bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Student Teams-Achievement Divisions Cooperative Learning with Models on Students’ Understanding of Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Karacop Ataman
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Student Teams-Achievement Divisions cooperative learning with models on academic achievements of undergraduate university students attending classes in which the electrochemical cells. The sample of research was comprised of 70 students from first class of science teacher education program during the academic year 2014-2015. The data obtained by the Electrochemistry Achievement Test (EcAT). The study was carried out in three different groups. The research groups were randomly assigned as the cooperative learning with models group (CLMG), the cooperative learning group (CLG), and the control group (CG). The data obtained by the instrument was evaluated through descriptive statistics, one–way ANOVA, and ANCOVA. The results indicated that teaching electrochemical cells via STAD with Model method was more effective than the traditional teaching method and only STAD in increasing academic achievement. In addition, according to the EcAT results, students’ high levels of misunderstanding show that there are indicative of some deficiencies in teaching of the electrochemical cells in the molecular level.
Syllabic Schemes and Knowledge of the Alphabet in Reading Acquisition: Onset or Nucleus Variation
Authors: Díaz-Cárdenas A. F. , Díaz-Furlong H. A. , Díaz-Furlong A. , Sankey-García M. R.
Published: October 2016

Although there is a growing consensus that, in reading acquisition, it is essential to provide children with learning activities that promote the development of reading cognitive schemes, particularly intra-syllabic related patterns, there is no agreement on which kind of syllabic schemes should be worked out in the first place. The main aim of the present study is to analyse the readings of preschool Spanish-speaking children showing the development of syllabic schemes in the early stages of reading acquisition. Basically, we analyse their responses in relation to their previous knowledge of Spanish grapheme-phoneme correspondences (GPCs) or alphabet knowledge. Our results show that children’s recognition and construction of syllabic schemes, from the very first steps in preschool reading acquisition programmes, is facilitated by reading activities presenting shell-nucleus syllabic patterns, for which the only requirement, although not indispensable, is to know the five or six Spanish vowel GPCs. This kind of activity seems to be more adequate than reading drills involving onset-rhyme syllabic analogies that require previous knowledge of consonant GPCs. The conclusion we have reached is that the development of onset-rhyme syllabic reading schemes shows a stronger relation to alphabet knowledge that shell-nucleus syllabic reading schemes, at least in the early stages of reading learning.
Study the Current and Optimal Status of Teaching Environment at High Schools with Emphasis on Curriculum Experts and Teachers Viewpoints
Authors: Parishani Neda , Jafari Seyed Ebrahim Mir Shah , Sharifian Fereydoon , Farhadian Mehrdad
Published: October 2016

The purpose of present research was to study the current and optimal status of teaching environment at high schools in Iran with emphasis on curriculum experts and teachers viewpoints. Research method was mixed method. In the qualitative part, experts viewpoints were gathered through a semi-structured interview. In the quantitative part, 258 high school teachers were selected randomly as statistical sample and a researcher-made questionnaire was distributed among them to collect data. Content validity was used to determine the questionnaire validity, and its reliability was calculated at 0.90, using Cronbach at alpha coefficient. Findings showed that, according to experts’ viewpoints, status of teaching environment at high schools is not desirable. Also, findings suggest that best teaching method for environment in Iran is a blended-electronic, project-oriented, teaching practical skills in open spaces. Iranian teachers chose teaching methods to teach environmental not only to promote their knowledge but also affect the attitude and skills of environmental protection and creating environmental conduct.
Analysis the Status of Socialization Variables in the Iran High School Textbooks with Emphasize on Motahari’s Thoughts
Authors: Mirjalili Seyyed Mohammad Ali , Abari Ahmad Ali Foroughi , Gholizadeh Azar , Yarmohammadian M. Hossein
Published: October 2016

Live in a society, requires the acceptance of some restrictions and rules that they applied to the individuals from the community and others social organizations. So, it can be said that socialization is a process that citizens by its help learns the values, beliefs and behavior standards which social environment have expected of them. In order to, the aim of this paper is analysis the status of sociability variables in the Iran high school textbooks with point on Shahid Motahari (Note 1) derived thoughts in framework of social theories. Applied methodology is based on librarian and documentary approach and these proofs are like data for this research. According to this research goal, for sampling was used of purposeful and theoretical sampling. Results showed that if a person don’t put itself as a separate part of its community and if some activities carried out are in accordance with the society existence and applied it as an element to affirm their identity. Finally, we analysis other parts of social ownership, social trust and it is presented some suggestions.
The Impact of Political Connections on the Performance and Solvency of Canadian Financial Institutions
Authors: Dicko Saidatou
Published: October 2016

This article’s main goal is to analyze the impact of political connections on the financial performance of Canadian financial institutions. Data on Canadian financial institutions from the S&P/TSX Composite Index over a five-year period was analyzed, and the results demonstrate that contrary to previous studies on companies in other industries, political connections had a negative influence on solvency, return on assets and return on equity for these Canadian financial institutions. Only the market-to-book ratio was positively and significantly influenced by political connections.
Choosing the Appropriate Amount of Mortgage Loan: Risk Based Decision Making
Authors: Gunay Suleyman Gokhan , Yildirak Kasirga
Published: October 2016

The main purpose of this paper is to show the way to conduct a risk based mortgage loan choice process for low and middle income households in Turkey. There are several studies that analyze the impact of buying a house decision on an investor’s portfolio, which consists of house, stocks and bonds. In this study, house is treated as a single investment. The probability of defaults for the cash flows based on mortgage payments, rents, down payment and depreciation are calculated in order to find the amount of mortgage loan for a given rent and maturity. Net present values of cash flows related with buying a house are calculated via stochastic interest rates based on historical simulation. It is found that the amount of mortgage loan can be determined by risk based approach and a rational choice can be made in terms of household risk management.
Is India Really Competing with China on a Macro Economic Base
Authors: Kannaiah Desti , J. N. Hemalatha
Published: October 2016

Macroeconomics has been aptly defined as “the study of the major economic ‘totals’ or aggregates-- total production (GNP), total employment and unemployment, the average price level of all goods and services, the total money supply, and others” (Gordon, 1978). The word macro is derived from the Greek word macros meaning large

The economy of India has seen rapid growth in recent years. Spurred by good domestic demand, steady and significant reforms, lower crude prices and increased skilled labor India is the fastest growing economy among the BRICS nations. Another Asian country which is also in the fast lane with respect to macroeconomic growth is China. China’s growth has primarily been attributed to a sharp sustained increase in productivity accompanied by increase in capital accumulation, improved infrastructure and cheap labor force (Hu & Khan, 1997).
Both India and China have emerged as significant forces in the global economy over the last two decades. Both countries are geographically very large and have a huge population. Both countries have also achieved remarkable rates of economic growth and poverty reduction since 1980,with India doubling its per capita GDP and China posting a seven fold increase in its per capita GDP (Bosworth & Collins, 2008) .A PWC report titled “World in 2050” predicts China and India to be world leading powerhouse economies by 2050.
Analysis of Indonesian Islamic and Conventional Banking Before and After 2008
Authors: Anwar Arfianti Novita
Published: October 2016

This study aims to analyze the performance of Islamic banks and conventional banks before and after the implementation of Islamic Banking Act 2008. The performance will be measured using CAMEL ratio selected. This research is considered essential in examining the positive contribution of the application of the Act to improve the performance of Islamic banks in Indonesia. By using secondary data, this study compared the performance of Islamic banks with that conventional bank selected as samples during the study period. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for inter-temporal and Mann-Whitney test for inter-bank. Inter-temporal Tests conducted on Islamic Banking showed that a significant difference was only seen in the NPF ratio of 2 years before and after implementation of Islamic Banking Act. As for conventional banks showed a more diverse ie for 1 year before and after the application of the Law on Islamic Banking there are significant differences for the ROA and ROE, two years before and after implementation of the Law Islamic banking there are significant differences for the CAR, ROA, ROE and NIM and for the overall test a significant difference to CAR, ROA, ROE, NIM and efficiency. Inter-bank testing showed that prior to the application of Islamic Banking Act there are significant differences between conventional banks and Islamic banks to CAR, ROA and efficiency. Furthermore, after the application of Islamic Banking Act there is a significant difference for the CAR and LDR / FDR.
Firm Performance and Its Drivers: How Important Are the Industry and Firm-Level Factors?
Authors: Adetunji Olubanjo Michael , Owolabi Akintola Amos
Published: October 2016

This paper provides empirical evidence for the relative importance of industry and firm-level factors as determinants of firm performance. It also shows the relevance of the individual factors at both industry and firm levels. The paper therefore attempts to provide evidence for effects of industry and business-specific factors on firm performance using data from a developing economy. The study uses the financial and other organization-specific data of firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The findings show that organization-specific factors are relatively more important than the industry factors, accounting for 66.58 percent of the variation in return on asset with little or no evidence for the effects of industry-level factors on return on asset. Financial leverage, firm size and firm growth rate are shown to be the most relevant firm-level factors. Firm-level factors also accounts for slightly more variance in Tobin’s Q than the industry factors.The results also show that the industry sector of the firm is the most relevant industry-level determinant of firm market performance. There is however little or no evidence for the effects of both industry- and firm-level factors on return on equity.
Investigating Decoupage and Cinematic Special-Effects in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh
Authors: Nezhad Nili Fatemeh
Published: October 2016

Decoupage or cinematic segmentation is a step by step map used by filmmaker to produce a film or television show, and cinematic special effect is reconstruction and re-creation of unrealistic or impossible scenes during production process. Shahnameh Ferdowsi, due to its attractive, deep and imaginative stories, enjoys a high capacity to be exploited in the field of movies and cinematic productions. The author aims to define principles and basic concepts of decoupage and special effects as well as to extract famous stories on each of the mythological, heroic and historical sections of the Shahnameh and to adapt the poems to cinematic segmentations. The author also aims to investigate each hemistich or line as a visual shot, and battles descriptions and marvels illustrated in epic and heroic works as special effects which are capable of being reconstructed in the world of movies. Analysis of mentioned stories and adapting Ferdowsi's imageries to the scenes defined in the modern scripts, has flaunted inherent ability of the Shahnameh to regenerate and adapt itself to the present time due to its creative and illustrator poet, and represents Ferdowsi as a filmmaker with a cinematic mind. At the end, the story will be analyzed and decoupaged and turns into a full screenplay, without any interferes and just based on Ferdowsi poems to become a work of art in various visual formats such as movies, TV shows, animations, computer games, etc. At the same time, it accounts for both aspects of form and content in a prominent work.
Tunneling magnetoresistance in trilayer structures composed of group-IV-based ferromagnetic semiconductor Ge1−
xFex, MgO, and Fe
Authors: Wakabayashi Yuki K. , Okamoto Kohei , Ban Yoshisuke , Sato Shoichi , Tanaka Masaaki , Ohya Shinobu
Published: October 2016

The group-IV-based ferromagnetic semiconductor Ge1−

x
Fe
x
(GeFe) is one of the most promising materials for efficient spin injectors and detectors for Si and Ge. In this study, we show the first successful observation of the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) containing a group-IV ferromagnetic semiconductor, that is, in MTJs composed of epitaxially grown Fe/MgO/Ge0.935Fe0.065. We find that the p–d(t2) band in GeFe is mainly responsible for the tunneling transport. Although the obtained TMR ratio is small (∼0.3%), the TMR ratio is expected to be enhanced by suppressing leak current through amorphous crystal domains observed in MgO.
Effect of solvent evaporation temperature on the structure of two-dimensional melamine networks on Au(111)
Authors: Okada Arifumi , Nakata Yohei , Minou Kosuke , Yoshimura Masamichi , Kadono Kohei
Published: October 2016

By scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), we investigated two-dimensional (2D) structures of melamine formed on Au(111) surfaces by solvent evaporation. By increasing the evaporation temperature, the well-known ordered honeycomb 2D molecular phase, in which all molecules are linked by hydrogen bonding, changes to four coexisting phases, i.e., a 2D network consisting of linear segments, 1D molecular rows, and hexagonal and distorted hexagonal structures. The first two phases are sometimes observed in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) on metallic substrates other than Au. The last two phases have lattice parameters close to those of the well-known honeycomb structure. The structural change observed in this study is attributed to local temperature and concentration distributions of the solution and substrate surface during solvent evaporation. From the results, we found that the molecular nanostructures can be tailored by the solvent evaporation method with small changes in temperature.
Culturally Diverse Students in Higher Education: Challenges and Possibilities within Academic Literacy Practices
Authors: Tkachenko Elena , Bratland Kari , Johansen Jorunn Store
Published: October 2016

With growing diversity in the population, higher education faces a new situation with increasing student diversity. In our paper, we will explore questions concerning the consequences student diversity has for higher-education institutions. Based on our experience from three different R&D projects, the differences in culture and academic literacy practices give culturally diverse students challenges that have often been ignored in academia. Some other studies also document that this group of students has a much higher risk of dropping out and underachieving than majority students (Andersen & Skaarer- Kreutz, 2007; Støren, 2009). In our paper, we are going to discuss the students’ challenges and discourse of remediation that is often associated with their challenges and suggest how higher-education institutions can adjust their practices to be more oriented to intercultural communication. Intercultural communication as a dialogic approach may create dynamics in academic tutoring and lead to mutual change/transformation instead of a one-way adaptation of existing academic literacy norms. We argue that all teachers should be aware of cultural differences in literacy practices in the education systems and strive to adjust their teaching practices to the diversity in the classroom. This approach, we believe, can contribute to a better learning environment for all students, independently of their backgrounds.
Moulin density controls drainage development beneath the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Banwell Alison , Hewitt Ian , Willis Ian , Arnold Neil
Published: October 2016

Uncertainty remains about how the surface hydrology of the Greenland ice sheet influences its subglacial drainage system, affecting basal water pressures and ice velocities, particularly over intraseasonal and interseasonal timescales. Here we apply a high spatial (200 m) and temporal (1 h) resolution subglacial hydrological model to a marginal (extending ~25 km inland), land‐terminating, ~200 km2 domain in the Paakitsoq region, West Greenland. The model is based on that by Hewitt (2013) but adapted for use with both real topographic boundary conditions and calibrated modeled water inputs. The inputs consist of moulin hydrographs, calculated by a surface routing and lake‐filling/draining model, which is forced with distributed runoff from a surface energy‐balance model. Results suggest that the areal density of lake‐bottom moulins and their timing of opening during the melt season strongly affects subglacial drainage system development. A higher moulin density causes an earlier onset of subglacial channelization (i.e., water transport through channels rather than the distributed sheet), which becomes relatively widespread across the bed, whereas a lower moulin density results in a later onset of channelization that becomes less widespread across the bed. In turn, moulin density has a strong control on spatial and temporal variations in subglacial water pressures, which will influence basal sliding rates, and thus ice motion. The density of active surface‐to‐bed connections should be considered alongside surface melt intensity and extent in future predictions of the ice sheet's dynamics.
The contribution of glacial isostatic adjustment to projections of sea‐level change along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America
Authors: Love Ryan , Milne Glenn A. , Tarasov Lev , Engelhart Simon E. , Hijma Marc P. , Latychev Konstantin , Horton Benjamin P. , Törnqvist Torbjörn E.
Published: October 2016

We determine the contribution of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) to future relative sea‐level change for the North American coastline between Newfoundland and Texas. We infer GIA model parameters using recently compiled and quality‐assessed databases of past sea‐level changes, including new databases for the United States Gulf Coast and Atlantic Canada. At 13 cities along this coastline, we estimate the GIA contribution to range from a few centimeters (e.g., 3 [−1 to 9] cm Miami) to a few decimeters (e.g., 18 [12–22] cm, Halifax) for the period 2085–2100 relative to 2006–2015 (1−σ ranges given). We provide estimates of uncertainty in the GIA component using two different methods; the more conservative approach produces total ranges (1−σ confidence) that vary from 3 to 16 cm for the cities considered. Contributions from ocean steric and dynamic changes as well as those from changes in land ice are also estimated to provide context for the GIA projections. When summing the contributions from all three processes at the 13 cities considered along this coastline, using median or best‐estimate values, the GIA signal comprises 5–38% of the total depending on the adopted climate forcing and location. The contributions from ocean dynamic/steric changes and ice mass loss are similar in amplitude but with spatial variation that approximately cancels, resulting in GIA dominating the net spatial variability north of 35°N.
Submesoscale evolution of surface drifter triads in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Berta Maristella , Griffa Annalisa , Özgökmen Tamay M. , Poje Andrew C.
Published: October 2016

Triangle shape metrics are analyzed to quantify the evolution of submesoscale (100–500 m initial separation) surface drifter triplets released in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The observations are compared to synthetic drifters advected by geostrophic velocity fields derived from satellite altimetry. Observed submesoscale triads evolve rapidly, reaching highly elongated configurations on timescales of 6 h to 2 days, in contrast to 6 days or longer for altimetry‐derived synthetic data. Estimates of horizontal divergence and strain rate from the drifter triplets indicate the relative importance of divergence in the evolution of triangle shape. Horizontal divergence is scale dependent, on the order of the local Coriolis parameter, and 2 to 3 times larger for initial 100 m scales compared to initial 500 m scales.
Greenland Ice Sheet flow response to runoff variability
Authors: Stevens Laura A. , Behn Mark D. , Das Sarah B. , Joughin Ian , Noël Brice P. Y. , van den Broeke Michiel R. , Herring Thomas
Published: October 2016

We use observations of ice sheet surface motion from a Global Positioning System network operating from 2006 to 2014 around North Lake in west Greenland to investigate the dynamical response of the Greenland Ice Sheet's ablation area to interannual variability in surface melting. We find no statistically significant relationship between runoff season characteristics and ice flow velocities within a given year or season. Over the 7 year time series, annual velocities at North Lake decrease at an average rate of −0.9 ± 1.1 m yr−2, consistent with the negative trend in annual velocities observed in neighboring regions over recent decades. We find that net runoff integrated over several preceding years has a negative correlation with annual velocities, similar to findings from the two other available decadal records of ice velocity in western Greenland. However, we argue that this correlation is not necessarily evidence for a direct hydrologic mechanism acting on the timescale of multiple years but could be a statistical construct. Finally, we stress that neither the decadal slowdown trend nor the negative correlation between velocity and integrated runoff is predicted by current ice‐sheet models, underscoring that these models do not yet capture all the relevant feedbacks between runoff and ice dynamics needed to predict long‐term trends in ice sheet flow.
Wave glider observations of surface winds and currents in the core of Typhoon Danas
Authors: Mitarai S. , McWilliams J. C.
Published: October 2016

Simultaneous monitoring of surface winds and currents is essential to understand oceanic responses to tropical cyclones. We used a new platform, a Wave Glider (Liquid Robotics) to observe air‐sea processes during a typhoon, equivalent to a category 4‐hurricane, at peak strength, near Okinawa, Japan. Surface winds showed strong asymmetry in both speed and direction, faster fore than aft. Rotations of surface winds and currents were not coupled; currents rotated clockwise in the wake of the typhoon eye after passage of rapid wind rotations. Wind work was mostly done ahead of the eye, amplifying prior inertial motions with a phase shift. Wind‐induced energy was nearly balanced with an increase in estimated kinetic energy of the upper ocean current, relative to prior inertial oscillations. This study provides a newer, more complete view of actual atmosphere‐ocean interactions in a typhoon.
North‐south variations of tropical storm genesis locations in the Western Hemisphere
Authors: Wang Chunzai , Wang Lei , Wang Xin , Wang Dongxiao , Wu Lixin
Published: October 2016

In the Western Hemisphere, tropical storms or hurricanes form in the North Atlantic and eastern North Pacific. Previous studies have focused on storm variability in the frequency, duration, and intensity in each basin. Here we find that the tropical storm genesis location in one ocean basin ties to the other one. On both interannual and multidecadal time scales, a northward (southward) shift of the tropical storm genesis location is associated with a southward (northward) variation in the other ocean basin. The change of cross‐Central America wind in the upper troposphere, which induces an out‐of‐phase relation of vertical wind shear, bridges storm activity in the two ocean basins. Sea surface temperatures in both the tropical Pacific and North Atlantic can induce the zonal wind change across Central America. An implication of this study is that hurricane outlooks can be improved by considering the two ocean basins together, and thus helping reduce the damage caused by hurricane landfall.
Coupling on the northern Cascadia subduction zone from geodetic measurements and physics‐based models
Authors: Bruhat Lucile , Segall Paul
Published: October 2016

Kinematic inversions of GPS and tide gauge/leveling data display an unresolved “gap” between the downdip limit of the locked megathrust and the top of the episodic tremor and slip (ETS) zone in northern Cascadia. This work combines physics‐based models of slow‐slip events with both mean ETS displacements and decadal‐averaged deformation rates to explain the gap and determine how interseismic stress accumulates on the megathrust. While physics‐based predictions match the average ETS displacements, they significantly misfit long‐term rates, implying faster slip rates within both the gap and the ETS region. Heterogeneous Green's functions or velocity‐strengthening friction within the gap cannot explain the decadal rates. The observed uplift rates require steeper gradients in slip rate at the base of the locked zone. We invert for the smallest possible shear stress rate on the creeping megathrust below a locked zone that satisfactorily fits the data. A nonzero shear stress rate within the ETS zone, reaching −2.5 kPa/yr at a depth of 25–30 km, is required. Finally, of all the models that adequately fit both horizontal and vertical data, only those with deep locking depths, around 21 km, significantly improve the fit to the uplift rates.
Tumor‐Responsive Small Molecule Self‐Assembled Nanosystem for Simultaneous Fluorescence Imaging and Chemotherapy of Lung Cancer
Authors: Yang Yuming , Yue Caixia , Han Yu , Zhang Wei , He Aina , Zhang Chunlei , Yin Ting , Zhang Qian , Zhang Jingjing , Yang Yao , Ni Jian , Sun Jielin , Cui Daxiang
Published: October 2016

Cancer therapeutic drugs face various transportation barriers in transit to the tumor site, making the delivery of effective drug concentrations problematic. Moreover, these drugs are very difficult to use due to their adverse off‐target effects. Thus, it is very essential to develop a drug delivery system that can deliver drugs to achieve effective local concentrations without side effects on healthy tissues. Herein, the authors report a self‐assembled nanodrug system in which hydrophobic antitumor drugs are packaged into nanoparticles to improve water solubility, tumor targeting ability, blood retention time, and chemotherapeutic effect. The nanodrugs are degraded into smaller ones when exposed to the tumor microenvironment, extravasated from leaky regions of the tumor vasculature, and displayed matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2)‐induced degradation and antitumor property. To construct this unique system, an amphiphilic multifunctional molecule (Pep‐Cy5) is synthesized by attaching a MMP‐2‐cleavable peptide to a hydrophobic near‐infrared dye, Cy5. Two hydrophobic anticancer drugs are conjugated to Pep‐Cy5 through hydrophobic interactions to form the self‐assembled nanodrug system. The MMP‐2‐induced degradation and hydrophobic antitumor drug interchangeability features of this nanosystem enable the hydrophobic antitumor drugs to exhibit longer blood‐retention times, improved intratumoral accumulation, fewer side effects, and higher anticancer efficacies compared with free drugs.
Zinc Oxide Nanorod‐Based Piezoelectric Dermal Patch for Wound Healing
Authors: Bhang Suk Ho , Jang Woo Soon , Han Jin , Yoon Jeong‐Kee , La Wan‐Geun , Lee Eungkyu , Kim Youn Sang , Shin Jung‐Youn , Lee Tae‐Jin , Baik Hong Koo , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: October 2016

Current treatments for wound healing engage in passive healing processes and rarely participate in stimulating skin cell behaviors for active wound healing. Electric potential difference‐derived electrical fields (EFs) are known to modulate skin cell behaviors. Here, a piezoelectric dermal patch is developed that can be applied on skin wound site and EF is generated to promote wound healing. The one‐directionally aligned zinc oxide nanorod‐based piezoelectric patch generates piezoelectric potential upon mechanical deformations induced by animal motion, and induces EF at the wound bed. In vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that the piezoelectric patch promotes the wound healing process through enhanced cellular metabolism, migration, and protein synthesis. This modality may lead to a clinically relevant piezoelectric dermal patch therapy for active wound healing.
Flexible Hybrid Electronics: Direct Interfacing of Soft and Hard Electronics for Wearable Health Monitoring
Authors: Khan Yasser , Garg Mohit , Gui Qiong , Schadt Mark , Gaikwad Abhinav , Han Donggeon , Yamamoto Natasha A. D. , Hart Paul , Welte Robert , Wilson William , Czarnecki Steve , Poliks Mark , Jin Zhanpeng , Ghose Kanad , Egitto Frank , Turner James , Arias Ana C.
Published: October 2016

The interfacing of soft and hard electronics is a key challenge for flexible hybrid electronics. Currently, a multisubstrate approach is employed, where soft and hard devices are fabricated or assembled on separate substrates, and bonded or interfaced using connectors; this hinders the flexibility of the device and is prone to interconnect issues. Here, a single substrate interfacing approach is reported, where soft devices, i.e., sensors, are directly printed on Kapton polyimide substrates that are widely used for fabricating flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs). Utilizing a process flow compatible with the FPCB assembly process, a wearable sensor patch is fabricated composed of inkjet‐printed gold electrocardiography (ECG) electrodes and a stencil‐printed nickel oxide thermistor. The ECG electrodes provide 1 mVp–p ECG signal at 4.7 cm electrode spacing and the thermistor is highly sensitive at normal body temperatures, and demonstrates temperature coefficient, α ≈ –5.84% K–1 and material constant, β ≈ 4330 K. This sensor platform can be extended to a more sophisticated multisensor platform where sensors fabricated using solution processable functional inks can be interfaced to hard electronics for health and performance monitoring, as well as internet of things applications.
Hierarchical Chemical Bonds Contributing to the Intrinsically Low Thermal Conductivity in α‐MgAgSb Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Ying Pingjun , Li Xin , Wang Yancheng , Yang Jiong , Fu Chenguang , Zhang Wenqing , Zhao Xinbing , Zhu Tiejun
Published: October 2016

Understanding the lattice dynamics and phonon transport from the perspective of chemical bonds is essential for improving and finding high‐efficiency thermoelectric materials and for many applications. Here, the coexistence of global and local weak chemical bonds is elucidated as the origin of the intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivity of non‐caged structure Nowotny–Juza compound, α‐MgAgSb, which is identified as a new type of promising thermoelectric material in the temperature range of 300–550 K. The global weak bonds of the compound lead to a low sound velocity. The unique three‐centered MgAgSb bonds in α‐MgAgSb vibrate locally and induce low‐frequency optical phonons, resulting in “rattling‐like” thermal damping to further reduce the lattice thermal conductivity. The hierarchical chemical bonds originate from the low valence electron count of α‐MgAgSb, with the feature shared by Nowotny–Juza compounds. Low lattice thermal conductivities are therefore highly possible in this series of compounds, which is verified by phonon and bulk modulus calculations on some of the compositions.
Vapor‐Activated Power Generation on Conductive Polymer
Authors: Xue Jiangli , Zhao Fei , Hu Chuangang , Zhao Yang , Luo Hongxia , Dai Liming , Qu Liangti
Published: October 2016

An efficient vapor‐activated power generator based on a 3D polypyrrole (PPy) framework was demonstrated for the first time. By constructing the anions gradient in the PPy, this specially designed PPy framework provided free ionic gradient with the assistant of absorbing water vapor to promote the spontaneous transport of ionic charge carriers, thus leading to the intermittent electric output with the change of external water vapor. A high voltage output of ≈60 mV and power density output of ≈6.9 mW m−2 were achieved under the moisture environment. More interestingly, it also exhibited power generation behaviors upon exposure to most of organic or inorganic vapors, indicating the potential new type of self‐powered vapor sensors for practical applications.
Sole Chemical Confinement of Polysulfides on Nonporous Nitrogen/Oxygen Dual‐Doped Carbon at the Kilogram Scale for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Mi Kan , Chen Shunwei , Xi Baojuan , Kai Shuangshuang , Jiang Yong , Feng Jinkui , Qian Yitai , Xiong Shenglin
Published: October 2016

The exploration of inexpensive, facile, and large‐scale methods to prepare carbon scaffolds for high sulfur loadings is crucial for the advancement of Li–S batteries (LSBs). Herein, the authors report a new nitrogen and oxygen in situ dual‐doped nonporous carbonaceous material (NONPCM) that is composed of a myriad of graphene‐analogous particles. Importantly, NONPCM could be fabricated on a kilogram scale via inexpensive and green hydrothermal‐carbonization‐combined methods. Many active sites on the NONPCM surface are accessible for the efficient surface‐chemistry confinement of guest sulfur and its discharge product; this confinement is exclusive of physical entrapment, considering the low surface area. Electrochemical examination demonstrates excellent cycle stability and rate performance of the NONPCM (K)/S composite, even with a sulfur loading of 80 or 90 wt%. Hence, the scaffolds for LSBs exhibit potential for industrialization through further optimization and expansion of the present synthesis.
High‐Performance Silver Cathode Surface Treated with Scandia‐Stabilized Zirconia Nanoparticles for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Choi Hyung Jong , Kim Manjin , Neoh Ke Chean , Jang Dong Young , Kim Hyun Joong , Shin Jong Mok , Kim Gyu‐Tae , Shim Joon Hyung
Published: October 2016

This work introduces a novel silver composite cathode with a surface coating of scandia‐stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) nanoparticles for application in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs). The ScSZ coating is expected to maximize the triple boundary area of the Ag electrode, ScSZ electrolyte, and oxygen gas, where the oxygen reduction reaction occurs. The coating also protects the porous Ag against thermal agglomeration during fuel cell operation. The ScSZ nanoparticles are prepared by sputtering scandium‐zirconium alloy followed by thermal oxidation on Ag mesh. The performance of the solid oxide fuel cells with a gadolinia‐doped ceria electrolyte support is evaluated. At temperatures <500 °C, our optimized Ag‐ScSZ cathode outperforms the bare Ag cathode and even the platinum cathode, which has been believed to be the best material for this purpose. The highest cell peak power with the Ag‐ScSZ cathode is close to 60 mW cm−2 at 450 °C, while bare Ag and optimized Pt cathodes produce 38.3 and 49.4 mW cm−2, respectively. Long‐term current measurement also confirms that the Ag‐ScSZ cathode is thermally stable, with less degradation than bare Ag or Pt.
Emerging cellular and gene therapies for congenital anemias
Authors: Ludwig Leif S. , Khajuria Rajiv K. , Sankaran Vijay G.
Published: October 2016

Congenital anemias comprise a group of blood disorders characterized by a reduction in the number of peripherally circulating erythrocytes. Various genetic etiologies have been identified that affect diverse aspects of erythroid physiology and broadly fall into two main categories: impaired production or increased destruction of mature erythrocytes. Current therapies are largely focused on symptomatic treatment and are often based on transfusion of donor‐derived erythrocytes and management of complications. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation represents the only curative option currently available for the majority of congenital anemias. Recent advances in gene therapy and genome editing hold promise for the development of additional curative strategies for these blood disorders. The relative ease of access to the hematopoietic stem cell compartment, as well as the possibility of genetic manipulation ex vivo and subsequent transplantation in an autologous manner, make blood disorders among the most amenable to cellular therapies. Here we review cell‐based and gene therapy approaches, and discuss the limitations and prospects of emerging avenues, including genome editing tools and the use of pluripotent stem cells, for the treatment of congenital forms of anemia. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Amino‐Acid–Nucleoside Conjugates
Authors: Ghirardello Mattia , Delso Ignacio , Tejero Tomas , Merino Pedro
Published: October 2016

Representative derivatives of uridine‐conjugated amino acids that have been suitably protected for Fmoc solid‐phase chemistry have been prepared through efficient procedures that use “click” reactions as key steps, including thiol–ene radical reactions and copper‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions. Several linkers between the amino acid and nucleoside units, including alkyl chains and a triazole ring, have been successfully employed. Alkyl chains offer retention of flexibility, to allow the bisubstrate analogues to adopt an appropriate orientation, whilst the triazole ring can promote additional interactions at the active sites of target enzymes. Furthermore, a neutral surrogate of the pyrophosphate unit has been prepared by using a Staudinger–Vilarrasa reaction as a key step. Neutral analogues are promising surrogates for avoiding difficulties owing to cell‐membrane permeability.
3D ultrasound findings in women attending a South Australian recurrent miscarriage clinic
Authors: McCormack Catherine D. , Furness Denise L. , Dekker Gustaaf A. , Shand Karen , Roberts Claire T.
Published: October 2016

Background

Women who suffer recurrent miscarriage are a heterogeneous group. Known causes include genetic and endocrine abnormalities, anti‐phospholipid syndrome and autoimmune disease. Congenital uterine abnormalities (CUAs) such as bicornuate, unicornuate, septate and arcuate uterine abnormalities are known to negatively impact on pregnancy rates, and to increase the miscarriage rates of genetically normal pregnancies. In some countries, such as Britain, 3D ultrasound of the pelvis is offered routinely to women with recurrent miscarriages.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of CUAs and other pelvic pathology, in women attending a South Australian recurrent miscarriage clinic.

Materials and methods

3D transvaginal ultrasounds performed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle were offered to all patients attending the recurrent miscarriage clinic, who had not previously had a hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, HyCoSy or MRI study of their pelvis. A Philips IUI 8 MHz transvaginal probe for freehand sweep, and dedicated 3D transvaginal probe was used. 3D scans provide a coronal view of the uterus, ideal for detecting abnormalities which may be missed during routine conventional 2D scanning.

Results

A total of 210 women were recruited, 200 results were available, and 29% were found to have a CUA. 15% had polycystic ovaries detected, 15% were found to have fibroids, 12% adenomyosis and 1.5% Asherman's syndrome.

Conclusions

3D ultrasound evaluation of patients attending a recurrent miscarriage clinic detects CUAs, and has a high detection rate of other pelvic abnormalities that may contribute to recurrent miscarriages.
Selective Coke Combustion by Oxygen Pulsing During Mo/ZSM‐5‐Catalyzed Methane Dehydroaromatization
Authors: Kosinov Nikolay , Coumans Ferdy J. A. G. , Uslamin Evgeny , Kapteijn Freek , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: October 2016

Non‐oxidative methane dehydroaromatization is a promising reaction to directly convert natural gas into aromatic hydrocarbons and hydrogen. Commercialization of this technology is hampered by rapid catalyst deactivation because of coking. A novel approach is presented involving selective oxidation of coke during methane dehydroaromatization at 700 °C. Periodic pulsing of oxygen into the methane feed results in substantially higher cumulative product yield with synthesis gas; a H2/CO ratio close to two is the main side‐product of coke combustion. Using 13C isotope labeling of methane it is demonstrated that oxygen predominantly reacts with molybdenum carbide species. The resulting molybdenum oxides catalyze coke oxidation. Less than one‐fifth of the available oxygen reacts with gaseous methane. Combined with periodic regeneration at 550 °C, this strategy is a significant step forward, towards a process for converting methane into liquid hydrocarbons.
Radical‐Mediated 1,2‐Formyl/Carbonyl Functionalization of Alkenes and Application to the Construction of Medium‐Sized Rings
Authors: Li Zhong‐Liang , Li Xiao‐Hua , Wang Na , Yang Ning‐Yuan , Liu Xin‐Yuan
Published: October 2016

A novel radical 1,2‐formylfunctionalization of alkenes involving 1,2(4,5)‐formyl migration triggered by addition of various carbon‐ and heteroatom‐centered radicals to alkenes has been developed for the first time, thus providing straightforward access to diverse β‐functionalized aldehydes with good efficiency, remarkable selectivity, and excellent functional group tolerance. Analogous transformations mediated by a keto‐carbonyl migration have also been effected under similar conditions. This method was used to access ring systems including various benzannulated nine‐, ten‐, and eleven‐membered rings, complex 6‐5(6,7)‐6(5) fused rings, and bridged rings with diverse functionalities.
A Rigid Nested Metal–Organic Framework Featuring a Thermoresponsive Gating Effect Dominated by Counterions
Authors: Gao Qiang , Xu Jian , Cao Dapeng , Chang Ze , Bu Xian‐He
Published: October 2016

We herein report a rigid nested metal–organic framework (MOF) featuring a unique thermoresponsive gating adsorption behavior, which, in contrast to any known flexibility modes for stimuli‐responsive MOFs, depends on the thermal motion of the extra‐framework counterions. In addition, this MOF also exhibits adsorption selectivity of CO2 over N2, H2, and Ar at 273 K, thus enabling a strategic separation and encapsulation of CO2.
Size‐Dependent Surface Migration of Au Alloys on Si Nanowires at Different Cooling Rates
Authors: Park Yi‐Seul , Kim Hyun Ji , Lee Jin Seok
Published: October 2016

Understanding metal alloy migration in metal‐catalyzed nanowires growth is a prerequisite for improving its potential applications in the field of nanodevices. Here, we explored the surface migration of Au alloys in vertically aligned Si nanowires with different cooling rates. We varied the diameter of Au alloys by controlling the thickness of Au film as a catalyst for SiNW growth, and found that the behavior of Au alloys migration is dependent on size of Au alloys. In addition, the size‐dependent migration mechanism of Au alloys was investigated at different cooling rates, which is related to different Au‐Si eutectics.
Are We All Overconfident in the Long Run? Evidence from One Million Marathon Participants
Authors: Krawczyk Michał , Wilamowski Maciej
Published: October 2016

In this project, we measured overconfidence in a large, heterogeneous sample making familiar, repeated choices in a natural environment that provided direct feedback. Specifically, in study 1, we elicited predictions of own finishing time among participants of the 2012 Warsaw Marathon. The participants' prediction errors were highly correlated with the change in pace over the course of the run: overly optimistic forecasters slowed down more in the second half. In study 2, we consequently took this slowdown as a proxy for overconfidence and used existing field data of one million participants in several large marathons for which split times are available (but own predictions are not). Both studies indicate that men as well as the youngest and oldest participants tend to be more confident. In study 2, we were able to investigate national and cultural dimensions. We found confirmation of previously reported findings of relative overconfidence in Asians. Additionally, we show some largely novel results, in particular that relatively conservative societies tend to be relatively overconfident. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of developmental networks by Rac/Rho small GTPases: How cytoskeletal changes during embryogenesis are orchestrated
Authors: Sáenz‐Narciso Beatriz , Gómez‐Orte Eva , Zheleva Angelina , Gastaca Irene , Cabello Juan
Published: October 2016

Small GTPases in the Rho family act as major nodes with functions beyond cytoskeletal rearrangements shaping the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo during development. These small GTPases are key signal transducers that integrate diverse developmental signals to produce a coordinated response in the cell. In C. elegans, the best studied members of these highly conserved Rho family small GTPases, RHO‐1/RhoA, CED‐10/Rac, and CDC‐42, are crucial in several cellular processes dealing with cytoskeletal reorganization. In this review, we update the functions described for the Rho family small GTPases in spindle orientation and cell division, engulfment, and cellular movements during C. elegans embryogenesis, focusing on the Rho subfamily Rac.

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