bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigations on clay dispersion in polypropylene/clay nanocomposites using rheological and microscopic analysis
Authors: Banerjee Saikat , Joshi Mangala , Ghosh Anup K. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTMorphology assessment plays an important role as the ultimate properties of the processed nanocomposites mainly depend upon the morphology. This study focuses on the evaluation of polypropylene/clay nanocomposite structure using rheological and transmission electron microscopic investigation. Melt processing of nanocomposite was carried out on a co‐rotating twin screw extruder. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA) was used as a compatibilizer to facilitate better mixing of clay in polypropylene. The effect of compatibilizer to clay ratio on dispersion was analyzed through rheological data. An increase in complex viscosity and storage modulus with increase in compatibilizer content is observed at lower frequency region. Shifting of crossover frequencies to a lower value also indicate better exfoliation. Improved exfoliated morphology was also corroborated by Cole–Cole and inverse loss tangent plots. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph based unique statistical image analysis was carried out using ImageJ software. A compatibilizer to clay content of 2 : 1 was found to be the optimum composition which was further supported by dielectric and mechanical properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4464–4473, 2013
A comparative study of aging characteristics and thermal stability of oil palm ash, silica, and carbon black filled natural rubber vulcanizates
Authors: Ooi Zhong Xian , Ismail Hanafi , Bakar Azhar Abu 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTFiller‐filled natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates were prepared by conventional laboratory‐sized two roll mills and cured using sulfuric system. The effect of thermal aging on physical properties and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of oil palm ash (OPA) and commercial fillers (i.e., silica vulkasil C and carbon black N330)‐filled NR vulcanizates at respective optimum loading and equal loading were studied. Before aging, the OPA‐filled vulcanizates showed comparable optimum strength as carbon black‐filled vulcanizates. The hardening of aged filler‐filled NR vulcanizates happened after aging, thereby tensile strength and elongation at break reduced while the modulus increased. Fifty phr carbon black‐filled vulcanizates showed better retention in tensile properties as compared to silica (10 phr) and OPA (1 phr). This was attributed to the addition of different filler loading and this finding was further explained when equal loading of filler‐filled vulcanizates was studied. Fourier transform infra‐red analysis showed chemical structure had changed and tensile fractured surface exhibited smooth appearance due to the deterioration in tensile properties after aging. TGA also denoted the thermal stability was depending on the amount of filler loading. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4474–4481, 2013
13C NMR study of presence of uron structures in amino adhesives and relation with wood‐based panels performance
Authors: Costa Nuno A. , Martins Daniela , Pereira João , Martins Jorge , Ferra João , Cruz Paulo , Mendes Adélio , Magalhães Fernão D. , Carvalho Luísa H. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe chemical structure of amino adhesives produced by the strongly acid process was investigated by 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. This technique allowed the identification of functional groups and its quantitative determination. Concentration of cyclic polymeric structures (urons) was shown to be related with adhesive performance and with particleboard physico‐mechanical properties and formaldehyde content. Higher urons concentration presented lower viscosity and reactivity. Particleboards produced with resins with lower urons concentration presented lower formaldehyde content, but also lower internal bond strength. Wood‐based panels produced fulfilled E1 class requirements for formaldehyde emissions, indicating that strongly acid process is an alternative to the conventional alkaline–acid process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4500–4507, 2013
Phosphatidylinositol 3‐phosphate, a lipid that regulates membrane dynamics, protein sorting and cell signalling
Authors: Schink Kay O. , Raiborg Camilla , Stenmark Harald 
Published: July 2013

Phosphatidylinositol 3‐phosphate (PtdIns3P) is generated on the cytosolic leaflet of cellular membranes, primarily by phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol by class II and class III phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases. The bulk of this lipid is found on the limiting and intraluminal membranes of endosomes, but it can also be detected in domains of phagosomes, autophagosome precursors, cytokinetic bridges, the plasma membrane and the nucleus. PtdIns3P controls cellular functions through recruitment of specific protein effectors, many of which contain FYVE or PX domains. Cellular processes known to be controlled by PtdIns3P and its effectors include endosomal fusion, sorting and motility, autophagy, cytokinesis, regulated exocytosis and signal transduction. Here we discuss how Ptdins3P is generated on specific cellular membranes, how its localizations and functions can be studied, and how its effectors serve to control cellular functions.Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays:Phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate: Targeted production and signalingAbstractHow does SHIP1/2 balance PtdIns(3,4)P2 and does it signal independently of its phosphatase activity?AbstractPhosphatidylinositol‐3,4,5‐trisphosphate: Tool of choice for class I PI 3‐kinasesAbstractPhosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate: The Golgi and beyondAbstract
Structural and photoluminescence study of Mn2+‐activated CaYAl3O7 blue phosphors
Authors: Selot Anupam , Tripathi J. , Tripathi S. , Aynyas Mahendra 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe structural and photoluminescence properties of CaYAl3O7 phosphor material doped with varying concentration of Mn2+ have been studied. The phosphor material was synthesized by the combustion method at 500 °C and was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). X‐ray diffraction showed that the crystallites have average sizes in the range of ~58–70 nm. Corresponding Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigations confirm the phase formation and the presence of aluminate group (Al‐O bands) in CaYAl3O7:Mn2+ phosphor. Under the excitation at 356 nm wavelength, the PL spectra show the occurrence of two emission peaks obtained in the blue region at 389 nm and 412 nm, which is attributed to the 4 T1(G) → 6A1 transition of Mn2+ ion. Upon increasing Mn2+ concentration, the relative PL intensity shows an initial decrement followed by an increase displaying the effect of concentration quenching. Overall the results suggest the possibility of using this material in white lighting devices and plasma display panels. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A colorimetric and fluorescent probe for fluoride ions based on 6‐acetyl‐2‐naphthol
Authors: Hou Peng , Chen Song , Song Xiangzhi 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTA colorimetric and turn‐on fluorescent probe for fluoride ions, tert‐butyldimethylsilane 6‐acetyl‐2‐naphtholate, was readily synthesized from 6‐acetyl‐2‐naphthol and tert‐butyldimethylchlorosilane (TBSCl). The probe exhibits high sensitivity and good selectivity for fluoride ions in acetonitrile. The inherent mechanism involves the cleavage of the Si–O bond in the probe, which induced yellow color formation and prominent fluorescence enhancement. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contingent Resistances Methodology: Analyzing Resistance in Parents' and Daughters' Choice of an All‐Girl Middle School
Authors: Bell Nancy J , Corson Kimberly , Baron Emilia 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTContemporary perspectives on dominance and resistance as multifaceted and dialogical call for a similarly dialogical methodology, as reflected in Saukko's concept of contingent resistances.Compared to much of the past resistance research, contingent resistances sets forth an expanded vision of dialogicality in research design and in the interpretation of actor's meanings. Our purpose is to illustrate three implications of this methodology: (i) polyvocality—a comparison of perspectives of two groups of actors; (ii) consideration of the full range of meanings relevant to the action with particular attention to reactions from the local context; and (iii) interpretations of resistance that are firmly grounded in narrators' meanings. The analysis is based on interviews with parents and their young adolescent daughters about their decision to attend a new all‐girl college‐preparatory public school located in southwestern USA. Expanding on past studies of girls' school choice, we show how parents and daughters create different meanings of this decision, largely based on interactions with their peers. Although both parents and daughters emphasized academic opportunity as their main reason for the school choice, daughters, unlike parents, were confronted with violating peer femininity/heteronormativity norms. Thus, the decision required resistance on the part of daughters in a way that it did not for parents. We view contingent resistances as a useful methodological framework in a range of areas where questions of resistance are at stake. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Care Versus Control: The Identity Dilemmas of UK Homelessness Professionals Working in a Contract Culture
Authors: Renedo Alicia 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTUK voluntary and community sector organizations (VCOs) play a key role in caring for homeless people. However, there are widespread concerns about the impact of increasing government contracting on the quality of their services. This paper examines understandings of homelessness and identities as homelessness professionals, as expressed by VCO professionals. By so doing, it considers how ‘partnership working’ enables or undermines their capacities to care. The paper uses 24 in‐depth interviews and four focus groups with London‐based homelessness professionals. Professionals expressed deep tensions in their experience of their role. On one hand, they reported a deep ethical commitment to care and to develop quality supporting relationships to respond to their clients' complex needs. On the other, their capacity to care was undermined by their dependence on statutory resources and the controls this involved over the way VCOs delivered care. Professionals had to adjust to statutory monitoring frameworks and hard performance targets, which detached them from the human and intimate encounter with their clients and constrained their person‐centred caring interventions. The findings highlight the contradictory nature of contemporary systems of ‘joined up’ welfare that neglect the very human and complex nature of the issues that they were originally created to address. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Novel Reporter System for Molecular Imaging and High‐Throughput Screening of Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Xie Jingping , Wang Chunxia , Virostko John , Manning H. Charles , Pham Wellington , Bauer Joshua , Gore John C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractApoptosis is irreversible programmed cell death, characterized by a cellular cascade activation of caspase 3, which subsequently degrades proteins and other components of cells with a motif sequence. Here we report a novel reporter system to detect apoptosis, growth arrest, and cell death based on controlled and self‐amplified protein degradation. The key element of the reporter system is an apoptotic sensor chimerical protein which consists of three components: procaspase 3, ubiquitin (Ub), and a strong consensus sequence of N‐degron. Between each of these units is a DEVD (Asp‐Glu‐Val‐Asp) sequence, which acts as the cleavage target of caspase 3. This non‐conventional signal loss approach is much more sensitive than other native methods that are based on signal gain. The superior sensitivity is demonstrated by its effective application in 386‐well high‐throughput screening (HTS) with low drug concentrations and a short incubation time. The HTS selection process using this reporter system is very simple and economic. The simplicity eliminates potential errors introduced by multiple steps; there is no need for any substrate. Furthermore, the cells in the assay need not be disrupted, and the morphology of the cells can provide additional information on mechanisms. After HTS, the intact cells can also be used for other analytic analysis. This system thus has a potentially important role in the discovery and development of new anticancer drugs. It also appears to be very versatile, can be used both in vitro and in vivo with different linked reporter genes, and can be used for a variety of imaging applications.
Cost implications of treatment non‐completion in a forensic personality disorder service
Authors: Sampson Christopher James , James Marilyn , Huband Nick , Geelan Steve , McMurran Mary 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundA high proportion of individuals admitted to specialist secure hospital services for treatment of personality disorder do not complete treatment. Non‐completion has been associated with poorer treatment outcomes and increased rates of recidivism and hospital readmission, when compared with individuals who do complete treatment or who do not receive treatment at all.AimsIn this study, we sought to determine the economic consequences of non‐completion of treatment, using case study data from a secure hospital sample. Both health and criminal justice service perspectives were taken into account.MethodsData were collected from a medium secure hospital personality disorder unit. A probabilistic decision‐analytic model was constructed, using a Markov cohort simulation with 10,000 iterations. The expected cost differential between those who do and those who do not complete treatment was estimated, as was the probability of a cost differential over a 10‐year post‐admission time horizon.ResultsOn average, in the first 10 years following admission, those who do not complete treatment go on to incur £52,000 more in costs to the National Health Service and criminal justice system than those who complete treatment. The model estimates that the probability that non‐completers incur greater costs than completers is 78%.ConclusionIt is possible that an improvement in treatment completion rates in secure hospital personality disorder units would lead to some cost savings. This might be achievable through better selection into treatment or improved strategies for engagement and retention. Our study highlights a financial cost to society of individuals discharged from secure hospital care when incompletely treated. We suggest that it could, therefore, be useful for secure hospitals to introduce routine monitoring of treatment completion. © 2013 The Authors. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis of Enantiopure Organozinc Reagents, Followed by Highly Enantioselective Chlorination
Authors: Olsson Susanne , Lennartson Anders , Håkansson Mikael 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe report the absolute asymmetric synthesis (AAS) of indenylzinc reagents by using total spontaneous resolution followed by enantiospecific conversion into 1‐chloroindene. The chiral complex [Zn(dcp)(ind)(tmeda)] (dcp=2,6‐dichlorophenoxy and tmeda=N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine) (3) was prepared from the achiral starting materials indene, potassium, zinc chloride, TMEDA, and 2,6‐dichlorophenol. The reagent resolved spontaneously on crystallization, and single crystals of 3 react with N‐chlorosuccinimide in the presence of benzoquinone in 2‐propanol to give 1‐chloroindene in >98 % enantiomeric excess. It was found that (R)‐3 gave (R)‐1‐chloroindene upon reaction, indicating an SE2′‐mechanism. Since bulk samples of 3 gave optically active product upon chlorination, total spontaneous resolution must have occurred. This demonstrates that enantiopure products can be obtained through the absolute asymmetric synthesis of organometallic reagents starting from achiral materials. The general absolute asymmetric synthesis (AAS) method offers easy access to both enantiomers and an almost limitless variation in the design of the product.
Proton Catalysis in the Redox Responsivity of a Mini‐Sized Photochromic Diarylethene
Authors: Massaad Julie , Micheau Jean‐Claude , Coudret Christophe , Serpentini Charles Louis , Guirado Gonzalo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA thermally irreversible dithienylethene (DTE) photochrom can be turned into a thermally reversible one in presence of CuII triflate. A ring opening (DTEC closed→DTEO open) occurs through the formation of a copper‐containing fast transient intermediate. Stopped‐flow experiments monitored at 410 and 780 nm have allowed to show that the stoichiometry of this intermediate is DTE/Cu=1:1. At longer monitoring times (i.e., several seconds after mixing), the intermediate undergoes a slow decay while the residual DTEC closed form opens. A joint detailed kinetic and electrochemical analysis has unveiled a proton catalysis scenario in which electron transfer between DTEC and CuII, ligand exchange, protonation‐deprotonation equilibria of the cation radicals and ring opening are embedded into two main reaction cycles. At the beginning of the reaction, CuII is reduced into CuI and DTE is degraded without ring opening. Then, as the reaction progresses, the triflic acid released from the CuII reduction switches‐on a propagation cycle during which ring opens without any more CuII consumption. Cyclic voltammetry, spectro‐electrochemical measurements, delayed photocoloration experiments in presence of CuII and acid–base additions have confirmed the main features of the proton catalysis.
Experimental Investigation of Permeability in Case of Permeation of Saline Aquifers with CO2
Authors: Jeschke Samuel , Eggers Rudolf 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFür die CCS‐Technologie (carbon dioxide capture and storage) ist die Bewertung von potenziellen Speicherhorizonten hinsichtlich möglicher Injektionsraten erforderlich. Die Ausbreitung des Kohlenstoffdioxids untertage ist im Wesentlichen von der Durchströmbarkeit des Speichergesteins und der Verdrängung des Porenfluids abhängig. Als Maß der Durchströmbarkeit einer porösen Struktur, im Fall der salinen Aquiferen verschiedene Sandsteine, wird die Permeabilität verwendet. Anhand unterschiedlicher Berechnungsansätze werden die experimentell ermittelten Daten ausgewertet und die Permeabilitäten im Vergleich zu bestehenden Pilotstandorten und kommerziellen Anlagen betrachtet.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of N‐Substituted Sophocarpinic Acid Derivatives as Coxsackievirus B3 Inhibitors
Authors: Gao Li‐Mei , Tang Sheng , Wang Yan‐Xiang , Gao Rong‐Mei , Zhang Xin , Peng Zong‐Gen , Li Jian‐Rui , Jiang Jian‐Dong , Li Yu‐Huan , Song Dan‐Qing 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA series of novel N‐substituted sophocarpinic acid derivatives was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anti‐enteroviral activities against coxsackievirus type B3 (CVB3) and coxsackievirus type B6 (CVB6) in Vero cells. Structure–activity relationship analysis revealed that the introduction of a benzenesulfonyl moiety on the 12‐nitrogen atom in (E)‐β,γ‐sophocarpinic acid might significantly enhance anti‐CVB3 activity. Among the derivatives, (E)‐12‐N‐(m‐cyanobenzenesulfonyl)‐β,γ‐sophocarpinic acid (11 m), possessing a meta‐cyanobenzenesulfonyl group, exhibited potent activity against CVB3 with a selectivity index (SI) of 107. Furthermore, compound 11 m also showed a good oral pharmacokinetic profile, with an AUC value of 7.29 μM h−1 in rats, and good safety through the oral route in mice, with an LD50 value of >1000 mg kg−1; these values suggest a druggable characteristic. Therefore, compound 11 m was selected for further investigation as a promising CVB3 inhibitor. We consider (E)‐β,γ‐N‐(benzenesulfonyl)sophocarpinic acids to be a novel class of anti‐CVB3 agents.
Endoglin promoter hypermethylation identifies a field defect in human primary esophageal cancer
Authors: Jin Zhe , Zhao Zhenfu , Cheng Yulan , Dong Ming , Zhang Xiaojing , Wang Liang , Fan Xinmin , Feng Xianling , Mori Yuriko , Meltzer Stephen J. 
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUNDEndoglin (ENG) is a 180‐kilodalton transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a component of the transforming growth factor‐β receptor complex. Recently, ENG promoter hypermethylation was reported in several human cancers.METHODSThe authors examined ENG promoter hypermethylation using real‐time, quantitative, methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction in 260 human esophageal tissues.RESULTSENG hypermethylation demonstrated highly discriminative receiver operating characteristic curve profiles, clearly distinguishing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) from normal esophagus (P < .01). It is interesting to note that ENG normalized methylation values were significantly higher in ESCC compared with normal tissue (P < .01) or EAC (P < .01). The ENG hypermethylation frequency was 46.2% in ESCC and 11.9% in normal esophageal tissue, but increased early and sequentially during EAC‐associated neoplastic progression to 13.3% in Barrett metaplasia (BE), 25% in dysplastic BE, and 26.9% in frank EAC. ENG hypermethylation was significantly higher in normal esophageal tissue from patients with ESCC (mean, 0.0186) than in normal tissue from patients with EAC (mean, 0.0117; P < .05). Treatment of KYSE220 ESCC cells with the demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine was found to reverse ENG methylation and reactivate ENG mRNA expression.CONCLUSIONSPromoter hypermethylation of ENG appears to be a frequent, tissue‐specific event in human ESCC and exhibits a field defect with promising biomarker potential for the early detection of ESCC. In addition, ENG hypermethylation occurs in a subset of human EAC, and early during BE‐associated esophageal neoplastic progression. Cancer 2013;119:3604–3609. © 2013 American Cancer Society.