bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological analysis of differently sized highly porous poly(ether imide) microparticles by mercury porosimetry
Authors: Heuchel Matthias , Gerber David , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: November 2016

Highly porous poly(ether imide) (PEI) microparticles prepared by a spraying/coagulation process are discussed as candidate adsorber materials for apheresis applications, i.e. removal of uremic toxins from the blood of renal failure patients. PEI particles obtained by the aforementioned procedure can have a broad size distribution with particle diameters ranging from 20 to 800 µm. In order to further estimate the adsorption behavior of PEI microparticles packed in application relevant apheresis modules, a quantitative information about the relation between particle size and pore morphology is required. In this study, we explored whether the intraparticle porosity of PEI microparticles varies with altering the diameter of the particulate adsorbers. By an analytical wet sieving procedure, the obtained PEI microparticles were separated into five size fractions, which were analyzed by mercury intrusion porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy. Mercury intrusion porosimetry revealed for all size fractions high porosity values in the range from 78% to 84% with pore diameters in the range from 10 to 1000 nm. A bimodal pore size distribution was found having a first peak at around 100 nm, while a second pronounced peak maximum was found at higher pore sizes that increased with raising particle diameter from 300 nm for the smallest particle size fraction (50–100 µm) to 700 nm for particles with a diameter of 200 to 250 µm.Based on these findings, it can be assumed that the main PEI particle size fraction (200–250 µm) should exhibit the highest adsorption capacity in an apheresis module. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of ethylene‐methyl acrylate compatibilizer on the thermo‐mechanical, rheological, and morphological properties of poly(Lactic acid)/biopolyethylene/clay biocomposites
Authors: Agrawal Pankaj , Alves Amanda M. , Brito Gustavo F. , Cavalcanti Shirley N. , Araújo Aylanna P. M. , Mélo Tomás J. A. 
Published: November 2016

In this study, the effect of ethylene‐methyl acrylate (EMA) compatibilizer on the thermo‐mechanical, rheological, and morphological properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/biopolyethylene (BioPE)/OMMT clay biocomposites was investigated. The biocomposites containing 1 and 3 phr of OMMT clay were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical properties, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and rheological properties under oscillatory shear flow. XRD results indicated that bionanocomposites with an intercalated structure were obtained for the PLA/BioPE/EMA/OMMT system containing 1 and 3 phr of OMMT clay. The addition of OMMT clay to PLA/BioPE blend led to a decrease in the modulus and tensile strength, while the impact strength was increased. The increase in the clay content from 1 to 3 phr did not affect the modulus and the tensile strength of the PLA/BioPE blend, while the impact strength was decreased. The impact strength of the PLA/BioPE/EMA/OMMT biocomposite containing 3 phr of clay was superior to that containing 1 phr of clay. The addition of EMA to PLA/BioPE/OMMT biocomposites substantially decreased the average size of the BioPE phase domains. DMTA results showed a decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA with the addition of OMMT clay to PLA/BioPE blend. Rheological measurements showed an increase in the viscosity at low frequencies with the addition OMMT to PLA/BioPE blend. Further increase in the viscosity was observed when EMA compatibilizer was added to PLA/BioPE/OMMT biocomposite. The results of DMTA and rheological measurements were ascribed to the morphology refinement and corroborated the results obtained by SEM. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E164–E173, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tunable polyesterification of xylitol: from linear to crosslinked structures
Authors: Liz‐Andela Néstor I , Benitez Ricardo , Martin‐Franco Jaime , Rojas Giovanni 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe copolymerization by condensation chemistry of succinic acid and xylitol, a byproduct from the sugarcane and alcohol industry, is reported. Two methodologies were studied concerning succinic acid, with and without carboxylic acid activation, yielding crosslinked and linear low molecular weight polymers, respectively. All polymerizations were carried out at reaction times in the range from 36 to 80 h, with a molar mass ratio of 1:1 and 1:3. Linear and crosslinked polyesters were analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, DSC and TGA, and structural characterization was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and NMR. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Automated dual‐axis planar solar tracker with controllable vertical displacement for concentrating solar microcell arrays
Authors: Lim Taehoon , Kwak Pyo , Song Kwangsun , Kim Namyun , Lee Jongho 
Published: November 2016

AbstractConcentrator photovoltaics are able to maintain power output for extended hours while reducing the quantity of expensive high performance compound semiconductor solar materials. One of the limitations in concentrator photovoltaics is the bulky and heavy form factors of solar tracking systems which usually require dedicated installation locations and resistance to wind loading. This paper describes a planar solar tracker that requires only micro or millimeter scale lateral and vertical displacements of a microlens array to maintain both the optimum lateral locations and focal lengths at various incident angles of light, using dual‐axis actuations. Experimental results for lateral solar tracker were obtained under a solar simulator considering the effects of the rotation and revolution of the Earth, and under the Sun on a rooftop with the actual system, to demonstrate the concept and practical performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dealing with long‐range interactions in the determination of polyelectrolyte ionization properties. Extension of the transfer matrix formalism to the full range of ionic strengths
Authors: Garcés Josep L. , Madurga Sergio , Rey‐Castro Carlos , Mas Francesc 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThe ionization state of charged macromolecules in solution is usually determined by the extent of the binding processes. These processes are very sensitive to the ionic strength of the medium, which are of long‐range nature. The ionization properties of weak polyelectrolytes can be described by means of Ising‐type models, which is only feasible when long‐range interactions are neglected. Here, this formalism is extended to include long‐range interactions by introducing a modified free energy involving only effective short‐range interaction parameters. These parameters can be systematically calculated by using the Gibbs‐Bogoliubov variational principle. The technique is illustrated with the calculation of titration curves of homogeneous and heterogeneous polyelectrolytes in a wide range of ionic strengths. The correction of the site protonation free energy (first order correction) is enough to obtain an excellent agreement between theory and Monte Carlo simulations. Corrections to other cluster parameters (higher‐order corrections) are also implemented. In general, the correction to a particular parameter represents the average change in the long‐range energy when a new interaction is created in the polyelectrolyte. The method presented here represents an improvement in the description of the ionization state of polyelectrolytes that can be relevant in a wide range of areas. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 275–284
How do we recognize the child with OSAS?
Authors: Joosten Koen F. , Larramona Helena , Miano Silvia , Van Waardenburg Dick , Kaditis Athanasios G. , Vandenbussche Nele , Ersu Refika 
Published: November 2016

SummaryObstructive sleep‐disordered breathing includes a spectrum of clinical entities with variable severity ranging from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The clinical suspicion for OSAS is most often raised by parental report of specific symptoms and/or abnormalities identified by the physical examination which predispose to upper airway obstruction (e.g., adenotonsillar hypertrophy, obesity, craniofacial abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders). Symptoms and signs of OSAS are classified into those directly related to the intermittent pharyngeal airway obstruction (e.g., parental report of snoring, apneic events) and into morbidity resulting from the upper airway obstruction (e.g., increased daytime sleepiness, hyperactivity, poor school performance, inadequate somatic growth rate or enuresis). History of premature birth and a family history of OSAS as well as obesity and African American ethnicity are associated with increased risk of sleep‐disordered breathing in childhood. Polysomnography is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of OSAS but may not be always feasible, especially in low‐income countries or non‐tertiary hospitals. Nocturnal oximetry and/or sleep questionnaires may be used to identify the child at high risk of OSAS when polysomnography is not an option. Endoscopy and MRI of the upper airway may help to identify the level(s) of upper airway obstruction and to evaluate the dynamic mechanics of the upper airway, especially in children with combined abnormalities. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:260–271. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Environmental Assessment of Ammunition: the Importance of a Life‐Cycle Approach
Authors: Ferreira Carlos , Ribeiro José , Almada Sara , Freire Fausto 
Published: November 2016

AbstractEnvironmental research related with military actions has been focused on the monitoring of contaminants from live‐fire training and munitions disposal. It is important to take a further step and use this information to assess the environmental impacts of this contamination. In addition, it is relevant to assess the consequences of using different alternatives in a life‐cycle perspective to avoid unexpected problems, and assess the hotspots of ammunition manufacturing in order to decrease the impacts in terms of other types of environmental burdens. The Life‐Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology can be employed to quantitatively assess the environmental impacts associated with munitions. LCA can assist the decision makers in answering some questions: are “green“ ammunitions presenting lower environmental impacts than standard ones? What should be done to improve the performance of ammunitions from an environmental point of view? The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of assessing the impacts of ammunitions in a life‐cycle perspective and highlight the main environmental concerns. Three applications of LCA are presented: the production and use of generic large calibre ammunition; the comparison of the production and use of four types of small calibre ammunitions; the assessment of two technologies for ammunition disposal. The conclusions drawn can aid in providing tailored and supported decisions in order to decrease the impacts of ammunitions in a life‐cycle perspective
Solution structure of the first RNA recognition motif domain of human spliceosomal protein SF3b49 and its mode of interaction with a SF3b145 fragment
Authors: Kuwasako Kanako , Nameki Nobukazu , Tsuda Kengo , Takahashi Mari , Sato Atsuko , Tochio Naoya , Inoue Makoto , Terada Takaho , Kigawa Takanori , Kobayashi Naohiro , Shirouzu Mikako , Ito Takuhiro , Sakamoto Taiichi , Wakamatsu Kaori , Güntert Peter , Takahashi Seizo , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Muto Yutaka 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe spliceosomal protein SF3b49, a component of the splicing factor 3b (SF3b) protein complex in the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein, contains two RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains. In yeast, the first RRM domain (RRM1) of Hsh49 protein (yeast orthologue of human SF3b49) reportedly interacts with another component, Cus1 protein (orthologue of human SF3b145). Here, we solved the solution structure of the RRM1 of human SF3b49 and examined its mode of interaction with a fragment of human SF3b145 using NMR methods. Chemical shift mapping showed that the SF3b145 fragment spanning residues 598–631 interacts with SF3b49 RRM1, which adopts a canonical RRM fold with a topology of β1‐α1‐β2‐β3‐α2‐β4. Furthermore, a docking model based on NOESY measurements suggests that residues 607–616 of the SF3b145 fragment adopt a helical structure that binds to RRM1 predominantly via α1, consequently exhibiting a helix–helix interaction in almost antiparallel. This mode of interaction was confirmed by a mutational analysis using GST pull‐down assays. Comparison with structures of all RRM domains when complexed with a peptide found that this helix–helix interaction is unique to SF3b49 RRM1. Additionally, all amino acid residues involved in the interaction are well conserved among eukaryotes, suggesting evolutionary conservation of this interaction mode between SF3b49 RRM1 and SF3b145.
Slow decay of a defect‐related emission band at 2.05 eV in AlN: Signatures of oxygen‐related DX states
Authors: Lamprecht M. , Grund C. , Bauer S. , Collazo R. , Sitar Z. , Thonke K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe report on a defect‐related broad emission band at around 2.05 eV in bulk aluminum nitride crystals nominally undoped, but containing high concentrations of carbon, oxygen, and silicon. Time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy yields two different exponential decays of this band: A slower process with 1.5 ms lifetime, and a faster process with a characteristic lifetime below 100 ns, which is activated with around 180 meV energy. The slow decay is ascribed to a spin‐forbidden transition between an oxygen‐related state and a deep acceptor, which for higher temperatures turns into a donor‐acceptor pair transition between the effective‐mass‐like shallow oxygen donor state to the same deep acceptor. The acceptor is tentatively assigned to carbon or a carbon‐related complex.
BROMETH: Methodology to design safe reconfigurable medical robotic systems
Authors: Ben Salem Mohamed Oussama , Mosbahi Olfa , Khalgui Mohamed , Jlalia Zied , Frey Georg , Smida Mahmoud 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis research paper deals with the development of a medical robotized control system for supracondylar humeral fracture treatment. Concurrent access to shared resources and applying reconfiguration scenarios can jeopardize the safety of the system.MethodsA new methodology is proposed in this paper, termed BROMETH, to guarantee the safety of such critical systems from their specification to their deployment, and passing through certification and implementation. The solution is applied to a real case study named Browser‐based Reconfigurable Orthopedic Surgery (abbrev. BROS), a robotized platform dedicated to the treatment of supracondylar fractures, to illustrate the paper's contribution. This work starts from a medical issue, namely supracondylar humeral fracture treatment, to establish a new informatics solution, namely a new methodology to design safe reconfigurable medical robotic systems.ResultsThe results of the experiments performed on real SCH fracture radiographies were quite satisfactory.ConclusionsClinical experiments can then be performed after deploying the system on real hardware.
Distributed model‐independent consensus of Euler–Lagrange agents on directed networks
Authors: Ye Mengbin , Anderson Brian D.O. , Yu Changbin 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThis paper proposes a distributed model‐independent algorithm to achieve leaderless consensus on a directed network where each fully‐actuated agent has self‐dynamics described by Euler–Lagrange equations of motion. Specifically, we aim to achieve consensus of the generalised coordinates with zero generalised velocity. We show that on a strongly connected graph, a model‐independent algorithm can achieve the consensus objective at an exponential rate if an upper bound on the initial conditions is known a priori. By model‐independent, we mean that each agent can execute the algorithm with no knowledge of the equations describing the self‐dynamics of any agent. For design of the control laws which achieve consensus, a control gain scalar and a control gain matrix are required to satisfy several inequalities involving bounds on the matrices of the agent dynamic model, bounds on the Laplacian matrix describing the network topology and the set of initial conditions; design of the algorithm therefore requires some knowledge on the bounds of the agent dynamical parameters. Because only bounds are required, the proposed algorithm offers robustness to uncertainty in the parameters of the multiagent system. We systematically show that additional relative velocity information improves the performance of the controller. Numerical simulations are provided to show the effectiveness of the algorithm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Choline‐Based Ionic Liquids: Improvement of Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Siopa Filipa , Figueiredo Teresa , Frade Raquel F. M. , Neto Iris , Meirinhos Ana , Reis Catarina P. , Sobral Rita G. , Afonso Carlos A. M. , Rijo Patrícia 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAntibiotic resistance is a global public health concern. The choline‐based ionic liquids (ILs) have raised particular attention in the design of “greener” ILs and can exert a broad‐spectrum of antimicrobial activity. To improve antimicrobial chemotherapy, we herein tested the antimicrobial activity and toxicity of a wide range of choline‐based ILs. Two series of compounds were synthesized ‐dimethylethanolamine monoquaternary ammonium salts (Series A) and ‐methyl diethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine monoquaternary ammonium salts (Series B). The antimicrobial screening revealed that compounds N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐N,N‐dimethyl‐1‐tetradecanaminium bromide ([N1,1,14,2(OH)]Br), N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐N,N‐dimethyl‐1‐hexadecanaminium bromide ([N1,1,16,2(OH)]Br) and N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐N,N‐dimethyl‐1‐octadecanaminium bromide ([N1,1,18,2(OH)]Br) are potent antimicrobial agents. The presence of a hydroxyethyl group and as mention previously in the literature, the C14 to C16 linker in a choline compound improves the antimicrobial activity and lowers the cytotoxic properties of this class of compounds.
Suppress the Charge Recombination in Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells by Construct the Al–treated TiO2/TiO2 NRAs Heterojunctions
Authors: Qiu Qingqing , Zhao Liwei , Li Shuo , Wang Dejun , Xu Lingling , Lin Yanhong , Xie Tengfeng 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThere are many paths of recombination at the TiO2/CdS/electrolyte interface. It is important to reduce the recombination rate of charges to improve the photoelectric properties of quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). In this paper, the TiO2 nanowire arrays (TiO2 NRAs) has been modified with Al‐treated TiO2 layer by sol‐gel method to construct the Al‐treated TiO2/TiO2 NRAs heterojunctions. The analysis results reveal that the Fermi level of the TiO2 has changed after being modified by Al‐treated TiO2 layer, which could form the interface electric field. The SPV, TPV and the TPC are applied to analyze the mechanism of photogenerated charge recombination. Due to the interface electric field, the SPV indicates that the separation efficiency of charge is improved; the TPV shows that the recombination of the photogenerated electrons with holes would be suppressed; and the TPC illustrates that the recombination of the photogenerated electrons with holes and electrolyte is reduced. And, the lifetime of the photo‐generated electrons is prolonged. Consequently, the QDSCs based on TiO2 NRAs photoelectrodes modified by the Al‐treated TiO2 layer exhibit a maximal solar energy conversion efficiency of 2.58 %, which is 45 % higher than that of the TiO2 NRAs photoelectrode. Finally, our method of modifying photoanode exhibits a route to restrain the charge recombination and prolong the lifetime of photo‐generated electrons, which shows a tremendous potential for the photoelectrochemical fields.
Triglycerides Transesterification Reactions under Ultrasounds
Authors: Shinde Kiran , Kaliaguine Serge 
Published: November 2016

AbstractExamples of triglyceride transesterification reactions by small alcohols such as ethanol, butanol and glycerol are used to illustrate the significance of cavitation in ultrasound assisted reactions. It was shown that minor addition of a compound with low vapor tension in the reaction conditions results in significant enhancements in reaction rate by promoting cavitation.
Optoelectronic Properties of Layered Titanate Nanostructure and Polyaniline Impregnated Devices
Authors: Vempati Sesha , Ertas Yelda , Babu V. Jagadeesh , Uyar Tamer 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntegrated structure of titanate nanotubes and nanosheets is investigated for their optical, electronic and optoelectronic properties when combined with HCl doped polyaniline (PANI). HR‐TEM, SEM and XRD were employed for detailed morphological and microstructural understanding of the orthorhombic titanate nanostructure. Chemisorbed oxygeneous groups are probed with Raman spectroscopy which are found to desorb under UV‐Vis treatment. We note a blue shift of Ti‐O‐Ti Raman frequency in contrast to Na‐O‐Ti stretching. Valence band region of titanate is analyzed for contribution of O2p, O2s, Na2p and Ti3p. Photoluminescence with different excitation energies revealed the presence of oxygen vacancy related defects in titanate. The highly occupied electronic states of PANI were also analyzed until 40 eV below the Fermi energy. XPS core‐level analyses revealed ∼25 % doping density in PANI. Edges of valence band and HOMO are determined to be at 2.45 eV and 2.54 eV below Fermi energy for titanate and PANI, respectively. ITO/PANI/ITO has depicted negative photoresponse and the magnitude of which is reduced ∼4 times after combining with titanate nanostructure. Essentially the nanoscale architecture separates the emeraldine base and salt regions of PANI. This separation channelizes the charge carriers before trapping which reduces the magnitude of the negative photoresponse.
Imine‐Linked Electrochemical Sensor for Selective Detection of HSO4− Ions in Aqueous Media.
Authors: Billing Beant K. , Agnihotri Prabhat K. , Singh Narinder 
Published: November 2016

AbstractImine linked dipodal organic receptor R1 has been synthesized and well characterized using different spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopy. R1 showed interesting potential for anion recognition. Its sensing ability has been evaluated by processing R1 into organic nanoparticles (ONPs). ONPs of R1 were developed using re‐precipitation method. ONPs were first characterized using Dynamic light scattering (DLS) to estimate average size distribution of particles and then confirmed from Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further, ONPs were examined for their electrochemical behaviour using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry particularly in aqueous medium. ONPs were evaluated for binding test with various tetra butyl ammonium salts of anion and found to be selective towards HSO4− ions. Detection limit was found to be 8.2nM and regression coefficient equal to 0.982. ONPs behave selectively towards HSO4− ions even in the presence of competitive anions. Optical properties of ONPs were also examined. UV‐Visible and Fluorescence spectrophotometer showed significant change when TBA HSO4− ions were added to it. Prepared sensor was incorported for real sample containing HSO4− ions and results showed accuracy as high as 95 %.