1,721,077 research outputs found
New Random Aromatic/Aliphatic Copolymers of 2,5-Furandicarboxylic and Camphoric Acids with Tunable Mechanical Properties and Exceptional Gas Barrier Capability for Sustainable Mono-Layered Food Packaging
Full text linkHigh molecular weight, fully biobased random copolymers of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) containing different amounts of (1R, 3S)-(+)-Camphoric Acid (CA) have been successfully synthesized by two-stage melt polycondensation and compression molding in the form of films. The synthesized copolyesters have been first subjected to molecular characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel-permeation chromatography. Afterward, the samples have been characterized from a thermal and structural point of view by means of differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and wide-angle X-ray scattering, respectively. Mechanical and barrier properties to oxygen and carbon dioxide were also tested. The results obtained revealed that chemical modification permitted a modulation of the abovementioned properties depending on the amount of camphoric co-units present in the copolymers. The outstanding functional properties promoted by camphor moieties addition could be associated with improved interchain interactions (π-π ring stacking and hydrogen bonds)
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Structure and morphology of synthetic magnesium calcite
No full textThe X-ray crystal structure refinements of two synthetic calcite single crystals containing 3.1 and 5.7 mol% magnesium were carried out. The structure of the second crystal was also refined at -80°C. No significant structural difference from biogenic magnesium calcite was found. Magnesium within the crystals of calcite forms a solid solution over the compositional range investigated. The principal axes of vibration ellipsoids at -80°C resemble very closely those of calcite suggesting that the large thermal parameters in magnesium calcite reflect increased thermal vibrations more than positional disorder. The crystals of magnesium calcite express new rhombohedral faces due to the interaction of magnesium with growing crystals. The role of magnesium in the morphology of single crystal and globular aggregates of magnesium calcite is discussed in view of its possible relevance in both biomineralization and crystal growth
Polymorphism and architectural crystal assembly of calcium carbonate in biologically inspired polymeric matrices f
No full textThe control of the polymorphism and architectural crystal assembly of calcium carbonate minerals in gels formed by means of collagenous matrices with entrapped polypeptides is reported. It has been observed that the calcium carbonate polymorphic selectivity is related to the local supersaturation within the microenvironment where nucleation and growth occur. This crucial parameter is controlled in terms of the entrapped additive concentration and of the tailoring of the biopolymeric scaffold by mechanical deformation. Specific orientation effects and crystal aggregation of the mineral phases can be controlled either by the charged polypeptide with a beta structure or by the structural organization of the triple helical stretches in the collagenous matrix. This results in the growth and assembly of crystals into desired shapes and sizes by molecular recognition at a definite crystal face or by the control of the organic macromolecular microenvironment fit in the emerging area of biologically inspired approach to structured inorganic materials with appropriate physical and chemical properties. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2000
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Synthesis and Hydrolysis of Brushite (DCPD): The Role of Ionic Substitution
Full text linkBrushite (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, DCPD) is considered one of the possible precursors of the apatitic phase that constitutes the mineral component of bones, and it is often utilized in the preparation of biomaterials for hard tissue repair. In this work, we investigated the influence of ionic substitution on the synthesis, structure, and morphology of this calcium phosphate, as well as on its hydrolysis process. The results of structural refinements indicate that the range of possible substitution can reach values up to about 38 atom % for the big Sr ion, whereas it is quite limited for Zn, Co, and Mn. In particular, DCPD cannot be obtained as a single phase in the presence of zinc ions in solution. The kind and amount of substituent ions significantly influence the morphology of DCPD, promoting aggregation and crystal shape modifications, as well as its hydrolysis in solution. The results provide useful information for the understanding of the mineralization processes and for the design of new biomaterials
Biomimetic crystallization of calcium carbonate polymorphs by means of collagenous matrices
No full textCrosslinked gelatin films with entrapped poly-L-aspartate were used to induce the crystallization of calcite and aragonite polymorphs. Calcite with high degrees of isomorphous substitution (up to 12 mol% magnesium) has been obtained. The morphology and layered organization of magnesium calibre crystals grown inside the crosslinked gelatin films with entrapped poly-L-aspartate resemble some structural features of radial calcitic colds. The concentration of entrapped poly-L-aspartate and the uniaxial deformation of the films control the growth of aragonite aggregates inside the films. Such aggregates grown inside uniaxially deformed films consist of parallel rods with an architectural assembly similar to that found in some marine organisms. The crystals' aggregation and the control of calcium carbonate polymorphism are related to the modelling of the nucleation sites by poly-L-aspartate structure and concentration, local supersaturation and microenvironment shape. The results indicate that the collagenous matrices with entrapped polyelectrolytes are versatile systems which can contribute to the elucidation of strategies for biomimetic materials chemistry
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