bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One year of downwelling spectral radiance measurements from 100 to 1400 cm−1 at Dome Concordia: Results in clear conditions
Authors: Rizzi R. , Arosio C. , Maestri T. , Palchetti L. , Bianchini G. , Del Guasta M.
Published: September 2016

The present work examines downwelling radiance spectra measured at the ground during 2013 by a Far Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometer at Dome C, Antarctica. A tropospheric backscatter and depolarization lidar is also deployed at same site, and a radiosonde system is routinely operative. The measurements allow characterization of the water vapor and clouds infrared properties in Antarctica under all sky conditions. In this paper we specifically discuss cloud detection and the analysis in clear sky condition, required for the discussion of the results obtained in cloudy conditions. First, the paper discusses the procedures adopted for the quality control of spectra acquired automatically. Then it describes the classification procedure used to discriminate spectra measured in clear sky from cloudy conditions. Finally a selection is performed and 66 clear cases, spanning the whole year, are compared to simulations. The computation of layer molecular optical depth is performed with line‐by‐line techniques and a convolution to simulate the Radiation Explorer in the Far InfraRed‐Prototype for Applications and Development (REFIR‐PAD) measurements; the downwelling radiance for selected clear cases is computed with a state‐of‐the‐art adding‐doubling code. The mean difference over all selected cases between simulated and measured radiance is within experimental error for all the selected microwindows except for the negative residuals found for all microwindows in the range 200 to 400 cm−1, with largest values around 295.1 cm−1. The paper discusses possible reasons for the discrepancy and identifies the incorrect magnitude of the water vapor total absorption coefficient as the cause of such large negative radiance bias below 400 cm−1.
End‐member identification and spectral mixture analysis of CRISM hyperspectral data: A case study on southwest Melas Chasma, Mars
Authors: Liu Yang , Glotch Timothy D. , Scudder Noel A. , Kraner Meredith L. , Condus Thomas , Arvidson Raymond E. , Guinness Edward A. , Wolff Michael J. , Smith Michael D.
Published: September 2016

We present spectral unmixing results over the southwest Melas Chasma region, where a variety of hydrated minerals were identified. We use the Discrete Ordinate Radiative Transfer radiative transfer model to simultaneously model Mars atmospheric gases, aerosols, and surface scattering and retrieve the single‐scattering albedos (SSAs) modeled by the Hapke bidirectional scattering function from Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) data. We employ a spectral unmixing algorithm to quantitatively analyze the mineral abundances by modeling the atmospherically corrected CRISM SSAs using a nonnegative least squares linear deconvolution algorithm. To build the spectral library used for spectral unmixing, we use the factor analysis and target transformation technique to recover spectral end‐members within the CRISM scenes. We investigate several distinct geologic units, including an interbedded polyhydrated and monohydrated sulfate unit (interbedded unit 1) and an interbedded phyllosilicate‐sulfate unit (interbedded unit 2). Our spectral unmixing results indicate that polyhydrated sulfates in the interbedded unit 1 have a much lower abundance (~10%) than that of the surrounding unit (~20%) and thus may have been partially dehydrated into kieserite to form the interbedded strata, supporting a two‐staged precipitation‐dehydration formation hypothesis. In the interbedded unit 2 phyllosilicates have an abundance of ~40% and are interbedded with ~20% sulfates. The results, in combination with thermodynamic calculations performed previously, suggest that the interbedded phyllosilicates and sulfates likely formed through coupled basalt weathering and evaporation. The methodology developed in this study provides a powerful tool to derive the mineral abundances, aiming to better constrain the formation processes of minerals and past aqueous environment on Mars.
Logging
Authors: Chapman Colin A. , Milich Krista M.
Published: September 2016

Tropical forest has disappeared dramatically and the rate of its decline increased by 2101 km2per year between 2000 and 2012. Much of this loss was initiated by the $11.2 billion tropical timber industry, and after unsustainable logging is initiated, areas are often cleared by agriculturalists or pastoralists. Unfortunately, the impact of logging on primates is uncertain as it varies with respect to the size of the area logged, extraction regimes and incidental damage, the type of forest harvested, the original composition of the primate community (e.g., frugivore versus folivore), proximity to undisturbed primary forest, and the time between logging and monitoring. In addition, improved road access resulting from the logging operation may or may not increase hunting. Researchers have made significant advances in finding ways to decrease the impact of logging on primates, but need to study how to implement their findings.
C
‐peptide of Insulin
Authors: Thompson Melissa Emery
Published: September 2016

The hormone insulin regulates the uptake and storage of glucose and communicates with the brain to regulate energy balance. While it is difficult to accurately measure insulin secretion, the C‐peptide that is cleaved from the two active polypeptide chains can be readily measured in both serum and urine. Recent work with wild and captive primates has validated urinary C‐peptide of insulin as a means to monitor energy balance, or the net difference between caloric intake and expenditure that results in weight loss or gain. C‐peptide assessment presents an improvement on time‐consuming or nonspecific methodologies for evaluating ecological impacts on individual animals.
Drills and Mandrills
Authors: Setchell Joanna M.
Published: September 2016

Drills (
Mandrillus leucophaeus
) and mandrills (
Mandrillus sphinx
) are the only two extant species in the genus
Mandrillus
. They are large, highly sexually dimorphic, and extremely colorful. They live in very large groups in the rainforests of west central Africa. Very little is known about the ecology and social organization of drills, although mandrills are somewhat better studied. Drills face a very high, and mandrills a high, risk of extinction in the wild.
Miocene Primates
Authors: Harrison Terry
Published: September 2016

Primates are known to have inhabited Eurasia, Africa, North America, and South America, based on fossils from the Miocene (24–5 million years ago). Omomyoid and adapoid primates that had been a diverse component of the Eocene faunas of North America and Eurasia were restricted to a few relictual representatives by the Miocene. Strepsirhine primates, closely related to modern lorises and galagos, were living in Africa and Asia, while tarsiids were distributed across tropical Asia. New World monkeys (platyrrhines) were diversifying rapidly in South America at this time, and their Miocene fossil record documents the earliest appearance of modern platyrrhine lineages. Primitive catarrhines, apes, and Old World monkeys were restricted to Africa during the early part of the early Miocene, but by the middle and late Miocene they had also spread throughout Eurasia.
High‐Performance Ferroelectric Polymer Side‐Gated CdS Nanowire Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Zheng Dingshan , Fang Hehai , Wang Peng , Luo Wenjin , Gong Fan , Ho Johnny C. , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei , Liao Lei , Wang Jianlu , Hu Weida
Published: September 2016

An efficient ferroelectric‐enhanced side‐gated single CdS nanowire (NW) ultraviolet (UV) photodetector at room temperature is demonstrated. With the ultrahigh electrostatic field from polarization of ferroelectric polymer, the depletion of the intrinsic carriers in the CdS NW channel is achieved, which significantly reduces the dark current and increases the sensitivity of the UV photodetector even after the gate voltage is removed. Meanwhile, the low frequency noise current power of the device reaches as low as 4.6 × 10−28 A2 at a source‐drain voltage Vds = 1 V. The single CdS NW UV photodetector exhibits high photoconductive gain of 8.6 × 105, responsivity of 2.6 × 105 A W−1, and specific detectivity (D*) of 2.3 × 1016 Jones at a low power density of 0.01 mW cm−2 for λ = 375 nm. In addition, the spatially resolved scanning photocurrent mapping across the device shows strong photocurrent signals near the metal contacts. This is promising for the design of a controllable, high‐performance, and low power consumption ultraviolet photodetector.
Gas Pickering Emulsion Templated Hollow Carbon for High Rate Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Matthew , Zhang Yining , Wang Xiaolei , Ahn Wook , Jiang Gaopeng , Feng Kun , Lui Gregory , Chen Zhongwei
Published: September 2016

A CO2 in water nanoparticle stabilized Pickering emulsion is used to template micrometer sized hollow porous nitrogen doped carbon particles for high rate performance lithium sulfur battery. For the first time, nanoparticles serve the dual role of an emulsion stabilizer and a pore template for the shell, directly utilizing in situ generated CO2 bubbles as template for the core. The minimalistic nature of this method does not require expensive surfactants or additional core templates. Upon polymerization of melamine formaldehyde onto CO2, a robust polymer/silica composite shell is formed and transformed into a porous shell upon washing. The micrometer‐sized hollow morphology in combination with its nitrogen rich porous shell demonstrates impressive rate capabilities of 670 and 500 mAh g−1 even at a high rate of 7C and 9C, respectively. This material also possesses excellent cycle durability, exhibiting a low capacity decay of 0.088%/cycle over 300 cycles. Measurement of the shuttle current and impedance provides interesting insight into the polysulfide mass transfer mechanism of hollow structured sulfur hosts.
Germanium Nanograin Decoration on Carbon Shell: Boosting Lithium‐Storage Properties of Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Luo Wei , Shen Dengke , Zhang Renyuan , Zhang Binwei , Wang Yunxiao , Dou Shi Xue , Liu Hua Kun , Yang Jianping
Published: September 2016

A novel heterostructured Si@C@Ge anode is developed via a two‐step sol–gel method. A facile and straightforward Ge decoration significantly boosts the Li‐storage performance of core–shell Si@C nanoparticles on both mechanics and kinetics. The Si@C@Ge anode shows unprecedented electrochemical performance in terms of accessible capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability when compared to those of a core–shell Si@C anode. Based on the experimental results and analysis of the mechanism, it is evident that high‐conductivity Ge nanograins on the surface facilitates the Li diffusivity and electron transport and guarantees high ion accessibility. Moreover, it is the Ge nanograins that serve as buffering cushion to tolerate the mechanic strain distribution on the electrode during lithiation/delithiation processes.
Polymorphism in the 1:1 Charge‐Transfer Complex DBTTF–TCNQ and Its Effects on Optical and Electronic Properties
Authors: Goetz Katelyn P. , Tsutsumi Jun'ya , Pookpanratana Sujitra , Chen Jihua , Corbin Nathan S. , Behera Rakesh K. , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Richter Curt A. , Hacker Christina A. , Hasegawa Tatsuo , Jurchescu Oana D.
Published: September 2016

The organic charge‐transfer complex dibenzotetrathiafulvalene–7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane is found to crystallize in two polymorphs when grown by physical vapor transport: the known α‐polymorph and a new structure, the β‐polymorph. Structural and elemental analysis via selected area electron diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and polarized IR spectroscopy reveal that the complexes have the same stoichiometry with a 1:1 donor: acceptor ratio, but exhibit unique unit cells. The structural variations result in significant differences in the optoelectronic properties of the crystals, as observed in the experiments and electronic‐structure calculations. Raman spectroscopy shows that the α‐polymorph has a degree of charge transfer of about 0.5e, while the β‐polymorph is nearly neutral. Organic field‐effect transistors fabricated on these crystals reveal that in the same device structure both polymorphs show ambipolar charge transport, but the α‐polymorph exhibits electron‐dominant transport while the β‐polymorph is hole‐dominant. Together, these measurements imply that the transport features result from differing donor–acceptor overlap and consequential varying in frontier molecular orbital mixing, as suggested theoretically for charge‐transfer complexes.
A novel mutation in PIGW causes glycosylphosphatidylinositol deficiency without hyperphosphatasia
Authors: Hogrebe Max , Murakami Yoshiko , Wild Martin , Ahlmann Martina , Biskup Saskia , Hörtnagel Konstanze , Grüneberg Marianne , Reunert Janine , Linden Tobias , Kinoshita Taroh , Marquardt Thorsten
Published: September 2016

In recent years, many mutations have been identified that affect the biosynthesis of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor, a biomolecule that attaches surface molecules to cell membranes. Here, we present two second‐degree cousins with unexplained patterns of seizures. Next‐generation sequencing identified the homozygous c.460A>G; p.(R154G) PIGW mutation in both patients. Transfection of the mutated allele into Pigw‐defective CHO cells indicated impaired enzymatic activity of the mutated PIGW product. Alkaline phosphatase did not exceed the upper normal range and flow cytometry of CD16, CD24, and CD66c on granulocytes showed subtle changes of the cellular expression of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored proteins. The patients’ phenotype is therefore remarkably different from the phenotype of the only other described individual with PIGW mutations. Patients might therefore be missed when relying on traditional flow cytometry of glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored proteins only and we suggest that glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐deficiency should be considered even with patients not showing the typical clinical phenotypes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pediatric pituitary resection: characterizing surgical approaches and complications
Authors: Hanba Curtis , Svider Peter F. , Shkoukani Mahdi A. , Sheyn Anthony , Jacob Jeffrey T. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Folbe Adam J.
Published: September 2016

Background

Although there has been extensive study evaluating adult pituitary surgery, there has been scant analysis among children. Our objective was to evaluate a population‐based resource to characterize nationwide trends in surgical approach, hospital stay, and complications among children undergoing pituitary surgery.

Methods

The Kids’ Inpatient‐Database (KID) files (2009/2012) were evaluated for pituitary gland excisions. Procedure, patient demographics, length of inpatient stay, inpatient costs, hospital setting, and surgical complications were analyzed.

Results

A weighted incidence of 1071 cases were analyzed; the majority (77.6%) underwent transsphenoidal resections. These patients had significantly decreased hospital costs and lengths of stay. Patients undergoing transfrontal approaches had significantly greater rates of postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) (66.5%), panhypopituitarism (38.8%), hydrocephalus, and visual deficits. Among transsphenoidal patients, males had greater rates of postoperative hydrocephalus (5.5%) and panhypopituitarism (17.5%) than females, and patients ≤10 years old had greater rates of these 2 complications (14.5%, 19.4%, respectively) as well as DI (61.3%).

Conclusion

A greater proportion of children undergo transfrontal approaches for pituitary lesions than in their adult counterparts. This difference may harbor a potential to influence future sellar resection approaches in children toward a transsphenoidal operation when surgically feasible. Patients undergoing transfrontal procedures have greater risks for many intraoperative and postoperative complications relative to individuals undergoing transsphenoidal resections. Among patients undergoing transsphenoidal approaches, males had significantly greater rates of postoperative hydrocephalus and panhypopituitarism, and younger children had greater rates of postoperative DI, hydrocephalus, and panhypopituitarism. These data reinforce the need for greater vigilance in the postoperative care of younger children undergoing transsphenoidal surgery.
An adult case of laryngopharyngeal burn by drinking hot water
Authors: Iyama Keita , Ueki Tomohiro , Yamano Shuhei , Tajima Goro , Inokuma Takamitsu , Hirao Tomohito , Yamashita Kazunori , Nagatani Atsuko , Tasaki Osamu
Published: September 2016

Case

A 61‐year‐old man who was hospitalized with schizophrenia in a psychiatric hospital drank hot water estimated to be 90°C. Eight hours after injury, laryngopharynx edema gradually progressed, and his breathing deteriorated. Upon arrival at our emergency room, we secured his respiratory tract by nasal intubation under a bronchoscope.

Outcome

The edema gradually improved after peaking at hospital day 2, and he was extubated on hospital day 18. There were no apparent respiratory or esophageal problems, and he was discharged back to the psychiatric hospital on day 28.

Conclusion

These types of laryngopharynx burns caused by ingesting hot foods or drinks have been rarely reported for adults. In cases of adults, when the patient is in a special situation such as having a psychiatric disorder, it is necessary to assume that the laryngopharynx burns might be aggravated.
Spontaneous Reduction of a Hydroborane To Generate a B−B Single Bond by the Use of a Lewis Pair
Authors: Rochette Étienne , Bouchard Nicolas , Légaré Lavergne Julien , Matta Chérif F. , Fontaine Frédéric‐Georges
Published: September 2016

The ansa‐aminohydroborane 1‐NMe2‐2‐(BH2)C6H4 crystallizes in an unprecedented type of dimer containing a B−H bond activated by one FLP moiety. Upon mild heating and without the use of any catalyst, this molecule liberates one equivalent of hydrogen to generate a diborane molecule. The synthesis and structural characterization of these new compounds, as well as the kinetic monitoring of the reaction and the DFT investigation of its mechanism, are reported.
Cobalt‐Doped FeS2 Nanospheres with Complete Solid Solubility as a High‐Performance Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Kai , Park Mihui , Zhou Limin , Lee Gi‐Hyeok , Shin Jeongyim , Hu Zhe , Chou Shu‐Lei , Chen Jun , Kang Yong‐Mook
Published: September 2016

Considering that the high capacity, long‐term cycle life, and high‐rate capability of anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) is a bottleneck currently, a series of Co‐doped FeS2 solid solutions with different Co contents were prepared by a facile solvothermal method, and for the first time their Na‐storage properties were investigated. The optimized Co0.5Fe0.5S2 (Fe0.5) has discharge capacities of 0.220 Ah g−1 after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1 and 0.172 Ah g−1 even at 20 A g−1 with compatible ether‐based electrolyte in a voltage window of 0.8–2.9 V. The Fe0.5 sample transforms to layered NaxCo0.5Fe0.5S2 by initial activation, and the layered structure is maintained during following cycles. The redox reactions of NaxCo0.5Fe0.5S2 are dominated by pseudocapacitive behavior, leading to fast Na+ insertion/extraction and durable cycle life. A Na3V2(PO4)3/Fe0.5 full cell was assembled, delivering an initial capacity of 0.340 Ah g−1.
Spontaneous Reduction of a Hydroborane To Generate a B−B Single Bond by the Use of a Lewis Pair
Authors: Rochette Étienne , Bouchard Nicolas , Légaré Lavergne Julien , Matta Chérif F. , Fontaine Frédéric‐Georges
Published: September 2016

The ansa‐aminohydroborane 1‐NMe2‐2‐(BH2)C6H4crystallizes in an unprecedented type of dimer containing a B−H bond activated by one FLP moiety. Upon mild heating and without the use of any catalyst, this molecule liberates one equivalent of hydrogen to generate a diborane molecule. The synthesis and structural characterization of these new compounds, as well as the kinetic monitoring of the reaction and the DFT investigation of its mechanism, are reported.
Formation damage in chemical enhanced oil recovery processes
Authors: Sheng James J.
Published: September 2016

Generally, we do not link enhanced oil recovery (EOR) to formation damage. However, formation damage can occur during chemical EOR processes, although it is not often discussed in literature on the topic. This unfortunate gap in EOR literature ignores the fascinating fact that sometimes the formation damages in some chemical EOR processes are the very mechanisms that enhance oil recovery. This paper summarizes all of the formation damages in chemical EOR processes. The conditions and mechanisms to occur are detailed. Benefits and consequences are discussed. Solutions to promote the benefits and negate the consequences are summarized and/or proposed. This paper suggests that relevant experiments should be conducted to assess possible formation damages in chemical EOR processes. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flame‐retardant, glass‐fabric‐reinforced epoxy resin laminates fabricated through a gradient distribution mode
Authors: Liao Honghui , Liu Yuansen , Jiang Jun , Liu Yuan , Wang Qi
Published: September 2016

In general, epoxy resin (EP) glue mixed with a high content of flame retardants is used to coat glass fabrics layer by layer to prepare fire‐retardant printed circuit boards (PCBs). However, the addition of the flame retardants not only increases the cost but also greatly deteriorates the processability and mechanical properties of the PCBs. In this study, a gradient distribution mode of composite flame retardants was designed and applied in EP‐based PCB composites. Unlike the traditional uniform distribution mode, in which flame retardants are evenly distributed in every resin layer, the gradient mode concentrates a higher content of the flame retardants on the surface layer, and the concentrations are gradually reduced along the thickness. In this way, the surface resin can quickly form a condensed charring barrier to hold back fire; this effectively protects the underlying resin, which has lower contents of flame retardant. The results of this study show that PCB prepared by the gradient mode obtained satisfactory flame retardance (a UL94 V‐0 rating) with only a 3.5 wt % total amount of flame retardant; this value was much lower than that (6.3 wt %) of composites featuring a uniform distribution. Additionally, the gradient mode also maintained the mechanical properties of PCB better. The tensile, impact, and flexural strengths of the gradient distribution system were obviously higher than those of the uniform distribution one with the same content of flame retardant. On the basis of the mode, a more economic and efficient technology was developed to manufacture flame‐retardant layered PCB. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44369.
Electrical conductivity and transparency of polymer hybrid nanocomposites based on poly(trimethylene terephthalate) containing single walled carbon nanotubes and expanded graphite
Authors: Paszkiewicz S. , Szymczyk A. , Sui X. M. , Wagner H. D. , Linares A. , Cirera A. , Varea A. , Ezquerra T. A. , Rosłaniec Z.
Published: September 2016

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)/expanded graphite (EG)/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) hybrid nanocomposites were prepared via in situ polymerization. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to determine both, purity and morphology of the nanofillers and the dispersion of nanotubes and nanosheets. The electrical and optical properties of thin polymer films based on both “single” nanocomposites and hybrid nanocomposites were studied. For PTT/SWCNT nanocomposites, results confirmed that films optical transmittance decreases as the concentration of SWCNT increases, attaining almost no optical transmittance for 0.3 wt % of nanofiller. Conversely, the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites was found to increase by increasing the nanofiller amount and the σdc values indicate that percolation occurs at a very low SWCNT content (around 0.05 wt %). In the case of PTT/SWCNT + EG nanocomposites, when the content of SWCNT is 0.05%, the hybrid system presents lower conductivity than that corresponding to the “single” nanocomposite. The incorporation of additional EG to the PTT/SWCNT nanocomposite has a small effect on the electrical conductivity but inhibits the transparency of the system. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44370.
Rheological and fire properties of a composite of unsaturated polyester resin and halogen‐free flame retardants
Authors: Kużdżał Ewa , Cichy Barbara , Kicko‐Walczak Ewa , Rymarz Grażyna
Published: September 2016

The main subject of the present research is to determine the impact of flame retarding fillers on macroscopic properties of composites. The effect on rheological properties of composition unsaturated polyester resin (UP) and flame retardant blend (FR) consisting of expandable graphite (EG) and or not modified silica and: (1) melamine polyphosphate (MPP) with ammonium polyphosphate (APP), (2) MPP with aluminum trihydrate (ATH), (3) only MPP was examined. Next, their influence on thixotropic properties of UP was estimated. FR fillers were compared according to their grain size, specific surface, and shape factor. Rheological properties were determined by applying hysteresis loop surface and thixotropy factor measuring. For the UP + FR composition, the dependence of grain morphological parameters, such as shape factor and specific surface, on viscosity and hysteresis loop surface was determined experimentally. All of the tested composites consisting of UP + 40% FR blend exhibits high flame resistance. An addition of only 2% of modified silica to all of the FR blends caused significant enlargement of hysteresis loop surface and thixotropy index. Hence, for the next stage of the research (an industrial test of GRP pipes casted by the centrifugal method) FR blend without modified silica was chosen. A composite consisting of UP, MP, APP and EG is characterized by lower heat release rate (HRRmax) (ca. 83%) and lower TSR (ca. 80%), ALMR (55%), and MARHE (73%) in comparison to UP resin; and that UP + FR composition exhibit satisfactory rheological properties as well. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44371.
Decoration of graphene oxide nanosheets with amino silane‐functionalized silica nanoparticles for enhancing thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Klunbud Panupong , Suktha Phansiri , Sawangphruk Montree
Published: September 2016

Graphene oxide nanosheets were decorated by amino‐silane modified silica nanoparticles. An electrostatic interaction between the negative charge of oxygen‐containing groups of graphene oxide and the positive charge of amino‐silane functional groups on the surface of silica nanoparticles plays a major role for the interfacial interaction of these two materials. The hybrid material was then used as a reinforcement in polypropylene (PP) composite. The increasing tensile strength at yield, tensile, and flexural modulus of the PP composite at a graphene oxide‐ amino‐silane silica loading content of 20 wt % are about 24.81, 55.52, and 30.35%, respectively, when compared with those of PP. It is believed that GO assists the dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles to the polymer matrix because of its unique structure having hydrophilicity due to its oxygen functional groups and hydrophobicity owing to its backbone graphitic carbon structure. This hybrid material may also be used as the reinforcement in other polyolefins. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44382.
Durable adhesives based on electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) fibers
Authors: Sahay Rahul , Baji Avinash , Ranganath Anupama Sargur , Anand Ganesh V.
Published: September 2016

Herein, the fabrication of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibrous membrane using electrospinning is reported and its use for dry‐adhesive applications is demonstrated. The shear and normal adhesion performance of the samples was investigated using an Instron tensile tester and an atomic force microscope (AFM) respectively. For shear adhesion measurements, the electrospun membrane was finger pressed on to a glass slide and pulled in shear mode using a tensile tester. The thickness of the electrospun membrane was varied and the effect of thickness on shear adhesion was investigated. The shear adhesion strength increased when the thickness of the samples was reduced. Shear adhesion strength of a 200 µm thick sample was determined to be approximately 0.165 N/cm. For normal adhesion measurements, a flat tipless cantilever was used to indent the sample and then retract back to measure the pull‐off force. High shear adhesion strength and normal pull‐off force recorded are attributed to the fine size of the fibers that conform to the asperities present on the surfaces of the glass slide and the AFM cantilever. The durability of the adhesive was also verified by repeating the AFM adhesion measurements over 1000 consecutive attachment–detachment cycles. The pull‐off force was seen to be constant over 1000 attachment–detachment cycles. Our results indicate that these electrospun fibrous membranes can potentially be used as reusable dry‐adhesives. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44393.
Metallo‐organic n‐type thermoelectrics: Emphasizing advances in nickel‐ethenetetrathiolates
Authors: Menon Akanksha K. , Uzunlar Erdal , Wolfe Rylan M. W. , Reynolds John R. , Marder Seth R. , Yee Shannon K.
Published: September 2016

Metallo‐organic complexes with nickel as the metal center have been shown to exhibit high electrical conductivities warranting investigation of their thermoelectric potential. A review of metallo‐organic n‐type thermoelectrics is presented with a focus on nickel‐sulfur coordination compounds. Herein, we also investigate the extent of oxidation on thermoelectric properties of poly(Ni‐1,1,2,2‐ethenetetrathiolate) (Ni‐ETT) based materials. Elemental analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to characterize samples with different air exposure times, leading to differing levels of oxidation. When blended with an inert polymer matrix, the sample exposed to air for 30 min resulted in an eight times enhancement in electrical conductivity compared to the sample exposed to air for 24 h. Furthermore, the elemental composition of the 30 min sample fit the empirical formula Ax(MC2S4) postulated in literature, while the 24 h sample does not, which we attribute to decomposition during the oxidation process and presence of disulfides. The Seebeck coefficient remains largely unchanged as a function of oxidation time, indicating that this may be a viable technique to decouple Seebeck and electrical conductivity for high‐performance organic thermoelectric materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44402.
Reaction‐induced phase separation and resulting thermomechanical and surface properties of epoxy resin/poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) blends cured with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone
Authors: Parameswaranpillai Jyotishkumar , Krishnan Sidhardhan Sisanth , Jose Seno , Siengchin Suchart , Pionteck Jürgen , Magueresse Anthony , Grohens Yves , Hameed Nishar
Published: September 2016

We investigated the phase separation, cure kinetics and thermomechanical properties of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A/4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone/poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO–PPO–PEO) triblock copolymer (TBCP) blends. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and atomic force microscopy revealed that the blends exhibited heterogeneous phase morphology in which the TBCP formed dispersed domains in epoxy matrix, due to reaction induced phase separation. A fraction of phase‐separated PEO phase underwent partial crystallization whereas another fraction formed interphases between the dispersed domains and epoxy matrix. Moreover, the dispersed PEO chains improved the compatibility and interfacial adhesion between the matrix and domains and, consequently, significantly improved the mechanical properties of epoxy resin. Furthermore, the thermal degradation studies and contact angle measurements disclosed that the dispersed domains were well protected by the epoxy matrix. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44406.
Surface photochemical graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto polyamide thin film composite membranes
Authors: Hong Anh Ngo Thu , Tran D. T. , Hung Dinh Cuong
Published: September 2016

Surface modification is an effective approach to enhance the properties of polymeric membranes. In this work, the UV‐photo‐induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) onto the surfaces of polyamide thin film composite (TFC‐PA) membranes was carried out using an immersion method performed under ambient conditions. The experimental results indicate that the membrane surface becomes more hydrophilic because of the appearance of new carboxylic groups on the surface after the modification. This reduces the water contact angle and increases the water permeability compared with the unmodified membrane. The membrane surface is relatively compact and smooth due to the formation of the polymeric AA‐grafted layer. The separation performance of the modified membrane is improved with enhancements of the permeate flux and the retention of humic acid from aqueous feed solutions compared with those of the unmodified membrane. The fouling resistance of the membrane is also improved because of the higher maintained flux ratios and the lower irreversible fouling factors for the removal of various organic compounds from feed solutions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44418.
pH‐responsive core crosslinked polycarbonate micelles via thiol‐acrylate Michael addition reaction
Authors: He Jingwen , Xia Yingchun , Niu Yile , Hu Ding , Xia Xinnian , Lu Yanbing , Xu Weijian
Published: September 2016

A facile method for the construction of pH‐responsive core crosslinked micelles (CCLMs) based on polycarbonate was developed. Biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymer monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐Poly(AC) (mPEG‐b‐poly(AC)) with pendant acrylate group was synthesized by means of ring opening polymerization of acryloyl carbonate (AC). Then CCLMs were obtained via thiol‐acrylate Michael addition reaction between the pendant acrylate group in the hydrophobic block and the crosslinker 1,6‐hexanedithiol. DLS results showed that the CCLMs prepared from mPEG‐b‐poly(AC)25 were more stable than uncrosslinked micelles (UCLMs) upon dilution by 10‐fold DMF. Model drug Coumarin 102 was then encapsulated into the micelles. The pH‐responsive release of coumarin 102 from the CCLMs was demonstrated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The core crosslinked polycarbonate micelles have a potential as efficient intracellular smart drug delivery platforms. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44421.
Barrier properties of poly(lactic acid)/cloisite 30B composites and their relation between oxygen permeability and relative humidity
Authors: Bartel Melanie , Remde Helmut , Bohn Andreas , Ganster Johannes
Published: September 2016

Poly(lactic acid) based nanocomposite films were prepared by melt compounding and subsequent flat film extrusion. After characterizing the nanocomposites with the help of transmission electron microscopy and wide angle X‐ray diffraction to estimate the nanoclay distribution in the matrix material, the oxygen and water vapor permeability of untreated and annealed nanocomposite films were analyzed. A reduction to 34% of both permeability values could be realized by the addition of 6 wt % Cloisite 30B and subsequent annealing to realize maximum crystallinity. Experimental permeability as a function of nanoclay concentration was successfully described by the Tortuous Path Model. In addition, the correlation between oxygen permeability and relative humidity was analyzed for pure PLA and PLA based nanocomposite films. For both untreated films oxygen permeability decreased almost linearly between 0% and 96% RH to approximately 70% of the respective value for the dry sample. Annealed PLA films, on the other hand, showed a similar behavior up to 70% RH but an increase in oxygen permeation for higher moisture content. This is explained by the observed reduction in crystallinity generating more free volume, bringing the system closer to the amorphous case where permeability is generally higher. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44424.
Effect ofTween 80 on morphology and performance of poly(L‐lactic acid) ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Jiang Bin , Wang Baoyu , Zhang Luhong , Sun Yongli , Xiao Xiaoming , Yang Na , Dou Haozhen
Published: September 2016

Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was fabricated by immersion precipitation method using Tween 80 as an additive. Membrane structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity and pore size measurement, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Membrane performance was evaluated by pure water flux, molecular weight cut‐off, and tensile test. It was found that the addition of Tween 80 into the casting solution significantly increased the permeability and molecular weight cut‐off of membrane. Tensile test confirmed that the as‐prepared PLLA membranes exhibited acceptable mechanical properties for ultrafiltration. Further, the role of Tween 80 in the process of membrane formation was analyzed and proposed. The addition of Tween 80 favored the formation of larger pores by interrupting the polymer chain entanglement and improving the miscibility between solvent and coagulant. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 44428.
Self‐supporting‐film from starch, poly(vinyl alcohol), and glutaraldehyde: Optimization of composition using response surface methodology
Authors: Sen Chandani , Das Madhusweta
Published: September 2016

Use of starch based biodegradable packaging film can partially reduce the landfilling problem from non‐biodegradable petroleum based alternatives. The aim of this work was to optimize raw material blend composition containing corn‐starch (CS), and low amount of poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) to produce self‐supporting‐film (SSF), using response surface methodology. Rotatable central composite design was used to evaluate the effect of CS (6.25–7.50), PVA (0.00–1.25), and GA (0.00–1.25), in g/100 mL of the blend, on tensile strength (TS), percent elongation (%El), and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the film. The most significant (p < 0.01/0.05) factors were: CS and GA for TS, CS and PVA for El, and PVA for WVP. The SSFs were thin, flexible and transparent; the optimum composition (g/100 mL) to maximize TS and El, and minimize WVP was 7.50 (CS), 0.875 (PVA), and 0.125 (GA), which produced SSF showing TS: 11.66 MPa, %El: 8.56, and WVP: 0.13 g mm/m2 /kPa/h. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44436.
Dual‐Confined Sulfur Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Hollow TiO2 Spheres Wrapped with Graphene for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Fan Haining , Tang Qunli , Chen Xiaohua , Fan Binbin , Chen Shanliang , Hu Aiping
Published: September 2016

Lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries are attractive owing to their higher energy density and lower cost compared with the universally used lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), but there are some problems that stop their practical use, such as low utilization and rapid capacity‐fading of the sulfur cathode, which is mainly caused by the shuttle effect, and the uncontrollable deposition of lithium sulfide species. Herein, we report the design and fabrication of dual‐confined sulfur nanoparticles that were encapsulated inside hollow TiO2 spheres; the encapsulated nanoparticles were prepared by a facile hydrolysis process combined with acid etching, followed by “wrapping” with graphene (G−TiO2@S). In this unique composite architecture, the hollow TiO2 spheres acted as effective sulfur carriers by confining the polysulfides and buffering volume changes during the charge‐discharge processes by means of physical force from the hollow spheres and chemical binding between TiO2 and the polysulfides. Moreover, the graphene‐wrapped skin provided an effective 3D conductive network to improve the electronic conductivity of the sulfur cathode and, at the same time, to further suppress the dissolution of the polysulfides. As results, the G−TiO2@S hybrids exhibited a high and stable discharge capacity of up to 853.4 mA h g−1 over 200 cycles at 0.5 C (1 C=1675 mA g−1) and an excellent rate capability of 675 mA h g−1 at a current rate of 2 C; thus, G−TiO2@S holds great promise as a cathode material for Li−S batteries.
Ersatzneubau der Kajen im Marinestützpunkt Wilhelmshaven
Authors: Sunderdiek Hinnerk , Eickmeyer Dirk , Jäppelt Ulrich
Published: September 2016

Im Marinestützpunkt Wilhelmshaven werden zurzeit die Kajenwände sowie die Dalben einer Schwimmbrückenanlage erneuert. Die vorhandenen Kajen weisen umfangreiche Schäden und Standsicherheitsdefizite auf. Insbesondere führte mikrobiell induzierte Korrosion (MIC) auf der Rückseite der alten Spundwände zu Durchrostungen an den alten Spundwänden.

Inhalt des Berichts ist die planerische und bauliche Umsetzung der seit Anfang 2013 in der Bauausführung befindlichen Kajenerneuerung. Dabei wird insbesondere auf die Sicherung des Bestands während der Bauzeit, die gewählten Korrosionsschutzmaßnahmen sowie die Anforderungen an den Einbau der kombinierten Spundwände eingegangen.
The Silica‐based Formulations for Drug Delivery, Bone Treatment, and Bone Regeneration
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad A.
Published: September 2016

The utilization of the silica‐based materials in biomedical applications is evolving at a rapid pace with attentions mostly devoted to the ordered mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). However, apart from the ordered‐MSNs, a range of other silica‐based materials have been extensively applied in the controlled release (CR) of drugs, bone treatments, and bone regeneration, but have gained less attention. This article presents an overview on the recent research advancements of the silica‐based materials, i.e., silica xerogels, silica microspheres, silica hybrids, silica microcapsule particles, silica ceramics, silica bioactive glasses, and silica beads which are mainly used in CR of drugs, bone disease treatments, and bone regeneration. The in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations on these silica‐based materials for antibacterial properties, osteoblast cell activities, osteogenetic performances, cell adhesion and proliferation, bio‐mineralization, and material degradation are discussed. The effect of morphology or surface modifications and addition of bone morphogenetic proteins to the silica‐based formulations are illustrated.
Three‐Dimensional Analytical Surface Quantification of Heterogeneous Silica‐Alumina Catalyst Supports
Authors: Roiban Lucian , Ersen Ovidiu , Hirlimann Charles , Drillon Marc , Chaumonnot Alexandra , Lemaitre Laurent , Gay Anne‐Sophie , Sorbier Loïc
Published: September 2016

The ability of energy‐filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) tomography to provide 3 D chemical maps at the nanoscale opens a new way to analyse heterogeneous materials quantitatively. In association with other techniques, EFTEM tomography has been employed in the study of amorphous silica‐alumina catalyst supports. Two types of samples prepared either by mechanical mixing (MM) or by the precipitation of silica on boehmite (PSB) that have similar proportions of silica and alumina were analysed. The sample synthesised by the PSB method shows a smaller degree of heterogeneity than the sample obtained by MM. For both types of samples, a higher concentration of alumina was found at the surface, whereas silica mostly constituted the core of the sample. A thermal treatment in a humid atmosphere was shown to redistribute the silica inside the sample as well as on its surface, which decreased the specific surface area at the same time. The acid sites localisation was defined as a specific curve at the interface between the two components upon reaching the surface of the support. The length of this curve, the “alumina–silica boundary line”, was estimated by using EFTEM tomography and discussed qualitatively with the chemical inter‐mixing information deduced from additional techniques such as FTIR and NMR spectroscopy.
Spin Catalysis over Conductive Solids: Enhancing the Rate of Model C−C Bond Cracking over Carbon Nanoparticles
Authors: Khavryuchenko Oleksiy V. , Peslherbe Gilles H.
Published: September 2016

The concept of catalysis over a spin‐conductive mediator is investigated with quantum‐chemical calculations. Specifically, homolytic C−C bond cleavage in ethane over small edge‐oxidized half‐metallic carbon clusters in the presence of a methyl radical was considered with the complete active space self‐consistent field method. The methyl radical (spin catalyst) and carbon cluster (mediator) are found to share a common electronic orbital containing the radical unpaired electron, allowing nascent radicals emerging from ethane dissociation to interact with the spin catalyst through the carbon electronic system. This could result in spin flip, affording formation of a triplet radical pair not prone to recombination and thus resulting in the acceleration of the reaction rate. This demonstrates that new pathways may open up in controlled catalytic processes by allowing normally spin‐forbidden reactions and not necessarily lowering activation barriers in the traditional sense of catalysis.
Reaction and Mechanistic Studies of Heterogeneous Hydroamination over Support‐Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Sengupta Manideepa , Bag Arijit , Das Subhasis , Shukla Astha , Konathala L. N. Sivakumar , Naidu C. A. , Bordoloi Ankur
Published: September 2016

Highly stable gold nanoparticles (GNPs) around 5–6 nm have been prepared by in situ reduction of chloroauric acid on the surface of nitrogen‐rich mesoporous carbon (MCN) without adding any extra stabilizing agent. The synthesized materials have been efficiently utilized as a catalyst for the truly heterogeneous hydroamination of phenylacetylene with aniline. Large turnover numbers (42×106) were achieved by suitably adjusting the gold/support (w/w) ratio, time, temperature, and solvent, leading to 98 % selectivity towards the Markovnikov product. Density functional theory (DFT) studies have been performed to predict the mechanistic pathway of hydroamination with Au0 in GNP@MCN. To understand the structure–activity relationship, the catalyst was characterized by using different techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen physisorption studies (BET), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance of the BiVO4/Zn:BiVO4 Homojunction for Water Oxidation
Authors: Su Jinzhan , Liu Cong , Liu Dongyu , Li Mingtao , Zhou Jinglan
Published: September 2016

Bismuth vanadate is a promising semiconductor for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation under visible light. Yet its PEC performance is limited by its poor electron‐transfer mobility. In this study we modified the BiVO4 surface with Zn to address this problem. We used a ZnO coating and etching treatment to dope Zn atoms at the surface of BiVO4 by replacing the Bi atoms. The surface Zn doping treatment lowered the Fermi level of the outer part of BiVO4 (surface) and formed a BiVO4/Zn:BiVO4 homojunction with a type II band alignment with the inner part of BiVO4 (bulk). With this homojunction, the charge transfer process across the depletion region of the BiVO4 electrode was improved and the surface trapping of photogenerated electrons was avoided, which led to an enhanced PEC performance.