bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of water networks involving multiple contaminants for global water operations
Authors: Bahiyah Handani Zainatul , Wan Alwi Sharifah Rafidah , Hashim Haslenda , Abdul Manan Zainuddin , Sayid Abdullah Sharifah Hanis Yasmin 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis work presents the development of a systematic technique to target the minimum fresh water consumption and wastewater generation to achieve maximum water recovery (MWR) for systems involving multiple contaminants. A generic linear programing (LP) model has been developed based on water network superstructure to simultaneously set the targets and design the MWR network, for both mass transfer‐based (MTB) and non‐mass transfer‐based (NMTB) problems (i.e. global water‐using operations). This work also includes cases where fresh water concentrations for all contaminants are assumed to be either zero or non‐zero. The proposed method is superior since it can guarantee a global optimal solution. Application of the methodology on three case studies shows significant water savings, illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research of styrene‐butadiene rubber/silicon‐aluminum oxides nanotube binary nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Qingguo , Gao Wenxiu , Zhang Liqun 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA novel silicon‐aluminum oxides (Si‐Al) nanotubes with length ranging from 500 to 1000 nm were introduced to fabricate the styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR)/Si‐Al nanotube binary nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscope observation showed the Si‐Al nanotubes up to 20 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr) loading level were dispersed well in SBR matrix. Mechanical properties tests, thermogravimetry analysis and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis revealed that the Si‐Al nanotubes have the effects on improving shore A hardness, tensile strength, tear strength, initial decomposition temperature, and storage modulus while lower the maximum loss factor (tan δ) of the SBR/Si‐Al nanotube binary nanocomposites. FTIR spectra analysis showed that new SiO bond was generated between the hydroxyl group of Si‐Al nanotube and the coupling reagent Si69. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of styrene–acrylonitrile on the electrical resistivity of polycarbonate/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Sun Yao , Jia Ming‐Yin , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian , Nagai Satoshi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMultiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐filled polycarbonate (PC)/styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) blends with a wide range of blend compositions were prepared by melt mixing in a rotational rheometer, and the effect of SAN on the electrical properties of the PC/MWCNT composites was studied. The structure/electrical property relationship was investigated and explained by a combination of MWCNT localization and blend morphology. Transmission electron micrographs showed selective localization of MWCNTs in the PC phase, regardless of the blend morphology. When the SAN concentration was 10–40 wt %, which corresponded to sea‐island (10–30 wt %) and cocontinuous (40 wt %) blend morphologies (PC was continuous in both structures), the electrical resistivity decreased with increases in the SAN content. The concept of an effective volume concentration of MWCNTs was used to explain this effect. When the SAN concentration was 70 wt % or higher, the electrical resistivity was very high because MWCNTs were confined in the isolated PC particles. In addition, SAN was replaced by other polymers [polystyrene, methyl methacrylate/styrene, and poly(methyl methacrylate)]; these yielded similar blend morphologies and MWCNT localization and showed the generality of the concept of effective concentration in explaining a decrease in the electrical resistivity upon the addition of a second polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Selective separation and concentration of Pd(II) from Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) ions using thiourea‐formaldehyde resin
Authors: Muslu Nazan , Gülfen Mustafa 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThiourea‐formaldehyde (TUF), a well‐known chelating resin, has been synthesized and it was used in the adsorption, selective separation, and concentration of Pd(II) ions from Fe(III), Co(II) Ni(II), and Cu(II) base metal ions. The composition of the synthesized resin was determined by elemental analysis. The effect of initial acidity/pH and the adsorption capacity for Pd(II) ions were studied by batch technique. The adsorption and separation of Pd(II) were then examined by column technique. FTIR spectra and SEM/EDS analysis were also recorded before and after the adsorption of Pd(II). The optimum pH was found to be 4 for the adsorption. The adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of the TUF resin for Pd(II) ions was found to be 31.85 mg g−1 (0.300 mmol g−1). Chelating mechanism was effective in the adsorption. Pd(II) ions could be separated efficiently from Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) ions using TUF resin. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Thermo‐responsive albumin hydrogels with LCST near the physiological temperature
Authors: Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco , Cirillo Giuseppe , Iemma Francesca , Puoci Francesco , Curcio Manuela , Ilaria Parisi Ortensia , Picci Nevio 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper deals with the synthesis of thermoresponsive microspheres with proteic structure exhibiting a transition temperature close to the body temperature. The hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization of methacrylate Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA‐MA) as crosslinker, and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and/or N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), as hydrophilic and thermoresponsive monomers, respectively. The modification of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance in the polymerization feed allows to modulate the volume phase transition temperature of the macromolecular network. The hydrogels were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermal analyses, which showed negative thermoresponsive behavior for all compositions and, by increasing the content of the hydrophilic moieties in the network, the transition temperature was ranged from 34.2 to 36.8°C. To test the preformed materials as drug carriers, diclofenac diethyl ammonium salt was chosen and drug entrapment percent was determined. Drug release profiles, in media at different temperature, depend on the crosslinking degree and on the composition of the hydrogels. By using semiempirical equations, the release mechanism was extensively studied and the diffusional contribute evaluated. The physic‐chemical characteristics of thermoresponsive materials confirm the applicability of the microspheres as drug delivery device. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and properties of novel thermally stable pyridine‐based poly(amide imide amide)s
Authors: Mehdipour‐Ataei Shahram , Taremi Fatemeh 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe 2,6‐bis(4‐nitrobenzamido)pyridine was prepared via reaction of 2,6‐diaminopyridine with two moles of 4‐nitrobenzoyl chloride in the presence of propylene oxide. Catalytic reduction of nitro groups of 2,6‐bis(4‐nitrobenzamido)pyridine with hydrazine yielded 2,6‐bis(4‐aminobenzamido)pyridine. Reaction of this diamine with two moles of trimellitic anhydride afforded a diacid with preformed amide and imide structures. Poly(amide imide amide)s were prepared by direct polycondensation reactions of the diacid with different diamines in the presence of triphenyl phosphite. All the precursors and polymers were fully characterized using common spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis and physical properties of the polymers including solution viscosity, thermal stability, thermal behavior, and solubility were studied. According to the obtained results the polymers showed high thermal stability and enhanced solubility. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Carboxymethylcellulose–Chitosan‐coated microneedles with modulated hydration properties
Authors: Marin Alexander , Andrianov Alexander K. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMicroneedles containing sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) formulations were fabricated to include an external chitosan (CS) layer to modulate their hydration profile, an important parameter affecting their application as intradermal delivery devices and their storage. The microfabrication process was carried out under conditions that enabled the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes between these oppositely charged macromolecules. CMC–CS microneedles were characterized by water uptake in a humid environment, contact angle measurements, dissolution in aqueous solutions, and protein‐release profiles. The results demonstrate that the microneedles containing CMC–CS formulations displayed suppressed moisture sensitivity in water vapors compared to their unmodified CMC counterparts while the maintaining quick protein‐release characteristics required for their uses. This approach also showed the potential for sustained protein‐release applications, as the CMC–CS formulations could be combined in layers to fabricate multicompartment microneedle coatings with delayed release characteristics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of the biomaterial poly(lactic acid‐co‐Nε‐carbobenzoyloxy‐L‐lysine) via direct melt copolymerization
Authors: Ye Ruirong , Wang Zhaoyang , Luo Shihe , Yang Liting , Xiao Xin 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWith D,L‐lactic acid and Nϵ‐carbobenzoyloxy‐L‐lysine [Lys(Z)] as the starting monomer material and tin dichloride as the catalyst, the drug carrier material poly(lactic acid‐co‐Nϵ‐carbobenzoyloxy‐L‐lysine) was synthesized via direct melt polycondensation. The copolymer was systematically characterized with intrinsic viscosity testing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. The influences of different feed molar ratios were examined. With increasing molar feed content of Lys(Z), the intrinsic viscosity, weight‐average molecular weight, and polydispersity index (weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight) gradually decreased. Because of the introduction of Lys(Z) with a big aromatic ring into the copolymer, the glass‐transition temperature gradually increased with increasing feed charge of Lys(Z), and all of the copolymers were amorphous. The copolymers, with weight‐average molecular weights from 10,500 to 6900 Da, were obtained and could reach the molecular weight level of poly(lactic acid) modified by Lys(Z) via the ring‐opening polymerization of the cyclic intermediates, such as lactide and morpholine‐2,5‐dione. However, a few terminal carboxyl groups might have been deprotected during the polymerization reaction under high temperatures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Working with activity theory: Context, technology, and information behavior
Authors: Allen David , Karanasios Stan , Slavova Mira 
Published: February 2011

AbstractOver the last 7 years, the AIMTech Research Group in the University of Leeds has used cultural‐historical activity theory (CHAT) to inform a range of research activities in the fields of information behavior and information systems. In this article, we identify certain openings and theoretical challenges in the field of information behavior, which sparked our initial interest in CHAT: context, technology, and the link between practice and policy. We demonstrate the relevance of CHAT in studying information behavior and addressing the identified openings and argue that by providing a framework and hierarchy of activity‐action‐operation and semantic tools, CHAT is able to overcome many of the uncertainties concerning information behavior research. In particular, CHAT provides researchers a theoretical lens to account for context and activity mediation and, by doing so, can increase the significance of information behavior research to practice. In undertaking this endeavour, we have relied on literature from the fields of information science and others where CHAT is employed. We provide a detailed description of how CHAT may be applied to information behavior and account for the concepts we see as relevant to its study.
Learning outcomes of information literacy instruction at business schools
Authors: Detlor Brian , Julien Heidi , Willson Rebekah , Serenko Alexander , Lavallee Maegen 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper reports results from an exploratory study investigating the factors affecting student learning outcomes of information literacy instruction (ILI) given at business schools. Specifically, the potential influence of student demographics, learning environment factors, and information literacy program components on behavioral, psychological, and benefit outcomes were examined. In total, 79 interviews with library administrators, librarians, teaching faculty, and students were conducted at three business schools with varying ILI emphases and characteristics. During these interviews, participants discussed students' ILI experiences and the outcomes arising from those experiences. Data collection also involved application of a standardized information literacy testing instrument that measures student information literacy competency. Analysis yielded the generation of a new holistic theoretical model based on information literacy and educational assessment theories. The model identifies potential salient factors of the learning environment, information literacy program components, and student demographics that may affect ILI student learning outcomes. Recommendations for practice and implications for future research are also made.
Solving the logistic problems with optimal resource assignment using fuzzy logic methods
Authors: Moškon Miha , Novak Štefan , Medeot Marino , Bajec Iztok Lebar , Zimic Nikolaj , Mraz Miha 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYFuzzy approach of optimal resource assignment regarding the given demands in the scope of transportation will be presented in the article. The basis of the research is the crisp solution which is also presented in the article. The basic solution was upgraded in order to be able to handle vaguely (i.e. fuzzily) defined requirements and resource properties. The optimal resource configuration is calculated with the aid of Hungarian algorithm which uses the data calculated with the fuzzy methods for its inputs. The approach described is presented on the example of a military convoy formation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The silkmoth eggshell as a natural amyloid shield for the safe development of insect oocyte and embryo: Insights from studies of silkmoth chorion protein peptide‐analogues of the B famil
Authors: Iconomidou Vassiliki A. , Cordopatis Paul , Hoenger Andreas , Hamodrakas Stavros J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSilkmoth chorion is the major component of the silkmoth eggshell. The proteins that constitute more than 95% of its dry mass have remarkable mechanical and physicochemical properties forming a protective natural shield for the oocyte and the developing embryo from a wide range of environmental hazards. Peptide‐analogues of the central conservative domain of the two major families of silkmoth chorion proteins, the A's and the B's, form amyloid fibrils under a variety of conditions, which prompted us to propose, 10 years ago, that silkmoth chorion is an amyloid with protective properties. Following our finding, a number of studies verified the existence of several functional amyloids. In this study, we designed, synthesized and studied two peptide‐analogues of the central conservative domain of the B family of silkmoth chorion proteins, and we present experimental results, which show: (a) that the amyloidogenic properties of silkmoth chorion peptides are encoded into the tandemly repeating hexapeptides comprising the central domain of silkmoth chorion proteins, confirming our previous findings from peptide analogues of the A family of chorion proteins, and, (b) they suggest how silkmoth chorion proteins of the B family self‐assemble in vivo, for the formation of the helicoidal architecture of silkmoth chorion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 723–733, 2011.
NMEGylation: A novel modification to enhance the bioavailability of therapeutic peptides
Authors: Park Minyoung , Jardetzky Theodore S. , Barron Annelise E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe have evaluated “NMEGylation”—the covalent attachment of an oligo‐N‐methoxyethylglycine (NMEG) chain—as a new form of peptide/protein modification to enhance the bioavailability of short peptides. OligoNMEGs are hydrophilic polyethylene glycol‐like molecules made by solid‐phase synthesis, typically up to 40 monomers in length. They have been studied as nonfouling surface coatings and as monodisperse mobility modifiers for free‐solution conjugate capillary electrophoresis. However, polyNMEGs have not been demonstrated before this work as modifiers of therapeutic proteins. In prior published work, we identified a short peptide, “C20,” as a potential extracellular inhibitor of the fusion of human respiratory syncytial virus with mammalian cells. The present study was aimed at improving the C20 peptide's stability and solubility. To this end, we synthesized and studied a series of NMEGylated C20 peptide–peptoid bioconjugates comprising different numbers of NMEGs at either the N‐ or C‐terminus of C20. NMEGylation was found to greatly improve this peptide's solubility and serum stability; however, longer polyNMEGs (n > 3) deleteriously affected peptide binding to the target protein. By incorporating just one NMEG monomer, along with a glycine monomer as a flexible spacer, at C20's N‐terminus (NMEG‐Gly‐C20), we increased both solubility and serum stability greatly, while recovering a binding affinity comparable to that of unmodified C20 peptide. Our results suggest that NMEGylation with an optimized number of NMEG monomers and a proper linker could be useful, more broadly, as a novel modification to enhance bioavailability and efficacy of therapeutic peptides. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 688–693, 2011.
Reengineering the SLEEP simulator in a concurrent and distributed programming course
Authors: Radivojević Zaharije , Cvetanović Miloš , Jovanović Zoran 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis article presents laboratory exercises and project assignments developed to teach concepts of concurrent and distributed programming in Java. The exercises and assignments cover important topics determined after an analysis of topics that are often taught in different universities. During the exercises, students reengineer the general purpose discrete event simulator named SLEEP (Simulation, Logic, Execution, prEsentation, Physics). A multilayer organization of the SLEEP simulator enables coverage of the important topics in a coherent manner. In order to support parallel execution in SLEEP students start to reengineer the simulator layers with an exercise related to concurrent programming, followed by two exercises related to distributed programming, and finish with an exercise related to grid computing. The exercises follow the principles of error management training and teach students what common errors are and how to overcome them. The article also describes a practical experience with the use of SLEEP on a concurrent and distributed programming course over a 3‐year period. The results show a positive impact on both students' satisfaction and performance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22: 39–51, 2014
Alive after death: An exploratory cultural artifact analysis of the Merry Cemetery of Săpânţa
Authors: Curşeu Petru Lucian , Pop‐Curşeu Ioan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe paper uses insights from several Social Psychological theories to study the cultural artifacts of the Merry Cemetery (MC) of Săpânţa (Romania). In the first study we have content analysed the epitaphs written on the painted crosses of the MC and the results show that the epitaphs reflect personal as well as social identity (in which individuals are described as members of both the family and the community) and play two important roles for the community members: they serve as a message to the dear ones and as an external memory of the community's social norms and shared worldview. The second study explored the social representation of the MC in the local community. The results show that the social representation of the MC clusters around three main themes: its symbolic, economic and local identity value. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation in Volatile Leaf Oils of Seven Eucalyptus Species Harvested from Zerniza Arboreta (Tunisia)
Authors: Elaissi Ameur , Medini Hanène , Simmonds Monique , Lynen Frederic , Farhat Farhat , Chemli Rachid , Harzallah‐Skhiri Fethia , Khouja Mohamed Larbi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractLeaves of seven species of the genus Eucalyptus L'Hér., viz., E. cladocalyx F. Muell., E. citriodora Hook., E. diversicolor F. Muell., E. fasciculosa F. Muell., E. grandis W. Hill, E. ovata Labill., and E. botryoides Sm., were harvested from Zerniza arboreta (region of Sejnene, northwest of Tunisia) in June 2007. Of the latter species, leaves were collected from trees having two origins, Morocco and Italy. Hydrodistillation of the dried leaves provided essential oils in yields varying from 0.4±0.0 to 3.3±0.1%, according to the species. E. citriodora had the highest mean percentage of essential oil amongst the species examined, whereas the lowest one was obtained for E. botryoides originating from Morocco. Analysis by GC (RI) and GC/MS allowed the identification of 140 compounds, representing 92.5 to 99.4% of the total oil composition. The contents of the different samples varied according to the species. The main components were 1,8‐cineole (2), followed by α‐pinene (1), p‐cymene, borneol, α‐terpineol, cryptone, spathulenol, trans‐pinocarveol (4), bicyclogermacrene (5), caryophyllene oxide, and β‐phellandrene. Principal components analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis separated the eight Eucalyptus leaf essential oils into five groups, each constituting a chemotype.
Insight into the Mechanism of Dihydrogen‐Heterolysis at Cyclopentadienone Iron Complexes and Subsequent CX Hydrogenation
Authors: von der Höh Adrian , Berkessel Albrecht 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA bifunctional iron‐based catalyst (7), a compound related to the [Fe]‐ or Hmd‐hydrogenase, was studied by using experimental and computational methods. Catalyst 7 bears a protic hydrogen atom at the ligand and a hydridic hydrogen atom at the iron atom, which originate from the heterolytic uptake of H2, and can be transferred to unsaturated molecules (i.e. carbonyl compounds and imines). Our DFT calculations indicate that a non‐classical dihydrogen‐iron complex exists, and that the hydrogen uptake is an exergonic process. The hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds proceeds through a synchronous, concerted outer‐sphere mechanism, whereas the hydrogenation of the imine 18 is a two‐step process. In the first step, the imine is protonated to afford an iminium ion, to which the hydride is then transferred in a second reaction step. Energy hypersurfaces were calculated by using a solvent (toluene) continuum model.