bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metallic Membranes for High Temperature Hydrogen Separation
Authors: Ma Yi H. , Catalano Jacopo , Guazzone Federico 
Published: April 2013

AbstractComposite palladium membranes have extensively been studied in laboratories and, more recently, in small pilot industrial applications for the high temperature separation of hydrogen from reactant mixtures such as water‐gas shift (WGS) reaction or methane steam reforming (MSR). Composite Pd membrane fabrication methods have matured over the last decades, and the deposition of very thin films (1–5 µm) of Pd over porous ceramics or modified porous metal supports is quite common. The H2permeances and the selectivities achieved at 400–500 °C were in the order of 50–100 Nm3/m/h/bar0.5and greater than 1000, respectively. This chapter describes in detail composite Pd‐based membrane preparation methods, which consist of thegradingof the support and the deposition of the dense metal layer, their performances, and their applications in catalytic membrane reactors (CMRs) at high temperatures (400–550 °C).
Liquid Membranes, Supported and Emulsion
Authors: Víllora Gloria 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLiquid membranes (LMs) constitute an emerging technique that can be used as an alternative for separation processes, mainly due to their high efficiency, and as such are being looked into for industrial applications. This article provides information on two types of LMs, supported liquid membrane (SLM) and emulsion liquid membrane (ELM), presenting the principles, methods of preparation, transport mechanisms, stability, and applications of a number of separation processes.SLMs use porous supports impregnated with a solvent. Solute molecules dissolve into the membrane at the feed/membrane interface, and the dissolved species diffuse through the membrane and desorb at the receiving phase. Numerous processes based on SLMs have been proposed as effective methods for the separation of different chemical species, such as organic compounds, metal ions, gas mixtures, or pharmaceutical compounds. Nevertheless, the application of SLMs on a large scale is still limited due to inadequate membrane stability. Much effort has been put into to improve SLM stability, and one possible alternative is to substitute organic solvents in the membrane by room temperature organic liquids (ILs), which possess unique properties that are interesting in the context of LMs. Thus, supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) receive special attention in this article. ELMs are prepared by the intensive mixing of two nonmiscible phases (e.g., water droplets in an oil phase) and the addition of some strong surfactant. Some recent advances in this field are presented.
Seawater Desalination—Costs and Technology Trends
Authors: Voutchkov Nikolay 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSeawater desalination has become affordable and drought‐proof water supply alternative for many urban coastal centers worldwide as a result of dramatic advances in reverse osmosis membrane technology and equipment for energy recovery, which have occurred over the past 20 years. This article provides an overview of key factors influencing desalination costs and energy use and discusses recent trends for their minimization. Advances in reverse osmosis membrane productivity and practical aspects of the use of energy recovery equipment are described, and their potential for cost and energy savings is ranked. The presented material evaluates key benefits of collocation of desalination plants with existing once‐trough power generation stations; efficiency of the latest isobaric equipment for recovery of energy from concentrate, nanoparticle‐enhanced reverse osmosis membrane elements; and the state‐of‐the‐art configurations of reverse osmosis systems used in the most advanced seawater desalination plants worldwide.
Chemically Tuning Mechanics of Graphene by BN
Authors: Peng Qing , Chen Xiao‐Jia , Ji Wei , De Suvranu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWith finite bandgaps, g‐BNC, a boron nitride monolayer (g‐BN) phase within a graphene layer, is a promising semiconductor for next generation electronics. We report its mechanics dependence of the g‐BN concentration, including the high order elastic constants and mechanical failure, through a first‐principles study based on density functional theory. The in‐plane stiffness as well as third order elastic constants of graphene can be linearly tuned with g‐BN concentration. The longitudinal mode elastic constants are sensitive to the BN modification, in contrast to the shear mode elastic constants. This study may provide guidance in optimizing the mechanics of graphene‐based nanodevices.
Feeding Ecology of Red Langurs in Sabangau Tropical Peat‐Swamp Forest, Indonesian Borneo: Extreme Granivory in a Non‐Masting Forest
Authors: EHLERS SMITH DAVID A. , HUSSON SIMON J. , EHLERS SMITH YVETTE C. , HARRISON MARK E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSoutheast Asia's lowland dipterocarp forests experience supra‐annual “mast” fruiting and flowering events, in which the majority of trees reproduce simultaneously at irregular intervals, with extensive intervening periods of very low primate food availability. This scarcity of food results in a negative energy balance and a reliance on “fallback foods” in some primate species. By contrast, ombrogenous tropical peat‐swamp forests are non‐masting, and show lower variability of food availability. We sought to test the influence of fruit availability on primate diet and preference in peat‐swamp habitats and assess whether it differs from masting forests. We collected behavioral‐dependent feeding data on three adult females in a group of red langurs (Presbytis rubicunda: Colobinae) between January and December 2011 in Sabangau tropical peat‐swamp forest, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, as colobine monkeys are adaptated for folivory, and are therefore generally considered less reliant on temporally variable fruits than monogastric primates. We documented the highest level of granivory recorded to date in colobine monkeys: mean annual diet comprised 76.4% seeds and 7.3% other fruit parts; 7.7% young and 2.5% mature leaves; 2.8% flowers; 2.6% piths, and <1% on other minor food items. Fruit availability was fairly constant throughout the year and fruit parts were consumed at consistently higher levels than expected based on availability, confirming that fruit is preferred. Leaves and flowers were consumed consistently less than expected and thus are not preferred. There were no significant correlations between preferred food availability and consumption of potential fallback foods, suggesting that reliance on fallback foods did not occur in Sabangau during the study period. Furthermore, consumption of fruit was not significantly correlated with its availability. Our findings suggest that the relatively constant availability of fruit in this habitat affords P. rubicunda regular access to a nutritionally superior food, and that reliance on fallback foods is therefore not required. Am. J. Primatol. 75:848–859, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationships among jaw‐muscle fiber architecture, jaw morphology, and feeding behavior in extant apes and modern humans
Authors: Taylor Andrea B. , Vinyard Christopher J. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe jaw‐closing muscles are responsible for generating many of the forces and movements associated with feeding. Muscle physiologic cross‐sectional area (PCSA) and fiber length are two architectural parameters that heavily influence muscle function. While there have been numerous comparative studies of hominoid and hominin craniodental and mandibular morphology, little is known about hominoid jaw‐muscle fiber architecture. We present novel data on masseter and temporalis internal muscle architecture for small‐ and large‐bodied hominoids. Hominoid scaling patterns are evaluated and compared with representative New‐ (Cebus) and Old‐World (Macaca) monkeys. Variation in hominoid jaw‐muscle fiber architecture is related to both absolute size and allometry. PCSAs scale close to isometry relative to jaw length in anthropoids, but likely with positive allometry in hominoids. Thus, large‐bodied apes may be capable of generating both absolutely and relatively greater muscle forces compared with smaller‐bodied apes and monkeys. Compared with extant apes, modern humans exhibit a reduction in masseter PCSA relative to condyle‐M1 length but retain relatively long fibers, suggesting humans may have sacrificed relative masseter muscle force during chewing without appreciably altering muscle excursion/contraction velocity. Lastly, craniometric estimates of PCSAs underestimate hominoid masseter and temporalis PCSAs by more than 50% in gorillas, and overestimate masseter PCSA by as much as 30% in humans. These findings underscore the difficulty of accurately estimating jaw‐muscle fiber architecture from craniometric measures and suggest models of fossil hominin and hominoid bite forces will be improved by incorporating architectural data in estimating jaw‐muscle forces. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:120–134, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional and mechanical properties of acrylate elastomer/expanded graphite nanocomposites
Authors: Quan Yannan , Lu Ming , Tian Ming , Yan Shouke , Yu Zhongzhen , Zhang Liqun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractExpanded graphite (EG) is prepared by microwave irradiation to expandable graphite. A stable aqueous suspension of EG is obtained through dispersing EG into deionized water in the presence of surfactant under ultrasonication. Nanocomposites are prepared by compounding EG aqueous suspension with alkyl acrylate elastomer latex. It is showed that, by the latex compounding method (LCM), EG platelets are finely dispersed in the elastomer matrix. The nanocomposites exhibit remarkable improvements in mechanical properties, wear resistance, and gas barrier property. The prepared compound also shows certain electrical conductivity, but soon loses it after milled on a miller. Meanwhile, a dramatic change in EG network is observed corresponding to the loss of electrical conductivity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of new electrodes based on poly‐hematoxylin films
Authors: Samide Adriana , Tutunaru Bogdan , Bratulescu George , Ionescu Catalina 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe poly‐hematoxylin films undoped (p‐HX) and doped with strontium (p‐HX‐Sr) were prepared on the platinum electrodes (Pt) using cyclic voltammetry. The influence of experimental parameters, such as: anodic potential and number of voltammetric cycles on the films synthesis was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that, the optimal conditions to obtain the poly‐hematoxylin films on platinum electrode from 10−2 mol L−1 NaNO3 solution, were found by recording 10 voltammetric cycles at an anodic potential of 1.5 V. Electrocatalytic activity of the poly‐hematoxylin‐platinum (p‐HX/Pt) and poly‐hematoxylin‐strontium‐platinum (p‐HX‐Sr/Pt) electrodes was tested for electrochemical degradation of benzocaine using UV‐Vis spectrophotometry. Both, the mechanisms of hematoxylin (HX) polymerization, as well as benzocaine degradation were proposed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis and swelling properties of corn stalk‐composite superabsorbent
Authors: Wan Tao , Huang Runqiu , Zhao Qihua , Xiong Lei , Luo Lei , Tan Xuemei , Cai Guojun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA corn stalk‐composite superabsorbent with water absorbency of 660 g/g within 30 min, was prepared by graft copolymerization with acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate (SSS), and corn stalk in aqueous solution after the pretreatment of corn stalks (CS), using N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) and sodium bisulfite (SBS) as redox initiators. Factors influencing water absorbency and gel strength of the superabsorbent composite, such as the amount of corn stalk, the mass ratio of acrylic acid to acrylamide, the degree of neutralization for AA and the amount of crosslinker, were investigated. Morphologies and structure of the corn stalk‐composite superabsorbents were characterized by FTIR, SEM and optical microscope. FTIR spectra indicate the structure of corn stalk graft‐copolymer. SEM data show that the discontinuous sheet structures of corn stalks disappear and gel aggregates with many large microporous holes and small capillary pores are formed after corn stalk graft modification. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Model Predictive Control for Nonlinear Distributed Parameter Systems based on LS‐SVM
Authors: Ai Ling , San Ye 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis paper presents a novel model predictive control configuration for nonlinear distributed parameter systems based on least squares support vector machine. First, a data‐based modeling methodology for an unknown nonlinear distributed parameter system is introduced. Subsequently, the model predictive control framework based on the aforementioned model is presented at the measured point. To verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the control arithmetic, simulation results from a tubular reactor with the controller designed by the presented procedure are given.
Bauwerksdaten und Bauwerksprüfung
Authors: Friebel W.‐D. , Krieger J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAls Grundlage haushalts‐, bau‐ und verkehrstechnischer Entscheidungen werden Informationen zum Bestand und zum Zustand von Ingenieurbauwerken benötigt. Diese Informationen werden durch die Straßenbauverwaltungen der Länder auf der Grundlage von mehreren durch das Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau‐ und Wohnungswesen eingeführten Regelwerken erhoben und bereitgestellt. Im Zusammenhang mit der erforderlichen Anpassung dieser Regelwerke an aktuelle technische Entwicklungen und moderne DV‐Techniken wurde eine umfangreiche Überarbeitung der Regelwerke sowie die Einführung neuer DV‐Systeme erforderlich, wobei auch die Aspekte des im Aufbau befindlichen Bauwerksmanagementsystems zu berücksichtigen waren. Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Neufassungen dieser Regelwerke und die zugehörigen DV‐Systeme.
Zur Sanierung von Gewichtsstaumauern mit wasserseitigen Dichtwandkonstruktionen
Authors: Zrost H. , Schlegel R. , Hebestreit D. , Vogt R. , Stuhr J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIm Zuge der Sanierung der beiden Gewichtsstaumauern der Talsperre Neustadt in Thüringen und der Talsperre Carlsfeld in Sachsen sind an der Wasserseite vorgelagerte Dichtwandkonstruktionen mit Kontrollgang vorgesehen. In Vorbereitung der Planung und Ausführung wurden an der Talsperre Neustadt Baustellengroßversuche durchgeführt. Es konnte damit ein mittlerer Bereich der Gesamtkonstruktion im Maßstab 1:1 simuliert werden. Durch die Versuche wurden insbesondere das Zusammenwirken und der qualitätsgerechte Einbau der einzelnen Dichtwandkomponenten Dränagebetonschicht, Asphaltbeton‐Dichtungsschicht, mechanische Schutzschicht aus Stahlbeton‐Fertigteilen und der Ankerung untersucht. Nach der Beschreibung der Versuchsziele und Versuchsdurchführung erfolgt die Darstellung und Auswertung der Versuchsergebnisse.
Continuous Cold without Cryogenic Consumables: Development of a Convenient Laboratory Tool for Low‐Temperature Flow Processes
Authors: Browne D. L. , Harji B. H. , Ley S. V. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThere are a number of challenges that need to be overcome in order to stimulate more synthesis chemists to adopt continuous‐flow chemical processing techniques. By way of example, the use of cryogenic consumables to cool reactions is impractical on scale or over extended reaction times. Here, a solution to the problem is described with the development of a convenient laboratory device that offers chemists the benefits of continuous flow processing using an accurate thermal energy transfer block which provides long‐term reaction stability and is free from water ingress.
Packed‐Bed Microreactor for Continuous‐Flow Adipic Acid Synthesis from Cyclohexene and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Shang M. , Noël T. , Wang Q. , Hessel V. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe synthesis of adipic acid by means of a direct oxidation of cyclohexene by hydrogen peroxide was carried out in a continuous‐flow packed‐bed microreactor. The reaction uses Na2WO4·2H2O as a catalyst and [CH3(n‐C8H17)3N]HSO4 as a phase transfer catalyst without additional solvent. A parametric process optimization, such as glass beads size, residence time, concentration of hydrogen peroxide, addition of acid, reaction temperature, and molar ratios of reactants and catalysts, was performed. It is demonstrated that smaller glass beads result in a better yield of adipic acid and that the addition of acid plays an important role in the oxidation of cyclohexene to adipic acid. Based on the concept of Novel Process Windows, the influence of elevated temperatures is investigated.
Aromatic CC Bonds as Dipolarophiles: Facile Reactions of Uncomplexed Electron‐Deficient Benzene Derivatives and Other Aromatic Rings with a Non‐Stabilized Azomethine Ylide
Authors: Lee Sunyoung , Diab Sonia , Queval Pierre , Sebban Muriel , Chataigner Isabelle , Piettre Serge R. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNon‐stabilized azomethine ylide 4 a reacts smoothly at room temperature with a variety of uncomplexed aromatic heterocycles and carbocycles on the condition that the ring contains at least one or two electron‐withdrawing substituents, respectively. Aromatic substrates, including pyridine and benzene derivatives, participate as 2 π components in [3+2] cycloaddition reactions and interact with one, two, or three equivalent(s) of the ylide, depending on their structure and substitution pattern. Thus, this process affords highly functionalized polycyclic structures that contain between one and three pyrrolidinyl ring(s) in useful yields. These results indicate that the site selectivity of the cycloaddition reactions strongly depends on both the nature and the positions of the substituents. In most cases, the second 1,3‐dipolar reaction occurs on the opposite face to the one that contains the first pyrrolidinyl ring. DFT calculations on model compounds indicate that a concerted mechanism features a low activation barrier.
Synthesis of a Targeted Library of Heparan Sulfate Hexa‐ to Dodecasaccharides as Inhibitors of β‐Secretase: Potential Therapeutics for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Schwörer Ralf , Zubkova Olga V. , Turnbull Jeremy E. , Tyler Peter C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHeparan sulfates (HS) are a class of sulfated polysaccharides that function as dynamic biological regulators of the functions of diverse proteins. The structural basis of these interactions, however, remains elusive, and chemical synthesis of defined structures represents a challenging but powerful approach for unravelling the structure–activity relationships of their complex sulfation patterns. HS has been shown to function as an inhibitor of the β‐site cleaving enzyme β‐secretase (BACE1), a protease responsible for generating the toxic Aβ peptides that accumulate in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with 6‐O‐sulfation identified as a key requirement. Here, we demonstrate a novel generic synthetic approach to HS oligosaccharides applied to production of a library of 16 hexa‐ to dodecasaccharides targeted at BACE1 inhibition. Screening of this library provided new insights into structure–activity relationships for optimal BACE1 inhibition, and yielded a number of potent non‐anticoagulant BACE1 inhibitors with potential for development as leads for treatment of AD through lowering of Aβ peptide levels.
Corporate Social Responsibility of Oil Companies in Developing Countries: From Altruism to Business Strategy
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Francisco J. , García‐Rodríguez José León , Castilla‐Gutiérrez Carlos , Major Silvério A. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe growing importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in today's competitive business climate is well known. CSR is particularly important for firms in sectors characterised by their close ties with their social and environmental context, especially multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in resource‐rich developing countries and, more specifically, in the oil sector. Numerous question marks surround the extent to which oil MNEs really contribute, through CSR activities, to sustainable development in these countries. Based on a case study, this paper examines the adoption of an environmental management system (EMS) in Luanda Oil Refinery in Angola. The results illustrate the potential of CSR, when integrated into MNE business strategy, to improve the social and environmental situation of such countries, due not only to its impact on the company's immediate surroundings but on the wider legislative, administrative and entrepreneurial context also. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Environmental Disclosures by the Malaysian Construction Sector: Exploring Extent and Quality
Authors: Ahmad Nik Nazli Nik , Mohamad Noor Afzalina 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTWe examine the extent and quality of environmental disclosures by public‐listed Malaysian construction companies in their 2009 annual reports. Most of the 49 sample companies provide general disclosures which are positive and non‐verifiable in nature. Very few companies disclose quantitative/non‐monetary or monetary environmental information. In addition, companies did not make disclosures in eight of the items contained in the index. This suggests that environmental disclosures do not discharge the companies’ accountability as disclosures are neither complete nor comprehensive enough and are largely confined to general, narrative statements which cannot be verified. To ensure accountability, regulators must introduce environmental reporting guidelines which specify content and format of the disclosures. This study addresses the paucity of Malaysian environmental disclosure literature and is one of the few which also examines quality of disclosure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Highly Selective Lewis Acid Sites in Desilicated MFI Zeolites for Dihydroxyacetone Isomerization to Lactic Acid
Authors: Dapsens Pierre Y. , Mondelli Cecilia , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDesilication of commercial MFI‐type (ZSM‐5) zeolites in solutions of alkali metal hydroxides is demonstrated to generate highly selective heterogeneous catalysts for the aqueous‐phase isomerization of biobased dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to lactic acid (LA). The best hierarchical ZSM‐5 sample attains a LA selectivity exceeding 90 %, which is comparable to that of the state‐of‐the‐art catalyst (i.e., the Sn‐beta zeolite); this optimized hierarchical catalyst is recyclable over three runs. The Lewis acid sites, which are created through desilication along with the introduction of mesoporosity, are shown to play a crucial role in the formation of the desired product; these cannot be achieved by using other post‐synthetic methods, such as steaming or impregnation of aluminum species. Desilication of other metallosilicates, such as Ga–MFI, also leads to high LA selectivity. In the presence of a soluble aluminum source, such as aluminum nitrate, alkaline‐assisted alumination can introduce these unique Lewis acid centers in all‐silica MFI zeolites. These findings highlight the potential of zeolites in the field of biomass‐to‐chemical conversion, and expand the applicability of desilication for the generation of selective catalytic centers.