bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LONG‐RUN DETERMINANTS OF THE BRAZILIAN REAL: A CLOSER LOOK AT COMMODITIES
Authors: Kohlscheen Emanuel 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTWe use cointegration analysis to show that the long‐run behaviour of the Brazilian Real effective exchange rate between January 1999 and September 2012 can largely be explained by the price variation of a basket of five commodities—that accounted for 51% of Brazilian export revenues in 2011. We estimate that a 10% variation in the real price of these five commodities moves the fundamental long‐run real exchange rate by almost 5%. Changes in interest rate differentials do not explain short or long term movements in the exchange rate during this period. Furthermore, we find that deviations of the real effective exchange rate from the long run equilibrium level have an estimated half‐life of approximately 8 months. The growing exports of oil and fuel and of iron ores, as well as the important oil discoveries in the pre‐salt layer, suggest that commodity prices will continue to influence the value of the Real in the future. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ESTIMATING LIQUIDITY RISK USING THE EXPOSURE‐BASED CASH‐FLOW‐AT‐RISK APPROACH: AN APPLICATION TO THE UK BANKING SECTOR
Authors: Yan Meilan , Hall Maximilian J. B. , Turner Paul 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper uses a relatively new quantitative model for estimating UK banks' liquidity risk. The model is called the exposure‐based cash‐flow‐at‐risk (CFaR) model, which not only measures a bank's liquidity risk tolerance but also helps to improve liquidity risk management through the provision of additional risk exposure information. Using data for the period 1997–2010, we provide evidence that there is variable funding pressure across the UK banking industry, which is forecasted to be slightly illiquid with a small amount of expected cash outflow (i.e. £0.06 billion) in 2011. In our sample of the six biggest UK banks, only the HSBC maintains positive CFaR with 95% confidence, which means that there is only a 5% chance that HSBC's cash flow will drop below £0.67 billion by the end of 2011. RBS is expected to face the largest liquidity risk with a 5% chance that the bank will face a cash outflow that year in excess of £40.29 billion. Our estimates also suggest Lloyds TSB's cash flow is the most volatile of the six biggest UK banks, because it has the biggest deviation between its downside cash flow (i.e. CFaR) and expected cash flow. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Australian multi‐center experience outside of the Sydney Melanoma Unit of isolated limb infusion chemotherapy for melanoma
Authors: Coventry Brendon J. , Kroon Hidde M. , Giles Mitchell H. , Henderson Michael , Speakman David , Wall Mark , Barbour Andrew , Serpell Jonathan , Paddle Paul , Coventry Alexander G.J. , Sullivan Thomas , Smithers B. Mark 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionIsolated limb infusion (ILI) is a minimally invasive alternative to isolated limb perfusion (ILP) for delivering high‐dose regional chemotherapy to treat locally advanced limb melanoma. The current study aimed to evaluate the applicability of ILI in four Australian tertiary referral centers outside of its originating institution, the Sydney Melanoma Unit (SMU; currently known as the Melanoma Institute Australia).MethodsData of 131 patients, treated between 1992 and 2008 were collectively analyzed. The ILI procedures were based on the Sydney Melanoma Unit protocol using melphalan. Response was determined using the WHO criteria and toxicity was assessed using the Wieberdink scale.ResultsThe median patient age was 74 years (range 28–100). Fifty‐six percent were female. Overall response (OR) rate to ILI was 63% (CR 27%; PR 36%). Wieberdink toxicity grade III or higher was seen in 13%. No toxicity‐related amputations occurred. Median follow‐up was 24 months; median survival was 58 months. In patients with a complete response (CR), median survival was 101 months; in patients with a partial response (PR) this was 41 months (P = 0.026). On univariate analysis a younger age, lower‐limb procedures and a lower Breslow thickness of the primary melanoma were associated with a favorable response. On multivariate analysis Breslow thickness and lower‐limb ILI remained significant predictors for response.ConclusionIn this, to date, largest multi‐center study of ILI for melanoma the results are comparable to other reports and demonstrate that ILI can be widely implemented and safely applied across tertiary referral centers.J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:780–785. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stabilization of Nanoparticles Synthesized by Miniemulsion Polymerization Using “Green” Amino‐Acid Based Surfactants
Authors: Baier Grit , Baki Abdulkader , Tomcin Stephanie , Mailänder Volker , Alexandrino Evandro , Wurm Frederik , Landfester Katharina 
Published: March 2014

SummaryIn this study biocompatible amino‐acid based surfactants were used for the stabilization of polystyrene (PS), poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) and polyphosphate (PP) nanoparticles (NPs). The formation of the nanoparticles was achieved either by radical polymerization in miniemulsion for polystyrene nanoparticles or by using a combination of solvent evaporation and miniemulsion approach for poly(L‐lactide) or polyphosphate nanoparticles. The influence of the three different amino‐acid based surfactants, which were used with different amounts, on the NPs' stability, size, size distribution, zeta potential, morphology and surface tension is discussed. Cell experiments with HeLa cells were performed for the determination of the toxicity. For comparison, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) stabilized NPs were synthesized, and all results obtained from the amino‐acid based surfactant stabilized NPs were compared and discussed with the SDS stabilized NPs.
Synthesis of Different Mesoporous SiO2 Structures by Using PNIPAM‐co‐PS Particles as Templates
Authors: Frank Hendrik , Ziener Ulrich , Landfester Katharina 
Published: March 2014

SummaryDifferent mesoporous SiO2 structures were synthesized by a novel process in which poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)‐co‐polystyrene (PNIPAM‐co‐PS) copolymer particles with 10 and 35 wt% styrene, respectively, acted as templates. The copolymer particles were prepared by direct miniemulsion polymerization and subsequently assembled by sedimentation‐aggregation with the silica precursor tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). After a sol‐gel process the polymeric cores were removed by calcination at 650 °C. The influence of temperature of the sol‐gel process on the morphology of the mesoporous silica was investigated. Choosing the temperature below or above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the copolymer allows fine‐tuning of the pore size and pore distribution.
Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Activity of Beta vulgaris Extract Released from Grafted Carbon Nanotubes Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Haroun Ahmed A. , Taie Hanan A.A. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThis work deals with preparation and characterization of novel grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DSA) in presence of plant extract (Beta vulgaris) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA). Moreover, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of the prepared nanocomposites using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EACC) were examined and evaluated. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). In addition to the particle size and zeta potential were recorded. The grafting technique was significantly enhanced the nanotube dispersibility and long term stability in the aqueous solution. The results indicated that the conjugation between B. vulgaris extract, HA nanoparticles and functionalized MWCNTs exhibited great antioxidant activity through the scavenging of the free radicals using DPPH assay. Also, the encapsulated B. vulgaris extract within the grafted MWCNTs based nanocomposites exhibited acceptable effect on the viability of EACC in compared with the standard (Vincrestine®). In other words, these novel functionalized MWCNTs based nanocomposites could be used as antioxidant and antitumor agents in the future after further studies.
Single Polymer Dynamics in A Random Flow
Authors: Liu Yonggang , Steinberg Victor 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe dynamics and conformations of a single fluorescently stained T4 DNA molecule are studied in a random flow of elastic turbulence created by the same unlabeled molecules. The explored polymer concentration covers the dilute and semi‐dilute unentangled regimes, according to the measurement of the longest relaxation time by extension relaxation of single polymer chains. The criterion of the coil‐stretch transition was found to be close to the theoretically predicted value. Using measured polymer stretching statistics and its known elastic properties, the elastic stress in elastic turbulence is obtained over a broad range of Weissenberg number and polymer concentration. The existing theory of elastic turbulence is disproved by the measurements of the elastic stress and the degree of polymer stretching. The role of increasing shear rate on polymer extension and angular statistics in a random flow is also studied and compared with theory and numerical simulations.
Fractionation and Characterization of Impact Poly(propylene) Copolymers by High Temperature Two‐Dimensional Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Cheruthazhekatt Sadiqali , Pasch Harald 
Published: March 2014

SummaryInformation regarding molar mass distribution (MMD) and chemical composition distribution (CCD) of complex polyolefins such as impact polypropylene copolymer (IPC) is important in order to fully understand their properties during processing and application. Precise analysis of such polymeric materials having multiple distributions in various molecular characteristics is a difficult task and single separation methods fail to provide enough information about their microstructure. Preparative fractionation and subsequent analysis of the separated fractions was found to be an effective method for their complete characterisation. In this work, a combination of preparative TREF with high temperature two‐dimensional liquid chromatography was used for the separation and analysis of the complex components in a commercial IPC sample. In addition to the ethylene‐propylene (block or segmented) copolymers and low molar mass isotactic polypropylene (iPP) homopolymer (as expected in the semicrystalline TREF fraction of an IPC), significant amounts of high molar mass iPP and polyethylene (PE) homopolymer were observed. The results showed that the TREF‐HT‐2D‐LC combination can be used as a powerful analytical tool for the complete microstructural analysis of such complex EP copolymers.
Design and Viscoelastic Properties of PDMA/Silica Assemblies in Aqueous Media
Authors: Petit Laurence , Carlsson Linn , Rose Séverine , Marcellan Alba , Narita Tetsuharu , Hourdet Dominique 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBased on specific interactions taking place between poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) [PDMA] and silica nanoparticles, two strategies were used to improve the viscoelastic properties of aqueous formulations. First, PDMA oligomers were grafted onto a non‐adsorbing poly(acrylamide‐co‐sodium acrylate) backbone. With this architecture, the binding process of PDMA side‐chains with silica nanoparticles was shown to proceed very similarly to free PDMA chains and to promote the formation of hybrid physical networks. The viscoelastic properties of these systems are controlled by the concentration of inorganic cross‐links and the fraction of adsorbing grafts involved in the formation of bridges between particles. An optimum weight ratio between silica and grafts was found for the viscoelastic properties, in agreement with the saturation of silica beads by the PDMA precursor. While the homogeneous formation of such hybrid assemblies remains limited to mixtures involving low polymer concentrations (≤ 2 wt%), we show that homogeneous hybrid networks can be readily prepared by direct polymerization of DMA monomer (≥ 5 wt%), with or without chemical cross‐linker, in a suspension of silica nanoparticles. In this case, the specific interactions taking place between the silica filler and the whole polymer network give rise to a very unusual combination of properties where elasticity, dissipation, strength and strain at failure are enhanced simultaneously. While the intrinsic structure of the network can be controlled by the level of chemical cross‐linking, physical interactions dominate the dissipation process with a dramatic time dependence of the mechanical properties.
The Application of Ionic Nanoparticles in the Conservation of Archaelogical Wood
Authors: Chadwick Alan V. , Howland Kevin , Went Michael J. , Schofield Eleanor J. , Jones A. Mark 
Published: March 2014

SummaryA potential method for the de‐acidification of water‐logged archaeological wood is through a treatment with alkaline nanoparticles. In previous studies, we have shown that strontium carbonate nanoparticles are especially effective in removing sulfuric acid from the Mary Rose timbers. In this contribution, we report the effect of these nanoparticles on other known sulfur compounds in the timbers. Overall, these effects are beneficial, yielding benign compounds and removing the possibility for the conversion to sulfuric acid.
Magnetorheological Fluids Based on Associating Polymers
Authors: Barabanova Anna , Molchanov Vyacheslav , Philippova Olga , Khokhlov Alexei 
Published: March 2014

SummaryMagnetic fluids based on associating polymers were prepared by ultrasonic dispersing of magnetite microparticles in aqueous solutions of hydrophobically modified polyacrylamides. It was shown that the magnetic fluids containing 1–3 vol.% of Fe3O4 microparticles can be reversibly transformed to physical gels under the action of magnetic field.
Interfacial Interactions of Polyaniline Grafted Alumina Hybrid
Authors: Wheelwright Walt V. K. , Ray Sudip , Easteal Allan J. , Cooney Ralph P. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryA new low solvent method of silylation followed by functionalization of oxide surfaces with polyaniline (PANI) was applied to alumina. The method comprises silylating alumina with 3‐(phenylaminopropyl)trimethoxysilane followed by grafting PANI onto the silylised surface by in situ polymerisation of aniline. A novel approach was developed for removal of PANI homopolymer formed as a by‐product was removed using 1(N)‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP)‐aliphatic amine binary solvent, which dedoped the emeraldine salt of PANI in a single, one‐pot procedure and made it soluble in NMP. After re‐doping with methanesulfonic acid the silylated alumina‐PANI hybrid became electrically conductive. The interfacial interactions within the hybrid material were investigated by several analytical techniques namely, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid‐state 13C and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Selective Removal of Heavy Metals from Drinking Water Using Titanium Dioxide Nanowire
Authors: Youssef Ahmed M. , Malhat Farag M. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryHeavy metal contamination in drinking water has become an ecotoxicological hazard of prime interest. Conventional treatment technologies, such as chemical precipitation, coagulation and ion‐exchange, are often restricted because of some technical or economic constraints. In view of this, the search for a more innovative and effective adsorbent for the removal of toxic metal ions has intensified in recent years. In this study a novel adsorbent, titanium dioxide nanowire (TiO2), is prepared by using hydrothermal methods and subsequently used for heavy metal removal. This study tests the potential of using the TiO2 nanowire to remove heavy metal (Pb2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Cd2+ and Zn2+) residues from contaminated water. TiO2 nanowire is an exceptional adsorbent material due to its magnetic properties and a good adsorption capacity. The highest absorption efficiency was 97.06% obtained with Pb2+ and the lowest was obtained with Zn2+ at 35.18%. The application of these materials in water filters may be a promising and economically feasible technology for water purification.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Sericin/PVA/Bentonite Scaffold: Comparison between Uncrosslinked and Crosslinked
Authors: Likitamporn Saowanee , Magaraphan Rathanawan 
Published: March 2014

SummaryClay aerogel is a highly porous material produced from smectite clays using freeze‐drying techniques which produces a structure this is appropriated for 3D scaffolds. In this research, sericin and poly(vinyl alcohol) were blended with bentonite aerogels to develop the biomedical foam‐liked materials for tissue engineering. Sericin/PVA/bentonite scaffolds were prepared by varying sericin contents in 1, 2, and 3 wt%. Glutaraldehyde was used as a chemical cross‐linking agent in order to compare the properties of uncross‐linked and cross‐linked scaffolds. The morphology and crystal structure of sericin/PVA/bentonite scaffolds were identified by FE‐SEM and XRD, respectively. The mechanical properties were characterized by compression tests and thermal properties were investigated by TG‐DTA. The freeze‐drying technique produced scaffolds with modulate modulus, interconnected pores, and pore sizes greater than 100 µm. Chemical crosslinking increased the mechanical properties but slightly decreased thermal stability of the scaffolds. Furthermore, crosslinking improved the structure stability of scaffolds in an aqueous solution.
Confinement Induced First Order Crystallization Kinetics for the Poly(ethylene oxide) Block within A PEO‐b‐PB Diblock Copolymer Infiltrated within Alumina Nano‐Porous Template
Authors: Michell Rose Mary , Blaszczyk‐Lezak Iwona , Mijangos Carmen , Müller Alejandro J. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryWe report homogeneous nucleation and first order crystallization kinetics for the PEO block within a PEO‐b‐PB diblock copolymer infiltrated within alumina nanopores. For the highly confined heterogeneity free PEO block nano‐domains, the overall crystallization kinetics is dominated by nucleation and therefore becomes first order. The nucleation mechanism changes from heterogeneous nucleation for the PEO block within the uninfiltrated copolymer (since it has a composition with 79% PEO that conforms a percolated matrix) to homogeneous nucleation for confined and isolated heterogeneity free nanodomains.
Thermoresponsive Polyphosphazene‐Based Molecular Brushes by Living Cationic Polymerization
Authors: Wilfert Sandra , Iturmendi Aitziber , Henke Helena , Brüggemann Oliver , Teasdale Ian 
Published: March 2014

SummaryA series of polyphosphazenes with molecular brush type structures have been prepared with controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersities. The polymers show lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) between 18 and 90 °C, which can be easily tailored by choice of side‐substituent to suit the required application. A temperature triggered self‐assembly is observed to give stable colloidal aggregates with dimensions in the region of 100–300 nm.
Natural Polymers and Additives in Commodity and Specialty Applications: A Challenge for the Chemistry of Future
Authors: Malinconico Mario , Cerruti Pierfrancesco , Santagata Gabriella , Immirzi Barbara 
Published: March 2014

SummaryPolymers which are biodegradable in vivo and in the environment, especially those of natural origin, are perceived by the public as a valuable alternative to non biodegradable plastics. However, biodegradability, although important, cannot be the only driving force for the market acceptance of so called “green” plastics and chemicals. The applications of traditional oil‐based plastics and plastic additives span from commodities to specialties, due to their performances and sometimes affordable costs. Can naturally derived polymers and additives face the challenge of petro‐plastics and chemicals? Can we use the experience acquired in the so‐called “plastic age” to tailor the performances of natural polymers and polymer additives for a demanding technological world? Several experiences on the processing of natural biodegradable polymers and on their formulation with additives coming from natural sources to obtain modified plastics, blends or composites are reviewed.
Beam–solid contact formulation for finite element analysis of pile–soil interaction with arbitrary discretization
Authors: Ninić J. , Stascheit J. , Meschke G. 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYThis paper presents an embedded beam formulation for discretization independent finite element (FE) analyses of interactions between pile foundations or rock anchors and the surrounding soil in geotechnical and tunneling engineering. Piles are represented by means of finite beam elements embedded within FEs for the soil represented by 3D solid elements. The proposed formulation allows consideration of piles and pile groups with arbitrary orientation independently from the FE discretization of the surrounding soil. The interface behavior between piles and the surrounding soil is represented numerically by means of a contact formulation considering skin friction as well as pile tip resistance. The pile–soil interaction along the pile skin is considered by means of a 3D frictional point‐to‐point contact formulation using the integration points of the beam elements and reference points arbitrarily located within the solid elements as control points. The ability of the proposed embedded pile model to represent groups of piles objected to combined axial and shear loading and their interactions with the surrounding soil is demonstrated by selected benchmark examples. The pile model is applied to the numerical simulation of shield driven tunnel construction in the vicinity of an existing building resting upon pile foundation to demonstrate the performance of the proposed model in complex simulation environments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of balanced deep‐sea water on adipocyte hypertrophy and liver steatosis in high‐fat, diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Ha Byung Geun , Park Jung‐Eun , Shin Eun Ji , Shon Yun Hee 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of balanced deep‐sea water (BDSW) on adipocyte hypertrophy and liver steatosis in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese C57BL/6J mice.MethodsBDSW was prepared by mixing deep‐sea water (DSW) mineral extracts and desalinated water. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet or HFD with or without BDSW with different hardness (500, 1000, or 2000) for 20 weeks.ResultsBDSW suppressed body weight gain in HFD‐fed mice. Histopathologic assays of the fat and liver revealed that BDSW inhibited the increase in adipocyte size and improved severe liver steatosis in HFD‐fed mice. BDSW suppressed the expression of adipogenic, lipogenic, lipolytic, and pro‐inflammatory cytokine genes and increased the expression of adipokines and β‐oxidation genes in fat. In the liver, BDSW suppressed the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis, and increased the expression of genes related to β‐oxidation. Furthermore, BDSW improved the impaired phosphorylation of IRS‐1, LKB1, AMPK, and mTOR in fat and liver tissues of HFD‐fed mice.ConclusionsThese results suggest that BDSW has potential as an anti‐lipidemic agent, given its ability to suppress body weight gain and liver steatosis through the regulation of lipid metabolism by signal molecule activation.