bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Solution‐Processed High‐Performance Phototransistor based on a Perovskite Composite with Chemically Modified Graphenes
Authors: Qian Liu , Sun Yilin , Wu Mingmao , Xie Dan , Ding Liming , Shi Gaoquan
Published: April 2017

Phototransistors with a structure of a nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs)–perovskite composite layer and a mildly reduced graphene oxide (mrGO) layer are fabricated through a solution‐processing method. This hybrid phototransistor exhibits broad detection range (from 365 to 940 nm), high photoresponsivity (1.92 × 104 A W−1), and rapid response to light on–off (≈10 ms). NGQDs offer an effective and fast path for electron transfer from the perovskite to the mrGO, resulting in the improvement of photocurrent and photoswitching characteristics. The high photoresponsivity can also be ascribed to a photogating effect in the device. In addition, the phototransistor shows good stability with poly(methyl methacrylate) encapsulation, and can maintain 85% of its initial performance for 20 d in ambient air.
On‐Chip Chemical Self‐Assembly of Semiconducting Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs): Toward Robust and Scale Invariant SWNTs Transistors
Authors: Derenskyi Vladimir , Gomulya Widianta , Talsma Wytse , Salazar‐Rios Jorge Mario , Fritsch Martin , Nirmalraj Peter , Riel Heike , Allard Sybille , Scherf Ullrich , Loi Maria A.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the fabrication of carbon nanotubes field effect transistors by chemical self‐assembly of semiconducting single walled carbon nanotubes (s‐SWNTs) on prepatterned substrates is demonstrated. Polyfluorenes derivatives have been demonstrated to be effective in selecting s‐SWNTs from raw mixtures. In this work the authors functionalized the polymer with side chains containing thiols, to obtain chemical self‐assembly of the selected s‐SWNTs on substrates with prepatterned gold electrodes. The authors show that the full side functionalization of the conjugated polymer with thiol groups partially disrupts the s‐SWNTs selection, with the presence of metallic tubes in the dispersion. However, the authors determine that the selectivity can be recovered either by tuning the number of thiol groups in the polymer, or by modulating the polymer/SWNTs proportions. As demonstrated by optical and electrical measurements, the polymer containing 2.5% of thiol groups gives the best s‐SWNT purity. Field‐effect transistors with various channel lengths, using networks of SWNTs and individual tubes, are fabricated by direct chemical self‐assembly of the SWNTs/thiolated‐polyfluorenes on substrates with lithographically defined electrodes. The network devices show superior performance (mobility up to 24 cm2 V−1 s−1), while SWNTs devices based on individual tubes show an unprecedented (100%) yield for working devices. Importantly, the SWNTs assembled by mean of the thiol groups are stably anchored to the substrate and are resistant to external perturbation as sonication in organic solvents.
Structural Color Palettes of Core–Shell Photonic Ink Capsules Containing Cholesteric Liquid Crystals
Authors: Lee Sang Seok , Seo Hyeon Jin , Kim Yun Ho , Kim Shin‐Hyun
Published: April 2017

Photonic microcapsules with onion‐like topology are microfluidically designed to have cholesteric liquid crystals with opposite handedness in their core and shell. The microcapsules exhibit structural colors caused by dual photonic bandgaps, resulting in a rich variety of color on the optical palette. Moreover, the microcapsules can switch the colors from either core or shell depending on the selection of light‐handedness.
A High‐Performance D–A Copolymer Based on Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]Pyridin‐5(4H)‐One Unit Compatible with Fullerene and Nonfullerene Acceptors in Solar Cells
Authors: An Mingwei , Xie Fangyuan , Geng Xinjian , Zhang Jianqi , Jiang Jiaxing , Lei Zhongli , He Dan , Xiao Zuo , Ding Liming
Published: April 2017

Development of high‐performance donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymers is vital in the research of polymer solar cells (PSCs). In this work, a low‐bandgap D–A copolymer based on dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]pyridin‐5(4H)‐one unit (DTP), PDTP4TFBT, is developed and used as the donor material for PSCs with PC71BM or ITIC as the acceptor. PDTP4TFBT:PC71BM and PDTP4TFBT:ITIC solar cells give power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) up to 8.75% and 7.58%, respectively. 1,8‐Diiodooctane affects film morphology and device performance for fullerene and nonfullerene solar cells. It inhibits the active materials from forming large domains and improves PCE for PDTP4TFBT:PC71BM cells, while it promotes the aggregation and deteriorates performance for PDTP4TFBT:ITIC cells. The ternary‐blend cells based on PDTP4TFBT:PC71BM:ITIC (1:1.2:0.3) give a decent PCE of 9.20%.
Rubidium Multication Perovskite with Optimized Bandgap for Perovskite‐Silicon Tandem with over 26% Efficiency
Authors: Duong The , Wu YiLiang , Shen Heping , Peng Jun , Fu Xiao , Jacobs Daniel , Wang Er‐Chien , Kho Teng Choon , Fong Kean Chern , Stocks Matthew , Franklin Evan , Blakers Andrew , Zin Ngwe , McIntosh Keith , Li Wei , Cheng Yi‐Bing , White Thomas P. , Weber Klaus , Catchpole Kylie
Published: April 2017

Rubidium (Rb) is explored as an alternative cation to use in a novel multication method with the formamidinium/methylammonium/cesium (Cs) system to obtain 1.73 eV bangap perovskite cells with negligible hysteresis and steady state efficiency as high as 17.4%. The study shows the beneficial effect of Rb in improving the crystallinity and suppressing defect migration in the perovskite material. The light stability of the cells examined under continuous illumination of 12 h is improved upon the addition of Cs and Rb. After several cycles of 12 h light–dark, the cell retains 90% of its initial efficiency. In parallel, sputtered transparent conducting oxide thin films are developed to be used as both rear and front transparent contacts on quartz substrate with less than 5% parasitic absorption of near infrared wavelengths. Using these developments, semi‐transparent perovskite cells are fabricated with steady state efficiency of up to 16.0% and excellent average transparency of ≈84% between 720 and 1100 nm. In a tandem configuration using a 23.9% silicon cell, 26.4% efficiency (10.4% from the silicon cell) in a mechanically stacked tandem configuration is demonstrated which is very close to the current record for a single junction silicon cell of 26.6%.
The critical condition for thermal explosion in an isoperibolic system
Authors: Sánchez‐Rodriguez Daniel , Farjas Jordi , Roura Pere
Published: April 2017

Knowing the conditions for a system to undergo thermal explosion is of utmost importance for many applications. A critical condition that accounts for reactant consumption and covers most practical situations, including low activation energy reactions is presented. Our solution applies to cylindrical reactors of any radius to height ratio. In the case of films, it is shown that thermal explosion is virtually impossible. A new criterion to define the boundary of thermal runaway based on heat balance is introduced. This new definition of criticality allows us to check the accuracy of the nonstationary model to describe the critical condition. The nonstationary model is the base of most approaches. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3979–3993, 2017
Heat transfer performance of NETmix—A novel micro‐meso structured mixer and reactor
Authors: Costa Marcelo F. , Fonte Carlos M. , Dias Madalena M. , Lopes José C. B.
Published: April 2017

NETmix is a novel static mixing technology consisting on a network of unit cells, comprising chambers interconnected by channels. To assess the heat transfer capacity of NETmix, the NUB model was implemented to perform hydrodynamics and heat transfer simulations. Due to the periodic nature of the NETmix structure, two central chambers and six half‐chambers were found to be sufficient to be representative of the whole network. The Nusselt numbers were determined based on the CFD simulations, and when compared with theoretical results for laminar flow between parallel plates, 3–5 times higher Nusselt number values were obtained with NETmix. This observed heat transfer rate enhancement, makes it suitable for fast reactions where heat transfer is crucial. Finally, results obtained from this study show that NETmix presents a heat transfer capacity one order of magnitude greater than microreactors, and 2–5 orders of magnitude greater than the most commonly used devices in industry. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 63: 2496–2508, 2017
Gas‐phase flow resistance of metal foams: Experiments and modeling
Authors: Piątek Marcin , Gancarczyk Anna , Iwaniszyn Marzena , Jodłowski Przemysław J. , Łojewska Joanna , Kołodziej Andrzej
Published: April 2017

Based on experimental results of gas flow resistance through two metal foams, NC 2733 and Ni 2733, a modeling is performed to adjudicate governing flow mechanism. Two essential models are considered: developing laminar flow within short capillary channel (i.e., foam pore) and flow around solid body (foam strut modeled as cylinder or sphere), each of them of some variants. Foam geometry was studied using computer microtomography. The model of flow around a sphere (diameter equal to strut thickness) gives the best conformity with experiments. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1799–1803, 2017
Theoretical analysis of natural gas recovery from marginal wells with a deep well reactor
Authors: Emerson David Frederic , Al Ghatta Amir , Woolston Benjamin M. , Fay Adrian , Kumar Amit , Stephanopoulos Gregory
Published: April 2017

Current natural gas harvesting technologies are only economically viable at high gas flow rates. Subsequently, a significant quantity of gas remains unused in abandoned wells. Methanotrophic organisms are under development to capitalize on this resource given their preference for ambient conditions, however capital and methane mass transfer costs must be minimized. We propose using the well as the bioreactor negating capital costs, and leveraging the gas pressure for mass transfer. We evaluate the Deep Well Reactor's feasibility by developing mathematical models to simulate mass transfer and explore how operating parameters impact ethanol production. The results show sufficient mass transfer for 100% conversion, despite minimal complexity. Current aerobic methanotrophs and inorganic catalysts provide sufficient reaction rates. Conversely, anaerobic methanotrophs rates must be improved by a factor of 1200. With an appropriate catalyst, this technology allows the recovery of methane at flow rates an order of magnitude lower than current technologies. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 63: 3642–3650, 2017
Long‐term functional and mobility outcomes for individuals with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
Authors: Nouraei Hirmand , Sawatzky Bonita , MacGillivray Megan , Hall Judith
Published: April 2017

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a birth defect that involves congenital joint contractures in two or more joints including the limbs, spine, and jaw. The purpose of our study was to identify long‐term outcomes of adults with AMC. We recruited 177 participants from over 15 countries, making this the largest international study of adults with AMC. Participants provided demographic information including living situation and mobility and completed two standardized outcome measures, of quality of life and physical activity, using an online survey format. The data were compiled and descriptive analyses were performed. The study group consisted of 72% females and a mean age of 39 years. Over 90% of participants had upper and lower limb involvement, 35% had scoliosis or lordosis while 16% had jaw problems. Participants had an average of nine (0–70) surgeries at the time of the study. The majority (75%) of respondents lived independently of family members (on their own or with a partner). Participants were nearly three times more likely to have a graduate degree than the general US population. Participants reported lower physical function scores than the general US population; however, they reported similar or higher scores for the other quality of life domains of the SF‐36. They were considerably less physically active than able‐bodied individuals. Half of participants experienced chronic back pain and 60% reported joint pain. Additionally, almost half of the participants took regular pain medications.
Fueguian crania and the circum‐Pacific rim variation
Authors: Turbon D. , Arenas C. , Cuadras C. M.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The Fueguians are descendants of the first settlers of America, a 'relict' isolated geographically for 10,000 years. We compared their cranial variation with other Americans, and samples from Asia and Australia to know whether the modern extinct Fueguians can be considered Paleoamericans or not.

Materials and Methods

Herein we study 176 Fuego‐Patagonian skulls, the largest cranial sample to be studied, refined and well documented, using CVA, and the D2 of Mahalanobis. The affinities between populations and sexual dimorphism were jointly studied.

Results

Terrestrial hunters (Selknam) have a different cranial morphology from sea canoeists (Yamana, Alakaluf) particularly with regard to cranial size and robustness. In the American context, there are extreme differences between the canoeists of Santa Cruz (California) and the Eskimos and canoeists of Fuego‐Patagonia in terms of cranial size, prognathism and development of the frontal region. Fueguian canoeists are cranially closer to the Californian ones than to their Fueguian neighbors, the Selknam. Our results favor the hypothesis of two different flows for the origin of the first populators of Tierra del Fuego.

Discussion

We concluded that the robusticity of some Fuegians (Selknam) might be the result of an allometric pattern of overall robusticity expression well as a result of epigenetics or differential reproduction (Larsen, 2015:264) or hypothetical endocrine changes (Bernal et al. in Am J Hum Biol 2006;18:748–765). When compared with three Australian–Melanesian series, the group comprising Amerindians, Ainu, and Eskimos clusters together as they are all extremely different from the former in terms of both cranial size and shape.
Performance review of regional emergency medical service pre‐arrival cardiopulmonary resuscitation with or without dispatcher instruction: a population‐based observational study
Authors: Fukushima Hidetada , Kawai Yasuyuki , Asai Hideki , Seki Tadahiko , Norimoto Kazunobu , Urisono Yasuyuki , Okuchi Kazuo
Published: April 2017

Background

To investigate variations in emergency medical service (EMS) pre‐arrival cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including both bystander CPR without dispatch assistance and dispatch‐assisted CPR (DACPR).

Methods

We carried out an observational study by implementing EMS pre‐arrival CPR reports in three fire agencies. We included adult, non‐traumatic, and non‐EMS witnessed out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests. This reporting system comprised the dispatch instruction process and bystander CPR quality based on evaluations by EMS crews who arrived on the scene. Bystander CPR was categorized as “ongoing CPR” if the bystander was performing CPR when the EMS reached the patient's side and “good‐quality CPR” if the CPR was performed proficiently. We compared the frequencies of ongoing and good‐quality CPR in the bystander CPR already started without dispatch assistance (CPR in progress) group and DACPR group.

Results

Of 688 out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests, CPR was already started in 150 cases (CPR in progress group). Dispatcher CPR instruction was provided in 368 cases. Among these, callers started chest compressions in 162 cases (DACPR group). Ongoing CPR was performed in 220 cases and was more frequent in the DACPR group (128/162 [79.0%] versus 92/150 [61.3%], P < 0.001). Good‐quality CPR was more frequent in the CPR in progress group, but the difference was not statistically significant (36/92 [39.1%] versus 42/128 [29.0%], P = 0.888).

Conclusions

Ongoing CPR and good‐quality CPR were not frequent in EMS pre‐arrival CPR. Detailed analysis of dispatch instructions and bystander CPR can contribute to improvement in EMS pre‐arrival CPR.
Schwache Wechselwirkungen unter Druck: hp‐CuBi und seine Analoga
Authors: Guo Kai , Akselrud Lev , Bobnar Matej , Burkhardt Ulrich , Schmidt Marcus , Zhao Jing‐Tai , Schwarz Ulrich , Grin Yuri
Published: April 2017

Die metastabile binäre Verbindung hp‐CuBi wurde durch direkte chemische Reaktion von Kupfer und Bismut bei einem Druck von 5 GPa und einer Temperatur von 720 K hergestellt. Die Atomanordnung besteht aus Schichtsegmenten, in denen gewellte Cu‐Ebenen zwischen planaren Bi‐Schichten eingebettet sind. Berechnete QTAIM‐Ladungen für Übergangsmetallverbindungen von Bismut zeigen im Fall von hp‐CuBi nur geringfügigen Ladungstransfer. Die Analyse der chemischen Bindung mit Ortsraumtechniken offenbart Mehrzentrenwechselwirkungen innerhalb der Bi‐Cu‐Bi‐Schichten und Van‐der‐Waals‐Wechselwirkungen der freien Elektronenpaare zwischen diesen Einheiten. hp‐CuBi zeigt metallartige elektrische Leitfähigkeit und Einsetzen von Supraleitung bei Tc=1.3 K.
Mixed‐Matrix‐Membranen
Authors: Dechnik Janina , Gascon Jorge , Doonan Christian J. , Janiak Christoph , Sumby Christopher J.
Published: April 2017

Die Forschung zu ausgedehnten porösen Materialien wie Metall‐organischen und porösen organischen Gerüstverbindungen (MOFs und POFs) sowie den analogen Metall‐organischen Polyedern (MOPs) und porösen organischen Käfigen (POCs) hat sich im letzten Jahrzehnt stark entwickelt. Mit ihrer chemischen und strukturellen Vielfalt und bemerkenswerten Porosität wurden MOFs als neue Adsorbentien für industrielle Gastrennungen und als vielversprechende Füllstoffkomponenten für leistungsstarke gemischt(Mixed)‐Matrix‐Membranen (MMMs) vorgeschlagen. Die Forschung in diesem Bereich konzentrierte sich auf die Verbesserung der chemischen Kompatibilität der MOFs mit der Polymerphase durch sinnvolle Funktionalisierung der organischen MOF‐Linker, auf die Modifizierung der MOF‐Oberflächenchemie und in jüngster Zeit auf Untersuchungen, wie Partikelgröße, ‐morphologie und ‐verteilung die Trennleistung erhöhen. Andere Füllstoffmaterialien, wie POFs, MOPs und POCs, werden ebenfalls als Additive für MMMs untersucht und zeigen eine bemerkenswerte Wirkung gegen Polymeralterung und ausgezeichnete chemische Kompatibilität mit handelsüblichen Polymeren. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick zum Stand der Technik im MOF‐MMM‐Aufbau und zu aktuellen Anwendungen von porösen organischen Gerüsten und molekularen Additiven für MMMs.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed C−C Arylations and Alkylations: Decarbamoylative C−C Functionalizations
Authors: Moselage Marc , Li Jie , Kramm Frederik , Ackermann Lutz
Published: April 2017

Ruthenium(II)biscarboxylate catalysis enabled selective C−C functionalizations by means of decarbamoylative C−C arylations. The versatility of the ruthenium(II) catalysis was reflected by widely applicable C−C arylations and C−C alkylations of aryl amides, as well as acids with modifiable pyrazoles, through facile organometallic C−C activation.
Transforming a Stable Amide into a Highly Reactive One: Capturing the Essence of Enzymatic Catalysis
Authors: Souza Bruno S. , Mora Jose R. , Wanderlind Eduardo H. , Clementin Rosilene M. , Gesser Jose C. , Fiedler Haidi D. , Nome Faruk , Menger Fredric M.
Published: April 2017

Aspartic proteinases, which include HIV‐1 proteinase, function with two aspartate carboxy groups at the active site. This relationship has been modeled in a system possessing an otherwise unactivated amide positioned between two carboxy groups. The model amide is cleaved at an enzyme‐like rate that renders the amide nonisolable at 35 °C and pH 4 owing to the joint presence of carboxy and carboxylate groups. A currently advanced theory attributing almost the entire catalytic power of enzymes to electrostatic reorganization is shown to be superfluous when suitable interatomic interactions are present. Our kinetic results are consistent with spatiotemporal concepts where embedding the amide group between two carboxylic moieties in proper geometries, at distances less than the diameter of water, leads to enzyme‐like rate enhancements. Space and time are the essence of enzyme catalysis.
Phosphasalen Indium Complexes Showing High Rates and Isoselectivities in rac‐Lactide Polymerizations
Authors: Myers Dominic , White Andrew J. P. , Forsyth Craig M. , Bown Mark , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: April 2017

Polylactide (PLA) is the leading bioderived polymer produced commercially by the metal‐catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization of lactide. Control over tacticity to produce stereoblock PLA, from rac‐lactide improves thermal properties but is an outstanding challenge. Here, phosphasalen indium catalysts feature high rates (30±3 m−1 min−1, THF, 298 K), high control, low loadings (0.2 mol %), and isoselectivity (Pi=0.92, THF, 258 K). Furthermore, the phosphasalen indium catalysts do not require any chiral additives.
Cyclische Alkylaminocarbene (CAACs): Neues von guten Bekannten
Authors: Melaimi Mohand , Jazzar Rodolphe , Soleilhavoup Michèle , Bertrand Guy
Published: April 2017

Ein Kennzeichen der seit 2005 bekannten cyclischen Alkylaminocarbene (CAACs) ist ihre ausgeprägte Nucleophilie (σ‐Donor) und zugleich Elektrophile (π‐Akzeptor). Diese Eigenschaften ermöglichen die Aktivierung einer Vielzahl kleiner Moleküle und starker Bindungen, die Stabilisierung hochreaktiver dia‐ und paramagnetischer Spezies der Haupt‐ und Nebengruppenelemente sowie die Bildung stabiler Bindungen mit Metallen, was zu robusten Katalysatoren führt. Dieser Aufsatz fasst die wichtigsten Ergebnisse vor 2014 kurz zusammen, wobei der Schwerpunkt jedoch auf den Erkenntnissen der vergangenen drei Jahre liegt.
Mixed‐Matrix Membranes
Authors: Dechnik Janina , Gascon Jorge , Doonan Christian J. , Janiak Christoph , Sumby Christopher J.
Published: April 2017

Research into extended porous materials such as metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic frameworks (POFs), as well as the analogous metal‐organic polyhedra (MOPs) and porous organic cages (POCs), has blossomed over the last decade. Given their chemical and structural variability and notable porosity, MOFs have been proposed as adsorbents for industrial gas separations and also as promising filler components for high‐performance mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs). Research in this area has focused on enhancing the chemical compatibility of the MOF and polymer phases by judiciously functionalizing the organic linkers of the MOF, modifying the MOF surface chemistry, and, more recently, exploring how particle size, morphology, and distribution enhance separation performance. Other filler materials, including POFs, MOPs, and POCs, are also being explored as additives for MMMs and have shown remarkable anti‐aging performance and excellent chemical compatibility with commercially available polymers. This Review briefly outlines the state‐of‐the‐art in MOF‐MMM fabrication, and the more recent use of POFs and molecular additives.
Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles to Augment Photosynthesis of Chloroplasts
Authors: Wang Yunxia , Li Shengliang , Liu Libing , Lv Fengting , Wang Shu
Published: April 2017

By coating chloroplasts with conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs), a new bio‐optical hybrid photosynthesis system (chloroplast/CPNs) is developed. Since CPNs possess unique light harvesting ability, including the ultraviolet part that chloroplasts absorb less, chloroplast/CPN complexes can capture broader range of light to accelerate the electron transport rates in photosystem II (PS II), the critical protein complex in chloroplasts, and augment photosynthesis beyond natural chloroplasts. The degree of spectral overlay between emission of CPNs and absorption of chloroplasts is critical for the enhanced photosynthesis. This work exhibits good potential to explore new and facile nanoengineering strategy for reforming chloroplast with light‐harvesting nanomaterials to enhance solar energy conversion.
Synthesis of N,N′,X‐tridentate 2‐iminomethylpyrrole‐coordinated palladium(II) complexes via N─H bond activation of pyrrole moiety
Authors: Kim Dongil , Seo Jaeyoung , Nayab Saira , Lee Hyosun
Published: April 2017

The reaction of [Pd(CH3CN)2Cl2] with N‐functional group‐substituted 2‐iminomethylpyrrole‐based ligands, namely N1‐((1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylene)‐N3,N3‐dimethylpropane‐1,3‐diamine (LA), N1‐((1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylene)‐N3‐methyl‐N3‐phenylpropane‐1,3‐diamine (LB), N‐((1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylene)‐3‐(methylthio)propan‐1‐amine (LC) and N‐((1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylene)‐3‐methoxypropan‐1‐amine (LD), resulted in [LnPdCl] (Ln = LA–LD) complexes in high yield via N─H bond activation of pyrrole moiety without use of base. [LnPdCl] existed as monomeric four‐coordinated complexes with slightly distorted square planar geometries around the palladium metal center. The ligands show N,N′,X‐tridentate binding mode to the palladium metal center to give two fused ring metallacycles. [LBPdCl] gave the highest activity (3.29 × 105 g PMMA (mol Pd)−1 h−1) for a methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerization in the presence of modified methylaluminoxane at 60 °C compared to the other Pd(II) analogues, and resulted in PMMA with higher molecular weight (Mw = 7.16 × 105 g mol−1) and narrower polydispersity index. Syndiotactic‐enriched PMMA resulted in all cases.
Study on droplet entrainment in the composite scrubbing–cooling chamber
Authors: Wang Y. , Yan L. , Guo Q. , Wang F. , Yu G.
Published: April 2017

A cold model experimental device was established for studying droplet entrainment in the composite scrubbing–cooling chamber. The effect of the superficial gas velocity, the initial liquid flow velocity of the nozzle, and the radial position of nozzles on droplet entrainment was investigated. The experimental results show that the droplet entrainment increases with the increase of the superficial gas velocity and the flow rate of falling film, but its profile is quite mean in the radial direction in the chamber. The droplet entrainment decreases by about 40% when the number of nozzles increases from two to four. Increasing the nozzle number can make the droplet well distributed and reduce droplet entrainment. Based on the experiment data, an empirical correlation for droplet entrainment fraction is also obtained, as E ∝ Re1.92·We0.52. The optimization study for the structure of the scrubbing–cooling chamber can provide some guidance for the industrial application. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polycarbonate/1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium chloride composite membranes and short‐range chain mobility analysis
Authors: Mendonça da Rocha Oliveira Lucas , Vedovello Priscila , Paranhos Caio Marcio
Published: April 2017

In this investigation, the incorporation of imidazolium salt, 1‐(2‐hydroxehtyl)‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium chloride [hydemmim][Cl] within bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) matrix and the subsequent formation of membranes via casting were studied. Characterizations that aimed to establish structure‐property correlations by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and water vapor transport (WVT) were performed. The results indicated that the presence of ionic liquid (IL) within the PC matrix significantly alter the local and macromolecular structure. The thermal stability is increased for all levels of incorporation. The plasticizing and antiplasticizing effects were observed due to the influence of the proportions of IL incorporated and of the cation's substituent chain of this IL. Distinct mechanisms of WVT were also observed in the presence of IL. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45117.
Plasticized thermoplastic polyurethanes for dielectric elastomers with improved electromechanical actuation
Authors: Renard Christophe , Wang Dongrui , Yang Yu , Xiong Silai , Shi Chang‐Yong , Dang Zhi‐Min
Published: April 2017

In this article, four different plasticizers are blended in thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) to improve its electromechanical actuation performance. The selected plasticizers include dibutyl phthalate, triphenyl phosphate, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and an unsaturated polyester PMG. The plasticization effect of various plasticizers on the mechanical properties, dielectric properties, and the electromechanical actuation of PU films is carefully characterized and compared. Results demonstrate that the actuated strain under low electric fields and the electromechanical coupling efficiency of PU can be substantially improved by blending with appropriate type and amount of plasticizers. The oligomer‐type plasticizers, PEG and PMG, act more efficiently in the improvement of actuation. An actuated strain in thickness of 1.54%, 140 times higher than that of pure PU, along with an electromechanical coupling efficiency of 0.60 under a low electric field of 5 V/μm was achieved for the PU plasticized with PMG suggesting an attractive approach toward advanced dielectric elastomer actuators. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45123.
Influence of model parameter estimation methods and regression algorithms on curing kinetics and rheological modelling
Authors: Abliz Dilmurat , Artys Tatjana , Ziegmann Gerhard
Published: April 2017

The accuracy of the phenomenological curing and rheological models are strongly related to the estimated start parameters and selected regression algorithms. Considering the versatile methods for model start parameter estimation (model‐free vs. model‐fitting, dynamic vs. isothermal) and regression analysis algorithm (linear vs. nonlinear, single‐target vs. multi‐target), this paper investigates the theoretical basis and influence of these aspects on the model development process and model quality. The curing kinetics is modelled by model‐free and model‐fitting start parameters and different regression algorithms, followed by cross model validation at the final. The results showed that the different parameter estimation methods and evaluation algorithms have a remarkable influence on the final model parameters and its quality. The study shows the correlation between the different aspects and provides a basis for better selection of model parameter evaluation methods and regression algorithms for model development with improved quality and accuracy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45137.
Extracellular Assembly of the Elastin Cable Line Element in the Developing Lung
Authors: Valenzuela Cristian D. , Wagner Willi L. , Bennett Robert D. , Ysasi Alexandra B. , Belle Janeil M. , Molter Karin , Straub Beate K. , Wang Dong , Chen Zi , Ackermann Maximilian , Tsuda Akira , Mentzer Steven J.
Published: April 2017

In the normal lung, a dominant structural element is an elastic “line element” that originates in the central bronchi and inserts into the distal airspaces. Despite its structural importance, the process that leads to development of the cable line element is unknown. To investigate the morphologic events contributing to its development, we used optical clearing methods to examine the postnatal rat lung. An unexpected finding was numerous spheres, with a median diameter of 1–2 µm, within the primary septa of the rat lung. The spheres demonstrated green autofluorescence, selective fluorescent eosin staining, reactivity with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester, and specific labeling with anti‐tropoelastin monoclonal antibody—findings consistent with tropoelastin. The sphere number peaked on rat postnatal day 4 (P4) and were rare by P14. The disappearance of the spheres was coincident with the development of the cable line element in the rat lung. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated no consistent association between parenchymal cells and sphere alignment. In contrast, the alignment of tropoelastin spheres appeared to be the direct result of interactions of scaffold proteins including collagen fibers and fibrillin microfibrils. We conclude that the spatial organization of the cable line element appears to be independent of tropoelastin deposition, but dependent on crosslinking to scaffold proteins within the primary septa. Anat Rec, 300:1670–1679, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Versus Placebo for Systemic Sclerosis–Related Interstitial Lung Disease: An Analysis of Scleroderma Lung Studies I and II
Authors: Volkmann Elizabeth R. , Tashkin Donald P. , Li Ning , Roth Michael D. , Khanna Dinesh , Hoffmann‐Vold Anna‐Maria , Kim Grace , Goldin Jonathan , Clements Philip J. , Furst Daniel E. , Elashoff Robert M.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To compare mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with placebo for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc)–related interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods

We included participants enrolled in the placebo arm of Scleroderma Lung Study (SLS) I and the MMF arm of SLS II. SLS I randomized participants to receive either oral cyclophosphamide (CYC) or placebo for 1 year, while SLS II randomized participants to receive either MMF for 2 years or oral CYC for 1 year followed by 1 year of placebo. Eligibility criteria for SLS I and SLS II were nearly identical. The primary outcome was % predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), and key secondary outcomes included % predicted diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS), and dyspnea. Joint models were created to evaluate the treatment effect on the course of these outcomes over 2 years.

Results

At baseline, the MMF‐treated group in SLS II (n = 69) and the placebo‐treated group in SLS I (n = 79) had similar percentages of men and women and similar disease duration, SSc subtype, extent of skin disease, and % predicted FVC. MMF‐treated patients in SLS II were slightly older (mean ± SD age 52.6 ± 9.7 years versus 48.1 ± 12.4 years; P = 0.0152) and had higher % predicted DLco (mean ± SD 54.0 ± 11.1 versus 46.2 ± 13.3; P = 0.0002) than placebo‐treated patients in SLS I. After adjustment for baseline disease severity, treatment with MMF in comparison with placebo was associated with improved % predicted FVC (P < 0.0001), % predicted DLco (P < 0.0001), MRSS (P < 0.0001), and dyspnea (P = 0.0112) over 2 years.

Conclusion

Although there are inherent limitations in comparing participants from different trials, treatment with MMF was associated with improvements in physiologic outcomes and dyspnea compared with placebo, even after accounting for baseline disease severity. These results further substantiate the use of MMF for the treatment of SSc‐related ILD.
A Stimuli‐Responsive Metallohydrogel Exhibiting Cyclohexane‐Like Hydrophobicity
Authors: Laishram Raju , Maitra Uday
Published: April 2017

Silver(I) forms a hydrogel in the presence of cholate with unusual properties, which are not observed with other cations. Polarity‐sensitive probes have shown that the spherical aggregates observed in the gel have ‘pockets’ with hydrophobicity comparable to that of degassed cyclohexane. The gel exhibited thermo‐ and mechanoresponsive properties. Color tunability from blue to cyan and green was observed with prodan. The two sol phases of the gel formed by applying stress and temperature showed very different properties.
CO2 Fixation with Epoxides under Mild Conditions with a Cooperative Metal Corrole/Quaternary Ammonium Salt Catalyst System
Authors: Tiffner Maximilian , Gonglach Sabrina , Haas Michael , Schöfberger Wolfgang , Waser Mario
Published: April 2017

The cooperative catalytic activity of several metal corrole complexes in combination with tetrabutyl‐ammonium bromide (TBAB) has been investigated for the reaction of epoxides with CO2 leading to cyclic carbonates. It was found that the use of just 0.05 mol % of a manganese(III)corrole with 2 mol % TBAB exhibits excellent catalytic activity under an atmosphere of CO2.
Stability Analysis in a Curved Road Traffic Flow Model Based on Control Theory
Authors: Meng Xiang Pei , Yan Li Ying
Published: April 2017

In the paper, a novel traffic flow model is proposed to describe the behavior of vehicles moving on a curved road with a slope. We investigate the related influences on uniform traffic jam analytically and numerically. Based on control theory, the condition for no traffic jam is obtained analytically. Finally, simulations are carried out to verify the new traffic flow model. The theoretical and numerical results show that the related factors including the friction coefficient, radius of curvature, slope of the curved road and the parameter λ have major effects on the stability of traffic flow respectively.
Der Wärmedurchgang bei Doppelfenstern – Konzept zur In‐situ‐Bewertung historischer Konstruktionen
Authors: Kain Günther , Gschwandtner Florian , Idam Friedrich
Published: April 2017

Historische Kastenfenster stehen noch immer in Verwendung, werden aber seit den 1980er Jahren vermehrt durch sogenannte Thermofenster aus Holz, Metall oder Kunststoff ersetzt. Als Hauptargument für den Fenstertausch wird neben der Haltbarkeit der Oberflächenbeschichtung vor allem der hohe Wärmedurchgang bei Kastenfenstern ins Treffen geführt. Dabei werden aber für diese historischen Fenster nicht Messergebnisse am realen Bestand, sondern normativ festgelegte Default‐Werte herangezogen. Diese Default‐Werte betragen allerdings das Drei‐ bis Vierfache der Laborwerte der industriell gefertigten Thermofenster. Um den tatsächlichen Wärmedurchgang bei Kastenfenstern bestimmen zu können, wurde an der Höheren Technischen Bundeslehranstalt (HTBLA) in Hallstatt/Oberösterreich die Entwicklung eines Messverfahrens in Angriff genommen, das an Ort und Stelle am realen Objekt einsetzbar ist. Die erste Messreihe legt den Schluss nahe, dass der reale Wärmedurchgang bei Kastenfenstern deutlich niedriger liegt, als die Default‐Werte vorgeben.
On the Counterfactual Nature of Gambling Near‐misses: An Experimental Study
Authors: Wu Yin , van Dijk Eric , Li Hong , Aitken Michael , Clark Luke
Published: April 2017

Research on gambling near‐misses has shown that objectively equivalent outcomes can yield divergent emotional and motivational responses. The subjective processing of gambling outcomes is affected substantially by close but non‐obtained outcomes (i.e. counterfactuals). In the current paper, we investigate how different types of near‐misses influence self‐perceived luck and subsequent betting behavior in a wheel‐of‐fortune task. We investigate the counterfactual mechanism of these effects by testing the relationship with a second task measuring regret/relief processing. Across two experiments (Experiment 1, n = 51; Experiment 2, n = 104), we demonstrate that near‐wins (neutral outcomes that are close to a jackpot) decreased self‐perceived luck, whereas near‐losses (neutral outcomes that are close to a major penalty) increased luck ratings. The effects of near‐misses varied by near‐miss position (i.e. whether the spinner stopped just short of, or passed through, the counterfactual outcome), consistent with established distinctions between upward versus downward, and additive versus subtractive, counterfactual thinking. In Experiment 1, individuals who showed stronger counterfactual processing on the regret/relief task were more responsive to near‐wins and near‐losses on the wheel‐of‐fortune task. The effect of near‐miss position was attenuated when the anticipatory phase (i.e. the spin and deceleration) was removed in Experiment 2. Further differences were observed within the objective gains and losses, between “clear” and “narrow” outcomes. Taken together, these results help substantiate the counterfactual mechanism of near‐misses. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Behavioral Decision Making Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Challenging the knowledge‐transfer orthodoxy: Knowledge co‐construction in technology‐enhanced learning for children with autism
Authors: Guldberg Karen , Parsons Sarah , Porayska‐Pomsta Kaśka , Keay‐Bright Wendy
Published: April 2017

Experimental intervention studies constitute the current dominant research designs in the autism education field. Such designs are based on a ‘knowledge‐transfer’ model of evidence‐based practice in which research is conducted by researchers, and is then ‘transferred’ to practitioners to enable them to implement evidence‐based interventions. While these research designs contribute important knowledge, they lead to a gap between what the research evidence may prescribe and what happens in practice, with a concomitant disparity between the priorities of researchers and practitioners. This paper discusses findings from the ESRC‐funded ‘SHAPE’ project, which adopted a different model of evidence‐based practice, focusing on knowledge co‐construction. Pupils (N = 8), teachers (N = 10), a speech and language therapist and a parent in three different school communities investigated creative ways in which children's social communication skills could be enhanced through technology use. Through a participatory methodology, digital stories were used as a method to enable engagement with the practical realities of the classroom and empower practitioners to construct and share their own authentic narratives. Participants articulated precise knowledge about the learning opportunities afforded to them and their pupils through quality interactions that were mediated by the technologies, as evidenced through digital stories. The SHAPE project shows that it is feasible to develop methodologies that enable genuine knowledge co‐construction with school practitioners, parents and pupils. Such co‐construction could offer realistic opportunities for pedagogical emancipation and innovation in evidence‐based practice as an alternative to the currently dominant and narrow model of knowledge transfer.
Einfluss einer Betonbeschichtung auf die Mechanismen der Bewehrungskorrosion in gerissenem Stahlbeton
Authors: Keßler Sylvia , Hiemer Florian , Gehlen Christoph
Published: April 2017

Die Dauerhaftigkeit von chloridexponierten Stahlbetonbauwerken kann durch Rissbildung erheblich reduziert werden. Durch die Risse können Chloride vergleichsweise rasch zur Bewehrung gelangen und Bewehrungskorrosion initiieren. Daher wird in einschlägigen Regelwerken [1, 2] vorgegeben, bei besonders gefährdeten Bauwerken wie Parkdecks dem Eindringen von Chloriden durch zusätzliche Maßnahmen dauerhaft entgegenzuwirken. Das DBV‐Merkblatt „Parkhäuser und Tiefgaragen” [3] enthält verschiedene Entwurfsgrundsätze und Ausführungsvarianten zur Sicherstellung der Dauerhaftigkeit. Eine Variante sieht vor, gemäß dem Instandsetzungsprinzip W‐Cl nach RL SIB [4] bzw. dem Verfahren 8.3 nach DIN EN 1504‐9 [5] die Betonoberfläche mit einem rissüberbrückenden Oberflächenschutzsystem (OS) nach abgeschlossener Rissbildung zu verschließen, um eine weitere Chlorid‐ und Feuchtezufuhr zu verhindern und damit den elektrischen Widerstand des Betons zu erhöhen.

In einem umfangreichen Experimentalprogramm konnte für die Situation „bewehrungskreuzende Biegerisse” gezeigt werden, dass nach zeitweiser Chloridexposition, wie sie in Parkhäusern über eine Winterperiode im unbeschichteten Zustand zu erwarten ist, durch eine Betonbeschichtung zuvor bereits aktivierte Makroelementströme maßgeblich reduziert bis vollständig gestoppt wurden. Der Erfolg dieser Maßnahme beruht auf dem Anstieg des anodischen Polarisationswiderstands aufgrund von Deckschichtbildung und/oder unzureichendem Nachschub von Chloriden. Der Einfluss der Erhöhung des Elektrolytwiderstands auf das Makrokorrosionselement durch Austrocknung des Betons ist vernachlässigbar. Noch nicht abschließend geklärt ist die Frage nach dem höchstzulässigen Chloridgehalt, der im Beton verbleiben darf, damit auch nach einer Beschichtung keine Bewehrungskorrosion mit standsicherheitsrelevanten Querschnittsverlusten initiiert bzw. aufrecht erhalten wird.
Interaction between azo dye Acid Red 14 and pepsin by multispectral methods and docking studies
Authors: Zhao Ludan , Guo Ronghui , Sun Qiaomei , Lan Jianwu , Li Hui
Published: April 2017

The interaction of synthetic azo dye Acid Red 14 with pepsin was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism and molecular docking. Results from the fluorescence spectroscopy show that Acid Red 14 has a strong capability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of pepsin with static quenching. Binding constant, number of the binding sites and thermodynamic parameters were measured at different temperatures. The result indicates that Acid Red 14 interact with pepsin spontaneously by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. Three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism spectra reveal that Acid Red 14 could slightly change the structure of pepsin. The hydrogen bond is formed between Acid Red 14 and Tyr‐189 and Thr‐218 residues of pepsin. Furthermore, the binding between Acid Red 14 and pepsin inhibits pepsin activity. The study can provide a way to analyze the biological safety of Acid Red 14 on digestive proteases or other proteins.
Randomized clinical trial of autologous skin cell suspension for accelerating re-epithelialization of split-thickness donor sites
Authors: Hu Z , Guo D , Liu P , Cao X , Li S , Zhu J , Tang B
Published: April 2017

Background

Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) is used frequently, but may result in complications at the donor site. Rapid healing of donor-site wounds is critical to relieving morbidity. This study investigated whether autologous skin cell suspension could improve healing of STSG donor-site wounds.

Methods

Between September 2014 and February 2016, patients requiring STSGs were randomized to receive autologous skin cell suspension plus hydrocolloid dressings (experimental group) or hydrocolloid dressings alone (control group) for the donor site. The primary outcome was time to complete re-epithelialization. Secondary outcomes included pain and itching scores measured on a visual analogue scale, and adverse events. Patients were followed for 12 weeks to evaluate quality of healing. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results

Some 106 patients were included, 53 in each group. Median time to complete re-epithelialization was 9·0 (95 per cent c.i. 8·3 to 9·7) days in the experimental group, compared with 13·0 (12·4 to 13·6) days in the control group (P < 0·001). Overall postoperative pain and itching scores were similar in both groups. No between-group differences in treatment-related complications were observed. Both patients and observers were more satisfied with healing quality after autologous skin cell suspension had been used.

Conclusion

The use of autologous skin cell suspension with hydrocolloid dressings accelerated epithelialization and improved healing quality of the donor site compared with hydrocolloid dressings alone. Registration number: UMIN000015000 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr).