bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the determination of the Microchoerus (Omomyidae, Primates) remains from Sant Cugat de Gavadons (Late Eocene, Ebro Basin, NE Spain)
Authors: Minwer‐Barakat Raef , Marigó Judit , Moyà‐Solà Salvador 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe presence of Microchoerus in Sant Cugat de Gavadons (Late Eocene, Ebro Basin, Northeastern Spain) was first noted by M. Crusafont, who described a fragment of maxilla with two teeth that he interpreted as P4 and M1 and referred this specimen to the species Microchoerus ornatus. The objective of this work is to study in detail this fossil and check if the previous taxonomic determination was correct.MethodsWe reexamine the single specimen from Sant Cugat de Gavadons, providing for the first time detailed descriptions, measurements and illustrations. We also compare this fossil with the holotype of Microchoerus ornatus from Mormont Entreroches (Switzerland) and with the type material of all other described species of Microchoerus.ResultsAlthough the scarcity of material from Sant Cugat de Gavadons and the strong wear of the two available teeth (which in fact correspond to P3 and P4) do not allow a determination at the specific level, it is clear that this form presents notable differences with the type of M. ornatus and must not be referred to this species.DiscussionNeither the anatomical identification of the two teeth of this maxillary fragment, nor the specific determination of the specimen from Sant Cugat de Gavadons was correct. The ascription of this fossil to Microchoerus ornatus, which represented the only mention of the species in the Iberian Peninsula, is no longer valid. Therefore, the known geographical range of M. ornatus remains restricted to Switzerland. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:162–168, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermo‐oxidative degradation of additive free polyethylene. Part I. Analysis of chemical modifications at molecular and macromolecular scales
Authors: Da Cruz Manuela , Van Schoors Laetitia , Benzarti Karim , Colin Xavier 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTThe effects of thermal oxidation on the molecular and macromolecular structures of additive free PE were investigated between 100 °C and 140 °C in air in order to tentatively establish non‐empirical structure/property relationships. In the first part, the changes in POOH concentration were assessed by three different analytical methods: iodometry, modulated differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry after SO2treatment. All these methods provided very similar results until the end of the induction period, after which iodometry overestimated strongly POOH concentration because it titrates also other chemical species formed at high conversion ratios, namely double bonds. In parallel, the changes in carbonyl group concentration were determined by FTIR spectrophotometry after NH3treatment. As the accumulation kinetics of ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids were closely interrelated, the question of their actual formation mechanisms in the current thermal oxidation mechanistic scheme was raised. An alternative reaction pathway was proposed for the bimolecular decomposition of POOH. In the second part, the corresponding changes in weight and number average molecular masses were monitored by high temperature gel permeation chromatography equipped with a triple detection technology. As both quantities decreased dramatically from the beginning of exposure and their ratioMw/Mntends toward the asymptotic value of 2 and it was concluded that a “pure” chain scission process operated. Finally, as the number of chain scissions perfectly correlates, the concentration sum of aldehydes and their oxidation products (i.e., carboxylic acids), it was also concluded that these carbonyl groups result exclusively from the β scission of alkoxy radicals. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43287.
Preparation and characterization of epoxy/slag composite for cement slurry applications
Authors: Yu Xiaorong , Chen Dajun 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTIn this study, epoxy/slag composites (ESCs) were prepared by using diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A epoxy resin, water‐quenched granulated blast furnace slag as filler, phenolic aldehyde amine as hardener, and titanate as coupling agent. The properties of ESC, including chemical structure, thermal stability, wetting properties, and morphological structure, were investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, a contact angle meter, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry. The results show that ESCs possess excellent thermal stability, hydrophilicity, and good compatibility with cement slurry compared to pure epoxy. In addition, the applications of ESC in a cement slurry were also investigated. It was found that the fluidity, free water, fluid loss, and content of Ca(OH)2 decreased, while the compressive strength increased with the incorporation of slag into the epoxy matrix. These features were attributed to the pozzolanic reaction of slag by consumption of Ca(OH)2 to form calcium silicate hydrate (C‐S‐H) gel which contributed more to the compressive strength of set cement. Finally, lightweight cement containing ESCs exhibited high strength without affecting the density of the light cement slurry under curing pressure and at high mixing rate compared with lightweight cement made of floating beads. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43359.
Effects of polyisocyanate on properties and pot life of epoxy resin cross‐linked soybean meal‐based bioadhesive
Authors: Luo Jianlin , Luo Jing , Li Xiaona , Gao Qiang , Li Jianzhang 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTIn this study, polyisocyanate (pMDI) was introduced into epoxy resin modified soybean meal‐based bioadhesive to address the issue of low dry bond strength. Specifically, we investigated the effects of adding pMDI in terms of amount and storage time on dry bond strength, water resistance, and pot life of adhesive. Factors examined included shear strength, apparent viscosity, chemical reaction, crystallinity, and morphology of modified adhesives. Results indicated that the dry bond strength and water resistance of the resultant plywood was respectively improved 29.5% and 39.7% by adding 2% pMDI. In addition, the pot life of modified adhesive reached in 4 h. Results also shown that the cross‐linking reactions between epoxy group and carbonyl as well as isocyano and amino increased the cross‐linking density and formed a denser cross‐linking network structure of cured adhesive. The composite cross‐linked soybean meal‐based adhesive is environmental‐friendly and high‐performance, which will promote the industrial application of the soy protein‐based adhesives. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43362.
Passive microrheology for measurement of gelation behavior of a kind of polymer gel P(AM‐AA‐AMPS)
Authors: Yang Hongbin , Kang Wanli , Wu Hairong , Li Zhe , Yu Yang , Lu Yao , Zhang Liming , Wang Manying , He Yuwei 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTOne kind of polymer gel P(AM‐AA‐AMPS) was prepared by radical aqueous copolymerization, using acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA) and 1‐acrylanmido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) as monomers, N,N‐methacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator. The microstructure and molecular structure of the polymer gel were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM), infrared spectrometer (IR) and thermal gravity analysis (TGA). Main factors affecting the gelation behavior of P(AM‐AA‐AMPS) were qualitatively and quantitatively studied by multi‐speckle diffusion wave spectroscopy (MS‐DWS) technology, and the elasticity index (EI) and macroscopic viscosity index (MVI) were introduced to evaluate the elasticity and viscosity of the polymer gel. The results show that the synthesized P(AM‐AA‐AMPS) polymer gel has three‐dimensional network structure gel with thermally resistant and salts tolerant groups. The EI and MVI of solution increase abruptly during the gelation time and the two indexes tend to stabilize. Under certain conditions, with the increase of reaction temperature and concentration of monomers and initiator, the gelation time of polymer gel gets shorter and the gel strength increases; with the increase of concentration of crosslinker, the strength of polymer gels increases, while the gelation time remains almost unchanged. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43364.
Curing cycle modification for RTM6 to reduce hydrostatic residual tensile stress in 3D woven composites
Authors: Gross Todd S. , Jafari Hesam , Tsukrov Igor , Bayraktar Harun , Goering Jon 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTTriaxial residual tensile stresses resulting after cooling a 3D woven composite from the curing temperature cause cracking in the resin pockets for weave architectures that have high through‐the‐thickness constraint. We show how curing cycle modifications can reduce the hydrostatic tensile stress generated by thermal mismatch during cooling of Hexcel RTM6 epoxy resin constrained in a quartz tube which simulates extreme constraint in a composite. The modified curing schedule consists of a high temperature cure to just before the glass transition, a lower temperature hold that takes the resin through the glass transition thereby freezing in the zero stress state, followed by high temperature cure to bring the resin to full conversion. We show that this process is sensitive to heating rates and can reduce the zero stress state of non‐toughened RTM6 resin to a temperature similar to a commercial rubber‐toughened resin, Cycom PR520. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43373.
Preparation, dynamic rheological behavior, crystallization, and mechanical properties of inorganic whiskers reinforced polylactic acid/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Chen Yinghong , Ding Weiwei 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTThe novel inorganic SiO2–MgO–CaO whiskers (SMCWs) were incorporated into nano hydroxyapatite (HA) contained polylactic acid (PLA) system to prepare the reinforced PLA/HA/SMCWs nanocomposite. Maleic anhydride grafted PLA (PLA‐g‐MAH) was then used to modify the interface between filler and matrix. The morphology, rheological behavior, crystallization, and mechanical property of the prepared nanocomposites were systematically investigated using scanning electronic microscope, dynamic rheometer, differential scanning calorimeter, polarized light microscope, and mechanical test, respectively. The results showed that the introduced PLA‐g‐MAH obviously improves the filler dispersion and the filler–matrix interfacial compatibility. Interestingly, the incorporated whiskers obviously decrease the complex viscosity and hence could significantly improve the processability of system. However, the introduction of PLA‐g‐MAH increases the complex viscosity to a greater extent. In addition, the added whiskers were found to have complicated influences on the PLA crystallization. On one hand, the incorporated whiskers can enhance the melt crystallization capability of PLA macromolecular chains; on the other hand, the introduced whiskers also show the inhibitive effect on the nucleation of PLA polymer chains and the inhibition degree is related to the loading of whiskers. The combination of whiskers and PLA‐g‐MAH could remarkably improve the mechanical performance of PLA/HA nanocomposite. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43381.
Preparation, physical, and mechanical properties of soy protein isolate/guar gum composite films prepared by solution casting
Authors: Sui Chunxia , Zhang Wenzhao , Ye Fei , Liu Xiaoming , Yu Guoping 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTGuar gum (GG) was incorporated into soy protein isolate (SPI) films using a blending solution casting method to form SPI/GG composite films. The effects of SPI and GG contents on the transparency, water susceptibility, mechanical, and gas‐barrier properties of SPI/GG composite films were analyzed. The results showed that SPI/GG composite films with added GG were much more tensile‐resistant, water‐resistant, gas‐barrier properties but less deformable property than SPI control film. The presence of GG also improved film barrier to the light. The analysis results of contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope indicated that GG induced increased network compactness of the composite films which resulted from strong intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, that existed between SPI and GG. Findings indicate that GG may be used as a natural means to improve specific properties of SPI films. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43382.
Structural, thermal, morphological and dynamic mechanical characteristics of waste‐reinforced polypropylene composites: A novel approach for recycling electronic waste
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Choudhary Veena , Khanna Rita , Tripathi Sandeep Nath , Ikram‐Ul‐Haq M. , Sahajwalla Veena 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTAn in‐depth investigation has been carried toward utilizing polymer‐rich nonmetallic fraction of printed circuit boards (PCBs) as reinforcing fillers in polypropylene (PP) composites. The influence of waste additions (up to 25 wt %) on structural, thermal, morphological, and dynamic mechanical behavior of PP composites was investigated using a range of analytical techniques. The incorporation of PCB waste was found to affect the crystalline morphology resulting in the formation of smaller spherulites. The presence of glass fibers in PCB waste promoted the formation of β‐crystal enhancing the mechanical properties of composites. Thermal analysis showed a maximum increase of ∼15 °C in the crystallization onset temperature (Tco) suggesting the nucleating effect of the filler, a feature also supported by structural investigations. Polarized microscopy revealed a reduction in the spherulite size after 5 wt % PCB waste loading owing to the presence of large number of nucleation sites. The incorporation of waste also increased the thermal stability of composites increasing the final degradation temperature by up to 14 °C. Dynamic mechanical properties of PP/PCB waste composites were determined in the temperature range −20 to 155 °C; a significant increase in the storage modulus further confirmed the reinforcing effect of waste additives. This investigation has shown that the nonmetallic fraction of PCB waste could be used as a cost‐effective reinforcing filler for PP, providing an environmental friendly route to utilize electronic waste in value‐added products. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43389.
Jasmonic acid and methyl dihydrojasmonate enhance saponin biosynthesis as well as expression of functional genes in adventitious roots of Panax notoginseng F.H. Chen
Authors: Li Jinxin , Wang Juan , Wu Xiaolei , Liu Dahui , Li Jing , Li Jianli , Liu Shujie , Gao Wenyuan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPanax notoginseng, an important herbal medicine, has wide uses for its bioactive compounds and health function. In this work, we compared the content of saponin in cultivation and adventitious root. The total content of saponins in adventitious root (8.48 mg⋅g−1) was found lower than in the native one (3‐year‐old) (34.34 mg⋅g−1). To enhance the content of bioactive compounds, we applied elicitors jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl dihydrojasmonate (MDJ) to the adventitious root culture. It was observed that the highest total content of saponins (71.94 mg⋅g−1) was achieved after treatment with 5 mg⋅L−1 JA, which was 2.09‐fold higher than native roots and 8.45‐fold higher than the control group. The findings from high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed that six new compounds were present after the treatment with the elicitors. Furthermore, we found that JA and MDJ significantly upregulated the expression of the geranyl diphosphate synthase, farnesyl diphosphate synthase, squalene synthase, squalene epoxidase, dammarenediol synthase, and CYP716A47 and CYP716A53v2 (CYP450 enzyme) genes; downregulated the expression of the cycloartenol synthase gene; and increased superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities.
Biofuel, sustainability, and forest indicators' nexus in the panel generalized method of moments estimation: evidence from 12 developed and developing countries
Authors: Ozturk Ilhan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study examines the interrelationship between biofuel consumption and production and several national‐scale indicators of socioeconomic and environmental sustainability by using the functional form of the Solow growth model. Panel data ranging from 2000 to 2013 has been used for 12 distinct countries by employing the Panel Generalized Method of Moments (PGMM) technique. The results show that growth factors have a positive impact on biofuel consumption while environmental indicators increase along with the increasing use of biofuels. Potential habitant areas (represented by the forest indicators) are influenced by biofuel consumption. More specifically, as biofuels decrease the arable land in hectares, it also decreases the rate of forest depletion. The results show that GDP per unit of energy used and the amount of forest area are significantly correlated with higher biofuel production while the labor force participation rate significantly decreases biofuel production in the region. There is a significant and negative relationship between net forest depletion and biofuel production. The cause and effect relationship between the variables is estimated through the panel causality Wald exogeniety test. The results indicate a unidirectional causality running from GDP per capita to biofuel consumption and from biofuel consumption to fossil fuel energy consumption. While there is bidirectional causality between GDP per capita and biofuel production in the region, the results emphasize the role of biofuel consumption and production in devising strong policy options for escalating economic growth, a carbon‐free economy, and the preservation of biodiversity in a region. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Nomogram for prediction of prognosis in patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Imai K , Allard M-A , Castro Benitez C , Vibert E , Sa Cunha A , Cherqui D , Castaing D , Bismuth H , Baba H , Adam R 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Background
Although recent advances in surgery and chemotherapy have increasingly enabled hepatectomy in patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), not all such patients benefit from surgery. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict survival after hepatectomy for initially unresectable CRLM.

Methods
Patients with initially unresectable CRLM treated with chemotherapy followed by hepatectomy between 1990 and 2012 were included in the study. A nomogram to predict survival was developed based on a multivariable Cox model. The predictive performance of the model was assessed according to the C-statistic, Kaplan–Meier curve and calibration plots.

Results
Of a total of 439 patients, liver and globally completed surgery was achieved in 380 (86·6 per cent) and 335 (76·3 per cent) patients respectively. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 39·9 and 10·0 per cent respectively. Based on the Cox model, the following five factors were selected for the nomogram and assigned specific scores: node-positive primary, 5; more than six metastases at hepatectomy, 7; carbohydrate antigen 19–9 level at hepatectomy above 37 units/ml, 10; disease progression during first-line chemotherapy, 9; and presence of extrahepatic disease, 4. The model achieved relatively good discrimination and calibration, with a C-statistic of 0·66. The overall survival rate for patients with a score greater than 16 was significantly worse than that for patients with a score of 16 or less (5-year survival rate 4 versus 46·3 per cent respectively; P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
The nomogram facilitates personalized assessment of prognosis for patients with initially unresectable CRLM treated with chemotherapy and with planned resection.
Restoration of normal colonic motor patterns and meal responses after distal colorectal resection
Authors: Vather R , O'Grady G , Arkwright J W , Rowbotham D S , Cheng L K , Dinning P G , Bissett I P 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundColorectal resections alter colonic motility, including disruption of control by neural or bioelectrical cell networks. The long-term impact of surgical resections and anastomoses on colonic motor patterns has, however, never been assessed accurately. Fibreoptic high-resolution colonic manometry was employed to define motility in patients who had undergone distal colorectal resection.MethodsRecruited patients had undergone distal colorectal resections more than 12 months previously, and had normal bowel function. Manometry was performed in the distal colon (36 sensors; 1-cm intervals), with 2-h recordings taken before and after a meal, with comparison to controls. Analysis quantified all propagating events and frequencies (cyclical, short single, and long single motor patterns), including across anastomoses.ResultsFifteen patients and 12 controls were recruited into the study. Coordinated propagating events directly traversed the healed anastomoses in nine of 12 patients with available data, including antegrade and retrograde cyclical, short single and long single patterns. Dominant frequencies in the distal colon were similar in patients and controls (2–3 cycles/min) (antegrade P = 0·482; retrograde P = 0·178). Compared with values before the meal, the mean(s.d.) number of dominant cyclical retrograde motor patterns increased in patients after the meal (2·1(2·7) versus 32·6(31·8) in 2 h respectively; P &lt; 0·001), similar to controls (P = 0·178), although the extent of propagation was 41 per cent shorter in patients, by a mean of 3·4 cm (P = 0·003). Short and long single propagating motor patterns were comparable between groups in terms of frequency, velocity, extent and amplitude.ConclusionMotility patterns and meal responses are restored after distal colorectal resection in patients with normal bowel function. Coordinated propagation across healed anastomoses may indicate regeneration of underlying cellular networks.