bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voltammetric Determination of 4‐Nitrophenol Using a Novel Type of Silver Amalgam Paste Electrode
Authors: Niaz Abdul , Fischer Jan , Barek Jiří , Yosypchuk Bogdan , Sirajuddin  , Bhanger Muhammad Iqbal 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method was developed for the determination of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) at a newly developed silver amalgam paste electrode (AgA‐PE) in Britton–Robinson buffer pH 3.0. The electrode is based on a disposable plastic pipette tip filled with paste amalgam based on a mixture of mercury and fine silver powder (9 : 1, w/w). The experimental parameters, such as pH of Britton–Robinson buffer and activation and regeneration potential of the electrode surface were optimized. The reduction peak current dependences were linear for the concentration of 4‐NP from 0.2 to 100 μM. The method showed reproducible results with RSD (n=45) of 1.7%. The limit of determination (LOD) was 0.3 μM. The method was successfully applied for the direct determination of 4‐NP in drinking water.
Sperm protein 17 is a novel marker for predicting cisplatin response in esophageal squamous cancer cell lines
Authors: Kausar Tasneem , Ahsan Aarif , Hasan Md. Raghibul , Lin Lin , Beer David G. , Ralhan Ranju 
Published: August 2009

AbstractExpression of sperm protein 17 (Sp17) mRNA has been reported in various malignancies. In an earlier study, we reported the upregulation of Sp17 transcripts in primary esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) using differential display and detected Sp17 transcripts in 86% of ESCCs by RT‐PCR, whereas no transcripts were detected in the paired normal esophageal tissues. Herein we hypothesized that Sp17 might be used as a marker for detecting the response of anticancer therapies in ESCCs. Our results indicated that Sp17 protein levels in esophageal squamous cancer cell lines decreased in response to treatment with (i) the HSP90 activity inhibitor geldanamycin, (ii) the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib and (iii) cisplatin (chemotherapeutic agent commonly used in management of ESCC). In contrast, the Sp17 levels did not decrease in response to radiation therapy and treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent, gemcitabine. Further investigations showed that cisplatin induced decrease in Sp17 levels was due to transcriptional inhibition and cisplatin‐resistant cell lines did not show this decrease in Sp17 levels in response to cisplatin treatment. In addition, we also carried our mass spectophotometric analysis to identify the binding partners of Sp17 to characterize its possible involvement in esophageal tumorigenesis and chemoresistance.
Separation and recovery of cellulose and lignin using ionic liquids: a process for recovery from paper‐based waste
Authors: Lateef Huma , Grimes Sue , Kewcharoenwong Pajaree , Feinberg Benjamin 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The production of paper makes use of cellulose and lignin as a raw material, and almost all cellulose and lignin production comes from raw wood materials, contributing to deforestation and resulting in potential environmental harm. It is therefore beneficial to develop technologies for cellulose and lignin recovery for re‐use and sustainability of resources.RESULTS: Three imidazolium based ionic liquids (ILs), 1‐(2‐cyanoethyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (cyanoMIMBr), 1‐propyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (propylMIMBr) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (butylMIMCl), were synthesised by microwave technology and fully characterised by mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry, thin layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Cellulose and lignin were soluble in all three ILs with solubility being greatest in cyanoMIMBr. Regeneration of cellulose and lignin was achieved from saturated solutions of cellulose in IL and lignin in IL for all three ILs. The ILs propylMIMBr and butylMIMBr have been used for the first time in the separation and recovery of cellulose and lignin and regeneration of the IL from a mixture of cellulose and lignin in IL. FTIR analysis confirms successful recovery.CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrates the ability of ILs to separate and recover cellulose and lignin from a mixed system. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrate‐dependent degradation of 17α‐ethinylestradiol by acclimated activated sludge under anaerobic conditions
Authors: Zeng Qingling , Li Yongmei , Gu Guowei 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The synthetic estrogen 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2) is of great environmental concern. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the removal of EE2 by activated sludge under anaerobic conditions with or without nitrate. The effect of temperature on EE2 removal was also estimated.RESULTS: No biodegradation of EE2 was observed in the absence of nitrate; owing to sorption onto the activated sludge, the overall removal EE2 rate was 62%; the sorption was fitted to both Freundlich and linear sorption models; the sorption rate decreased with the increase temperature. In the presence of nitrate, the overall removal rate of EE2 was greater than 97% after 72 h, mostly from biodegradation (95%); the biodegradation could be described by first‐order reaction kinetics with average rate constant of 0.0344 h−1; increasing temperature enhanced the rate constant and the removal rate could be as high as 96–98% in the temperature range 10–30 °C.CONCLUSION: EE2 was removed by activated sludge under anaerobic conditions. In the absence of nitrate, the removal of EE2 was a result of sorption onto activated sludge. In the presence of nitrate, biodegradation was the dominant process for EE2 removal. Higher temperature improves biodegradation rate, but reduces the sorption of EE2 onto activated sludge. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The oxidative degradation of sulfadiazine at the interface of α‐MnO2 and water
Authors: Dong Jun , Li Yongtao , Zhang Lijia , Liu Chengshuai , Zhuang Li , Sun Lina , Zhou Jianmin 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Sulfadiazine (SD), a widely used antibiotic chemical, has been detected in contaminated water and soils. Manganese dioxides are common minerals with a high redox potential and can act as active oxidants for SD degradation in wastewater treatment.RESULTS: α‐MnO2 was used to promote SD oxidative degradation. At pH 4.6 and 25 °C, 92.7% of SD (0.02 mmol L−1) was degraded by 1.0 g L−1α‐MnO2. SO42− was detected as the inorganic end product from the mineralization of SD. The ecological toxicity index of average well color development (AWCD) in SD solution was 2.01 after the solution was degraded by α‐MnO2 for 2 h, while the AWCD was 0.48 for the solution without α‐MnO2 treatment. The degradation rate of SD can be improved by increasing the dosages of α‐MnO2 and the reaction temperature, but the rate was limited by increased initial SD concentration and reaction pH.CONCLUSION: SD can be effectively degraded and mineralized with α‐MnO2. These results are helpful for removing antibiotics by manganese dioxides in the environment, and also for exploring new technology for wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Risk bartering: what post‐M&A integration teams really do
Authors: Harwood Ian A. , Chapman Chris B. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

This study is based on a £240m post‐merger and acquisition integration project within an FTSE100 pharmaceutical manufacturing supply chain network which was successfully implemented over a four‐year period.

By adopting a grounded theory methodology, the research identifies phenomena that occurred within the integration teams to give insights into ‘what is going on here?’

Through constant comparison analytical techniques, the research develops a substantive theory of ‘risk bartering,’ which explains how key individuals engaged and negotiated with each other, resulting in mutually acceptable integration scenarios, with risk being used as an underlying trading ‘currency.’ This provides novel insights into the role of risk in M&A integration change programs.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Globalfocusing: corporate strategies under pressure
Authors: Meyer Klaus E. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

On the global stage, competitive advantages are gained by creating, transferring, and exploiting competences across operations and locations internationally.

In consequence, conglomerates are redesigning their strategies to focus on core businesses, yet with a global scope. De‐diversification and internationalization thus complement each other in a process of ‘globalfocusing.’

This paper outlines the shifts in the relative barriers to entry to countries and industries that have been driving these processes of change in corporate strategies on the global stage.

On this basis, implications of the change in global strategy are derived for decision‐makers in both business and politics who are operating in the volatile global economy.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality management: a fixture or a vital process?
Authors: Murphy William H. , Leonard Denis 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

We address the current status of quality management (QM) in companies in this paper.

Interviews with senior executives of 19 companies spanning multiple industries and company sizes indicate that there are now at least five recurring themes related to QM's current role in companies:
— Realized gains from QM keep it a fixture at most companies.
— The aim of well‐serving customers is appropriately integrated into quality efforts.
— The realization that pursuit of QM solely for the sake of winning awards can have harmful consequences.
— QM's emphasis on self‐assessment and quality models is seen as valuable for providing focus and direction.
— Gaps in integrating QM beyond operations exist in most companies.

Our findings suggest that most businesses continue to have substantial opportunities for improvement in terms of more fully engaging QM throughout the firm. This makes it imperative that strategists engage and ultimately evolve companies so as to achieve their full potential. QM is not a fad of the century just past. Instead, it is a powerful means for companies to continue on a path to superior performance.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of normal and low‐lignin hull/high‐oil groat oat as energy sources for broiler chicks
Authors: Thacker Philip A , Widyaratne Gemunu P , Rossnagel Brian G 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Oats are not widely utilised in poultry rations. The principal reason for this is their high fibre content. Fibre is not very digestible by poultry and its presence impairs the digestibility of energy and other nutrients. A new low‐lignin hull/high‐oil groat (LLH/HOG) oat was developed recently and the present study was conducted to determine its nutritional value for poultry.RESULTS: In experiment 1, gain of broiler chicks fed the control was higher (P < 0.01) than that of birds fed normal oat. Gain and intake of birds fed LLH/HOG oat were superior (P < 0.01) to those of birds fed normal oat. Feed conversion (FC) was higher for birds fed the control than for birds fed normal oat (P < 0.01), while FC for birds fed the control and LLH/HOG oat did not differ (P > 0.05). FC was better for birds fed LLH/HOG than for birds fed normal oat (P < 0.01). In experiment 2, weight gain (P < 0.01), feed intake (P < 0.01) and FC (P = 0.07) declined as the level of LLH/HOG oat in the diet increased.CONCLUSION: Feeding LLH/HOG oat to broilers improved weight gain and FC compared with feeding normal oat. These results give a strong indication that LLH/HOG oat is superior to normal oat as an energy source for poultry. However, despite improvements in chemical composition, LLH/HOG oat is still inferior to wheat for use in broiler rations. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of citric acid supplementation on rumen fermentation, urinary excretion of purine derivatives and feed digestibility in steers
Authors: Wang Cong , Liu Qiang , Meng Jie , Yang Wen Zhu , Yang Xiao Min , He Dong Chang , Dong Kuan Hu , Huang Ying Xiang 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: An increase feed efficiency and rate of gain were observed from addition of sodium citrate to the diet of fatting lamb. It is suggested that the small amounts of citric acid (CA) may have a catalytic effect on rumen microbial metabolism which would result in a potential means of increasing feed efficiency. The objective was to evaluate the effects of CA supplementation on rumen fermentation, ruminal microbial production by measuring urinary excretion of purine derivatives, and digestibility in the total tract of steers.RESULTS: Ruminal pH linearly (P = 0.01) decreased, whereas total volatile fatty acid concentration linearly (P = 0.01) increased with increasing CA supplementation. Ratio of acetate to propionate linearly (P = 0.01) increased due to the increase in acetate production. Urinary excretion of purine derivatives was quadratically (P = 0.02) changed, with the lowest for control, medium for low CA and highest for medium and high CA supplementation. Similarly, digestibilities of nutrients in the total tract were also linearly and quadratically increased with increasing dosages of CA.CONCLUSION: Supplementation of CA increased rumen acetate concentration and thus increased ratio of acetate to propionate. Urinary excretion of purine derivatives and total digestibility were improved. In the experimental conditions of this trial, the optimum citric acid dose was about 200 g citric acid per steer per day. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of repressed gene transcript accumulation in three albino mutants of Bambusa edulis Munro by cDNA microarray analysis
Authors: Wu Fu‐Hui , Liu Nien‐Tze , Chou Shu‐Jen , Shen Shu‐Chen , Chang Bill Chia‐han , Pan Chao‐Yu , Lin Choun‐Sea 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Bamboo is an economically important market vegetable and processed food product in Asia. An accelerated growth rate and increased photosynthesis efficiency would be valuable agronomic traits in commercial bamboo culture. Tissue culture‐derived albino mutants can be used as experimental material to investigate this phenomenon, but the current body of genetic information available on bamboo is very limited.RESULTS: A cDNA library was constructed from in vitro shoots of Bambusa edulis Munro and subsequently used in a bamboo microarray analysis to investigate the gene profiles of three albino mutants (ab, ab1, ab2) cultured under light/dark and dark conditions. Analysis of the array data suggested that no gene transcript accumulation was significantly upregulated, but that transcript accumulation of 24 genes was downregulated by <50% relative to the wild type. This repression was determined to be light‐independent as these genes were also repressed when ab mutant shoots were incubated in the dark. Microarray analysis of the light sensitivity of specific gene expression of the mutant ab and wild type shoots identified 14 genes as being highly expressed when cultured in the light, 12 of which showed a similar response to light in both the wild type and ab mutant. The transcripts of a group of bamboo‐specific genes (three isoforms) accumulated less in all albino mutants, and another group of bamboo‐specific genes (six isoforms) accumulated less under dark conditions. The microarray results were confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Using the rice protoplast transformation, the products of the bamboo‐specific albino‐repressed gene 09A06 were found to be localized to the chloroplast.CONCLUSION: A Bambusa edulis shoot cDNA library was used to establish a bamboo microarray, which successfully identified gene transcripts that were repressed in the albino mutants. The subcellular localization of these bamboo‐specific gene products was identified by rice protoplast transient expression, where 09A06 accumulated around the chloroplast. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Layer‐by‐Layer Nano‐Encapsulation of Microbes: Controlled Cell Surface Modification and Investigation of Substrate Uptake in Bacteria
Authors: Franz Bettina , Balkundi Shantanu S. , Dahl Christiane , Lvov Yuri M. , Prange Alexander 
Published: August 2009

AbstractLbL nano self‐assembly coating of A. vinosum with different polyelectrolyte combinations is presented as an example to investigate substrate uptake in bacteria. The effects of surface charge and the formation of a physical barrier provides new insights in the contact mechanisms between the cell surface and insoluble elemental sulfur. Furthermore, uptake of sulfide by encapsulated cells was investigated. Growth experiments of coated cells showed that surface charge did neither affect sulfide uptake nor the contact formation between the cells and solid sulfur. However, increasing layers slowed or inhibited the uptake of sulfide and elemental sulfur. This work demonstrates how defining surface properties of bacteria has potential for microbiological and biotechnological applications.magnified image
Antitumor Efficacy of Colon‐Specific HPMA Copolymer/9‐Aminocamptothecin Conjugates in Mice Bearing Human‐Colon Carcinoma Xenografts
Authors: Gao Song‐Qi , Sun Yongen , Kopečková Pavla , Peterson C. Matthew , Kopeček Jindřich 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe antitumor activity of a colon‐specific N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer – 9‐aminocamptothecin (9‐AC) conjugate (P‐9‐AC) was assessed in orthotopic and subcutaneous animal (HT29 xenograft) tumor models. P‐9‐AC treatment of mice bearing orthotopic colon tumors, with a dose of 3 mg/kg of 9‐AC equivalent every other day for 6 weeks, resulted in regression of tumors in 9 of 10 mice. A lower dose of P‐9‐AC (1.25 mg/kg of 9‐AC equivalent) every other day for 8 weeks inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth in all mice. No liver metastases were observed. Colon‐specific release of 9‐AC from polymer conjugates enhanced antitumor activity and minimized the systemic toxicity.magnified image
Biosensing with Functionalized Single Asymmetric Polymer Nanochannels
Authors: Ali Mubarak , Schiedt Birgitta , Neumann Reinhard , Ensinger Wolfgang 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this work, we describe the direct covalent attachment of protein recognition elements (biotin) with the carboxyl groups present on the walls of polyimide nanochannels. Subsequently, these biotinylated channels were used for the bio‐specific sensing of protein analytes. Moreover, surface charge of these asymmetric nanochannels was reversed from negative to positive via the conversion of carboxyl groups into terminated amino groups. The negatively charge (carboxylated) and positively charged (aminated) channels were further used for the electrochemical sensing of bovine serum albumin (BSA, pI = 4.7). These biorecognition events were assessed from the changes in the ionic current flowing through the nanochannel.magnified image
A Biomimetic Chemical Approach to Facile Preparation of Large‐Area, Patterned, ZnO Quantum Dot/Polymer Nanocomposites on Flexible Plastics
Authors: Zou Shengli , Bai Huadong , Yang Peng , Yang Wantai 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis study reports a new biomimetic approach to fabricate ZnO quantum dots (QDs) directed by surface‐immobilized acidic‐polymer brushes. Through multiple characterization methods including XPS, high‐resolution TEM, SEM, AFM, XRD, UV‐vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, we found that surface‐photografted poly(acrylic acid) chains could mediate the heterogeneous nucleation and growth processes of zinc precursors to obtain ZnO QDs with a diameter of 4–5 nm. These QDs show quantum effects such as a blue shift of the excitation energy and enhanced UV emission, and more importantly, could be further formed in situ within the polymer matrix to fabricate transparent inorganic/organic hybrid nanocomposites and large‐area arrays on flexible plastic (poly(propylene)) substrate. It is expected that the results presented could instantly raise interest in the research and industrial fields, such as polymer‐supported advanced technologies, ZnO nanocrystals, biomineralization, and macroelectronics.magnified image
Self‐Assembly and Photoresponsivity Property of Amphiphilic ABA Triblock Copolymers Containing Azobenzene Moieties in Dilute Solution
Authors: Tang Xinde , Gao Longcheng , Fan Xinghe , Liang Xiaochao , Zhou Qifeng 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe self‐assembly and photoresponsivity of amphiphilic azobenzene‐containing ABA triblock copolymers PA6Cm‐b‐PEGn‐b‐PA6Cmsynthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) were reported. Different self‐assembly morphologies formed by the gradual addition of water to the copolymer solutions in THF. The formation process and aggregate morphology were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The triblock copolymers start to form aggregates at the critical water content (CWC). With the addition of water, the aggregates show different morphologies, such as spherical micelles, vesicles, network‐like aggregates, and colloidal spheres, which involves the transformation between primary and secondary aggregates and the association/disassociation of aggregates. Photoresponsive property and aggregation behavior of these copolymers in solution under UV–Visible light irradiation were also investigated.magnified image
Effect of Processing Variables on the Morphology of Electrospun Poly[(lactic acid)‐co‐(glycolic acid)] Nanofibers
Authors: Liu Fujuan , Guo Rui , Shen Mingwu , Wang Shanyuan , Shi Xiangyang 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA systematic study of the effects of $\overline M _{\rm w}$, flow rate, voltage, and composition on the morphology of electrospun PLGA nanofibers is reported. It is shown that changes of voltage and flow rate do not appreciably affect the morphology. However, the $\overline M _{\rm w}$ of PLGA predominantly determines the formation of bead structures. Uniform electrospun PLGA nanofibers with controllable diameters can be formed through optimization. Further, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes can be incorporated into the PLGA nanofibers, significantly enhancing their tensile strength and elasticity without compromising the uniform morphology. The variable size, porosity, and composition of the nanofibers are essential for their applications in regenerative medicine.magnified image
1D to 3D NMR study of microporous alumino‐phosphate AlPO4‐40
Authors: Morais Cláudia M. , Montouillout Valérie , Deschamps Michael , Iuga Dinu , Fayon Franck , Paz Filipe A. A. , Rocha João , Fernandez Christian , Massiot Dominique 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFrom one‐ to two‐ and three‐dimensional MAS NMR solid‐state experiments involving 31P and 27Al, we show that the structure of microporous alumino‐phosphate AlPO4‐40 contains at least four times more sites than expected, and we attribute two types of AlIV sites. The newly described 27Al‐31P MQ‐HMQC opens new possibilities of describing details of three‐dimensional bounded networks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.