bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les chambres fermées dans Malina
Authors: Laforce Esther
Published: September 2018

Structurée autour de la figure de trois chambres – chambre à coucher, chambre du monstrueux et « chambre à soi » –, cette analyse de l’adaptation du roman Malina d’Ingeborg Bachmann réalisée par Brigitte Haentjens se déploie autour de deux enjeux importants : d’une part, celui du traumatisme lié aux horreurs perpétrées durant la Deuxième Guerre mondiale et, d’autre part, l’enjeu féministe, qui découle chez Bachmann du premier. Convoquant les écrits de Virginia Woolf et d’Elfriede Jelinek, l’étude propose différentes significations du lieu fermé rendu à la scène par Haentjens, dans lequel étouffe le personnage féminin central.
Faire entendre sa plainte. Le savoir-faire mobilisé dans la composition des rapports disciplinaires en prison
Authors: Danais-Raymond12 Esther , Robert Dominique
Published: September 2018

Maintenir l’ordre de façon autonome dans le secteur dont ils sont responsables témoigne de la compétence des agents correctionnels. Dans de rares cas, ces derniers choisissent néanmoins de renvoyer une situation problème au comité de discipline. La sociologie pragmatique nous invite à lire ce renvoi comme une plainte qui, pour être validée, nécessite le recours à un savoir-faire implicite porté par les documents. Notre analyse de discours des rapports disciplinaires produits sur un an dans une prison québécoise nous amène à cerner les ordres de justice et les répertoires interprétatifs mobilisés par les agents qui voient à faire entendre leurs plaintes. Cette incursion dans la forme et le contenu du rapport disciplinaire nous convainc de l’intérêt de se pencher sur les documents comme médiateurs entre les paliers de la justice carcérale.
Pattern recognition techniques for the identification of Activities of Daily Living using mobile device accelerometer
Authors: Pires Ivan Miguel , Garcia Nuno M. , Pombo Nuno , Flórez-Revuelta Francisco , Spinsante Susanna , Canavarro Teixeira Maria , Zdravevski Eftim
Published: September 2018

This paper focuses on the recognition of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) applying pattern recognition techniques to the data acquired by the accelerometer available in the mobile devices. The recognition of ADL is composed by several stages, including data acquisition, data processing, and artificial intelligence methods. The artificial intelligence methods used are related to pattern recognition, and this study focuses on the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The data processing includes data cleaning, and the feature extraction techniques to define the inputs for the ANN. Due to the low processing power and memory of the mobile devices, they should be mainly used to acquire the data, applying an ANN previously trained for the identification of the ADL. The main purpose of this paper is to present a new method based on ANN for the identification of a defined set of ADL with a reliable accuracy. This paper also presents a comparison of different types of ANN in order to choose the type for the implementation of the final model. Results of this research probes that the best accuracies are achieved with Deep Neural Networks (DNN) with an accuracy higher than 80%. The results obtained are similar with other studies, but we compared tree types of ANN in order to discover the best method in order to obtain these results with less memory, verifying that, after the generation of the model, the DNN method, when compared with others, is also the fastest to obtain the results with better accuracy.
Extreme degeneracy of inputs in firing a neuron leads to loss of information when neuronal firing is examined
Authors: Vadakkan Kunjumon I
Published: September 2018

Possible combinations of inputs of the order of 10100 can fire (axonal spike or action potential) a neuron that has nearly 104 inputs (dendritic spines). This extreme degeneracy of inputs that can fire a neuron involves significant loss of information when examination is limited to neuronal firing. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) propagating from remote locations on the dendritic tree attenuate as they arrive at the axon hillock depending on the distance they propagate. Moreover, some EPSPs from remote locations will not even reach the axonal hillock. In this context, an operational mechanism at the location of origin of these EPSPs is necessary to preserve information for efficient storage. A similar mechanism is also expected at the location of origin of EPSPs generating dendritic spikes.
Colour vision of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings: do they still prefer blue under water?
Authors: Hall Rebecca Jehne , Robson Simon K.A. , Ariel Ellen
Published: September 2018

Background

Several anatomical studies provide evidence that green turtles (Chelonia mydas)possess the necessary anatomy for colour vision. Behavioural experiments have previously been conducted with newly emerged hatchlings, concluding that they are attracted to shorter wavelengths compared to longer wavelengths within a terrestrial environment, suggesting a possible attraction towards blue. This paper assessed the colour vision of hatchlings within an aquatic environment, and investigated whether the attraction for shorter wavelengths remains consistent within water, whether the colour saturation of the chromatic stimuli was an important factor, and whether rearing and testing individual animals in different coloured housing tanks has an impact on their visual choices.

Methods

Forty-one hatchling green turtles were presented with a three-choice experiment where food was attached to three different coloured plates. The plates (blue, yellow, and red) were randomly arranged in the turtle’s tank and four different colour saturations were tested (100, 75, 50, and 25%). Turtles were individually placed into their housing tanks (coloured either red, white, blue or grey) with three different colour plates in front of them, from the same saturation level. The colour of the plate with food first approached and bitten by the turtle was recorded.

Results

The colour of the tank in which an individual was reared, and where experiments were conducted, significantly influenced which food item was selected on the different coloured plates. While individual turtles preferred to select the food items associated with blue plates across the entire experiment (66.1% of the time compared to 18.2% and 15.7% for yellow and red plates respectively), the preference for blue plates was influenced by the colour of the rearing/experimental tank. Individuals raised in red, white or blue tanks appeared to consistently prefer food on blue plates, but there appeared to be no plate colour preference by turtles in grey tanks. There was no significant effect of either colour saturation or the spatial arrangement of the three colours within an experimental tank on colour choice, and no significant interaction between tank colour and colour saturation.

Discussion

Thesefindings confirm that the terrestrial preference towards shorter wavelength colours, such as blue, compared to longer wavelength colours remains consistent within an aquatic environment. This preference for blue continues even as the colour saturation reduces from 100% down to 25%, and the colours become darker. Thus, it is suggested that green turtle hatchlings have a strong attraction towards blue. This attraction, however, is influenced by the colour of the tank the turtles were raised in. While this supports the notion that environmental colour may influence individual turtle visual capabilities, it suggests that this relationship is more complicated, and requires further investigation.
A phylogenetic taxonomy of theCyrtodactylus peguensisgroup (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) with descriptions of two new species from Myanmar
Authors: Grismer L. Lee , Wood Perry L. , Quah Evan S.H. , Murdoch Matthew L. , Grismer Marta S. , Herr Mark W. , Espinoza Robert E. , Brown Rafe M. , Lin Aung
Published: September 2018

A phylogenetic taxonomy of species in theCyrtodactylus peguensisgroup from the Ayeyarwady Basin of Myanmar is constructed based on color pattern, morphology, and molecular systematic analyses using the mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2. Newly collected samples from the type locality ofC. peguensisand other localities indicate that this clade is endemic to central Myanmar and contains at least seven species, four of which are undescribed. Three species, includingC. peguensisoccur in the low hills of the Bago Yoma Range within the central portion of the Ayeyarwady Basin. Two of these,C. myintkyawthuraisp. nov. from the northern and central Bago Yoma andC. meersisp. nov. which is syntopic withC. peguensisin the southern Bago Yoma are described herein. As more lowland hilly areas bordering, and within the Ayeyarwady Basin are surveyed, more new species of this group are likely to be discovered. These discoveries continue the recent surge of descriptions of new species ofCyrtodactylusthat are being discovered in Myanmar.
The metabolic response of theBradypussloth to temperature
Authors: Cliffe Rebecca Naomi , Scantlebury David Michael , Kennedy Sarah Jane , Avey-Arroyo Judy , Mindich Daniel , Wilson Rory Paul
Published: September 2018

Poikilotherms and homeotherms have different, well-defined metabolic responses to ambient temperature (Ta), but both groups have high power costs at high temperatures. Sloths (Bradypus) are critically limited by rates of energy acquisition and it has previously been suggested that their unusual departure from homeothermy mitigates the associated costs. No studies, however, have examined how sloth body temperature and metabolic rate vary withTa. Here we measured the oxygen consumption (VO2) of eight brown-throated sloths (B. variegatus) at variableTa’s and found that VO2indeed varied in an unusual manner with what appeared to be a reversal of the standard homeotherm pattern. Sloth VO2increased withTa, peaking in a metabolic plateau (nominal ‘thermally-active zone’ (TAZ)) before decreasing again at higherTavalues. We suggest that this pattern enables sloths to minimise energy expenditure over a wide range of conditions, which is likely to be crucial for survival in an animal that operates under severe energetic constraints. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a mammal provisionally invoking metabolic depression in response to increasingTa’s, without entering into a state of torpor, aestivation or hibernation.
Discovery of two skin-derived dermaseptins and design of a TAT-fusion analogue with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity on healthy cells
Authors: Zhu Haohao , Ding Xiyan , Li Wei , Lu Tulin , Ma Chengbang , Xi Xinping , Wang Lei , Zhou Mei , Burden Roberta , Chen Tianbao
Published: September 2018

Two novel peptides belonging to the dermaseptin family, namely DRS-CA-1 and DRS-DU-1, were encoded from cDNA libraries derived from the skin secretions of Phyllomedusa camba and Callimedusa (Phyllomedusa) duellmani. Both natural peptides are highly-conserved and exhibited high potency against wild-type Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, yeast and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) (MICs 4–8 µM) with no obvious hemolytic activity. Collectively these results suggest that both peptides may have potential as novel antibiotics. Additionally, DRS-DU-1 exhibited selective cytotoxicity to tumor cells. The truncated analogue, DP-1 and TAT-fused DP-1 (namely DP-2) were subsequently synthesised. It showed that DP-1 had low antimicrobial activity, no hemolytic and cytotoxicity to tumor cells. However, DP-2 possessed strong antimicrobial activity and the similar selective, no obvious hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity on normal human cells, but enhanced cytotoxicity to tumor cells of DRS-DU-1. These findings indicate that the N-terminus of the dermaseptins may contribute to their bioactivity, and that addition of the TAT peptide can improve biological activity. The results provide a new insight for designing novel peptide-based antimicrobial or anticancer agents with low hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity.
Explosives and Propellants
Authors: Akhavan Jacqueline
Published: September 2018

Explosives and propellants are chemical compounds that undergo chemical decomposition reactions at very fast speeds, producing gaseous products and a great deal of heat. In some circumstances a blast wave can be produced. The information provided here gives an introduction to this process covering the theory of detonation and deflagration. Explosives can be divided into three classes: (i) primary explosives, (ii) secondary explosives, and (iii) propellants. The behavior and performance of these three classes of explosives is discussed. Physical and chemical data on primary and secondary explosives are given together with details of new high temperature explosives. Last, future developments in explosives technology are presented with regard to enhancing the performance, insensitive high explosives, and explosives and the environment.
When nostalgia marketing backfires: Gender differences in the impact of nostalgia on youthfulness for older consumers
Authors: Kim Young Kyu , Yim Mark Yi‐Cheon
Published: September 2018

Two studies are conducted to test how consumers respond differently in feeling nostalgic depending on age and gender. Study 1 uses narrative writing tasks to empirically test the effect of nostalgic versus nonnostalgic feelings on youthfulness by age and gender. To increase the external validity of our findings in Study 1, Study 2 replicates it using print ads. The results across the two studies consistently reveal a significant effect of nostalgia on feelings of youthfulness that differs by age and gender. Specifically, older women tend to feel less youthful than older men when nostalgic feelings are induced in both studies, whereas younger adults experience no gender difference. Results also show that these differences are explained by self‐discontinuity between current and ideal body image. Furthermore, we identify that nostalgic feelings in advertising are effective because they generate positive feelings of youthfulness that in turn result in positive attitudes toward the ad.
Why Tin‐Doping Enhances the Efficiency of Hematite Photoanodes for Water Splitting—The Full Picture
Authors: Hufnagel Alexander G. , Hajiyani Hamidreza , Zhang Siyuan , Li Tong , Kasian Olga , Gault Baptiste , Breitbach Benjamin , Bein Thomas , Fattakhova‐Rohlfing Dina , Scheu Christina , Pentcheva Rossitza
Published: September 2018

The beneficial effects of Sn(IV) as a dopant in ultrathin hematite (α‐Fe2O3) photoanodes for water oxidation are examined. Different Sn concentration profiles are prepared by alternating atomic layer deposition of Fe2O3 and SnO
x
. Combined data from spectrophotometry and intensity‐modulated photocurrent spectroscopy yields the individual process efficiencies for light harvesting, charge separation, and charge transfer. The best performing photoanodes are Sn‐doped both on the surface and in the subsurface region and benefit from enhanced charge separation and transfer. Sn‐doping throughout the bulk of the hematite photoanode causes segregation at the grain boundaries and hence a lower overall efficiency. Fe2O3 (0001) and terminations, shown to be dominant by microstructural analysis, are investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The energetics of surface intermediates during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) reveal that while Sn‐doping decreases the overpotential on the (0001) surface, the Fe2O3 orientation shows one of the lowest overpotentials reported for hematite so far. Electronic structure calculations demonstrate that Sn‐doping on the surface also enhances the charge transfer efficiency by elimination of surface hole trap states (passivation) and that subsurface Sn‐doping introduces a gradient of the band edges that reinforces the band bending at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface and thus boosts charge separation.
Understanding the Role of Functional Groups in Polymeric Binder for Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction on Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Ji Hoon , Kattel Shyam , Xie Zhenhua , Tackett Brian M. , Wang Jiajun , Liu Chang‐Jun , Chen Jingguang G.
Published: September 2018

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is one of the promising strategies for converting CO2 to value‐added chemicals. Gold (Au) catalysts are considered to be the best benchmarking materials for CO2RR to produce CO. In this work, the role of different functional groups of polymeric binders on CO2RR over Au catalysts is systematically investigated by combined experimental measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Especially, it is revealed that the functional groups can play a role in suppressing the undesired hydrogen evolution reaction, the main competing reaction against CO2RR, thus enabling more catalytic active sites to be available for CO2RR and enhancing the CO2RR activity. Consistent with the DFT prediction, fluorine (F)‐containing functional groups in the F‐rich polytetrafluoroethylene binder lead to a high Faradaic efficiency (≈94.7%) of CO production. This study suggests a new strategy by optimizing polymeric binders for the selective CO2RR.
Surface Electrochemical Stability and Strain‐Tunable Lithium Storage of Highly Flexible 2D Transition Metal Carbides
Authors: Chen Shu , Fu Zhongheng , Zhang Hang , Legut Dominik , Germann Timothy C. , Zhang Qianfan , Du Shiyu , Francisco Joseph S. , Zhang Ruifeng
Published: September 2018

2D transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) have attracted enormous attention because of their potential applications in energy storage, catalysis, and others. The control of surface terminations is generally believed to offer the potential preparation approaches to novel MXenes, while an external strain may provide solution to property modification. However, an atomistic understanding on the stabilization of surface complexity and the influence of strain on electrochemical properties of MXenes are scarce yet much demanded. Herein, taking Ti2CTn as a representative MXene, the thermodynamically favorable configurations are explored with a mixture of functional groups under various electrochemical environments. It predicts that five thermodynamically preferable Ti2CTn terminated by O and F cofunctionalized groups are discovered, all of which show excellent mechanical flexibility and strength that appear a decreasing trend as increasing F/O ratio. Further investigations on strain‐controllable Li‐transport of these cofunctionalized Ti2CT2 indicate that a mixture of surface terminations decreases the diffusion barriers, while the uniaxial strain modifies the diffusion pathways of Li atom owing to asymmetrical surface geometry and electronic polarization. These findings provide a view on the modification of properties by controlling surface complexity, demonstrating effective pathways in designing MXenes by electrochemical approach and tuning electrochemical property by strains.
Bioengineering Organs for Blood Detoxification
Authors: Legallais Cécile , Kim Dooli , Mihaila Sylvia M. , Mihajlovic Milos , Figliuzzi Marina , Bonandrini Barbara , Salerno Simona , Yousef Yengej Fjodor A. , Rookmaaker Maarten B. , Sanchez Romero Natalia , Sainz‐Arnal Pilar , Pereira Ulysse , Pasqua Mattia , Gerritsen Karin G. F. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Remuzzi Andrea , Baptista Pedro M. , De Bartolo Loredana , Masereeuw Rosalinde , Stamatialis Dimitrios
Published: September 2018

For patients with severe kidney or liver failure the best solution is currently organ transplantation. However, not all patients are eligible for transplantation and due to limited organ availability, most patients are currently treated with therapies using artificial kidney and artificial liver devices. These therapies, despite their relative success in preserving the patients' life, have important limitations since they can only replace part of the natural kidney or liver functions. As blood detoxification (and other functions) in these highly perfused organs is achieved by specialized cells, it seems relevant to review the approaches leading to bioengineered organs fulfilling most of the native organ functions. There, the culture of cells of specific phenotypes on adapted scaffolds that can be perfused takes place. In this review paper, first the functions of kidney and liver organs are briefly described. Then artificial kidney/liver devices, bioartificial kidney devices, and bioartificial liver devices are focused on, as well as biohybrid constructs obtained by decellularization and recellularization of animal organs. For all organs, a thorough overview of the literature is given and the perspectives for their application in the clinic are discussed.
Thin‐Film Composite Polyionic Liquid Gel Membranes and Their Potential for Nanofiltration in Organic Solvents
Authors: Al‐kharabsheh Salem , Bernstein Roy
Published: September 2018

Polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) gels can serve as a promising material for the fabrication of solvent resistance nanofiltration (SRNF) membranes, given the solubility and the high delocalization of the counterion of PILs in organic solvents. This research describes the fabrication of a new thin‐film composite membrane (TFC) with a crosslinked PIL (i.e., PIL gel) as an active layer and demonstrates its great potential as an SRNF membrane. A hydrophobic and positively charged thin‐film PIL gel (100–400 nm) is successfully grafted onto a polyethersulfone membrane. The grafting degree, surface charge, and cross‐linker density depend on the grafting conditions. This, it turn, governs the permeability and selectivity of the membranes tested in acetonitrile and ethanol solutions, good and poor solvents for the grafted PIL gel, respectively. These changes are attributed to the trade‐off between the membrane surface properties in the two solvents. In particular, the membrane that has a high grafting degree, surface charge, and cross‐linker density yields high permeance and rejection in acetonitrile. Furthermore, the membrane performance is stable in ethanol for one week. Due to the wide variety of PIL monomers, TFC membranes with different properties can be developed based on the solvent properties.
Dual Sensing Arrays for Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Based on Nanowire/Nanorod Hybrid Nanostructures
Authors: Lee Kuang‐Li , Hung Chia‐Yu , Pan Ming‐Yang , Wu Tsung‐Yeh , Yang Sen‐Yeu , Wei Pei‐Kuen
Published: September 2018

A multifunctional sensing array with gold nanowire–nanorod hybrid nanostructures for dual detection of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is presented. The cost‐effective and arrayed nanostructures are made simply onto plastic films using hot‐embossing nanoimprint lithography. Five different hybrid nanostructures are studied and compared by measuring SERS enhancement factor and SPR thickness sensitivity. The combination of nanowire and nanorod structures in specific arrangement and quantities of nanorods can not only enhance the SERS effect but also further increase the SPR thickness sensitivity. The area percentage of nanorods of 16.51% can achieve the highest SPR thickness sensitivity and 106 SERS enhancement. On comparison of the nanowire structure, the SERS signal and SPR thickness sensitivity of nanowire/nanorod hybrid nanostructure are increased up to 6 times and 2 times simultaneously. The estimated SERS enhancement factor and SPR thickness sensitivity are 2.82 × 106 and 0.74 (nm/nm), respectively. The enhanced sensitivity is attributed to the increased nanorods contributing to dense hot spots and the reduced SPR evanescent length caused by the localized surface plasmons. These results are verified by finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) calculations. Such low‐cost SPR–SERS chips for multifunctional chemical analysis can increase the reliability of biological detection and broaden sensing applications.
Graphene‐Based Electronic Immunosensor with Femtomolar Detection Limit in Whole Serum
Authors: Andoy Nesha M. , Filipiak Marcin S. , Vetter Daniel , Gutiérrez‐Sanz Óscar , Tarasov Alexey
Published: September 2018

Purely electronic diagnostic devices that are sensitive to biomolecules' intrinsic charge present a very attractive platform for point‐of‐care (PoC) applications, since they can operate under label‐free conditions. In this report, a graphene‐based electrolyte‐gated field‐effect transistor is developed as an immunosensor capable of sensitive analyte detection, even in the complex environment of physiological samples. The coimmobilization of an antibody fragment (F(ab′)2) and polyethylene glycol on the graphene surface allows for a highly sensitive and selective detection of a protein analyte, with a limit of detection in the low femtomolar range, both in high ionic strength buffer and undiluted serum. Multiparametric analysis of the device's analyte‐dependent electronic response shows that the mechanism behind this very sensitive detection cannot be explained by a commonly reported electrostatic gating effect. Rather, the observed combination of charge neutrality point shifts and asymmetric mobility changes are attributed to the modulation of scattering by charged impurities, which seem to dominate the device's transfer characteristics. Furthermore, the reproducibility of the normalized signal response obtained from several different devices shows that this graphene‐based immunosensor is capable of direct and quantitative measurements of protein analytes in untreated serum, imperative for diagnostic tools geared toward PoC applications.
n‐Type Doping Effect of CVD‐Grown Multilayer MoSe2 Thin Film Transistors by Two‐Step Functionalization
Authors: Hong Seongin , Im Haelin , Hong Young Ki , Liu Na , Kim Sunkook , Park Jun Hong
Published: September 2018

Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) has attracted attention as a potential semiconductor platform. However, the as‐synthesized MoSe2 field‐effect transistors (FETs) tend to exhibit the arbitrary properties of n‐type, p‐type, or ambipolar behavior due to the uncontrolled growth condition. Here, two‐step functionalization is proposed to achieve n‐doping effect and long‐term stability in chemical vapor deposition (CVD)–grown MoSe2 FETs using oxygen plasma treatment followed by the deposition of an Al2O3 layer. After the two‐step surface functionalization procedure, three types of multilayer MoSe2 FETs are all converted to n‐type with the improvement of their electrical characteristics and stability; the n‐doped multilayer MoSe2 FETs exhibit an enhancement in field‐effect mobility from 12.23 to 31.57 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a 3 times higher Ion/Ioff, compared to pristine multilayer MoSe2 FETs. This enhancement of electric performance is attributed to the oxidation of topmost MoSe2 to interfacial MoOx with SeOx induced by the oxygen plasma treatment, as well as to the existence of fixed positive charges in deposited Al2O3. The functionalized devices exhibit excellent stability against stress, as confirmed with negative bias illumination stress tests for 7200 s. Moreover, an environmental stability test for 21 days reveals no degradation in electric performance of MoSe2 FETs.
Temperature Dependent n‐Type Self Doping in Nominally 19‐Electron Half‐Heusler Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Anand Shashwat , Xia Kaiyang , Zhu Tiejun , Wolverton Chris , Snyder Gerald Jeffrey
Published: September 2018

The discovery of a semiconducting ground state XyYZ (y = 0.8 or 0.75) in nominally 19‐electron half‐Heusler materials warrants a closer look at their apparently metallic properties that often make them good thermoelectric (TE) materials. By systematically investigating the temperature dependence of off‐stoichiometry (x) in V0.8+xCoSb, Nb0.8+xCoSb, and Ti0.75+xNiSb it is found that x invariably increases with increasing temperature, leading to an n‐type self‐doping behavior. In addition, there is also a large phase width (range of x) associated with each phase that is temperature dependent. Thus, unlike in typical 18‐electron half‐Heuslers (e,g, TiNiSn), the temperature dependence of vacancy and carrier concentration (n) in nominally 19‐electron half‐Heuslers links its transport properties to synthesis conditions. The temperature dependence of x and n are understood using density functional theory based defect energies (Ed) and phase diagrams. Ed are calculated for 21 systems which can be used in predicting solubility in this family of compounds. Using this simple strategy, suitable composition and temperature synthesis conditions are devised for obtaining an optimized n to engineer TE properties in phase‐pure V0.8+xCoSb, and the previously unexplored Ta0.8+xCoSb.
Inorganic Materials as Hole Selective Contacts and Intermediate Tunnel Junction Layer for Monolithic Perovskite‐CIGSe Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Yajie , Wenisch Robert , Schlatmann Rutger , Lauermann Iver
Published: September 2018

In order to surpass the theoretical limitation defined by the Shockley–Queisser equation for photovoltaic solar cells, multijunction devices are needed. Monolithic perovskite‐Cu(In, Ga)(Se, S)2(CIGSe) tandem solar cells have recently become a hot research topic in photovoltaics because of the emergence of perovskite solar cells with high power conversion efficiency and the development of thin film chalcopyrite CIGSe solar cells with tunable bandgap and low cost manufacturing processes. In this review, some p‐type wide bandgap semiconductors are investigated as intermediate inorganic hole transport materials (IIHTM) and components of a tunnel junction in monolithic perovskite‐CIGSe tandem solar cells, which meet the requirements of band alignment and low‐temperature deposition process. The authors focus on designing a tandem configuration including band alignment, current matching, and optical management, describing some potential candidates of IIHTM owing to their successful implementation in single junction perovskite solar cells and the possibility of application in intermediate layers for tandem devices. Recent progress in the development of inorganic hole conductors is highlighted, and also some of the authors' work on IIHTM and their applications are presented. Finally, future research directions for IIHTM layers and monolithic perovskite‐CIGSe tandem solar cells are presented, with an aim to achieve higher photovoltaic performance than current devices.
Scalable Solid‐State Synthesis of Highly Dispersed Uncapped Metal (Rh, Ru, Ir) Nanoparticles for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Qi , Ming Mei , Niu Shuai , Zhang Yun , Fan Guangyin , Hu Jin‐Song
Published: September 2018

Green and scalable syntheses of highly dispersed supported metal nanocatalysts (SMNCs) are of significant importance for heterogeneous catalysis in industry. In order to achieve nanosized SMNCs and prevent metal nanoparticles (NPs) from aggregation, the traditional liquid syntheses commonly require organic capping agents and low metal loading, which are unfavorable for practical production of SMNCs. Herein, a green and facile solid‐state approach is reported for a general synthesis of Rh, Ru, and Ir NPs highly dispersed on different carbon supports via a room‐temperature mortar grinding. The synthesis is easy to scale up and no organic solvent is needed. Metal NPs are free of capping agents and in a couple of nanometers with a uniform size distribution. Benefiting from the above features and high intrinsic activity, Rh NP/C shows the superior activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in terms of an ultralow overpotential of 7 mV at 10 mA cm−2, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art HER electrocatalysts. The cell voltage to output a stable current density of 10 mA cm−2 is only 1.53 V for the electrolyzer with Rh NP/C cathode. These results indicate that the present scalable solid‐state synthetic strategy paves a new avenue for mass production of highly efficient SMNCs for diverse applications.
Tobacco product use among workers in the construction industry, United States, 2014‐2016
Authors: Syamlal Girija , King Brian A. , Mazurek Jacek M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Although cigarette smoking has declined among U.S. workers, smoking remains high among construction workers. This study assessed tobacco product use among U.S. construction workers.

Methods

The 2014‐2016 National Health Interview Survey data for U.S. working adults were analyzed.

Results

Of the 10.2 (6.3% of working adults) million construction workers, 35.1% used any tobacco product; 24.4% were cigarette smokers, 8.3% were cigar, cigarillo, pipe or hookah smokers, 7.8% were smokeless tobacco users, 4.4% were e‐cigarette users, and 7.6% used ≥2 tobacco product users. Tobacco use varied by worker characteristics, with highest tobacco use (>35%) among those reporting ≤5 years on the job, temporary work status, job insecurity, or an unsafe workplace. Construction workers had higher odds of tobacco product use than non‐construction workers.

Conclusions

Over one‐third of U.S. construction workers use tobacco products and disparities exist across sub‐groups. Workplace tobacco control strategies could reduce tobacco use among this population.
Copper‐Mediated Synthesis of (Diethylphosphono)difluoromethyl Thioethers from Diazonium Salts, NaSCN, and TMS‐CF2PO(OEt)2
Authors: Ou Yang , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: September 2018

An expedient one‐pot synthesis of (diethylphosphono) difluoromethyl thioethers is described consisting of a Sandmeyer thiocyanation with in situ‐fluoroalkylation using TMS‐CF2PO(OEt)2 as the fluorine source. Both steps are mediated by copper(I) thiocyanate. The reaction is applicable to a wide range of functional groups, as demonstrated by 22 examples.
Disability poverty and ageing in regional Australia: The impact of disability income reforms for indigenous Australians
Authors: Soldatic Karen
Published: September 2018

Australian disability policy has undergone considerable reform since the early 2000s. While recent research and scholarship has largely focused on the new National Disability Insurance Scheme, there is a dearth of research that examines the impact of reform to the Disability Support Pension, and even less so the effects on Indigenous Australians living with disability. This is surprising as a higher proportion of Indigenous Australians live with disability than the non‐Indigenous population. This article pays particular attention to the experiences of Aboriginal Australians who have acquired a disability after extensive years of working (25–40 years), yet are still of workforce age (less than 65 years of age). Because of tightened eligibility criteria for the Disability Support Pension, people in this group are placed onto the lower paid Newstart Allowance (general unemployment benefit). The article illustrates the high levels of poverty that Aboriginal Australians with disabilities experience daily, and the ongoing costs they incur in managing Newstart conditionality to maintain continued access to the general unemployment benefit.
Carving Out Pores in Redox‐Active One‐Dimensional Coordination Polymers
Authors: Clayman Naomi E. , Manumpil Mary Anne , Umeyama Daiki , Rudenko Andrey E. , Karunadasa Hemamala I. , Waymouth Robert M.
Published: September 2018

Reduction of the insulating one‐dimensional coordination polymer [Cu(abpy)PF6]n, 1 a(PF6), (abpy=2,2′‐azobispyridine) yields the conductive, porous polymer [Cu(abpy)]n, 2 a. Pressed pellets of neutral 2 a exhibit a conductivity of 0.093 S cm−1 at room temperature and a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 56 m2 g−1. Fine powders of 2 a have a BET surface area of 90 m2 g−1. Cyclic voltammetry shows that the reduction of 1 a(PF6) to 2 a is quasi‐reversible, indicative of facile charge transfer through the bulk material. The BET surface area of the reduced polymer 2 can be controlled by changing the size of the counteranion X in the cationic [Cu(abpy)X]n. Reduction of [Cu(abpy)X]n with X=Br (2 b) or BArF (2 c; BArF=tetrakis(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)), affords [Cu(abpy)]n polymers with surface areas of 60 and 200 m2 g−1, respectively.
Enabling Fluorinated MOF‐Based Membranes for Simultaneous Removal of H2S and CO2 from Natural Gas
Authors: Liu Gongping , Cadiau Amandine , Liu Yang , Adil Karim , Chernikova Valeriya , Carja Ionela‐Daniela , Belmabkhout Youssef , Karunakaran Madhavan , Shekhah Osama , Zhang Chen , Itta Arun K. , Yi Shouliang , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Koros William J.
Published: September 2018

Membrane‐based gas separations are energy efficient processes; however, major challenges remain to develop high‐performance membranes enabling the replacement of conventional separation processes. Herein, a new fluorinated MOF‐based mixed‐matrix membrane is reported, which is formed by incorporating the MOF crystals into selected polymers via a facile mixed‐matrix approach. By finely controlling the molecular transport in the channels through the MOF apertures tuned by metal pillars and at the MOF‐polymer interfaces, the resulting fluorinated MOF‐based membranes exhibit excellent molecular sieving properties. These materials significantly outperform state‐of‐the‐art membranes for simultaneous removal of H2S and CO2 from natural gas—a challenging and economically important application. The robust fluorinated MOFs (NbOFFIVE‐1‐Ni, AlFFIVE‐1‐Ni), pave a way to efficient membrane separation processes that require precise discrimination of closely sized molecules.
Chemoproteomic Profiling of Phosphoaspartate Modifications in Prokaryotes
Authors: Chang Jae Won , Montgomery Jeffrey E. , Lee Gihoon , Moellering Raymond E.
Published: September 2018

Phosphorylation at aspartic acid residues represents an abundant and critical post‐translational modification (PTM) in prokaryotes. In contrast to most characterized PTMs, such as phosphorylation at serine or threonine, the phosphoaspartate moiety is intrinsically labile, and therefore incompatible with common proteomic profiling methods. Herein, we report a nucleophilic, desthiobiotin‐containing hydroxylamine (DBHA) chemical probe that covalently labels modified aspartic acid residues in native proteomes. DBHA treatment coupled with LC‐MS/MS analysis enabled detection of known phosphoaspartate modifications, as well as novel aspartic acid sites in the E. coli proteome. Coupled with isotopic labelling, DBHA‐dependent proteomic profiling also permitted global quantification of changes in endogenous protein modification status, as demonstrated with the detection of increased E. coli OmpR phosphorylation, but not abundance, in response to changes in osmolarity.
Transcript Profiling of MRSA Biofilms Treated with a Halogenated Phenazine Eradicating Agent: A Platform for Defining Cellular Targets and Pathways Critical to Biofilm Survival
Authors: Abouelhassan Yasmeen , Zhang Yanping , Jin Shouguang , Huigens Robert W.
Published: September 2018

Bacterial biofilms are surface‐attached communities of non‐replicating bacteria innately tolerant to antibiotics. Biofilms display differential gene expression profiles and physiologies as compared to their planktonic counterparts; however, their biology remains largely unknown. In this study, we used a halogenated phenazine (HP) biofilm eradicator in transcript profiling experiments (RNA‐seq) to define cellular targets and pathways critical to biofilm viability. WoPPER analysis with time–course validation (RT‐qPCR) revealed that HP‐14 induces rapid iron starvation in MRSA biofilms, as evident by the activation of iron‐acquisition gene clusters in 1 hour. Serine proteases and oligopeptide transporters were also found to be up‐regulated, whereas glycolysis, arginine deiminase, and urease gene clusters were down‐regulated. KEGG analysis revealed that HP‐14 impacts metabolic and ABC transporter functional pathways. These findings suggest that MRSA biofilm viability relies on iron homeostasis.
Electrophilic Phosphonium Cation‐Mediated Phosphane Oxide Reduction Using Oxalyl Chloride and Hydrogen
Authors: Stepen Arne J. , Bursch Markus , Grimme Stefan , Stephan Douglas W. , Paradies Jan
Published: September 2018

The metal‐free reduction of phosphane oxides with molecular hydrogen (H2) using oxalyl chloride as activating agent was achieved. Quantum‐mechanical investigations support the heterolytic splitting of H2 by the in situ formed electrophilic phosphonium cation (EPC) and phosphane oxide and subsequent barrierless conversion to the phosphane and HCl. The reaction can also be catalyzed by the frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) consisting of B(2,6‐F2C6H3)3 and 2,6‐lutidine or phosphane oxide as Lewis base. This novel reduction was demonstrated for triaryl and diaryl phosphane oxides providing access to phosphanes in good to excellent yields (51–93 %).
Heterogenized Cu (II) salen complex grafted on graphene oxide nanosheets as a precursing catalyst for the Pd‐free Sonogashira coupling
Authors: Ghabdian Mahdieh , Nasseri Mohammad A. , Allahresani Ali , Motavallizadehkakhky Alireza
Published: September 2018

Cu (II) salen complex immobilized on graphene oxide nanosheets [Cu (II) salen@GO] was synthesized with 3‐chloropropyltrimethoxysilan as a linker and wholly characterized using various techniques like X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, as well as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Cu (II) salen@GO as an effective heterogeneous catalyst has been investigated for the Sonogashira coupling reaction in dimethylsulfoxide with good to high yield (98%) in 4 hr at 110°C when the loading of Cu was 0.7 mmol g−1 based on Cu element analysis by AAS. It was understood that heterogeneous catalyst was as active as its homogeneous analog, and presented good recoverability and no significant loss in activity within successive runs.
Synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer by suspension polymerization for selective extraction of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid from water
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Wu Fengjing , Au Chaktong , Tao Qi , Pi Mingyu , Zhang Wenhui
Published: September 2018

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for selective extraction of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (p‐HB) was synthesized by suspension polymerization using p‐HB as template, 4‐vinyl pyridine as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker. As characterized by scanning electron microscopy, the MIP particles are spherical, with size ranging from 1 to 8 μm. Compared with the non‐imprinted polymer (NIP), the MIP shows higher binding capacity toward p‐HB: maximum binding capacity for p‐HB being 8.07 μmol g−1 over MIP and 3.88 μmol g−1 over NIP. The adsorption of p‐HB on MIP follows the Freundlich model and displays pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The results of selective and competitive binding experiments confirm that the molecularly imprinted sites have excellent recognition ability toward p‐HB. The results reveal that the MIP is a promising adsorbent for selective extraction of p‐HB from water samples. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46984.
Next‐generation organometallic adsorbents for safe removal of excessive fluoride from aqueous systems
Authors: Khan Huma , Sharma Saroj
Published: September 2018

The presence of excessive fluoride contamination in aquatic environments causes large‐scale health problems affecting about 260 million people across the globe. Here we have investigated a novel method to develop zirconium‐based organometallic nanoadsorbents (ZrAN) for the removal of fluoride from aqueous systems. A series of ZrAN adsorbents composed of zirconyl methacrylate (ZrDMA) and acrylonitrile (AN) have been developed by varying the relative amounts of crosslinker, porogen, and comonomers. The spherical adsorbents have high porosity and excellent mechanical stability, properties that prevent material breakage and mass loss during practical use. Experimental factors such as effects of pH, initial fluoride concentration, adsorbent dose, coexisting anions, pHpzc, isotherm models, and surface chemistry were investigated to clarify the adsorption properties of ZrAN. A high adsorption capacity of 46 mg/g was recorded with a high fluoride concentration of 60 mg/L, which outperformed many other reported adsorbents. Moreover, the ZrAN adsorbent performed well over a considerable pH range of 2–10 with significant removal at pH 6–8, which is the preferred range for groundwater applications. Additionally, the results of the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure suggested the ZrAN adsorbents were inert, do not leach out any contaminants (Zr, F−), and deliver safe and potable treated water. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46993.
Improving the interlaminar shear strength and thermal conductivity of carbon fiber/epoxy laminates by utilizing the graphene‐coated carbon fiber
Authors: Cheng Xiuyan , Zhang Jinmeng , Wang Haopeng , Wu Lixin , Sun Qingfu
Published: September 2018

The poor interlaminar properties restrict the application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. In this work, a novel method for fabricating a graded interface structure is developed to improve the through‐thickness thermal conductivity of CFRP composites. High‐strength graphene nano‐plates (GnP) and phenolic resin (PF) were selected to deposit on the surface of carbon fiber to design a novel CF/Epoxy laminates, where a simultaneous improvement of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and through‐thickness thermal conductivity was observed. With addition of 1 wt % of GnP‐PF in CF, 37.04% increase of the ILSS, and 16.67% enhancement of thermal conductivity compared to the original CFRP. The mechanism for improvement of both ILSS and thermal conductivity was studied by scanning electron microscopy and nano‐indentation, where a better interface formed by GnP‐PF has been clearly observed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47061.
Development of microsatellite markers for the resin‐yielding, non‐timber forest product species Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae)
Authors: Maradani Bhavani Shankar , Gudasalamani Ravikanth , Setty Siddappa , Chandrasekaran Rajasekaran
Published: September 2018

Premise of the Study

Boswellia serrata (Burseraceae) is an economically important aromatic, gum‐resin–yielding, non‐timber forest tree species. Microsatellite markers were developed for B. serrata for the first time to study genetic diversity and population structure.

Methods and Results

A magnetic bead enrichment method was used to develop 16 microsatellite markers, of which 11 were polymorphic. The number of alleles per locus in the 60 individuals studied ranged from three to 10, and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.50 to 0.90 and 0.666 to 0.861, respectively. The primers successfully amplified in the congeneric species B. ovalifoliolata.

Conclusions

These microsatellite markers can be used to study the genetic variation and population structure of B. serrata and to provide crucial information on population and ecological issues for management and conservation of the species.