bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Local Characterization of Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Breitenstein Otwin , Frühauf Felix , Bauer Jan
Published: September 2017

Solar cells made from multicrystalline silicon material, which still represent the majority of solar cells produced today, are by nature inhomogeneous devices. Their bulk excess carrier lifetime, which decisively influences the short circuit current density, the saturation current density, and the effective bulk diffusion length, may vary from position to position by an order of magnitude or more. Moreover, such cells may contain ohmic shunts and, in particular in the edge regions, positions of significant depletion region recombination current. The classical local characterization method for solar cells is light beam‐induced current (LBIC) mapping. This method does not give direct information on factors influencing the dark current density. A reliable quantitative local characterization of inhomogeneous cells can be performed by combining dark lock‐in thermography (DLIT) with electro‐ and photoluminescence (EL and PL) imaging. In this contribution, the well‐established and the most recent findings on the application of these methods are reviewed and typical application examples are presented. It is shown that luminescence imaging is most appropriate for local series resistance imaging and for qualitatively imaging of all kinds of recombination‐active defects. DLIT, on the other hand, shows a lower spatial resolution, but is most appropriate for imaging local two‐diode parameters like depletion region‐ and bulk saturation current densities, the latter allowing to draw conclusions also to the local short circuit current density. A comprehensive local characterization of silicon solar cells is possible by applying both DLIT and luminescence imaging, which complement each other.
Habitat‐mediated influence of water‐level fluctuations on waterbird occurrence in floodplain wetlands of the Parana River, Argentina
Authors: Lorenzón R.E. , Beltzer A.H. , Peltzer P.M. , Olguin P.F. , León E.J. , Sovrano L. , Ronchi‐Virgolini A.L.
Published: September 2017

Responses of waterbirds to habitat variation could account for their responses to fluctuations in river levels because hydrological fluctuations influence habitat availability across floodplains. Relationships between water level and waterbird occurrence were examined in floodplain wetlands of the Middle Paraná River to assess (a) whether occurrences of waterbird species were associated with water‐level fluctuations of the river, (b) which habitats were associated with species that showed a relationship with water level, (c) the influence of water level on these habitats, and (d) whether influence of water level on these species was related to water‐level influence on habitats. Through the use of regressions and structural equation models, we assessed whether direct relationships between each species and water level remained important after considering the influence of habitat variation. Of 21 species analysed, occurrences of 12 species showed an association with water‐level fluctuations. Indirect effects of water level through habitats fully accounted for this association in 5 species. Variation in habitat conditions did not, however, fully account for responses of 6 species, suggesting that although habitat variation can be an important factor, other variables are necessary to explain responses of some species to water level. One species was not associated with any habitat and therefore was not included in this analysis. Our results agreed with the idea that an important fraction of waterbird responses to hydrological fluctuations is related to the effects of these fluctuations on the availability of habitats across the floodplain. Our results provide data that help delimit groups of waterbird species that respond in similar ways to hydrological fluctuations.
From surface science research to high‐impact knowhows—Exemplars of Surface Science Western
Authors: Lau Woon‐Ming
Published: September 2017

Surface Science Western (SSW) is a Canadian center of excellence bearing a mandate to facilitate both interdisciplinary research in surface science and subsequent knowledge/technology transfer. Three exemplars of SSW's accomplishments in this context are here highlighted. The first exemplar began with fundamental studies of nucleation and growth of diamond via chemical vapor deposition. This yielded 2 US patents and the startup of CVD Diamond Corporation which supplies the best diamond‐coated cutting tools in the market. The second exemplar started with basic research on colliding weakly adsorbed organic molecules with seemingly unreactive H2 having controllable kinetic energy. While collision‐induced dissociation is well known, the outcome from this method in breaking C―H bonds but not other bonds is innovative. With such innovation, weakly adsorbed organic molecules are cross‐linked to a well‐anchored molecular ultrathin layer with absolute control of chemical functionality. The technology was recently licensed to a jewelry manufacturer for anchoring antimicrobial molecules covalently to the surface of jewelry. The license promises 2 breakthroughs: product safety to human is assured with no unknown chemical functional groups unintentionally formed in the cross‐linking process; and the antimicrobial overlayer is thin enough not to compromise the visual appearance of the jewelry. In the third exemplar, results from surface analysis with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were translated to protocols for peak‐fitting/assignment of important transition‐metal compounds. Such published protocols have been widely cited and now become practical standards in the field. This exemplar best showcases SSW's mission of translating research to high‐value‐added knowhows. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical Investigation on the Interactions of Isoamethyrins and AnO2+/2+ (An=U, Pu)
Authors: Wei Wei , Li Kai , Li Lai‐Cai , Zhai Fu‐Wan , Pan Rui , Tian An‐Mim
Published: September 2017

By using density functional theory, this article selected isoamethyrin and its derivatives as ligands to study interactions between ligands and uranyl, as well as plutonyl. The result shows that isoamethyrin has a strong affinity to uranyl than to plutonyl, which is derived from the bond formation between the f orbitals in two metal atoms and the ligands. Pu atom provides the less number of f orbitals but the more number of p orbitals than U atom, which leads to the weak interaction between Pu atom and the ligands. The calculation of TBE (Bonding Energy Total) shows that the isoamethyrin ligands have large deformation after coordination.
A Facile Synthesis of Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones via Copper‐Catalyzed One‐Pot, Three‐Component Tandem Reaction
Authors: Dhiman Shiv , Nandwana Nitesh K. , Dhayal Shreemala , Saini Hitesh K. , Kumar Dalip , Kumar Anil
Published: September 2017

A simple and convenient one‐pot, three‐component tandem reaction has been developed for the synthesis of substituted quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones using CuI/L‐proline as catalytic system. A series of 35 quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones was synthesized in good to high yield. The method involves copper‐catalyzed double C−N coupling, reductive amination, condensation, cyclization and aerobic oxidation. Good functional group tolerance, mild reaction condition, readily available starting materials and user friendly procedure makes this protocol practically good and attractive method for the synthesis of quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones.
Core–Shell Nanoparticle Clusters Enable Synergistic Integration of Plasmonic and Catalytic Functions in a Single Platform
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Wy Younghyun , Lee Young Wook , Ham Kyungrok , Han Sang Woo
Published: September 2017

Designing controlled hybrid nanoarchitectures between plasmonic and catalytic materials is of paramount importance to fully exploit each function of constituent materials. This study reports a new synthetic strategy for the realization of colloidal clusters of core–shell nanoparticles with plasmonic cores and catalytically active shells. The Au@M (M = Pd or Pt) nanoparticle clusters (NPCs) with a high density of sub‐1 nm interparticle gaps are successfully prepared by the deposition of M shells onto thermally activated Au NPCs. NPCs with other metal, metal sulfide, and metal oxide shells can also be synthesized by using the present approach. The prepared Au@M NPCs show remarkably enhanced plasmonic performance compared to their Au@M nanoparticle counterparts due to the localization of a strong electromagnetic field at the interparticle gaps, while the inherent catalytic function of shells is intact. In situ real‐time Raman spectroscopy and plasmon‐enhanced electrocatalysis experiments demonstrate that the controlled assembly of core–shell nanoparticles is a very effective route for the synergistic integration of plasmonic and catalytic functions in a single platform.
Layer Structured Materials for Advanced Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Guo Yanpeng , Wei Yaqing , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: September 2017

Owing to the strong in‐plane chemical bonds and weak van der Waals force between adjacent layers, investigations of layer structured materials have long been the hotspots in energy‐related fields. The intrinsic large interlayer space endows them capabilities of guest ion intercalation, fast ion diffusion, and swift charge transfer along the channels. Meanwhile, the well‐maintained in‐plane integrity contributes to exceptional mechanical properties. This anisotropic structural feature is also conducive to effective chemical combination, exfoliation, or self‐assembly into various nanoarchitectures, accompanied by the introduction of defects, lattice strains, and phase transformation. This review starts with a brief introduction of typical layered materials and their crystal structures, then the structural characteristics and structure oriented unique applications in batteries, capacitors, catalysis, flexible devices, etc., are highlighted. It is surprising to observe that layered materials possess: (1) high reactivity, high reversibility, and enhanced performance via forming additional chemical bonds in alkali‐metal ion batteries; (2) facile phase modulation, great feasibility for in‐plane/sandwich device design, and cation intercalation enabled high capacitance in supercapacitors; (3) promoted structural diversity, effective strain engineering, and capabilities to function as ideal supporting materials/templates in electrocatalysis field. Finally, the future prospects and challenges faced by layered materials are also outlined.
Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)‐Free Multistep Synthesis of Silver Nanoplates with Plasmon Resonance in the Near Infrared Range
Authors: Khan Assad U. , Zhou Zhengping , Krause Joseph , Liu Guoliang
Published: September 2017

Herein, a poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)‐free method is described for synthesizing Ag nanoplates that have localized surface plasmon resonance in the near‐infrared (NIR) range. Citrate‐capped Ag spherical nanoparticles are first grown into small Ag nanoplates that resonate in the range of 500–800 nm. The small Ag nanoplates are used as seeds to further grow into large Ag nanoplates with a lateral dimension of 100–600 nm and a plasmon resonance wavelength of 800–1660 nm and above. The number of growth steps can be increased as desired. Without introducing additional citrate into the solutions of small Ag nanoplate seeds, large Ag nanoplates can be synthesized within minutes. The entire synthesis is completely PVP free, which promotes the nanoparticle growth along the lateral direction to form large Ag nanoplates. The multistep growth and the minimum usage of citrate are essential for the fast growth of high‐aspect‐ratio Ag nanoplates resonating in the NIR range.
Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of 2D Phenethylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhu Zhuan , Boulesbaa Abdelaziz , Hao Fang , Puretzky Alexander , Xiao Kai , Bao Jiming , Yao Yan , Li Wenzhi
Published: September 2017

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have emerged as promising optoelectronic materials for applications in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. Particularly, 2D layer‐structured hybrid perovskites are of great interest due to their remarkable optical and electrical properties, which can be easily tuned by selecting suitable organic and inorganic moieties during the material synthesis. Here, the solution‐phase growth of a large square‐shaped single‐crystalline 2D hybrid perovskite, phenethylammonium lead bromide (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbBr4 (PEPB), with thickness as few as 3 unit cell layers is demonstrated. Compared to bulk crystals, the 2D PEPB nanocrystals show a major blueshifted photoluminescence (PL) peak at 409 nm indicating an increase in bandgap of 40 meV. Besides the major peak, two new PL peaks located at 480 and 525 nm are observed from the hybrid perovskite nanocrystals. PEPB nanocrystals with different thicknesses show different colors, which can be used to estimate the thickness of the nanocrystals. Time‐resolved reflectance spectroscopy is used to investigate the exciton dynamics, which exhibits a biexponential decay with an amplitude‐weighted lifetime of 16.7 ps. The high‐quality 2D (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbBr4 nanocrystals are expected to have high PL quantum efficiency and potential applications for light‐emitting devices.
Toward characterizing HTML defects on the Web
Authors: Mendes Joaquim , Laranjeiro Nuno , Vieira Marco
Published: September 2017

HTML is being massively used as an interface to provide services to users. Web developers are producing and changing sites at a high pace while trying to support the latest HTML standards. In this context, it is common to find websites that do not comply with the standards and fail to be correctly processed by browsers. Considering this dynamic environment and the increasingly large diversity of browsers with frequent updates, the appearance of problems in web pages is a common, sometimes severe, and hard‐to‐track problem. In this short communication, we describe the initial design of an approach that will be used to obtain information regarding the characteristics of HTML documents on the Web and extract indicators of representative errors made by their developers. Preliminary results show nearly 90% of the pages analyzed having at least one type of error and the prevalence of a small number of error types.
Systemic Innovation, Education and the Social Impact of the Systems Sciences
Authors: Laszlo Alexander , Luksha Pavel , Karabeg Dino
Published: September 2017

Education, in and of itself, is neither irrelevant nor outmoded. However, the current need to educate a planetary citizenry under conditions relevant to the living context of our planet is palpable. A new education paradigm is emerging to address this need, and it takes its cue from the life sciences—biomimicry, ecosystem studies, permaculture and the like, and from the sciences of complexity—complex adaptive systems theory, second order cybernetics, social systems dynamics and the emerging field of systemic innovation. This article explores both the pressures for such a new paradigm of education, tracing their sources to contemporary dynamics in society and environment, and outlines of the new paradigm in education that is emerging in various parts of the world. Key to this new paradigm is the emphasis on lifelong learning and empathy oriented education, both critical ingredients to the transformative role of education for individual and collective thrivability. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroprotective effect of amantadine on corticosterone‐induced abnormal glutamatergic synaptic transmission of CA3‐CA1 pathway in rat's hippocampal slices
Authors: Xiao Xi , Zhang Hui , Wang Hui , Li Qun , Zhang Tao
Published: September 2017

Depression is a psychiatric disorder and chronic stress, leading to altered glucocorticoid secretion patterns, is one of the factors that induce depression. Our previous study showed that amantadine significantly attenuated the impairments of synaptic plasticity and cognitive function a rat model of CUS. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanism. In the present study, the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique was applied to examine the protection effect of amantadine on the hippocampus CA3‐CA1 pathway. Evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs), miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), paired‐pulse ratio (PPR) and the action potentials of CA3 neurons were recorded. Our data showed that corticosterone increased the amplitude of eEPSCs and decreased the value of paired‐pulse ratio (PPR), but both of them were significantly reversed by amantadine. In addition, the frequency of mEPSC was considerably increased by corticosterone, but it was reduced by amantadine. Moreover, we used the Fluo‐3/AM image to detect the Ca2+ influx in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. The results showed that the intracellular calcium levels were significantly decreased by amantadine in the corticosterone treated neurons. Additionally, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were reduced by corticosterone, while they were enhanced by either amantadine or low‐calcium artificial cerebral spinal fluid (ACSF). These results suggest that amantadine significantly improves corticosterone‐induced abnormal glutamatergic synaptic transmission of CA3‐CA1 synapses presynaptically and alleviates the activities of antioxidant enzymes via regulating the calcium influx.
Stochastic seismic collapse and reliability assessment of high‐rise reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Li Jie , Zhou Hao , Ding Yanqiong
Published: September 2017

To provide knowledge beyond the conventional engineering insights, attention in this work is focused on a comprehensive framework for the stochastic seismic collapse analysis and reliability assessment of large complex reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Three key notions are emphasized: the refined finite element modeling and analysis approach towards structural collapse, a physical random ground motion model, and an energy‐based structural collapse criterion. First, the softening of concrete material, which substantially contributes to the collapse of RC structures, is modeled by the stochastic damage constitutive model. Second, the physical random ground motion model is introduced to quantitatively describe the stochastic properties of the earthquake ground motions. And then the collapse‐resistance performance of a certain RC structure can be systematically evaluated on the basis of the probability density evolution method combining with the proposed structural collapse criterion. Numerical results regarding a prototype RC frame‐shear wall structure indicate that the randomness from ground motions dramatically affects the collapse behaviors of the structure and even leads to entirely different collapse modes. The proposed methodology is applicable in better understanding of the anti‐collapse design and collapse prediction of large complex RC buildings.
How Do You Use Problem‐Based Learning to Improve Interdisciplinary Thinking?
Authors: Vandenhouten Christine , Groessl Joan , Levintova Ekaterina
Published: September 2017

Problem‐Based Learning (PBL) is an increasingly popular interdisciplinary pedagogy. In this chapter, we discuss its roots, benefits, and potential trade‐offs and give practical advice applicable to a variety of academic disciplines.
Teaching Scientific Metaphors Through Informational Text Read‐Alouds
Authors: Barnes Erica M. , Oliveira Alandeom W.
Published: September 2017

Elementary students are expected to use various features of informational texts to build knowledge in the content areas. In science informational texts, scientific metaphors are commonly used to make sense of complex and invisible processes. Although elementary students may be familiar with literary metaphors as used in narratives, they may be less familiar with how metaphors function in science. In this article, the authors describe how teaching with scientific metaphor during informational text read‐alouds can help elementary students become more cognizant of scientific metaphoricity and develop scientific literacy. Practical examples from two elementary classrooms are included.
Effect of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene on the shape memory, mechanical, and thermal properties of thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Memarian Farzaneh , Fereidoon Abdolhosein , Ghorbanzadeh Ahangari Morteza
Published: September 2017

A polymer blend based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) was prepared using a melt‐blending technique, and its mechanical, thermal, and shape memory properties were investigated. According to the scanning electron microscopy morphology results, when the content of ABS was less than 20 wt%, the TPU appeared as a continuous phase, and ABS appeared as a dispersed phase. The presence of distinguishable boundaries at the polymer interfaces indicated that the TPU/ABS blend was an immiscible system. Furthermore, the 80/20 blend sample exhibited the best dispersion of ABS in TPU. Tensile testing indicated that addition of ABS to the TPU matrix led to improvement of the Young's modulus as well as reduction of the elongation at break and tensile strength. The impact resistance of the blends depended on the amount of ABS, and the maximal growth was observed for the 80/20 blend. Dynamic mechanical investigations support the morphological and mechanical results. The differential scanning calorimetry results also indicated that the two polymers were immiscible. The shape memory test results indicated that as the amount of ABS increased to 20 wt% in the TPU polymer and the shape recovery of the blend first slightly decreased and then suddenly decreased to 66.5% with the addition of 30 wt% of ABS. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:E96–E104, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Equine behavioral enrichment toys as tools for non‐invasive recovery of viral and host DNA
Authors: Seeber Peter A. , Soilemetzidou Sanatana E. , East Marion L. , Walzer Chris , Greenwood Alex D.
Published: September 2017

Direct collection of samples from wildlife can be difficult and sometimes impossible. Non‐invasive remote sampling for the purpose of DNA extraction is a potential tool for monitoring the presence of wildlife at the individual level, and for identifying the pathogens shed by wildlife. Equine herpesviruses (EHV) are common pathogens of equids that can be fatal if transmitted to other mammals. Transmission usually occurs by nasal aerosol discharge from virus‐shedding individuals. The aim of this study was to validate a simple, non‐invasive method to track EHV shedding in zebras and to establish an efficient protocol for genotyping individual zebras from environmental DNA (eDNA). A commercially available horse enrichment toy was deployed in captive Grévy's, mountain, and plains zebra enclosures and swabbed after 4–24 hr. Using eDNA extracted from these swabs four EHV strains (EHV‐1, EHV‐7, wild ass herpesvirus and zebra herpesvirus) were detected by PCR and confirmed by sequencing, and 12 of 16 zebras present in the enclosures were identified as having interacted with the enrichment toy by mitochondrial DNA amplification and sequencing. We conclude that, when direct sampling is difficult or prohibited, non‐invasive sampling of eDNA can be a useful tool to determine the genetics of individuals or populations and for detecting pathogen shedding in captive wildlife.
From Solidification Processing to Microstructure to Mechanical Properties: A Multi-scale X-ray Study of an Al-Cu Alloy Sample
Authors: Tourret D. , Mertens J. C. E. , Lieberman E. , Imhoff S. D. , Gibbs J. W. , Henderson K. , Fezzaa K. , Deriy A. L. , Sun T. , Lebensohn R. A. , Patterson B. M. , Clarke A. J.
Published: September 2017

We follow an Al-12 at. pct Cu alloy sample from the liquid state to mechanical failure, using in situ X-ray radiography during directional solidification and tensile testing, as well as three-dimensional computed tomography of the microstructure before and after mechanical testing. The solidification processing stage is simulated with a multi-scale dendritic needle network model, and the micromechanical behavior of the solidified microstructure is simulated using voxelized tomography data and an elasto-viscoplastic fast Fourier transform model. This study demonstrates the feasibility of direct in situ monitoring of a metal alloy microstructure from the liquid processing stage up to its mechanical failure, supported by quantitative simulations of microstructure formation and its mechanical behavior.
Model validity of randomised placebo-controlled trials of non-individualised homeopathic treatment
Authors: Van Wassenhoven Michel , Rutten A.L.B. , Klein-Laansma Christien T. , Eizayaga José , Pla i Castellsagué Anna , Jong Miek C. , Manchanda Raj K. , Dantas Flávio , Oberbaum Menachem , Frye Joyce , Roniger Helmut , Baumgartner Stephan , van Haselen Robbert , Nicolai Ton , Fisher Peter , Mathie Robert T.
Published: September 2017

Background: The comprehensive systematic review of randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) in homeopathy requires examination of a study's model validity of homeopathic treatment (MVHT) as well as its risk of bias (extent of reliable evidence).

Objective: To appraise MVHT in those RCTs of non-individualised homeopathy that an associated investigation had judged as ‘not at high risk of bias’.

Design: Systematic review.

Methods: An assessment of MVHT was ascribed to each of 26 eligible RCTs. Another 49 RCTs were ineligible due to their high risk of bias.

Main outcome measures: MVHT and the prior risk of bias rating per trial were merged to obtain a single overall quality designation (‘high’, ‘moderate’, ‘low’), based on the GRADE principle of downgrading.

Results: The trials were rated as ‘acceptable MVHT’ (N = 9), ‘uncertain MVHT’ (N = 10) and ‘inadequate MVHT’ (N = 7); and, previously, as ‘reliable evidence’ (N = 3) and ‘non-reliable evidence’ (N = 23). The 26 trials were designated overall as: ‘high quality’ (N = 1); ‘moderate quality’ (N = 18); ‘low quality’ (N = 7).

Conclusion: Of the 26 RCTs of non-individualised homeopathy that were judged ‘not at high risk of bias’, nine have been rated ‘acceptable MVHT’. One of those nine studies was designated ‘high quality’ overall (‘acceptable MVHT’ and ‘reliable evidence’), and is thus currently the only reported RCT that represents best therapeutic practice as well as unbiased evidence in non-individualised homeopathy. As well as minimising risk of bias, new RCTs in this area must aim to maximise MVHT and clarity of reporting.
Becoming Madam Chancellor
Authors: Mushaben Joyce Marie
Published: September 2017

Since 2005, Angela Merkel has transformed not only the way Germans see themselves but also the way that politicians worldwide, male and female, perceive women in power. The East German daughter of a Protestant pastor, this physicist-turned-politician has deployed her life experiences to cultivate a unique set of leadership skills. Her pragmatic, data-driven, and future-oriented approach to politics - grounded in a commitment to democratic pluralism, human rights, and personal responsibility - has produced extraordinary paradigm shifts in many national policies in the wake of major crises. As the first English-language scholarly book to provide an in-depth account of her career and influence, Becoming Madam Chancellor examines Merkel's achievements across six key policy domains, contextualizes these within broader German history before and after reunification, and uncovers the personal and political factors that have contributed to Chancellor Merkel's hard-earned status as the world's most powerful woman.
HOW TO SOLVE HUME'S PROBLEM OF INDUCTION
Authors: Jackson Alexander
Published: September 2017

This paper explains what's wrong with a Hume-inspired argument for skepticism about induction. Hume's argument takes as a premise that inductive reasoning presupposes that the future will resemble the past. I explain why that claim is not plausible. The most plausible premise in the vicinity is that inductive reasoning from E to H presupposes that if E then H. I formulate and then refute a skeptical argument based on that premise. Central to my response is a psychological explanation for how people judge that if E then H without realizing that they thereby settled the matter rationally.
Hand Hygiene Improvement and Sustainability: Assessing a Breakthrough Collaborative in Western Switzerland
Authors: Staines Anthony , Amherdt Isabelle , Lécureux Estelle , Petignat Christiane , Eggimann Philippe , Schwab Marcos , Pittet Didier
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE

To assess hand hygiene improvement and sustainability associated with a Breakthrough Collaborative.

DESIGN

Multicenter analysis of hand hygiene compliance through direct observation by trained observers.

SETTING

A total of 5 publicly funded hospitals in 14 locations, with a total of 1,152 beds, in the County of Vaud, Switzerland.

PARTICIPANTS

Clinical staff.

INTERVENTIONS

In total, 59,272 opportunities for hand hygiene were monitored for the duration of the study, for an average of 5,921 per audit (range, 5,449–6,852). An 18-month Hand Hygiene Breakthrough Collaborative was conducted to implement the WHO multimodal promotional strategy including improved access to alcohol-based hand rub, education, performance measurement and feedback, reminders and communication, leadership engagement, and safety culture.

RESULTS

Overall hand hygiene compliance improved from 61.9% to 88.3% (P<.001) over 18 months and was sustained at 88.9% (P=.248) 12 months after the intervention. Hand hygiene compliance among physicians increased from 62% to 85% (P<.001) and finally 86% at follow-up (P=.492); for nursing staff, compliance improved from 64% to 90% (P<.001) and finally 90% at follow-up (P=.464); for physiotherapists compliance improved from 50% to 90% (P<.001) and finally 91% at follow-up (P=.619); for X-ray technicians compliance improved from 45% to 80% (P<.001) and finally 81% at follow-up (P=.686). Hand hygiene compliance also significantly increased with sustained improvement across all hand hygiene indications and all hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

A rigorously conducted multicenter project combining the Breakthrough Collaborative method for its structure and the WHO multimodal strategy for content and measurement was associated with significant and substantial improvement in compliance across all professions, all hand hygiene indications, and all participating hospitals.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1420–1427
Consumption of whole grains, fruit and vegetables is not associated with indices of renal function in the population-based longitudinal Doetinchem study
Authors: Herber-Gast Gerrie-Cor M. , Boersma Marijke , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Spijkerman Annemieke M. W.
Published: September 2017

Emerging evidence suggests that diet and renal function are related. Little is known, however, about the association of consumption of whole grains, fruit and vegetables with urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) and changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We investigated this in a population-based cohort aged 26–65 years. Data were from 3787 participants from the Doetinchem cohort study, who were examined ≥3 times, 5 years apart. Consumption of food groups was assessed at each round with a validated FFQ. GFR was estimated at each round from routinely measured cystatin C and creatinine using the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) equation. ACR was measured at the last round. Generalised estimated equation models were performed to examine associations with changes in eGFR. Linear regression was used to examine associations with ACR. Adjustments were made for covariates related to lifestyle, biological factors and diet. Mean baseline eGFR was 104·5 (sd 13·7) and mean annual decline was −0·95 (sd 0·67) ml/min per 1·73 m2 over a 15-year follow-up. A trend was observed towards slightly less annual decline in eGFR among those with higher consumption of whole grains (P=0·06). This association, however, was attenuated and no longer significant in multivariate models (P=0·29). Consumption of fruit and vegetables was not associated with changes in eGFR and urinary ACR. In conclusion, consumption of whole grains, fruit and vegetables is not associated with changes in eGFR and mean ACR. As this was the first longitudinal study into this association in the general population, and as results are only partially in line with related studies, further research is recommended.
Which Donors, Which Funds? Bilateral Donors' Choice of Multilateral Funds at the World Bank
Authors: Reinsberg Bernhard , Michaelowa Katharina , Knack Stephen
Published: September 2017

The rapid growth of trust funds at multilateral development organizations has been widely neglected in the academic literature. We examine sovereign donors' choices among various trust fund options and contend that the choice among the different trust funds involves a fundamental trade-off: larger funds provide donors with “burden-sharing” benefits, but each donor can better assert its individual preferences in a fund with fewer other donors. The theoretical considerations yield testable hypotheses on a range of factors affecting this fundamental trade-off, most notably the area of the trust fund's intervention and donor countries' competing domestic interests. A large-Nanalysis of participation decisions of OECD/DAC donors in trust funds over the past decade mostly corroborates these hypotheses. In particular,ex antepreference alignment among donors as well as indicators for global activities and fragile states aid are robust determinants of participation in (large) multi-donor funds. In contrast, a donor tends to prefer a single-donor fund in areas where its national interests dominate.
Suppletion and morpheme order: Are words special?
Authors: CAHA PAVEL
Published: September 2017

This article reviews some of the main theoretical claims made in Jonathan David Bobaljik’s 2012 book, which deals with root suppletion in adjectival degree expressions. My first goal is to make the reader familiar with a coherent fragment of the overall system and the data that motivate it. The second goal is to discuss one specific part of the account, namely that words, understood as complex heads, are special for suppletion in the sense that suppletion is impossible beyond this domain. I argue that it is possible to abandon this assumption with no loss of descriptive coverage, and argue that in doing so, we can formulate a unified theory which covers both suppletion and morpheme order.
Generation and transportation of high-intensity pulsed ion beam at varying background pressures
Authors: Zhu X.P. , Ding L. , Zhang Q. , Isakova Yu. , Bondarenko Y. , Pushkarev A.I. , Lei M.K.
Published: September 2017

High-intensity pulsed ion beam (HIPIB) technology is developed as an advanced manufacturing method for components with improved wear, corrosion and/or fatigue performance, etc. Robust HIPIB equipment with stable repetitive operation, long-lifetime, and easy maintenance are desired for industrial applications, on which stability of ion beam parameters is critical to achieve consistent result of reproducibility. Here, magnetically insulated ion diodes (MIDs) as ion source with durable graphite anode are investigated in a simple self-magnetic field configuration under repetitive operation. Influence of background pressure on ion beam generation and transportation is emphasized since ion beam sources were intrinsically a vacuum-based system. Comparative experiments were conducted on two types of HIPIB equipment, that is, TEMP-6 and TEMP-4M, differing in vacuum packages where turbo-molecular pump or oil diffusion pump was used. Both the HIPIB equipments are operated on a bipolar pulse mode, that is, a first negative pulse of 150–200 kV with pulse duration 450–500 ns to generate anode plasma on explosive electron emission, and a second positive pulse of 200–250 kV with 120 ns to accelerate the ions. Ion beam energy density up to 8 J/cm2 is achievable using MIDs of geometrical focusing configuration, and the total energy, energy density distribution along cross-section, deflection and divergence, and charge neutralization of the ion beams are assessed under background pressures in a wide range of two orders of magnitude, that is, 1–100 mPa. No appreciable change in the parameters is observed up to 50 mPa, and merely a slight increase in the beam deflection from about ±3 mm to about ±4 mm at the focal point over 50 mPa. The stability of ion beam at the varied pressure is mainly facilitated by the higher pressure up to several Pa in anode–cathode gap during plasma generation and good neutralizing effect for ion beam transportation.
The provider perspective: investigating the effect of the Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome (ePRO) mobile application and portal on primary care provider workflow
Authors: Hans Parminder K. , Gray Carolyn Steele , Gill Ashlinder , Tiessen James
Published: September 2017

Aim

This qualitative study investigates how the Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome (ePRO) mobile application and portal system, designed to capture patient-reported measures to support self-management, affected primary care provider workflows.

Background

The Canadian health system is facing an ageing population that is living with chronic disease. Disruptive innovations like mobile health technologies can help to support health system transformation needed to better meet the multifaceted needs of the complex care patient. However, there are challenges with implementing these technologies in primary care settings, in particular the effect on primary care provider workflows.

Methods

Over a six-week period interdisciplinary primary care providers (n=6) and their complex care patients (n=12), used the ePRO mobile application and portal to collaboratively goal-set, manage care plans, and support self-management using patient-reported measures. Secondary thematic analysis of focus groups, training sessions, and issue tracker reports captured user experiences at a Toronto area Family Health Team from October 2014 to January 2015.

Findings

Key issues raised by providers included: liability concerns associated with remote monitoring, increased documentation activities due to a lack of interoperability between the app and the electronic patient record, increased provider anxiety with regard to the potential for the app to disrupt and infringe upon appointment time, and increased demands for patient engagement. Primary care providers reported the app helped to focus care plans and to begin a collaborative conversation on goal-setting. However, throughout our investigation we found a high level of provider resistance evidenced by consistent attempts to shift the app towards fitting with existing workflows rather than adapting much of their behaviour. As health systems seek innovative and disruptive models to better serve this complex patient population, provider change resistance will need to be addressed. New models and technologies cannot be disruptive in an environment that is resisting change.
Revising an Innovative Way to Study Cascadia Megaquakes
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: September 2017

Researchers probe natural environments near subduction zones to decrypt underlying mechanisms of major earthquakes.
The role of glutamate transporters in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: O’Donovan Sinead M. , Sullivan Courtney R. , McCullumsmith Robert E.
Published: September 2017

Altered glutamate transporter expression is a common feature of many neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are responsible for the reuptake of glutamate, preventing non-physiological spillover from the synapse. Postmortem studies have revealed significant dysregulation of EAAT expression in various brain regions at the cellular and subcellular level. Recent animal studies have also demonstrated a role for glutamate spillover as a mechanism of disease. In this review, we describe current evidence for the role of glutamate transporters in regulating synaptic plasticity and transmission. In neuropsychiatric conditions, EAAT splice variant expression is altered. There are changes in the localization of the transporters and disruption of the metabolic and structural protein network that supports EAAT activity. This results in aberrant neuroplasticity and excitatory signaling, contributing to the symptoms associated with neuropsychiatric disease. Understanding the complex functions of glutamate transporters will clarify the relevance of their role in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Quantitative Systems Biology to decipher design principles of a dynamic cell cycle network: the “Maximum Allowable mammalian Trade–Off–Weight” (MAmTOW)
Authors: Barberis Matteo , Verbruggen Paul
Published: September 2017

Network complexity is required to lend cellular processes flexibility to respond timely to a variety of dynamic signals, while simultaneously warranting robustness to protect cellular integrity against perturbations. The cell cycle serves as a paradigm for such processes; it maintains its frequency and temporal structure (although these may differ among cell types) under the former, but accelerates under the latter. Cell cycle molecules act together in time and in different cellular compartments to execute cell type-specific programs. Strikingly, the timing at which molecular switches occur is controlled by abundance and stoichiometry of multiple proteins within complexes. However, traditional methods that investigate one effector at a time are insufficient to understand how modulation of protein complex dynamics at cell cycle transitions shapes responsiveness, yet preserving robustness. To overcome this shortcoming, we propose a multidisciplinary approach to gain a systems-level understanding of quantitative cell cycle dynamics in mammalian cells from a new perspective. By suggesting advanced experimental technologies and dedicated modeling approaches, we present innovative strategies (i) to measure absolute protein concentration in vivo, and (ii) to determine how protein dosage, e.g., altered protein abundance, and spatial (de)regulation may affect timing and robustness of phase transitions. We describe a method that we name “Maximum Allowable mammalian Trade–Off–Weight” (MAmTOW), which may be realized to determine the upper limit of gene copy numbers in mammalian cells. These aspects, not covered by current systems biology approaches, are essential requirements to generate precise computational models and identify (sub)network-centered nodes underlying a plethora of pathological conditions.
Magnetic field effect in natural cryptochrome explored with model compound
Authors: Paul Shubhajit , Kiryutin Alexey S. , Guo Jinping , Ivanov Konstantin L. , Matysik Jörg , Yurkovskaya Alexandra V. , Wang Xiaojie
Published: September 2017

Many animals sense the Earth’s magnetic-field and use it for navigation. It is proposed that a light-dependent quantum effect in cryptochrome proteins, residing in the retina, allows for such an iron-free spin-chemical compass. The photochemical processes, spin-dynamics and its magnetic field dependence in natural cryptochrome are not fully understood by the in vivo and in vitro studies. For a deeper insight into these biophysical mechanisms in cryptochrome, we had introduced a flavin-tryptophan dyad (F10T). Here we present the magnetic field dependence of 1H photo-CIDNP NMR on F10T and a theoretical model for low-field photo-CIDNP of F10T. This model provides mixing mechanism of energy-levels and spin-dynamics at low magnetic fields. Photo-CIDNP has been observed even at Earth’s magnetic field (~0.05 mT). These experiments prove F10T to be an excellent model compound establishing the key mechanism of avian-magnetoreception and provide insight into the optimal behaviour of cryptochrome at Earth’s magnetic field.
Molecular characterization of emaraviruses associated with Pigeonpea sterility mosaic disease
Authors: Kumar Surender , Subbarao BL , Hallan Vipin
Published: September 2017

Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD) of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh) is a complex disease due to various factors including the presence of a mixed infection. Comparison of dsRNA profile and small RNA (sRNA) deep sequencing analysis of samples from three locations revealed the presence of Pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus-I and II (PPSMV-I and II) from Chevella and only PPSMV-II from Bengaluru and Coimbatore. PPSMV-I genome consisted of four while PPSMV-II encompassed six RNAs. The two viruses have modest sequence homology between their corresponding RNA 1–4 encoding RdRp, glycoprotein precursor, nucleocapsid and movement proteins and the corresponding orthologs of other emaraviruses. However, PPSMV-II is more related to Fig mosaic virus (FMV) than to PPSMV-I. ELISA based detection methodology was standardized to identify these two viruses, uniquely. Mite inoculation of sub-isolate Chevella sometimes resulted in few- to- many pigeonpea plants containing PPSMV-I alone. The study shows that (i) the N-terminal region of RdRp (SRD-1) of both the viruses contain “cap-snatching” endonuclease domain and a 13 AA cap binding site at the C-terminal, essential for viral cap-dependent transcription similar to the members of Bunyaviridae family and (ii) P4 is the movement protein and may belong to ‘30 K superfamily’ of MPs.
Molecular dissection of transcriptional reprogramming of steviol glycosides synthesis in leaf tissue during developmental phase transitions in Stevia rebaudiana Bert
Authors: Singh Gopal , Singh Gagandeep , Singh Pradeep , Parmar Rajni , Paul Navgeet , Vashist Radhika , Swarnkar Mohit Kumar , Kumar Ashok , Singh Sanatsujat , Singh Anil Kumar , Kumar Sanjay , Sharma Ram Kumar
Published: September 2017

Stevia is a natural source of commercially important steviol glycosides (SGs), which share biosynthesis route with gibberellic acids (GAs) through plastidal MEP and cytosolic MVA pathways. Ontogeny-dependent deviation in SGs biosynthesis is one of the key factor for global cultivation of Stevia, has not been studied at transcriptional level. To dissect underlying molecular mechanism, we followed a global transcriptome sequencing approach and generated more than 100 million reads. Annotation of 41,262 de novo assembled transcripts identified all the genes required for SGs and GAs biosynthesis. Differential gene expression and quantitative analysis of important pathway genes (DXS, HMGR, KA13H) and gene regulators (WRKY, MYB, NAC TFs) indicated developmental phase dependent utilization of metabolic flux between SGs and GAs synthesis. Further, identification of 124 CYPs and 45 UGTs enrich the genomic resources, and their PPI network analysis with SGs/GAs biosynthesis proteins identifies putative candidates involved in metabolic changes, as supported by their developmental phase-dependent expression. These putative targets can expedite molecular breeding and genetic engineering efforts to enhance SGs content, biomass and yield. Futuristically, the generated dataset will be a useful resource for development of functional molecular markers for diversity characterization, genome mapping and evolutionary studies in Stevia.