bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling and simulation of the formation and utilization of microbial products in aerobic granular sludge
Authors: Ni Bing‐Jie , Yu Han‐Qing 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA mathematical model is established to simulate the formation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), soluble microbial products (SMP), and internal storage products (XSTO) in aerobic granular sludge. The sensitivity of these microbial products concentrations toward the key model parameters is analyzed. Independent experiments are conducted to find required parameter values and to test its predictive ability. The model is evaluated by using one‐cycle operating experimental results of a lab‐scale aerobic granule‐based sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and batch experimental results. Results show that the model is able to describe the microbial product dynamics in aerobic granules and provide further insights into a granule‐based SBR. The effect of the initial substrate and biomass concentrations on the formation of microbial products in aerobic granular sludge can therefore be analyzed by model simulation. A higher substrate concentration results in a greater concentration of EPS, SMP, and XSTO. An accumulation of biomass in the bioreactor leads to an increased production rate of EPS, SMP, and XSTO. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Developments in asbestos cancer risk assessment
Authors: Silverstein Michael A. , Welch Laura S. , Lemen Richard 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundEfforts have been made for 25 years to develop asbestos risk assessments that provide valid information about workplace and community cancer risks. Mathematical models have been applied to a group of workplace epidemiology studies to describe the relationships between exposure and risk. EPA's most recent proposed method was presented at a public meeting in July 2008.MethodsRisk assessments prepared by USEPA, OSHA, and NIOSH since 1972 were reviewed, along with related literature.Results and ConclusionsNone of the efforts to use statistical models to characterize relative cancer potencies for asbestos fiber types and sizes have been able to overcome limitations of the exposure data. Resulting uncertainties have been so great that these estimates should not be used to drive occupational and environmental health policy. The EPA has now rejected and discontinued work on its proposed methods for estimating potency factors. Future efforts will require new methods and more precise and reliable exposure assessments. However, while there may be genuine need for such work, a more pressing priority with regard to the six regulated forms of asbestos and other asbestiform fibers is to ban their production and use. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:850–858, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of the oxidation and acetylation of banana starch on the mechanical and water barrier properties of modified starch and modified starch/chitosan blend films
Authors: Zamudio‐Flores Paul Baruk , Torres Apolonio Vargas , Salgado‐Delgado René , Bello‐Pérez Luis Arturo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBanana starch was oxidized at three different levels and afterwards acetylated. The double‐modified starch was used for film preparation with the addition of chitosan. The physical, mechanical, and barrier properties were tested. The oxidation level increased the moisture content of the film, but the acetylation and the addition of chitosan decreased this characteristic. The oxidation level increased the whiteness of the film, but the second modification (acetylation) and the addition of chitosan to the blend did not affect this parameter. The solubility increased with the temperature and the oxidation level but decreased with the storage time of the film. The oxidation increased and the acetylation reduced the solubility with respect to the native starch film. The dual modification produced a solubility value less than that of its oxidized counterpart, and the addition of chitosan produced the highest solubility value. The addition of chitosan increased the tensile strength of the film, and the effect was higher with the oxidation level and longest storage time. The addition of chitosan produced a higher elongation value than that of its double‐modified film, but at the longest storage time, this parameter decreased. The water vapor permeability increased with the oxidation level because of the hydrophilic character, but the acetylation reduced this parameter because the acetylation increased the hydrophobic character of the starch due to the ester group. Films prepared with the double‐modified banana starch and the addition of chitosan had some improved physical, mechanical, and barrier properties, and they may be used in specific applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Influence of the particle size on the viscoelastic glass transition of silica‐filled polystyrene
Authors: Mortezaei Mehrzad , Famili Mohammad Hossein Navid , Kokabi Mehrdad 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe effects of the filler particle size and volume fraction on the viscoelastic glass‐transition temperature of filled polymers were investigated with polystyrene containing silica nanoparticles. The samples were prepared by a solution‐mixing method to obtain a better dispersion of silica particles. Dynamic rheometry was used to study the viscoelastic behavior of these materials in the melt state. The addition of silica particles broadened the elastic modulus and increased its magnitude in the glass‐transition region. Also, the magnitude of the loss modulus and loss tangent peaks decreased. These phenomena were intensified by a reduction of the silica particle size, which increased filler–filler interactions. Furthermore, with a reduction in the size of the silica particles, the glass‐transition temperature of the filled polymer increased simultaneously with an increase in the interfacial layer volume fraction, which was related to an increase in the total surface area of the silica particles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effects of divalent cations, seawater, and formation brine on positively charged polyethylenimine/dextran sulfate/chromium(III) polyelectrolyte complexes and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide/chromium(III) gelation
Authors: Johnson Stephen , Trejo Julieta , Veisi Masoumeh , Willhite G. Paul , Liang Jenn‐Tai , Berkland Cory 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPolyacrylamide crosslinked with Cr(III) is a common blocking agent that is injected into oil reservoirs to shut off the water flow to features such as fractures and high‐permeability rock to improve the volumetric sweep efficiency during water flooding. This technique is limited to situations where enough gelant can be injected to fill the high‐permeability zones before gelation occurs. Cr(III) may be encapsulated with a high entrapment efficiency in self‐assembling polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles with effective diameters of about 100–200 nm and formed by the mixture of polyethylenimine and dextran sulfate in nonstoichiometric amounts. The electrostatic interaction between the polyelectrolytes and the Cr(III) is reversible, but diffusion out of the nanoparticles is retarded, and this results in a delay in gelation from minutes or hours to several days in deionized water. Produced and injection waters often contain salts at concentrations comparable to seawater. The effects of these salts were investigated, and we found that the delay in gelation was further extended to as much as 35 days at 40°C and 35 h at 80°C in the presence of divalent ions at seawater concentrations, either alone or in a field brine or seawater; this greatly increases their potential utility. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Creaming of skim natural rubber latex with chitosan derivatives
Authors: Kongkaew Chaveewan , Loykulnant Surapich , Chaikumpollert Oraphin , Suchiva Krisda 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTo recover residual rubber from skim natural rubber (SNR) latex, a novel method was developed on the basis of the use of water‐soluble chitosan derivatives. An anionic chitosan derivative, N,O‐carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh), and a cationic chitosan derivative, N‐(2‐hydroxy)propyl‐3‐trimethylammonium chitosan chloride (HTACh), were prepared. It was found that the creaming process could be achieved with both chitosan derivatives. By the addition of 7.34–10.3‐g/L CMCh, SNR latex was almost completely creamed, and no coagulation of SNR particles in the cream phase occurred. In the case of HTACh, the creaming process was achieved with a lower concentration (<3.70 g/L) than in the case of CMCh, but the size of SNR particles in the cream phase was larger. Solid‐state 13C‐NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, and ζ potential measurement results provided evidence that the creaming of SNR latex with CMCh and HTACh was controlled by the depletion flocculation and adsorption mechanisms, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Copolymerization of 1‐oxo‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phorsphabicyclo[2,2,2]oct‐4‐yl methyl acrylate and (10‐oxo‐10‐hydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐yl) methyl acrylate with styrene and their thermal degradation characteristics
Authors: Yan Li , Zheng Yu Bin , Liang Xiaobin , Ma Qian 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTwo phosphorus‐containing acrylates of 1‐oxo‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phorsphabicyclo[2,2,2]oct‐4‐yl methyl acrylate and (10‐oxo‐10‐hydro‐9‐oxa‐10λ5‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐yl) methyl acrylate were free‐radical‐copolymerized with styrene (St). The r1 reactivity ratio values (related to the novel acrylates) were 0.342 and 0.225, respectively, and the r2 reactivity ratio values (related to St) were 0.432 and 0.503, respectively. The thermal stability of the copolymers was tested by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in N2 or air, and the ignitability was tested by measurements of UL‐94 vertical combustion tests and the limiting oxygen index. The results of TGA and combustion tests indicated that the effect of flame retardancy was determined by the nature of the phosphorus‐containing substituent. Compared with the 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide based group, the 1‐oxo‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phorsphabicyclo[2,2,2]oct‐4‐yl methol based group could enhance the ability of char formation with an antidripping effect. It is concluded that phosphorus‐containing acrylates are potential flame‐retarding monomers for styrenic polymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Structure and properties of cellulose fibers from ionic liquids
Authors: Cai Tao , Zhang Huihui , Guo Qinghua , Shao Huili , Hu Xuechao 
Published: September 2009

Abstract1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) was used as a solvent for cellulose, the rheological behavior of the cellulose/[BMIM]Cl solution was studied, and the fibers were spun with a dry‐jet–wet‐spinning process. In addition, the structure and properties of the prepared cellulose fibers were investigated and compared with those of lyocell fibers. The results showed that the cellulose/[BMIM]Cl solution was a typical shear‐thinning fluid, and the temperature had little influence on the apparent viscosity of the solution when the shear rate was higher than 100 s−1. In addition, the prepared fibers had a cellulose II crystal structure just like that of lyocell fibers, and the orientation and crystallinity of the fibers increased with the draw ratio increasing, so the mechanical properties of the fibers improved. Fibers with a tenacity of 4.28cN/dtex and a modulus of 56.8 cN/dtex were prepared. Moreover, the fibers had a smooth surface as well as a round and compact structure, and the dyeing and antifibrillation properties of the fibers were similar to those of lyocell fibers; however, the color of these dyed fibers was brighter than that of lyocell fibers. Therefore, these fibers could be a new kind of environmentally friendly cellulose fiber following lyocell fibers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Nanoparticle effects on structure and properties of polypropylene meltblown webs
Authors: Hegde Raghavendra R. , Bhat Gajanan S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe effect of nanoclay additive on the structure, morphology, and mechanical properties of polypropylene meltblown webs is reported here for the first time. Effect of nanoclay on the meltblown processing, resultant fiber web structure, and properties are discussed. Combination of wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine the nature of clay dispersion in the polypropylene fiber matrix and resultant morphology. Transmission electron microscopy micrographs revealed nanolevel dispersion of the additive in the fiber web. Clay additive did not offer any benefit as far as the mechanical properties of the meltblown web are concerned. Meltblown web samples with nanoclay had higher variability in web structure, high air permeability, high stiffness, and lower mechanical properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis, characterization, and metal adsorption properties of tannin–phenol–formaldehyde resins produced using tannin from dried fruit of Terminalia chebula (Aralu)
Authors: Arasaretnam S. , Karunanayake L. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this study, tannin extracted from Terminalia chebula (Aralu) was used to produce tannin–phenol–formaldehyde resins. They were produced to obtain resins with different tannin to phenol ratio in an attempt to optimize the ion exchange capacities of resins produced. The resins made were sulfonated to improve their properties further. Bivalent cations, such as Zn2+, Pb2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cu2+, were used to estimate the adsorption properties of both unsulfonated and sulfonated resins. The glass transitions of representative resins were estimated using differential scanning calorimeter thermograms. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis was used to gauge changes on resins by sulfonation and adsorption of cations. The glass transition values of unsulfonated, sulfonated, and metal‐adsorbed sulfonated resins showed a similar increasing trend with the increase of phenol content in the resin. The glass transition temperature values reach a plateau beyond the tannin/phenol ratio of 1 : 0.5, indicating the formation of large molar masses facilitating entanglements beyond that ratio. The phenol ratio of 1 : 0.5 has shown the highest adsorption capacity for all the metal ions used. The highest adsorption capacity was shown for sulfonated tannin–phenol–formaldehyde resin with the tannin/phenol ratio of 1 : 0.5 for Pb2+, which is 0.610 meq/g. The adsorption equilibrium data obtained using the column technique were found fitting Freundlich isotherm. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Influence of varying surface hydrophobicity of chitosan membranes on the adsorption and activity of lipase
Authors: Deng Hong‐Tao , Wang Juan‐Juan , Liu Zhong‐Yang , Ma Miao 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe hydrophobic surface modification of chitosan membranes was performed using the amidating reaction of amino groups on a membrane surface with stearic acid activated by 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The varying surface hydrophobicity of chitosan membranes was achieved by changing the degree of amidation and evaluated by the water contact angle analysis and the adsorption experiment of the hydrophobic dye, Rose Bengal. The effects of the surface hydrophobicity of chitosan membranes on the adsorption behaviors, activity and stability of Candida rugosa lipases were investigated. The experimental results suggested that the increased surface hydrophobicity of chitosan membranes improved the adsorption capacity and activity of the immobilized lipase. The modified chitosan membranes with 30.36% amidation exhibited the maximum activity retention of 83.87%. In addition, a desirable thermal stability was also achieved for the adsorbed lipase. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Nanocomposites made from cellulose nanocrystals and tailored segmented polyurethanes
Authors: Auad Maria L. , Mosiewicki Mirna A. , Richardson Tara , Aranguren Mirta I. , Marcovich Norma E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe effect of the addition of microcrystalline cellulose nanofibers into linear segmented polyurethanes (SPU) was investigated. The polymers were synthesized with 4,4‐methylene‐bisphenyldiisocyanate (MDI) and poly(tetramethyleneglycol) (PTMG) with 1,4‐butanediol (BD) as chain extender. The nanocrystals were introduced during the PU polymerization, which resulted in cellulose nanofibrils covalently linked to the polymer. The interactions between the cellulose nanofibrils and the matrix lead to interesting changes in the behavior of the PU, with the hard segment (HS) phase being more affected by these interactions. SPUs with different contents of HS were synthesized to better understand these effects (23 to 45 wt %). Thermal, thermo‐mechanical and mechanical characterization of the nanocomposites were performed. In general, the nanocellulose favored the phase separation between the soft and hard domains generating an upward shift in the melting temperatures of the crystalline phases, an increase in the Young's modulus and a decrease in deformation at break. Comparison of the unfilled polymer responses and that of the nanocomposites showed that by increasing cellulose content, increased dynamic storage and tensile modulus as well as melting temperatures and enthalpy of melting of the soft domains can be achieved. Addition of cellulose during the polymerization essentially erased the potential shape memory behavior originally displayed by some of the SPU. However, a sample prepared by adding the cellulose nanocrystals after the reaction showed that the mechanical properties were still improved, while the shape memory behavior of the polymer was preserved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Hydrogel–silver nanoparticle composites: A new generation of antimicrobials
Authors: Varaprasad K. , Mohan Y. Murali , Ravindra S. , Reddy N. Narayana , Vimala K. , Monika K. , Sreedhar B. , Raju K. Mohana 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDesign of consistant and eco‐friendly methods for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is a significant forward direction in the field of application of antibacterial bionanotechnology. One among the available options is hydrogel templates, which are highly useful to achieve this goal. This investigation involves the development of poly(acrylamide)/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel–silver nanocomposites (HSNCs) to achieve AgNPs of ∼2–3 nm size in gel networks. The nanocomposite synthesis process is quite convenient, direct, and very fast, and the obtained hydrogel AgNP composites can be used for antibacterial and wound dressing applications. All the nanocomposite aqueous solutions have shown absorption peaks at 420 nm in UV–visible absorption spectrum corresponding to the Plasmon absorbance of AgNPs. X‐ray diffraction spectrum of the HSNC exhibited 2θ values matching with silver nanocrystals. Transmission electron microscopy images of nanocomposites represent discrete AgNPs throughout the gel networks in the range of 2–3 nm. The developed nanocomposites were evaluated for antibacterial application on E. coli. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Liquefaction of wood, synthesis and characterization of liquefied wood polyester derivatives
Authors: Kunaver Matjaž , Jasiukaityte Edita , Čuk Nataša , Guthrie James T. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractLiquefaction of Central‐European softwoods meal was performed using a mixture of diethylene glycol and glycerol and a minor addition of p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The liquefied wood was used as a replacement of a certain amount of the polyhydroxy alcohol in the polyester synthesis, enabled by the large number of hydroxyl groups that were available in the liquefied wood. Three different polyesters were synthesized by using adipic acid and phthalic acid anhydride as reagents. The products were characterized using FTIR, GPC/SEC, and viscosity measurements. The polyesters have hydroxyl values that were reduced due to esterification, from 1043 mg KOH/g of the liquefied wood to 400–800 mg KOH/g. Polyhydroxyl alcohols (22–23%) in the polyester formulations were replaced by wood derivatives. Such saturated polyesters are suitable for further use in polyurethane foam production. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Benzenesulfonamidoquinolino‐β‐cyclodextrin as a Cell‐Impermeable Fluorescent Sensor for Zn2+
Authors: Zhang Ning , Chen Yong , Yu Miao , Liu Yu 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA water‐soluble benzenesulfonamidoquinolino‐β‐cyclodextrin has been successfully synthesized in 30 % yield by incorporating a N‐(8‐quinolyl)‐p‐aminobenzenesulfonamide (HQAS) group to β‐cyclodextrin through a flexible linker. This compound exhibits a good fluorescence response in the presence of Zn2+ in water but gives poor fluorescence responses with other metal ions commonly present in a physiological environment under similar conditions. Fluorescence microscopic and two‐dimensional NMR experiments showed that benzenesulfonamidoquinolino‐β‐cyclodextrin could bind to the loose bilayer membranes. As a result, benzenesulfonamidoquinolino‐β‐cyclodextrin was found to act as an efficient cell‐impermeable Zn2+ probe, showing a specific fluorescent sensing ability to Zn2+‐containing damaged cells whilst exhibiting no response in the presence of healthy cells.
Reasons women chartered accountants leave public accounting firms prior to achieving partnership status: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Wallace Peggy 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper reports on the stories told by 13 Canadian women Chartered Accountants (CAs)—why they pursued the CA designation and why they chose to leave public accounting firms. Their stories provide deeper insights into the previously reported reasons for female CAs leaving firms that are often reported within broad categories. Work‐family issues received limited attention in the participants' stories. Two major themes emerged: the absence of stated aspirations/desire to become a partner; and frustrations with the intrinsic and monetary value of services delivered by public accounting firms. The implications of these findings for the profession and public accounting firms are examined and future research directions are discussed. Copyright © 2009 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An examination of gender influences in career mentoring
Authors: Leck Joanne , Orser Barbara , Riding Allan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study draws on the Theory of Planned Behaviour to examine the role of gender in the decision to be mentored. Contrary to expectations, men and women employ similar decision criteria in the decision to seek a mentor. The primary driver for seeking a mentor was to obtain psychosocial support, including personal support, acceptance, having a confidant, being trusted and friendship. Men were more likely than women to seek a mentor when they valued increased autonomy. The implications of the findings for protégés, mentors and career development professionals are noted. Copyright © 2009 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.