bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface modification of polyamide nanofiltration membrane by grafting zwitterionic polymers to improve the antifouling property
Authors: Li Xia , Cao Yiming , Kang Guodong , Yu Haijun , Jie Xingming , Yuan Quan 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTA simple two‐step surface modification method of polyamide nanofiltration membrane, involving the activation of amide groups by formaldehyde and the subsequent cerium [Ce (IV)]‐induced graft polymerization of zwitterionic 3‐(methacryloylamino) propyl‐dimethyl‐(3‐sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide) (MPDSAH) monomers, was employed to improve membrane antifouling property. The membranes before and after modification were characterized by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The changes in both surface chemical composition and morphology of membranes confirmed the successful graft polymerizations of MPDSAH onto polyamide nanofiltration membrane. The static water contact angle measurements showed that surface hydrophilicity of the modified membranes was significantly enhanced. As the MPDSAH concentration increased, the water flux of grafted membrane decreased gradually, while salt rejection increased slightly. The fouling experiments with bovine serum albumin solution demonstrated that modified membranes exhibited better resistance to protein fouling. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41144.
Effect of polymer grinding aids on the grindability and strength of cement
Authors: Tao Hao , Huang Jianguo , Shi Jianlin 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIn this study, different polymer grinding aids (GA) were synthesized from maleic anhydride (MA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and acroleic acid (AA) under different process conditions, and their effects on the grindability and strength enhancement of cement were compared. The results showed that esterification was preferably conducted at a MA : PEG ratio of 1.2 : 1 at 105°C for 3 h with 1.5% catalyst; and copolymerization was preferably conducted at a MA‐PEG : AA ratio of 1 : 1 at 85°C for 6 h. The number‐average molecular weight of the polymer GAs was 12,964, the weight‐average molecular weight was 18,156, and the polydispersity index was 1.40, respectively. The specific surface area of the samples obtained under the optimum condition increased by 32.87%, the flexural strength increased by 12.5% at 3 d and 16.67% at 28 d, and the comprehensive strength increased by 42.06% at 3 d and 22.19% at 28 d as compared with the control sample. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41153.
Contrasting Madden–Julian Oscillation activity during various stages of EP and CP El Niños
Authors: Feng Juan , Liu Ping , Chen Wen , Wang Xiaocong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis study revisits the relations between Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) and El Niño that is classified as eastern Pacific (EP) and central Pacific (CP) types. During an EP‐type event that produces lasting dry conditions in the Maritime Continent and western Pacific, the MJO activity is weak especially in its 4th–6th phases as a strong response. In contrast during CP‐type episodes, the MJO exhibits notably enhanced and suppressed amplitudes in its different phases. The low‐level westerly wind anomalies of enhanced MJO impact the CP‐type El Niño more than vice versa.
Impact of monsoon‐associated deep‐penetrating clouds on the hydration of the tropical upper troposphere
Authors: Jain Shipra , Jain A. R. , Mandal T. K. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between water vapor mixing ratio (WVMR) and cloud top height (CTH) in the tropical upper troposphere. The region of high WVMR and CTH is collocated and observed over the core convective region. WVMR over South Asia shows significant correlation with CTH. Increase in CTH is observed during the moist phase of water vapor followed by a decrease in CTH during the dry phase. Daily CTH data show that some convective turrets reach above 150 hPa. Present analysis shows that moistening of upper troposphere occurs during the monsoon period when CTH is greater than 7 km.
Method development and validation study for quantitative determination of nifedipine and related substances by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Galan‐Rodriguez Cristobal , González‐Álvarez Jaime , Valls‐Remolí Màrius 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA novel stability‐indicating reversed phase ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled photodiode array gradient method was developed for determination of the nifedipine and related compounds. Furthermore, based on the chromatographic conditions and forced degradation studies performed through the development of the related substances method a UPLC isocratic method was validated for the determination of the assay of this active substance. An Acquity Shield RP18 (50 × 3.0 mm 1.7 µm) column was used for separation of nifedipine and its five potential impurities within 11 min, which is 5‐fold less than the official method. A mobile phase consisting of 10 mm ammonium formate (pH 4.5) and methanol, delivered at a flow rate 0.5 mL/min, was employed to achieve a minimum resolution of 2.0 for all consecutive pairs of compounds. The precision value expressed as percentage relative standard deviation for method repeatability and reproducibility was <5.0%. The recoveries for all the related compounds were in the range of 99–105.0%. Linearity was found to be acceptable over the concentration range of 0.25–1.5 µg/mL for nifedipine and its impurities. The limit of quantification for nifedipine was 0.05 µg/mL, which is much less than the European Pharmacopoeia method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The in vivo absorbed constituents and metabolites of Danshen decoction in rats identified by HPLC with electrospray ionization tandem ion trap and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Xin , Yang Dong‐Hui , Xu Feng , Huang Shuai , Zhang Lei , Liu Guang‐Xue , Cai Shao‐Qing 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDanshen, the dried root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, is widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This research focuses on the in vivo metabolism of Danshen decoction (DSD) in rats. After oral administration of DSD, the absorptive constituents and their metabolites in urine and plasma were analyzed by HPLC coupled with a photodiode array detector and electrospray ionization hybrid ion trap and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Samples were separated on a C18 column by gradient elution using 0.1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile. As a result, 93 compounds from urine and 38 compounds from plasma were identified. Among them, lipo‐soluble diterpenoids (24 in urine and 15 in plasma) were reported for the first time as in vivo metabolites of DSD. According to the quantities and contents of the identified compounds, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone and tanshinone I were deduced to be the major absorptive diterpenoids of DSD. Moreover, nine water‐soluble phenolics (caffeic acid, ferulic acid, danshensu, etc.) were proved to be the major absorptive constituents as reported. Most of the absorbed constituents underwent sulfation, glucuronidation, hydrogenation and hydroxylation in vivo. This investigation provided scientific evidence to obtain a more comprehensive metabolic profile of DSD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring Enterprise Sustainability
Authors: Searcy Cory 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key requirements for measuring enterprise sustainability. The paper argues that measuring enterprise sustainability requires the explicit consideration of a focal firm, its supply chain and the sustainability context within which the firm operates. Building on this notion, original definitions of enterprise sustainability and enterprise sustainability performance measurement systems (ESPMSs) are proposed. The definitions provide the basis for the development of a novel conceptual framework. The framework is used to identify seven key requirements and 35 associated sub‐requirements for an ESPMS. Overall, the requirements highlight that sustainability performance measurement requires a systematic, structured and integrated approach that considers all aspects of enterprise sustainability. The framework presented in this paper is a conceptual model. In recognition of this point, the paper provides discussions on the potential application of the framework and guidance for further research. The academic, managerial and societal implications of the paper are also discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Impact of Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling on Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Vriesendorp Pieter A. , Schinkel Arend F.L. , de Groot Natasja M. S. , van Domburg Ron T. , ten Cate Folkert J. , Michels Michelle 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundAdverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling predicts heart failure symptoms and overt LV dysfunction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but its influence on the occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adverse LV remodeling on SCD risk in patients with HCM.HypothesisAdverse LV remodeling increases SCD in HCM patients.MethodsThis study included 41 patients with HCM who experienced SCD; each case was matched with 3 controls based on age, gender, and time of first contact. In this population of 164 patients, predictors of SCD were identified using univariable and multivariable logistic regression and expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsBaseline characteristics, such as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, systolic and diastolic left ventricular function, left ventricular wall thickness, left atrial size, atrial fibrillation, and established risk factors for SCD were similar in cases and controls. Independent predictors of SCD during follow‐up (median follow‐up, 7.7 ± 6.5 years) were: increase in NYHA class (OR: 8.7 [95% CI: 2.5‐30.5], P = 0.001), decrease of fractional shortening (per % decrease, OR: 1.09 [95% CI: 1.03‐1.14], P = 0.001), and decrease of diastolic function (OR: 3.5 [95% CI: 1.2‐10.2], P = 0.02).ConclusionsThis study shows that SCD risk in HCM increases when adverse remodeling occurs. Because cases and controls were similar at baseline, these findings emphasize the importance of vigilant follow‐up of HCM patients and could aid clinical decision making concerning implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation, especially in patients with moderate risk for SCD.
Software‐based contention management for efficient compare‐and‐swap operations
Authors: Dice Dave , Hendler Danny , Mirsky Ilya 
Published: July 2014

SUMMARYMany concurrent data‐structure implementations – both blocking and non‐blocking – use the well‐known compare‐and‐swap (CAS) operation, supported in hardware by most modern multiprocessor architectures, for inter‐thread synchronization. A key weakness of the CAS operation is its performance in the presence of memory contention. When multiple threads concurrently attempt to apply CAS operations to the same shared variable, at most a single thread will succeed in changing the shared variable's value and the CAS operations of all other threads will fail. Moreover, significant degradation in performance occurs when variables manipulated by CAS become contention ‘hot spots’, because failed CAS operations congest the interconnect and memory devices and slow down successful CAS operations. In this work, we study the following question: can software‐based contention management improve the efficiency of hardware‐provided CAS operations? In other words, can a software contention management layer, encapsulating invocations of hardware CAS instructions, improve the performance of CAS‐based concurrent data structures? To address this question, we conduct what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study on the impact of contention management algorithms on the efficiency of the CAS operation. We implemented several Java classes, that extend Java's AtomicReference class, and encapsulate calls to the native CAS instruction with simple contention management mechanisms tuned for different hardware platforms. A key property of our algorithms is the support for an almost‐transparent interchange with Java's AtomicReference objects, used in implementations of concurrent data structures. We evaluate the impact of these algorithms on both a synthetic micro‐benchmark and on CAS‐based concurrent implementations of widely‐used data structures such as stacks and queues. Our performance evaluation establishes that lightweight software‐based contention management support can greatly improve performance under medium and high contention levels while typically incurring only small overhead under low contention. In some cases, applying efficient contention management for CAS operations used by a simpler data‐structure implementation yields better results than highly optimized implementations of the same data structure that use native CAS operations directly. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of an energy‐efficient and reliable data delivery mechanism for mobile ad hoc networks: a cross‐layer approach
Authors: Hassan Mohammad Mehedi , Kamruzzaman S. M. , Alamri Atif , Almogren Ahmad , Alelaiwi Abdulhameed , Alnuem Mohammed , Islam Md. Manowarul , Razzaque Md. Abdur 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIn a mobile ad hoc network, the data packet may fail to be delivered for various reasons mostly for route failure, congestion, and battery energy drain. Hence, providing reliable and timely data delivery in this network in an energy‐efficient way is challenging. Although there exist several solutions to solve these problems, they can handle either route failure or congestion or energy‐efficient routing. Hence, to cope up with all the problems simultaneously, we propose a route failure and congestion‐aware energy‐efficient cross‐layer design that spans the transport and network layer. In the transport layer, we introduce the concept of local packet buffering during link failure and congestion. As a result, the packet dropping rate of the network and energy consumption decreases. In the network layer, a routing protocol is proposed for selecting the energy‐efficient path for data transmission. It uses the buffering mechanism in case of route maintenance. In addition, we employ a multilevel congestion detection and control mechanism at the source and intermediate nodes that can judiciously take the most appropriate decision for congestion control in the network proactively. The simulation results showed that the proposed cross‐layer design provided better performance as compared with the state‐of‐the‐art protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning improves service discovery
Authors: Olson Andrew M. , Raje Rajeev R. , Devaraju Barun , Gallege Lahiru S. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryA distributed system of services assembled according to a service‐oriented architecture requires an efficient mechanism to discover appropriate services deployed over a network. The recent emergence of many service marketplaces makes the case for the existence of such a discovery service. These marketplaces typically provide rudimentary techniques to publish service information and associated matching activities. Such simple matching techniques are typically not suitable to address complex user requirements. Therefore, it is a challenge to discover relevant services, with a high degree of accuracy, out of existing choices. This paper discusses experiments performed on a discovery service whose search techniques incorporate learning profiles to accomplish these complex tasks. The UniFrame Resource Discovery System, which searches for required services, provided an experimental test bed for these experiments. The article describes these techniques and explains their algorithms. Experimental results illustrate the gains in the quality of selected services and reduction in the discovery time using the proposed techniques. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controllable Supramolecular Architectures for Modulating Optical Properties on the Molecular Aggregation Level
Authors: Jiang Runsheng , Xue Zheng , Li Yongjun , Qin Zhihong , Li Yuliang , Zhu Daoben 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDriven by the association of chemical weak forces and solvent effects, zero‐ to two‐dimensional nanostructures of thiophene‐substituted perylene bisimide such as spheres and blocky structures were obtained. Light‐controlled intramolecular charge transfer from the trithiophene unit to the perylene bisimide in the solid state can induce a hypochromatic shift and enhanced fluorescent emission.
Associating high intensity and modulated frequency of TENS delays analgesic tolerance in rats
Authors: Lima L.V. , Cruz K.M.L. , Abner T.S.S. , Mota C.M.D. , Agripino M.E.J. , Santana‐Filho V.J. , DeSantana J.M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non‐invasive analgesic resource extensively used in painful conditions. However, preclinical studies suggest that the prolonged use of TENS results in the development of tolerance to its analgesic effect. The present study investigated the analgesic effect and development of tolerance to TENS with four different stimulation protocols.MethodsMale Wistar rats induced with joint inflammation were divided into four groups: sensory intensity, low motor intensity, high motor intensity and sham groups. TENS was applied daily for 20 min with alternating frequency between 4 and 100 Hz until tolerance development was evidenced. Mechanical hyperalgesia was measured before and after each TENS daily application.ResultsAfter TENS, tolerance was evidenced There was a significant reduction in the mechanical withdrawal threshold in all groups 24 h after induction of inflammation (p  <  0.01). We observed a loss of analgesic efficacy of TENS around the 12th, 19th and 19th days in the groups treated with sensory intensity, low motor intensity and high motor intensity, respectively (p < 0.02) when analysed using paired measurements and compared with the control.ConclusionsThe association between frequency variation and intensity at motor level promotes a delay in the development of analgesic tolerance to TENS, optimizing and extending its therapeutic effectiveness.
Late radiation‐associated dysphagia with lower cranial neuropathy in long‐term oropharyngeal cancer survivors: Video case reports
Authors: Hutcheson Katherine A. , Yuk Margaret M. , Holsinger F. Christopher , Gunn G. Brandon , Lewin Jan S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundLower cranial neuropathies are a late effect of radiotherapy (RT), typically reported in nasopharyngeal cancer survivors. Limited data examine these neuropathies after oropharyngeal cancer, particularly as it relates to late radiation‐associated dysphagia (late‐RAD).MethodsTwo cases were examined over 4 to 6 years. Late‐RAD was assessed per MBS impairment profile (MBSImP™©), Penetration‐Aspiration Scale (PAS), Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck cancer (PSS‐HN), and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Neuropathies were examined via clinical examination and laryngeal videostroboscopy, and compared with trajectories of late‐RAD.ResultsMedia‐enriched case reports describe the course of late‐RAD and neuropathies in 2 cases after definitive RT ± epidermal growth factor receptor‐inhibitor for oropharyngeal cancer. Late‐RAD was characterized by severe physiologic impairments per MBSImP™© and decreased swallowing‐related quality of life (QOL) per MDADI. Trajectories of late‐RAD paralleled the progression or stability of neuropathies.ConclusionLate‐RAD with lower cranial neuropathies resulted in profound and persistent functional impairment. Rarely reported, late radiation‐associated lower cranial neuropathies may be a major contributor to new‐onset or progressive dysphagia in long‐term oropharyngeal cancer survivors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: E56–E62, 2015
Gestational age‐specific scoring systems for the prediction of coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Gómez‐Montes Enery , Herraiz Ignacio , Gómez‐Arriaga Paula Isabel , Escribano David , Mendoza Alberto , Galindo Alberto 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo determine which combination of cardiac parameters provides the best prenatal prediction of coarctation of aorta (CoAo).MethodsWe selected all cases of simple cardiac asymmetry prenatally diagnosed in 2003–2013. Logistic regression was used to select the best predictors of CoAo.ResultsThe study population included 115 fetuses. CoAo was confirmed in 52 neonates (45%). The sample was divided in two groups according to the gestational age (GA) at diagnosis: early group (EG) ≤28 weeks (n = 57), and late group (LG) >28 weeks (n = 58). CoAo was confirmed in 75% and 16% of cases, respectively. GA‐specific scoring systems with maximum two parameters were made, and the pairwise combination with the best diagnostic performance for each group was selected. In EG, the z‐score of ascending aorta (AAo) and aortic isthmus (three vessels and trachea view) showed the best diagnostic accuracy [area under receiver‐operating curve (AUC) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94–1.00]. In the LG, the best results were provided by the tricuspid valve/mitral valve ratio with the main pulmonary artery/AAo ratio (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.67–1.00).ConclusionsGestational age‐specific scoring systems combining size‐based cardiac parameters may improve the accuracy of fetal echocardiography to stratify the risk of CoAo. The objectivity and simplicity of its components may facilitate its implementation in fetal cardiology units. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism and disposition of MM‐433593, a selective FAAH‐1 inhibitor, in monkeys
Authors: Banijamali Ali R. , Wakefield James D. , Mermerian Ara H. , Busby Robert W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMM‐433593 is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase‐1 (FAAH‐1) with potential utility as an orally administered treatment of pain, inflammation, and other disorders. In this study, we investigated the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of MM‐433593 in monkeys, and compared plasma and urine metabolites of this compound to the in vitro metabolites produced by monkey hepatocytes. Intravenous administration of MM‐433593 to cynomolgus monkeys produced a rapid distribution phase and slower elimination phase with a mean systemic clearance rate of 8–11 mL/min/kg. Absolute oral bioavailability was determined to be 14–21% with maximum plasma concentrations reached ~3 h (Tmax) following a 10 mg/kg oral dose. The average terminal half‐life of MM‐433593 was 17–20 h, and there were no qualitative sex differences in the metabolite profile of MM‐433593. The major site of metabolism was oxidation of the methyl group at the five position of the indole ring, which was confirmed by chromatography and mass spectrometry comparison to a synthesized authentic standard. This metabolite was further oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acid and/or conjugated with sulfate, glucuronide, or glutathione. In all, 18 metabolites were found in plasma and urine. In vitro incubations of MM‐433593 with monkey hepatocytes yielded 13 metabolites, all of which were found in vivo, indicating a good correlation between the in vitro and in vivo metabolism data. A comprehensive pathway for the metabolism of MM‐433593 is proposed, including a plausible, five‐step biotransformation for the formation of N‐acetylcysteine conjugate metabolite (M18) from the hydroxylated parent (M5).