bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of 2D Water Films in Porous Triple‐Layer Membranes with a Hydrophilic Core: Cooling Textiles and Passive Evaporative Room Climate Control
Authors: Stucki Mario , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: April 2017

Cooling and climate control are among the largest energy consuming processes in the world. By introducing passive systems, the energy consumption can be shifted to more renewable sources like sunlight. Combining hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymeric matrices in fully porous flat sheet membranes affords a triple‐layer construct able of laterally transport water without energy input, while cooling and wetting the surrounding air by evaporation. In three subsequent coating steps, the material is assembled, the pore‐forming template is released, and the materials are tested on their behavior in a passive cooling application. The straightforward and simple way of combining polymers with opposing chemical properties in a fully porous manner offers a wide range of new applications.
Flexible Piezoelectric Touch Sensor by Alignment of Lead‐Free Alkaline Niobate Microcubes in PDMS
Authors: Deutz Daniella B. , Mascarenhas Neola T. , Schelen J. Ben J. , de Leeuw Dago M. , van der Zwaag Sybrand , Groen Pim
Published: April 2017

A highly sensitive, lead‐free, and flexible piezoelectric touch sensor is reported based on composite films of alkaline niobate K0.485Na0.485Li0.03NbO3 (KNLN) powders aligned in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. KNLN powder is fabricated by solid‐state sintering and consists of microcubes. The particles are dispersed in uncured PDMS and oriented by application of an oscillating dielectrophoretic alignment field. The dielectric constant of the composite film is almost independent of the microstructure, while upon alignment the piezoelectric charge coefficient increases more than tenfold up to 17 pC N−1. A quantitative analysis shows that the origin is a reduction of the interparticle distance to under 1.0 µm in the aligned bicontinuous KNLN chains. The temperature stable piezoelectric voltage coefficient exhibits a maximum value of 220 mV m N−1, at a volume fraction of only 10%. This state‐of‐the‐art value outperforms bulk piezoelectric ceramics and composites with randomly dispersed particles, and is comparable to the values reported for the piezoelectric polymers polyvinylidenefluoride and its random copolymer with trifluoroethylene. Optimized composite films are incorporated in flexible piezoelectric touch sensors. The high sensitivity is analyzed and discussed. As the fabrication technology is straightforward and easy to implement, applications are foreseen in flexible electronics such as wireless sensor networks and biodiagnostics.
Electrical Stress Influences the Efficiency of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Light Emitting Devices
Authors: Zhao Lianfeng , Gao Jia , Lin YunHui L. , Yeh Yao‐Wen , Lee Kyung Min , Yao Nan , Loo Yueh‐Lin , Rand Barry P.
Published: April 2017

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials are emerging as semiconductors with potential application in optoelectronic devices. In particular, perovskites are very promising for light‐emitting devices (LEDs) due to their high color purity, low nonradiative recombination rates, and tunable bandgap. Here, using pure CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite LEDs with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.9% as a platform, it is shown that electrical stress can influence device performance significantly, increasing the EQE from an initial 5.9% to as high as 7.4%. Consistent with the enhanced device performance, both the steady‐state photoluminescence (PL) intensity and the time‐resolved PL decay lifetime increase after electrical stress, indicating a reduction in nonradiative recombination in the perovskite film. By investigating the temperature‐dependent characteristics of the perovskite LEDs and the cross‐sectional elemental depth profile, it is proposed that trap reduction and resulting device‐performance enhancement is due to local ionic motion of excess ions, likely excess mobile iodide, in the perovskite film that fills vacancies and reduces interstitial defects. On the other hand, it is found that overstressed LEDs show irreversibly degraded device performance, possibly because ions initially on the perovskite lattice are displaced during extended electrical stress and create defects such as vacancies.
“Wiring” Fe‐Nx‐Embedded Porous Carbon Framework onto 1D Nanotubes for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline and Acidic Media
Authors: Ahn Sung Hoon , Yu Xingwen , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: April 2017

This study presents a novel metal‐organic‐framework‐engaged synthesis route based on porous tellurium nanotubes as a sacrificial template for hierarchically porous 1D carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, an ultrathin Fe‐ion‐containing polydopamine layer has been introduced to generate highly effective FeNxC active sites into the carbon framework and to induce a high degree of graphitization. The synergistic effects between the hierarchically porous 1D carbon structure and the embedded FeNxC active sites in the carbon framework manifest in superior catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) compared to Pt/C catalyst in both alkaline and acidic media. A rechargeable zinc‐air battery assembled in a decoupled configuration with the nonprecious pCNT@Fe@GL/CNF ORR electrode and Ni‐Fe LDH/NiF oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrode exhibits charge–discharge overpotentials similar to the counterparts of Pt/C ORR electrode and IrO2 OER electrode.
Stabilizing the MXenes by Carbon Nanoplating for Developing Hierarchical Nanohybrids with Efficient Lithium Storage and Hydrogen Evolution Capability
Authors: Wu Xianhong , Wang Zhiyu , Yu Mengzhou , Xiu Luyang , Qiu Jieshan
Published: April 2017

The MXenes combining hydrophilic surface, metallic conductivity and rich surface chemistries represent a new family of 2D materials with widespread applications. However, their poor oxygen resistance causes a great loss of electronic properties and surface reactivity, which significantly inhibits the fabrication, the understanding of the chemical nature and full exploitation of the potential of MXene‐based materials. Herein we report a facile carbon nanoplating strategy for efficiently stabilizing the MXenes against structural degradation caused by spontaneous oxidation, which provides a material platform for developing MXene‐based materials with attractive structure and properties. Hierarchical MoS2/Ti3C2‐MXene@C nanohybrids with excellent structural stability, electrical properties and strong interfacial coupling are fabricated by assembling carbon coated few‐layered MoS2 nanoplates on carbon‐stabilized Ti3C2 MXene, exhibiting exceptional performance for Li storage and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Remarkably, ultra‐long cycle life of 3000 cycles with high capacities but extremely slow capacity loss of 0.0016% per cycle is achieved for Li storage at a very high rate of 20 A g−1. They are also highly active HER electrocatalyst with very positive onset potential, low overpotential and long‐term stability in acidic solution. Superb properties highlight the great promise of MXene‐based materials in cornerstone applications of energy storage and conversion.
One‐Step Solution Phase Growth of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Thin Films Directly on Solid Substrates
Authors: Giri Anupam , Yang Heeseung , Thiyagarajan Kalianan , Jang Woosun , Myoung Jae Min , Singh Ranbir , Soon Aloysius , Cho Kilwon , Jeong Unyong
Published: April 2017

Ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have exotic electronic properties. With success in easy synthesis of high quality TMD thin films, the potential applications will become more viable in electronics, optics, energy storage, and catalysis. Synthesis of TMD thin films has been mostly performed in vacuum or by thermolysis. So far, there is no solution phase synthesis to produce large‐area thin films directly on target substrates. Here, this paper reports a one‐step quick synthesis (within 45–90 s) of TMD thin films (MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, WSe2, etc.) on solid substrates by using microwave irradiation on a precursor‐containing electrolyte solution. The numbers of the quintuple layers of the TMD thin films are precisely controllable by varying the precursor's concentration in the electrolyte solution. A photodetector made of MoS2 thin film comprising of small size grains shows near‐IR absorption, supported by the first principle calculation, exhibits a high photoresponsivity (>300 mA W−1) and a fast response (124 µs). This study paves a robust way for the synthesis of various TMD thin films in solution phases.
High‐Performance Integrated Self‐Package Flexible Li–O2 Battery Based on Stable Composite Anode and Flexible Gas Diffusion Layer
Authors: Yang Xiao‐yang , Xu Ji‐jing , Bao Di , Chang Zhi‐wen , Liu Da‐peng , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xin‐Bo
Published: April 2017

With the rising development of flexible and wearable electronics, corresponding flexible energy storage devices with high energy density are required to provide a sustainable energy supply. Theoretically, rechargeable flexible Li–O2 batteries can provide high specific energy density; however, there are only a few reports on the construction of flexible Li–O2 batteries. Conventional flexible Li–O2 batteries possess a loose battery structure, which prevents flexibility and stability. The low mechanical strength of the gas diffusion layer and anode also lead to a flexible Li–O2 battery with poor mechanical properties. All these attributes limit their practical applications. Herein, the authors develop an integrated flexible Li–O2 battery based on a high‐fatigue‐resistance anode and a novel flexible stretchable gas diffusion layer. Owing to the synergistic effect of the stable electrocatalytic activity and hierarchical 3D interconnected network structure of the free‐standing cathode, the obtained flexible Li–O2 batteries exhibit superior electrochemical performance, including a high specific capacity, an excellent rate capability, and exceptional cycle stability. Furthermore, benefitting from the above advantages, the as‐fabricated flexible batteries can realize excellent mechanical and electrochemical stability. Even after a thousand cycles of the bending process, the flexible Li–O2 battery can still possess a stable open‐circuit voltage, a high specific capacity, and a durable cycle performance.
Mapping Energy Levels for Organic Heterojunctions
Authors: Li Yiying , Li Peicheng , Lu Zheng‐Hong
Published: April 2017

An organic semiconductor thin film is a solid‐state matter comprising one or more molecules. For applications in electronics and photonics, several distinct functional organic thin films are stacked together to create a variety of devices such as organic light‐emitting diodes and organic solar cells. The energy levels at these thin‐film junctions dictate various electronic processes such as the charge transport across these junctions, the exciton dissociation rates at donor–acceptor molecular interfaces, and the charge trapping during exciton formation in a host–dopant system. These electronic processes are vital to a device's performance and functionality. To uncover a general scientific principle in governing the interface energy levels, highest occupied molecular orbitals, and vacuum level dipoles, herein a comprehensive experimental research is conducted on several dozens of organic–organic heterojunctions representative of various device applications. It is found that the experimental data map on interface energy levels, after correcting variables such as molecular orientation‐dependent ionization energies, consists of three distinct regions depending on interface fundamental physical parameters such as Fermi energy, work function, highest occupied molecular orbitals, and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals. This general energy map provides a master guide in selection of new materials for fabricating future generations of organic semiconductor devices.
Ultralow Friction and Wear of Polymer Composites under Extreme Unlubricated Sliding Conditions
Authors: Qi Huimin , Zhang Ga , Chang Li , Zhao Fuyan , Wang Tingmei , Wang Qihua
Published: April 2017

Dependence of the tribological behaviors of polyimide‐ and polyetheretherketone‐based composites on pv (pressure × speed) factors is investigated in air ambience. It is demonstrated that the hybrid composites filled with nanosilica/carbon fibers/graphite exhibit ultralow friction and wear under extreme conditions. In particular, the friction coefficients of the hybrid nanocomposites at 40 MPa m s−1 are in the range of 0.03–0.04, which are even lower than those obtained with poly alpha olefin lubrication. Moreover, the friction coefficients are lower than those of carbon fibers reinforced polymer composites ever reported in literatures. In order to reveal the underlying mechanisms of ultralow friction and wear, tribochemistry and tribofilms' nanostructures are comprehensively analyzed. It is identified that chelation of polymeric molecular radicals with steel counterface occurs enhancing tribofilm's bonding strength. Striking orientation of the molecules of remnant polymer in tribofilm is indicative that the film exhibits an easy‐to‐shear characteristic under extreme pv conditions. Nanosilica released onto sliding interface and iron oxide particles abraded from the counterface are thereafter tribosintered into a compact layer, which accounts for the high load‐carrying capability of the tribofilm.
Surfactant‐Free Synthesis of Graphene‐Supported PdCu Nanocrystals with High Alloying Degree as Highly Active Catalyst for Formic Acid Electrooxidation
Authors: Li Shuni , Zhai Yanan , Zhang Xinyi , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: April 2017

In recent years, graphene/metal nanocrystal hybrids have attracted tremendous attention in catalysis and electrocatalysis. This work demonstrates a surfactant‐free coprecipitation/coreduction method to synthesize graphene‐supported nanocrystalline PdCu (PdCu/GN) hybrids with high alloying degree. The strong interaction between graphene oxide and metal hydrates results in uniform precipitation on the graphene oxide surface, which plays a critical role in excellent dispersion and high alloying degree of PdCu nanocrystals. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements show that nanocrystalline PdCu/GN hybrids have higher activity and durability than commercial Pd/C catalyst for the formic acid oxidation reaction.
Enhancing the Performance and Stability of Perovskite Nanocrystal Light‐Emitting Diodes with a Polymer Matrix
Authors: Yu Jae Choul , Lee Ah‐Young , Kim Da Bin , Jung Eui Dae , Kim Dae Woo , Song Myoung Hoon
Published: April 2017

All‐inorganic perovskite nanocrystal materials exhibit excellent light‐emitting properties in the visible range with narrow‐band emissions, relatively high stability levels, and high photoluminescence quantum efficiency. A uniform morphology of perovskite nanocrystal film is necessary to realize highly efficient light‐emitting devices, but the morphology of CsPbX3 nanocrystal films has not been intensively studied. Here, a novel method is presented to obtain uniform and stable CsPbBr3 nanocrystal film through a drop‐casting method with a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The introduction of CsPbBr3 nanocrystal:PMMA composite film into a perovskite nanocrystal light‐emitting diode (PeNLED) brings enhanced device performance with good coverage of green electroluminescence (EL) emission. Moreover, the long‐term stability of the PeNLED is improved by the presence of the PMMA due to the resulting considerable water resistance and good thermal stability. Much less EL blinking is also observed from PeNLEDs with the CsPbBr3 nanocrystal:PMMA composite film as compared to the amount with perovskite bulk film under a continuous bias condition. Therefore, it is emphasized that the enhanced efficiency and stability of PeNLEDs by the CsPbBr3 nanocrystal:PMMA composite film can further promote their usage in displays and in lighting applications.
Interlayer‐State‐Coupling Dependent Ultrafast Charge Transfer in MoS2/WS2 Bilayers
Authors: Zhang Jin , Hong Hao , Lian Chao , Ma Wei , Xu Xiaozhi , Zhou Xu , Fu Huixia , Liu Kaihui , Meng Sheng
Published: April 2017

Light‐induced interlayer ultrafast charge transfer in 2D heterostructures provides a new platform for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. The charge separation process is generally hypothesized to be dependent on the interlayer stackings and interactions, however, the quantitative characteristic and detailed mechanism remain elusive. Here, a systematical study on the interlayer charge transfer in model MoS2/WS2 bilayer system with variable stacking configurations by time‐dependent density functional theory methods is demonstrated. The results show that the slight change of interlayer geometry can significantly modulate the charge transfer time from 100 fs to 1 ps scale. Detailed analysis further reveals that the transfer rate in MoS2/WS2 bilayers is governed by the electronic coupling between specific interlayer states, rather than the interlayer distances, and follows a universal dependence on the state‐coupling strength. The results establish the interlayer stacking as an effective freedom to control ultrafast charge transfer dynamics in 2D heterostructures and facilitate their future applications in optoelectronics and light harvesting.
Blood biomarkers of carbohydrate, lipid, and apolipoprotein metabolisms and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A more than 20‐year follow‐up of the Swedish AMORIS cohort
Authors: Mariosa Daniela , Hammar Niklas , Malmström Håkan , Ingre Caroline , Jungner Ingmar , Ye Weimin , Fang Fang , Walldius Göran
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess the associations of blood biomarkers of carbohydrate, lipid, and apolipoprotein metabolisms with the future risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

In the Apolipoprotein‐related MOrtality RISk study, we enrolled 636,132 men and women during 1985–1996 in Stockholm, Sweden, with measurements of serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B (apoB), and apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I). Serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were either directly measured or calculated from total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apoA‐I. The cohort was followed until the end of 2011. We used Cox models and mixed‐effects models to, first, estimate the associations between these biomarkers and ALS incidence and, second, to assess the changes of these biomarkers during the 20 years before ALS diagnosis.

Results

One‐unit increase of LDL‐C (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.27), apoB (HR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.17–2.42), and apoB/apoA‐I ratio (HR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.29–2.78) was associated with a higher incidence of ALS. High glucose level (≥6.11mmol/L) was associated with a lower incidence (HR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.42–0.93), whereas high LDL‐C/HDL‐C (≥3.50; HR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.15–1.96) and high apoB/apoA‐I (≥0.90 for men, ≥0.8 for women; HR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.04–1.90) ratios were associated with a higher incidence. During the 10 years before diagnosis, ALS patients had increasing levels of LDL‐C, HDL‐C, apoB, and apoA‐I, whereas gradually decreasing levels of LDL‐C/HDL‐C and apoB/apoA‐I ratios.

Interpretation

Alterations in the carbohydrate, lipid, and apolipoprotein metabolisms are associated with ALS risk and may serve as prodromal symptoms decades before ALS diagnosis. The imbalance between apoB and apoA‐I as well as between LDL‐C and HDL‐C may be an etiological mechanism for ALS and needs to be further studied. Ann Neurol 2017;81:718–728
Chiral Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of N‐Aryl‐cis‐aziridine Carboxylate Esters
Authors: Bew Sean P. , Liddle John , Hughes David L. , Pesce Paolo , Thurston Sean M.
Published: April 2017

We report a multi‐component asymmetric Brønsted acid‐catalyzed aza‐Darzens reaction which is not limited to specific aromatic or heterocyclic aldehydes. Incorporating alkyl diazoacetates and, important for high ee's, ortho‐tert‐butoxyaniline our optimized reaction (i.e. solvent, temperature and catalyst study) affords excellent yields (61–98 %) and mostly >90 % optically active cis‐aziridines. (+)‐Chloramphenicol was generated in 4 steps from commercial starting materials. A tentative mechanism is outlined.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Acyloin Rearrangement of α‐Hydroxy Acetals to α‐Alkoxy Ketones
Authors: Wu Hua , Wang Qian , Zhu Jieping
Published: April 2017

We report an unprecedented organocatalytic enantioselective acyloin rearrangement of α,α‐disubstituted α‐hydroxy acetals. In the presence of a catalytic amount of chiral binol‐derived N‐triflyl phosphoramide, α‐hydroxy acetals rearranged to α‐alkoxy ketones in good to high yields with high enantioselectivities. Formation of an ion pair between the in situ generated oxocarbenium ion and the chiral phosphoramide anion was proposed to be responsible for the highly efficient transfer of chirality. Conditions for removal of cyclohexyl and cyclopentyl groups from the corresponding α‐alkoxy ketones were uncovered underpinning their potential general utility as hydroxy protecting groups. Conversion of the rearranged products to the enantioenriched α‐hydroxy ketone, 1,2‐diol, β‐amino alcohol and 1,4‐dioxane was also documented.
High‐Pressure Synthesis of Fully Occupied Tetragonal and Cubic Tungsten Bronze Oxides
Authors: Ikeuchi Yuya , Takatsu Hiroshi , Tassel Cédric , Goto Yoshihiro , Murakami Taito , Kageyama Hiroshi
Published: April 2017

A high‐pressure reaction yielded the fully occupied tetragonal tungsten bronze K3W5O15 (K0.6WO3). The terminal phase shows an unusual transport property featuring slightly negative temperature‐dependence in resistivity (dρ/dT<0) and a large Wilson ratio of RW=3.2. Such anomalous metallic behavior possibly arises from the low‐dimensional electronic structure with a van Hove singularity at the Fermi level and/or from enhanced magnetic fluctuations by geometrical frustration of the tungsten sublattice. The asymmetric nature of the tetragonal tungsten bronze KxWO3‐K0.6−yBayWO3 phase diagram implies that superconductivity for x≤0.45 originates from the lattice instability because of potassium deficiency. A cubic perovskite KWO3 phase was also identified as a line phase—in marked contrast to NaxWO3 and LixWO3 with varying quantities of x (<1). This study presents a versatile method by which the solubility limit of tungsten bronze oxides can be extended.
Glycan Analysis by Ion Mobility–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hofmann Johanna , Pagel Kevin
Published: April 2017

Carbohydrates form one of the major classes of biological macromolecules in living organisms. To investigate their properties and function, an in‐depth knowledge of their underlying structure is essential. However, the inherent structural complexity of glycans represents a major challenge. Carbohydrates are often branched and exhibit diverse regio‐ and stereochemistry. This in turn leads to a vast number of possible isomers, which are difficult to distinguish by using established analytical tools. In the last decade, ion mobility–mass spectrometry, a technique that separates ions based on their mass, charge, size, and shape, has emerged as a powerful alternative for isomer distinction. This Minireview highlights recent advances in ion mobility–mass spectrometry of complex carbohydrates and discusses its role in future analysis workflows.
Production of high concentration of l‐lactic acid from oil palm empty fruit bunch by thermophilic Bacillus coagulans JI12
Authors: Juturu Veeresh , Wu Jin Chuan
Published: April 2017

Thermophilic Bacillus coagulans JI12 was used to ferment hemicellulose hydrolysate obtained by acid hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch at 50 °C and pH 6, producing 105.4 g/L of l‐lactic acid with a productivity of 9.3 g/L/H by fed‐batch fermentation under unsterilized conditions. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) was performed at pH 5.5 and 50 °C to convert both hemicellulose hydrolysate and cellulose–lignin complex in the presence of Cellic Ctec2 cellulases using yeast extract (20 g/L) as the nitrogen source, giving 114.0 g/L of l‐lactic acid with a productivity of 5.7 g/L/H. The SSF was also conducted by replacing yeast extract with equal amount of dry Bakers’ yeast, achieving 120.0 g/L of l‐lactic acid with a productivity of 4.3 g/L/H. To the best of our knowledge, these lactic acid titers and productivities are the highest ever reported from lignocellulose hydrolysates.
Insekten als Nahrungsmittel der Zukunft
Authors: Fiebelkorn Florian
Published: April 2017

In Deutschland sind Insekten als Nahrungsmittel noch relativ unbekannt. In vielen Ländern der Welt hingegen werden Insekten schon seit langer Zeit als Nahrungsmittel geschätzt. Dieser Artikel beleuchtet das Nachhaltigkeitspotenzial von Entomophagie und versucht anhand rechtlicher und psychologischer Barrieren zu erklären, warum Insekten in Deutschland noch nicht auf dem Speiseplan stehen. Forschung in den Bereichen der Ernährungspsychologie und Biologiedidaktik ist essenziell für die erfolgreiche Einführung von Insekten als Nahrungsmittel in Deutschland.
Using augmented reality to teach and learn biochemistry
Authors: Vega Garzón Juan Carlos , Magrini Marcio Luiz , Galembeck Eduardo
Published: April 2017

Understanding metabolism and metabolic pathways constitutes one of the central aims for students of biological sciences. Learning metabolic pathways should be focused on the understanding of general concepts and core principles. New technologies such Augmented Reality (AR) have shown potential to improve assimilation of biochemistry abstract concepts because students can manipulate 3D molecules in real time. Here we describe an application named Augmented Reality Metabolic Pathways (ARMET), which allowed students to visualize the 3D molecular structure of substrates and products, thus perceiving changes in each molecule. The structural modification of molecules shows students the flow and exchange of compounds and energy through metabolism. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(5):417–420, 2017.
Bruising in Children: Exploring the Attitudes, Knowledge and Training of Child Protection Social Workers and the Interface with Paediatricians regarding Childhood Bruising
Authors: Matthews Lauren , Kemp Alison , Maguire Sabine
Published: April 2017

While child protection social workers (CPSWs) make decisions about which children with an injury need a medical examination, we do not know how they make these decisions. We aimed to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and training of CPSWs in regards to assessing childhood bruising. Paediatricians' views on the bruising knowledge and training of CPSWs were also explored, as well as the relationship and communication between the two professions.

‘Aimed to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and training of CPSWs in regards to assessing childhood bruising’

Semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 39 CPSWs and 16 paediatricians across South Wales and South West England. Interviews were recorded and transcribed until data saturation was reached. Using NVivo, two independent assessors conducted a thematic analysis, identifying themes emerging from the data with group comparisons where appropriate.

CPSWs lack confidence in assessing bruising with knowledge gaps regarding bruise patterns and the lack of evidence for ageing bruises. This appears to be linked to an almost complete lack of training. An important theme was that CPSWs regard the clinician's view as paramount, yet paediatricians feel that there is an over‐expectation of what a child protection medical can conclude; this exemplified some of the communication issues between the professions. Evidence‐based training of CPSWs is needed jointly by health and social care professionals, including an understanding of the respective roles. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

CPSWs lack confidence in assessing bruising characteristics associated with physical abuse, largely due to their lack of training.

CPSWs' decisions to refer for medical examinations are strongly influenced by an exploration of history and key social factors, including chastisement strategies and the home environment.

Paediatricians are unaware of CPSWs' training or knowledge, and thus have unrealistic expectations of their assessment of bruising characteristics.

Communication between professionals could be improved by joint professional training in this area, providing current scientific evidence relating to bruises and an explicit explanation of the role of each in this assessment.

‘Paediatricians are unaware of CPSWs' training or knowledge, and thus have unrealistic expectations of their assessment of bruising characteristics’
Cortisol is associated with low frequency of interleukin 10–producing B cells in patients with atherosclerosis
Authors: Huo Yizhong , Chu Yan , Guo Lixin , Liu Linli , Xia Xiaojun , Wang Tierui
Published: April 2017

It is accepted that inflammation plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis; the pathogenesis is not clear. B‐cell–produced interleukin (IL) 10 is an immune regulatory cytokine that can inhibit immune inflammation. This study tests a hypothesis that a psychological stress hormone, cortisol, suppresses IL‐10 expression in peripheral B cells of patients with atherosclerosis. Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis. B cells were isolated from the blood samples to be analyzed for the expression of IL‐10 and micro RNA (miR) 98 by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We observed that the frequency of IL‐10+ B cell was less in patients with atherosclerosis than healthy controls. The serum cortisol levels were higher in the patients than that in healthy controls. Peripheral B‐cell frequency was negatively correlated with the serum cortisol levels. Exposure of B cells to cortisol increased the expression of miR‐98 in B cells. Cortisol also inhibited the expression of IL‐10 in B cells, in which miR‐98 played a critical role. Treating B cells from atherosclerosis patients with anti–miR‐98 liposomes reversed the ability of expression of IL‐10 in the cells. The expression of IL‐10 is suppressed in peripheral B cells, which can be up regulated by anti–miR‐98 liposomes.
CHISA – Worldwide Meeting for Chemical Engineers in the Heart of Europe
Authors: Obalová Lucie
Published: April 2017

No abstract.
In Situ Monitoring of Ionic Metal Dissolution During Anodization of Titanium and Quantification of Parallel Electronic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Kollender Jan Philipp , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: April 2017

This study reports an in situ investigation of the metal dissolution during anodization of titanium. A combination of an electrochemical flow cell that is directly coupled to an ICP‐MS was used for the investigation. The oxide film was grown through potentiodynamic anodization (CV with 10 mV s−1) between 0 and 8 V. A rather constant dissolution rate of approximately 1.5 ng s−1 cm−2 was observed during the entire oxide formation although the current, as measured by the potentiostat, increased from 58 μA cm−2 (1 V) up to 290 μA cm−2 (8 V). Controversially, the dissolution rate was not affected by the additional electronic currents, which become relevant for potentials higher than 3.5 V. The metal dissolution is triggered by the ionic species (Ti4+ and O2−) crossing the oxide layer (ionic currents) under the applied high‐field conditions. No reduction of the oxide during the reverse scan could be observed. The fraction of charge carriers used for metal dissolution stayed rather constant (ca. 21 %) up 3.5 V, and then continuously decreased to 4 % for the highest applied anodization potential (8.0 V), reflecting the increased oxygen evolution rate at a rather constant dissolution rate.
Deactivation of a Cobalt Catalyst for Water Reduction through Valence Tautomerism
Authors: Baydoun Habib , Mazumder Shivnath , Schlegel H. Bernhard , Verani Cláudio N.
Published: April 2017

The activity of the water reduction catalyst [CoIII(L1)(pyr)2]PF6 (1), where (L1)2− is a bis‐amido pyridine ligand and pyr is pyrrolidine, is investigated. Catalyst 1 has an overpotential of 0.54 V and a high observed TOF of 23 min−1, albeit for a relatively short time. Considering the significant activity of 1 and aiming to improve catalyst design, a detailed structural and electronic study is performed to understand the mechanisms of deactivation. Experimental and theoretical evidence support that the metal‐reduced [CoI(L1)]− is in tautomeric equilibrium with the ligand‐reduced [CoII(L1.)]− species. While [CoI(L1)]− favors formation of a CoIII−H− relevant for catalysis, the [CoII(L1.)]− species leads to ligand protonation, structural distortions, and, ultimatley, catalyst deactivation.
Cover Picture: Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Properties of 4,5‐Diazafluoren‐9‐yl or Fluoren‐9‐yl Terminated Homobimetallic Ruthenium and Osmium Allenylidene, Alkynyl‐Allenylidene Complexes (Chin. J. Chem. 4/2017)
Authors: Huang Jinbo , Zhou Xiaoxi , Zhao Qianyi , Li Shunhua , Xia Haiping
Published: April 2017

The cover picture shows the structures of rigid dinuclear metallacumulenes with diazafluorene or fluorine fragments. These complexes were derived from 9‐ethynyl‐9‐fluorenol and 9‐hydroxy‐9‐ethynyl‐4,5‐diazafluorene in the presence of cis‐OsCl2(dppm)2 and cis‐RuCl2(dppe)2. Eletrochemical studies have revealed that these complexes display a quasireversible redox behavior and a moderate electronic communication between the two metal centers. Moreover, these new structurally rigid complexes show a remarkably broad absorption in the long‐wavelength region (λmax = 300−700 nm), which would be excellent candidates for optical materials. The bridge in center shows the implied meaning of the rigid structures of these complexes and the electronic communication between the two metal centers. More details are discussed in the article by Xia et al. on page 420–428.

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Enhancement of Oxidative Desulfurization Performance over UiO‐66(Zr) by Titanium Ion Exchange
Authors: Ye Gan , Qi Hui , Li Xiaolin , Leng Kunyue , Sun Yinyong , Xu Wei
Published: April 2017

Oxidative desulfurization is considered to be one of the most promising methods for producing ultra‐low‐sulfur fuels because it can effectively remove refractory sulfur‐containing aromatic compounds under mild conditions. In this work, the oxidative desulfurization performance over UiO‐66(Zr) is greatly enhanced by Ti ion exchange. This strategy is not only efficient for UiO‐66(Zr) with crystal defects but also for UiO‐66(Zr) with high crystallinity. In particular, the performance of UiO‐66(Zr) with high crystallinity in the oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene can be improved more than 11‐fold, which can be mainly attributed to the introduction of active Ti sites.
Is there sufficient evidence for a causal association between antiretroviral therapy and diabetes in HIV‐infected patients? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Nduka Chidozie U. , Stranges Saverio , Kimani Peter K. , Sarki Ahmed M. , Uthman Olalekan A.
Published: April 2017

The association of antiretroviral therapy (ART) with diabetes is inconsistent and varies widely across primary epidemiological studies. A comprehensive and more precise estimate of this association is fundamental to establishing a plausible causal link between ART and diabetes. We identified epidemiological studies that compared mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentrations and proportions of diabetes and metabolic syndrome between HIV‐infected patients naïve and exposed to ART. Mean difference in FPG concentrations and odds ratios of diabetes and metabolic syndrome were pooled using random‐effects meta‐analyses. Data on 20 178 participants from 41 observational studies were included in the meta‐analyses. Mean FPG concentrations (Pooled mean difference: 4.66 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.52 to 6.80; 24 studies) and the odds of diabetes (Pooled odds ratios: 3.85; 95% CI, 2.93 to 5.07; 10 studies) and metabolic syndrome (Pooled odds ratios: 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.03; 18 studies) were significantly higher among ART‐exposed patients, compared to their naïve counterparts. ART was also associated with significant increases in FPG levels in studies with mean ART duration ≥18 months (Pooled mean difference: 4.97 mg/dL; 95% CI, 3.10 to 6.84; 14 studies), but not in studies with mean ART duration <18 months (Pooled mean difference: 4.40 mg/dL, 95% CI, –0.59 to 9.38; 7 studies). ART may potentially be the single most consistent determinant of diabetes in people living with HIV worldwide. However, given the preponderance of cross‐sectional studies in the meta‐analysis, the association between ART and diabetes cannot be interpreted as cause and effect.
A framework for modeling habitat quality in disturbance‐prone areas demonstrated with woodland caribou and wildfire
Authors: Whitman Ellen , Parisien Marc‐André , Price David T. , St‐Laurent Martin‐Hugues , Johnson Chris J. , DeLancey Evan R. , Arseneault Dominique , Flannigan Mike D.
Published: April 2017

Natural resource management professionals require adaptable spatial tools for conserving and managing wildlife across landscapes. These tools should integrate multiple components of habitat quality and incorporate local disturbance regimes. We provide a spatial modeling framework that integrates three components of habitat (nutritional resources, connectivity, and predation risk) into indices of habitat quality under a simulated wildfire disturbance regime. Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), a species of conservation concern, is used to illustrate our framework. We simulated disturbance from wildfire on two boreal forest landscapes to produce stand ages, from which we computed and integrated the three habitat indicator components using different schemes. Spatial variation in the influence of wildfire and the distribution of the three components of habitat resulted in heterogeneous patterns of habitat quality. The inclusion of disturbance led to a different habitat quality landscape than that of a static model in which the influence of wildfire on vegetation communities was not considered, incorporating the likelihood of persistence into the overall representation of habitat quality. The integration of nutrition, connectivity, and predation risk into a single index of habitat quality produced spatial patterns distinct from maps of the individual components. Regardless of whether the components were combined through additive, multiplicative, or minimum habitat quality threshold methods, areas of very high‐ and poor‐quality habitat were found at consistent locations across the landscape, suggesting that these two types of regions provide opportunities for long‐term management interventions. The framework presented here is adaptable and modular; it could be modified and applied to other species, regions, and disturbance regimes. It provides a nuanced representation of persistent habitat and has the potential to be a useful tool for conservation planning.
Wellbore flow field of coiled tubing drilling with supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Song Weiqiang , Ni Hongjian , Wang Ruihe , Zhao Mengyun
Published: April 2017

To achieve better well control for supercritical carbon dioxide drilling, a mathematical model was presented to investigate the pressure and temperature profile in both the tubing and the annulus. The closed model fully couples the hydraulics, heat transfer, and compressibility of carbon dioxide, and then the wellbore flow field is presented and analyzed based on field application. The results show that the pressure change of carbon dioxide is 36.7% smaller than that of water along the annulus in the study case. Carbon dioxide changes into supercritical state when the depth equals 700 m ∼830 m in the tubing, and it could maintain in supercritical state in the whole annulus. Both the pressure profile and the temperature profile are highly coupled with the physical properties of carbon dioxide. The density of carbon dioxide is large enough to drive downhole motors and its capacity is much larger than that of air in the wellbore. The pressure increases lightly with increasing mass flow rate in the annulus; however, it is significantly and positively impacted by the outlet pressure. The influence of outlet pressure on temperature profile is negligible in the tubing. The inlet temperature could not impact the pressure profile in the annulus, and its influence on temperature profile mainly lies in the shallow section of the tubing. It is newly validated that supercritical carbon dioxide drilling is more suitable for the exploitation of unconventional reservoirs with narrow pressure windows. The results could lay a theoretical foundation for practical application. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduction by coffee consumption of prostate cancer risk: Evidence from the Moli‐sani cohort and cellular models
Authors: Pounis George , Tabolacci Claudio , Costanzo Simona , Cordella Martina , Bonaccio Marialaura , Rago Livia , D'Arcangelo Daniela , Filippo Di Castelnuovo Augusto , de Gaetano Giovanni , Donati Maria Benedetta , Iacoviello Licia , Facchiano Francesco ,   on behalf of the Moli‐sani study investigators
Published: April 2017

Meta‐analytic data on the effect of coffee in prostate cancer risk are controversial. Caffeine as a bioactive compound of coffee has not yet been studied in deep in vitro. Our study aimed at evaluating in a population cohort the effect of Italian‐style coffee consumption on prostate cancer risk and at investigating in vitro the potential antiproliferative and antimetastatic activity of caffeine on prostate cancer cell lines. 6,989 men of the Moli‐sani cohort aged ≥50 years were followed for a mean of 4.24 ± 1.35 years and 100 new prostate cancer cases were identified. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition‐Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for the dietary assessment and the evaluation of Italian‐style coffee consumption. Two human prostate cancer cell lines, PC‐3 and DU145, were tested with increasing concentrations of caffeine, and their proliferative/metastatic features were evaluated. The newly diagnosed prostate cancer participants presented lower coffee consumption (60.1 ± 51.3 g/day) compared to the disease‐free population (74.0 ± 51.7 g/day) (p < 0.05). Multiadjusted analysis showed that the subjects at highest consumption (>3 cups/day) had 53% lower prostate cancer risk as compared to participants at the lowest consumption (0–2 cups/day) (p = 0.02). Both human prostate cancer cell lines treated with caffeine showed a significant reduction in their proliferative and metastatic behaviors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, reduction by Italian‐style coffee consumption of prostate cancer risk (>3 cups/day) was observed in epidemiological level. Caffeine appeared to exert both antiproliferative and antimetastatic activity on two prostate cancer cell lines, thus providing a cellular confirmation for the cohort study results.
Exercise Decreases Marrow Adipose Tissue Through ß-Oxidation in Obese Running Mice
Authors: Styner Maya , Pagnotti Gabriel M , McGrath Cody , Wu Xin , Sen Buer , Uzer Gunes , Xie Zhihui , Zong Xiaopeng , Styner Martin A , Rubin Clinton T , Rubin Janet
Published: April 2017

The relationship between marrow adipose tissue (MAT) and bone health is poorly understood. We used running exercise to ask whether obesity-associated MAT can be attenuated via exercise and whether this correlates with gains in bone quantity and quality. C57BL/6 mice were divided into diet-induced obesity (DIO, n = 14) versus low-fat diet (LFD, n = 14). After 3 months, 16-week-old mice were allocated to an exercise intervention (LFD-E, DIO-E) or a control group (LFD, DIO) for 6 weeks (4 groups, n = 7/group). Marrow adipocyte area was 44% higher with obesity (p < 0.0001) and after exercise 33% lower in LFD (p < 0.0001) and 39% lower in DIO (p < 0.0001). In LFD, exercise did not affect adipocyte number; however, in DIO, the adipocyte number was 56% lower (p < 0.0001). MAT was 44% higher in DIO measured by osmium-μCT, whereas exercise associated with reduced MAT (–23% in LFD, –48% in DIO, p < 0.05). MAT was additionally quantified by 9.4TMRI, and correlated with osmium-µCT (r = 0.645; p < 0.01). Consistent with higher lipid beta oxidation, perilipin 3 (PLIN3) rose with exercise in tibial mRNA (+92% in LFD, +60% in DIO, p < 0.05). Tibial µCT-derived trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) was not influenced by DIO but responded to exercise with an increase of 19% (p < 0.001). DIO was associated with higher cortical periosteal and endosteal volumes of 15% (p = 0.012) and 35% (p < 0.01), respectively, but Ct.Ar/Tt.Ar was lower by 2.4% (p < 0.05). There was a trend for higher stiffness (N/m) in DIO, and exercise augmented this further. In conclusion, obesity associated with increases in marrow lipid—measured by osmium-μCT and MRI—and partially due to an increase in adipocyte size, suggesting increased lipid uptake into preexisting adipocytes. Exercise associated with smaller adipocytes and less bone lipid, likely invoking increased ß-oxidation and basal lipolysis as evidenced by higher levels of PLIN3. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The use of carbonatite rock powder as a liming agent
Authors: Myrvang Mona Bakke , Heim Michael , Krogstad Tore , Almås Åsgeir R. , Gjengedal Elin
Published: April 2017

Carbonatite rock powder, originating from the Lillebukt Alkaline Complex at Stjernøy in northern Norway, can potentially be used as a slow‐releasing lime and potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) fertilizer due to a high concentration of the easily weathered minerals calcite (42%) and biotite (30%). However, the enrichment of barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr) may cause an undesired uptake to plants when carbonatite is applied to agroecosystems. A pot experiment was designed to investigate the liming and fertilization effects of carbonatite and the potential mobilization of Ba and Sr compared to a dolomite lime commonly used in Norwegian agriculture. These liming agents were mixed with a sandy soil applied to different amounts of peat, and the uptake of Ba, Sr, calcium (Ca), Mg, and K by Festuca arundinácea Schreb. Kora (tall fescue) and Trifolium repens L. Milkanova (white clover) was evaluated. The liming agents were generally incapable of buffering the acidifying effect from increased applications of peat, while the plant dry mass was unaffected. Compared to pots given dolomite and soluble K, the availability of K from carbonatite to plants was equally high or higher, and no difference in the K:(Ca + Mg) ratio in plants was observed. Carbonatite was a significant source to plant Ba and Sr, and the uptake seemed to follow the Ca uptake. Addition of peat amplified the uptake of Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, and K to plants, probably an effect of organic acid‐induced weathering of carbonatite. White clover took up Ba, Sr, and Ca more effectively than tall fescue, but the Ba and Sr concentrations in plants were relatively moderate compared to concentrations reported from field investigations.