bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced microwave absorbing properties of lightweight films based on polyaniline/aliphatic polyurethane composites in X band
Authors: Zeghina Sofiane , Wojkiewicz Jean‐Luc , Lamouri Saad , Belaabed Belkacem , Redon Nathalie 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPolymer blends based on nanostructured polyaniline (PANI) doped with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and para‐toluene sulfonic acid (PTSA) introduced into aliphatic polyurethane matrix (PU) are synthesized to produce flexible thin composite films for microwave absorbers. The effects of dopant type, PANI content and film thickness on morphologies, dielectric and microwave absorption properties in the X‐band are studied. It reveals that real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity are proportional to filler concentrations and type of doped PANI. The PANI‐PTSA/PU films show higher permittivity and better microwave absorbing properties than PANI‐HCl/PU for the same weight fraction of PANI. The minimum reflection loss RL(dB) values for the PANI‐PTSA/PU are −37 dB at (20% PANI and 11.6 GHz) and −30 dB at (15% PANI and 11.3 GHz) for thicknesses of 1.2 and 1.6 mm, respectively. These high values of reflection losses make the obtained lightweight and flexible composites promising radar absorbing materials (RAM). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40961.
Quality of life after surgical resection compared with radiofrequency ablation for small hepatocellular carcinomas
Authors: Huang G , Chen X , Lau W Y , Shen F , Wang R-Y , Yuan S-X , Geng W-X , Zhou W-P 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important outcome measure in studies of cancer therapy. This study aimed to investigate HRQL and survival in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with either surgical resection or percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods
Between January 2006 and June 2009, patients with newly diagnosed solitary, small (3 cm or less) HCC were invited to participate in this non-randomized prospective parallel cohort study. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep) instrument was used for assessing HRQL. HRQL and survival were compared between the two treatment groups.

Results
A total of 389 patients were enrolled. Questionnaires were completed fully by 99·7 per cent of invited participants (388 of 389) at baseline, 98·7 per cent (383 of 388) at 3 months, 99·0 per cent (379 of 383) at 6 months, 98·4 per cent (365 of 371) at 1 year, 96·6 per cent (336 of 348) at 2 years and 95·1 per cent (289 of 304) at 3 years. There were no significant differences in disease-free and overall survival between the two groups. Patients treated with percutaneous RFA had significantly better HRQL total scores after 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months than those who had surgical resection (P &lt; 0·001, P &lt; 0·001, P = 0·001, P = 0·003 and P = 0·025 respectively). On multivariable analysis, the presence of concomitant disease, cirrhosis and surgical resection were significant risk factors associated with a worse HRQL score after treatment.

Conclusion
Percutaneous RFA produced better post-treatment HRQL than surgical resection for patients with solitary small (no more than 3 cm) HCC.
Optimization of a validated stability‐indicating RP‐LC method for the determination of fulvestrant from polymeric based nanoparticle systems, drugs and biological samples
Authors: Gumustas Mehmet , Sengel‐Turk Ceyda Tuba , Hascicek Canan , Ozkan Sibel A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTFulvestrant is used for the treatment of hormone receptor‐positive metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following anti‐estrogen therapy. Several reversed‐phase columns with variable silica materials, diameters, lengths, etc., were tested for the optimization study. A good chromatographic separation was achieved using a Waters X‐Terra RP18 column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d. × 5 µm) and a mobile phase, consisting of a mixture of acetonitrile–water (65:35; v/v) containing phosphoric acid (0.1%). The separation was carried out 40°C with detection at 215 nm.The calibration curves were linear over the concentration range between 1.0–300 and 1.0–200 µg/mL for standard solutions and biological media, respectively. The proposed method is accurate and reproducible. Forced degradation studies were also realized. This fully validated method allows the direct determination of fulvestrant in dosage form and biological samples. The average recovery of the added fulvestrant amount in the samples was between 98.22 and104.03%. The proposed method was also applied for the determination of fulvestrant from the polymeric‐based nanoparticle systems. No interference from using polymers and other excipients was observed in in vitro drug release studies. Therefore an incorporation efficiency of fulvestrant‐loaded nanoparticle could be determined accurately and specifically. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gradient elution mode for the troubleshooting of matrix effect on the determination of G004 in different tissues by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Hu Linlin , Agbokponto Janvier Engelbert , Ding Li , Liu Bing , Shi Fuguo , Gong Chuting 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTA steep gradient elution mode was applied to reduce the risk of matrix effect (ME) for the determination of G004, a novel sulfonylurea hypoglycemic drug, in a tissue distribution study by LC‐MS/MS. The mass spectra of the total‐ion‐current chromatograms combined with the post‐column infusion traces enabled the ‘unseen’ interfering species to be directly detected, and ensured that the chromatography conditions and sample preparation method were adequate to overcome the ME. According to this, a steep gradient elution mode was designed to overcome the intense ME from different tissues. The analysis was performed by monitoring the transitions m/z 558.1 → 419.0 for G004 and m/z 489.3 → 364.1 for glimepiride used as the internal standard. Calibration curves recovered over a range from 0.1 to 10000 ng/mL for seven different tissues. Sex‐related difference was found in the tissue distribution. The drug levels in the tissues of female rats were about two to three times higher than those in male counterparts. The highest level was observed in liver, then in kidney, heart, pancreas, lung and spleen, but no G004 was detected in brain. G004 was slowly eliminated from female rats compared with male rats. There was no long‐term accumulation of G004 in male or female rat tissues. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Principles and levels of Mediterranean connectivity: Evidence from Prada's “Made in Worlds” brand strategy
Authors: Visconti Luca M. , Di Giuli Alberta 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTMediterranean marketing is an ideological approach to marketing grounded on a corpus of distinctive values characterizing the market orientation of companies located both within and beyond the Mediterranean basin. Among Mediterranean values, this study focuses on connectivity, a largely under‐researched construct in marketing. Through an in‐depth analysis of Prada's “Made in Worlds” branding strategy, we extend both conceptualization of and managerial guidance on marketing connectivity. In detail, we identify the following: (i) three principles guiding connectivity (spatial, temporal, and disciplinary connectivity); (ii) two levels of reification (product and retail level) that translate this strategy into practice; and (iii) two types of connectivity (institutionalized and deliberate connectivity) that differ in breadth and origin of strategy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alienable gifts: Uses and meanings of gold in Turkey
Authors: Ertimur Burçak , Sandιkcι Özlem 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTGold coins and bracelets, standardized and generic items readily available in every jewelry shop, feature predominantly in gift exchange in Turkey. In this study, we investigate why these objects are valued, what they mean to people, and how they are used. Through in‐depth interviews and ethnographic observations, we identify three occasions that gifts of gold take a prominent role. First, we discuss giving gold coins and bracelets in ritualized occasions and locate this traditional practice within a system of economically embedded solidarity. Second, we explain self‐gifting of gold items and discuss how such gift giving enables consumers to exercise self‐control. Finally, we look at how gold gifts serve as means for women to build socioeconomic power and discuss traditional and modern versions of gold accumulation. Overall, we observe that, in the context of Turkish consumer culture, gifting of gold contains a bundle of meanings that cannot be polarized into utilitarian or symbolic. Gold gifts serve multiple purposes simultaneously, and economic motives do not necessarily contradict with and jeopardize the social nature of gift‐giving behavior. Gold coins and bracelets stand as ambiguous objects that maintain their commodity status and financial value and at the same time gain relational and symbolic value. The appeal of gold gifts lies in their ability to navigate between the economic and the social, without subordinating one to the other. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motivations behind acquiring tattoos and feelings of regret: Highlights from an Eastern Mediterranean context
Authors: Atik Deniz , Yιldιrιm Cansu 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTTattoos have been a part of everyday life through the ages in diverse cultures. Its beginnings can be traced to the Mediterranean. Despite often being considered as a deviant act, the popularity of tattoos has increased during the last decades. Accordingly, investigating the motivations behind acquiring tattoos has become relevant in diverse academic fields, especially in the West. However, in parallel to the increase in tattoo consumption, the feelings of regret have also increased, which have been studied less in previous literature. Considering this research lack, through a qualitative inquiry with tattoo makers and consumers, this study sheds further light on both the motivations of acquiring tattoos, which mostly concentrate on the desire for self‐expression, and the reasons for regret, which can mainly be categorized as social and physical. Our results contribute to previous research, especially by expanding the discussion regarding the tattoo modifications and showing the cultural differences regarding the perceptions of tattoos in an Eastern Mediterranean context. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the trail of supply side authenticity: Paradoxes and compromises emerging from an action research
Authors: Ranfagni Silvia , Guercini Simone 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe paper investigates authenticity in supply chain, applying the concept of self‐authentication to analyse authentic productions resulting from an authentic supply chain. Adopting the method of action research, the authors accompany the planning and creation of an extended local textile and apparel supply chain based on the native wool produced by autochthonous Tuscan sheep. The research studies native wool's self‐authentications along the supply chain together with the related compromises and paradoxes. The methodology used is based on a mixture of qualitative techniques that has favoured researcher participation in the context of analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the Reactivity of Carbohydrate Photoaffinity Probes with Different Photoreactive Groups
Authors: Sakurai Kaori , Ozawa Shimpei , Yamada Rika , Yasui Tomoki , Mizuno Sakae 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA judicious choice of photoreactive group is critical in successful photoaffinity labeling studies of small molecule–protein interactions. A set of carbohydrate‐based photoaffinity probes was prepared to compare the effects of three major photoreactive groups on the efficiency and selectivity of crosslinking a binding protein with low affinity. We showed that, despite the low crosslinking yield, the diazirine probe displayed the high ligand‐dependent reactivity consistent with the ideal mechanism of photoaffinity labeling. Moreover, we demonstrated that, among the three photoreactive groups, only the diazirine probe achieved highly selective crosslinking of a low‐affinity binding protein in cell lysate.
Biosynthetic Code for Divergolide Assembly in a Bacterial Mangrove Endophyte
Authors: Xu Zhongli , Baunach Martin , Ding Ling , Peng Huiyun , Franke Jakob , Hertweck Christian 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDivergolides are structurally diverse ansamycins produced by a bacterial endophyte (Streptomyces sp.) of the mangrove tree Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. By genomic analyses a gene locus coding for the divergolide pathway was detected. The div gene cluster encodes genes for the biosynthesis of 3‐amino‐5‐hydroxybenzoate and the rare extender units ethylmalonyl‐CoA and isobutylmalonyl‐CoA, polyketide assembly by a modular type I polyketide synthase (PKS), and enzymes involved in tailoring reactions, such as a Baeyer–Villiger oxygenase. A detailed PKS domain analysis confirmed the stereochemical integrity of the divergolides and provided valuable new insights into the formation of the diverse aromatic chromophores. The bioinformatic analyses and the isolation and full structural elucidation of four new divergolide congeners led to a revised biosynthetic model that illustrates the formation of four different types of ansamycin chromophores from a single polyketide precursor.
Synthesis of Fluorinated Heteroaromatics through Formal Substitution of a Nitro Group by Fluorine under Transition‐Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Guo Ran‐Ning , Cai Xian‐Feng , Shi Lei , Chen Zhang‐Pei , Zhou Yong‐Gui 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAn efficient and transition‐metal‐free approach was developed to access a series of fluorinated heteroaromatics in moderate to excellent yields. This one‐pot procedure features a triple‐relay transformation of rapid dearomatization, fluorination, and rearomatization processes, which represents a conceptually novel strategy of combining partial hydrogenation and electrophilic fluorination.
Pipeline pattern in an object‐oriented, task‐parallel environment
Authors: Chow Jonathan , Giacaman Nasser , Sinnen Oliver 
Published: May 2014

SummaryTask parallelism is an approach to parallel programming that has recently gained traction because of its compatibility with the predominant object‐oriented languages and its low overhead compared to threading approaches. Parallel Task is an Open Source task‐parallel compiler and runtime system for object‐oriented languages, in particular Java. It is very flexible and expressive, demonstrated by the fact that it can be directly employed to implement most parallel computing patterns. The only notable exception has been the pipeline pattern where many data items are streamed through a number of processing stages. This is not surprising, as task parallelism is generally not compatible with the pipeline pattern. In this paper, we investigate how the pipeline pattern can be elegantly and efficiently implemented in a task‐parallel environment. To do so, we extend Parallel Task with the concept of implicit futures to allow creating pipelines in an intuitive and object‐oriented manner. Our experimental evaluation uses the extended Parallel Task to implement pipelines of different lengths and characteristics and compares with manual implementations. The evaluation demonstrates very good performance and scalability of the proposed task‐parallel pipeline approach. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐Assisted Synthesis Optimisation of Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Compounds Using the Local Optimisation Algorithm BOBYQA
Authors: Schilling Lars‐Hendrik , Niekiel Felicitas , Stock Norbert , Hartke Bernd 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe local, deterministic optimisation algorithm BOBYQA (bound optimisation by quadratic approximation) was applied for the computer‐assisted optimisation of inorganic–organic hybrid compounds. Four proof‐of‐concept studies were performed: 1) increasing the crystallinity and 2) inhibiting the crystallisation of [Ca(H2O)2(H2PMBC)2] (H2PMBC−=−HO3P‐CH2‐C4H6‐COOH), 3) increasing the crystal size of [Bi(H2O)(BTC)] (BTC3−=benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate) and 4) tuning the particle sizes of [Al(OH)(CDC)]⋅x H2O (CDC2−=trans‐1,4‐cyclohexane dicarboxylate) to a desired value. The measurable quantities of crystallinity, crystal size and hydrodynamic diameter were used as the quality criteria for the optimisation, and the parameters of reaction time and temperature, molar ratios and overall concentration of the starting materials as well as the stirring rate were varied. The crystallinity of [Ca(H2O)2(H2PMBC)2] was increased in three optimisation steps by approximately 14 %, which was accompanied by an increase in crystal size by a factor of approximately 40. These crystals were suitable for structure determination from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The crystallisation of the same compound could be completely inhibited and clear solutions were obtained. The average crystal size of [Bi(H2O)(BTC)] was increased from (22.2±4.5) to (34.8±9.5) μm and the upper limit increased from 30.0 to 57.7 μm over the course of the optimisation. For the application in Bragg stacks, the variation of particle sizes of [Al(OH)(CDC)]⋅x H2O was studied. Although we aimed at a decrease to 100 nm, a lower limit of 460 nm and polydispersity index of 0.03 were accomplished. The convergence of the algorithm indicates that the optimisation progress is close to completion and the found value for the particle size is close to the lower limit in the system of the chosen parameters. These proofs‐of‐concept studies demonstrate the potential of optimisation algorithms like BOBYQA in synthesis optimisation experiments. At the same time, the convergence behaviour of the algorithm gives an indication of the progress of an optimisation.
PtM/Ba/Al2O3Ce0.6Zr0.4O2: Influence of Synergetic Interactions between Transition Metal and Platinum on NOx Storage and Reduction
Authors: Chen Zhilin , Wang Xiuyun , Wang Ruihu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPtM/Ba/ACZ (M=Mn, Fe, and Co) and Pt/Ba/ACZ were prepared using Al2O3Ce0.6Zr0.4O2 (ACZ) as a support. XRD analysis shows Ce0.6Zr0.4O2 solid solution was formed in the ACZ support, and M addition results in a slight shift of the characteristic peaks of Ce0.6Zr0.4O2 to higher 2θ value. A strong interaction between Pt and the transition metals was confirmed by X‐ray absorption fine structure experiments. The effects of transition‐metal addition on NOx storage and reduction, sulfur resistance, and regeneration of PtM/Ba/ACZ were explored. In general, the addition of Co is favorable for NOx storage and reduction, and the addition of Co and Fe facilitates sulfur desorption and regeneration of sulfated samples. Interestingly, if the Pt content is lowered from 1.0 wt % in Pt/Ba/ACZ to 0.5 wt % in PtCo/Ba/ACZ, higher NOx storage capacity and comparable reduction properties are demonstrated.
Catalytic Depolymerization of Lignin in Supercritical Ethanol
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Korányi Tamás I. , Boot Michael D. , Hensen Emiel J. M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractOne‐step valorization of soda lignin in supercritical ethanol using a CuMgAlOx catalyst results in high monomer yield (23 wt %) without char formation. Aromatics are the main products. The catalyst combines excellent deoxygenation with low ring‐hydrogenation activity. Almost half of the monomer fraction is free from oxygen. Elemental analysis of the THF‐soluble lignin residue after 8 h reaction showed a 68 % reduction in O/C and 24 % increase in H/C atomic ratios as compared to the starting Protobind P1000 lignin. Prolonged reaction times enhanced lignin depolymerization and reduced the amount of repolymerized products. Phenolic hydroxyl groups were found to be the main actors in repolymerization and char formation. 2D HSQC NMR analysis evidenced that ethanol reacts by alkylation and esterification with lignin fragments. Alkylation was found to play an important role in suppressing repolymerization. Ethanol acts as a capping agent, stabilizing the highly reactive phenolic intermediates by O‐alkylating the hydroxyl groups and by C‐alkylating the aromatic rings. The use of ethanol is significantly more effective in producing monomers and avoiding char than the use of methanol. A possible reaction network of the reactions between the ethanol and lignin fragments is discussed.
Compressed CO2 Accelerated the Synthesis of Mesoporous Heteroatom‐Substituted Aluminophosphates for Enhanced Catalytic Activity
Authors: Wang Fangxiao , Liang Lin , Ma Jun , Shi Lei , Sun Jianmin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAFI‐structured zeolites of aluminophosphates AlPO‐5 and heteroatom‐substituted aluminophosphates MeAPO‐5 (Me = Fe, Co) have been synthesized in the presence of compressed CO2, the synthesized materials exhibiting mesoporosity without the use of additional mesotemplates. The mesoporosity was introduced by CO2‐in‐water emulsions acting as mesotemplate during the crystallization of the zeolites. In addition, the crystallization time was shortened in compressed CO2 compared with the conventional synthesis in the absence of CO2. The synthesized aluminophosphates MeAPO‐5 (Me = Fe, Co) displayed much higher activities in the oxidation of styrene than conventional aluminophosphates MeAPO‐5 (Me = Fe, Co) due to the presence of mesopores in the former catalysts, which favor the diffusion of reactants and products. The compressed CO2 method provides a simple, green, and economic route to hierarchical zeolites, which are of great importance for industrial applications.
Chiral N(H)‐tBu and N(H)‐Ad NiII Complexes of Glycine Schiff Bases: Deduction of a Mode of Kinetic Diastereoselectivity
Authors: Maestro Miguel A. , Avecilla Fernando , Sorochinsky Alexander E. , Ellis Trevor K. , Aceña José Luis , Soloshonok Vadim A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe results reported herein have led to the discovery of a novel mode of kinetic diastereoselectivity in the alkylation of N‐tert‐butyl‐ and N‐(1‐adamanyl)‐containing NiII complexes of glycine Schiff bases. It arises from a significant difference in the steric shielding between the N‐H and N‐tBu/Ad sides of the NiII coordination plane, directing the incoming electrophile towards the former.
Carbofuran Induced Oxidative Stress Mediated Alterations in Na+‐K+‐ATPase Activity in Rat Brain: Amelioration by Vitamin E
Authors: Jaiswal Sunil Kumar , Siddiqi Nikhat Jamal , Sharma Bechan 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPesticides cause oxidative stress and adversely influence Na+‐K+‐ATPase activity in animals. Since impact of carbofuran has not been properly studied in the mammalian brain, the ability of carbofuran to induce oxidative stress and modulation in Na+‐K+‐ATPase activity and its amelioration by vitamin E was performed. The rats divided into six groups received two different doses of carbofuran (15% and 30% LD50) for 15 days. The results suggested that the carbofuran treatment caused a significant elevation in levels of malonaldehyde and reduced glutathione and sharp inhibition in the activities of super oxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase; the effect being dose dependent. Carbofuran at different doses also caused sharp reduction in the activity of Na+‐K+‐ATPase. The pretreatment of vitamin E, however, showed a significant recovery in these indices. The pretreatment of rats with vitamin E offered protection from carbofuran‐induced oxidative stress.