatized AAA–DDD system is very desirable for hydrogen‐bonded functional materials. In this case, AAA and DDD, starting from 4‐methoxybenzaldehyde, were synthesized with the Hantzsch pyridine synthesis and Friedländer annulation reaction. The association constant determined by fluorescence titration in chloroform at room temperature is 2.09×107 M−1. The AAA and DDD components are not coplanar, but form a V shape in the solid state. Supramolecular polymers based on AAA–DDD triply hydrogen bonded have also been developed. This work may make AAA–DDD triply hydrogen‐bonded sequences easily accessible for stimuli‐responsive materials.
Adjuvant therapy for node‐negative breast cancer: The use of prognostic factors in selecting patients
Authors: Winchester David P.
Published: October 2014

Patients with invasive breast cancer and pathologically negative lymph nodes (NO) have a favorable 10‐year survival rate, particularly with small (<1 cm) primary tumors. Overall, however, 20% to 35% will experience recurrence with local therapy only. Adjuvant chemotherapy or tamoxifen have prolonged disease‐free survival (DFS), but not overall survival (OS). Unanswered questions of optimal end point (DFS or OS) and the risk of treating many to benefit few have prompted clinicians to use prognostic indicators to facilitate treatment recommendations. Currently, the most readily available and accurate information comes from TNM staging, pathologic features, and hormone receptors. Ploidy, S‐phase fraction, HER‐2‐neu amplification or over‐expression, and cathepsin‐D may be useful prognostic indices. Until a more precise system of weighing several prognostic variables is developed, the decision to recommend adjuvant systemic therapy in this generally good prognosis group will have to be thoughtfully considered by patient and physician. Whenever possible, patients should be encouraged to enter clinical trials.
Flow cytometric assessment of morphology, viability, and production of reactive oxygen species of Crassostrea gigas oocytes. Application to Toxic dinoflagellate (Alexandrium minutum) exposure
Authors: Le Goïc Nelly , Hégaret Hélène , Boulais Myrina , Béguel Jean‐Philippe , Lambert Christophe , Fabioux Caroline , Soudant Philippe
Published: October 2014

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas accounts for a large part of shellfish aquaculture production worldwide. Aspects of morphological and functional characteristics of oyster oocytes remain poorly documented, and traditional techniques, such as microscopic observations of shape or fertilization rate, are time and space consuming. The purpose of this study was to assess for the first time viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of Pacific oyster oocytes using flow cytometry (FCM) and to apply this method to determine oocyte responses to in vitro exposure to the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum. A culture of A. minutum caused a significant increase in oocyte ROS production, which gradually increased with the age of the culture, but viability was not affected. Effect of the supernatant of the same A. minutum culture did not cause any significant modifications of oocyte morphology, viability, or ROS level. This study confirmed that some oocyte cellular characteristics can be assessed using FCM techniques. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
An empirical study on TCP flow interarrival time distribution for normal and anomalous traffic
Authors: Arshadi Laleh , Jahangir Amir Hossein
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we study the effects of anomalies on the distribution of TCP flow interarrival time process. We show empirically that despite the variety of data networks in size, number of users, applications, and load, the interarrival times of normal flows comply with the Weibull distribution, whereas specific irregularities (anomalies) causes deviations from the distribution. We first estimate the scale and shape parameters and then check the discrepancy of the data from a Weibull distribution with the estimated parameters. We also utilize the Weibull counting model to recheck the conformance of small flow interarrival times with the distribution. We perform our experiments on a diverse variety of traffic data sets from backbone connections to endpoints of academic and commercial networks. Moreover, we propose a window‐based anomaly detection method as a possible application of our findings in which we first estimate the Weibull parameters of interarrival times in each window and then check the discrepancy of the data with a Weibull distribution with the estimated parameters and set an alarm whenever the difference is significant. We apply this method on one of our data sets and present the results to clarify the idea and show its capability in detecting volume anomalies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics and selected pharmacodynamics of cobalt following a single intravenous administration to horses
Authors: Knych H. K. , Arthur R. M. , Mitchell M. M. , Holser I. , Poppenga R. , Smith L. L. , Helm M. N. , Sams R. A. , Gaskill C. L.
Published: October 2014

Cobalt has been used by human athletes due to its purported performance‐enhancing effects. It has been suggested that cobalt administration results in enhanced erythropoiesis, secondary to increased circulating erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations leading to improvements in athletic performance. Anecdotal reports of illicit administration of cobalt to horses for its suspected performance enhancing effects have led us to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of this compound when administered in horses, so as to better regulate its use. In the current study, 18 horses were administered a single intravenous dose of cobalt chloride or cobalt gluconate and serum and urine samples collected for up to 10 days post administration. Cobalt concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and pharmacokinetic parameters determined. Additional blood samples were collected for measurement of equine EPO concentrations as well as to assess any effects on red blood cell parameters. Horses were observed for adverse effects and heart rate monitored for the first 4 h post administration. Cobalt was characterized by a large volume of distribution (0.939 L/kg) and a prolonged gamma half‐life (156.4 h). Cobalt serum concentrations were still above baseline values at 10 days post administration. A single administration of cobalt had no effect on EPO concentrations, red blood cell parameters or heart rate in any of the horses studied and no adverse effects were noted. Based on the prolonged gamma half‐life and prolonged residence time, regulators should be able to detect administration of a single dose of cobalt to horses. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.