bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of Passive Nanofillers in Composite Polymer Electrolyte for Higher Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Naderi Roya , Gurung Ashim , Zhou Zhengping , Varnekar Geetha , Chen Ke , Zai Jiantao , Qian Xuefeng , Qiao Qiquan
Published: July 2017

Poor ionic conductivity in gel or solid electrolytes hinders the electrochemical performance and hence applications of solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries. In this work, a simple and efficient approach to increase the ionic conductivity of gel electrolytes is reported. Composite gel polymer electrolyte (CGPE) films, consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) as the host polymer and the trilayer polypropylene membrane as the mechanical support, are prepared using charge‐modified acidic TiO2 and basic SiO2 nanoparticles as ionic conductors. Ionic conductivities of 1.56, 1, and 1 × 10−2 mS cm−1 for acidic CGPE, basic CGPE, and CGPE without nanofillers are achieved, respectively. The Li‐graphite cells employing the modified nanofillers incorporated CGPE show an enhanced electrochemical performance with the first cycle specific capacity of 412/408.5 mAh g−1 for the cell with acidic CGPE and 349/347.18 mAh g−1 with basic CGPE at the C/20 rate. After five cycles, each of C/8, C/4, C/2, and 1C, the acidic CGPE demonstrates a capacity retention of 78% compared to that of the basic one with 70%. This modification method has been demonstrated as a simple, facile, and scalable technique to improve electrolyte performance for solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries.
Scalable Asymmetric Supercapacitors Based on Hybrid Organic/Biopolymer Electrodes
Authors: Ajjan Fatima Nadia , Vagin Mikhail , Rębiś Tomasz , Aguirre Luis Ever , Ouyang Liangqi , Inganäs Olle
Published: July 2017

A trihybrid bioelectrode composed of lignin, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and poly(aminoanthraquinone) (PAAQ) is prepared by a two‐step galvanostatic electropolymerization, and characterized for supercapacitor applications. Using PEDOT/Lignin as a base layer, followed by the consecutive deposition of PAAQ, the hybrid electrode PEDOT/Lignin/PAAQ shows a high specific capacitance of 418 F g−1 with small self‐discharge. This trihybrid electrode material can be assembled into symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors. The asymmetric supercapacitor uses PEDOT + Lignin/PAAQ as positive electrode and PEDOT/PAAQ as negative electrode, and exhibits superior electrochemical performance due to the synergistic effect of the two electrodes, which leads to a specific capacitance of 74 F g−1. It can be reversibly cycled in the voltage range of 0–0.7 V. More than 80% capacitance is retained after 10 000 cycles. These remarkable features reveal the exciting potential of a full organic energy storage device with long cycle life.
Highly Efficient and Durable Pd Hydride Nanocubes Embedded in 2D Amorphous NiB Nanosheets for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Lu Yizhong , Wang Jiong , Peng Yuecheng , Fisher Adrian , Wang Xin
Published: July 2017

A highly efficient and durable electrocatalyst of Pd hydride nanocubes encapsulated within 2D amorphous Ni‐B nanosheets is reported. The PdH0.43 nanocubes are first synthesized via a simple N,N‐dimethylformamide thermal treatment. The as‐synthesized PdH0.43 nanocubes are then encapsulated in 2D amorphous NiB nanosheets by NaBH4 reduction in the presence of nickel species. During the NaBH4 treatment, the PdH0.43 can be further transformed into PdH0.706 due to the presence of endogenous H2. Electrochemical studies demonstrate that the degree of hydride of Pd nanocubes (PdHx) plays an important role in the enhancement of their oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. With increasing x value, both the activity and stability increase significantly. At 0.90 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, the ORR activity of PdH0.706 @Ni‐B reaches 1.05 A mgPd−1, which is nearly five times higher than that of the state‐of‐the‐art Pt catalysts. Accelerated durability tests show that even after 10 000 potential cycles, there is negligible shift in their half‐wave potential and no shape and structure change occurs, indicating the incorporation of amorphous 2D Ni‐B nanosheets can greatly improve their stability without compromising their activity. The present study illustrates the importance of high degree of hydride and presence of amorphous Ni‐B nanosheets on the enhancement of ORR activity for Pd‐based electrocatalyst.
A comprehensive analysis of the BET area for nanoporous materials
Authors: Tian Yun , Wu Jianzhong
Published: July 2017

The Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) method has been used extensively to characterize the surface areas of porous materials by semiempirical fitting of gas‐adsorption isotherms. However, questions often arise concerning the applicability and the exact meaning of the BET areas. In particular, there has been much debate about whether the BET method provides a faithful description of the geometrical areas of porous materials if the atomic structures are exactly known. In this work, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the BET areas for both model slit pores and crystalline porous materials using the grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation. Based on extensive simulation data for nitrogen adsorption at 77 K and the conventional models of materials characterization, we find no simple correlation between the BET and geometrical surface areas. For materials with the same BET area, their geometric surface areas may vary over one order of magnitude. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 286–293, 2018
Total Syntheses of Cystobactamids and Structural Confirmation of Cystobactamid 919‐2
Authors: Cheng Bichu , Müller Rolf , Trauner Dirk
Published: July 2017

The cystobactamids are a family of antibacterial natural products with unprecedented chemical scaffolds that are active against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens. Herein, we describe the first total synthesis of cystobactamid 919‐2 from three fragments. Our convergent synthesis enabled both the confirmation of the correct structure and the determination of the absolute configuration of cystobactamid 919‐2.
Manganese(I)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Ketones Using a Defined Chiral PNP Pincer Ligand
Authors: Garbe Marcel , Junge Kathrin , Walker Svenja , Wei Zhihong , Jiao Haijun , Spannenberg Anke , Bachmann Stephan , Scalone Michelangelo , Beller Matthias
Published: July 2017

A new chiral manganese PNP pincer complex is described. The asymmetric hydrogenation of several prochiral ketones with molecular hydrogen in the presence of this complex proceeds under mild conditions (30–40 °C, 4 h, 30 bar H2). Besides high catalytic activity for aromatic substrates, aliphatic ketones are hydrogenated with remarkable selectivity (e.r. up to 92:8). DFT calculations support an outer sphere hydrogenation mechanism as well as the experimentally determined stereochemistry.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Homogeneous Chondroitin Sulfate Oligosaccharides
Authors: Li Jine , Su Guowei , Liu Jian
Published: July 2017

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a sulfated polysaccharide that plays essential physiological roles. Here, we report an enzyme‐based method for the synthesis of a library of 15 different CS oligosaccharides. This library covers 4‐O‐sulfated and 6‐O‐sulfated oligosaccharides ranging from trisaccharides to nonasaccharides. We also describe the synthesis of unnatural 6‐O‐sulfated CS pentasaccharides containing either a 6‐O‐sulfo‐2‐azidogalactosamine or a 6‐O‐sulfogalactosamine residue. The availability of structurally defined CS oligosaccharides offers a novel approach to investigate the biological functions of CS.
Entdeckung und Totalsynthese von natürlichen Cystobactamid‐Derivaten mit herausragender Aktivität gegen Gram‐negative Pathogene
Authors: Hüttel Stephan , Testolin Giambattista , Herrmann Jennifer , Planke Therese , Gille Franziska , Moreno Maria , Stadler Marc , Brönstrup Mark , Kirschning Andreas , Müller Rolf
Published: July 2017

Die Entdeckung und Entwicklung neuer Antibiotika ist sehr anspruchsvoll, da synthetische Grundstrukturen häufig nicht die benötigten pharmazeutischen Eigenschaften aufweisen und die Auffindung neuartiger Naturstoffe langwierig ist. Wir beschreiben hier die Entdeckung neuer Cystobactamide mit signifikant verbesserten Bioaktivitätsprofilen, was durch die intensive Untersuchung myxobakterieller Produzentenstämme ermöglicht wurde. Einige dieser Derivate zeigen Aktivitäten im niedrigen μg ml−1‐Bereich gegen klinische Isolate von Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa sowie Fluorchinolon‐resistente Enterobacteriaceae, was im Fall bisher bekannter Cystobactamide nicht beobachtet wurde. Unsere Studien liefern Struktur‐Aktivitäts‐Beziehungen und verdeutlichen, wie Resistenzmechanismen durch natürliche Strukturvielfalt außer Kraft gesetzt werden können. Das vielversprechendste Derivat 861‐2 wurde totalsynthetisch hergestellt, was den Weg für eine chemische Optimierung der Grundstruktur ebnet.
Macroscopic Polarization Enhancement Promoting Photo‐ and Piezoelectric‐Induced Charge Separation and Molecular Oxygen Activation
Authors: Huang Hongwei , Tu Shuchen , Zeng Chao , Zhang Tierui , Reshak Ali H. , Zhang Yihe
Published: July 2017

Efficient photo‐ and piezoelectric‐induced molecular oxygen activation are both achieved by macroscopic polarization enhancement on a noncentrosymmetric piezoelectric semiconductor BiOIO3. The replacement of V5+ ions for I5+ in IO3 polyhedra gives rise to strengthened macroscopic polarization of BiOIO3, which facilitates the charge separation in the photocatalytic and piezoelectric catalytic process, and renders largely promoted photo‐ and piezoelectric induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) evolution, such as superoxide radicals (.O2−) and hydroxyl radicals (.OH). This work advances piezoelectricity as a new route to efficient ROS generation, and also discloses macroscopic polarization engineering on improvement of multi‐responsive catalysis.
Synthesis, characterization and computational study of CuI nanoparticles immobilized on modified poly (styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) as a green, efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles via click reaction
Authors: Ebrahimpour‐Malamir Fatemeh , Hosseinnejad Tayebeh , Mirsafaei Razieh , Heravi Majid M.
Published: July 2017

Poly (styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) (SMA) was modified by reactionwith4‐amino‐2‐methyl‐10H‐thiene [2,3‐b][1,5]‐benzodiazepine (ATD) hydrochloride, providing an imide with the appropriate sites for the coordination of Cu(I)ions. This modified SMA was reacted with CuI to obtain immobilized Cu(I) NPs. This Cu(I) NPs (CuI/SMI‐TD) was fully characterized by conventional techniques such as FT‐IR, NMR, SEM, TEM, EDAX and ICP‐AES analysis. The SEM and TEM images clearly showed CuI NPs as spherical shapes and the size of particles is 30‐60 nm. Moreover, a quantitative description for experimental features of CuI/SMI‐TD was presented via computational assessment for the interactions between copper metal ions and coordination sites of SMI‐TD ligand. The catalytic activity of this new catalyst was examined in the regioselective synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3 triazoles in a classical copper‐catalyzed reaction a so‐called click reaction. The catalyst showed highly efficient catalytic activity, excellent reusability, high yield and more importantly excellent, regioselectivity. The catalyst was recoverable through simple filtration and can be reused at least five times without significant loss of catalytic activity. The heterogeneous nature of the catalyst was confirmed based on the hot filtration test and ICP‐AES analysis.
Sulfuric acid heterogenized on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: A new and efficient magnetically reusable catalyst for condensation reactions
Authors: Shiri Lotfi , Zarei Setare , Kazemi Mosstafa , Sheikh Davood
Published: July 2017

Immobilized sulfuric acid on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs‐OSO3H) as a new solid acid nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and its catalytic activity in a series of condensation reactions was studied. High catalytic activity, simple separation from reaction mixture by an external magnet and good reusability are several eco‐friendly advantages of this catalytic system. It is noteworthy that this catalytic system is applicable to a wide range of spectrum of aromatic aldehydes, and the desired products were obtained in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. The use of ecofriendly solvents makes also this synthetic protocol ideal and fascinating from the environmental point of view.
Phosphated tungstate: An efficient new solid phosphoric acid catalyst for the synthesis of heterocyclic nitrones
Authors: Banan Alireza , Valizadeh Hassan , Heydari Akbar , Moghimi Abolghasem
Published: July 2017

Phosphated tungstate as a new, reusable and efficient solid phosphoric acid catalyst was synthesized and used to promote the reaction of diaminoglyoxime with various aromatic aldehydes. The prepared phosphated tungstate was characterized using various techniques including X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. A wide variety of heterocyclic nitrones were obtained under mild reaction conditions and in high yields by using the prepared catalyst.
Amino acid ionic liquid‐based titanomagnetite nanoparticles: An efficient and green nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazoles
Authors: Azarifar Davood , Badalkhani Omolbanin , Abbasi Younes
Published: July 2017

The amino acid ionic liquid tetrabutylammonium asparaginate (TBAAsp) was immobilized on titanomagnetite (Fe3−xTixO4) nanoparticles in a facile one‐pot process using an organosilane compound (TMSP) as spacer. The modified Fe3−xTixO4@TMSP@TBAAsp magnetic nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry and thermogravimetric analysis. The resulting analytical data clearly verified the successful immobilization of the ionic liquid on the magnetic substrate. The magnetic ionic liquid‐based nanoparticles exhibited high catalytic activity in the synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole derivatives via a one‐pot three‐component reaction under mild reaction conditions. The catalyst was easily recycled and reused for at least six runs without any considerable loss of activity.
Synthesis and spectroscopic characterizations of Cu(II) complexes with novel 15‐membered N4 macrocyclic ligand and their utility to obtain CuO nanostructures for efficient degradation of dyes
Authors: Adam Abdel Majid A. , Alhadhrami A. , Saad Hosam A. , Refat Moamen S.
Published: July 2017

This paper describes synthesis, characterization and application of a series of Cu(II) complexes with a novel 3‐thioxo‐[1,2,4,5]tetrazocane‐6,8‐dione (N4) macrocyclic ligand. The complexes were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques, such as UV–visible and IR spectroscopies, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and elemental analysis. The data suggest that the mononuclear Cu(II) complexes have a metal‐to‐ligand mole ratio of 1:1 and that the Cu(II) ions are coordinated with the four nitrogen atoms inside the N4 macrocyclic ring. The experimental anisotropic g‐values indicate that the chloro, nitrato, acetate, and perchlorato complexes have six‐coordinate distorted octahedral behavior, whereas the sulfato complex has five‐coordinate square‐pyramidal geometry. A simple and nontoxic method for preparation of CuO nanoparticles based upon the thermal decomposition of the synthesized Cu(II) complexes has been explored. Finally, the degradation of Rhodamine 6G dye by the catalytic performance of nano‐sized CuO material has been evaluated.
A facile strategy to improve the encapsulation efficiency of polymer microcapsules containing water‐soluble salt cores
Authors: Zuo Mingming , Zhang Long , Yuan Xuzhou , Li Yuchen , Liu Tianqing
Published: July 2017

To increase the encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules composed of water‐soluble salt cores and hydrophobic material shells, we herein reported a facile and versatile strategy to improve the hydrophobicity of water‐soluble salts [i.e., ammonium persulfate (APS)] by surface modification of APS using oleic acid or silane coupling agent, respectively. The results confirmed that the hydrophobicity of the two modified APS had been successfully improved compared with that of non‐modified APS. Moreover, the two modified APS could be effectively encapsulated into hydrophobic polystyrene and the encapsulation efficiency of the resulting microcapsules goes up significantly. This study was expected to drive progress in the preparation technology of microcapsules which comprise water‐soluble salts as cores and hydrophobic polymer materials as shells in many industrial application fields. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45294.
Chemical modification and structural rearrangements of polyketone‐based polymer membrane
Authors: Ataollahi Narges , Girardi Fabrizio , Cappelletto Elisa , Vezzù Keti , Di Noto Vito , Scardi Paolo , Callone Emanuela , Di Maggio Rosa
Published: July 2017

Alternating polyketones constitute a very interesting class of polymers, which can be modified for the preparation of functional polymers. The chemical modification of polyketone using 1,2‐diaminopropane was used to prepare a conductive membrane. This paper is focused on the synthesis and structural rearrangements of polyamine for preparing anion‐exchange membranes by the solvent casting technique. According to the Paal‐Knorr mechanism, 1,4‐dicarbonyl of polyketone reacts with 1,2‐diaminopropane to form a pyrrole ring along the polyketone backbone. In addition, the so‐modified polyamines can undergo structural rearrangements to form N‐substituted pyrrole crosslinked with dihydropyridine units. The conversion degree and the N content are quite low. The pathway reactions have been proposed on the basis of1H‐NMR, ultraviolet–visible, and Fourier transform infrared results. Scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction techniques were used to study the morphological, thermal, and structural characteristics of the modified polyketone, as well as the correspondoing membrane. The experimental results indicated that the membrane is a potential candidate for energy conversion technology. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 45485.
Preparation of organo‐soluble co‐polyimides using N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone as the solvent via one‐pot high‐temperature polymerization
Authors: Tan Wenjun , Li Zhentao , Dong Jie , Wang Qianqian , Cheng Yang , Zhao Xin , Zhang Qinghua
Published: July 2017

A series of organo‐soluble co‐polyimides (co‐PIs) were successfully synthesized from 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic‐dianhydride (BTDA), 1,4‐bis‐(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethyl‐phemoxy)‐benzene (p‐6FAPB) and 2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐aminobenzimidazole (BIA) via the one‐pot high‐temperature polymerization using N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) as the solvent. The imidization reaction of poly(amic acid)s in solution state was discussed in detail by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectra (ATR‐FTIR), and the results illustrate that the introduced benzimidazole moiety has a catalytic activity on the imidization process. The number‐average molecular weights and polydispersity index of these PIs measured by gel permeation chromatography range from 1.11 × 105 to 2.20 × 105 and 1.82 to 3.84, respectively. The prepared co‐PIs exhibit sufficient solubility in some polar solvents and high optical transparency. Meanwhile, these co‐PI films show good mechanical performances, and the strength and modulus of the sample with the molar ratio of p‐6FAPB/BIA = 5/5 reach 183 MPa and 4.71 GPa, respectively. Moreover, the obtained co‐PIs possess high glass transition temperatures (Tg) (above 260 °C) and good thermal stability with 5% weight loss temperature in the range of 502–531 °C in the nitrogen atmosphere. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45497.
Investigation of miscibility and phase structure of a novel blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/acrylic rubber (ACM) and its nanocomposite with nanosilica
Authors: Hesami Mahdis , Jalali‐Arani Azam
Published: July 2017

In this work, a novel polymer blend containing poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a biocompatible and biodegradable thermoplastic and acrylic rubber (ACM) is prepared and the miscibility and phase structure of the blend and its nanocomposite (PLA/ACM/nanosilica) are investigated through theoretical and experimental methods. To predict the phase diagram of the blend, a compressible regular solution model was employed, in which an upper critical solution temperature was observed. The model predicted that PLA/ACM blends are immiscible over the whole composition range at temperatures below 260 °C. Performing scanning force microscopy on the blend showed phase separated structures for the blends containing different amounts of the PLA and ACM. This was in accordance with the results of dynamic mechanical analysis, which revealed two distinct glass transition temperatures for the studied blends. The effect of nanometer sized silica particle on morphology and rheological properties of these blends was also investigated. Scanning force microscopy results showed much reduction of droplet size in the blends containing 2 wt % nanosilica. This was attributed to the suppression effect of nanosilica on the droplets coalescences. Rheological measurements confirmed the interaction of both components with the silica nanofiller. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45499.
Metal ion sorption by chitosan–tripolyphosphate beads
Authors: Giraldo Juan D. , Rivas Bernabé L. , Elgueta Elizabeth , Mancisidor Aritz
Published: July 2017

Heavy metal removal from wastewater is crucial for the proper management of discharged water from mining operations. This residual water is typically unusable for other purposes such as for human/animal, crop, or industrial consumption. Eco‐friendly adsorption materials are necessary to ensure the sustainable treatment of this wastewater. Therefore, the sorption of Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions onto chitosan–tripolyphosphate (CTPP) beads was investigated using real mining wastewater and prepared ion metal solutions. The effects of pH, contact time, temperature, selectivity, and maximum sorption capacity in successive batches at different concentrations were studied. The optimum sorption of cations, except for copper (pH 3) was found at pH 5. Equilibrium in the adsorption of all metals was reached at 24 h of contact. Studies of the maximum sorption capacity at different concentrations showed that the CTPP beads could adsorb 158, 55, 47, and 47 mg/g of Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II), respectively. Experimental data for the sorption of Pb(II) were optimally correlated with the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic parameters such as the changes in enthalpy (ΔH0), entropy (ΔS0), and free energy (ΔG0) were determined. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45511.
Electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of carbon black modified polyolefinic blends influenced by phase inversion
Authors: Mysiukiewicz Olga , Sterzyński Tomasz , Ławniczak Paweł , Rogodzińska Maria
Published: July 2017

Electrically conductive polymer composites (CPCs) containing a carbonaceous filler and a polymeric matrix have been widely researched and utilized. Immiscible polymers are often used as the matrix of CPCs, which leads to segregated structures, hence low percolation threshold and good conductivity of a material. Polymeric blends often show low mechanical properties due to the lack of affinity of the resins. A way to improve toughness of a CPC and maintain good electrical properties is mixing two immiscible yet compatible resins. In our case one of them was polyethylene and the other was an olefinic conductive thermoplastic elastomer. In this study, a correlation between conductivity, mechanical properties, and morphology of conductive blends was analyzed. Results of tensile test, conductivity measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry were juxtaposed with information of phase morphology of the blends. A relationship of drastic changes of different properties of the blends and phase inversion point was found. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45512.
The effect of furan molecular units on the glass transition and thermal degradation temperatures of polyamides
Authors: Cureton LaShonda T. , Napadensky Eugene , Annunziato Christopher , La Scala John J.
Published: July 2017

Interfacial polymerization is used to prepare biobased furan polyamides from the carbohydrate‐derived monomer, 2,5‐furan dicarboxylic acid, aromatic diamines, and varying chain length aliphatic diamines. The molecular weights of the furan polyamides variations range 10,000–70,000 g/mol. These biobased polyamides have improved solubility relative to petroleum‐derived polyamides affording enhanced processability options. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the biobased furan polyamides are higher than that of aliphatic analogs, but lower than phenyl‐aromatic analogs. The Tg for these furan polyamides are as high as 280 °C. Also, the furan polyamide glass transition temperatures increase with decreasing aliphatic diamine chain length similar to results exemplified in petroleum‐based nylons. Group contribution parameters are determined for furans to enable simple prediction of the glass transition temperature and decomposition temperature of furan polyamides. The molar glass transition function for the furan is calculated to be 27.6 ± 1.5 K kg/mol. Thermal analysis measurements of the biobased furan polyamides have maximum thermal degradation temperatures at 350 °C or higher, similar to that of aliphatic polyamides when scaled with the number average molecular weight. The molar decomposition temperature functions are determined to be 37 K kg/mol for furans bonded to aliphatic units and 42 K kg/mol for furans bonded to phenyl units. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45514.
Development of polyethersulfone phase‐inversion membranes for membrane distillation using oleophobic coatings
Authors: Eykens L. , De Sitter K. , Stoops L. , Dotremont C. , Pinoy L. , Van der Bruggen B.
Published: July 2017

Highly porous macrovoid‐free polyethersulfone membranes have been prepared using the phase‐inversion process with water as the non‐solvent. These membranes are of great interest for membrane distillation (MD) after application of a hydrophobic/oleophobic coating. The membrane structure was controlled by optimizing the process conditions and dope composition. Counter intuitively, increasing the polymer concentration favors the formation of larger surface pores under similar process conditions. A symmetric membrane is obtained when a sufficient amount of high‐molecular‐weight polyvinylpyrrolidone was added to the dope solution, which appears to play an important role in the structure formation process. The final membrane shows similar performance compared to commercial MD membranes. However, the membranes developed in this study show an oleophobic character, broadening the applications of MD. Moreover, the compressibility of these membranes is severely reduced compared to stretched membranes, which is expected to result in an improved MD performance at full scale. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45516.
Preparation and characterization of castor oil‐based waterborne polyurethane crosslinked with 2‐amino‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐1,3‐propanediol
Authors: Zhang Yanfei , Zhou Hongwei , Wang Li , Jiang Wenyuan , Soucek Mark D. , Yi Ying
Published: July 2017

Crosslinked castor oil (CO)‐based waterborne polyurethane was synthesized from CO, polycarbonate diol, isophorone diisocyanate, 2,2‐dimethylol propionic acid, and 2‐amino‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐1,3‐propanediol (THAM) using pre‐polymer process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to characterize the above‐synthesized polyurethane. The effect of THAM content was studied on particle size, zeta potential, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile tests, and contact angle measurement. Results showed that, with the increase of THAM content, the particle size increases and the thermal stability increases. Furthermore, as the THAM content increased from 0% to 1.5%, tensile strength increased from 9.5 to 16.3 MPa, contact angle increased from 67.8° to 87.4°, and bibulous rate decreased from 13.4% to 6.1%, the elongation at break dropped from 154.8% to 37.9%, respectively. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45532.
Review: The Evolving Landscape for Complement Therapeutics in Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Thurman Joshua M. , Frazer‐Abel Ashley , Holers V. Michael
Published: July 2017

The complement system is increasingly understood to play major roles in the pathogenesis of human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Because of this situation, there are rapidly expanding commercial efforts to develop novel complement inhibitors and effector pathway–modulating drugs. This review provides insights into the evolving understanding of the complement system components, mechanisms of activation within and across the 3 pathways (classical, alternative, and lectin), how the pathways are normally controlled and then dysregulated in target tissues, and what diseases are known to be, in large part, complement‐dependent through the successful development and approval of complement therapeutics in patients. Mechanisms of complement activation in rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thrombotic microangiopathies are also illustrated. In addition, the specific therapeutic drugs that are both approved and under development are discussed in the context of both nonrheumatic and rheumatic diseases. Finally, the methods by which the complement system can be assessed in humans through biomarker studies are outlined, with the goal of understanding, in specific patients, how the system is functioning.
Covalent Functionalization of Graphene by Nucleophilic Addition Reaction: Synthesis and Optical‐Limiting Properties
Authors: Xu Xiujuan , Li Peiying , Zhang Lei , Liu Xuejian , Zhang Hao‐Li , Shi Qingzhao , He Baojiang , Zhang Wenjuan , Qu Zhan , Liu Pu
Published: July 2017

Covalent functionalization of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was performed by using conjugated polymers with different monomers through nucleophilic addition of nitrogen anions to rGO. Three conjugated polymers containing tetraphenylethylene, carbazole, and phenyl groups were used, and as a result of π–π interactions and the “polymer‐wrapping” effect, the dispersion stability of rGO was improved. Even if the reaction site in the polymers was the same, there were great differences in the reactivities of the polymers, the dispersion stabilities of the resultant composites, and also the optical limiting (OL) performances of the resultant composites. The differences may be attributed to the π‐conjugated structure and steric hindrance of the moiety in the polymer skeleton, which has scarcely been reported. Besides, the resultant rGO‐P1 and rGO‐P3 materials both showed excellent OL responses, even at 4 μJ. This behavior should enable their potential application in photonic and optoelectronic devices to protect human eyes or optical sensors from damage by intense laser irradiation.
Composite Disturbance‐Observer‐Based Control and Control for High Speed Trains with Actuator Faults
Authors: Dong Hairong , Lin Xue , Yao Xiuming , Bai Weiqi , Ning Bin
Published: July 2017

To guarantee the position and velocity tracking performance of high speed trains (HSTs) with actuator faults, a composite control algorithm consisting of the disturbance‐observer‐based control (DOBC) and
control is proposed. Based on the multiple point‐mass model, the dynamics of HSTs is established by a cascade of carriages which are connected by flexible couplers, during the procedure of which, the running resistance, actuator faults and multiple disturbances are taken into account. The multiple disturbances are composed of two parts, one of which is the ramp resistance due to the track slope, the other is unknown gusts which can be modeled as a harmonic disturbance with time‐varying frequency. The unknown gusts is estimated and rejected via the DOBC methodology, meanwhile, the running resistance and the ramp resistance are attenuated by the
control methodology. According to the Lyapunov stability analysis and LMI‐based algorithms, main results are derived such that the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable and the desired performance can be guaranteed. Compared with the numeral simulation results with the single
control method, it is demonstrated that the proposed control methodology is more effective and the system has a higher precision of position and velocity tracking.
Shared atypical default mode and salience network functional connectivity between autism and schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Heng , Uddin Lucina Q. , Duan Xujun , Zheng Junjie , Long Zhiliang , Zhang Youxue , Guo Xiaonan , Zhang Yan , Zhao Jingping , Chen Huafu
Published: July 2017

Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders sharing some similar genetic basis and clinical features. The extent to which they share common neural substrates remains unclear. Resting‐state fMRI data were collected from 35 drug‐naïve adolescent participants with first‐episode schizophrenia (15.6 ± 1.8 years old) and 31 healthy controls (15.4 ± 1.6 years old). Data from 22 participants with ASD (13.1 ± 3.1 years old) and 21 healthy controls (12.9 ± 2.9 years old) were downloaded from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange. Resting‐state functional networks were constructed using predefined regions of interest. Multivariate pattern analysis combined with multi‐task regression feature selection methods were conducted in two datasets separately. Classification between individuals with disorders and controls was achieved with high accuracy (schizophrenia dataset: accuracy = 83%; ASD dataset: accuracy = 80%). Shared atypical brain connections contributing to classification were mostly present in the default mode network (DMN) and salience network (SN). These functional connections were further related to severity of social deficits in ASD (p = 0.002). Distinct atypical connections were also more related to the DMN and SN, but showed different atypical connectivity patterns between the two disorders. These results suggest some common neural mechanisms contributing to schizophrenia and ASD, and may aid in understanding the pathology of these two neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1776–1786. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay summary

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia are two common neurodevelopmental disorders which share several genetic and behavioral features. The present study identified common neural mechanisms contributing to ASD and schizophrenia using resting‐state functional MRI data. The results may help to understand the pathology of these two neurodevelopmental disorders.
Basal ganglia and autism – a translational perspective
Authors: Subramanian Krishna , Brandenburg Cheryl , Orsati Fernanda , Soghomonian Jean‐Jacques , Hussman John P. , Blatt Gene J.
Published: July 2017

The basal ganglia are a collection of nuclei below the cortical surface that are involved in both motor and non‐motor functions, including higher order cognition, social interactions, speech, and repetitive behaviors. Motor development milestones that are delayed in autism such as gross motor, fine motor and walking can aid in early diagnosis of autism. Neuropathology and neuroimaging findings in autism cases revealed volumetric changes and altered cell density in select basal ganglia nuclei. Interestingly, in autism, both the basal ganglia and the cerebellum are impacted both in their motor and non‐motor domains and recently, found to be connected via the pons through a short disynaptic pathway. In typically developing individuals, the basal ganglia plays an important role in: eye movement, movement coordination, sensory modulation and processing, eye‐hand coordination, action chaining, and inhibition control. Genetic models have proved to be useful toward understanding cellular and molecular changes at the synaptic level in the basal ganglia that may in part contribute to these autism‐related behaviors. In autism, basal ganglia functions in motor skill acquisition and development are altered, thus disrupting the normal flow of feedback to the cortex. Taken together, there is an abundance of emerging evidence that the basal ganglia likely plays critical roles in maintaining an inhibitory balance between cortical and subcortical structures, critical for normal motor actions and cognitive functions. In autism, this inhibitory balance is disturbed thus impacting key pathways that affect normal cortical network activity. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1751–1775. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Habit learning, action selection and performance are modulated by the basal ganglia, a collection of groups of neurons located below the cerebral cortex in the brain. In autism, there is emerging evidence that parts of the basal ganglia are structurally and functionally altered disrupting normal information flow. The basal ganglia through its interconnected circuits with the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum can potentially impact various motor and cognitive functions in the autism brain.
Zerstörungsfreie Ultraschallprüfung dicker und hochbewehrter Betonbauteile
Authors: Wiggenhauser Herbert , Niederleithinger Ernst , Milmann Boris
Published: July 2017

Ein Ultraschallsystem mit großer Apertur, genannt LAUS – Large Aperture UltraSound, wird vorgestellt und die technischen Eigenschaften erläutert. Es besteht aus zwölf Prüfköpfen, die beliebig auf Betonoberflächen mit Unterdruck befestigt und jeweils als Sender oder Empfänger genutzt werden. Alle möglichen Kombinationen ergeben 132 Einzelmessungen, die zur Rekonstruktion des durchschallten Volumens genutzt werden. Das System wurde an zwei Bauwerken erfolgreich erprobt. Die Dicke einer sehr stark bewehrten Fundamentplatte eines Fallturms wurde bestimmt. Die Messungen erfolgten in einem Raster auf einer Fläche von 2,0 × 1,8 m2 und die Rückseite konnte eindeutig abgebildet werden. Weitere Anzeigen aus dem Inneren der Platte zeigen das Potenzial des Systems. An einem Brückenbauwerk wurden indirekt Verdichtungsmängel lokalisiert. Dazu wurden mit dem LAUS‐System die im Brückenträger verlaufenden Spannkanäle durch fast 2 m Beton abgebildet.
Metabolic Engineering for Advanced Biofuels Production and Recent Advances Toward Commercialization
Authors: Meadows Corey W. , Kang Aram , Lee Taek S.
Published: July 2017

Research on renewable biofuels produced by microorganisms has enjoyed considerable advances in academic and industrial settings. As the renewable ethanol market approaches maturity, the demand is rising for the commercialization of more energy‐dense fuel targets. Many strategies implemented in recent years have considerably increased the diversity and number of fuel targets that can be produced by microorganisms. Moreover, strain optimization for some of these fuel targets has ultimately led to their production at industrial scale. In this review, the recent metabolic engineering approaches for augmenting biofuel production derived from alcohols, isoprenoids, and fatty acids in several microorganisms are discussed. In addition, the successful commercialization ventures for each class of biofuel targets are discussed.
Mesoderm Lineage 3D Tissue Constructs Are Produced at Large‐Scale in a 3D Stem Cell Bioprocess
Authors: Cha Jae Min , Mantalaris Athanasios , Jung Sunyoung , Ji Yurim , Bang Oh Young , Bae Hojae
Published: July 2017

Various studies have presented different approaches to direct pluripotent stem cell differentiation such as applying defined sets of exogenous biochemical signals and genetic/epigenetic modifications. Although differentiation to target lineages can be successfully regulated, such conventional methods are often complicated, laborious, and not cost‐effective to be employed to the large‐scale production of 3D stem cell‐based tissue constructs. A 3D‐culture platform that could realize the large‐scale production of mesoderm lineage tissue constructs from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is developed. ESCs are cultured using our previously established 3D‐bioprocess platform which is amenable to mass‐production of 3D ESC‐based tissue constructs. Hepatocarcinoma cell line conditioned medium is introduced to the large‐scale 3D culture to provide a specific biomolecular microenvironment to mimic in vivo mesoderm formation process. After 5 days of spontaneous differentiation period, the resulting 3D tissue constructs are composed of multipotent mesodermal progenitor cells verified by gene and molecular expression profiles. Subsequently the optimal time points to trigger terminal differentiation towards cardiomyogenesis or osteogenesis from the mesodermal tissue constructs is found. A simple and affordable 3D ESC‐bioprocess that can reach the scalable production of mesoderm origin tissues with significantly improved correspondent tissue properties is demonstrated.
Formate and Nitrate Utilization in Enterobacter aerogenes for Semi‐Anaerobic Production of Isobutanol
Authors: Jung Hwi‐Min , Kim Yong Hwan , Oh Min‐Kyu
Published: July 2017

Anaerobic bioprocessing is preferred because of its economic advantages. However, low productivity and decreased growth of the host strain have limited the use of the anaerobic process. Anaerobic respiration can be applied to anoxic processing using formate and nitrate metabolism to improve the productivity of value‐added metabolites. A isobutanol‐producing strains is constructed using Enterobacter aerogenes as a host strain by metabolic engineering approaches. The byproduct pathway (ldhA, budA, and pflB) is knocked out, and heterologous keto‐acid decarboxylase (kivD) and alcohol dehydrogenase (adhA) are expressed along with the L‐valine synthesis pathway (ilvCD and budB). The pyruvate formate‐lyase mutant shows decreased growth rates when cultivated in semi‐anaerobic conditions, which results in a decline in productivity. When formate and nitrate are supplied in the culture medium, the growth rates and amount of isobutanol production is restored (4.4 g L−1, 0.23 g g−1 glucose, 0.18 g L−1 h−1). To determine the function of the formate and nitrate coupling reaction system, the mutant strains that could not utilize formate or nitrate is contructed. Decreased growth and productivity are observed in the nitrate reductase (narG) mutant strain. This is the first report of engineering isobutanol‐producing E. aerogenes to increase strain fitness via augmentation of formate and nitrate metabolism during anaerobic cultivation.
Rapid Buffer and Ligand Screening for Affinity Chromatography by Multiplexed Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging
Authors: Geuijen Karin P. M. , van Wijk‐Basten Daniëlle E. J. W. , Egging David F. , Schasfoort Richard B. M. , Eppink Michel H.
Published: July 2017

Protein purifications are often based on the principle of affinity chromatography, where the protein of interest selectively binds to an immobilized ligand. The development of affinity purification requires selecting proper wash and elution conditions. In recent years, miniaturization of the purification process is applied to speed up the development (e.g., microtiterplates, robocolumns). The application of surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) as a tool to simultaneously screen many buffer conditions for wash and elution steps in an affinity‐based purification process is studied. Additionally, the protein A ligand stability after exposure to harsh cleaning conditions often limits the reuse of resins and is determined at lab scale. The SPRi technology to screen ligand life‐time with respect to alkali stability is used. It is also demonstrated that SPRi can successfully be applied in screening experiments for process developments in a miniaturized approach. The amount of resin, protein and buffer in these studies is reduced 30–300‐fold compared to 1 mL column scale, and approximately 10–1000‐fold compared to filter plate experiments. The overall development time can be decreased from several months towards days. The multiplexed SPRi can be applied in screening affinity chromatography conditions in early stage development for ligand development and recombinant protein production.
Improving Fructose Utilization and Butanol Production by Clostridium acetobutylicum via Extracellular Redox Potential Regulation and Intracellular Metabolite Analysis
Authors: Chen Li‐Jie , Wu You‐Duo , Xue Chuang , Bai Feng‐Wu
Published: July 2017

Jerusalem artichoke (JA) can grow well in marginal lands with high biomass yield, and thus is a potential energy crop for biorefinery. The major biomass of JA is from tubers, which contain inulin that can be easily hydrolyzed into a mixture of fructose and glucose, but fructose utilization for producing butanol as an advanced biofuel is poor compared to glucose‐based ABE fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum. In this article, the impact of extracellular redox potential (ORP) on the process is studied using a mixture of fructose and glucose to simulate the hydrolysate of JA tubers. When the extracellular ORP is controlled above −460 mV, 13.2 g L−1 butanol is produced from 51.0 g L−1 total sugars (40.1 g L−1 fructose and 10.9 g L−1 glucose), leading to dramatically increased butanol yield and butanol/ABE ratio of 0.26 g g−1 and 0.67, respectively. Intracellular metabolite and q‐PCR analysis further indicate that intracellular ATP and NADH availabilities are significantly improved together with the fructose‐specific PTS expression at the lag phase, which consequently facilitate fructose transport, metabolic shift toward solventogenesis and carbon flux redistribution for butanol biosynthesis. Therefore, the extracellular ORP control can be an effective strategy to improve butanol production from fructose‐based feedstock.