bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PMMA composites of single‐walled carbon nanotubes‐graft‐PMMA
Authors: Paul Abhijit , Grady Brian P. , Ford Warren T. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTTo facilitate the dispersion of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), SWCNT were functionalized with a RAFT chain transfer agent, and PMMA was grafted from the SWCNT by reversible addition–fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization to give SWCNT‐g‐PMMA containing 6 wt % PMMA. SWCNT‐g‐PMMA in the form of small bundles was dispersed into PMMA matrices. The SWCNT‐g‐PMMA filler increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composite when the matrix molecular weight Mn was less than the graft molecular weight, but not when the matrix Mn was equal to or greater than the graft Mn. The threshold of electrical conductivity of the composites as a function of weight percent SWCNT increased from 0.2% when matrix Mn was less than graft Mn to about 1% when matrix Mn was greater than graft Mn. Dynamic mechanical analyses of the composites having graft Mn less than or equal to matrix Mn showed broader rubbery plateaus with increased SWCNT content but no significant differences between samples with different grafted PMMAs. The results indicate that lower Mn matrix wets the SWCNT‐g‐PMMA whereas higher Mn matrix does not wet the SWCNT‐g‐PMMA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39884.
Tailoring adhesive forces between poly(dimethylsiloxane) and glass substrates using poly(vinyl alcohol) primers
Authors: Emoto Akira , Kobayashi Tomoko , Noguchi Naomi , Fukuda Takashi 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTA thin poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) layer has been found to control adhesive forces between poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and a glass substrate. Various PVAs were coated on glass substrates on top of which PDMS pre‐polymer was cast. After thermal curing, the peel strength was tested. It was found that the fundamental adhesive forces are attributed to the degree of hydrolysis (or saponification value) of the PVAs. For a PVA modified with a silanol group, strong adhesive force resulted. The range of tailoring the force with the PVAs was 16 kgf/m. The production of thin interlaminated PVA layers as primers was demonstrated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39927.
Phenolic foams modified by cardanol through bisphenol modification
Authors: Jing Shuailin , Li Tao , Li Xiaojuan , Xu Qian , Hu Jing , Li Ruihai 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, cardanol, a natural phenol, has been applied to toughen phenolic foam by bisphenol modification. In order to verify the occurrence of Friedel–Craft alkylation between cardanol and phenol on the side chain, FTIR, and NMR had been used to characterize the bisphenol successfully. With the introduction of cardanol, the viscosity of prepolymers increased. The SEM results demonstrated that the some cells with increasingly large size existed, when the dosage of cardanol increased. With respect to the mechanical properties, phenolic foams modified by 10 wt % cardanol increased by 22% in flexural strength and 28% in bending modulus compared to pure phenolic foams, which indicates that the incorporation of cardanol does improve the toughness of phenolic foams. In addition, the effects of different dosage of cardanol on the apparent density and thermal stability of phenolic foams were investigated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 39942.
Synthesis and characterization of nanoclay–polymer composites from soil clay with respect to their water‐holding capacities and nutrient‐release behavior
Authors: Sarkar Subhas , Datta Samar Chandra , Biswas Dipak Ranjan 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTWater and nutrients are two important inputs to agriculture that need to be used judiciously with higher efficiency to save these limited resources. For these purposes, a series of nanoclay–polymer composite (NCPC) superabsorbent nutrient carriers were prepared. These NCPCs were based on the reactions of different types of nanoclays (10 wt %) with partially neutralized acrylic acid and acryl amide by a free‐radical aqueous solution copolymerization reaction with N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as an initiator. The nanoclays isolated from three different types of soils were dominant in kaolinite (clay I), mica (clay II), and montmorillonite (clay III), and a portion of each was freed from amorphous aluminosilicate. Thus, there were six different types of nanoclays used, namely, those dominated by kaolinite, mica, and smectite with and without amorphous aluminosilicate. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) investigations showed evidence of interaction between the clays and polymer. XRD investigation also showed that the reaction between the polymer and clays I and II occurred on the surface of various clay particles without intercalating into the stacked silicate galleries, whereas in the case of clay III (the smectite‐dominated clay), evidence indicated the intercalation of polymer into the stacked silicate galleries of the clay and the exfoliation of the clay. The water absorbency decreased in the NCPCs compared to that of the pure polymeric hydrogel. In case of the pure polymer, the entire amount of nutrient loading released within 15 h of incubation; this was higher than that of the NCPCs. In the initial stage (up to 15 h), no significant differences in nutrient release were observed among the different polymer/clay composites, but there were differences in later stages. Among the different NCPCs, the percentage release of nutrients at 48 h ranged from around 70% in the polymer/clay III composite to 90% in the polymer/clay I composite. The presence of amorphous aluminosilicates in clay did not make any difference in the nutrient‐release rate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39951.
Low temperature curable epoxy siloxane hybrid materials for LED encapsulant
Authors: Kim HweaYoon , Bae Jun‐young , Kim Yong Ho , Kim Yu Bae , Bae Byeong‐Soo 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTA thermally cured epoxy‐siloxane hybrid material that is curable at low temperature (L‐expoxy hybrimer) was investigated for use as an LED encapsulant. This new hybrimer was fabricated using thermally initiated, cationic polymerization of cycloaliphatic epoxy oligosiloxane (CAEO) resin, derived from non‐hydrolytic sol–gel, mixed with oxetane hardener in the presence of a hexafluoroantimonate‐type thermo‐cationic initiator. The L‐epoxy hybrimer was cured at a lower temperature (below 120°C) than previously reported for an epoxy hybrimer with anhydride hardener (above 180°C). The L‐epoxy hybrimer showed high thermal resistance to yellowing under long‐term high temperature condition, and maintained good optical transmittance. Also, it had a high refractive index (up to 1.57), as well as the hardness (Shore D 80), and low water‐vapor permeability, when the new hybrimer was used to encapsulate an LED, it showed good adhesion without cracks or delamination and maintained their initial performance after the long‐term aging tests (120 and 85°C at 85% humidity). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39968.
Copper phthalocyanine oligomer grafted acrylic elastomer nanocomposites with high dielectric constants
Authors: Liu Ruonan , Wang Jingwen , Li Qing , Li Shuqin , Zhang Su , Ding Xuejiao 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTFor many applications of dielectric elastomer (DE) actuators, it is desirable to endow the DE with a high dielectric constant (ε), high breakdown field, and good flexibility. In this study, a high‐ε nanocomposite acrylic elastomer (ACM)‐g‐copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) was fabricated, in which the CuPc oligomer was grafted onto the backbone of ACM. This grafted composite exhibited several benefits over the physically blended one. Transmission electron microscopy micrographs indicated that the size of the grafted CuPc was in the range 15–30 nm, which was more than 25 times smaller than that of the simply blended one. At room temperature, ε of ACM‐g‐CuPc (with 15 wt % CuPc) reached 303 at 100 Hz. The remarkable enhancement in the dielectric response could be attributed to the greatly strengthened exchange coupling effect and the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars polarization mechanism. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39975.
Structural and functional changes of silk fibroin scaffold due to hydrolytic degradation
Authors: Farokhi Mehdi , Mottaghitalab Fatemeh , Hadjati Jamshid , Omidvar Ramin , Majidi Mohammad , Amanzadeh Amir , Azami Mahmoud , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Ai Jafar 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, hydrolytic degradation of silk fibroin (SF) in Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) after 12 weeks incubation was investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns have confirmed the transition from crystalline β‐sheet to random coil in treated SF. A decrease in adhesion force and surface Young's modulus were observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Structural changes were further confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biocompatibility and alkaline phosphatase production of osteoblast cells were decreased significantly in treated SF scaffold. Moreover, a significant decrease in mRNA level of collagen type I and osteopontin compared with fresh SF scaffold was observed. Finally, structural and biological characteristics of SF scaffold could alter in PBS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39980.
Reflections on Energy Security in the Asia Pacific
Authors: Cronshaw Ian , Grafton Quentin 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article reviews key past trends in energy security from the perspective of both International Energy Agency members and the Asia Pacific over the past 30 years, and assesses future energy risks. Developments in energy efficiency, unconventional oil and gas, and stationary renewable energy sources are highlighted. Lessons learned from past policy successes and failures provide the basis for 10 reflections to promote energy security in the region.
A modelling study of the role of marine protected areas in metapopulation genetic connectivity in Delaware Bay oysters
Authors: Munroe Daphne M. , Klinck John M. , Hofmann Eileen E. , Powell Eric N. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTManagement decisions concerning location and extent of marine protected areas (MPAs) both for exploited and unexploited resources rely on understanding how populations are interconnected.The potential effects of MPA location and external fishing pressure on genetic connectivity of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations in Delaware Bay were examined.An individual‐based metapopulation model that includes post‐settlement population dynamics, larval dispersal, and genetic structure was used to simulate four oyster populations for two periods (1970s and 2000s) with distinct population and environmental conditions. Sensitivity analysis examined the influence of larval dispersal, and simulations included combinations of MPA location (which population was protected) and three fishing mortality rates for non‐MPA populations: low (4%), medium (8%) and high (30%); no fishing was allowed in the MPAs.Results showed (i) salinity‐driven changes in larval dispersal led to relatively small, population‐specific connectivity changes, (ii) MPAs can enhance the frequency of genotypes originating within protected populations in unprotected populations when fishing rates are high (30%), and (iii) demographic shifts can impose temporal variability on the influence of MPAs on connectivity.These results suggest that genetic consequences of siting MPAs must be considered in terms of present population and environmental conditions, as well as allowing for changes in population and genetic connectivity that may shift fundamentally over time.Simulation results indicate that siting protected areas for oyster restoration in low salinity (<12ppt) regions may interact with development of disease resistance in the metapopulation by altering genotype transfer from protected to unprotected downestuary populations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief Report: Carboxypeptidase B Serves as a Protective Mediator in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lepus Christin M. , Song Jason J. , Wang Qian , Wagner Catriona A. , Lindstrom Tamsin M. , Chu Constance R. , Sokolove Jeremy , Leung Lawrence L. , Robinson William H. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveWe previously demonstrated that carboxypeptidase B (CPB) protects against joint erosion in rheumatoid arthritis by inactivating complement component C5a. We also found that levels of CPB are abnormally high in the synovial fluid of individuals with another joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA). We undertook this study to investigate whether CPB plays a role in the pathogenesis of OA.MethodsWe compared the development of OA in CPB‐deficient (Cpb2–/–) mice and wild‐type mice by subjecting them to medial meniscectomy and histologically assessing cartilage damage, osteophyte formation, and synovitis in the stifle joints 4 months later. We measured levels of proCPB, proinflammatory cytokines, and complement components in synovial fluid samples from patients with symptomatic and radiographic knee OA. Finally, we used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and hemolytic assays to assess the effect of CPB on formation of membrane attack complex (MAC)–a complement effector critical to OA pathogenesis.ResultsCpb2–/– mice developed dramatically greater cartilage damage than did wild‐type mice (P < 0.01) and had a greater number of osteophytes (P < 0.05) and a greater degree of synovitis (P < 0.05). In synovial fluid samples from OA patients, high levels of proCPB were associated with high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and complement components, and levels of proCPB correlated positively with those of MAC. In in vitro complement activation assays, activated CPB suppressed the formation of MAC as well as MAC‐induced hemolysis.ConclusionOur data suggest that CPB protects against inflammatory destruction of the joints in OA, at least in part by inhibiting complement activation.
First Isomers of Pristine C104 Fullerene Structurally Confirmed as Chlorides, C104(258)Cl16 and C104(812)Cl24
Authors: Yang Shangfeng , Wei Tao , Kemnitz Erhard , Troyanov Sergey I. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIsolation and characterization of very large fullerenes is hampered by a drastic decrease of their content in fullerene soot with increasing fullerene size and a simultaneous increase of the number of possible IPR (Isolated Pentagon Rule) isomers. In the present work, fractions containing mixtures of C102 and C104 were isolated in very small quantities (several dozens of micrograms) by multi‐step recycling HPLC from an arc‐discharge fullerene soot. Two such fractions were used for chlorination with a VCl4/SbCl5 mixture in glass ampoules at 350–360 °C. The resulting chlorides were investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation. By this means, two IPR isomers of C104, numbers 258 and 812 (of 823 topologically possible isomers), have been confirmed for the first time as chlorides, C1‐C104(258)Cl16 and D2‐C104(812)Cl24, respectively, while an admixture of C2‐C104(811)Cl24 was assumed to be present in the latter chloride. DFT calculations showed that pristine C104(812) belongs to rather stable C104 cages, whereas C104(258) is much less stable.
Adaptive Nonlinear Actuator Fault Diagnosis for Uncertain Nonlinear Systems with Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Yao Lina , Wang Hong , Cocquempot Vincent 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTAn actuator fault diagnosis method is presented in this paper for a class of time‐delayed nonlinear systems via the use of adaptive updating rules. The considered system is represented by a dynamic state space model where the time delays are embedded into the state vector. Model parameters are not perfectly known, which lead us to consider norm bounded uncertainties. An adaptive fault diagnosis observer is designed where the Lyapunov stability theory is used to obtain the required adaptive tuning rule for estimation of the nonlinear actuator fault. A simulated numerical example is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Robustness of Exact p‐Controllability and Exact p‐Observability to q‐Type of Perturbations of the Generator
Authors: Mei Zhan‐Dong , Peng Ji‐Gen 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIn Mei and Peng, Systems & Control Letters, 59 (2010) 470–475, the authors have proved in general setting that p‐admissibilities of control operators and observation operators are invariant to any q‐type of perturbations of generator of C0‐semigroups on Banach space. In this paper, under the p‐admissibility invariance premise, the robustness of the exact p‐controllability as well as the exact p‐observability to q‐type of perturbations is verified.
Do CMIP5 simulations of Indian summer monsoon rainfall differ from those of CMIP3?
Authors: Shashikanth K. , Salvi Kaustubh , Ghosh Subimal , Rajendran K. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTo understand the improvements in the simulations of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) by Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) over CMIP3, a comparative study is performed with the original and statistically downscaled outputs of five General Circulation Models (GCMs). We observe that multi‐model average of original CMIP5 simulations do not show visible improvements in bias, over CMIP3. We also observe that CMIP5 original simulations have more multi‐model uncertainty than those of CMIP3. The statistically downscaled simulations show similar results in terms of bias; however, the uncertainty in CMIP5 downscaled rainfall projections is lower than that of CMIP3.
Autocatalytic growth of biofunctionalized antibacterial silver nanoparticles
Authors: Dhas Sindhu Priya , John Shiny Punalur , Mukherjee Amitava , Chandrasekaran Natarajan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDevelopment of eco‐friendly processes for nanosynthesis is gaining importance owing to the widespread application of nanoparticles (NPs). In the present study, we have explained the mechanism and kinetics of bioreduction in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Rhizophora apiculata. Spectrophotometric methods were employed to quantify the bioactive molecules present before and after the reduction process. The results showed that the polyphenols were the main components responsible for the biosynthesis of AgNPs, which was further confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The kinetics of formation of AgNPs were monitored by time‐resolved spectrophotometric and X‐ray diffraction studies, which revealed that the NP formation is an autocatalytic process with a rate constant of 1.9 × 10−2 Min−1. The NPs were characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques like ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The biogenic AgNPs showed substantial inhibitory activity to Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 2.5, 12.5, 2.5, and 31.25 μg/mL, respectively. The current research provides an insight into the mechanistic aspects of bioreduction and formation of AgNPs.
Monitoring sustainable biomass flows: General methodology development
Authors: Goh Chun Sheng , Junginger Martin , Faaij André 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTransition to a bio‐based economy will create new demand for biomass, e.g. the increasing use of bioenergy, but the impacts on existing markets are unclear. Furthermore, there is a growing public concern on the sustainability of biomass. This study proposes a methodological framework for mapping national biomass flows based on domestic production‐consumption and cross‐border trade, and respective share of sustainably‐certified biomass. A case study was performed on the Netherlands for 2010‐2011, focusing on three categories: (i) woody biomass, (ii) oils and fats, and (iii) carbohydrates. Between 2010‐2011 few major shifts were found, besides the increasing biofuel production. The share of sustainably‐certified feedstock is growing in many categories. Woody biomass used for energy amounted to 3.45 MT, including 1.3 MT imported wood pellets ( >85% certified). About 0.6 MT of oils and fats and 1.2 MT (estimation) of carbohydrates were used for biofuel production. It is assumed that only certified materials were used for biofuel production. For non‐energy purpose, more than 50% of woody biomass used was either certified or derived from recycled streams. Certified oils has entered the Dutch food sector since 2011, accounted for 7% of total vegetable oils consumption. It is expected that carbohydrates will also be certified in the near future. Methodological challenges encountered are: inconsistency in data definitions, lack of coherent cross‐sectorial reporting systems, low reliability of bilateral trade statistics, lack of transparency in biomass supply chains, and disparity in sustainability requirements. The methodology may be expanded for future projection in different scenarios. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Effects of co‐produced biochar on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of pyrolysis‐derived renewable fuels
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Dunn Jennifer B. , Han Jeongwoo , Wang Michael Q. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBiochar is a co‐product from biomass pyrolysis that can sequester carbon when applied to soils. It may also reduce N2O and CH4 emissions from soils, increase fertilizer efficiency, increase soil organic carbon, and increase crop yields. Treatment of these additional agricultural effects in life cycle analyses (LCAs) of pyrolysis‐based liquid fuels could significantly influence LCA results. In this study, we include these effects in analyses of fast and slow pyrolysis. We also consider scenarios in which biochar is combusted to produce electricity. Probability distribution functions are developed for biochar yield and carbon content whereas average, minimum, and maximum values for biochar's stability factor and agricultural effects are developed from a thorough literature review and used in baseline and sensitivity analyses. Overall, life‐cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for pyrolysis‐based gasoline are lower when biochar is applied to soil than when it is combusted. Carbon abatement (CA) values of fast and slow pyrolysis fuel production systems are comparable. CA is reduced for an alternative fast pyrolysis system in which the pyrolysis oil is combusted for heat and electricity generation rather than upgraded to a hydrocarbon fuel. In the baseline case with biochar soil application, inclusion of agricultural effects reduces GHG emissions by 2.1 g CO2e/MJ from 16 g CO2e/MJ. Biochar carbon content and yield exert the strongest influence on GHG emissions results. Results are also sensitive to biochar's ability to suppress N2O emissions and increase soil organic carbon, which are subject to high uncertainty. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd