bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polypropylene membranes with the double sensitivity effect
Authors: Wolska Joanna , Smolinska‐Kempisty Katarzyna , Bryjak Marek , Kujawski Wojciech 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThis article describes the modification of polypropylene membranes leading to the preparation of thermo‐ and pH‐sensitive structures. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), poly(acrylic acid), or copolymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) was grafted on to the membranes' surface activated by dielectric barrier discharge plasma. The properties of the modified membranes were evaluated by means of infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. The effect of modification was monitored by the determination of water flux at two temperatures (20 and 45°C) and at various pH values (2.8–8.0). The membrane separation properties were investigated for the solutions of o‐bromocresol purple. It was found that membranes grafted with copolymer were responsive to both stimuli and they could be used for separation purpose. The separation performance was tailored by alteration of pH and temperature of feed solution. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41763.
Layer double hydroxide and sodium montmorillonite multilayer coatings for the flammability reduction of flexible polyurethane foams
Authors: Yang You‐Hao , Li Yu‐Chin , Shields John , Davis Rick D. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTFlexible polyurethane foam (PUF) is coated by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly using branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and two different charged nanoparticles, such as sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) and layered double hydroxide (LDH). Three different deposition strategies, that is, bilayer, trilayer, and quadlayer, exhibit different coating growth, morphology, and flammability properties. Changing the nanosheet from LDH to MMT dramatically alter the coating mass for the same number of layers. A five bilayer PAA/BPEI+LDH coating reduced the peak heat release rate by 40% and the average heat release rate by 70%, which is two times more effective than commercial fire retardants (FRs) and other LbL‐FR coatings for PUF. MMT and LDH mixed multilayers resulted in effective flame‐retardant coatings with less coating mass by manipulating the deposition strategy. This study manifests the flexibility of LbL to fine‐tune flammability reduction by switching the coating weight gains, which is significant to accelerate the development of other LbL coating regardless of the intended applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41767.
Properties of aligned poly(L‐lactic acid) electrospun fibers
Authors: Mao Bin , Geers Keifer , Hu Sophia , Mancera Marlet , Sandoval Myra , Port Joshua , Zhu Yazhe , Cebe Peggy 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTPoly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)‐aligned fibers with diameters in the nano‐ to micrometer size scale are successfully prepared using the electrospinning technique from two types of solutions, different material parameters and working conditions. The fiber quality is evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to judge fiber diameter, diameter uniformity, orientation, and appearance of defects or beads. The smoothest fibers, most uniform in diameter and defect free, were found to be produced from 10% w/v chloroform/dimethylformamide solution using an accelerating voltage from 10–20 kV. Addition of 1.0% multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into the electrospinning solution decreases fiber diameter, improves diameter uniformity, and slightly increases molecular chain alignment. The fibers were cold crystallized at 120°C and compared with their as‐spun counterparts. The influences of the crystalline phase and/or MWCNT addition were examined using fiber shrinkage, temperature‐modulated calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Crystallization increases the glass transition temperature, Tg, slightly, but decreases the overall fiber alignment through shrinkage‐induced buckling of the fibers when heated above Tg. MWCNT addition has little impact on Tg, but significantly increases the orientation of crystallites. MWCNT addition slightly reduces the dynamic modulus, whereas crystallization increases the modulus in both neat‐ and MWCNT‐containing fibers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41779.
Factors Influencing Corporate Environmental Disclosure
Authors: D'Amico Eugenio , Coluccia Daniela , Fontana Stefano , Solimene Silvia 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we have studied the factors that influence the environmental disclosures of Italian listed companies. We also aimed to verify the effects produced by the introduction of specific legislation (albeit of a voluntary nature) on environmental disclosures. The analysis has the advantage of including all of the informational documents produced by the company. The analysis shows an (excessively) low level of disclosure of environmental information by the companies examined. The econometric analysis then shows, contrary to our hypothesis and the results of previous analyses carried out in other countries, a negative and statistically significant relationship between environmental disclosures, the presences of minority shareholders and large auditors and the listing of the company, including in foreign markets. We lastly observed that the introduction of ad hoc legislation as purely voluntary only affects the contents of quantitative environmental disclosures, which are unsuitable for a highly industrialized developed country. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Potential Treatment Options for Hydraulic Fracturing Return Fluids: A Review
Authors: Saba Beenish 
Published: December 2014

AbstractReturn fluids (flowback and produce water) are one of the highest quantity by‐product in oil and gas industry. These fluids are treated in wastewater treatment plants, reused as part of hydrofracking fluids, and reinjected into the ground by injection wells. The treatment and management process effects the environment and surrounding ecosystem. In this review, the fate and impacts of hydrofracking fluids and return fluids along with different treatment options published in literature are summarized. The life cycle of hydraulic fracturing from shale resource to return fluids and their possible implications are discussed from an environmental point of view. Observed shift in microbial communities is reported. Physocochemical and biotechnological approaches practiced by several scientists suggest a possible treatment option under optimized conditions on the surface which could not only reduce the impact on the ecosystem but can also provide a huge quantity of reclaimed water.
Water‐Promoted Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to γ‐Valerolactone on Supported Ruthenium Catalyst
Authors: Tan Jingjing , Cui Jinglei , Deng Tiansheng , Cui Xiaojing , Ding Guoqiang , Zhu Yulei , Li Yongwang 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA highly efficient and green process for the hydrogenation of biomass‐derived levulinic acid (LA) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) has been developed. GVL was obtained in a yield of 99.9 mol % with a turnover frequency as high as 7676 h−1 in aqueous medium by using a Ru/TiO2 catalyst under mild reaction conditions (70 °C). The strong interaction between Ru and TiO2 facilitated both the dispersion of Ru nanoparticles and the stability of the catalyst. In addition, as solvent, water participated in the hydrogenation of LA, which was confirmed by an isotope‐ labeling experiment with D (D2O). Specifically, the H atom(s) in water took part in the hydrogenation of the CO group of LA, which promoted the catalytic activity and GVL yield remarkably.
Back Pressure Regulation of Slurry‐Forming Reactions in Continuous Flow
Authors: Deadman Benjamin J. , Browne Duncan L. , Baxendale Ian R. , Ley Steven V. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe handling of solid components in flow chemical processes is still a significant challenge. Current devices for regulating back pressure in laboratory‐scale flow chemistry experiments are vulnerable to blockage by solid particulates. A simple device is presented herein for generating back pressure in continuous flow processes that produce chemical slurries. The prototype was constructed from commercially available components and accommodated the use of superheated reaction conditions generated in an agitating cell reactor used to produce a suspended precipitate product.
Synergistic Approach to Elucidate the Incorporation of Magnesium Ions into Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Bertran Oscar , Valle Luis J. del , Revilla‐López Guillermo , Rivas Manuel , Chaves Gustavo , Casas Maria T. , Casanovas Jordi , Turon Pau , Puiggalí Jordi , Alemán Carlos 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlthough the content of Mg2+ in hard tissues is very low (typically ≤1.5 wt %), its incorporation into synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles and its role in the mineral’s properties are still subject of intensive debate. A combined experimental–computational approach is used to answer many of the open questions. Mg2+‐enriched HAp particles are prepared using different synthetic approaches and considering different concentrations of Mg2+ in the reaction medium. The composition, morphology and structure of the resulting particles are investigated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, FTIR, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. After this scrutiny, the role of the Mg2+ in the first nucleation stages, before HAp formation, is investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Saturated solutions are simulated with and without the presence of DNA, which has been recently used as a soft template in the biomineralization process. This synergistic investigation provides a complete picture of how Mg2+ ions affect the mineralization from the first stages onwards.
Distinguishing the Strength of Electronic Coupling for Mo2‐Containing Mixed‐Valence Compounds within the Class III Regime
Authors: Cheng Tao , Tan Ying Ning , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yu Yu , Meng Miao , Lei Hao , Chen Lu , Liu Chun Y. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTwo, symmetrical, mixed‐valence (MV), complex cations—{[Mo2(DAniF)3]2(μ‐oxamidate)}+ (1+) and {Mo2(DAniF)3]2(μ‐dithiooxamidate)}+ (2+; DAniF=N,N′‐di(p‐anisyl)formamidinate)—are significantly differentiated in terms of electronic coupling between the two [Mo2] units. For 1+ the intervalence (IV) charge‐transfer band in the near‐IR spectrum is truncated in half on the low‐energy side as predicted for MV compounds at the Class II–III limit (2Hab/λ=1; for which Hab=electronic coupling matrix element and λ=reorganization energy). In contrast, the very strongly coupled analogue 2+, as indicated by 2Hab/λ=3.5 (> >1), exhibits a higher energy and more symmetrical IV band. As rare examples, this pair of MV species shows distinct optical behaviors for MV systems crossing the Class III region. Optical analysis and DFT calculations are carried out to elucidate the transformation from vibronic to electronic vertical transition.
Supporting personal security using participatory sensing
Authors: Carreño Pablo , Gutierrez Francisco J. , Ochoa Sergio F. , Fortino Giancarlo 
Published: December 2014

SummaryPersonal security is an open problem in large cities. After several attempts to reduce violence and crime, there seems to be an agreement that preventive actions are the best way to address this problem. Trying to help deal with that challenge, this paper proposes a mobile collaborative application, named Personal Guardian, which is used by civilians while walking in urban areas. The application is focused on crime prevention and it implements participatory sensing to help people be aware of the risks that appear to exist in a certain place at a certain time. Based on that information, citizens can take appropriate and on‐time preventive actions. The system is supported by a human‐centric wireless sensor network, and it is complementary to the security solutions already used by public and private organizations. The system architecture and its main components are described, and the main requirements and design decisions are also discussed. A preliminary evaluation of the solution was conducted to determine its strengths and weaknesses in terms of quality of service. The obtained results indicate that the information feeding process is more relevant for end‐users than the unattended delivery of awareness information about their personal security. In addition, this former capability does not require to be adjusted to the end‐users' context. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doubly Renewable Cellulose Polymer for Water‐Based Coatings
Authors: Tristram Cameron J. , Mason Jennifer M. , Williams D. Bradley G. , Hinkley Simon F. R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInvited for this month′s cover is the Industrial Formulations group at the Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington. The image depicts plant matter being converted into a novel cellulose ester and, in turn, into a paint formulation suitable for architectural coatings. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201402590
Synergistic Effect between Defect Sites and Functional Groups on the Hydrolysis of Cellulose over Activated Carbon
Authors: Foo Guo Shiou , Sievers Carsten 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe chemical oxidation of activated carbon by H2O2 and H2SO4 is investigated, structural and chemical modifications are characterized, and the materials are used as catalysts for the hydrolysis of cellulose. Treatment with H2O2 enlarges the pore size and imparts functional groups such as phenols, lactones, and carboxylic acids. H2SO4 treatment targets the edges of carbon sheets primarily, and this effect is more pronounced with a higher temperature. Adsorption isotherms demonstrate that the adsorption of oligomers on functionalized carbon is dominated by van der Waals forces. The materials treated chemically are active for the hydrolysis of cellulose despite the relative weakness of most of their acid sites. It is proposed that a synergistic effect between defect sites and functional groups enhances the activity by inducing a conformational change in the glucan chains if they are adsorbed at defect sites. This activates the glycosidic bonds for hydrolysis by in‐plane functional groups.
Erweiterte Anwendungsgrenzen von DIN EN 1996‐3/NA für Ziegelmauerwerk bei weit gespannten, teilaufliegenden Decken
Authors: Graubner Carl‐Alexander , Schmitt Michael , Förster Valentin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAus Sicht der Mauerwerksindustrie sind gewisse Randbedingungen, welche für das vereinfachte Nachweisverfahren nach DIN EN 1996‐3/NA gelten, nicht mehr aktuell und praxisgerecht. Durch veränderte Systemparameter wie vergrößerte Deckendicken ergeben sich zum Teil günstigere Eingangswerte für die Bestimmung der zulässigen Traglast von Mauerwerkswänden. In der Baupraxis kommen immer häufiger mehrfeldrige Decken großer Stützweite zum Einsatz, bei denen die maximal zulässige Deckenspannweite nach DIN EN 1996‐3/NA nicht eingehalten ist. Neben den Anforderungen an das Mauerwerk sind Beschränkungen nach DIN EN 1992‐1‐1/NA in Form von Durchbiegungsbegrenzungen an die Stahlbetondecke zu beachten, welche gleichzeitig die Verdrehungen am Wand‐Decken‐Knoten limitieren und damit die Wandbeanspruchung eingrenzen. Um dem Tragwerksplaner eine einfache und wirtschaftliche Bemessung zu ermöglichen, wird aufgezeigt, bis zu welchen Deckenspannweiten das vereinfachte Nachweisverfahren nach DIN EN 1996‐3/NA verwendet werden kann, wenn einseitig eingespannte Stahlbetondecken vorliegen. Mit einer systematisch durchgeführten Parameterstudie unter Zuhilfenahme des vereinfachten und genaueren Nachweisverfahrens nach DIN EN 1996/NA und Vergleich der Bemessungsergebnisse wird dokumentiert, dass auch Wand‐Decken‐Systeme mit Deckenspannweiten größer als 6,0 m, die mit Hilfe des vereinfachten Nachweisverfahrens bemessen werden, gegenüber einer Bemessung mit dem genaueren Nachweisverfahren auf der sicheren Seite liegen.Enhanced application limits of DIN EN 1996‐3/NA for the design of brick masonry in case of partially supported long‐span floors. From masonry industry’s point of view certain boundary conditions – e.g. the permissible span of floors ‐ which limit the application of the simplified calculation method according to DIN EN 1996‐3/NA do not match in practice. Modern buildings often have thicker floors which lead to more advantageous conditions when determining the load bearing capacity of masonry walls. Nowadays multi‐span floors with longer spans exceeding the restrictions of DIN EN 1996‐3/NA are more often applied. In addition to the requirements of the masonry standard concerning the carrying behavior of wall‐floor‐joints, a regulation exists in the concrete code (DIN EN 1992‐1‐1/NA) limiting the admissible deflection of reinforced concrete floors and simultaneously restricting the rotation of the floor at the support. In order to enable structural engineers a simple design of masonry walls in case of one‐sided restrained floors with larger distances between supports, it is shown up to which span width the simplified calculation method according to DIN EN 1996‐3/NA can be applied. A systematic parameter study of wall‐floor‐systems with spans exceeding 6.0 m demonstrated, that a design with DIN EN 1996‐3/NA provides conservative results compared to the more precise calculation method according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA.
Bemessung von Mauerwerk im Brandfall nach DIN EN 1996‐1‐2/NA und nach allgemeinen bauaufsichtlichen Zulassungen
Authors: Schlundt Andreas , Meyer Udo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDIN EN 1996‐1‐2 schreibt in Verbindung mit dem nationalen Anhang den bekannten Status von DIN 4102‐4 im Wesentlichen fort. Dieser Beitrag erläutert die neu definierten Ausnutzungsfaktoren sowie die Regelungen in bauaufsichtlichen Zulassungen und zeigt das einfache, grundsätzliche Vorgehen bei der Brandschutzbemessung anhand von Beispielen.Structural design of masonry for fire resistance according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐2/NA and according to general technical approvals. The well known rules for fire design from DIN 4102‐4 are transferred with no major differences to DIN EN 1996‐1‐2 together with the corresponding National Annex. This paper highlights the definitions of the new utilization factors as well as rules in the relevant national technical approvals. Examples show the practical fire design with tabulated data according to the new standard.
Broad implications for respiratory sinus arrhythmia development: Associations with childhood symptoms of psychopathology in a community sample
Authors: Patriquin Michelle A. , Lorenzi Jill , Scarpa Angela , Calkins Susan D. , Bell Martha Ann 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTReplicating the group‐based developmental trajectory methodology from our prior study (Patriquin, Lorenzi, Scarpa, & Bell. 2014. Developmental Psychobiology, 56, 317‐326), the current study examines the development of baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) across a new, larger cohort of typically developing children at 5, 10, 24, 36, and 48 months of age and examines the trajectory relationship with symptoms of childhood psychopathology. Group‐based developmental trajectory modeling replicated our prior findings of a two‐group model fit: a “High RSA” and “Low RSA” group. The “Low RSA” group, which demonstrated lower baseline RSA across all time points, had significantly more childhood problems at 48 months, namely increased withdrawal, aggressive behavior, pervasive developmental problems, and oppositional defiant problems. All participants for whom there were developmental or autism spectrum concerns (n = 6; based on maternal report at 48 months) were allocated to the Low RSA trajectory group. These results suggest that consistent developmental trajectories of RSA may point to protective factors (i.e., high RSA) against developing symptoms of childhood psychopathology. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 120–130, 2015.
4P: fast computing of population genetics statistics from large DNA polymorphism panels
Authors: Benazzo Andrea , Panziera Alex , Bertorelle Giorgio 
Published: December 2014

SummaryMassive DNA sequencing has significantly increased the amount of data available for population genetics and molecular ecology studies. However, the parallel computation of simple statistics within and between populations from large panels of polymorphic sites is not yet available, making the exploratory analyses of a set or subset of data a very laborious task. Here, we present 4P (parallel processing of polymorphism panels), a stand‐alone software program for the rapid computation of genetic variation statistics (including the joint frequency spectrum) from millions of DNA variants in multiple individuals and multiple populations. It handles a standard input file format commonly used to store DNA variation from empirical or simulation experiments. The computational performance of 4P was evaluated using large SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) datasets from human genomes or obtained by simulations. 4P was faster or much faster than other comparable programs, and the impact of parallel computing using multicore computers or servers was evident. 4P is a useful tool for biologists who need a simple and rapid computer program to run exploratory population genetics analyses in large panels of genomic data. It is also particularly suitable to analyze multiple data sets produced in simulation studies. Unix, Windows, and MacOs versions are provided, as well as the source code for easier pipeline implementations.
Forest canopy structural controls over throughfall affect soil microbial community structure in an epiphyte‐laden maritime oak stand
Authors: Rosier Carl L. , Van Stan John T. , Moore Leslie Dean , Schrom Joshua O. S. , Wu Tiehang , Reichard James S. , Kan Jinjun 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIdentifying spatiotemporal influences on soil microbial community (SMC) structure is critical to our understanding of patterns in biogeochemical cycling and related ecological services (e.g. plant community structure, water quality, and response to environmental change). Because forest canopy structure alters the spatiotemporal patterning of precipitation water and solute supplies to soils (via ‘throughfall’), is it possible that changes in SMC structure could arise from modifications in canopy elements? Our study investigates this question by monitoring throughfall water and dissolved ion supply to soils beneath a continuum of canopy structure: from large gaps (0% cover), to bareQuercus virginianaMill. (southern live oak) canopy (~50–70%), to heavyTillandsia usneoidesL. (Spanish moss) canopy (>90% cover). Throughfall water supply diminished with increasing canopy cover, yet increased wash off/leaching of Na+, Cl‐, PO43‐, and SO42‐from the canopy to the soils. Presence ofT. usneoidesdiminished throughfall NO3‐, but enhanced NH4+, concentrations supplied to subcanopy soils. The mineral soil horizon (0–10 cm) sampled in triplicate from locations receiving throughfall water and solutes from canopy gaps, bare canopy, andT. usneoides‐laden canopy significantly differed in soil chemistry parameters (pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, and cation‐exchange capacity). Polymerase chain reaction denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis banding patterns beneath similar canopy covers (experiencing similar throughfall dynamics) also produced high similarities per analyses of similarity and clustered together when analysed by nonmetric multidimensional scaling. These results suggest that modifications of forest canopy structures are capable of affecting mineral soil horizon SMC structure via throughfall when canopies' biomass distribution is highly heterogeneous. As SMC structure, in many instances, relates to functional diversity, we suggest that future research seek to identify functional diversity shifts (e.g. nitrogen transformation) in response to canopy structural alterations of throughfall water/solute concentration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.