bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem anatomy and development of interxylary phloem in Strychnos bredemeyeri (Loganiaceae)
Authors: Moya Roger , Gondaliya Amit Dhanjinbhai , Rajput Kishore Shankarsinh
Published: May 2017

En Strychnos bredemeyeri, pequeñas porciones de cambium dejan temporalmente de producir xilema secundario y produce más floema centrífugamente. Un nuevo segmento del cambium se diferencia en la parte exterior de este floema formado, entonces estos se unen al cilindro regular para formar un anillo. Esta repetida actividad da como resultado la inclusión de islas de floema dentro del xilema secundario, llamado floema interxilar. Luego aparecen nuevos elementos del floema asociado al cambium y a las islas de floema que aplastan los elementos no conductores de islas de floema. Junto al floema interxilar, el floema intraxilar está formado por la adición desde las células marginales de la médula. Posteriormente, pequeños arcos del cambium interno se inician en el borde interno del protoxilema en tallos gruesos.

In Strychnos bredemeyeri small segments of the cambium cease to produce secondary xylem temporarily and produce more phloem centrifugally. A new segment of the cambium differentiates outside to this phloem, which unite with the regular cylinder to form a complete ring by leaving the cambium segment in the furrow. Such repeated activity of cambium results in inclusion of phloem islands within the secondary xylem, called interxylary phloem. New phloem elements added by the cambium associated with phloem islands crush the non-conducting sieve elements in older phloem islands. Beside interxylary phloem, intraxylary phloem is added from the marginal pith cells. Subsequently, small arcs of the internal cambium initiate on the inner margin of the protoxylem in thick stems.
The Effect of Task-Based Language Teaching on Motivation and Grammatical Achievement of EFL Junior High School Students
Authors: NamazianDost Islam , Bohloulzadeh Ghassem , Pazhakh Abdolreza
Published: May 2017

This research sought to investigate the effect of the effect of task-based language teaching on motivation and grammatical achievement of EFL junior high school students of Ahvaz. To fulfill the objectives of the study a Homogeneity test (Oxford Quick Placement Test) was administered among 100 students at the junior high school and finally 80 participants were selected. Then, they were divided into two sub­groups, namely control and experimental groups. Before starting the treatment, a validated teacher-made grammar test in terms of the materials supposed to be covered in both groups was administered to them as the pre-test. Moreover, a motivation questionnaire were given to both groups at the beginning and at the end of study. Then the experimental group received the treatment, which was teaching and learning grammar through using task-based language teaching and the control group received traditional teaching which is teaching grammar through instruction on examples and drills proposed by the teacher. After 12 sessions of treatment, the two groups were administered the same teacher-made grammar test as posttest. Data were analyzed by Paired and Independent Samples t-­test. The findings showed that the experimental group significantly performed better than the control group. Generally, the experimental groups outperformed the control groups. Furthermore, the results of motivation questionnaire show that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups' motivation in the post-test of questionnaire which implies that the experimental group's motivation increased significantly. The results suggest that task-based language teaching can be used in English classes to develop grammar ability among Iranian EFL learners.
Interplay among pain intensity, sleep disturbance and emotion in patients with non-specific low back pain
Authors: Sribastav Shilabant Sen , Peiheng He , Jun Long , Zemin Li , Fuxin Wei , Jianru Wang , Hui Liu , Hua Wang , Zhaomin Zheng
Published: May 2017

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common problem worldwide. There are several negative consequences of LBP, such as sleep disorders, work leave, disability, depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life. In this study, we designed to evaluate the prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients with non-specific LBP(NSLBP), and cross-correlation among sleep disorder, anxiety, depression and pain intensity in patients with NSLBP.

Aim

In this study, we designed to evaluate the prevalence of sleep disturbance in patients with NSLBP, and cross-correlation among sleep disorder, anxiety, depression and pain intensity in patients with NSLBP.

Methods

A cross-sectional self-assessment questionnaire survey was carried out in an outpatient clinic. Anonymous assessments were used to characterize the presence of NSLBP, PSQI, VAS, SF-36 form, ODI, BAI and BDI. Cross-correlation among the severity of NSLBP and sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression and life quality were evaluated.

Results

Patients with NSLBP have a higher incidence of sleep disorder, anxiety and depression, and higher ODI scores than healthy people without LPB (P < 0.01). NSLBP patients with sleep disorders have more severe anxiety, depression, an increased VAS score and poor daily living (P < 0.05). NSLBP patients with anxiety have declined sleep quality, poor daily living, decreased work and social skills, and increased LBP severity (P < 0.05). NSLBP patients with depression have declined sleep quality, poor daily living, decreased work and social skills (P < 0.05). Significant associations were found between the severity of NSLBP and sleep disorders, anxiety and ODI scores.

Conclusion

Psychological and social factors play an important role in the development of NSLBP. NSLBP leads to sleep disorders, which decrease the sleep quality and increase the unpleasant emotions and memories in return; these can exacerbate the severity of LBP, with the cycle repeating to form a vicious circle.
O CHÃO DA HISTÓRIA: A TERRA E A PRODUÇÃO DE SUJEITOS HISTÓRICOS NA GUERRA DO CONTESTADO
Authors: Martins Maro Lara
Published: May 2017

A relação que pode ser estabelecida entre história e educação ambiental coloca como um dos desafios, nesta articulação, a introdução de novos conceitos historiográficos a serem considerados no campo das práticas pedagógicas. Colocar sob perspectiva histórica as diferentes formas de pensar a natureza e o meio ambiente implica em iluminar a polissemia própria dos termos. Neste texto, realizamos um exame do conflito histórico ocorrido no Brasil republicano, a Guerra do Contestado (1912-1916), posicionando a terra como conceito histórico em disputa naquele conflito. Buscamos explorar as diferentes representações sobre a terra presentes naquele momento entre os sujeitos históricos envolvidos no conflito e chamamos a atenção para a necessidade de tomarmos um conceito relativamente naturalizado, como natureza, a partir também da sua historicidade.
PROFESSORES E PRÁTICAS PEDAGÓGICAS PARA COMBATER A VIOLÊNCIA E CONSTRUIR A CULTURA DE PAZ
Authors: Senne de Assis Vivian Maria , Lopes Salgado Ribeiro Suzana
Published: May 2017

Este artigo objetiva analisar a visão dos professores a respeito da eficácia de um projeto de formação continuada, que visa reduzir e prevenir ações violentas na escola, por meio dos princípios da Justiça Restaurativa, da cultura de paz e dos processos circulares. Esta formação é parte de uma política pública educacional, adotada por uma Secretaria Municipal de Educação, do interior paulista. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, que registrou onze entrevistas semiestruturadas com professores participantes do projeto. A análise das entrevistas mostrou que os docentes consideraram que a formação trouxe-lhes conhecimentos para desenvolver ações que cultivem a cultura de paz. Desta forma, é possível apontar que este processo formativo gerou um impacto positivo na prática docente.
As Políticas de Ensino Superior no Brasil e a Sustentabilidade Social
Authors: Fernandes Sônia Regina de Souza , Silva Filomena Lucia Gossler Rodrigues da , Quadros Sérgio Feldemann de
Published: May 2017

Analisamos neste artigo as relações existentes entre as políticas de Ensino Superior no Brasil e a decrescente empregabilidade dos graduados, mesmo em um período de melhora da economia e dos índices educacionais. O propósito de tal análise é refletir sobre o grau de sustentabilidade social das políticas de Ensino Superior frente a este fenômeno, que coloca em cheque o mito da mobilidade social relacionado à educação, difundido pelo neoliberalismo sob a influência da teoria do Capital Humano. Desse modo, entendemos que, apesar da ampliação do acesso ao Ensino Superior, a lógica neoliberal comprometida com os interesses do Mercado tem dificultado que as políticas educacionais se tornem socialmente sustentáveis
A TEMÁTICA DA SUSTENTABILIDADE SOCIOAMBIENTAL NOS CURSOS DE LICENCIATURA DO IFC: UMA LEITURA DOS PROJETOS PEDAGÓGICOS
Authors: Melo Marilandes Mol Ribeiro de , Silva Filomena Lucia Gossler Rodrigues da , Scheibe Leda
Published: May 2017

Este texto apresenta algumas reflexões acerca de como as ideias de sustentabilidade socioambiental estão presentes nos cursos de licenciatura do Instituto Federal Catarinense. Para tanto, são analisados 14 Projetos Pedagógicos de cursos de licenciatura em Matemática, Física, Química, Ciências Agrícolas e Pedagogia oferecidos pela instituição em seus diferentes campi. A ideia de sustentabilidade utilizada para tal análise fundamenta-se na concepção de que os indivíduos, por meio de práticas sociais e dialógicas, reforçam um sentimento de corresponsabilidade por uma sociedade mais justa e de constituição de valores éticos, ambientais, culturais e sociais nas relações cotidianas.
ABORDAGENS HÍBRIDAS E INCLUSIVAS E FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES DE LÍNGUAS DO E PARA O SÉCULO XXI
Authors: Finardi Kyria Rebeca
Published: May 2017

O estudo revisa tendências e abordagens contemporâneas no ensino de línguas adicionais (L2) tecendo considerações sobre a formação de professores do e para o século XXI. Para tanto, o estudo revisa abordagens inclusivas e híbridas que combinam o ensino tradicional presencial com o ensino à distância, com uso de tecnologias que podem promover o desenvolvimento da autonomia do educando e sua inclusão social por meio da mediação da língua e da tecnologia. O trabalho conclui com algumas considerações sobre a formação de professores de língua do e para o século XXI em relação ao uso de abordagens híbridas e inclusivas.
Influence of ocean tides on the general ocean circulation in the early Eocene
Authors: Weber T. , Thomas M.
Published: May 2017

The early Eocene (∼56–50 million years ago) was characterized by higher surface temperatures and a reduced meridional temperature gradient, compared to present‐day conditions. The origin of the decreased meridional temperature gradient is still subject to discussion and might be linked to tides. Tidal mixing could have enhanced the meridional heat transport and thereby decreased the meridional temperature gradient. We test this hypothesis by simultaneously modeling tidal dynamics and the general ocean circulation for the early Eocene in a new coupled atmosphere‐ocean model setup. We find an interaction between tidal currents and the ocean general circulation that increases horizontal velocities in 25% of the deep ocean to more than 400% of its original value. The global meridional overturning circulation is strengthened thereby locally by 60–100%. However, the oceanic meridional heat transport is only increased by a maximum of 0.1 PW (8%) and a mean of less than 0.018 PW (5.1%), thus not decreasing the meridional temperature gradient considerably.
Causes of accelerating sea level on the East Coast of North America
Authors: Davis James L. , Vinogradova Nadya T.
Published: May 2017

The tide‐gauge record from the North American East Coast reveals significant accelerations in sea level starting in the late twentieth century. The estimated post‐1990 accelerations range from near zero to ∼0.3 mm yr−2. We find that the observed sea level acceleration is well modeled using several processes: mass change in Greenland and Antarctica as measured by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites; ocean dynamic and steric variability provided by the GECCO2 ocean synthesis; and the inverted barometer effect. However, to achieve this fit requires estimation of an admittance for the dynamical and steric contribution, possibly due to the coarse resolution of this analysis or to simplifications associated with parameterization of bottom friction in the shallow coastal areas. The acceleration from ice loss alone is equivalent to a regional sea level rise in one century of 0.2 m in the north and 0.75 m in the south of this region.
Local wave activity budgets of the wintertime Northern Hemisphere: Implication for the Pacific and Atlantic storm tracks
Authors: Huang Clare S. Y. , Nakamura Noboru
Published: May 2017

A recently developed finite‐amplitude local wave activity (LWA) diagnostic framework quantifies eddy‐mean flow interaction on regional scales. Here we examine the column budgets of LWA for the winter Northern Hemisphere with the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA‐Interim product, with an eye toward quantifying the maintenance and variability of the Pacific and Atlantic storm tracks. The budget is governed by (i) low‐level meridional eddy heat flux, (ii) horizontal convergence of the LWA flux, and (iii) nonconservative (diabatic) sources‐sinks. In both regions, the low‐level meridional heat flux fuels LWA on seasonal timescales but the zonal LWA flux convergence and diabatic effects dominate the synoptic variability. Cospectral analysis shows that the interplay between barotropic zonal wind and column‐averaged LWA through the meridional eddy momentum flux convergence is significant over the Pacific but not the Atlantic. A first attempt at partitioning LWA into stationary and transient eddy contributions is also discussed.
Correlating Global Precipitation Measurement satellite data with karst spring hydrographs for rapid catchment delineation
Authors: Longenecker Jake , Bechtel Timothy , Chen Zhao , Goldscheider Nico , Liesch Tanja , Walter Robert
Published: May 2017

To protect karst spring water resources, catchments must be known. We have developed a method for correlating spring hydrographs with newly available, high‐resolution, satellite‐based Global Precipitation Measurement data to rapidly and remotely locate recharge areas. We verify the method using a synthetic comparison of ground‐based rain gage data with the satellite precipitation data set. Application to karst springs is proven by correlating satellite data with hydrographs from well‐known springs with published catchments in Europe and North America. Application to an unknown‐catchment spring in Pennsylvania suggests distant recharge, requiring a flow path that crosses topographic divides, as well as multiple lithologies, physiographic provinces, and tectonic boundaries. Although surprising, this latter result is consistent with published geologic/geophysical, monitoring well, and stream gage data. We conclude that the method has considerable potential to improve the speed and accuracy of catchment identification and hydrodynamic characterization, with applications to water resource protection and groundwater exploration, among others.
Tele‐Health Followup Strategy for Tight Control of Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: de Thurah Annette , Stengaard‐Pedersen Kristian , Axelsen Mette , Fredberg Ulrich , Schougaard Liv M. V. , Hjollund Niels H. I. , Pfeiffer‐Jensen Mogens , Laurberg Trine B. , Tarp Ulrik , Lomborg Kirsten , Maribo Thomas
Published: May 2017

Objective

To test the effect of patient‐reported outcome (PRO)–based tele‐health followup for tight control of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the differences between tele‐health followup performed by rheumatologists or rheumatology nurses.

Methods

A total of 294 patients were randomized (1:1:1) to either PRO‐based tele‐health followup carried out by a nurse (PRO‐TN) or a rheumatologist (PRO‐TR), or conventional outpatient followup by physicians. The primary outcome was a change in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) after week 52. Secondary outcomes were physical function, quality of life, and self‐efficacy. The noninferiority margin was a DAS28 score change of 0.6. Mean differences were estimated following per protocol, intent‐to‐treat (ITT), and multivariate imputation analysis.

Results

Overall, patients had low disease activity at baseline and end followup. Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Noninferiority was established for the DAS28. In the ITT analysis, mean differences in the DAS28 score between PRO‐TR versus control were −0.10 (90% confidence interval [90% CI] −0.30, 0.13) and −0.19 (90% CI −0.41, 0.02) between PRO‐TN versus control. When including 1 yearly visit to the outpatient clinic, patients in PRO‐TN had mean ± SD 1.72 ± 1.03 visits/year, PRO‐TR had 1.75 ± 1.03 visits/year, and controls had 4.15 ± 1.0 visits/year. This included extra visits due to inflammatory flare.

Conclusion

Among RA patients with low disease activity or remission, a PRO‐based tele‐health followup for tight control of disease activity in RA can achieve similar disease control as conventional outpatient followup. The degree of disease control did not differ between patients seen by rheumatologists or rheumatology nurses.
Mo2C/CNT: An Efficient Catalyst for Rechargeable Li–CO2 Batteries
Authors: Hou Yuyang , Wang Jiazhao , Liu Lili , Liu Yuqing , Chou Shulei , Shi Dongqi , Liu Huakun , Wu Yuping , Zhang Weimin , Chen Jun
Published: May 2017

The rechargeable Li–CO2 battery is a novel and promising energy storage system with the capability of CO2 capture due to the reversible reaction between lithium ions and carbon dioxide. Carbon materials as the cathode, however, limit both the cycling performance and the energy efficiency of the rechargeable Li–CO2 battery, due to the insulating Li2CO3 formed in the discharge process, which is difficult to decompose in the charge process. Here, a Mo2C/carbon nanotube composite material is developed as the cathode for the rechargeable Li–CO2 battery and can achieve high energy efficiency (77%) and improved cycling performance (40 cycles). A related mechanism is proposed that Mo2C can stabilize the intermediate reduction product of CO2 on discharge, thus preventing the formation of insulating Li2CO3. In contrast to insulating Li2CO3, this amorphous Li2C2O4‐Mo2C discharge product can be decomposed below 3.5 V on charge. The introduction of Mo2C provides an effective solution to the problem of low round‐trip efficiency in the Li–CO2 battery.
Microcarriers with Synthetic Hydrogel Surfaces for Stem Cell Expansion
Authors: Dias Andrew D. , Elicson Jonathan M. , Murphy William L.
Published: May 2017

Microcarriers are scalable support surfaces for cell growth that enable high levels of expansion, and are particularly relevant for expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The goal of this study is to develop a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based microcarrier coating for hMSC expansion. Commercially available microcarriers do not offer customizability of microcarrier surface properties, including elastic modulus and surface cell adhesion ligands. The lab has previously demonstrated that tuning these material properties on PEG‐based hydrogels can modulate important cellular growth characteristics, such as cell attachment and expansion, which are important in microcarrier‐based culture. Eosin‐Y is adsorbed to polystyrene microcarriers and used as a photoinitiator for thiol‐ene polymerization under visible light. Resultant PEG coatings are over 100 µm thick and localized to microcarrier surfaces. This thickness is relevant for cells to react to mechanical properties of the hydrogel coating, and coated microcarriers support hMSC attachment and expansion. hMSC expansion is highly favorable on coated microcarriers in serum‐free media, with doubling times under 25 h in the growth phase, and retained osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacity after culture on microcarriers. These microcarriers with defined, synthetic coatings enable tailorable surfaces for cell expansion that may be suitable for a variety of biomanufacturing applications.
Defect Chemistry of Nonprecious‐Metal Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reactions
Authors: Yan Dafeng , Li Yunxiao , Huo Jia , Chen Ru , Dai Liming , Wang Shuangyin
Published: May 2017

Oxygen electrocatalysis, including the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen‐evolution reaction (OER), is a critical process for metal–air batteries. Therefore, the development of electrocatalysts for the OER and the ORR is of essential importance. Indeed, various advanced electrocatalysts have been designed for the ORR or the OER; however, the origin of the advanced activity of oxygen electrocatalysts is still somewhat controversial. The enhanced activity is usually attributed to the high surface areas, the unique facet structures, the enhanced conductivities, or even to unclear synergistic effects, but the importance of the defects, especially the intrinsic defects, is often neglected. More recently, the important role of defects in oxygen electrocatalysis has been demonstrated by several groups. To make the defect effect clearer, the recent development of this concept is reviewed here and a novel principle for the design of oxygen electrocatalysts is proposed. An overview of the defects in carbon‐based, metal‐free electrocatalysts for ORR and various defects in metal oxides/selenides for OER is also provided. The types of defects and controllable strategies to generate defects in electrocatalysts are presented, along with techniques to identify the defects. The defect–activity relationship is also explored by theoretical methods.
Rollerball‐Pen‐Drawing Technology for Extremely Foldable Paper‐Based Electronics
Authors: Liu Shuiren , Li Junpeng , Shi Xinlei , Gao Enlai , Xu Zhiping , Tang Honghao , Tong Kwing , Pei Qibing , Liang Jiajie , Chen Yongsheng
Published: May 2017

It is reported that graphene oxide (GO) can work as the dispersing, associate thickening, stabilizing, adhesive, oxidation‐resistant, and mechanical reinforcing agents simultaneously to formulate a drawable conductive ink with silver nanowire (AgNW). The synergistic effect of combining AgNW with GO can bring forth the AgNW‐GO dynamic network, which imparts appropriate viscosity and rheological property to the ink for reliable rollerball‐pen drawing on paper and plastic substrates and enables the drawn conductive traces to simultaneously possess high conductivity, remarkable foldability, and stability. The electrical conductivity of the rollerball‐pen drawn electrodes with mild post‐treatment condition by drying at 25 °C for ≈5 min after writing on paper can achieve 2.3 × 104 S cm−1. The drawn electrodes are used as extremely foldable electrodes that can retain a record high conductivity of 1.4 × 104 S cm−1 after 1000 folding–unfolding cycles. The feasibility of the drawable conductive ink is further demonstrated by fabricating paper‐based conductive circuits and a capacitive touch screen sensor with outstanding foldability.
Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Lal Niraj N. , Dkhissi Yasmina , Li Wei , Hou Qicheng , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Bach Udo
Published: May 2017

The meteoric rise of perovskite single‐junction solar cells has been accompanied by similar stunning developments in perovskite tandem solar cells. Debuting with efficiencies less than 14% in 2014, silicon–perovskite solar cells are now above 25% and will soon surpass record silicon single‐junction efficiencies. Unconstrained by the Shockley–Quiesser single‐junction limit, perovskite tandems suggest a real possibility of true third‐generation thin‐film photovoltaics; monolithic all‐perovskite tandems have reached 18% efficiency and will likely pass perovskite single‐junction efficiencies within the next 5 years. Inorganic–organic metal–halide perovskites are ideal candidates for inclusion in tandem solar cells due to their high radiative recombination efficiencies, excellent absorption, long‐range charge‐transport, and broad ability to tune the bandgap. In this progress report, the development of perovskite tandem cells is reviewed, with presentation of their key motivations and challenges. In detail, it presents an overview of recombination layer materials, bandgap‐tuneability, transparent contact architectures, and perovskite compounds for use in tandems. Theoretical estimates of efficiency for future tandem and triple‐junction perovskite cells are presented, outlining roadmaps for future focused research.
Tailoring Organic Cation of 2D Air‐Stable Organometal Halide Perovskites for Highly Efficient Planar Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Yani , Sun Yong , Peng Jiajun , Zhang Wei , Su Xiaojun , Zheng Kaibo , Pullerits Tõnu , Liang Ziqi
Published: May 2017

2D perovskites have recently been shown to exhibit significantly improved environmental stability. Derived from their 3D analogues, 2D perovskites are formed by inserting bulky alkylammonium cations in‐between the anionic layers. However, these insulating organic spacer cations also hinder charge transport. Herein, such a 2D perovskite, (iso‐BA)2(MA)3Pb4I13, that contains short branched‐chain spacer cations (iso‐BA+) and shows a remarkable increase of optical absorption and crystallinity in comparison to the conventional linear one, n‐BA+, is designed. After applying the hot‐casting (HC) technique, all these properties are further improved. The HC (iso‐BA)2(MA)3Pb4I13 sample exhibits the best ambient stability by maintaining its initial optical absorption after storage of 840 h in an environmental chamber at 20 °C with a relative humidity of 60% without encapsulation. More importantly, the out‐of‐plane crystal orientation of (iso‐BA)2(MA)3Pb4I13 film is notably enhanced, which increases cross‐plane charge mobility. As a result, the highest power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) measured from for current density versus voltage curves afford 8.82% and 10.63% for room‐temperature and HC‐processed 2D perovskites based planar solar cells, respectively. However, the corresponding steady‐state PCEs are remarkably lower, which is presumably due to the significant hysteresis phenomena caused by low charge extraction efficiency at interfaces of C60/2D perovskites.
Engineering the Thermoelectric Transport in Half‐Heusler Materials through a Bottom‐Up Nanostructure Synthesis
Authors: Zhao Huaizhou , Cao Binglei , Li Shanming , Liu Ning , Shen Jiawen , Li Shan , Jian Jikang , Gu Lin , Pei Yanzhong , Snyder Gerald Jeffrey , Ren Zhifeng , Chen Xiaolong
Published: May 2017

Half‐Heusler (HH) alloys are among the best promising thermoelectric (TE) materials applicable for the middle‐to‐high temperature power generation. Despite of the large thermoelectric power factor and decent figure‐of‐merit ZT (≈1), their broad applications and enhancement on TE performance are limited by the high intrinsic lattice thermal conductivity (κL) due to insufficiencies of phonon scattering mechanisms, and the fewer powerful strategies associated with the microstructural engineering for HH materials. This study reports a bottom‐up nanostructure synthesis approach for these HH materials based on the displacement reaction between metal chlorides/bromides and magnesium (or lithium), followed by vacuum‐assisted spark plasma sintering process. The samples are featured with dense dislocation arrays at the grain boundaries, leading to a minimum κL of ≈1 W m−1 K−1 at 900 K and one of the highest ZT (≈1) and predicted η (≈11%) for n‐type Hf0.25Zr0.75NiSn0.97Sb0.03. Further manipulation on the dislocation defects at the grain boundaries of p‐type Nb0.8Ti0.2FeSb leads to enhanced maximum power factor of 47 × 10−4 W m−1 K−2 and the predicted η of ≈7.5%. Moreover, vanadium substitution in FeNb0.56V0.24Ti0.2Sb significantly promotes the η to ≈11%. This strategy can be extended to a broad range of advanced alloys and compounds for improved properties.
Additional Sodium Insertion into Polyanionic Cathodes for Higher‐Energy Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Bianchini Matteo , Xiao Penghao , Wang Yan , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: May 2017

Na‐ion technology is increasingly studied as a low‐cost solution for grid storage applications. Many positive electrode materials have been reported, mainly among layered oxides and polyanionic compounds. The vanadium oxy/flurophosphate solid solution Na3V2(PO4)2F3‐yO2y (0 ≤ y ≤ 1), in particular, has proven the ability to deliver ≈500 Wh kg‐1, operating on the V3+/V4+ (y = 0) or V4+/V5+ redox couples (y = 1). This paper reports here on a significant increase in specific energy by enabling sodium insertion into Na3V2(PO4)2FO2 to reach Na4V2(PO4)2FO2 upon discharge. This occurs at ≈1.6 V and increases the theoretical specific energy to 600 Wh kg−1, rivaling that of several Li‐ion battery cathodes. This improvement is achieved by the judicious modification of the composition either as O for F substitution, or Al for V substitution, both of which disrupt Na‐ion ordering and thereby enable insertion of the 4th Na. This paper furthermore shows from operando X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) that this energy is obtained in the cycling range Na4V2(PO4)2FO2–NaV2(PO4)2FO2 with a very small overall volume change of 1.7%, which is one of the smallest volume changes for Na‐ion cathodes and which is a crucial requisite for stable long‐term cycling.
“It was like leaving your family”: Gentrification and the impacts of displacement on public housing tenants in inner‐Sydney
Authors: Morris Alan
Published: May 2017

In March 2014, the minister responsible announced that all of the approximately 600 public housing tenants of Millers Point and the Sirius Building in inner Sydney are to be moved and the properties sold. Millers Point is probably the oldest public housing area in Australia. The Sirius Building was purpose built for public housing tenants in the late 1970s. The article briefly examines the gentrification process in the Millers Point area. However, the main focus, drawing on six in‐depth interviews with public housing tenants who are still residents in the area and 13 who have moved, is an examination of the impact of the government's removal announcement and the actual displacement of residents. What this article illustrates is that the place attachment of most of the interviewees was profound and the removal announcement and the actual move were devastating. Interviewees spoke of deep sadness and anxiety at the thought of leaving what they considered a unique and genuine community. Residents who had moved told of their isolation and melancholy at having lost their local social network. The research shows that the human cost of policies and not revenue should always be the central consideration.
Seventeen‐Coordinate Actinide Helium Complexes
Authors: Kaltsoyannis Nikolas
Published: May 2017

The geometries and electronic structures of molecular ions featuring He atoms complexed to actinide cations are explored computationally using density functional and coupled cluster theories. A new record coordination number is established, as AcHe173+, ThHe174+, and PaHe174+are all found to be true geometric minima, with the He atoms clearly located in the first shell around the actinide. Analysis of AcHen3+(n=1–17) using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) confirms these systems as having closed shell, charge‐induced dipole bonding. Excellent correlations (R2>0.95) are found between QTAIM metrics (bond critical point electron densities and delocalization indices) and the average Ac−He distances, and also with the incremental He binding energies.
AibA/AibB induziert eine intramolekulare Decarboxylierung in der De‐novo‐Biosynthese von Isovalerat aus Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Bock Tobias , Luxenburger Eva , Hoffmann Judith , Schütza Vlad , Feiler Christian , Müller Rolf , Blankenfeldt Wulf
Published: May 2017

Isovaleryl‐Coenzym A (IV‐CoA) ist eine wichtige Vorstufe für Isofettsäuren und Lipide, die in Myxobakterien essentiell für die Entwicklung sind. Myxobakterien können IV‐CoA aus Acetyl‐CoA über eine alternative IV‐CoA‐Biosynthese (aib) herstellen. Die zentrale Reaktion in aib wird durch die kofaktorfreie Decarboxylase AibA/AibB katalysiert. Wir entwickelten ein effizientes Expressionssystem für AibA/AibB, das die Bestimmung hochaufgelöster Kristallstrukturen im Komplex mit verschiedenen Liganden ermöglichte. Durch Mutation zeigen wir, dass ein Cystein, das als katalytisch wichtig beschrieben wurde, für die enzymatische Aktivität nicht benötigt wird. Stattdessen scheint AibA/AibB eine intramolekulare Decarboxylierung zu induzieren, indem es das Substrat in eine gebogene Konformation in der hydrophoben Tasche zwingt. Da AibA/AibB in der Produktion von Isobuten, einem Vorläufer für Biotreibstoff, eingesetzt werden könnte, eröffnet unsere Arbeit neue Wege in der synthetischen Biologie.
Photocatalytic Self‐Doped SnO2−x Nanocrystals Drive Visible‐Light‐Responsive Color Switching
Authors: Han Dan , Jiang Baolai , Feng Ji , Yin Yadong , Wang Wenshou
Published: May 2017

Visible‐light‐responsive reversible color‐switching systems are attractive to many applications because visible light has superior penetration and causes far less damage to organic molecules than UV. Herein, we report that self‐doping of SnO2−x nanocrystals with Sn2+ red‐shifts their absorption to the visible region and simultaneously produces oxygen vacancies, which can effectively scavenge photogenerated holes and thus enable the color switching of redox dyes using visible light. Wavelength‐selective switching can also be achieved by coupling the photocatalytic activity of the SnO2−x NCs with the color‐switching kinetics of different redox dyes. The fast light response enables the further fabrication of a solid film that can be repeatedly written on using a visible laser pen or projection printing through a photomask. This discovery represents a big step forward towards practical applications, especially in areas in which safety issues and photodamage by UV light are of concern.
Synthese und Nachweis von Iminoboranen durch M=B/C=N‐Bindungsmetathese
Authors: Nutz Marco , Borthakur Bitupon , Dewhurst Rian D. , Deißenberger Andrea , Dellermann Theresa , Schäfer Marius , Krummenacher Ivo , Phukan Ashwini K. , Braunschweig Holger
Published: May 2017

Während die Metathese von Metall‐Bor‐Doppelbindungen mit elementaren Chalkogeniden gut beschrieben ist, kann keine vergleichbare Reaktivität für Element‐Stickstoff‐Bindungen beobachtet werden. Solche Reaktionen würden einen neuen Zugang zu Iminoboranen (RB≡NR′) eröffnen, die seit kurzem wieder Interesse auf sich ziehen. Im Nachfolgenden stellen wir die erstmalige Beobachtung von M=B/C=N‐Metathesereaktionen vor, die zur Bildung eines stabilen Iminoborans sowie zu weiteren Iminoboran‐Cycloadditionsprodukten führen.
1‐Substituted 2‐Azaspiro[3.3]heptanes: Overlooked Motifs for Drug Discovery
Authors: Kirichok Alexander A. , Shton Iryna , Kliachyna Maria , Pishel Iryna , Mykhailiuk Pavel K.
Published: May 2017

The 2‐substituted piperidine core is found in drugs (18 FDA‐approved drugs), however, their spirocyclic analogues remain unknown. Described here is the synthesis of spirocyclic analogues for 2‐substituted piperidines and a demonstration of their validation in drug discovery.
Bottom‐Up Design of a Copper–Ruthenium Nanoparticulate Catalyst for Low‐Temperature Ammonia Oxidation
Authors: Chakraborty Debasish , Damsgaard Christian Danvad , Silva Hugo , Conradsen Christian , Olsen Jakob Lind , Carvalho Hudson W. P. , Mutz Benjamin , Bligaard Thomas , Hoffmann Max J. , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Studt Felix , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: May 2017

A novel nanoparticulate catalyst of copper (Cu) and ruthenium (Ru) was designed for low‐temperature ammonia oxidation at near‐stoichiometric mixtures using a bottom‐up approach. A synergistic effect of the two metals was found. An optimum CuRu catalyst presents a reaction rate threefold higher than that for Ru and forty‐fold higher than that for Cu. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy suggests that in the most active catalyst Cu forms one or two monolayer thick patches on Ru and the catalysts are less active once 3D Cu islands form. The good performance of the tuned Cu/Ru catalyst is attributed to changes in the electronic structure, and thus the altered adsorption properties of the surface Cu sites.
Unsaturated polyester/montmorillonite nanocomposites with improved mechanical and thermal properties fabricated by in situ polymerization
Authors: Wu Shan , Wang Lei , Wu Lixin , Weng Zixiang , Zhou Yu
Published: May 2017

Although organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) has been incorporated into unsaturated polyester (UP) resin to enhance properties, the aggregation often leads to defects which directly affect the properties of nanocomposites. In this work, OMMT slurry modified by a new allyl surfactant with carbon–carbon double bond, hexadecyl allyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (C16‐DMAAC), was employed to prepare nanocomposites by in situ polymerization. The results illustrated that the existence of OMMT slurry helped monomers enter the OMMT galleries, leading to well‐dispersed OMMT in the UP matrix. The mechanical properties and thermal properties of OMMT nanocomposites were improved. With OMMT loading of 5 wt %, the tensile strength and flexural strength can be improved by 22% and 38%, respectively. Meanwhile, the onset thermal decomposition temperature (T–10) value was ameliorated from 310.6 °C to 330.6 °C. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45251.
A study on the curing kinetics of epoxy molding compounds with various latent catalysts using differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Lee Da Eun , Kim Hyun Woo , Kong Byung‐Seon , Choi Hyung Ouk
Published: May 2017

We performed kinetic analysis in an epoxy curing system with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a dynamic approach to investigate the reaction behavior of epoxy molding compounds (EMCs) according to three types of catalysts with varying latencies: triphenyl phosphine (TPP), triphenylphosphine‐1,4‐benzoquinone (TPP‐BQ), and tetraphenylphosphonium tetraphenylborate (TPP‐TPB). In dynamic approach, the well‐known model free kinetic (MFK) method was applied first to find out the variation of activation energy by the extent of conversion. By applying the MFK method, it was found that activation energy as a function of reaction conversion was nearly constant for TPP‐BQ and TPP‐TPB, but significantly reduced for TPP. By the dependence of activation energy, the model fitting method with single step reaction could be applied for TPP‐BQ and TPP‐TPB, and the nth order model was in good agreement with the MFK results. By contrast, in TPP, the reaction curve derived from MFK did not match with plot from nth order model. Isothermal curing experiments were also carried out to determine whether the assumption on kinetic predictions for the three catalysts was correct or not. As a result, TPP‐TPB and TPP‐BQ followed both MFK and nth order model. Nevertheless, TPP was more likely to follow MFK rather than nth order model. In addition, TPP‐TPB showed definitely lower conversion rate and degree of conversion compared with TPP, TPP‐BQ as expected from the catalyst structure and basicity. This study indicates the curing kinetic reaction of EMC depends on the latency of catalysts, and the MFK method can be used to describe the kinetics of curing reaction more accurately. These results help engineers in relevant fields to improve the reliability of EMCs by understanding the curing kinetic reaction of EMC with various latent catalysts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45252.
Association of Increased F4/80high Macrophages With Suppression of Serum‐Transfer Arthritis in Mice With Reduced FLIP in Myeloid Cells
Authors: Huang Qi‐Quan , Birkett Robert , Doyle Renee E. , Haines G. Kenneth , Perlman Harris , Shi Bo , Homan Philip , Xing Lianping , Pope Richard M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Macrophages are critical in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We recently demonstrated that FLIP is necessary for the differentiation and/or survival of macrophages. We also showed that FLIP is highly expressed in RA synovial macrophages. This study was undertaken to determine if a reduction in FLIP in mouse macrophages reduces synovial tissue macrophages and ameliorates serum‐transfer arthritis.

Methods

Mice with Flip deleted in myeloid cells (Flipf/fLysMc/+ mice) and littermate controls were used. Arthritis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of K/BxN serum. Disease severity was evaluated by clinical score and change in ankle thickness, and joints were examined by histology and immunohistochemistry. Cells were isolated from the ankles and bone marrow of the mice and examined by flow cytometry, real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, or Western blotting.

Results

In contrast to expectations, Flipf/fLysMc/+ mice developed more severe arthritis early in the clinical course, but peak arthritis was attenuated and the resolution phase more complete than in control mice. Prior to the induction of serum‐transfer arthritis, the number of tissue‐resident macrophages was reduced. On day 9 after arthritis induction, the number of F4/80high macrophages in the joints of the Flipf/fLysMc/+ mice was not decreased, but increased. FLIP was reduced in the F4/80high macrophages in the ankles of the Flipf/fLysMc/+ mice, while F4/80high macrophages expressed an antiinflammatory phenotype in both the Flipf/fLysMc/+ and control mice.

Conclusion

Our observations suggest that reducing FLIP in macrophages by increasing the number of antiinflammatory macrophages may be an effective therapeutic approach to suppress inflammation, depending on the disease stage.
Microwave fluidized bed for biomass pyrolysis. Part I: Process design
Authors: Adam Mohamed , Beneroso Daniel , Katrib Juliano , Kingman Sam , Robinson John P.
Published: May 2017

The production of bio‐oils from microwave pyrolysis has received increasing attention from bioenergy researchers, but no studies reported to date have proposed reliable solutions to avoid thermal runaway. The motivation of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a systematic methodology to exploit the benefits of microwave heating for biomass pyrolysis, and to overcome previously reported challenges of heating heterogeneity and thermal runaway. The multidisciplinary design methodology for a microwave fluidized bed system is presented, which is based on processing raw biomass without the need for added microwave susceptors. The design process considers the minimum fluidizing velocity of biomass particles, a heat‐transfer model to establish the power density requirements, and electromagnetic simulations to determine the optimal dimensions. It was found that a minimum power density of 54 MW m−3 was necessary to reach temperatures of 400 °C for particles with an average size of 600 µm at the minimum fluidization velocity (0.38 m s−1). Higher gas velocities required higher power levels; however, the energy efficiency of the process could be improved when using a high power at low gas velocities, with 1.07 kJ g−1 attainable at power densities in excess of 100 MW m−3. A microwave fluidized bed system was subsequently designed, and shown to be effective in enabling pyrolysis whilst limiting heterogeneity and thermal runaway effects. Thermal runaway could be controlled by ensuring an appropriate fluidization regime to prevent liquid condensation and solid deposition within areas of high electric field intensity. The developed design opens opportunities for large‐scale production of bio‐oil using microwaves. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A spatially balanced design with probability function proportional to the within sample distance
Authors: Benedetti Roberto , Piersimoni Federica
Published: May 2017

The units observed in a biological, agricultural, and environmental survey are often randomly selected from a finite population whose main feature is to be geo‐referenced thus its spatial distribution should be used as essential information in designing the sample. In particular our interest is focused on probability samples that are well spread over the population in every dimension which in recent literature are defined as spatially balanced samples. To approach the problem we used the within sample distance as the summary index of the spatial distribution of a random selection criterion. Moreover numerical comparisons are made between the relative efficiency, measured with respect to the simple random sampling, of the suggested design and some other classical solutions as the Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) design used by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other balanced or spatially balanced selection procedures as the Spatially Correlated Poisson Sampling (SCPS), the balanced sampling (CUBE), and the Local Pivotal method (LPM). These experiments on real and simulated data show that the design based on the within sample distance selects samples with a better spatial balance thus gives estimates with a lower sampling error than those obtained by using the other methods. The suggested method is very flexible to the introduction of stratification and coordination of samples and, even if in its nature it is computationally intensive, it is shown to be a suitable solution even when dealing with high sampling rates and large population frames where the main problem arises from the size of the distance matrix.
Efflux Pumps Might Not Be the Major Drivers of QAC Resistance in Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jennings Megan C. , Forman Megan E. , Duggan Stephanie M. , Minbiole Kevin P. C. , Wuest William M.
Published: May 2017

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are commonly used antiseptics that are now known to be subject to bacterial resistance. The prevalence and mechanisms of such resistance, however, remain underexplored. We investigated a variety of QACs, including those with multicationic structures (multiQACs), and the resistance displayed by a variety of Staphylococcus aureus strains with and without genes encoding efflux pumps, the purported main driver of bacterial resistance in MRSA. Through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)‐, kinetic‐, and efflux‐based assays, we found that neither the qacR/qacA system present in S. aureus nor another efflux pump system is the main reason for bacterial resistance to QACs. Our findings suggest that membrane composition could be the predominant driver that allows CA‐MRSA to withstand the assault of conventional QAC antiseptics.
Constructing a Robust Fluorescent DNA‐Stabilized Silver Nanocluster Probe Module by Attaching a Duplex Moiety
Authors: Lin Ruoyun , Tao Guangyu , Chen Yang , Chen Mingxing , Liu Feng , Li Na
Published: May 2017

Fluorescent DNA‐templated silver nanoclusters (DNA‐Ag NCs) have served as excellent luminescent probes and operation units in various applications. However, the fluorescence property of DNA‐Ag NCs is very sensitive to elongation or modification of the DNA template, limiting the breadth of applications. In this work, we propose a strategy for constructing a robust fluorescent DNA‐Ag NCs probe module by attaching a duplex moiety to the nanocluster‐bearing sequence. The fluorescence intensity of the DNA‐Ag NCs can be enhanced 90‐fold upon hybridization of the elongated moiety. Adenine in the linker sequence has a further enhancing effect on the fluorescence intensity, whereas thymine has a quenching effect. The transformation from a non‐fluorescent species to fluorescent nanoclusters is responsible for the fluorescence enhancement with duplex formation of the elongated moiety. We hope that this design will aid future diversification of experimental designs to facilitate more applications that are currently limited by the aforementioned problems.