bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PVDF membrane assisted by modified hydrophobic ZnO nanoparticle for membrane distillation
Authors: Ardeshiri Fatemeh , Salehi Setareh , Peyravi Majid , Jahanshahi Mohsen , Amiri Alireza , Rad Ali Shokuhi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, the modified ZnO/poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were prepared to examine the membrane distillation performance. The modified ZnO nanoparticle was synthesized using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a coupling agent and lauric acid in order to increase the hydrophobicity of nanoparticle surface. The modified nanoparticles with 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% contents were intercalated within PVDF scaffold to prepare composite membranes through phase inversion method. The influence of modified nanoparticle content on the characteristics of membranes including hydrophobicity, morphology, porosity, liquid entry pressure of water, and direct contact membrane distillation performance was investigated. By adding modified ZnO nanoparticle into casting solution, porosity and roughness were increased and revealed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The results of direct contact membrane distillation performance was indicated that the permeate flux of modified membranes had a significant increase in comparison with neat PVDF membrane. Also, the thermal property of these nanocomposite membranes was examined.
Interfacial liquid crystalline mesophase domain on carbon nanofillers in aromatic thermosetting copolyester matrix
Authors: Bakir Mete , Elhebeary Mohamed , Meyer Jacob L. , Sutrisno Andre , Economy James , Jasiuk Iwona 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTThis work presents the formation process and thermophysical characteristics of preferentially oriented interfacial liquid crystalline (LC) mesophase domain emerging around graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) particles within an amorphous aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) matrix. Acetoxy‐ and carboxylic acid‐capped matched oligomers of ATSP interact with oxygen‐bearing functional groups on the GNPs during the thermal polymerization process which tethers the nanofillers to the crosslinked polymer backbone. Upon curing, a nematic phase LC network develops at the nanoparticle and matrix interface via the crystalline carbonaceous structure induced local ordering effects. The LC region exhibits a thermally reversible phase transition characteristic; attains an isotropic morphology through a heating cycle and reverses to the nematic form following a subsequent cooling cycle. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis reveals the presence of a robust interfacial attachment between the GNPs and ATSP backbone. The strong covalent conjugation induces a marked upshift in the glass transition temperature (Tg) in the ATSP‐GNP nanocomposites. Introduction of an LC interlayer region surrounding the nanofillers facilitated by a strong interfacial attachment mechanism could help to optimize the performance of polymer nanocomposites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46584.
Oligomeric poly(ether‐imide)s bearing ortho trifluoromethyl groups: Solubility, thermal studies, and optical properties
Authors: Jessop Ignacio A. , Tagle Luis Hernán , Coll Deysma , Ortiz Pablo , Pérez Germán , Terraza Claudio A. , Tundidor‐Camba Alain 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTIn the development of processable high‐temperature materials, six new aromatic poly(imide)s based on diamines containing ortho trifluoromethyl groups, ether linkages and R,R‐methylenes moieties (R = Me or Ph) and previously reported dianhydrides have been synthesized vía polycondensation reactions. All polymers were obtained with good yields, were soluble in a variety of polar aprotic solvents, and exhibited inherent viscosity (ηinh) values between 0.15 and 0.20 dL g−1, which is indicative of low molecular‐weight species. Preliminary studies of their physical properties were carried out. The new materials were transparent in the visible region and they exhibited thermal decomposition temperatures ranging from 475 to 545 °C and glass‐transition temperatures varying from 288 to 304 °C. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46613.
From whaling to whale watching: Identifying fin whale critical foraging habitats off the Chilean coast
Authors: Sepúlveda Maritza , Pérez‐Álvarez María José , Santos‐Carvallo Macarena , Pavez Guido , Olavarría Carlos , Moraga Rodrigo , Zerbini Alexandre N. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) have been documented along the coast of Chile since the early 20th century; however, information on their ecology and movement patterns remains poorly known.
In the spring of 2015, six implantable satellite tags were deployed on fin whales around the marine reserves of Isla Chañaral and Islas Choros‐Damas (approximately 29°S) to evaluate their movements and habitat use off the coast of Chile. A switching state–space model was used to estimate the predicted track of the whales as well as behavioural modes classified as ‘transiting’ and ‘area‐restricted search’ (ARS).
Whales were tracked for periods ranging between 4 and 162 days (mean = 68 ± 52 days), covering an average distance of 3225.7 ± 2871.6 km. Five of the six whales remained at middle latitudes for prolonged periods of time, moving in a north–south pattern near the coast, and spending most of their time in ARS behaviour (72.5% of the locations). Only one individual showed a clear southbound migratory behaviour, and remained in transit behaviour for most of the period it was followed.
These results suggest that some of the fin whales that are observed in Chile do follow a migration to high latitudes, whereas others remained at middle latitudes, probably using critical habitats as feeding grounds during the summer. This information not only contributes new information on the behaviour and foraging patterns of this species, but is also of particular interest to promote the growing whale‐watching activity, and also to better inform conservation and management efforts for this species in Chile.
Predictive Consensus for Networked Multi‐Agent Systems with Switching Topology and Variable Delay
Authors: Li Chang‐Jiang , Liu Guo‐Ping 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates consensus problems of networked linear time invariant (LTI) multi‐agent systems, subject to variable network delays and switching topology. A new protocol is proposed for such systems with matrix B that has full row rank, based on stochastic, indecomposable, aperiodic (SIA) matrix and the predictive control scheme. With the predictive scheme the network delay is compensated. Consensus analysis based on the seminorm is provided. The conditions are obtained for such systems with periodic switching topology to reach consensus. The proposed protocol can deal with time‐varying delays, switching topology, and an unstable mode. The numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Determination of armepavine in mouse blood by UPLC‐MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Geng Peiwu , Luo Jun , Weng Ziwei , Fan Zhehua , Zhang Bin , Ma Jianshe , Wang Xianqin , Zhang Meiling 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to develop an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method to determine armepavine in mouse blood. Nuciferine was used as internal standard. Chromatographic separation was performed on a UPLC BEH (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) column with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution (containing 0.1% formic acid). The quantitative analysis was conducted in multiple reaction monitoring mode with m/z 314.1 → 106.9 for armepavine and m/z 296.2 → 265.1 for nuciferine. Calibration curves were linear (r > 0.995) over the concentration range 1–1000 ng/mL in mouse blood with a lowest limit of quantitation of 1 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions of armepavine in mouse were < 13.5 and 10.8%, respectively. The accuracy ranged between 86.8 and 103.3%. Meanwhile, the average recovery was >70.7% and the matrix effect was within the range 109.5–113.7%. All of the obtained data confirmed the satisfactory sensitivity and selectivity of the developed method which was then successfully applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behavior of armepavine in mouse for the first time. The bioavailability of armepavine in mouse was calculated to be 11.3%.
Liver injury after pulsed methylprednisolone therapy in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Nociti Viviana , Biolato Marco , De Fino Chiara , Bianco Assunta , Losavio Francesco Antonio , Lucchini Matteo , Marrone Giuseppe , Grieco Antonio , Mirabella Massimiliano 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesHigh‐dose pulsed methylprednisolone‐related liver injury cases have been reported in the literature, but a prospective study in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has never been performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of liver injury in patients with MS after pulsed methylprednisolone therapy.MethodsWe performed a prospective observational single‐center study on patients with MS treated with i.v. methylprednisolone 1,000 mg/day for 5 days. We tested the liver functionality before and 2 weeks after the treatment. In case of severe liver injury, defined according to “Hy's law,” a comprehensive hepatologic workup was performed.ResultsDuring a 12‐month observation period, we collected data on 251 cycles of i.v. steroid treatment of 175 patients with MS. After excluding eight cycles presenting a basal alteration of the biochemical liver tests, we observed a prevalence of 8.6% of liver injury in MS patients treated with pulsed methylprednisolone for clinical and neuroradiological relapses. In 2.5% of the patients, the liver injury was severe according to Hy's law; after a comprehensive hepatologic workup, three of them received a diagnosis of drug‐induced liver injury and the other three of autoimmune hepatitis.ConclusionsLiver injury after pulsed methylprednisolone therapy in patients with MS is not infrequent, and a close monitoring of aminotransferase level before treatment and 2 weeks later seems advisable.
Self‐Templated Synthesis of Cuprous Oxide Nanofiber‐Assembled Hollow Spheres for High‐Performance Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Xu Panpan , Wang Guiling , Miao Chenxu , Zhang Hongquan , Cheng Kui , Ye Ke , Zhu Kai , Yan Jun , Cao Dianxue , Zhang Xianfa 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHollow structures are considered as promising electrode materials. Their enhanced surface‐to‐volume ratio results in an increased contact area between the electrolyte and electrode and, thereby, a higher accessibility of active material. Here, a facile hydrothermal method is applied to synthesize hollow Cu2O spheres, assembled by well‐aligned nanofibers. Based on the investigation of the samples at different reaction times, a growing mechanism is proposed. Nano building‐blocks create porous channels within the shell, which could facilitate the transfer and shorten the transportation pathway for both ions and charge. The Cu2O with its unique structure displays a high specific capacitance of 1075 F g−1 at a current density of 5 mA cm−2, a remarkable rate capability of 82 %, and an excellent cycling property of nearly 100 % of the initial value remaining after 5000 charge‐discharge cycles. Moreover, the hollow Cu2O spheres are first used for the preparation of a positive electrode in an asymmetric supercapacitor, using carbon as a negative electrode. The device exhibits a high energy density of 44.7 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 420.2 W kg−1, and when the power density reaches values as high as 4201.7 W kg−1, an energy density of 16 Wh kg−1 is still attained.
Facile and Cost‐Efficient Synthesis of Quasi‐0D/2D ZnO/MoS2 Nanocomposites for Highly Enhanced Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants and Antibiotics
Authors: Islam Sk Emdadul , Hang Da‐Ren , Chen Chun‐Hu , Sharma Krishna Hari 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNanoscale transition‐metal dichalcogenide materials showed promising potential for visible‐light responsive photocatalysis. Here, we report our investigations on the synthesis of heterodimensional nanostructures of two‐dimensional (2D) ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets interspersed with ZnO nanoparticles by using a facile two‐step method consisting of sonication‐aided exfoliation technique followed by a wet chemical process. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was examined by studying the degradation of different organic dye pollutants and tetracycline, a common antibiotic, under visible‐light irradiation. It is found that within 30 min more than 90 % of the model organic dye was photodegraded by the optimized quasi‐0D/2D hybrid nanomaterial. The reaction rate of pollutant degradation is about five and eight times higher than those of the pristine MoS2 naonosheets and P25 photocatalysts, respectively. The outstanding photocatalytic activity of the heterodimensional hybrids can be attributed to a few beneficial features from the synergetic effects. Most importantly, the intimate junction between ZnO and MoS2 facilitates the separation of photogenerated carriers, leading to the enhancement of photocatalytic efficiency. A tentative photocatalytic degradation mechanism was proposed and tested. Overall, the present work provides valuable insights for the exploration of cost‐effective nanoscale heterodimensional hybrids constructed from atomically thin layered materials.
Metal‐Free Oxidative Cross Coupling of Indoles with Electron‐Rich (Hetero)arenes
Authors: Caramenti Paola , Nandi Raj Kumar , Waser Jerome 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA new method for the synthesis of bi‐heteroaryls is reported, based on the umpolung of indoles with benziodoxol(on)e hypervalent iodine reagents (IndoleBX). The oxidative coupling of IndoleBX with an equimolar amount of electron‐rich benzenes, indoles, pyrroles, and thiophenes proceeded under mild transition‐metal‐free conditions. Functionalized non‐symmetrical bi‐indolyl heterocycles were accessed efficiently. Introduction of a new type of C2‐substituted indole benziodoxole reagents further allowed extending the scope of the reaction to NH unprotected and C3‐alkylated indoles. The obtained bi‐heterocycles are important building blocks in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, and could be easily transformed into more complex heterocyclic systems.
Development of efficient formulation for the removal of iron sulphide scale in sour production wells
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Sultan Abdullah , Saad Mohammed A. , Buijs Willem , Vlugt Thijs J. H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIron sulphide scale, which exists in different forms, is common in sour oil and gas production wells. Iron sulphide hard scales are difficult to remove with acids, requiring mechanical intervention or the replacement of the production tubing. An environmentally friendly formulation with a high pH is proposed for the removal of both soft and hard iron sulphide scale from oil and gas wells. The formulation consists of DTPA (di‐ethylene tri‐amine penta acetic acid) in addition to K2CO3 as a catalyst. High pressure high temperature solubility experiments were performed under both static and dynamic conditions in the temperature range of 70–150 °C and a constant pressure of 3447.38 kPa. Several combinations of the catalyst and DTPA chelating agent were used to optimize the catalyst/DTPA ratio to achieve maximum scale solubility. Field scale samples were collected and analyzed using XRD. The scale removal efficiency of the proposed formulation outperforms that of the current formulations used in the oil industry, with the added advantage of not releasing H2S. The optimum DTPA concentration is 20 wt% and the optimum catalyst concentration is 9 wt%, which provides a solubility of 90 % of the field scale. In addition, the ecotox profile of the proposed formulation is better than that of the currently used formulations because toxic corrosion inhibitors are not used. The maximum reported corrosion rate for the new formulation is 0.036 kg/m2, which is well below the acceptable limit (< 0.227 kg/m2).
Fragmentation and matrix contrast favor understory plants through negative cascading effects on a strong competitor palm
Authors: Hernández‐Ruedas Manuel A. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Morante‐Filho José Carlos , Meave Jorge A. , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the patterns and processes driving biodiversity maintenance in fragmented tropical forests is urgently needed for conservation planning, especially in species‐rich forest reserves. Of particular concern are the effects that habitat modifications at the landscape scale may have on forest regeneration and ecosystem functioning: a topic that has received limited attention. Here, we assessed the effects of landscape structure (i.e., forest cover, open area matrices, forest fragmentation, and mean inter‐patch isolation distance) on understory plant assemblages in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Previous studies suggest that the demographic burst of the strong competitor palm Astrocaryum mexicanum in the core area of this reserve limits plant recruitment and imperils biodiversity conservation within this protected area. Yet, the local and landscape predictors of this palm, and its impact on tree recruitment at a regional scale are unknown. Thus, we used structural equation modeling to assess the direct and cascading effects of landscape structure on stem and species density in the understory of 20 forest sites distributed across this biodiversity hotspot. Indirect paths included the effect of landscape structure on tree basal area (a proxy of local disturbance), and the effects of these variables on A. mexicanum. Density of A. mexicanum mainly increased with decreasing both fragmentation and open areas in the matrix (matrix contrast, hereafter), and such an increase in palm density negatively affected stem and species density in the understory. The negative direct effect of matrix contrast on stem density was overridden by the indirect positive effects (i.e., through negative cascading effects on A. mexicanum), resulting in a weak effect of matrix contrast on stem density. These findings suggest that dispersal limitation and negative edge effects in more fragmented landscapes dominated by open areas prevent the proliferation of this palm species, enhancing the diversity and abundance of understory trees. This “positive” news adds to an increasing line of evidence suggesting that fragmentation may have some positive effects on biodiversity, in this case by preventing the proliferation of species that can jeopardize biodiversity conservation within tropical reserves.
A Dual‐graphite Battery with Pure 1‐Butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) Imide as the Electrolyte
Authors: Wang Aiye , Yuan Wenhui , Fan Jiaxin , Li Li 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRechargeable dual‐ion batteries are considered to be potential candidates for applications in electrochemical energy storage devices. Ionic liquid is one of the most promising electrolytes due to its superior ionic conductivity and the wide electrochemical window. In this work, a novel dual‐graphite battery system was developed based on a pure 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ionic liquid electrolyte and dual graphite electrodes. The working mechanism of the dual‐graphite battery based on a pure ionic liquid electrolyte without any metallic elements was proposed and investigated in detail. The cell delivers a reversible specific capacity of 49 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1, a high Coulombic efficiency of approximately 97.4 % and a fine cycling stability at high cut‐off voltage 4.6 V over 100 cycles. Moreover, the dual‐ion battery system, which is made entirely of non‐metallic elements, exhibits a high and obvious discharge voltage plateaus at about 3.7 V. These results encourage the further development of new types of futuristic rechargeable non‐metallic battery energy storage systems.
Elder abuse and its medical outcomes in older Chinese people with cognitive and physical impairments
Authors: Fang Boye , Yan Elsie , Chan Ko Ling , Ip Partick 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesElder abuse poses a major public health threat considering the ongoing rapid aging of the global population. This study investigates the association between elder abuse by family caregivers and medical outcomes among older Chinese patients with cognitive and physical impairments in the People's Republic of China.MethodsUsing cross‐sectional design, 1002 older patients (aged 55 y and older) and their family caregivers were recruited from 3 grade A hospitals in Guangdong Province. The major independent variable is caregiver‐reported elder abuse, while outcome variables include cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peptic ulcer, digestive disorder, chronic hepatic disease, chronic renal disease, metabolic disease, acute inflammation, joint disease, tumor, and general injury. The prevalence of these medical conditions among patients who were abused and those who were not were compared using descriptive analyses and chi‐square tests, and logistic regression was used to establish the relevant independent associations.ResultsA total of 429 (42.8%) older persons have experienced physical or psychological abuse over the past 12 months. After adjusting for potential confounders, abused older persons were more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peptic ulcer, digestive disorder, metabolic disease, acute inflammation, tumor, and injuries.ConclusionElder abuse is associated with various major medical morbidities. Interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary to identify and reduce the adverse physiological consequences in victims.