bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polydisperse Spindle‐Shaped ZnO Particles with Their Packing Micropores in the Photoanode for Highly Efficient Quasi‐Solid Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Shi Yantao , Zhan Chun , Wang Liduo , Ma Beibei , Gao Rui , Zhu Yifeng , Qiu Yong 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn this paper, a novel hierarchically structured ZnO photoanode for use in quasi‐solid state dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) is presented. The film is composed of polydisperse spindle‐shaped ZnO particles that are prepared through direct precipitation of zinc acetate in aqueous solution. Without additional pore‐forming agents, the microporous structure is well constructed through the packing of polydisperse ZnO particles. In the film, small ZnO particles are able to improve interparticle connectivity and offer a large internal surface area for sufficient dye‐adsorption; on the other hand, particles of larger size can enhance the occurrence of light‐scattering and introduce micropores for the permeation of quasi‐solid state electrolytes. Meanwhile, morphologies, particle size, and specific areas of the products are controlled by altering the reactant concentration and synthetic temperature. Combined with a highly viscous polymer gel electrolyte, a device based on this ZnO photoanode shows high conversion efficiencies, 4.0% and 7.0%, under 100 and 30 mW cm−2 illumination, respectively. Finally, the unsealed device is demonstrated to remain above 90% of its initial conversion efficiency after 7 days, showing excellent stability.
A Graphene Nanoprobe for Rapid, Sensitive, and Multicolor Fluorescent DNA Analysis
Authors: He Shijiang , Song Bo , Li Di , Zhu Changfeng , Qi Wenpeng , Wen Yanqin , Wang Lihua , Song Shiping , Fang Haiping , Fan Chunhai 
Published: January 2010

AbstractCoupling nanomaterials with biomolecular recognition events represents a new direction in nanotechnology toward the development of novel molecular diagnostic tools. Here a graphene oxide (GO)‐based multicolor fluorescent DNA nanoprobe that allows rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of DNA targets in homogeneous solution by exploiting interactions between GO and DNA molecules is reported. Because of the extraordinarily high quenching efficiency of GO, the fluorescent ssDNA probe exhibits minimal background fluorescence, while strong emission is observed when it forms a double helix with the specific targets, leading to a high signal‐to‐background ratio. Importantly, the large planar surface of GO allows simultaneous quenching of multiple DNA probes labeled with different dyes, leading to a multicolor sensor for the detection of multiple DNA targets in the same solution. It is also demonstrated that this GO‐based sensing platform is suitable for the detection of a range of analytes when complemented with the use of functional DNA structures.
A Novel Cathode Material with a Concentration‐Gradient for High‐Energy and Safe Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Yang‐Kook , Kim Dong‐Hui , Yoon Chong Seung , Myung Seung‐Taek , Prakash Jai , Amine Khalil 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA high‐energy functional cathode material with an average composition of Li[Ni0.72Co0.18Mn0.10]O2, mainly comprising a core material Li[Ni0.8Co0.2]O2 encapsulated completely within a stable manganese‐rich concentration‐gradient shell is successfully synthesized by a co‐precipitation process. The Li[Ni0.72Co0.18Mn0.10]O2 with a concentration‐gradient shell has a shell thickness of about 1 µm and an outer shell composition rich in manganese, Li[Ni0.55Co0.15Mn0.30]O2. The core material can deliver a very high capacity of over 200 mA h g−1, while the manganese‐rich concentration‐gradient shell improves the cycling and thermal stability of the material. These improvements are caused by a gradual and continuous increase of the stable tetravalent Mn in the concentration‐gradient shell layer. The electrochemical and thermal properties of this cathode material are found to be far superior to those of the core Li[Ni0.8Co0.2]O2 material alone. Electron microscopy also reveals that the original crystal structure of this material remains intact after cycling.
Recent Progress on Silica Coating of Nanoparticles and Related Nanomaterials
Authors: Guerrero‐Martínez Andrés , Pérez‐Juste Jorge , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn recent years, new strategies for silica coating of inorganic nanoparticles and organic nanomaterials, which differ from the classical methodologies, have emerged at the forefront of materials science. Silica as a coating material promises an unparalleled opportunity for enhancement of colloidal properties and functions by using core–shell rational designs and profiting from its synthetic versatility. This contribution provides a brief overview of recent progress in the synthesis of silica‐coated nanomaterials and their significant impact in different areas such as spectroscopy, magnetism, catalysis, and biology.
Properties and Applications of Colloidal Nonspherical Noble Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Sau Tapan K. , Rogach Andrey L. , Jäckel Frank , Klar Thomas A. , Feldmann Jochen 
Published: January 2010

AbstractNanoparticles of noble metals belong to the most extensively studied colloidal systems in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Due to continuing progress in the synthesis of nanoparticles with controlled morphologies, the exploration of unique morphology‐dependent properties has gained momentum. Anisotropic features in nonspherical nanoparticles make them ideal candidates for enhanced chemical, catalytic, and local field related applications. Nonspherical plasmon resonant nanoparticles offer favorable properties for their use as analytical tools, or as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. This Review highlights morphology‐dependent properties of nonspherical noble metal nanoparticles with a focus on localized surface plasmon resonance and local field enhancement, as well as their applications in various fields including Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence enhancement, analytics and sensing, photothermal therapy, (bio‐)diagnostics, and imaging.
Private‐sector investment in R&D: a review of policy options to promote its growth in developing‐country agriculture
Authors: Naseem Anwar , Spielman David J. , Omamo Steven Were 
Published: January 2010

AbstractTechnological innovation is vital to enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing poverty in many developing countries. Public investment in research and development has historically driven technological change in agriculture; however, recent trends suggest that the private sector may play a larger role in the future. Although there is optimism about the private sector's ability to generate new technologies relevant to developing‐country agriculture, current levels of private investment remain low. The authors examine the determinants of private R&D investment in developing‐country agriculture, the market, and institutional constraints that limit the growth of investment, and incentives that can promote more rapid investment growth. [EconLit classification: O300, Q160]. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Economics of Voluntary Traceability in Multi‐Ingredient Food Chains
Authors: Souza‐Monteiro Diogo M. , Caswell Julie A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe consumption of multi‐ingredient foods is increasing across the globe. Traceability can be used as a tool to gather information about and manage food safety risks associated with these types of products. The authors investigate the choice of voluntary traceability in three‐tiered multi‐ingredient food supply chains. They propose a framework based on vertical control and agency theory to model three dimensions of traceability systems: depth, breadth, and precision. Their analysis has three main results. First, full traceability is feasible as long as there are net benefits to a downstream firm that demands traceability across all ingredients. Second, horizontal network externalities are positive because an increase in the level of traceability in one ingredient requires a similar increase in others. Finally, vertical network effects will be positive insofar as willingness to pay and probabilities of food safety hazards increase. [EconLit Classification: Q130, L140]. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supply response and price volatility in the Greek broiler market
Authors: Rezitis Anthony N. , Stavropoulos Konstantinos S. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe authors examine the supply response of the Greek broiler market. A generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) process is used to estimate expected price and price volatility; price and supply equations are estimated jointly. In addition to the standard GARCH model, several different symmetric, asymmetric, and nonlinear GARCH models are estimated. These models use different conditional variance specifications (linear or nonlinear) to grasp some additional empirical regularity of data like asymmetry. Asymmetric price volatility means that different volatility is recorded in the case of a fall in prices than an increase in prices by the same amount. The possible existence of asymmetry in the producer's price volatility gives useful information about market structure and possible market power. The empirical results indicate that among the estimated GARCH models the nonlinear asymmetric GARCH model (NAGARCH) seems to better describe producers' price volatility of the Greek broiler industry. Furthermore, the empirical findings show that price volatility is an important risk factor and broiler feed price is the most significant cost factor of the supply response function. Finally, the model provides forecasts for quantity supplied, producers' price, and price volatility. [EconLit. Classifications: Q110, C510, D200]. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthetic resin. XII. Synthesis and characterization of new terpolymer resins derived from 8‐hydroxyquinoline 5‐sulfonic acid, melamine, and formaldehyde
Authors: Singru R. N. , Gurnule W. B. , Zade A. B. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractTerpolymers 8‐hydroxyquinoline 5‐sulphonic acid–melamine–formaldehyde (8‐HQ5‐SAMF) were synthesized through the condensation of 8‐hydroxyquinoline 5‐sulfonic acid and melamine with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst. Four different terpolymers were synthesized with various molar proportions of the reacting monomers. The terpolymer resin compositions were determined on the basis of elemental analysis. The number‐average molecular weights of these resins were determined by conductometric titration in a nonaqueous medium; viscometric measurements in dimethyl sulfoxide were carried out to ascertain the characteristic functions and constants. Ultraviolet–visible, Fourier transform infrared, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were used to elucidate the structures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of adsorbent for palladium ions by amination of acrylonitrile grafted polypropylene nonwoven fabrics
Authors: Zu Jianhua , He Shiqiang , Nho Young Chang , Pyo Jeun Joon , Yan Feng 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA new chelating fabrics are synthesized by radiation induced grafting of acrylonitrile (AN) onto polypropylene nonwoven fabrics (PP fabrics) and subsequent conversion of cyano to an imine by reaction with ethylene diimine (EDA). Influence of various parameters such as initial concentration, pH and adsorption time on the adsorption amount for palladium ions was investigated. It was found that adsorbent achieved excellent adsorption performance in palladium ion removal in the pH range of 1.88–5.70. The adsorption amount of ions increased with shaking time and initial concentration of palladium ions. The grafted and aminated fabrics were characterized by FT‐IR, TGA and SEM. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of different nanoparticles on thermal, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Choudhury Anusuya , Bhowmick Anil K. , Ong Christopher 
Published: January 2010

AbstractOrganically modified and unmodified montmorillonite clays (Cloisite NA, Cloisite 30B and Cloisite 15A), sepiolite (Pangel B20) and nanosilica (Aerosil 300) were incorporated into hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) matrix by solution process in order to study the effect of these nanofillers on thermal, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of HNBR. It was found that on addition of only 4 phr of nanofiller to neat HNBR, the temperature at which maximum degradation took place (Tmax) increased by 4 to 16°C, while the modulus at 100% elongation and the tensile strength were enhanced by almost 40–60% and 100–300% respectively, depending upon nature of the nanofiller. It was further observed that Tmax was the highest in the case of nanosilica‐based nanocomposite with 4 phr of filler loading. The increment of storage modulus was highest for sepiolite‐HNBR and Cloisite 30B‐HNBR nanocomposites at 25°C, while the modulus at 100% elongation was found maximum for sepiolite‐HNBR nanocomposite at the same loading. A similar trend was observed in the case of another grade of HNBR having similar ACN content, but different diene level. The results were explained by x‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy studies. The above results were further explained with the help of thermodynamics. Effect of different filler loadings (2, 4, 6, 8, and 16 phr) on the properties of HNBR nanocomposites was further investigated. Both thermal as well as mechanical properties were found to be highest at 8 phr of filler loading. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Characterization of microfibrillar reinforced poly(ethylene naphthalate)/polypropylene composites via polarized Raman and polarized FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Leung Ka Lok , Easteal Allan J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn polarized Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy and polarized Raman spectra of drawn poly (ethylene naphthalate)/polypropylene (PP) blends, the intensities of the orientation‐sensitive bands of the blend components increased or decreased with increasing elongation, depending on the orientation of the corresponding vibrations. A significantly larger extent of molecular orientation was induced, when localized heating was applied to the blend during elongation (zone‐drawing). Greater degree of molecular orientation resulted in a higher strength blend. The strengths of the blends after each stage of microfibrillization, namely fibrillization and isotropization, were measured and correlated with spectral changes. After isotropization, the PP chains were randomized as shown by equal band intensities of the parallel and perpendicular spectra. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
A multifunctional hydrogel with high‐conductivity, pH‐responsive, and release properties from polyacrylate/polyptrrole
Authors: Lin Jianming , Tang Qunwei , Wu Jihuai , Li Qinghua 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA simple, two‐step aqueous polymerization was introduced to synthesize a polyacrylate (PAC)/polypyrrole (PPy) hydrogel. The hydrogel had a semi‐interpenetrating network (semi‐IPN) structure with a loose, three‐dimensional PAC network and a one‐dimensional PPy conjugated chain. The presence of PPy led to a higher conductivity (9.1 mS/cm) for the PAC/PPy hydrogel. Because of the acrylate group on PAC and the imine group on PPy, the hydrogel showed typical pH sensitivity with two water absorption peaks at pH 4–6 and pH > 11. The loose semi‐IPN structure endowed the hydrogel with good load and release functions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The stabilization of bisphenol‐A based polycarbonate by phosphine oxide
Authors: Ozden S. , Shaov A. K. , Charaev A. M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA Bisphenol‐A based polycarbonate was stabilized by a new polymer stabilizer named di(p‐butoxyphenyl)cyclohexylphosphine oxide. The stabilizer was mixed with the polymer in methylene chloride solution. Later, the solution was vaporized and the stabilized polymer was dried. Specimens were cut and heat treated at different temperature and durations. Small amounts of stabilizer enhanced the breaking strength and elongation at break properties of as molded and heat treated polycarbonate. The modulus of elasticity reduced with stabilization. The stabilizer had a plasticizing effect too. At high stabilizer rates (c > 1%) both thermal and mechanical properties were deteriorated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)/silica composite membranes for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Wen Sheng , Gong Chunli , Tsen Wen‐Chin , Shu Yao‐Chi , Tsai Fang‐Chang 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA series of sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES)/silica composite membranes were prepared by sol–gel method using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) hydrolysis. Physico–chemical properties of the composite membranes were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM–EDX), and water uptake. Compared to a pure SPES membrane, SiO2 doping in the membranes led to a higher thermal stability and water uptake. SEM–EDX indicated that SiO2 particles were uniformly embedded throughout the SPES matrix. Proper silica loadings (below 5 wt %) in the composite membranes helped to inhibit methanol permeation. The permeability coefficient of the composite membrane with 5 wt % SiO2 was 1.06 × 10−7 cm2/s, which was lower than that of the SPES and just one tenth of that of Nafion® 112. Although proton conductivity of the composite membranes decreased with increasing silica content, the selectivity (the ratio of proton conductivity and methanol permeability) of the composite membrane with 5 wt % silica loading was higher than that of the SPES and Nafion® 112 membrane. This excellent selectivity of SPES/SiO2 composite membranes could indicate a potential feasibility as a promising electrolyte for direct methanol fuel cell. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of a new type of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone ketone)s for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Zhang Gang , Fu Tiezhu , Wu Jing , Li Xianfeng , Na Hui 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA novel series of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone ketone)s (SPEEKKs) were prepared by aromatic nucleophilic polycondensation with different ratios of 1,3‐bis(3‐sodium sulfonate‐4‐fluorobenzoyl)benzene to 1,3‐bis(4‐fluorobenzoyl)benzene. 1H‐NMR spectroscopy was used to confirm the degrees of sulfonation (DS) of the polymers. Thermal stabilities of the SPEEKKs in acid form were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which showed that SPEEKKs were excellently thermally stable at high temperatures. SPEEKK polymers can be easily cast into tough membranes. Both of proton conductivity and methanol diffusion coefficient have been tested in this article. Other properties of the SPEEKK membranes were investigated in detail. The results show that the SPEEKK membranes are promising in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) application. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Distribution and status of medicinal leeches (genus Hirudo) in the Western Palaearctic: anthropogenic, ecological, or historical effects?
Authors: Utevsky Serge , Zagmajster Maja , Atemasov Andrei , Zinenko Oleksandr , Utevska Olga , Utevsky Andrei , Trontelj Peter 
Published: January 2010

Abstract1. Distribution and status of medicinal leeches were re‐considered in the light of the new taxonomy recognizing four Western Palaearctic species: Hirudo medicinalis, Hirudo verbana, Hirudo orientalis and Hirudo troctina.2. Recent records and new data obtained on expeditions to Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the Western Balkans were mapped to obtain an up‐to‐date overview of the distribution.3. Three hypotheses explaining the current ranges of all Hirudo species were tested. The ecological hypothesis, suggesting a strong impact of large‐scale environmental factors, received the highest support, while anthropogenic influence was minimal, and no historical patterns of refugia and colonization were detected.4. Mapped localities of all Hirudo species show extensive, belt‐shaped ranges extending from east to west. H. medicinalis is distributed from Britain and southern Norway to the southern Urals and probably as far as the Altai Mountains, occupying the deciduous arboreal zone. H. verbana has been recorded from Switzerland and Italy to Turkey and Uzbekistan, which largely corresponds to the Mediterranean and sub‐boreal steppe zone. H. orientalis is associated with mountainous areas in the sub‐boreal eremial zone and occurs in Transcaucasian countries, Iran and Central Asia. H. troctina has been found in north‐western Africa and Spain in the Mediterranean zone.5. Based on the data gathered, and considering real and potential threats, global IUCN category Near Threatened is proposed for H. medicinalis, H. verbana, and H. orientalis, while H. troctina can only be assigned to category Data Deficient. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparisons of series and parallel systems with components sharing the same copula
Authors: Navarro Jorge , Spizzichino Fabio 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe paper is devoted to study stochastic comparisons of series and parallel systems with vectors of component lifetimes sharing the same copula. We show that, under some conditions on the common copula, the series system with heterogeneous components is worse than the series system with homogeneous components having a common reliability function, which is equal to the average of the reliability functions of the heterogeneous components. However, we show that this property is not necessarily true for arbitrary copulas. We obtain similar properties for parallel systems and for general coherent systems. For these purposes, we introduce in our analysis the notion of the mean function of a copula. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The C2 domains of classical and novel PKCs as versatile decoders of membrane signals
Authors: Corbalán‐García Senena , Gómez‐Fernández Juan C. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe C2 domains of classical and novel protein kinases C play a very important role in decoding signals, which trigger the translocation of these enzymes to the plasma membrane and/or other membrane subcellular compartments. The C2 domain of classical PKCs has a long reputation as a paradigm of protein responding to intracytosolic Ca2+ elevations through a calcium‐binding region, where this cation acts as a bridge with the phosphatidylserine located in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. However, more recently, it has been discovered that a second site on the C2 domain interacts specifically with the phosphoinositide, PtdIns(4,5)P2. Furthermore, several in vivo studies have shown that both calcium and PtdIns(4,5)P2‐interacting regions are essential for the translocation of classical PKCs to the membrane. Other molecules like arachidonic and retinoic acid have also been observed to bind to these domains, modulating the activity of classical PKCs. The C2 domains of novel PKCs, on the other hand, were supposed to play only a secondary role with respect to the C1 domain in the activation process of these enzymes. New insights reveal that these C2 domains may also receive regulatory inputs and play an important role in the localization and activation of these enzymes. In this way, the C2 domain of PKCε has been observed to respond to phosphatidic acid and to act together with the C1 domain in the membrane anchorage and activation of the protein. These domains are also regulated by lipid‐independent events like protein–protein interactions and phosphorylation. In this review we will focus in describing the recent findings on structural and functional properties of the C2 domains of PKCs, mainly as lipid‐interacting modules able to integrate a wide variety of signals in the cell. © 2010 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.