bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of animal health and welfare planning in dairy herds: a review
Authors: Tremetsberger L , Winckler C
Published: February 2015

Maintaining and promoting animal health and welfare are important but challenging goals in livestock farming. Animal health and welfare planning aims to contribute to improvements in the herd through interventions in a structured way. This review provides an overview of current scientific approaches to and improvements achieved by health and welfare planning in dairy herds regarding the health and welfare state of the cows, economic effects, and non-monetary benefits to farmers. Implementation of changes in management and housing is based on an assessment of the health and welfare state and relies on the participation of all involved persons. Farm-specific measures of management and housing, high levels of compliance with those measures, continuous review, and prompt adaptation are decisive. Improvements in health and welfare following the use of planning have been shown by several on-farm studies, especially in the context of mastitis and lameness. Studies on health and welfare planning that consider a more comprehensive view of welfare are scarce and the limited evidence available indicates that improvements may be less likely to be achieved. Apart from health and welfare benefits for the animals, economic and non-monetary benefits for the farmers are equally important. Costs of diseases and impaired health are available, while costs and benefits of interventions have been estimated with regard to mastitis and lameness only. Non-monetary factors (eg job satisfaction) have been reported as motivating factors for farmers but have attracted little scientific interest. Further research should focus on welfare aspects that go beyond the most important production diseases and the economic and non-monetary benefits of improving health and welfare in dairy cattle.
The use of judgement bias to assess welfare in farm livestock
Authors: Baciadonna L , McElligott AG
Published: February 2015

The development of accurate measures of animal emotions is important for improving and promoting animal welfare. Cognitive bias indicates the effect of emotional states on cognitive processes, such as memory, attention, and judgement. Cognitive bias tests complement existing behavioural and physiological measures for assessing the valence of animal emotions indirectly. The judgement bias test has been used to assess emotional states in non-human animals; mainly in laboratory settings. The aim of this review is to summarise the findings on the use of the judgement bias test approach in assessing emotions in non-human animals, focusing in particular on farm livestock. The evidence suggests that it is possible to manipulate affective states and induce judgement bias effects in farm livestock. In addition, the results support the effectiveness of manipulating environmental variables for inducing negative or positive affective states. However, the evidence from farm livestock does not consistently confirm the directionality of the hypotheses. The use of specific strategies to induce positive or negative judgement bias, such as the manipulation of housing conditions, could account for the inconsistency of findings. The study of cognitive processes related to emotional states in livestock has great potential to advance and improve our understanding of animal welfare.
Behavioural evaluation of analgesic efficacy for pain mitigation in lame sows
Authors: Pairis-Garcia MD , Johnson AK , Stalder KJ , Abell CA , Karriker LA , Coetzee JF , Millman ST
Published: February 2015

Lameness in breeding swine has a large negative economic impact and is a welfare concern. Pain-related behaviour, such as postural changes, may be used to evaluate the presence and severity of pain in animals. The objective of this work was to determine the effects of flunixin meglumine (FM) and meloxicam (M) on postural changes in lame sows. Lameness was induced in 24 mature sows(Sus scrofa)using a chemical synovitis model. Three treatments were compared: FM (2.2 mg kg−1; n = 24, intramuscular [IM]), M (1.0 mg kg−1; n = 24, by mouth [PO]) and sterile saline (equivalent volume to FM; n = 24 [IM]), administered approximately 28 and 52 h after lameness induction. Behavioural data were collected in the home pen during 12-h periods and quantified using 15-min scan sampling on the day prior to (-24 h; Day-1) through +168 h post lameness induction. Frequency of behaviour was analysed by day using generalised linear mixed model methods. The frequency of standing postures significantly decreased and lying postures increased 24-72 h post lameness induction relative to baseline day. All postures returned to baseline frequencies by +168 h. Meloxicam-treated sows demonstrated lower frequencies of lying postures +48 and +72 h after lameness induction compared to saline-treated sows. Flunixin-treated sows did not differ in lying behaviours compared to saline-treated sows. No differences were noted in standing or sitting postures between treatments. The results of this study suggest that meloxicam mitigates pain sensitivity as demonstrated by higher frequency of standing and lower frequency of lying compared to saline-treated sows.
The evolution of drug resistance in clinical isolates of Candida albicans
Authors: Ford Christopher B , Funt Jason M , Abbey Darren , Issi Luca , Guiducci Candace , Martinez Diego A , Delorey Toni , Li Bi yu , White Theodore C , Cuomo Christina , Rao Reeta P , Berman Judith , Thompson Dawn A , Regev Aviv
Published: February 2015

Candida albicans is both a member of the healthy human microbiome and a major pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Infections are typically treated with azole inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis often leading to drug resistance. Studies in clinical isolates have implicated multiple mechanisms in resistance, but have focused on large-scale aberrations or candidate genes, and do not comprehensively chart the genetic basis of adaptation. Here, we leveraged next-generation sequencing to analyze 43 isolates from 11 oral candidiasis patients. We detected newly selected mutations, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy-number variations and loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) events. LOH events were commonly associated with acquired resistance, and SNPs in 240 genes may be related to host adaptation. Conversely, most aneuploidies were transient and did not correlate with drug resistance. Our analysis also shows that isolates also varied in adherence, filamentation, and virulence. Our work reveals new molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of drug resistance and host adaptation.
Re‐Os isotope and platinum group elements of a FOcal ZOne mantle source, Louisville Seamounts Chain, Pacific ocean
Authors: Tejada Maria Luisa G. , Hanyu Takeshi , Ishikawa Akira , Senda Ryoko , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Fitton Godfrey , Williams Rebecca
Published: February 2015

The Louisville Seamount Chain (LSC) is, besides the Hawaiian‐Emperor Chain, one of the longest‐lived hotspot traces. We report here the first Re‐Os isotope and platinum group element (PGE) data for Canopus, Rigil, and Burton Guyots along the chain, which were drilled during IODP Expedition 330. The LSC basalts possess (187Os/188Os)i = 0.1245–0.1314 that are remarkably homogeneous and do not vary with age. A Re‐Os isochron age of 64.9 ± 3.2 Ma was obtained for Burton seamount (the youngest of the three seamounts drilled), consistent with 40Ar‐39Ar data. Isochron‐derived initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 0.1272 ± 0.0008, together with data for olivines (0.1271–0.1275), are within the estimated primitive mantle values. This (187Os/188Os)i range is similar to those of Rarotonga (0.124–0.139) and Samoan shield (0.1276–0.1313) basalts and lower than those of Cook‐Austral (0.136–0.155) and Hawaiian shield (0.1283–0.1578) basalts, suggesting little or no recycled component in the LSC mantle source. The PGE data of LSC basalts are distinct from those of oceanic lower crust. Variation in PGE patterns can be largely explained by different low degrees of melting under sulfide‐saturated conditions of the same relatively fertile mantle source, consistent with their primitive mantle‐like Os and primordial Ne isotope signatures. The PGE patterns and the low 187Os/188Os composition of LSC basalts contrast with those of Ontong Java Plateau (OJP) tholeiites. We conclude that the Re‐Os isotope and PGE composition of LSC basalts reflect a relatively pure deep‐sourced common mantle sampled by some ocean island basalts but is not discernible in the composition of OJP tholeiites.
Interhemispheric air temperature phase relationships in the nonlinear Dansgaard‐Oeschger oscillation
Authors: Vettoretti Guido , Peltier W. Richard
Published: February 2015

It has previously been suggested that the Southern Ocean might act as a thermal reservoir in mediating the relationship between the northern and southern hemisphere air temperature signals during a Dansgaard‐Oeschger cycle. On the basis of a climate model‐based analysis, we demonstrate on the contrary that it is equatorial and subtropical North Atlantic thermocline waters that act so as to integrate and damp the northern hemisphere signal to fix the amplitude and phase of the southern hemisphere counterpart to the more intense North Atlantic component of the oscillation. The dynamics of the Southern Ocean component of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation are critical in explaining the evolution of the interhemispheric temperature phase relationships. European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica Dronning Maud Land‐inferred air temperature variations are in phase with sea surface temperatures north of the Antarctic sea ice edge, suggesting that it is via a fast atmospheric pathway that this temperature signal is transmitted into the Antarctic ice core record.
The search for a subsurface ocean in Ganymede with Hubble Space Telescope observations of its auroral ovals
Authors: Saur Joachim , Duling Stefan , Roth Lorenz , Jia Xianzhe , Strobel Darrell F. , Feldman Paul D. , Christensen Ulrich R. , Retherford Kurt D. , McGrath Melissa A. , Musacchio Fabrizio , Wennmacher Alexandre , Neubauer Fritz M. , Simon Sven , Hartkorn Oliver
Published: February 2015

We present a new approach to search for a subsurface ocean within Ganymede through observations and modeling of the dynamics of its auroral ovals. The locations of the auroral ovals oscillate due to Jupiter's time‐varying magnetospheric field seen in the rest frame of Ganymede. If an electrically conductive ocean is present, the external time‐varying magnetic field is reduced due to induction within the ocean and the oscillation amplitude of the ovals decreases. Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations show that the locations of the ovals oscillate on average by 2.0° ±1.3°. Our model calculations predict a significantly stronger oscillation by 5.8° ± 1.3° without ocean compared to 2.2°±1.3° if an ocean is present. Because the ocean and the no‐ocean hypotheses cannot be separated by simple visual inspection of individual HST images, we apply a statistical analysis including a Monte Carlo test to also address the uncertainty caused by the patchiness of observed emissions. The observations require a minimum electrical conductivity of 0.09 S/m for an ocean assumed to be located between 150 km and 250 km depth or alternatively a maximum depth of the top of the ocean at 330 km. Our analysis implies that Ganymede's dynamo possesses an outstandingly low quadrupole‐to‐dipole moment ratio. The new technique applied here is suited to probe the interior of other planetary bodies by monitoring their auroral response to time‐varying magnetic fields.
Airborne GPS radio occultation refractivity profiles observed in tropical storm environments
Authors: Murphy B. J. , Haase J. S. , Muradyan P. , Garrison J. L. , Wang K.‐N.
Published: February 2015

Airborne GPS radio occultation (ARO) data have been collected during the 2010 PRE‐Depression Investigation of Cloud systems in the Tropics (PREDICT) experiment. GPS signals received by the airborne Global Navigation Satellite System Instrument System for Multistatic and Occultation Sensing (GISMOS) are used to retrieve vertical profiles of refractivity in the neutral atmosphere. The system includes a conventional geodetic GPS receiver component for straightforward validation of the analysis method in the middle to upper troposphere, and a high‐sample rate (10 MHz) GPS recorder for postprocessing complex signals that probe the lower troposphere. The results from the geodetic receivers are presented here. The retrieved ARO profiles consistently agree within ~2% of refractivity profiles calculated from the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting model Interim reanalyses as well as from nearby dropsondes and radiosondes. Changes in refractivity obtained from ARO data over the 5 days leading to the genesis of tropical storm Karl are consistent with moistening in the vicinity of the storm center. An open‐loop tracking method was implemented in a test case to analyze GPS signals from the GISMOS 10 MHz recording system for comparison with geodetic receiver data. The open‐loop mode successfully tracked ~2 km deeper into the troposphere than the conventional receiver and can also track rising occultations, illustrating the benefit from the high‐rate recording system. Accurate refractivity retrievals are an important first step toward the future goal of assimilating moisture profiles to improve forecasting of developing storms using this new GPS occultation technique.
3D MoS2–Graphene Microspheres Consisting of Multiple Nanospheres with Superior Sodium Ion Storage Properties
Authors: Choi Seung Ho , Ko You Na , Lee Jung‐Kul , Kang Yun Chan
Published: February 2015

A novel anode material for sodium‐ion batteries consisting of 3D graphene microspheres divided into several tens of uniform nanospheres coated with few‐layered MoS2 by a one‐pot spray pyrolysis process is prepared. The first discharge/charge capacities of the composite microspheres are 797 and 573 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1. The 600th discharge capacity of the composite microspheres at a current density of 1.5 A g−1 is 322 mA h g−1. The Coulombic efficiency during the 600 cycles is as high as 99.98%. The outstanding Na ion storage properties of the 3D MoS2–graphene composite microspheres may be attributed to the reduced stacking of the MoS2 layers and to the 3D structure of the porous graphene microspheres. The reduced stacking of the MoS2 layers relaxes the strain and lowers the barrier for Na+ insertion. The empty nanospheres of the graphene offer voids for volume expansion and pathways for fast electron transfer during repeated cycling.
Novel Polygonal Vanadium Oxide Nanoscrolls as Stable Cathode for Lithium Storage
Authors: Wei Qiulong , Tan Shuangshuang , Liu Xiaoyi , Yan Mengyu , Wang Fengchao , Li Qidong , An Qinyou , Sun Ruimin , Zhao Kangning , Wu Hengan , Mai Liqiang
Published: February 2015

Scroll‐shape structures with adjustable space provide interlayer sliding to accommodate the volume changes, which are promising candidates for increasing the stability of lithium batteries (LBs). In this work, for the first time, novel vanadium oxide polygonal nanoscrolls (PNSs) are synthesized in solution through self‐rolling, Ostwald ripening, and scroll‐by‐scroll processes. The PNSs are of various shapes (including triangle, quadrangle, pentagon, and so forth) and spiral‐wrapped multiwall. When evaluated as cathode for LB, the vanadium oxide PNSs cathode exhibits largely enhanced cycling stability (capacity retention of 91.7% after 150 cycles at 0.1 A g–1 in 2.0–4.0 V) compared with those of nonscrolled nanobelts (40.0%) and nanowires (35.8%). Even at 1.0 A g–1, the PNSs cathode delivers high‐rate long‐life performance with capacity retention of 80.6% after 500 cycles. The unique polygonal nanoscroll structure is favorable for improving the cyclability and rate capability in energy storage applications as demonstrated here, and it will be interesting and has great potential for other related applications.
Targeting Cell Membrane Lipid Rafts by Stoichiometric Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles with a Sphingolipid‐Binding Domain Peptide
Authors: Paramelle David , Nieves Daniel , Brun Benjamin , Kraut Rachel S. , Fernig David G.
Published: February 2015

A non‐membrane protein‐based nanoparticle agent for the tracking of lipid rafts on live cells is produced by stoichiometric functionalization of gold nanoparticles with a previously characterized sphingolipid‐ and cell membrane microdomain‐binding domain peptide (SBD). The SBD peptide is inserted in a self‐assembled monolayer of peptidol and alkane thiol ethylene glycol, on gold nanoparticles surface. The stoichiometric functionalization of nanoparticles with the SBD peptide, essential for single molecule tracking, is achieved by means of non‐affinity nanoparticle purification. The SBD‐nanoparticles have remarkable long‐term resistance to electrolyte‐induced aggregation and ligand‐exchange and have no detectable non‐specific binding to live cells. Binding and diffusion of SBD‐nanoparticles bound to the membrane of live cells is measured by real‐time photothermal microscopy and shows the dynamics of sphingolipid‐enriched microdomains on cells membrane, with evidence for clustering, splitting, and diffusion over time of the SBD‐nanoparticle labeled membrane domains. The monofunctionalized SBD‐nanoparticle is a promising targeting agent for the tracking of lipid rafts independently of their protein composition and the labelling requires no prior modification of the cells. This approach has potential for further functionalization of the particles to manipulate the organization of, or targeting to microdomains that control signaling events and thereby lead to novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
Formation of Two Homo‐chromophoric H‐Aggregates in DNA‐Assembled Alternating Dye Stacks
Authors: Winiger Christian B. , Langenegger Simon M. , Calzaferri Gion , Häner Robert
Published: February 2015

The understanding and description of collectively excited multichromophores is of crucial importance for many areas of basic and applied research. DNA has been used for the construction of well‐defined heterochromophoric stacks. Electronic coupling among non‐adjacent chromophores of the same type leads to the co‐existence of PDI and pyrene H‐aggregates in hybrids composed of alternating chromophore stacks.
Aktive Zentren und Mechanismen der direkten Oxidation von Benzol zu Phenol an Kohlenstoffkatalysatoren
Authors: Wen Guodong , Wu Shuchang , Li Bo , Dai Chunli , Su Dang Sheng
Published: February 2015

Die direkte Oxidation von Benzol zu Phenol mit H2O2 als Oxidationsmittel gilt als umweltfreundlicher Prozess und verläuft sehr effizient an Kohlenstoffkatalysatoren. Es gibt jedoch kontroverse Ansichten bezüglich der Rolle des Kohlenstoffkatalysators und der aktiven Zentren. Hier führen wir eine grundlegende Betrachtung möglicher Reaktionsmechanismen für diese Oxidationsreaktion an niedermolekularen Modellkatalysatoren durch. Unsere Schlussfolgerungen sind auf Raman‐Spektren, statische Sekundärionen‐Massenspektrometrie (SIMS), DFT‐Rechnungen, ATR‐ und UV‐Spektren gestützt. Es wird gefunden, dass Defektstrukturen, welche die Bildung aktiver Sauerstoffspezies begünstigen, die aktiven Zentren darstellen. Ein spezifischer Defekt, der hierbei identifiziert werden konnte, ist die Armchair‐Konfiguration.
Asymmetric Dearomatization of Indoles through a Michael/Friedel–Crafts‐Type Cascade To Construct Polycyclic Spiroindolines
Authors: Zhao Xiaohu , Liu Xiaohua , Mei Hongjiang , Guo Jing , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: February 2015

A highly efficient asymmetric dearomatization of indoles was realized through a cascade reaction between 2‐isocyanoethylindole and alkylidene malonates catalyzed by a chiral N,N′‐dioxide/MgII catalyst. Fused polycyclic indolines containing three stereocenters were afforded in good yields with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities through a Michael/Friedel–Crafts/Mannich cascade. When 2‐substituted 2‐isocyanoethylindoles were used, spiroindoline derivatives were obtained through a Michael/Friedel–Crafts reaction.
Encapsulation of Pd(II) into superparamagnetic nanoparticles grafted with EDTA and their catalytic activity towards reduction of nitroarenes and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling
Authors: Azizi Kobra , Ghonchepour Ehsan , Karimi Meghdad , Heydari Akbar
Published: February 2015

A robust, safe and magnetically recoverable palladium catalyst was synthesized by anchoring Pd(II) onto ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid‐coated Fe3O4 (Fe3O4@EDTA) magnetic nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle‐supported Pd(II)–EDTA complex catalyst thus obtained was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, X‐ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Fe3O4@EDTA–Pd(II) was screened for the Suzuki reaction and reduction of nitro compounds in water. The Pd content of the catalyst was measured to be 0.28 mmol Pd g−1. In addition, the Fe3O4@EDTA–Pd catalyst can be easily separated and recovered with an external permanent magnet. The anchored solid catalyst can be recycled efficiently and reused five times with only a very slight loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 8‐hydroxyquinolium chloroacetate and synthesis of complexes derived from 8‐hydroxyquinoline, and characterization, density functional theory and biological studies
Authors: Mlahi Mosaad R. , Afsah Elsayed M. , Negm Amr , Mostafa Mohsen M.
Published: February 2015

8‐Hydroxyquinolium chloroacetate (L1) was synthesized and characterized. The results suggest that L1 loses ethyl chloroacetate ion on coordination at low pH (2–5) and consequently it behaves as 8‐hydoxyquinoline (L2). Cu2+, Co2+, Pt4+, Pd2+, Au3+, Ag+ and Nd3+ complexes derived from L2 have been synthesized and characterized using spectral, magnetic and thermal measurements. L2 acts as a neutral bidentate ligand in the case of Cu2+, Co2+, Pt4+, Pd2+ and Nd3+ complexes and as a mononegative bidentate ligand in the case of Au3+ and Ag+ complexes. Octahedral geometry is proposed for Cu2+, Co2+ (grey) and Pt4+ complexes and square‐planar for Co2+ (green), Pd2+ and Au3+ complexes. The bond lengths, bond angles, chemical reactivities, binding energies and dipole moments for all compounds were evaluated using density functional theory and molecular electrostatic potential for L1. Superoxide dismutase radical scavenger‐like activity and cytotoxic activity of the complexes towards HepG2 liver cancer cells has been screened. Cytotoxicity measurements show that Ag+ and Pd2+ complexes have the highest cytotoxic activity while L1, Cu2+, Co2+ (grey), Co2+ (green), Pt4+ and Nd3+ complexes have no cytotoxic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nano palladium supported on high‐surface‐area metal–organic framework MIL‐101: an efficient catalyst for Sonogashira coupling of aryl and heteroaryl bromides with alkynes
Authors: Annapurna Manne , Parsharamulu T. , Vishnuvardhan Reddy P. , Suresh M. , Likhar Pravin R. , Lakshmi Kantam Mannepalli
Published: February 2015

Palladium nanoparticle‐incorporated metal–organic framework MIL‐101 (Pd/MIL‐101) was successfully synthesized and characterized using X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, X‐ray photoelectron, UV–visible and infrared spectroscopies, and transmission electron microscopy. The characterization techniques confirmed high porosity and high surface area of MIL‐101 and high stability of nano‐size palladium particles. Pd/MIL‐101 nanocomposite was investigated for the Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction of aryl and heteroaryl bromides with various alkynes under copper‐free conditions. The reusability of the catalyst was tested for up to four cycles without any significant loss in catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the degradation and release behaviors of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide)–methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) microspheres prepared with single‐ and double‐emulsion evaporation methods
Authors: Feng Shuibin , Lu Feng , Wang Yan , Suo Jinping
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare the degradation and release behaviors of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA)–methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) microspheres fabricated by the single‐emulsion evaporation method (DEEM) and double‐emulsion evaporation methods (DEEM). Vancomycin and mizolastine were used as the hydrophilic and hydrophobic model drugs, and they were encapsulated into microspheres through DEEM and SEEM, respectively. The two types of microspheres were similar in size distribution, but the mizolastine‐loaded microspheres showed a much higher encapsulation efficiency than those loaded with vancomycin. Scanning electron microscopy, size, and molecular weight (Mw) analyses during the degradation revealed that the microspheres fabricated by DEEM underwent a bulk degradation process and showed a faster MW reduction rate during the early degradation period than the microspheres fabricated by SEEM, which exhibited a surface‐to‐bulk degradation process according to the Mw and morphological changes. The mass loss rates of the two types of microspheres were similar, but the mean size decrease rates showed a little difference. The mizolastine‐loaded microspheres exhibited an approximately linear release profile after the initial burst release, whereas the vancomycin‐loaded microspheres showed a more severe burst release, a faster release rate, and thus, a shorter time to full release. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41943.
Production of recycled cellulose fibers from waste paper via ultrasonic wave processing
Authors: Guo Xiuyan , Jiang Zhengwu , Li Haoxin , Li Wenting
Published: February 2015

Recycling waste paper can be considered as a means to displace the use of natural cellulose fibers applied in building materials, because it is composed mostly of cellulose. The water absorption and special surface area of cellulose fibers are the key properties for their use in building materials. The objective of this article was to study the production of recycled cellulose fibers from waste paper using ultrasonic wave processing. The physical and chemical properties of recycled cellulose fibers, such as water absorption, specific surface area and pore characteristics, etc., were investigated with various testing methods. The results indicated that the ultrasonic cavitation effect was feasible for the preparation of the secondary fibers. When the ultrasonic treatment time lasted for 10 min, the water absorptions of both newsprint fibers and kraft fibers increased significantly and reached the highest values of 12.5 g/g and 11.2 g/g, respectively, which were nearly two times than that of fibers without ultrasonic treatment. With a pretreatment of 20 min, the average length and fineness of recycled cellulose fibers decreased by 4% and 25%, respectively, and the length‐diameter ratio of the recycled cellulose fibers was 1.28 times than that of the untreated fibers, which greatly increased the special surface area of the recycled cellulose fibers. This work also determined that NaOH was useful to improve the physical properties of the recycled cellulose fibers. Because the recycled cellulose fibers after processing, fulfilled several technical indexes, they can be considered as a filling material for used in cement‐based materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41962.
Structural, rheological, and mechanical properties of PA6/SAN/SEBS ternary blend/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Babaei Amir , Arefazar Ahmad
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nanoclay addition on the morphological and mechanical properties of PA6/SAN/SEBS ternary blend. Two different nanoclays with different modifiers and two different mixing sequences were used to investigate the role of thermodynamic and kinetic, respectively, in the nanoclays localization. XRD, SEM, TEM, melt rheology, tensile and Izod impact tests were used to characterize the nanocomposites. Results of characterization of nanocomposites showed that clay localization is a very influential parameter to determine the type of morphology and, consequently, mechanical properties of ternary/clay nanocomposites. It was demonstrated that presence of nanoclay in the matrix results in the increase of stiffness, while localization of nanoclay at the interface improves the toughness and tensile strength. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41969.
Failure process of acrylic polyurethane coating under alternate wetting and drying condition
Authors: Zuo Yu , Zhang Liang , Zhao Xuhui , Tang Yuming , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: February 2015

The failure process of an acrylic polyurethane coating in simulated sea water under a wet‐dry cyclic condition and immersion condition was studied with the methods of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the failure rate of acrylic polyurethane coating under the condition of wet‐dry alternation is obviously greater than that under complete immersion. Under wet‐dry condition, both the porosity and the water absorptivity of the coating are also greater than those under complete immersion condition. Owing to the physical effect of wet‐dry alternation, the fillers in the coating surface layer may fall off and result in micro‐pores, which could multiply the defects in the coating and accelerate the coating degradation. FT‐IR analysis shows that the isocyanate group in the coating not only participates in the curing of coating, but also hydrolyzes with water molecule. The C‐O bonds fracture partly due to hydrolysis of the main molecule chains, which is one reason of the coating failure. The failure process for acrylic polyurethane coating under a wet‐dry cyclic condition is discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41989.
Time‐Dependent Aggregation‐Induced Enhanced Emission, Absorption Spectral Broadening, and Aggregation Morphology of a Novel Perylene Derivative with a Large D–π–A Structure
Authors: Yang Long , Yu Yuyan , Zhang Jin , Ge Feijie , Zhang Jianling , Jiang Long , Gao Fang , Dan Yi
Published: February 2015

Strong aggregation‐caused quenching of perylene diimides (PDI) is changed successfully by simple chemical modification with two quinoline moieties through CC at the bay positions to obtain aggregation‐induced enhanced emission (AIEE) of a perylene derivative (Cya‐PDI) with a large π‐conjugation system. Cya‐PDI is weakly luminescent in the well‐dispersed CH3CN or THF solutions and exhibits an evident time‐dependent AIEE and absorption spectra broadening in the aggregated state. In addition, morphological inspection demonstrates that the morphology of the aggregated form of Cya‐PDI molecules changed from plate‐shaped to rod‐like aggregates under the co‐effects of time and water. An edge‐to‐face arrangement of aggregation was proposed and discussed. The fact that the Cya‐PDI aggregates show a broad absorption covering the whole visible‐light range and strong intermolecular interaction through π–π stacking in the solid state makes them promising materials for optoelectric applications.
Recent Progresses in Ceramic Hollow‐Fiber Membranes
Authors: Dashti Amir , Asghari Morteza
Published: February 2015

Membrane technology is one of the most important aspects in separation processes. Hollow fibers are one of the emerging technologies that had a new growth spurt during the past decades. Ceramic membranes have outstanding stability at high temperatures (> 100 °C), at extreme pH, and in fouling environments. In this article, recent progresses on ceramic hollow‐fiber membranes are discussed. The characterizations of membranes, particularly by different methods, are reported. New ceramics, especially perovskites and composites of ceramics, and new techniques are introduced in making high performance hollow fibers. New applications of ceramic hollow fibers are also discussed in detail.
Morphology Control of Polysulfone Membranes in Filtration Processes: a Critical Review
Authors: Abdelrasoul Amira , Doan Huu , Lohi Ali , Cheng Chil‐Hung
Published: February 2015

Polysulfone (PSU) membranes have been widely applied in microfiltration and ultrafiltration processes due to their excellent properties, such as chemical inertness across the entire pH range, compressive strength, and thermal stability. Despite these advantages, the application of PSU membranes in filtration processes has often been restricted due to their hydrophobic nature, which results in serious membrane fouling and a reduced permeate flux. Moreover, PSU membranes suffer from several disadvantages, including bulky structure, low binding force between fibers, and poor mechanical properties. The key factor in the development and application of polymeric membranes is the control of its polymeric morphology due to the significant influence of membrane morphology on the membrane performance. Effective techniques of controlling PSU membrane morphology are accessed, and the effects of the morphological control on mechanical properties, chemical stability, membrane performance, and membrane fouling are investigated. Findings from various individual studies were analyzed and discussed in order to provide a critical review of this subject. The results emphasized that the membrane pore size and surface porosity mostly governs PSU membrane morphology, which enhances membrane performance and reduces membrane fouling.
Mixed Carbonates as Useful Substrates for a Fluorogenic Assay for Lipases and Esterases
Authors: Zadlo Anna , Koszelewski Dominik , Borys Filip , Ostaszewski Ryszard
Published: February 2015

Mixed carbonates of 7‐hydroxy‐4‐methylcoumarin were shown to be a new class of probe for fluorogenic assays. They are promising substrates for fingerprinting enzyme hydrolytic activity, and proved particularly useful because of the low level of nonspecific degradation and ease of synthesis. They are highly relevant for screening lipase and esterase libraries. These advantages make umbelliferyl carbonates highly suitable substrates for high‐throughput screening. Moreover, we report the use of chiral fluorogenic carbonates as enantiopreference probes.
Controlled Surface Segregation Leads to Efficient Coke‐Resistant Nickel/Platinum Bimetallic Catalysts for the Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Li Lidong , Zhou Lu , Ould‐Chikh Samy , Anjum Dalaver H. , Kanoun Mohammed B. , Scaranto Jessica , Hedhili Mohamed N. , Khalid Syed , Laveille Paco V. , D'Souza Lawrence , Clo Alain , Basset Jean‐Marie
Published: February 2015

Surface composition and structure are of vital importance for heterogeneous catalysts, especially for bimetallic catalysts, which often vary as a function of reaction conditions (known as surface segregation). The preparation of bimetallic catalysts with controlled metal surface composition and structure is very challenging. In this study, we synthesize a series of Ni/Pt bimetallic catalysts with controlled metal surface composition and structure using a method derived from surface organometallic chemistry. The evolution of the surface composition and structure of the obtained bimetallic catalysts under simulated reaction conditions is investigated by various techniques, which include CO‐probe IR spectroscopy, high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis, X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure analysis, XRD, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is demonstrated that the structure of the bimetallic catalyst is evolved from Pt monolayer island‐modified Ni nanoparticles to core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles composed of a Ni‐rich core and a Ni/Pt alloy shell upon thermal treatment. These catalysts are active for the dry reforming of methane, and their catalytic activities, stabilities, and carbon formation vary with their surface composition and structure.
Numerical Simulation of Single‐Bubble Dynamics in High‐Viscosity Ionic Liquids Using the Level‐Set Method
Authors: Carvajal Danilo , Carlesi Carlos , Meléndez‐Vejar Victor , Vásquez‐Sandoval Dreidy , Monteverde‐Videla Alessandro H. A. , Bensaid Samir
Published: February 2015

Two numerical models for studying the dynamics of formation and rise of single bubbles in high‐viscosity ionic liquids were implemented using the level‐set method. The models describe two stages of bubble dynamics: bubble formation at the inlet nozzle and bubble displacement across the column. The models were experimentally validated through a laboratory‐scale bubble column using water‐glycerol mixtures and two imidazolium‐type ionic liquids. The models were consistent with the experimental tests for Reynolds numbers < 5. Outside this range, the models tend to underestimate the bubble terminal velocity, which can be explained by the effect of the high velocity and pressure gradients close to the gas‐liquid interface. The models also predicted the velocity and pressure fields near the bubble surface before and after detachment.
Size, Charge, and Stability of Fully Serine‐Based Catanionic Vesicles: Towards Versatile Biocompatible Nanocarriers
Authors: Silva Sandra G. , Vale M. Luísa C. do , Marques Eduardo F.
Published: February 2015

Vesicles based on mixed cationic and anionic surfactants (catanionic vesicles) offer a number of advantageous colloidal features over conventional lipid‐based vesicles, namely spontaneity in formation, long‐term stability, and easy modulation of size and charge. If biocompatibility is added through rational design of the chemical components, the potential for biorelated applications further emerges. Here, we report for the first time on two catanionic vesicle systems in which both ionic amphiphiles are derivatized from the same amino acid—serine—with the goal of enhancing aggregate biocompatibility. Phase behavior maps for a mixture with chain length symmetry, 12Ser/12‐12Ser, and another with asymmetry, 16Ser/8‐8Ser, are presented, for which regions of vesicles, micelles, and coexisting aggregates are identified. For the asymmetric mixture, detailed phase behavior and microstructure characterization have been carried out based on surface tension, light microscopy, cryo‐SEM, cryo‐TEM, and dynamic light scattering analysis. Vesicles are found with tunable mean size, pH, and zeta potential. Changes in aggregate shape with varying composition and the effect of preparation methods and aging on vesicle features and stability have been investigated in detail. The results are discussed in the light of self‐assembly models and related catanionic systems reported before. A versatile system of robust vesicles is thus presented for potential applications.
Mechanistic Insights into the Luminescent Sensing of Organophosphorus Chemical Warfare Agents and Simulants Using Trivalent Lanthanide Complexes
Authors: Dennison Genevieve H. , Johnston Martin R.
Published: February 2015

Organophosphorus chemical warfare agents (OP CWAs) are potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that can cause incapacitation and death within minutes of exposure, and furthermore are largely undetectable by the human senses. Fast, efficient, sensitive and selective detection of these compounds is therefore critical to minimise exposure. Traditional molecular‐based sensing approaches have exploited the chemical reactivity of the OP CWAs, whereas more recently supramolecular‐based approaches using non‐covalent interactions have gained momentum. This is due, in part, to the potential development of sensors with second‐generation properties, such as reversibility and multifunction capabilities. Supramolecular sensors also offer opportunities for incorporation of metal ions allowing for the exploitation of their unique properties. In particular, trivalent lanthanide ions are being increasingly used in the OP CWA sensing event and their use in supramolecular sensors is discussed in this Minireview. We focus on the fundamental interactions of simple lanthanide systems with OP CWAs and simulants, along with the development of more elaborate and complex systems including those containing nanotubes, polymers and gold nanoparticles. Whilst literature investigations into lanthanide‐based OP CWA detection systems are relatively scarce, their unique and versatile properties provide a promising platform for the development of more efficient and complex sensing systems into the future.
Synthesis, Characterisation and Crystal Structures of Two Bi‐oxadiazole Derivatives Featuring the Trifluoromethyl Group
Authors: Kettner Marcos A. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Witkowski Tomasz G. , von Hundling Felix
Published: February 2015

The synthesis, characterisation, and crystal structure determination of the closely related compounds 3,3′‐bi‐(5‐trifluoromethyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole) and 5,5′‐bi‐(2‐ trifluoromethyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) are reported. These two compounds are known for their bioactivity; however, in this study they serve as model compounds to evaluate the suitability of the heterocyclic oxadiazole ring system for energetic materials when the fluorine atoms in the exocyclic CF3 groups are substituted successively by nitro groups. Quantum chemical calculations for the bi‐1,3,4‐ oxadiazole derivatives with difluoronitromethyl, fluorodinitromethyl, and trinitromethyl groups have been carried out and predict promising energetic performances for both explosive and propulsive applications.
Hydrogen Spillover Enhanced Hydroxyl Formation and Catalytic Activity Toward CO Oxidation at the Metal/Oxide Interface
Authors: Jin Yuekang , Sun Guanghui , Xiong Feng , Ding Liangbing , Huang Weixin
Published: February 2015

H2‐promoted catalytic activity of oxide‐supported metal catalysts in low‐temperature CO oxidation is of great interest but its origin remains unknown. Employing an FeO(111)/Pt(111) inverse model catalyst, we herewith report direct experimental evidence for the spillover of H(a) adatoms on the Pt surface formed by H2 dissociation to the PtFeO interface to form hydroxyl groups that facilely oxidize CO(a) on the neighboring Pt surface to produce CO2. Hydroxyl groups and coadsorbed water play a crucial role in the occurrence of hydrogen spillover. These results unambiguously identify the occurrence of hydrogen spillover from the metal surface to the noble metal/metal oxide interface and the resultant enhanced catalytic activity of the metal/oxide interface in low‐temperature CO oxidation, which provides a molecular‐level understanding of both H2‐promoted catalytic activity of metal/oxide ensembles in low‐temperature CO oxidation and hydrogen spillover.
Layer‐by‐layer Assembled Multilayers of Graphene/Mono‐(6‐amino‐6‐deoxy)‐β‐cyclodextrin for Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Tan Lin , Wang Guo , Chen Nali , Zhang Jianqiang , Feng Huixia
Published: February 2015

Graphene/mono‐(6‐amino‐6‐deoxy)‐β‐cyclodextrin multilayer films composed of graphene sheet (GS) and mono‐(6‐amino‐6‐deoxy)‐β‐cyclodextrin (NH2‐β‐CD) were fabricated easily by two steps. First, negatively charged graphene oxide (GO) and positively charged mono‐(6‐amino‐6‐deoxy)‐β‐cyclodextrin (NH2‐β‐CD) were layer‐by‐layer (LBL) self‐assembled on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a layer of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). Then graphene/mono‐(6‐amino‐6‐deoxy)‐β‐cyclodextrin (GS/NH2‐β‐CD) multilayer films were built up by electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide/mono‐(6‐amino‐6‐deoxy)‐β‐cyclodextrin (GO/NH2‐β‐CD). Combining the high surface area of GS and the active recognition sites on β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), the GS/NH2‐β‐CD multilayer films show excellent electrochemical sensing performance for the detection of DA with an extraordinary broad linear range from 2.53 to 980.05 µmol·L−1. This study offers a simple route to the controllable formation of graphene‐based electrochemical sensor for the detection of DA.
Synthesis of Pyrene‐based Planar Conjugated Polymers and the Regioisomers by Intramolecular Cyclization
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyan , Wu Yonggang , Zhou Lina , Wang Yuan , Zhao Hongchi , Gao Baoxiang , Ba Xinwu
Published: February 2015

Several planar conjugated polymers and model compounds containing pyrene units are synthesized. The precursor polymers and model compounds are obtained through the Pd(0)‐catalyzed Suzuki reaction, then the planar structure is formed through intramolecular cyclization in the presence of acid. We investigate the regioisomers in intramolecular cyclization reaction by using model compounds, suggesting that the syn‐ and anti‐structures are formed in ladder‐type polymer LP1, and the syn‐structure is more easily formed in LP3. The planar conjugated polymers and model compounds show untypical features of ladder‐type polymers, they display broad absorption and blue or blue‐green emission in solution, and interchain π‐π stacking in film still occurs. Moreover, the new polymers and model compounds are characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC) and cyclic voltammetry (CV).
Optically Active Helical Poly[(S)‐3‐vinyl‐2,2′‐dihydroxy‐1,1′‐binaphthyl]: New Ligand for Asymmetric Addition of Diethylzinc to Aryl Aldehyde
Authors: Chen Yehui , Qin Guochang , Yang Liwen , Yang Nianfa
Published: February 2015

Poly[(S)‐3‐vinyl‐2,2′‐dihydroxy‐1,1′‐binaphthyl] (L*) was obtained by taking off the protecting groups of poly[(S)‐3‐vinyl‐2,2′‐bis(methoxymethoxy)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl] (poly‐1). L* was proved to keep a stable helical conformation in solution. The application of helical L* in the asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes has been studied. The catalytic system employing 10 mol% of L* and 150 mol% of Ti(OiPr)4 was found to promote the addition of diethylzinc to a wide range of aromatic aldehydes, giving up to 99% enantiomeric excess (ee) and up to 93% yield of the corresponding secondary alcohol at 0°C. The chiral polymer can be easily recovered and reused without loss of catalytic activity as well as enantioselectivity.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Aliphatic Nitro Compounds by Michael/retro‐Claisen Fragmentation Domino Reaction
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Yanjing , Bai Cuibing , Wen Jialong , Wang Naixing
Published: February 2015

A novel and concise method for the construction of γ‐nitro ketones and 1,3‐dinitro compounds with chemoselective acyl transfer has been presented under basic conditions via one‐pot reactions. These reactions feature high atom‐ and step‐economic possess, mild condition and simple operation for one‐pot synthesis of aliphatic nitro compounds. This protocol provides the products in good yields. The possible reaction mechanism has also been proposed.
Intermixed Adatom and Surface‐Bound Adsorbates in Regular Self‐Assembled Monolayers of Racemic 2‐Butanethiol on Au(111)
Authors: Ouyang Runhai , Yan Jiawei , Jensen Palle S. , Ascic Erhad , Gan Shiyu , Tanner David , Mao Bingwei , Niu Li , Zhang Jingdong , Tang Chunguang , Hush Noel S. , Reimers Jeffrey R. , Ulstrup Jens
Published: February 2015

In situ scanning tunneling microscopy combined with density functional theory molecular dynamics simulations reveal a complex structure for the self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of racemic 2‐butanethiol on Au(111) in aqueous solution. Six adsorbate molecules occupy a (10×√3)R30° cell organized as two RSAuSR adatom‐bound motifs plus two RS species bound directly to face‐centered‐cubic and hexagonally close‐packed sites. This is the first time that these competing head‐group arrangements have been observed in the same ordered SAM. Such unusual packing is favored as it facilitates SAMs with anomalously high coverage (30 %), much larger than that for enantiomerically resolved 2‐butanethiol or secondary‐branched butanethiol (25 %) and near that for linear‐chain 1‐butanethiol (33 %).