bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metalloproteinases and their regulators in colorectal cancer
Authors: van der Jagt Michel F.P. , Wobbes Theo , Strobbe Luc J.A. , Sweep Fred C.G.J. , Span Paul N. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMetalloproteinases (MPs) such as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and adamalysins (ADAMs and ADAMTS) are expressed in various stages of colorectal cancer (CRC), and some correlate with survival and prognosis. The MPs are regulated by various factors including EMMPRIN, TIMPs, and RECK. In addition, micro‐RNAs are found to be relevant for both MP expression levels and CRC prognostication. Both MPs and their regulators could be potential targets for intervention and therapy in CRC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:259–269. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of volatile organic acids in tobacco by single‐drop microextraction with in‐syringe derivatization followed by GC‐MS
Authors: Sha Yunfei , Meng Jiaoran , Zhang Yichun , Deng Chunhui , Wu Da 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this work, the novel technique based on headspace single‐drop microextraction with in‐syringe derivatization followed by GC‐MS was established to determine the volatile organic acids in tobacco. The parameters for headspace single‐drop microextraction and in‐syringe derivatization were optimized, including extraction time, and volume of derivatization reagent and in‐syringe derivatization time. The method validations including linearity, precision, recovery and LOD were also studied. The obtained results illustrated that the optimized technique was easy, highly efficient and sensitive. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analyses of volatile organic acids in tobacco samples with seven different brands. It was further demonstrated that the present technique developed in this study does offer a simple and fast approach to determine volatile organic acids in tobacco.
Development and optimization of the SPE procedure for determination of pharmaceuticals in water samples by HPLC‐diode array detection
Authors: Mutavdžić Pavlović Dragana , Babić Sandra , Dolar Davor , Ašperger Danijela , Košutić Krešimir , Horvat Alka J. M. , Kaštelan‐Macan Marija 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper focuses on the investigation of different types of SPE sorbents for the preconcentration of eight veterinary pharmaceuticals from water samples. The pharmaceuticals studied were sulfamethazine, sulfadiazine, sulfaguanidine, trimethoprim, oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin and penicillin G/procaine. Five different SPE materials (Strata‐X, Strata‐X‐C, Strata SDB‐L, Strata C8 and Strata C18) from Phenomenex were compared with Oasis HLB with a view to obtaining the best cartridges for all pharmaceuticals investigated. Extraction efficiency was determined by HPLC with diode array detection (DAD). HPLC‐DAD separation and quantification of the selected pharmaceuticals were carried out under gradient elution by a binary mixture of 0.01 M oxalic acid and ACN based on cyano modified column (LiChrosphere 100 CN) from Merck. Strata‐X provided the best results in the preconcentration of 100 mL water samples, yielding average pharmaceutical recoveries of higher than 90%, except for sulfaguanidine (76.1%). The developed Strata‐X‐HLPC‐DAD method was validated and applied, for the efficient investigation of reverse osmosis/nanofiltration membranes and for the removal of these eight pharmaceuticals from the production wastewater samples. NF90 and XLE membranes were shown to be the best for the rejection of all investigated pharmaceuticals.
Extraction of organophosphorus pesticides in water and juice using ultrasound‐assisted emulsification–mixroextraction
Authors: Jia Chunhong , Zhu Xiaodan , Chen Li , He Min , Yu Pingzhong , Zhao Ercheng 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this study, a microextraction method termed as ultrasound‐assisted emulsification–microextraction (USAEME) has been developed for the extraction of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in water and orange juice samples. In the USAEME method, aliquots of 50 μL chlorobenzene used as extraction solvent was added to 10 mL water sample in a conical glass centrifugal tube. Factors influencing the USAEME extraction efficiency such as sonication time, extraction solvent, extraction volume and salt addition were evaluated. Under the optimum conditions, enrichment factors ranged from 241 to 311, LOD varied from 5.3 to 10.0 ng/L and linearity with a coefficient of estimation (r2) varied from 0.9991 to 0.9998 in the concentration level range of 0.05–2.5 μg/L for the extraction of OPPs in water samples. Finally, the proposed USAEME method was used for the extraction of OPPs from water and orange juice. The recoveries were in the range of 80.0–110.0%, and the repeatability of the method expressed as RSD (n=3) varied between 1.6 and 13%. The USAEME method has the advantage of being easy to operate, low consumption of organic solvent and high extraction efficiency.
LC‐MS identification of derivatized free fatty acids from adipocere in soil samples
Authors: Algarra Manuel , Rodríguez‐Borges José E. , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractFree fatty acids were derivatized as amides (DFFA) by reaction with (R)‐(+)‐1‐phenylethylamine, using a simple, fast and robust reaction scheme. A HPLC method with diode array and ESI MS detection was developed for the analysis of the derivatized substances. Six fatty acids were used in the method development: myristic, linoleic, palmitic, oleic, margaric and stearic acids. Under these conditions the elution of the DFFA are well resolved with retention times raging from 6.9 to 16.0 min. Fatty acids were extracted from cemetery soil and from adipocere formation experimental soils using a Soxhlet extraction, using as solvent ether/dichloromethane (1:1). Each DFFA is characterized by three m/z peaks: molecular weight of the substance; molecular weight of a dimer of the substance; the molecular weight of the dimer plus the atomic mass of sodium. The analysis of soil samples detected the six fatty acids used in the method developed plus palmitoleic and pentadecanoic. Beside this set of eight fatty acids other 13 fatty acids were detected in trace quantities or only in some soils and some were tentatively assigned as: 10‐hydroxystearic, myristoleic, heptadecenoic and arachidic acids.
Five keys to flourishing in trying times
Authors: Cameron Kim 
Published: December 2009

AbstractKim Cameron reports on two decades of empirical research on organizations that have faced difficult economic situations but achieved unexpected and exceptional levels of success. Examining these organizations, Cameron has uncovered some unusual leadership strategies that can serve as guidelines for organizations facing trying times. These strategies focus on the positive, or an orientation toward strengths rather than weaknesses and abundance rather than deficits in organizations. Cameron explains why these strategies succeed and offers five critical guidelines on putting them to use in your organization.
Polyethylene Prodrugs Using Precisely Placed Pharmaceutical Agents
Authors: Leonard James K. , Turek Diane , Sloan Kenneth B. , Wagener Kenneth B. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPolyethylene‐based polymeric prodrugs have been prepared by acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization; this condensation type, step growth polymerization, affords controlled polymer architectures via exact methylene run lengths between drug branches. Polyethylene was synthesized with the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) branches ibuprofen and naproxen attached at every 21st backbone carbon through a hydrolysable ester linkage. These ester linkages can have their reactivity tuned by using a variety of spacers that link the drug to the polymer backbone. Two types of spacers, tetraethylene glycol (TEG, hydrophilic) and decanediol (hydrophobic), were incorporated between the drugs and the polymer backbone to observe the effect of spacer properties on the rate of drug release. The rate of hydrolysis and subsequent release of drug was monitored as a direct effect of the spacer and type of reactive linker. With the primary structure of the polymers perfectly known, making such subtle changes to these structures has a dramatic influence on their physical properties. The polymers discussed herein are characterized with NMR, IR, TGA, and DSC. The rate at which these materials hydrolyze and release their pharmaceutical species via enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis was monitored by UV‐vis. Tailoring the type of spacer and hydrolysable linker to a particular drug offers a new class of polyethylene with controllable features that can be used in the application of a new drug delivery material.magnified image
Synthesis and Characterization of Polystyrene with DBS Networks
Authors: Lai Wei‐Chi , Lai Po‐Hsiang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNovel polystyrene (PS) materials were prepared through thermally initiated polymerization in the presence of 1,3:2,4‐dibenzylidene‐D‐sorbitol (DBS) organogels. The organogels were the result of the formation of DBS nanofibrillar networks. The effects of the DBS amounts on the polymerization rate, molecular weight, swelling ratio, and thermal properties of the PS samples were investigated. The increase in the DBS content increased the polymerization rate and molecular weight. The swelling ratio experiment demonstrated the cross‐linking density of the PS sample increased as the DBS amount was increased. In addition, the glass transition temperature increased with the DBS content. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed the thermal decomposition temperature was not affected by the addition of DBS.magnified image
Electrochemically Induced RAFT Polymerization of Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Films: Impact on Film Thickness and Surface Morphology
Authors: Bünsow Johanna , Mänz Martin , Vana Philipp , Johannsmann Diethelm 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThin hydrogel films of the thermoresponsive polymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) were prepared by electrochemically triggered reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Two different RAFT agents were employed, which work in either acidic or basic solution. In both cases, addition of RAFT agents had an influence on the thickness and the surface morphology of the films. At low concentration, the polymerization efficiency increased. At high concentration, the efficiency decreased at acidic pH, while it remained constant under basic conditions. Neither RAFT agent displayed electrochemical activity on its own, but they did modify the electrochemical behavior of the initiator. The addition of RAFT agent strongly enhances the homogeneity of the hydrogel surfaces, which presumably is due to a reduced amount of microgel formation.magnified image
Solid‐State Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles at Room Temperature: Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as a Tool
Authors: Debnath Dipen , Kim Chorong , Kim Sung H. , Geckeler Kurt E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSilver nanoparticles have been used for a long time and recently various methods have been additionally developed for their production. Here we report for the first time a solid‐state high‐speed vibration milling method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, in which poly(vinylpyrrolidone) is used for the reduction of the silver salt. The synthesis is performed at room temperature and no surfactant to direct the anisotropic growth of the nanoparticles is required. The formation of the nanoparticles was studied by UV–Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and powder X‐ray diffraction techniques. The nanoparticles synthesized were found to be uniform in size and shape with an average diameter of less than 5 nm. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of these silver nanoparticles was investigated against Escherichia coli and found to be positive.magnified image
How are prices adjusted in response to shocks? Survey evidence from Austrian firms
Authors: Kwapil Claudia , Scharler Johann , Baumgartner Josef 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this paper we investigate the response of prices to shocks based on a survey of Austrian firms. We find that firms are more likely to change prices after a cost shock than after a demand shock. In this vein, our analysis suggests that regular customers are an important explanation for price rigidity after demand shocks. Furthermore, lacking competition is another significant explanation for price stickiness. Finally, we find asymmetric responses after cost and demand shocks. Prices appear to be more rigid downward than upward after cost shocks, while they are more rigid upward than downward in reaction to shifts in demand. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence on competitive advantage and superior stock market performance
Authors: Gjerde Øystein , Knivsflå Kjell , Sættem Frode 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis article analyzes the value‐relevance of industry‐based and resource‐based competitive advantage in a large sample of firms listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. We measure competitive advantage by a single variable and perform a new decomposition into its underlying sources. In 1986–2005, the industry‐based and the resource‐based competitive advantage explain more than 20% of abnormal stock market returns, accumulated over 5 years. The resource‐based advantage is almost 4 times more important than the industry‐based advantage. Differences in both the return and the risk capability of firms' net assets relative to their industry peers are significant parts of the resource‐based advantage, estimated at 60 and 40%, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Japanese toxicogenomics project: Application of toxicogenomics
Authors: Uehara Takeki , Ono Atsushi , Maruyama Toshiyuki , Kato Ikuo , Yamada Hiroshi , Ohno Yasuo , Urushidani Tetsuro 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBiotechnology advances have provided novel methods for the risk assessment of chemicals. The application of microarray technologies to toxicology, known as toxicogenomics, is becoming an accepted approach for identifying chemicals with potential safety problems. Gene expression profiling is expected to identify the mechanisms that underlie the potential toxicity of chemicals. This technology has also been applied to identify biomarkers of toxicity to predict potential hazardous chemicals. Ultimately, toxicogenomics is expected to aid in risk assessment. The following discussion explores potential applications and features of the Japanese Toxicogenomics Project.
Thermal and crystallization behavior of cotton—Polypropylene commingled composite systems
Authors: Jose E. Tomlal , Joseph Aju , Skrifvars Mikael , Thomas Sabu , Joseph Kuruvilla 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTechniques like thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized optical microscopy were used to study the thermal and crystallization behavior of cotton‐polypropylene (PP) commingled composite system. Thermal analysis was used to understand the structure‐property relationship and also to quantify the amount of moisture and volatiles, which causes the deterioration of the composite performance. Thermal stability of the composite was found be intermediate between that of PP and cotton fibers. Presence of treated reinforcements had increased the crystallinity of PP. Also, fibers act as heterogeneous nucleants and favor the early crystallization of PP in the composites. The crystallization and onset crystallization temperature values were increased by the presence of cotton fibers. The theories of heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth kinetics were used to explain the growth of transcrystalline layer (TCL) of PP on cotton fibers. The interfacial free energy difference for nucleation of PP on fiber was found to be smaller compared with that in the bulk PP. This favors the formation and growth of TCL. The thickness of TCL and radius of the spherulites increase with the increase in the crystallization temperature. Fiber surface roughness and thermal stresses facilitate the growth of transcrystallinity on cotton fiber. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1487–1494, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Film formation of nano‐sized hard latex (PS) in soft polymer matrix (PBA): An excimer study
Authors: Uğur Şaziye , Sunay Selin , Pekcan Önder 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis work reports steady state fluorescence (SSF) technique for studying film formation from pyrene (P)‐labeled nano‐sized polystyrene (PS) and poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA) hard/soft latex blends. Blend films were prepared from mixtures of PS and PBA in dispersion. Eight different blend films were prepared in various hard/soft latex compositions at room temperature and annealed at elevated temperatures above glass transition temperature (Tg) of polystyerene. Monomer (IP) and excimer (IE) intensities from P was measured after each annealing step to monitor the stages of film formation. The evolution of transparency of latex films was monitored using photon transmission intensity, Itr. Film morphologies were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that as the amount of hard component (PS) in the blend is decreased, a significant change occurred in both IE/IP and Itr curves at a certain critical weight fraction (50 wt%) of PS hard latex. Two distinct film formation stages, which are named as void closure and interdiffusion were seen in (IE/IP) data above this fraction. However, below 50 wt% PS no film formation was observed. AFM pictures also confirmed these findings. Void closure and interdiffusion stages for (50–100) wt% range of PS were modeled and related activation energies were determined. There was no observable change in activation energies confirming that film formation behavior is not affected by varying the blend composition in this range. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1611–1619, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ultrasonochemical‐assisted fabrication and evaporation‐ induced self‐assembly (EISA) of POSS‐SiO2@Ag core/ABA triblock copolymer nanocomposite film
Authors: Veerapandian Murugan , Yun Kyusik 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPoly(ethylene glycol)‐octafunctionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) (Mn = 5576.6 g/mol) alloying agent stabilized amphiphilic silica@silver metalloid nanocomposite blended with a triblock copolymer poly(p‐dioxanone‐co‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(p‐dioxanone‐co‐caprolactone) (POSS‐SiO2@Ag/PPDO‐co‐PCL‐b‐PEG‐b‐PPDO‐co‐PCL) has been synthesized in both water and in organic medium utilizing ultrasonochemical reaction. The POSS stabilized pre‐made metalloid was successfully dispersed in amphiphilic PPDO‐co‐PCL‐b‐PEG‐b‐PPDO‐co‐PCL (ABA) triblock copolymer matrix of molecular weight 45.9 × 104 g/mol. The mechanism of synthesis of high concentration of SiO2@Ag nanocomposite from TEOS/AgNO3 (in the presence of NH4OH as catalyst/NaBH4 as reductant) nonmetal/metal precursors and the successful EISA of POSS‐SiO2@Ag/ABA nanocomposite into films has been discussed. The successful synthesis of metalloid nanocomposite was morphologically accessed by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Surface plasmon resonance was ensured from UV–visible spectral analysis. Identity and the crystallinity of as prepared nanocomposite were studied by X‐ray diffractometer. Structural and luminescence properties of the nanocomposite were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to study the thermal stability of the resulting hybrid nanocomposite. The resultant inorganic–organic nanocomposite can be easily suspended in water and would be useful in variety of applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1620–1627, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome presenting at early stages: is there still a possible role for amnioreduction?
Authors: Fichera Anna , Lanna Mariano , Fratelli Nicola , Rustico Mariangela , Frusca Tiziana 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the rate of resolution or progression after first line treatment with amnioreduction and related outcome of pregnancies with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) diagnosed at stages I‐II.MethodData on 34 monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies presenting with TTTS at stage I‐II before 26 weeks of gestation were collected retrospectively (1999–2006). All patients underwent at least one amnioreduction. The outcome and the results of neurological follow‐up of surviving twins were analysed in relation to the regression or progression of the disease after treatment.ResultsFourteen cases (41%) resolved after treatment while 18 cases (53%) progressed. In two patients immediate complications occurred within one week after amnioreduction; at least one infant survived in 85.3% of cases and there was double survival in 58.8%. Double survival was significantly better in cases that regressed (85.7%) compared with those cases that progressed (44.4%). None of the surviving infants in the group of cases with regression showed major neurological abnormalities.ConclusionIn our study, one‐third of patients with stage I‐II TTTS regressed after a single amnioreduction, and pregnancies with resolution of TTTS usually had a favourable outcome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicone‐polyacrylate chemical compatibilization with organosilanes
Authors: dos Anjos Débora S.C. , Revoredo Eliane C.V. , Galembeck André 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSilicone‐polyacrylate polymer blends were prepared using methacryloxy‐propyl‐trimethoxysilane (MAPTMS) as a compatibilizing agent (chemical linker). Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy elemental mapping showed silicon and carbon rich regions corresponding to poly(dimethyl‐siloxane) (PDMS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA domains. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed that covalent bonds are formed between PMMA and the organosilane, MAPTMS. The organosilane addition decreased the water‐to‐blend contact angles and tended to increase the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength of the resulting PDMS‐PMMA blends. Cytotoxicity was not detectable for any samples. Silicone‐based materials are currently used as prosthetic materials to replace damaged tissues; the methodology described here can be readily adapted to this application with improved performance. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of phase morphology on the sliding wear of polyethylene blends filled with carbon nanofibers
Authors: Wood Weston , Li Bin , Zhong Wei‐Hong 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this work, phase separation in carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites with a blend of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) was revealed, and its effects on tribological properties were investigated. Results from morphological analysis by optical and scanning electron microscopy indicated two distinct microstructures: a dispersed UHMWPE phase and a continuous microstructure containing HDPE and CNFs. The addition of CNFs into the UHMWPE/HDPE blend induced a decreased steady‐state torque indicative of a decreased dissolution and improved processability. Because CNFs predominantly resided into the HDPE phase, neat HDPE, a HDPE/CNF composite, and neat UHMWPE samples were also prepared for comparison. Wear results, determined by a pin‐on‐disk apparatus, showed that both initial run‐in and steady‐state wear rates of the UHMWPE/HDPE/CNF nanocomposites were reduced with an increasing concentration of CNFs. The wear resistance of the UHMWPE/HDPE blend was more strongly influenced than neat HDPE by the addition of CNFs, which may have been affected by a reduced dissolution and improved interfacial interaction between the two phases. Results from this study suggested that HDPE may not be appropriate for processing UHMWPE composites, as CNFs reside in the HDPE phase, and HDPE diminishes the wear resistance of the material. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers