bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of a multinational RCT with a binary measure of effectiveness and an interacting covariate
Authors: Willan Andrew R. , Kowgier Matthew E. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn a recent multinational randomized clinical trial, 1356 patients from 14 countries were randomized between two arms. The primary measure of effectiveness was 30‐day survival. Health care utilization was collected on all patients and was combined with a single country's price weights to provide patient‐level cost data. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of the cost‐effectiveness analysis for the country that provided the cost weights, so as to provide a case study for illustrating recently proposed methodologies that account for skewed cost data, the between‐country variation in treatment effects, possible interactions between treatment and baseline covariates, and the difficulty of estimated adjusted risk differences. A hierarchal model is used to account for the two sources of variation (between country and between patients, within a country). The model, which uses gamma distributions for cost data and recent methods for estimating adjusted risk differences, provides overall and country‐specific estimates of treatment effects. Model estimation is facilitated by Markov chain Monte Carlo methods using the WinBUGS software. In addition, the theory of expected value of information is used to determine if the data provided by the trial are sufficient for decision making. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water and globalization: case study of Central Asia
Authors: Dukhovny V. A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe present‐day world is enmeshed in global networks. The information space has been formed according to rules of Internet and electronic messaging and ensures instantaneous communication and momentary dissemination of any news, thus bringing about apparent unity of the world. Other networks (financial, trade, economic, legal and institutional) have their own rules, while being in motion and interacting with each other they represent a phenomenon of globalization.In the water sector, with its several aspects, this process has influenced politics, economy, technology, environment, culture, ideology and even religion since the 1950s. Each globalization aspect produced its effect on the water sector in countries, regions, and the world, even in periods and countries where the sector was developed independently.These aspects play different roles at each development stage. The degrees to which globalization penetrates at regional and national levels are different, dependent on the degree of the anti‐effect of governance. Dynamics of the processes are quite representative in Central Asia, which despite being behind the Iron Curtain for a long time could not withstand global trends and tendencies. The influence of “globalism” on the water sector in Central Asia is presented in this paper. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel sodium alginate/polyethyleneimine polyion complex membranes for pervaporation dehydration at the azeotropic composition of various alcohols
Authors: Devi D Anjali , Smitha Biduru , Sridhar Sundergopal , Jawalkar Sheetal S , Aminabhavi Tejraj M 
Published: September 2007

AbstractDense polyion complex membranes of anionic sodium alginate (NaAlg) and cationic polyethyleneimine (PEI) were prepareand crosslinked with glutaraldehyde for dehydration of alcohol–water mixtures by pervaporation (PV). The membranes were characterized by ion‐exchange capacity measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the extent of cross‐linking, intermolecular interactions, thermal stability, and surface and cross‐sectional morphologies, respectively. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction was used to investigate the crystallinity of the membranes. PV dehydration characteristics of the membranes were determined as a function of PEI content, crosslinking time as well as feed water composition. Transport parameters such as sorption, diffusion and permeability of water and alcohols through the membranes were determined. Among the four different membrane compositions, the polyion complex containing 40% PEI was found to yield optimum separation data in terms of membrane stability, selectivity and permeability. On the other hand, 10% PEI‐containing membrane gave the highest selectivity with the lowest flux at ambient temperature, but the membranes were not sufficiently stable. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of biosorbents for Cu removal from wastewater in the presence of EDTA
Authors: Gabaldón Carmen , Izquierdo Marta , Marzal Paula , Sempere Feliu 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: This paper evaluates the use of several biosorbents for Cu removal from aqueous solutions in the absence and presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The objective was to determine the applicability of the sorption process after conventional physicochemical wastewater treatment, or as primary treatment, replacing the physicochemical process.RESULTS: Fixed‐bed experiments were performed at Cu influent concentrations of 2 and 20 mg dm−3 and EDTA doses between 0 and 10 mg dm−3. At low Cu concentration without EDTA, Cu uptake capacity followed the order Posidonia oceanica > chitosan > chitin > Scharlau AC > Darco AC, with a maximum, at C/C0 = 0.2, of 23.2 mg g−1. In the presence of EDTA, Cu was detected in the effluent from the beginning of the operation, except for the activated carbons and chitosan at low EDTA doses. At higher EDTA doses, the activated carbons showed the best performance. Uptakes at Cu concentration of 20 mg dm−3 without EDTA were 51.6 (Posidonia oceanica) and 41.4 mg g−1 (chitosan) at C/C0 = 0.2.CONCLUSION: A sequence of one fixed bed with Posidonia oceanica followed by another with Scharlau AC should be an alternative to Cu precipitation, with Cu effluent concentration lower than 0.5 mg dm−3 for more than 350 pore volumes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of lime pretreated wheat straw to ethanol
Authors: Saha Badal C , Cotta Michael A 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: The objective of this work is to develop an efficient pretreatment method that can help enzymes break down the complex carbohydrates present in wheat straw to sugars, and to then ferment of all these sugars to ethanol.RESULTS: The yield of sugars from wheat straw (8.6%, w/v) by lime pretreatment (100 mg g−1 straw, 121 °C, 1 h) and enzymatic hydrolysis (45 °C, pH 5.0, 120 h) using a cocktail of three commercial enzyme preparations (cellulase, β‐glucosidase, and xylanase) at the dose level of 0.15 mL of each enzyme preparation g−1 straw was 568 ± 13 mg g−1 (82% yield). The concentration of ethanol from lime pretreated enzyme saccharified wheat straw (78 g) hydrolyzate by recombinant Escherichia coli strain FBR5 at pH 6.5 and 35 °C in 24 h was 22.5 ± 0.6 g L−1 with a yield of 0.50 g g−1 available sugars (0.29 g g−1 straw). The ethanol concentration was 20.6 ± 0.4 g L−1 with a yield of 0.26 g g−1 straw in the case of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation by the E. coli strain at pH 6.0 and 35 °C in 72 h.CONCLUSION: The results are important in choosing a suitable pretreatment option for developing bioprocess technologies for conversion of wheat straw to fuel ethanol. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Interfacing biocatalysis and organic synthesis
Authors: Wohlgemuth Roland 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe path to new chemical entities often shows the limitations of existing tools both in biocatalysis and organic chemistry. Organic synthetic procedures to prepare a compound in a target‐oriented synthesis can damage other functional parts of the molecule. Protection–deprotection schemes can lead to a dead end, when a certain protecting group cannot be cleaved off. In biocatalysis, on the other hand, the required biocatalytic toolbox and methodology might not be readily available, therefore limiting a biocatalytic approach. New toolboxes, ingredients, and methodologies at the interface of classical organic synthesis and biocatalytic reactions bridge the gap between these two areas. Since product isolation and purification involves a substantial amount of time in the preparation of chemicals, methodologies to simplify these tasks are necessary to get the pure product into the bottle with less work‐up time.Efficient and safe new pharmaceuticals, intermediates and analytical reagents need to be prepared under certain safety, health, environmental and economical boundary conditions. Biocatalytic reactions have been shown to overcome these limitations successfully and are becoming increasingly important in industrial manufacturing.Building bridges between biocatalysis and organic synthesis will therefore create roads to new synthetic strategies and technological frontiers of both fundamental and practical interest. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Organic acid enhanced electrodialytic extraction of lead from contaminated soil fines in suspension
Authors: Jensen Pernille E , Ahring Birgitte K , Ottosen Lisbeth M 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe implementation of soil washing technology for the treatment of heavy metal contaminated soils is limited by the toxicity and unwieldiness of the remaining heavy metal contaminated sludge. In this work, the feasibility of combining electrodialytic remediation with heterotrophic leaching for decontamination of the sludge was investigated. The ability of 11 organic acids to extract Pb from the fine fraction of contaminated soil (grains < 63 µm) was investigated, and application of the acids as enhancing reagents during electrodialytic remediation (EDR) of Pb‐contaminated soil fines in suspension was tested. Five of the acids showed the ability to extract Pb from the soil fines in excess of the effect caused solely by pH changes. Addition of the acids, however, severely impeded EDR, hence promotion of EDR by combination with heterotrophic leaching was rejected. In contrast, enhancement of EDR with nitric acid gave promising results. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Integration of biocatalytic conversions into chemical syntheses
Authors: Hailes Helen C , Dalby Paul A , Woodley John M 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe future application of enzymes in organic synthesis is in part dependent on excellent integration with the neighbouring chemical conversions. This paper outlines some of the key issues to be addressed to achieve optimal integration either by modification of preceding (or following) chemical steps, biocatalyst evolution or combinations of these approaches together with process engineering. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Economized large‐scale production of high yield of rAAV for gene therapy applications exploiting baculovirus expression system
Authors: Negrete Alejandro , Yang Linda C. , Mendez Andres F. , Levy Justin R. , Kotin Robert M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe versatility of recombinant adeno‐associated vector (rAAV) as a gene delivery system is due to the vector's ability to transduce different cell types as well as dividing and non‐dividing cells. Large‐scale production of rAAV remains one of the major challenges for continued development of pre‐clinical and clinical studies, and for its potential commercialization. The baculovirus expression vectors (BEVS) and insect cells represent a potential method to produce rAAV economically at large scale. This technology uses three different BEVs (Bac‐Rep, Bac‐GFP, and Bac‐VP) each at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 3. We reported previously the production of rAAV at 40 L scale using a stirred‐tank bioreactor (STB). However, production in larger volumes is limited by the stability of the BEVs and amount of BEVs needed to achieve the target MOI of 3 per BEV. Here, the production parameters were optimized and the baculovirus stability was determined.MethodsThe stability of the three types of baculovirus used to produce rAAV was determined for six expansion passages by protein expression analysis. To economize baculovirus, MOI and cell density at time of infection (TOI) were evaluated initially at small scale and then applied to the 10 L scale.ResultsAn MOI = 0.03 and TOI cell density of 1 × 106 cells/mL produced high titer rAAV without comprising yield. To confirm the scalability of the process, rAAV was produced in a 10 L STB using the optimized parameters obtaining a 10× increase in yield (∼1 × 1014 rAAV DNAse‐resistant particles per liter).ConclusionThese findings contribute to the process development for large‐scale production of rAAV for gene therapy applications and its commercialization. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement and calculation of the Q‐branch spectrum of nitrogen using inverse Raman spectroscopy and cw Raman‐induced polarization spectroscopy
Authors: Naik Sameer V. , Hwang Jungyu , Lucht Robert P. , Laurendeau Normand M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe techniques of inverse Raman spectroscopy, Raman‐induced polarization spectroscopy (RIPS), and optical heterodyne RIPS (OHD‐RIPS) are compared by probing the Q‐branch of the nitrogen molecule. The signal is measured employing either a photomultiplier tube (low background level–RIPS) or a photodetector (high background level–IRS and OHD‐RIPS). The measurements are performed using atmospheric mixtures of N2Ar with concentrations varying from 0 to 79% N2. This strategy permits estimation of detection limits using the different techniques. Pump and probe energy levels are varied independently to study signal dependence on laser irradiance. A theoretical treatment is presented on the basis of the Raman susceptibility equations, which permits the calculation of spectra for all three techniques. Calculated Q‐branch spectra are compared with the measured spectra for the interactions of a linearly polarized probe beam with a linearly or circularly polarized pump beam. The polarizer angle in the detection path for OHD‐RIPS has a dramatic effect on the shape of the spectrum. The calculated and experimental OHD‐RIPS spectra are in good agreement over the entire range of investigated polarizer angles. Detection limits using these techniques are analyzed to suggest their applicability for measuring other species of importance in combustion and plasma systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐Pot Approach to Synthesize Star‐Shaped Polystyrenes via RAFT‐Mediated Radical Copolymerization
Authors: Liu Qingchun , Chen Yongming 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPreviously, we have reported a one‐pot approach to generate star‐shaped polymers by copolymerization of a maleimide inimer or bismaleimide hexane (BMIH) and a large excess of styrene (St) via atom transfer radical polymerization. Herein, we extended this approach towards the synthesis of star polystyrene through reversible addition fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT)‐mediated radical copolymerization of BMIH and an excess of St with cumyl dithiobenzoate (CDB) as a chain‐transfer agent (CTA). It was illustrated that the PS arms were grafted from the preformed core, which was formed in situ during the copolymerization of BMIH and St. Therefore, this facile one‐pot approach can be performed by applying different type of controlled radical polymerization. However, linear PS still was generated as a byproduct which had been observed previously.magnified image
Influence of Short‐Chain Branching of Polyethylenes on the Temperature Dependence of Rheological Properties in Shear
Authors: Stadler Florian J. , Gabriel Claus , Münstedt Helmut 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis contribution describes the influence of short‐chain branching on the temperature dependence of rheological properties of polyethylene (PE) melts in shear. The materials investigated are linear and short‐chain branched, metallocene‐catalyzed PEs of narrow molecular mass distribution. The linear viscoelastic properties are determined by dynamic‐mechanical analysis. Short‐chain branching (SCB) leads to an increase of the flow activation energy. The activation energy was found to increase linearly with rising weight comonomer content.magnified image
Influence of Chain Structure on Phase Behavior and Thermal Degradation of Poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/Poly(hydroxy ether) of Bisphenol‐A Blends
Authors: Farmahini‐Farahani Madjid , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Yavari Ahmad , Bakhshi Raheleh , Tarameshlou Mohammad 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis paper describes thermal decomposition and phase behavior of binary blends composed of poly(trimethylene terephthalate), (PTT), and a phenoxy resin namely poly(hydroxy ether) of bisphenol‐A prepared via melt blending. Analysis of the SEM and DMA results revealed that except for PTT/phenoxy 90/10 sample, all PTT/phenoxy blends were homogeneous. The reactions occurring in PTT/phenoxy system and their effect on molecular weight were investigated by 1H NMR and GPC respectively. 1H NMR spectra proved that the reaction of grafting PTT on phenoxy chains occurs in the system which eventually leads to formation of cross‐linked structures in the system. It was also found that chain scission reactions are responsible for decreasing molecular weight at low temperatures, while at higher temperatures formation of cross‐linked structures increases thermal stability of the blends. Investigation on type of atmosphere (nitrogen and oxygen) showed no significant effect on the thermal stability of the blends especially at low temperatures. However, oxygen results in formation of a high‐temperature shoulder in the TGA curves. This shoulder is attributed to degradation of cross‐linked structures formed during the TGA heating scan.magnified image
A Study of the Mechanical and Fracture Behavior of Jute‐Fabric‐Reinforced Clay‐Modified Thermoplastic Starch‐Matrix Composites
Authors: Ray Dipa , Sengupta Suparna , Sengupta Siba P. , Mohanty Amar K. , Misra Manjusri 
Published: September 2007

AbstractStarch/poly(vinyl alcohol) films plasticized with glycerol were prepared by a solution‐casting method and were used as the matrix material for making jute‐fabric‐reinforced starch‐based composites. Four sets of composites were prepared with a variation in the matrix composition, all having 40 wt.‐% jute fabric as the reinforcement. The mechanical properties were superior in the case of the matrices containing a higher amount of starch. DMA was done to investigate the nature of bonding at the interface. The fracture surfaces were examined by SEM. Intimate bonding of the jute fibers with the matrix was evident. The clay‐filled matrices displayed a flat crack surface without any plastic deformation.magnified image
Iterative solution of Hermite boundary integral equations
Authors: Gray L. J. , Nintcheu Fata S. , Ma D. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAn efficient iterative method for solution of the linear equations arising from a Hermite boundary integral approximation has been developed. Along with equations for the boundary unknowns, the Hermite system incorporates equations for the first‐order surface derivatives (gradient) of the potential, and is therefore substantially larger than the matrix for a corresponding linear approximation. However, by exploiting the structure of the Hermite matrix, a two‐level iterative algorithm has been shown to provide a very efficient solution algorithm. In this approach, the boundary function unknowns are treated separately from the gradient, taking advantage of the sparsity and near‐positive definiteness of the gradient equations. In test problems, the new algorithm significantly reduced computation time compared with iterative solution applied to the full matrix. This approach should prove to be even more effective for the larger systems encountered in three‐dimensional analysis, and increased efficiency should come from pre‐conditioning of the non‐sparse matrix component. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computing bounds to real eigenvalues of real‐interval matrices
Authors: Leng Huinan , He Zhiqing , Yuan Quan 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn this study, a new method with algorithms for computing bounds to real eigenvalues of real‐interval matrices is developed. The algorithms are based on the properties of continuous functions. The method can provide the tightest eigenvalue bounds and improve some former research results. Numerical examples illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the new method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐optimal control of flexible systems subject to friction
Authors: Kim Jae‐Jun , Kased Rajaey , Singh Tarunraj 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis paper presents a technique for the determination of time‐optimal control profiles for rest‐to‐rest maneuvers of a mass–spring system, subject to Coulomb friction. A parameterization of the control input that accounts for the friction force, resulting in a linear analysis of the system is proposed. The optimality condition is examined for the control profile resulting from the parameter optimization problem. The development is illustrated on a single input system where the control input and the friction force act on the same body. The variation of the optimal control structure as a function of final displacement is also exemplified on the friction benchmark problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The heat‐shock protein 90 inhibitor, geldanamycin, induces apoptotic cell death in Epstein–Barr virus‐positive NK/T‐cell lymphoma by Akt down‐regulation
Authors: Jeon YK , Park CH , Kim K‐Y , Li YC , Kim J , Kim YA , Paik J‐H , Park B‐K , Kim C‐W , Kim Y‐N 
Published: September 2007

AbstractNK/T‐cell lymphoma (NKTL) is strongly associated with latent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Recently, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), an EBV oncoprotein, was reported to activate the phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway for cell survival. Because geldanamycin (GA) and its derivative, 17‐allylamino‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin (17‐AAG), exhibit anti‐tumour activity by degrading HSP90 client proteins, including Akt, we investigated the effect of GA and 17‐AAG on the survival of NKTL cell lines. EBV‐positive NKTL cell lines, Hank‐1 and NK‐YS, and an EBV‐negative NK leukaemia cell line, NK‐L, were treated with PI3K and Akt inhibitors, GA, and 17‐AAG, and were subjected to apoptosis and cell viability assays, and immunoblot analysis. EBV‐positive B‐lymphoblastoid cell lines IM9 and LMP1‐transfected IM9 (IM9‐LMP1) were also included. Hank‐1 and NK‐YS cell viability was compromised and apoptosis was induced by LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) or Akt inhibitor II. GA or 17‐AAG administration resulted in the apoptosis of NKTL cells, accompanied by Akt and pAkt down‐regulation, caspase 3 activation, and mitochondrial membrane potential disruption. The intrinsic level of pAkt was higher in EBV‐positive NKTL cells than in EBV‐negative NK‐L, and GA or 17‐AAG decreased the viability of NKTL cells more efficiently than NK‐L. Moreover, IM9‐LMP1 was more sensitive to Akt inhibitor II or HSP90 inhibitors than IM9. Importantly, GA showed little effect on the viability of normal peripheral NK cells as non‐neoplastic counterparts for comparison. In conclusion, this study suggests that the PI3K/Akt pathway is frequently activated in EBV‐positive NKTL and that therapeutic modalities based on targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway with HSP90 inhibitors could be useful for achieving NKTL control. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.