bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between Academic Freedom and Academic Performance of Business and Accountancy Students
Authors: MONTA ALLEN C. , APEROCHO HOPE S.
Published: January 2017

Academic Freedom (AF) is one of the rights guaranteed in the human rights doctrine that greatly impacts higher education. This study aimed to determine the interaction between the perceived extents of AF practiced in a School of Business and Accountancy (SBA) of a private college in the Philippines and the academic performance of its SBA students in 2011–2012. Results revealed that as perceived by the students’ response to the AF questionnaire and verified by the students’ focused group discussion and faculty interview, AF in administration and instruction was prominently practiced by the SBA teachers. A highly significant positive correlation existed between the practice of AF in instruction and its practice in administration implying that students felt free to interact with their teachers inside and outside the classroom. However, results also showed a negative correlation between AF and academic performance. Although the data did not reach statistical significance, it suggested that the freedom of interacting with the teachers may adversely affect the students’ academic performance giving credence to the adage “familiarity breeds contempt”. Further studies are recommended to understand the deeper impact of AF on academic performance especially the consequences of the negative effect.Keywords: Education, academic freedom, academic performance, descriptive-correlational design, Philippines
A Training Module for Motivative Language Teaching
Authors: ONG CHARITO G.
Published: January 2017

Students have certain degrees of motivation which is largely affected by the teacher’s behavior and teaching style. The students’ degree of motivation further influences their linguistic behaviors. This study presents various classroom environments where learning took place as influenced by the teachers’ motivation. On the contrary, it also shows students who manifested learning-refusal in the absence of a motivated teacher. The randomly selected respondents of this paper were the Nursing students of two private higher education institutions in Cagayan de Oro City. The research focused on the teachers’ teaching styles, the motivating factors employed, and the students’ reaction to the teaching motivation utilized.The teachers were reoriented with the rationale and strategies of motivative teaching through the module using five stages of the model in undertaking the study. In this paper, some teachers were found to engage their students in language games, thus encouraging these students’ verbal potential in designing their own linguistic game episodes. However, most classes observed revealed scenarios on the non-existence of teacher motivation. Teachers plunged directly into the lesson without having primary introduction. Notably, students learn more effectively with the teachers’ motivative attitude in a classroom setting. Hence, based on needs analysis results, a training module was designed.Keywords: Education, training module, motivative techniques, games, linguistic creativity, Philippines
Perceived English Language Needs of Cebuano Speaking Freshmen and their Teachers: Implication to Language Teaching
Authors: REAL DON VICENTE C. , CORTEZ BELLADONA A. , LACUESTA VIRGINIA E. , REFUGIO CRAIG N.
Published: January 2017

THis study focused on investigating how students and teachers from a non-english speaking country like the Philippines perceive the need for learning the english language. Six hundred first year students of Negros Oriental State University, Bais Campuses 1 and 2 were assessed using a structured survey questionnaire to determine their english language needs in the four macro skills such as speaking, reading, listening, and writing as applied to their academic studies, future profession and social/private life. Eight teachers were considered in the study. Percentages and weighted means were utilized in data analysis. Findings revealed that most students identified reading as “most needed” in their academic studies while speaking was “most needed” in their future profession. All the other skills were considered only as “needed.” On the other hand, teachers considered all the four macro skills as “most needed” in all the three areas. It was only in reading that both teachers and students gave similar rating of “most needed” in academic studies. Thus, there exists disparity in the way learners and teachers view the importance of learning the language. To address this issue, there is a need to redesign existing syllabus by integrating learning tasks that address the students’ needs.Keywords: Language, macro skills, descriptive design, Philippines, Asia
Validation of Small-Scale Chemistry Experiments Developed Using Low-Cost Materials
Authors: DIOPENES GEORGINA A.
Published: January 2017

Traditional laboratory chemistry experiments are often constrained by cost.Alternatively, the researcher developed a General Chemistry Laboratory Moduleof Small-Scale Experiments that can be performed individually by tertiaryfreshmen at lesser expense. It includes five experiments aligned with the Trendsin International Mathematics and Science Study TIMSS’ topics in Chemistry;hence, also offers public secondary schools the prospect of extensive chemistrylaboratory capability that can upgrade their performance in the TIMSS’assessment in science. A non-equivalent pretest-posttest control group design wasused to investigate the effects of small-scale and traditional chemistry experimentson achievement, conceptual understanding and level of participation of theexperimental and control groups respectively. Validated and reliability-testedmultiple-choice tests measured achievement while concept maps with very stronginter-rater reliability assessed conceptual understanding. The experimental group showed greater percent gain in achievement and conceptual understanding, and a strong association between the variables. The independent t-test found nosignificant difference between experimental and control groups in achievementand conceptual understanding but the level of participation scored through aresearcher-made rubric gave a higher average for the experimental group. Onthe basis of achievement, conceptual understanding, and level of participation, small-scale chemistry experiments were found to be appropriate substitutes fortraditional laboratory experiments - pedagogically effective with added values ofbeing environment-friendly and cheap.Keywords: Chemical education, small-scale achievement, conceptual understanding,level of participation, non-equivalent pretest-posttest control group design,Philippines
How Peer and Self-Assessment can Enhance Students’ Experience with Assessment in Higher Education: A Practical Description of a Teaching Session
Authors: ENDER MANUELA
Published: January 2017

Any kind of assessment has great potential to draw students’ attention. As a parent of a two-year-old girl, I find teaching and learning very natural when we play together. However, as a teacher of nearly hundred students, I find itimportant to use teaching methods that support active and deep learning.Session with peer and self-assessment utilises motivation to facilitate students’learning. Such session helps gain a better understanding of marking, assessment,and teacher’s expectation. This paper describes a teaching session of only 50minutes that effectively incorporates peer and self-assessment for formativepurpose. The students taking part in the peer and self-assessment activity studyat a Sino-British cooperative university where teaching is in English. Followingthe approach of Dangel and Wang (2008), I combined the principles for goodpractice of Chickering and Gamson (1987) with the proposed learning outcomesof Anderson and Krathwohl (2001). Students’ feedback shows that the intendedlearning outcomes can be achieved. Getting marks from peers and marking thework of peers are useful for students’ own learning. As a result, peer and selfassessmentactivities arebeneficial elements for teaching and learning in highereducation.Keywords: Education,peer assessment, self-assessment, assessment, higher education, teaching session, China
Lecture vs. Self-Regulated Learning: A Comparison of Two Methods in Teaching Biological Science
Authors: GOMEZ MARICEL A.
Published: January 2017

Lecture is a common method used in college teaching. Various researchescomparing lecture and more active methods in relation to students’ performance presented mixed views on the effectiveness of the lecture. This research aimed to compare the traditional lecture and self-regulating learning method in relation tostudents’ achievement in Biological Science. The study used quasi-experimentalmethod using non-equivalent group pretest-posttest design. Two intact classeswere used with 39 students in each class. A total of 78 first year students wereincluded in the study. The two groups were randomly assigned to the twoteaching methods. One group was taught through lecture while the other groupthrough self-regulated learning (SRL) method. Comparability of the studentswas based on their pretest scores in Biological Science. The study was conductedwith an observer. Teacher-made achievement test, course teaching manual, andcourse reader were used in the study. Results revealed that both lecture andSRL methods increased students’ achievement in Biological Science. However,students in the traditional method obtained higher mean pretest, posttest, andmean gain scores than students exposed to SRL method. Lecture as a teachingmethod should not be entirely replaced but also integrated with other methodswhenever it is appropriate.Keywords: Education, college science teaching, self-regulated learning, quasiexperimentaldesign, Philippines
Modes of invasion during tumour dissemination
Authors: Pandya Pahini , Orgaz Jose L. , Sanz‐Moreno Victoria
Published: January 2017

Cancer cell migration and invasion underlie metastatic dissemination, one of the major problems in cancer. Tumour cells exhibit a striking variety of invasion strategies. Importantly, cancer cells can switch between invasion modes in order to cope with challenging environments. This ability to switch migratory modes or plasticity highlights the challenges behind antimetastasis therapy design. In this Review, we present current knowledge on different tumour invasion strategies, the determinants controlling plasticity and arising therapeutic opportunities. We propose that targeting master regulators controlling plasticity is needed to hinder tumour dissemination and metastasis.
Anisotropy in the lowermost mantle beneath the Indian Ocean Geoid Low from ScS splitting measurements
Authors: Padma Rao B. , Ravi Kumar M. , Singh Arun
Published: January 2017

The Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) to the south of Indian subcontinent is the world's largest geoid anomaly. In this study, we investigate the seismic anisotropy of the lowermost mantle beneath the IOGL by analyzing splitting of high‐quality ScS phases corrected for source and receiver side upper mantle anisotropy. Results reveal significant anisotropy (
) in the
layer. The observed fast axis polarization azimuths in the ray coordinate system indicate a TTI (transverse isotropy with a tilted axis of symmetry) style of anisotropy. Lattice Preferred Orientation (LPO) deformation of the palaeo‐subducted slabs experiencing high shear strain is a plausible explanation for the observed anisotropy beneath the IOGL.
Mid‐Brunhes magnetic excursions in marine isotope stages 9, 13, 14, and 15 (286, 495, 540, and 590 ka) at North Atlantic IODP Sites U1302/3, U1305, and U1306
Authors: Channell J. E. T.
Published: January 2017

Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Site U1302/3 (Orphan Knoll, off Newfoundland) recorded magnetic excursions in marine isotope stages (MIS) 9a (at 286 ka) and 13a (at 495 ka). Sites U1306 and U1305 (Eirik Drift, off SE Greenland) record excursions in MIS 14a/b (at 540 ka) and 15b/c (at 590 ka). In the excursion intervals, magnetic measurements of continuous “u‐channel” samples from multiple holes within site are augmented by measurements of cubic (8 cm3) discrete samples. The excursions lie in relative paleointensity (RPI) minima at each site and in RPI reference stacks, and correspond to dated intervals of 10Be overproduction in other deep‐sea sediment records. Although observed at multiple holes at each site, and from u‐channel and discrete samples, the excursions are not observed at all three sites, and often at only one of the three sites. Sporadic recording of these magnetic excursions, and excursions in general, is attributed to a combination of filtering by the process of acquisition of detrital remanent magnetization (DRM), postdepositional overprint of weak excursion magnetizations, the millennial or even centennial duration of directional excursions, and nonuniform sedimentation rates at these timescales in North Atlantic sediment drifts.
Fault roughness and strength heterogeneity control earthquake size and stress drop
Authors: Zielke O. , Galis M. , Mai P. M.
Published: January 2017

An earthquake's stress drop is related to the frictional breakdown during sliding and constitutes a fundamental quantity of the rupture process. High‐speed laboratory friction experiments that emulate the rupture process imply stress drop values that greatly exceed those commonly reported for natural earthquakes. We hypothesize that this stress drop discrepancy is due to fault‐surface roughness and strength heterogeneity: an earthquake's moment release and its recurrence probability depend not only on stress drop and rupture dimension but also on the geometric roughness of the ruptured fault and the location of failing strength asperities along it. Using large‐scale numerical simulations for earthquake ruptures under varying roughness and strength conditions, we verify our hypothesis, showing that smoother faults may generate larger earthquakes than rougher faults under identical tectonic loading conditions. We further discuss the potential impact of fault roughness on earthquake recurrence probability. This finding provides important information, also for seismic hazard analysis.
Simultaneous observations of optical lightning from space and LF band lightning waveforms from the ground
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroshi , Sato Mitsuteru , Ushio Tomoo , Morimoto Takeshi , Kikuchi Masayuki , Yamazaki Atsushi , Suzuki Makoto , Ishida Ryohei , Sakamoto Yuji , Wu Ting , Kawasaki Zen
Published: January 2017

Observations of optical lightning data with a photometer (PH4) at wavelengths of 599–900 nm on the International Space Station were conducted simultaneously with observations of low‐frequency (LF) electromagnetic waves with a ground‐based LF lightning locating system. The relationship between the PH4 light curve and electromagnetic waveforms in the LF band was examined for 11 lightning events. The PH4 sensor detected a small optical change even for weak light emitted from lightning discharges in clouds, including preliminary breakdown. Particularly, return strokes, including subsequent return strokes, showed a clear relationship between radiated LF waves and optical waveforms. For negative return strokes, we found a clear correlation between the absolute optical intensity and peak current. The slope of the regression line is 9.7 × 10−8 kA W−1 with an intercept of 9.9 kA.
Analytical solutions for aquifer thermal energy storage
Authors: Nordbotten Jan Martin
Published: January 2017

The concept of aquifer thermal energy storage involves injection of water at elevated temperature, and possibly nonambient salinity, into a host aquifer. We consider axisymmetric injection, wherein both the composition and temperature of the injected fluid differ from the fluid in the target aquifer. In this setting, we derive the governing equations within a vertically integrated framework, and show their self‐similar structure. We subsequently derive explicit approximate solutions to the self‐similar equations for parameter ranges of relevance to thermal energy storage (small density and viscosity differences). The analysis is supported by numerical validation, covering the relevant parameter regime. The resulting comparisons demonstrate the mathematical qualities of the analytical approximations. A study based on field data from analogue sites justifies the assertions regarding the magnitude of the dimensionless parameters used in the analysis.
Incorporating institutions and collective action into a sociohydrological model of flood resilience
Authors: Yu David J. , Sangwan Nikhil , Sung Kyungmin , Chen Xi , Merwade Venkatesh
Published: January 2017

Stylized sociohydrological models have mainly used social memory aspects such as community awareness or sensitivity to connect hydrologic change and social response. However, social memory alone does not satisfactorily capture the details of how human behavior is translated into collective action for water resources governance. Nor is it the only social mechanism by which the two‐way feedbacks of sociohydrology can be operationalized. This study contributes toward bridging of this gap by developing a sociohydrological model of a flood resilience that includes two additional components: (1) institutions for collective action, and (2) connections to an external economic system. Motivated by the case of community‐managed flood protection systems (polders) in coastal Bangladesh, we use the model to understand critical general features that affect long‐term resilience of human‐flood systems. Our findings suggest that occasional adversity can enhance long‐term resilience. Allowing some hydrological variability to enter into the polder can increase its adaptive capacity for resilience through the preservation of social norm for collective action. Further, there are potential trade‐offs associated with optimization of flood resistance through structural measures. By reducing sensitivity to floods, the system may become more fragile under the double impact of floods and economic change.
Super‐interseismic periods: Redefining earthquake recurrence
Authors: Loveless John P.
Published: January 2017

Precise geodetic measurements made over broad swaths of tectonically active regions record patterns of interseismic strain accumulation, providing key insights into the locus and timing of pending earthquakes. Recent studies of geodetic position time series, including that of Melnick et al. (2017), illustrate temporal variation in the pattern of interseismic deformation. These authors propose that the 2010 Mw = 8.8 Maule, Chile, earthquake enhanced coupling on the Andean subduction zone adjacent to the rupture, including on the portion of the megathrust that broke 5 years later in the Mw = 8.3 Illapel event.
Irwin,John
Authors: Sharp Susan F.
Published: January 2017

John Irwin (1929–2010) was a professor of criminology, advocate for convicts and ex‐convicts, researcher, and author of six books. Prior to obtaining his education, he was imprisoned in the California prison system for armed robbery. Irwin was also a founding member of what is known as the New School of Convict Criminology and an advocate for former prisoners seeking higher education. His work has helped shape the direction of criminology and public policy in the United States.
MississippiStatePenitentiary
Authors: Cook Amanda P.
Published: January 2017

Mississippi State Penitentiary, also known as Parchman Farm, is one of America's most infamous prisons. With a history interlaced with slavery, convict leasing, and white supremacy, Parchman Farm was forced to make sweeping changes in the 1970s, due largely to the civil rights movement and federal court rulings. Today, Mississippi State Penitentiary operates as one of Mississippi's three state prisons; however, this facility is no longer as self‐sustaining and profitable as it once was.
Validity and Responsiveness of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score: A Comparative Study Among Total Knee Replacement Patients
Authors: Gandek Barbara , Ware John E.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To evaluate validity and responsiveness of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in relation to other patient‐reported outcome measures before and after total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods

Pre‐TKR and 6‐month post‐TKR data from 1,143 patients in a US joint replacement cohort were used to compare the KOOS, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the SF‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36). Validity was evaluated with multiple methods, including correlations of pre‐TKR scale scores and analysis of variance models that used pre‐TKR data to compare the relative validity of scales in discriminating between groups differing in assistive walking device use and number of comorbid conditions. Validity was also evaluated by using post‐TKR minus pre‐TKR change scores to assess relative validity of scales in discriminating between groups rating themselves as better, same, or worse (BSW) in their capability to do activities at 6 months. Responsiveness also was described using effect sizes and standardized response means.

Results

In support of convergent and discriminant validity, KOOS scale scores were worse for patients using an assistive device but only declined weakly with increasing comorbid conditions. While all knee‐specific scales discriminated between BSW groups, the KOOS quality of life (QOL) scale was significantly better (P < 0.05) than all measures except the SF‐36 physical component summary. KOOS QOL also had the highest effect size, while SF‐36 measures had lower effect sizes and standardized response means. KOOS pain and symptoms scales discriminated better than WOMAC pain and stiffness scales among BSW groups.

Conclusion

KOOS scales were valid and responsive in this cohort of US TKR patients. KOOS QOL performed particularly well in capturing aggregate knee‐specific outcomes.
Practices of the Minimum Viable Utopia
Authors: Greenfield Adam
Published: January 2017

Are smart cities really what we need? Or does their very nature go against the qualities of tolerance, resilience and face‐to‐face cooperation that are crucial to harmonious urban living? London‐based writer and urbanist Adam Greenfield argues that networked technology would be put to far better use in citizen‐led initiatives than in data‐collection programmes dictated by a narrow elite.
From Citizen Participation to Real Ownership
Authors: Beer Saskia
Published: January 2017

Reinvigorating urban environments is a complex challenge involving multiple stakeholders. How can local governments and communities be enabled to work together to achieve it? Saskia Beer reports on ZO!City (initially named Glamourmanifest), an initiative that she founded in 2011 to transform a waning Amsterdam office district into a lively mixed‐use neighbourhood. An interactive online platform is key to revealing and interlinking different parties' priorities, and has been supported by playful real‐world activities to generate enthusiasm and encourage engagement.
Conflict Urbanism, Aleppo: Mapping Urban Damage
Authors: Kurgan Laura
Published: January 2017

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the planet, Aleppo now lies in tatters. This devastation of a designated World Heritage Site is a poignant example of the human and cultural cost of armed conflict – in this case the Syrian Civil War. A project run by the Center for Spatial Research at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation of New York's Columbia University is analysing satellite imagery and reports from the ground to assess the damage and casualties caused there by barrel bombs. Associate Professor Laura Kurgan describes the initiative and its sometimes puzzling findings.
Sentiment Architectures as Vehicles for Participation
Authors: Behrens Moritz
Published: January 2017

What if the large programmable surfaces of media architecture were used to empower citizens, instead of for commercial purposes? Designer, maker and researcher Moritz Behrens and his collaborators have created Sentiment Architectures with this aim in mind. Here he describes how two of their projects – the Smart Citizen Sentiment Dashboard and the Sentiment Cocoon – encourage interaction in public spaces, allowing individuals to express their feelings and enabling a better understanding of communities' needs.
AD 4D Hyperlocal Would Like to Use Your Current Location
Authors: Gowland Will , Lee Samantha
Published: January 2017

The physical nature of current location‐tracked mobile culture can open up new sites to explore our relationship to place and question our cultural reliance upon it. Recent projects by London‐based multidisciplinary design studio UniversalAssemblyUnit playfully offer a shared‐ownership alternative to commercially driven centralised networks. The studio's cofounders Will Gowland and Samantha Lee here outline three such projects, involving a weather visualiser for Alaska, a laser communication network for Mexico City and a virtual replica of woodland for East Sussex.
Photopicking: In Situ Approach for Site‐Specific Attachment of Single Multiprotein Nanoparticles to Atomic Force Microscopy Tips
Authors: Liashkovich Ivan , Rosso Gonzalo , Rangl Martina , Ebner Andreas , Hafezi Wali , Kühn Joachim , Schön Peter , Hinterdorfer Peter , Shahin Victor
Published: January 2017

Ligand–receptor interactions are fundamental in life sciences and include hormone–receptor, protein–protein, pathogen–host, and cell–cell interactions, among others. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) proved to be invaluable for scrutinizing ligand–receptor interactions at the single molecular level. Basically, a ligand is attached to the AFM tip while its cognate receptor is immobilized on a surface or vice versa, and interactions are studied following triggered ligand–receptor binding. However, with rising biological complexity it becomes increasingly challenging to attach a single intact biomolecule to the tip and ensure interaction‐specific orientation. This study presents a novel strategy of inducible in situ tip functionalization with complex multiprotein nanoparticles exemplified by viral capsids, termed photopicking. It ensures a firm attachment of single 125 nm large capsids to the tip. Specific orientation is attained by weak immunosorption of capsids to the substrate and strong photoinducible covalent cross‐linking to the tip. Validation of the tip functionalization success is immediate in situ. The versatility of the strategy is further demonstrated on 20–60 nm large amino‐modified nanoparticles. In conclusion, considering the size range of the tested biomolecules, the presented strategy is applicable to viruses, viral particles, cellular organelles, multiprotein ligands/receptors, and therapeutic nanoparticles, among others. It therefore opens up exciting new avenues in broad biomedical research fields.
Unexpected Sole Enol‐Form Emission of 2‐(2′‐Hydroxyphenyl)oxazoles for Highly Efficient Deep‐Blue‐Emitting Organic Electroluminescent Devices
Authors: Li Bijin , Tang Guoqiang , Zhou Linsen , Wu Di , Lan Jingbo , Zhou Liang , Lu Zhiyun , You Jingsong
Published: January 2017

Considerable efforts have been devoted to the development of highly efficient blue light‐emitting materials. However, deep‐blue fluorescence materials that can satisfy the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.14, 0.08) of the National Television System Committee (NTSC) standard blue and, moreover, possess a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) over 5%, remain scarce. Here, the unusual luminescence properties of triphenylamine‐bearing 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)oxazoles (3a–3c) and their applications in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are reported as highly efficient deep‐blue emitters. The 3a‐based device exhibits a high spectral stability and an excellent color purity with a narrow full‐width at half‐maximum of 53 nm and the CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.08), which is very close to the NTSC standard blue. The exciton utilization of the device closes to 100%, exceeding the theoretical limit of 25% in conventional fluorescent OLEDs. Experimental data and theoretical calculations demonstrate that 3a possesses a highly hybridized local and charge‐transfer excited state character. In OLEDs, 3a exhibits a maximum luminance of 9054 cd m−2 and an EQE up to 7.1%, which is the first example of highly efficient blue OLEDs based on the sole enol‐form emission of 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)azoles.
Unraveling Surface Basicity and Bulk Morphology Relationship on Covalent Triazine Frameworks with Unique Catalytic and Gas Adsorption Properties
Authors: Tuci Giulia , Pilaski Moritz , Ba Housseinou , Rossin Andrea , Luconi Lapo , Caporali Stefano , Pham‐Huu Cuong , Palkovits Regina , Giambastiani Giuliano
Published: January 2017

Activity and selectivity are key features at the basis of an efficient catalytic system for promoting the steam‐ and oxygen‐free dehydrogenation (DDH) of ethylbenzene to styrene. The catalyst stability under severe reaction conditions, the reduction of leaching of its active sites, and their resistance to deactivation phenomena on stream are other fundamental aspects to keep in mind while synthesizing new catalytic materials for the process. Although the recent use of single‐phase (doped or undoped) carbon nanomaterials has significantly contributed to improving this catalysis, the relationship between materials morphology and their chemical surface properties still remains to be addressed. Here, a class of highly microporous, N‐doped covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) with superior activity and stability in the DDH compared to the benchmark systems of the state‐of‐the‐art is reported. Notably, a comparative analysis of their chemico‐physical properties has unveiled the role of the “chemically accessible” surface basicity on the catalyst passivation on stream. Finally, the unique properties of the synthesized CTFs are demonstrated by their excellent H2 storage capability and CO2 absorption that rank among the highest reported so far for related systems.
Direct Synthesis of Large‐Scale WTe2 Thin Films with Low Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Zhou Yu , Jang Hyejin , Woods John M. , Xie Yujun , Kumaravadivel Piranavan , Pan Grace A. , Liu Jingbei , Liu Yanhui , Cahill David G. , Cha Judy J.
Published: January 2017

Large‐scale, polycrystalline WTe2 thin films are synthesized by atmospheric chemical vapor reaction of W metal films with Te vapor catalyzed by H2Te intermediates, paving a way to understanding the synthesis mechanism for low bonding energy tellurides and toward synthesis of single‐crystalline telluride nanoflakes. Through‐plane and in‐plane thermal conductivities of single‐crystal WTe2 flakes and polycrystalline WTe2 thin films are measured for the first time. Nanoscale grains and disorder in WTe2 thin films suppress the in‐plane thermal conductivity of WTe2 greatly, which is at least 7.5 times lower than that of the single‐crystalline flakes.
Ultrasound Detection of Regional Oxidative Stress in Deep Tissues Using Novel Enzyme Loaded Nanoparticles
Authors: Olson Emilia S. , Ortac Inanc , Malone Christopher , Esener Sadik , Mattrey Robert
Published: January 2017

Oxidative stress is a powerful tool that is critical to immune mediated responses in healthy individuals, yet additionally plays a crucial role in development of cancer, inflammatory pathologies, and tissue ischemia. Despite this, there remain relatively few molecular tools to study oxidative stress, particularly in living mammals. To develop an intravenously injectable probe capable of labeling sites of oxidative stress in vivo, 200 nm catalase synthetic hollow enzyme loaded nanospheres (catSHELS) are designed and fabricated using a versatile enzyme nanoencapsulation method. catSHELS catalyze H2O2 to water and oxygen producing microbubbles that can be detected and imaged using a clinical ultrasound system. catSHELS are optimized in vitro to maximize ultrasound signal and their functionality is demonstrated in rat ischemic renal injury model. Ischemic oxidative injury is induced in a single kidney of normal rats by clamping the renal artery for 1 h followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Imaging of both kidneys is performed following the intravenous bolus injection of 1012 catSHELS of the optimized formulation. There is significant increase in ultrasound signal of the injured kidney relative to controls. This method offers a novel intravenous approach to detect oxidative stress in deep tissues in living animals.
An Efficient Heterobimetallic Lanthanide Alkoxide Catalyst for Transamidation of Amides under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Sheng Hongting , Zeng Ruijie , Wang Wenjuan , Luo Shuwen , Feng Yan , Liu Jing , Chen Weijian , Zhu Manzhou , Guo Qingxiang
Published: January 2017

A practical heterobimetallic lanthanide‐catalyzed transamidation of primary, secondary and tertiary amides with aliphatic and aromatic amines has been developed. The methodology was also applied to the weakly reactive thioamides to demonstrate its versatility and wide substrate scope. The heterobimetallic lanthanide catalysts showed high catalytic activity and a wide scope of substrates with good to excellent yields under solvent‐free conditions. Efficient activation of the transamidation can be realized by the above complexes acting as cooperative acid–base bifunctional catalysts, which are proposed to be responsible for the higher reactivity in comparison with simple monometallic catalysts.

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Atmosphere‐ and Temperature‐Controlled Regioselective Aminobromination of Olefins
Authors: Yu Wesley Zongrong , Cheng Yi An , Wong Ming Wah , Yeung Ying‐Yeung
Published: January 2017

A complete switch of regioselectivity in the aminobromination of olefins is realized from delicate changes in the reaction temperature from 25 °C to 40 °C and the atmosphere from air to argon, under catalyst‐free conditions. The resulting α‐bromoamides can be transformed easily to high‐value compounds (e.g., Clobenzorex). Mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction went through a radical pathway governed by in‐situ generated bromo(tosyl)amine (TsNHBr).

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Thermal behavior of injection‐ and compression‐molded custom‐built polylactic acids
Authors: Barletta Massimiliano , Moretti Patrizia , Pizzi Elisa , Puopolo Michela , Vesco Silvia , Tagliaferri Vincenzo
Published: January 2017

In recent time, the quest for renewable materials for the development of packaging items is constantly increasing. The class of polylactic acids (PLAs) is the most promising one, although a broader scale commercial expansion of these polymers cannot leave unceasing enhancement of their functional properties aside, especially toughness and thermal stability. Similarly, continuous innovation in prototyping competitive easy‐route solutions for material processing is another key to successful industrial applications of PLAs. In this respect, this study deals with the design and formulation of innovative custom‐built PLAs for injection and compression molding, which are compostable, suitable for food contact, and characterized by a good compromise of mechanical properties and thermal resistance. Therefore, a commercial grade PLA was modified by reactive compounding extrusion with maleic anhydride (MAH)‐grafted PLA (PLA‐MA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)‐grafted PLA (PLA‐GMA) and micro‐lamellar talc. Material structure and thermal response of the compounds were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The experimental findings show that material structure and, especially, crystallization of the PLA can be controlled by fine‐tuning the compound formulation. In addition, achievement of the appropriate crystallization degree in the polymer can lead to compostable composite materials with good thermal stability. Accordingly, the custom‐built PLA formulations feature the potential to expand significantly the fields of application of compostable biopolymers, thus posing a valid alternative to both durable not compostable bioplastics and conventional plastics in injection and compression molding process.
n‐Type Doping Induced by Electron Transport Layer in Organic Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Liang , Zhang Bo , Lee Yun‐Ju , Hsu Julia W. P.
Published: January 2017

Doping in an organic photovoltaic (OPV) device can largely impact its performance. In this work, it is discovered that n‐type electrical doping in the poly(3‐hexylthiophene):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester active layer can be induced by a certain electron transport layer (ETL), particularly branched polyethylenimine (PEI). Consequently, OPV devices with different ETLs exhibit dramatically different current density–voltage behaviors and external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectra. Using drift‐diffusion modeling, Hall effect, and capacitance–voltage measurements, it is shown that the difference in EQE spectra originates from the different background carrier type and concentration in the OPV active layer, dictated by the specific properties of ETL. Factors that influence electrical doping and device behaviors, such as difference between PEI and another polymeric ETL, polyethylenimine ethoxylated, and the active layer thickness and energy of negative integer charge‐transfer state are elucidated. These findings provide insight into material selection and device design for organic electronic devices.
In Situ, Fast, High‐Temperature Synthesis of Nickel Nanoparticles in Reduced Graphene Oxide Matrix
Authors: Li Yiju , Chen Yanan , Nie Anmin , Lu Aijiang , Jacob Rohit Jiji , Gao Tingting , Song Jianwei , Dai Jiaqi , Wan Jiayu , Pastel Glenn , Zachariah Michael R. , Yassar Reza Shahbazian , Hu Liangbing
Published: January 2017

For the first time, a fast heating–cooling process is reported for the synthesis of carbon‐coated nickel (Ni) nanoparticles on a reduced graphene oxide (RGO) matrix (nano‐Ni@C/RGO) as a high‐performance H2O2 fuel catalyst. The Joule heating temperature can reach up to ≈2400 K and the heating time can be less than 0.1 s. Ni microparticles with an average diameter of 2 µm can be directly converted into nanoparticles with an average diameter of 75 nm. The Ni nanoparticles embedded in RGO are evaluated for electro‐oxidation performance as a H2O2 fuel in a direct peroxide–peroxide fuel cell, which exhibits an electro‐oxidation current density of 602 mA cm−2 at 0.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl), ≈150 times higher than the original Ni microparticles embedded in the RGO matrix (micro‐Ni/RGO). The high‐temperature, fast Joule heating process also leads to a 4–5 nm conformal carbon coating on the surface of the Ni nanoparticles, which anchors them to the RGO nanosheets and leads to an excellent catalytic stability. The newly developed nano‐Ni@C/RGO composites by Joule heating hold great promise for a range of emerging energy applications, including the advanced anode materials of fuel cells.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Remote Aryldifluoroalkylation of Alkenyl Aldehydes
Authors: Nie Xingliang , Cheng Cungui , Zhu Gangguo
Published: January 2017

A palladium‐catalyzed three‐component reaction between fluoroalkyl bromides, arylboronic acids, and alkenyl aldehydes has been developed and provides facile access to 5‐, 6‐, or 7‐difluoroalkylated ketones under very mild reaction conditions. The resultant products can be smoothly converted into CF2‐containing tetrahydronaphthalenes by a novel silver‐catalyzed intramolecular decarboxylative cyclization of 5‐aryl‐2,2‐difluoropentanoic acids.
Highly Porous Thermoelectric Nanocomposites with Low Thermal Conductivity and High Figure of Merit from Large‐Scale Solution‐Synthesized Bi2Te2.5Se0.5 Hollow Nanostructures
Authors: Xu Biao , Feng Tianli , Agne Matthias T. , Zhou Lin , Ruan Xiulin , Snyder G. Jeffery , Wu Yue
Published: January 2017

To enhance the performance of thermoelectric materials and enable access to their widespread applications, it is beneficial yet challenging to synthesize hollow nanostructures in large quantities, with high porosity, low thermal conductivity (κ) and excellent figure of merit (z T). Herein we report a scalable (ca. 11.0 g per batch) and low‐temperature colloidal processing route for Bi2Te2.5Se0.5 hollow nanostructures. They are sintered into porous, bulk nanocomposites (phi 10 mm×h 10 mm) with low κ (0.48 W m−1 K−1) and the highest z T (1.18) among state‐of‐the‐art Bi2Te3−xSex materilas. Additional benefits of the unprecedented low relative density (68–77 %) are the large demand reduction of raw materials and the improved portability. This method can be adopted to fabricate other porous phase‐transition and thermoelectric chalcogenide materials and will pave the way for the implementation of hollow nanostructures in other fields.
Water Catalysis of the Reaction between Methanol and OH at 294 K and the Atmospheric Implications
Authors: Jara‐Toro Rafael A. , Hernández Federico J. , Taccone Raúl A. , Lane Silvia I. , Pino Gustavo A.
Published: January 2017

The rate coefficient for the reaction CH3OH+OH was determined by means of a relative method in a simulation chamber under quasi‐real atmospheric conditions (294 K, 1 atm of air) and variable humidity or water concentration. Under these conditions, a quadratic dependence of the rate coefficient for the reaction CH3OH+OH on the water concentration was found. Thus the catalytic effect of water is not only important at low temperatures, but also at room temperature. The detailed mechanism responsible of the reaction acceleration is still unknown. However, this dependence should be included in the atmospheric global models since it is expected to be important in humid regions as in the tropics. Additionally, it could explain several differences regarding the global and local atmospheric concentration of methanol in tropical areas, for which many speculations about the sinks and sources of methanol have been reported.
BAB‐random‐C Monomer Sequence via Radical Terpolymerization of Limonene (A), Maleimide (B), and Methacrylate (C): Terpene Polymers with Randomly Distributed Periodic Sequences
Authors: Ojika Masataka , Satoh Kotaro , Kamigaito Masami
Published: January 2017

A naturally abundant terpene, limonene (A), was radically polymerized with a maleimide derivative (B) and methacrylate (C) in a fluorinated alcohol to give terpolymers with unprecedented BAB‐random‐C sequences in which the BAB monomer sequence was randomly copolymerized with a C unit. In each binary system, limonene was hardly copolymerized with methacrylate while it was efficiently copolymerized with maleimide to result in a 1:2‐alternating BAB periodic sequence, in part due to the penultimate effects and hydrogen‐bonding interactions with fluoroalcohol. Methacrylate and maleimide were randomly copolymerized to give copolymers rich in methacrylate units with minimal amounts of maleimide–maleimide sequences. Their terpolymerization resulted in a BAB‐r‐C sequence as a consequence of the selective BAB polymerization between limonene and maleimide, the random copolymerization between methacrylate and maleimide, and the lack of copolymerization between limonene and methacrylate.
One‐Pot Bimetallic Pd/Cu‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Sulfonamides from Boronic Acids, DABSO and O‐Benzoyl Hydroxylamines
Authors: Zhu Haibo , Shen Yajing , Deng Qinyue , Huang Changyu , Tu Tao
Published: January 2017

A practical and straightforward bimetallic Pd/Cu catalytic system has been developed. This system affords various sulfonamides in one pot from easy‐to‐handle and readily available boronic acids, sulfur dioxide surrogate DABSO and O‐benzoyl hydroxylamines in high yields. Without additional ligands, the newly developed catalytic system revealed a broad substrate scope for both partners and tolerated a wide array of functional groups even at low catalyst loadings. Furthermore, based on control experiments, a plausible mechanism has been proposed, in which sodium sulfinate has been isolated and identified as the crucial intermediate for this transformation.
Prediction of liver volume – a population‐based approach to meta‐analysis of paediatric, adult and geriatric populations – an update
Authors: Small Ben G. , Wendt Bernd , Jamei Masoud , Johnson Trevor N.
Published: January 2017

Liver volume is a critical scaling factor for predicting drug clearance in physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling and for both donor/recipient graft size estimation in liver transplantation. The accurate and precise estimation of liver volume is therefore essential. The objective here was to extend an existing meta‐analysis using a non‐linear mixed effects modelling approach for the estimation of liver volume to other race groups and paediatric and geriatric populations. Interrogation of the PubMed® database was undertaken using a text string query to ensure as objective a retrieval of liver volume data for the modelling exercise as possible. Missing body size parameters were estimated using simulations from the Simcyp Simulator V13R1 for an age and ethnically appropriate population. Non‐linear mixed effect modelling was undertaken in Phoenix 1.3 (Certara) utilizing backward deletion and forward inclusion of covariates from fully parameterized models. Existing liver volume models based on body surface area (BSA) and body weight and height were implemented for comparison. The extension of a structural model using a BSA equation and incorporating the Japanese race and age as covariates and exponents on LV0 (θBaseline) and body surface area (θBSA), respectively, delivered a comparatively low objective function value. Bootstrapping of the original dataset revealed that the confidence intervals (2.5–97.5%) for the fitted (theta) parameter estimates were bounded by the bootstrapped estimates of the same. In conclusion, extension and re‐parameterization of the existing Johnson model adequately describes changes in liver volume using the body surface area in all investigated populations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of potential health effects of electromagnetic fields of telephony and Wi‐Fi, using chicken embryo development as animal model
Authors: Woelders Henri , de Wit Agnes , Lourens Alexander , Stockhofe Norbert , Engel Bas , Hulsegge Ina , Schokker Dirkjan , van Heijningen Paula , Vossen Stefan , Bekers Dave , Zwamborn Peter
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study is to investigate possible biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF) as used in modern wireless telecommunication in a well‐controlled experimental environment using chicken embryo development as animal model. Chicken eggs were incubated under continuous experimental exposure to GSM (1.8 GHz), DECT (1.88 GHz), UMTS (2.1 GHz), and WLAN (5.6 GHz) radiation, with the appropriate modulation protocol, using a homogeneous field distribution at a field strength of approximately 3 V/m, representing the maximum field level in a normal living environment. Radiation‐shielded exposure units/egg incubators were operating in parallel for exposed and control eggs in a climatized homogeneous environment, using 450 eggs per treatment in three successive rounds per treatment. Dosimetry of the exposure (field characteristics and specific absorption rate) were studied. Biological parameters studied included embryo death during incubation, hatching percentage, and various morphological and histological parameters of embryos and chicks and their organs, and gene expression profiles of embryos on day 7 and day 18 of incubation by microarray and qPCR. No conclusive evidence was found for induced embryonic mortality or malformations by exposure to the used EMFs, or for effects on the other measured parameters. Estimated differences between treatment groups were always small and the effect of treatment was not significant. In a statistical model that ignored possible interaction between rounds and exposure units, some of the many pairwise comparisons of exposed versus control had P‐values lower than 0.05, but were not significant after correction for multiple testing. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:186–203, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.