bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modification of MWCNT and its effect on ABS/LCP blend system
Authors: Hatui Goutam , Nayak Ganesh Chandra , Das Chapal Kumar , Yadaw Samar B. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMultiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) composites with unmodified and modified (COOH‐MWCNTs) CNTs were prepared using the melt blending method. The composites with 0, 1, and 1.5 phr MWCNTs (with and without modification) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and better dispersion was observed for the acid‐modified MWCNTs. In addition, a network structure was observed for the modified MWCNTs added system. The mechanical and electrical properties of the composite with different parts per hundred of nanotubes were increased, but the effect was pronounced with modified MWCNTs due to the better interaction of modified MWCNTs with the polymer matrices. The thermal stability of the composites was also strongly improved with MWCNTs loading. Blending of liquid crystalline polymer (LCP, Vectra A950) with ABS/MWCNTs resulted in further improvement in electrical and thermal properties. This improvement can be ascribed to the self‐reinforcing tendency of LCPs (due to their rigid rod‐like molecular structure), which act as a load‐bearing agent in the blend matrix. The possible interaction between –CN group of ABS and ester group of LCP with the – COOH group of modified MWCNTs enhanced the interfacial adhesion between ABS and LCP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Supercritical fluid CO2 processing and counter ion substitution of nafion® membranes
Authors: Guerrero‐Gutiérrez Edward M. A. , Suleiman David 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNafion®‐117 was exposed to supercritical fluid (SCF) CO2 and a cation solution using two different approaches: first was processed with SCF CO2, and then exchanged using six different cations: K+1, Ca+2, Ba+2, Cu+2, Fe+3, and Al+3. The second method performed the cation substitution first, followed by the SCF CO2 processing. The resulting composite membranes were characterized using several techniques: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). These techniques were used to identify the changes in the chemical and thermal properties of the membranes, as well as to evaluate changes in the resulting morphologies and crystallinities. Proton conductivity and methanol permeability were measured to understand how the different approaches promoted or inhibited the transport of certain substances through the membrane. Significant differences in their thermal, physical and transport properties were observed when Nafion® was processed with SCF CO2 and exchanged with cations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
ABS modified with hydrogenated polystyrene‐grafted‐natural rubber
Authors: Pisuttisap Anawat , Hinchiranan Napida , Rempel Garry L. , Prasassarakich Pattarapan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNatural rubber (NR) latex was grafted by emulsion polymerization with styrene monomer, using cumene hydroperoxide/tetraethylene pentamene as redox initiator system. The polystyrene‐grafted NR (PS‐g‐NR) was hydrogenated by diimide reduction in the latex form using hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide with boric acid as a promoter. At the optimum condition for graft copolymerization, a grafting efficiency of 81.5% was obtained. In addition, the highest hydrogenation level of 47.2% was achieved using a hydrazine:hydrogen peroxide molar ratio of 1:1.1. Hydrogenation of the PS‐g‐NR (H(PS‐g‐NR)) increased the thermal stability. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the H(PS‐g‐NR) particles revealed a nonhydrogenated rubber core and hydrogenated outer rubber layer, in accordance with the layer model. The addition of H(PS‐g‐NR) at 10 wt % as modifier in an acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) copolymer increased the tensile and impact strengths and the thermal resistance of the ABS blends, and to a greater extent than that provided by blending with NR or PS‐g‐NR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Monodisperse pH‐sensitive protamine hollow microspheres as carriers for drug delivery
Authors: Wen Lili , Li Mingjun , Wu Yan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNovel pH‐sensitive protamine sulfate (PS) hollow microspheres with controllable structure were fabricated and can be used as carriers for drug delivery and medical diagnostics. The carboxyl group‐functionalized polystyrene microspheres prepared by soap‐free emulsion polymerization were used as the templates. The self‐assembled PS microspheres were prepared via electrostatic attraction between PS and carboxyl group‐functionalized polystyrene. The single‐layer PS was self‐assembled and subsequently crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA). Then, the PS hollow microspheres (PSHMs) were obtained after the templates were removed. It was found that the pH of the external environment played an important role on the particle size of the PSHMs. To estimate the feasibility as novel carriers, an antitumor model drug 5 fluorouracil (5 Fu) and gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) were incorporated into hollow microspheres. The antitumor activity of the 5Fu/Au NCs‐loaded PSHMs against cancer HepG2 was evaluated by measuring the body weight change and tumor volume of tumor bearing mice. The gold nanoclusters kept their fluorescent stability during the whole study. The 5 Fu/Au NCs‐loaded PSHMs showed comparable anticancer efficacy with the free drug. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Optimization of mechanical performance of compatibilized polypropylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends via selective dispersion of halloysite nanotubes in the blend
Authors: Lin Tengfei , Zhu Lixin , Chen Tao , Guo Baochun 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMany recycled plastics are the polypropylene (PP)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blends with PET as the minor component. The modification of such kinds of PP/PET blends for higher performance is essential as PP and PET are not thermodynamically compatible. In this study, the elastomer, SEBS‐g‐MAH, and the inorganics, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are chosen as the modifiers for the modification of a model PP/PET blend (90/10). The mechanical performance of such blend is optimized by the selective dispersion of the nanotubular HNTs into the interfacial region of the blends via a two‐step process. Compared with the control one, the overall mechanical properties of the blend are substantially improved. The crystallization of PP in the blend is also facilitated by the selective dispersion of HNTs and the folding surface free energy is substantially increased. The substantially improved mechanical performance is interpreted according to the formation of the unique morphology. This study provides new insight in improving the performance of polymer blends via selectively dispersing the nanosized inorganics in the blend. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Pervaporation of n‐butanol aqueous solution through ZSM‐5‐PEBA composite membranes
Authors: Tan Huifen , Wu Yanhui , Li Tongming 
Published: November 2012

AbstractComposite membranes were prepared by incorporating ZSM‐5 zeolite into poly(ether‐block‐amide) (PEBA) membranes. These composite membranes were characterized by TGA, XRD, and SEM. The results showed that the zeolite could distribute well in the polymer matrix. And when the zeolite content reached 10%, the agglomeration of zeolite in the membranes was found. The composite membranes were used to the pervaporative separation of n‐butanol aqueous solution. The effect of zeolite content on pervaporation performance was investigated. With the contribution of preferential adsorption and diffusion of n‐butanol in the polymer matrix and zeolite channel, the 5% ZSM‐5‐PEBA membrane showed enhanced selectivity and flux. The effects of liquid temperature and concentration on separation performance were also investigated. All the composite membranes demonstrated increasing separation factor and permeation flux with increasing temperature and concentration. Incorporation of ZSM‐5 could decrease the activation energy of n‐butanol flux of the composite membrane. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation of poly(styrene‐co‐isobornyl methacrylate) beads having controlled glass transition temperature by suspension polymerization
Authors: Zhang Bing , Ma Yuhong , Chen Dong , Xu Jingnan , Yang Wantai 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe styrene (St) and isobornyl methacrylate (IBMA) random copolymer beads with controlled glass transition temperature (Tg), in the range of 105–158°C, were successfully prepared by suspension polymerization. The influence of the ratios of IBMA in monomer feeds on the copolymerization yields, the molecular weights and molecular weight distributions of the produced copolymers, the copolymer compositions and the Tgs of these copolymers was investigated systematically. The monomer reactivity ratios were r1 (St) = 0.57 and r2 (IBMA) = 0.20 with benzyl peroxide as initiator at 90°C, respectively. As the mass fraction of IBMA in monomer feeds was about 40 wt %, it was observed that the monomer conversion could be up to 90 wt %. The fractions of IBMA unit in copolymers were in the range of 35–40 wt % and Tgs of the corresponding copolymers were in the range of 119.6–128°C while the monomer conversion increased from 0 to greater than 90 wt %. In addition, the effects of other factors, such as the dispersants, polymerization time and the initiator concentration on the copolymerization were also discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of glass fiber‐reinforced crosslinkable poly(arylene ether nitrile)
Authors: Zou Yanke , Liu Xiaobo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractCrosslinkable poly(arylene ether nitrile)/glass fiber (PEN/GF) composites with high thermal stabilities and mechanical properties were prepared by a economically and environmentally viable method of melt extrusion and injection molding. The feasibility of using PEN/GF composites was investigated by evaluating its morphological, rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties. The morphology shows a good dispersion and strong interfacial interaction between PEN and GF. Thermal studies reveal that the thermal stabilities of PEN/GF are improved significantly with increase of GF content. Mechanical investigation manifested that GFs have strengthening effect (increase in flexural, tensile, and impact strength) on the mechanical performance of PEN composites. Most importantly, crosslinking reaction of PEN/GF composites can further improve their mechanical performances, because a couple of GFs are agglomerated by thermal motion and strong interfacial adhesion and the local agglomeration does not break the global uniform distribution. This work shows that both the enhancement of GF content and the crosslinking reaction of PEN/GF composites are two key factors influencing the thermal and mechanical properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Transferring noncharring polyolefins to charring polymers with the presence of Mo/Mg/Ni/O catalysts and the application in flame retardancy
Authors: Song Rongjun , Fu Yao , Li Bin 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article presents a novel investigation on the Mo/Mg/Ni/O catalysts (Nmm‐cats) with which the noncharring polyolefins are basically transferred to the charring polymers under forced flaming conditions and the flame retardancy of polyolefins is improved dramatically. The results of model charring experiments show that when appropriate Mo/Mg/Ni molar ratio is adopted and only 3% Nmm‐cats is blended, the Nmm‐cats belong to high‐efficient charring catalysts that can deposit 56 and 64 wt % of volatile products in‐situ from linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polypropylene (PP), respectively. The charring properties are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy; and the char‐forming mechanisms are analyzed by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction experiment. The improvement in flammability properties for LLDPE and PP is demonstrated by using a cone calorimeter. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Micro/nanohybrid hierarchical poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/calcium carbonate composites for smart drug delivery
Authors: Shi Jun , Qi Wenyan , Du Chao , Shi Jin , Cao Shaokui 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPoly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)/calcium carbonate (CaCO3) micro/nanohybrid composites with smart drug‐delivery property had been prepared via in situ biomineralization reaction. Sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) was used as the crystal growth additive to control the crystalline polymorph of CaCO3 and the morphology of the hybrid materials. The interaction between PSS and Ca2+ contributed to the formation of hierarchical micro/nanohybrid composites, in which microscale vaterite microparticles were covered by nanoscale PNIPAAm micelle. Vitamin B2 (VB2) release behavior was found to be pH‐ and thermal‐responsive. Moreover, the release profiles were sustained with the introduction of CaCO3 microparticles, suggesting that CaCO3 microparticles could hinder the permeation of the encapsulated VB2 and reduce the drug release effectively. The prepared micro/nanohybrid materials can be used as “smart” hierarchical materials for controlled drug delivery. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Edge‐related changes in tree communities in the understory of mesic temperate forest fragments of northern Japan
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi N. , Tomimatsu Hiroshi , Oishi Yoshiko , Konno Yasuo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe have assessed the effects of habitat fragmentation on understory tree communities in mesic temperate forests of the Tokachi plain of northern Japan. Tree community composition was analyzed across 13 forest fragments of various sizes ranging from 0.30 to 8.51 ha. The community composition varied along the edge‐to‐interior gradient: there was a lower abundance of shade‐tolerant shrubs in forest edges than in forest interiors, while saplings of dominant canopy trees and pioneer trees were more abundant near the edges. The edge influence extended approximately 56 m into the forest interiors. Even the interior area of small fragments were likely to be affected not only by the nearest edge but also by more distant edges. Consequently, most areas in fragments smaller than 2 ha were covered by these “edge‐type” communities. These results indicate that it is of primary importance to conserve and restore forests with an area at least larger than several hectares to sustain forest‐interior tree communities.
Refractive Index and Density Measurements of Peanut Oil for Determining Oleic and Linoleic Acid Contents
Authors: Davis Jack P. , Sweigart Daniel S. , Price Kristin M. , Dean Lisa L. , Sanders Timothy H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPeanut seed are approximately 50 % oil of which >80 % is either oleic or linoleic acid. The oleic/linoleic acid (O/L) ratio largely influences oxidative stability and hence peanut shelf life. Traditional peanut seed have O/L ratios near 1.5–2.0; however, many new cultivars are “high oleic” with O/L ratios ≥9. During peanut seed handling, contamination among lots may occur. A cost effective method to rapidly differentiate peanut seed based on O/L ratio is needed across multiple segments of the industry, and measurements of oil density and oil refractive index (RI) were evaluated for this potential. Fatty acid profiles of samples from normal and high oleic seed lots, and blends of these oils, were determined by traditional gas chromatography analysis and this data compared to corresponding oil density and RI measurements. Oleic acid content, linoleic acid content, density and RI were all strongly linearly (R2 > 0.98) correlated for oil blends with O/L ratios from ~2 to 16. Threshold density or RI values both showed excellent potential for rapidly differentiating samples with an O/L ≥ 9; however, sample volume requirements preclude density measurements on single seed.
Discrimination of Origin of Sesame Oils Using Fatty Acid and Lignan Profiles in Combination with Canonical Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Jeon Hyeonjin , Kim In‐Hwan , Lee Chan , Choi Hee‐Don , Kim Byung Hee , Akoh Casimir C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe aims of this study were to investigate total fatty acid composition and lignan contents of Korean, Chinese and Indian roasted sesame oils and to differentiate the geographic origins of the oils using analytical data in combination with canonical discriminant analysis. The analytical data were obtained from 84 oil samples that were prepared from 51 Korean, 19 Chinese, and 14 Indian white sesame seeds harvested during 2010 and 2011 and distributed in Korea during the same period. Six variables selected for the discriminant analysis were the contents of three fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, and palmitic) and three lignans (sesamin, sesamolin, and sesamol). A good discrimination between sesame oils from Korea, China, and India was achieved by applying two canonical discriminant functions, with 97.6 % of the samples correctly classified into the geographic origin. When the origins of five commercial oil samples (one was prepared from Korean sesame seeds and the other four were made from imported sesame seeds) were predicted using discriminant functions, the Korean sesame oil was accurately distinguished from the others.
Protein Content and Oil Composition of Almond from Moroccan Seedlings: Genetic Diversity, Oil Quality and Geographical Origin
Authors: Kodad Ossama , Estopañán Gloria , Juan Teresa , Socias i Company Rafel 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe protein and oil content and the fatty acid profile of the kernels of selected almond genotypes from four different Moroccan regions were determined in order to evaluate the kernel quality of the plant material of these different regions. The ranges of oil content (48.7–64.5 % of kernel DW), oleic (61.8–80.2 % of total oil), linoleic (11.4–27.0 %), palmitic (5.6–7.7 %), stearic (1.3–3.1 %), and palmitoleic (0.4–0.9 %) acid percentages agreed with previous results of other almond genotypes, but the protein content (14.1–35.1 % of kernel DW) showed that some genotypes had higher values than any previously recorded in almond. Some genotypes from mountainous regions showed kernels with very high oil content as well as high and consistent oleic and linoleic ratio, establishing a possible differentiation according to the geographical origin. These differences may allow establishing a geographical denomination for almond products. In terms of genetic diversity, oleic and linoleic acids were confirmed to be the most variable components of almond oil chemical composition among genotypes. Additionally, the genotypes with extreme favorable values, such as high protein content, could be incorporated into an almond breeding program aiming at an increase in kernel quality.
β‐Site amyloid precursor protein–cleaving enzyme 1 activity is related to cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of sortilin‐related receptor with A‐type repeats, soluble amyloid precursor protein, and tau
Authors: Tsolakidou Amalia , Alexopoulos Panagiotis , Guo Liang‐Hao , Grimmer Timo , Westerteicher Christine , Kratzer Martina , Jiang Meizi , Bujo Hideaki , Roselli Francesco , Leante Maria Rosaria , Livrea Paolo , Kurz Alexander , Perneczky Robert 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundβ‐Site amyloid precursor protein (APP)–cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) activity determines the rate of APP cleavage and is therefore the main driver of amyloid β production, which is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsThe present study explored the correlation between BACE1 activity and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of APP metabolism and axonal degeneration in 63 patients with mild AD and 12 healthy control subjects.ResultsIn the AD group, positive correlations between BACE1 activity and soluble APP β, the APP sorting receptor sortilin‐related receptor with A‐type repeats (also known as SorLA or LR11), and tau were detected. BACE1 activity was not associated with amyloid β1–42 or soluble APP α concentrations in the AD group, and no associations between BACE1 activity and any of the protein concentrations were found in the control group.ConclusionOur results confirm the relevance of BACE1 and sortilin‐related receptor with A‐type repeats within the amyloid cascade and also provide a further piece of evidence for the link between amyloid and tau pathology in AD.
Figuring Abjection: The Slave Mother in the Early Creole Novel
Authors: McCusker Maeve 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

While twentieth-century Caribbean literature in French has generated a substantial body of criticism, earlier writings have largely been neglected. This article begins by contextualizing the Creole novel of the 1830s in cultural and historical terms, then proceeds to analyse two novels published by Martinican authors in 1835:
Outre-mer
by Louis de Maynard de Queilhe and
Les Créoles
by Jules Levilloux. The few studies that exist of these texts tend to contrast their portrayal of the (male) mulatto; Levilloux has generally been considered the more progressive writer in this regard. However, both writers are in striking harmony in their depiction of the black mother, a figure (in both senses, as her physiognomy is central in her portrayal) who has until now been overlooked. In
Outre-mer
, as in
Les Créoles
, the elderly black mother is an abject and wretched creature, a source of phobic disgust. She has necessarily to be shown to be repulsive, filthy, and morally hideous in old age in order to counteract the fascination she provokes, and to embody a phantasized repellent to the desires of the white male.
Ecosystem status and functioning: searching for rules of thumb using an intersite comparison of food-web models of Northeast Atlantic continental shelves
Authors: Lassalle Géraldine , Lobry Jérémy , Le Loc'h François , Mackinson Steven , Sanchez Francisco , Tomczak Maciej Tomasz , Niquil Nathalie 
Published: November 2012

AbstractLassalle, G., Lobry, J., Le Loc'h, F., Mackinson, S., Sanchez, F., Tomczak, M. T., and Niquil, N. 2013. Ecosystem status and functioning: searching for rules of thumb using an intersite comparison of food-web models of Northeast Atlantic continental shelves. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70:135–149. This work aimed to provide a better understanding of how the structure and function of marine ecosystems and trophic control mechanisms influence their response to perturbations. Comparative analysis of Ecopath models of four Northeast Atlantic ecosystems was used to search for rules of thumb defining the similarities and differences between them. Ecosystem indicators, related to the ecology of species interactions, were derived from these models and compared. Two main questions were addressed. (i) What are the main energy pathways and mechanisms of control? (ii) Do these ecosystems exhibit the widespread and potentially stabilizing food-web structure such that top predators couple distinct energy pathways? A strong bentho-pelagic coupling operated over the Bay of Biscay Shelf, while energy reached higher trophic levels mostly through pelagic compartments, in northern areas. Zooplankton was demonstrated to be trophically important in all ecosystems, acting as a regulator of the abundance of small pelagic fish. A latitudinal pattern in flow control was highlighted by this analysis, with a significant contribution of top-down effect at higher latitudes. This top-down control of the Baltic Sea, combined with the fact that this ecosystem did not exhibit the potentially stabilizing two-channel structure, suggested a non-stable environment.