bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Making of Mental Health Policy: The 1980s and the Challenge of Sanity in Quebec and Ontario
Authors: Boudreau Françoise
Published: October 2014

This paper examines the current socio-political language in the formulation of mental health policy in Ontario and Quebec. “Before long,” coherent and rational policy has been promised in each province to “solve” today's mental health crisis—often identified as that of “deinstitutionaliztion.” However, there is not just one view. Here, we examine the arguments presented in the form of briefs, reports, and working documents on the part of mental health professionals, governments and unions, patient groups, and volunteer organizations in both provinces. We analyze the areas of convergence and divergence and attempt to make sense of this mass of material so important in the formulation of a sensible and sensitive government policy of action.
The Supportive Housing Coalition: A Model for Advocacy and Program Development
Authors: Trainor John , Lurie Steve , Ballantyne Ronald , Long Dennis
Published: October 2014

This paper outlines the development of the Supportive Housing Coalition of Metropolitan Toronto, an organization which co-ordinates the efforts of housing agencies, consumers, and treatment facilities in the provision of psychiatric residential programs. An assessment of the organization's impact to date on housing policy, municipal by-laws, program types, and housing stock is described. The organizational model utilized by the coalition is also examined in light of literature on the subject.
Le Development D'Une Echelle D'Attitude Envers Les Femmes Violentees Par Leurs Conjoints
Authors: Lavoie Francine , Martin Genevieve , Valiquette Claude
Published: October 2014

Les personnes concernées par la violence conjugale rapportent que les attitudes prévalant dans la société face à ce type de violence sont la source de bien des problèmes. Le manque d'instrument de mesure des attitudes a toutefois limité les recherches. Cet article décrit les ètapes suivies dans le dèveloppement et la validation d'une échelle d'attitude envers la femme violenèe par son conjoint. L'èchelle prèsente des qualitès mètrologiques suffisantes; elle n'est pas sensible au biais de la dèsirabilité sociale ni à celui de l'appartenance à un sexe. Comme postulé, une attitude favorable envers la femme violentée est relièe à une attitude non traditionnelle envers les rôles sexuals.
Le Development Des Regions Canadiennes: La Necessite D'une Approche Alternative
Authors: Lamontagne Frančois
Published: October 2014

Après un bref examen des tendances économiques récentes qui influent sur le développement de l'économie nationale et de ses régions, l'article passe en revue les 25 derniéres années de développement régional sur la scéne fédérale. L'article suggére que l'cchee relatif des nombreux programmes qui se sont succédés résulte d'une absence de vision coherente sur la nature des problémes régionaux. Dans ce contexte, l'approche du développement local se présente comme une alternative intéressante et qui a contribué, sous certaines conditions, à renverser le déclin de régions et communautés défavorisées. L'article conclut en soulignant la nécessité d'évaluer systématiquement les initiatives de développement local afin de s'assurer que l'espoir qu'elles soulévent est justifié.
Problematique Familiale Lors De La Naissance D'Un Enfant Atteint D'Une Deficience Physique
Authors: Pelchat Diane
Published: October 2014

L'accucil d'un enfant atteint d'une déficience provoque chez les parents un stress psychologique intense et ceux-ci sont alors confrontés à une situation de crise. C'est par le cheminement à travers le processus de deuil de l'enfant désiré «parfait» que les parents parviennent à s'adapter à la situation, plusieurs auteurs ont décrit une séquence de réactions normales par laquelle doivent passer les parents qui donnent naissance à un enfant atteint d'une déficience. Cette situation difficile affecte les parents dans les différentes sphegres d'adaptation, c'est-à-dire en tant qu'individu, conjoint, parent et en relation avec l'entourage. Des difficultés d'adaptation, qui ne sont pas nécessairement reliées à la gravité du probléme, sont susceptibles de se manifester chez les parents et la famille entière. De méme, la facon de réagir de chacun des membres aura un impact sur tout le système familial.
Communaute Et Sante Mentale A Singapour: Une Autre Vision Du «Communautaire»
Authors: Sevigny Robert
Published: October 2014

This paper uncovers some dimensions of Singapore's mental health practices which, compared with western ones, indicate an alternative view on “community.” Singapore's culture is rich in community life based on larger systems of reference like language, religion, history, and tradition. This gives more salience to social dimensions often ignored or poorly taken into account by western specialists speaking about community approaches. The author puts forward the idea, through an analysis of interviews done with practitioners in the mental health field, that community redefined as it is in Singapore penetrates the institutions of mental health practice. Consequently, a community development model need not be limited to local and immediate community issues: It could also address more global community references systems, which create deep and lively cultural grounds for people's lives.
Police Officers' Responses to Assaults Against Women
Authors: Cragg Sandra F. Miller , Rothery Michael
Published: October 2014

The role of police officers in dealing with the problem of domestic assaults against women is critical, since the police are usually the first service providers involved in such situations. In the study reported in this paper, one sample of police officers was asked about how they view and react to spouse abuse: its causes, their role, what works, and what should be done differently. Since this research replicates an earlier study of three Iowa communities, a comparison of samples of officers from rather different contexts is included among the reported findings.
Promoting Social-Emotional Development Through Creative Drama For Students With Special Needs
Authors: Walsh Richard T. , Kosidoy Myra , Swanson Lynn
Published: October 2014

The authors evaluated two brief small-group creative drama programs for enhancing special-needs students' peer relations. In Study 1, 12 early adolescents participated in a fall group and nine in a winter group within a delayed-treatment design. The fall group did not significantly exceed the winter group on self-report, teacher, and parent measures of social-emotional skill. However, the fall group maintained its progress at follow-up, the winter group made gains on self-report and parent measures after its program, and 16 of the 21 students in both groups improved. In Study 2, seven latency-aged children participated in a younger group and eight in an older group; nine students served as comparison participants. The 15 treated children significantly exceeded the untreated children on self-report and a more specific teacher measure; 13 of the 15 students improved. These studies demonstrate that small-group creative drama can positively affect peer interaction skills of children and early adolescents.
Une Intervention De Groupe D'Orientation Systemique Aupres De Couples En Periode Prenatale
Authors: De Montigny Francine
Published: October 2014

The birth of a first child results in an important period of transition for new parents. A systemic intervention was planned and implemented with a group of couples during the prenatal period. This intervention was based upon concepts related to systemic family intervention and multiple family intervention. One of the main objectives was to allow participants to improve their functioning as couples in the areas of communication, feeling response, role distribution, and conflict resolution. The analysis describes the dynamics of the group and the couples as well as changes that occurred during the intervention. Group support allowed the couples to experiment new modes of communication and to improve their methods of conflict resolution. The author discusses the importance of integrating some aspects of this intervention in traditional prenatal groups, in particular, discussions on individual expectations and needs of future parents. She emphasizes the importance of educating nurses in family intervention given their active role with families at this particular stage of family development.
Processus D'adaptation des Parents D'un Enfant Atteint D'une Déficience et Élaboration D'un Programme D'intervention Précoce à Leur Intention
Authors: Pelchat Diane
Published: October 2014

La naissance d'un enfant atteint d'une déficience peut provoquer une crise psychologique chez les parents. La présente étude analyse le processus d'adaptation des parents au cours de quatre mois qui suivent la naissance. Elle propose également un programme d'intervention précoce qui s'appuic sur une appréciation périodique des capacités d'adaptation des parents sur le plan individuel, conjugal, parental, et interpersonnel. Une grille d'évaluation de l'adaptation des parents vient compléter l'analyse.
Perceived Social Support in Three Residential Contexts
Authors: Pomeroy Edward , Cook Bruce , Benjafield John
Published: October 2014

Perceived social support measures and descriptions of social support networks for three groups of former patients living in community settings are presented. Findings suggest that former patients living independently are at a serious disadvantage. Results are discussed in terms of identifying the circumstances which need to be created to allow former patients to attain a reasonably supported existence through independent living rather than relying on non-normalizing placements such as group homes or living with families of origin.
The Employment Connection: The Application of an Individual Supported Employment Program for Persons with Chronic Mental Health Problems
Authors: Block Lory
Published: October 2014

An individual supported employment program for people with psychiatric disabilities is described. Specific program components are outlined as well as issues related to implementation of job placement and job training processes. Preliminary outcome data indicated a 50% competitive employment rate following the first year of the program. The importance of collaboration between mental health and vocational rehabilitation specialists was highlighted. Emphasis on maintaining a client-centred approach was also discussed along with the need for a comprehensive employer education program.
Gender Bias in Family Benefit Provision
Authors: O'Brien Shannon Alyce
Published: October 2014

Although the role of women in society has changed greatly in recent years, family benefit provisions may still be reflective of traditional notions of women's role as mother and homemaker. I examine this possibility through a case study of 120 collective agreements in a major Canadian union. In addition, the role of bargaining unit size, percentage of females in the bargaining unit, percentage of females on the negotiating committee and sector in the provision of family benefits are examined. It was found that the content and provision of family benefits were reflective of traditional notions of women. Through a step-wise multiple regression, it was also found that the percentage of females in a bargaining unit had the strongest predictive power of the four independent variables. Practical implications of the findings are discussed in light of current legislation governing the provision of family benefits and past research.
La Santé Mentale de Conjoints Âgés Québécois: Comparaison Entre Aidants Naturels et Non Aidants
Authors: Lévesque Louise , Cossette Sylvie , Ducharme Francine
Published: October 2014

This study examines various aspects of the mental health of aged caregiving spouses. Two factors are considered: the type of health problem of the care-receiving spouse (cognitive or physical impairments), and sex. Two samples of spouses providing care are examined: (a) those providing care to spouses suffering from cognitive impairments and (b) those providing care to spouses suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These participants are compared to a group of non-caregiver aged spouses as well as other aged American normative samples. All participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory developed by Derogatis and Spencer (1982). Results show that those providing care to their cognitively impaired spouses tend to be more mentally fragile than the caregivers of spouses suffering from COPD and the non-caregivers. The only difference found between men and women caregivers or men and women non-caregivers is related to interpersonal sensitivity. When compared to aged American normative samples, non-caregiver spouses showed less symptoms of obsessive-compulsiveness, anxiety, and hostility. Our study points to the importance of considering the type of health problem of the care receiver. It is also important to assess various aspects of mental health and to be able to use a measure of mental health which is specific to the aged population of Québec.
Challenges to Mental Health Promotion Among Working Women in Canada
Authors: McDaniel Susan A.
Published: October 2014

Health promotion efforts have concentrated on promoting physical well-being with psychological benefits perhaps most often among men. With greater proportions of women now working, the workplace provides excellent opportunities for health promotion and education for women. Given increasing recognition that stress, multiple roles, and inadequate job rewards result in loss of productivity, absenteeism, illness, addiction, and premature death, it seems time to explore workplace programs of mental health promotion aimed specifically toward women workers. In this paper, current knowledge about the mental health problems experienced by working women is outlined. Some principles on which mental health promotion programs for women in the workplace might build are specified.
Les Réfugiés, Politiques et Pratiques
Authors: Jacob André
Published: October 2014

Cet article vise à rendre compte des dimensions socio-économiques et politiques influant sur le développement des services aux immigrants et aux réfugiés. Un bref regard sur les grands traits de la problématique de la santé mentale des réfugiés à travers la littérature débouchera sur une analyse de quel-ques-unes des politiques adoptées au cours des dernieres années par les gouvernements fédéral et provincial et de la question des rapports État/Organismes non gouvernementaux (ONG); il s'agit de montrer les significations, voire les contradictions, entre le discours sur la prise en charge et le partenariat et les différentes stratégies mises en place par l'État. Un examen des différents programmes de soutien aux organismes non gouvernementaux offerts par le gouvernement du Québec permettra ensuite de dégager les lignes de force des politiques de financement des ONG et de préciser les balises à l'intérieur desquelles ces derniers doivent s'orienter. Pour les fins de notre recherche, nous n'avions retenu que les programmes du ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux et du ministère des Communautés culturelles et de l'Immigration du Québec; à eux seuls, ces deux ministères octroient le plus grand nombre de subventions aux ONG qui interviennent avec les immigrants et les réfugiés.
Strategies to Address the Bureaucratic Disentitlement of Clients from Cultural Minority Groups
Authors: Teram Eli , White Heather
Published: October 2014

Based on studies conducted in Ontario and experience from Alberta, this paper describes the politics of bureaucratic disentitlement with respect to the delivery of social services to new Canadians. Interorganizational theory is applied to explain the dynamics that sustain service delivery strategies which have been consistently recognized as inappropriate. This discussion provides a base for rejecting strategies that delegate service delivery to specialized organizational units or to ethno-specific agencies. An approach that acknowledges both technical and political aspects of making social services responsive to the change in Canada's ethnic mix is outlined. The essence of this approach is to mandate networks of newcomer-serving agencies to negotiate and monitor appropriate adjustments by mainstream organizations to address the needs of culturally diversified communities.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: Implications for Children's Mental Health
Authors: Prilleltensky Isaac
Published: October 2014

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was created to promote the well-being of children around the world. The Convention, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1989. covers a wide range of issues dealing with the physical and emotional well-being of children. The specific purpose of this article is to explore the implications of the Convention for children's mental health. A content analysis of the document reveals six main themes or guiding principles for the promotion of children's mental health: (a) protection, health care, and nurturance; (b) opportunities for education and personal development; (c) children's rights and self-determination; (d) appreciation of human diversity; (e) collaboration and respect for others; and (f) adequate provision of resources. Ways to translate these principles into action in families, schools, communities, and society at large are discussed. On the basis of available knowledge, I show how these values can be enacted by parents, teachers, professionals, and social policy-makers.
Évaluation de L'efficacité D'un Programme De Prévention Des Grossesses à L'adolescence: Sexprimer Pour Une Sexualité Responsable
Authors: Bilodeau Angèle , Forget Gilles , Tétreault Jeanne
Published: October 2014

L'augmentation constante des grossesses è l'adolescence observée au Québec au cours de la dernière décennie et leur concentration en milieu de pauvreté ont conduit è l'expérimentation du projet Sexprimer, pour une sexualité responsable auprès d'élèves de troisième et quatrième secondaires de trois écoles de Montréal, de 1987 è 1991. Sexprimer est un programme multifactoriel et intersectoriel de promotion d'une sexualité responsable et de prévention des grossesses è l'adolescence qui propose trois axes d'intervention réalisés concuremment: un programme éducatif, un soutien clinique adapté, et un programme de soutien de la communication parents/adolescents.

L'évaluation, réalisée è l'aide d'un devis quasi-expérimental auprès des adolescents (n = 732) et leurs parents, démontre la capacité de l'intervention è accroitre, chez les adolescents, la connaissance des méthodes contraceptives et des ressources cliniques, ainsi que le recours è la consultation clinique, et è induire des comportements préventifs chez les filles qui deviennent actives sexuellement au cours du projet. Chez les parents, on note une amélioration de l'attention parentale et de la communication avec leurs adolescents sur la sexualité et la contraception, effets qui se maintiennent quatre mois après la fin de l'intervention.
Taiwan Shipwreck Is Major Loss for Ocean Research, Scientists Say
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2014

The 10 October shipwreck of Taiwan's R/V Ocean Researcher V (OR‐V), which resulted in the death of two people, is a major setback for ocean research in Taiwan, scientists told Eos.
Slow translation speed causes rapid collapse of northeast Pacific Hurricane Kenneth over cold core eddy
Authors: Walker Nan D. , Leben Robert R. , Pilley Chet T. , Shannon Michael , Herndon Derrick C. , Pun Iam‐Fei , Lin I.‐I. , Gentemann Chelle L.
Published: October 2014

Category 4 Hurricane Kenneth (HK) experienced unpredicted rapid weakening when it stalled over a cold core eddy (CCE) on 19–20 September 2005, 2800 km SE of Hawaii. Maximum sea surface temperature (SST) cooling of 8–9°C and a minimum aerially averaged SST of 18.3°C (over 8750 km2) characterized its cool wake. A 3‐D mixed‐layer model enabled estimation of enthalpy fluxes (latent and sensible heat), as well as the relative importance of slow translation speed (Uh) compared with the preexisting CCE. As Uh dropped below 1.5 m s−1, enthalpy fluxes became negative, cutting off direct ocean energy flux to HK. Although HK's weakening was attributed to wind shear, our results indicate that slow Uh and consequent intense SST cooling were the main causes. The tropical cyclone‐intensified CCE experienced rapid growth in magnitude (−6 to −40 cm), increased diameter (60 to 350 km), elevated chlorophyll a for 4 months, and 12 month longevity.
Under what circumstances does a seismogenic patch produce aseismic transients in the later interseismic period?
Authors: Noda H. , Hori T.
Published: October 2014

Whether aseismic transients occur as the next earthquake approaches or not is an important problem in the area of disaster mitigation by geophysical observation. We conducted a series of rate‐state (aging law) earthquake sequence simulations with inertial effects and revealed that A/B (direct effect/evolution effect) is a key parameter controlling the complexity of interseismic behavior in a seismogenic patch. Interseismically, a creep front invades a locked patch. If A/B≤0.4, nucleation takes place as soon as the linear stability of the coherent creep is violated, and no significant aseismic transient occurs. If A/B≥0.4, nucleation size is given by the energy balance criterion, and if A/B≥0.6, aseismic transients occur after the violation of linear stability and before the creeping region is able to host the nucleation. Thus, not only A − B but also A/B must be selected carefully to obtain realistic results in numerical simulations.
Impacts of modified Richards equation on RegCM4 regional climate modeling over East Asia
Authors: Yu Yan , Xie Zhenghui , Zeng Xubin
Published: October 2014

To remove the deficiency of the numerical solution of the mass conservation‐based Richards equation for soil moisture in a regional climate model (RegCM4 with its land surface component Community Land Model 3.5 (CLM3.5)), a revised numerical algorithm that is used in CLM4.5 is implemented into CLM3.5. Compared with in situ measurements, the modified numerical method improves the ground water table depth simulations in RegCM4. It also improves the temporal and spatial variability of soil moisture to some extent. Its impact on simulated summer precipitation is mixed, with improvements over three subregions in China but with increased errors in three other subregions. The impact on the simulated summer temperature is relatively small (with the mean biases changed by less than 10% over most subregions). The evapotranspiration differences between modified and control land‐atmosphere coupled simulations are enhanced over the northwest subregion and Tibetan Plateau compared to offline simulations due to land surface feedbacks to the atmosphere (in coupled simulations). Similarly the soil moisture differences in coupled simulations are geographically different from those in offline simulations over the eastern monsoon area. The summer precipitation differences between modified and control coupled simulations are found to be explained by the differences of both surface evapotranspiration and large‐scale water vapor flux convergence which have opposite signs over the northwest subregion and Tibetan Plateau but have the same signs over other subregions.
A multidimensional stability model for predicting shallow landslide size and shape across landscapes
Authors: Milledge David G. , Bellugi Dino , McKean Jim A. , Densmore Alexander L. , Dietrich William E.
Published: October 2014

The size of a shallow landslide is a fundamental control on both its hazard and geomorphic importance. Existing models are either unable to predict landslide size or are computationally intensive such that they cannot practically be applied across landscapes. We derive a model appropriate for natural slopes that is capable of predicting shallow landslide size but simple enough to be applied over entire watersheds. It accounts for lateral resistance by representing the forces acting on each margin of potential landslides using earth pressure theory and by representing root reinforcement as an exponential function of soil depth. We test our model's ability to predict failure of an observed landslide where the relevant parameters are well constrained by field data. The model predicts failure for the observed scar geometry and finds that larger or smaller conformal shapes are more stable. Numerical experiments demonstrate that friction on the boundaries of a potential landslide increases considerably the magnitude of lateral reinforcement, relative to that due to root cohesion alone. We find that there is a critical depth in both cohesive and cohesionless soils, resulting in a minimum size for failure, which is consistent with observed size‐frequency distributions. Furthermore, the differential resistance on the boundaries of a potential landslide is responsible for a critical landslide shape which is longer than it is wide, consistent with observed aspect ratios. Finally, our results show that minimum size increases as approximately the square of failure surface depth, consistent with observed landslide depth‐area data.
Exploration of discrepancy between radar and gauge rainfall estimates driven by wind fields
Authors: Dai Qiang , Han Dawei
Published: October 2014

Due to the fact that weather radar is prone to several sources of errors, it is acknowledged that adjustment against ground observations such as rain gauges is crucial for radar measurement. Spatial matching of precipitation patterns between radar and rain gauge is a significant premise in radar bias corrections. It is a conventional way to construct radar‐gauge pairs based on their vertical locations. However, due to the wind effects, the raindrops observed by the radar do not always fall vertically to the ground, and the raindrops arriving at the ground may not all be caught by the rain gauge. This study proposes a fully formulated scheme to numerically simulate the movement of raindrops in a three‐dimensional wind field in order to adjust the wind‐induced errors. The Brue catchment (135 km2) in Southwest England covering 28 radar pixels and 49 rain gauges is an experimental catchment, where the radar central beam height varies between 500 and 700 m. The 20 typical events (with durations of 6–36 h) are chosen to assess the correlation between hourly radar and gauge rainfall surfaces. It is found that for most events, the improved rates of correlation coefficients are greater than 10%, and nearly half of the events increase by 20%. With the proposed method, except four events, all the event‐averaged correlation values are greater than 0.5. This work is the first study to tackle both wind effects on radar and rain gauges, which could be considered as one of the essential components in processing radar observational data in its hydrometeorological applications.
Molecular‐Level Switching of Polymer/Nanocrystal Non‐Covalent Interactions and Application in Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Giansante Carlo , Mastria Rosanna , Lerario Giovanni , Moretti Luca , Kriegel Ilka , Scotognella Francesco , Lanzani Guglielmo , Carallo Sonia , Esposito Marco , Biasiucci Mariano , Rizzo Aurora , Gigli Giuseppe
Published: October 2014

Hybrid composites obtained upon blending conjugated polymers and colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are regarded as attractive photo­active materials for optoelectronic applications. Here it is demonstrated that tailoring nanocrystal surface chemistry permits to control non‐covalent and electronic interactions between organic and inorganic components. The pending moieties of organic ligands at the nanocrystal surface are shown to not merely confer colloidal stability while hindering charge separation and transport, but drastically impact morphology of hybrid composites during formation from blend solutions. The relevance of this approach to photovoltaic applications is demonstrated for composites based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and lead sulfide nanocrystals, considered as inadequate until this report, which enable the fabrication of hybrid solar cells displaying a power conversion efficiency that reaches 3%. By investigating (quasi)steady‐state and time‐resolved photo‐induced processes in the nanocomposites and their constituents, it is ascertained that electron transfer occurs at the hybrid interface yielding long‐lived separated charge carriers, whereas interfacial hole transfer appears hindered. Here a reliable alternative aiming to gain control over macroscopic optoelectronic properties of polymer/nanocrystal composites by mediating their non‐covalent interactions via ligands' pending moieties is provided, thus opening new possibilities towards efficient solution‐processed hybrid solar cells.
Tunable Brønsted Acidity‐Dependent Alkylation and Alkenylation of Indoles
Authors: Wu Kaikai , Wu Ping , Wang Liandi , Chen Jiping , Sun Chenglin , Yu Zhengkun
Published: October 2014

The Brønsted acid‐mediated alkylation and alkenylation of indoles were efficiently achieved by means of 3‐(dimethylamino)acrylonitrile. Regulating the acidity of the reaction medium with para‐toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (p‐TsOH⋅H2O) and/or acetic acid (HOAc) led to versatile formation of 3‐alkylated and 3‐alkenylated indole derivatives under mild conditions. The 3‐alkylated indole products could be nearly quantitatively transformed to the corresponding separable (E)‐ and (Z)‐3‐alkenylated indoles.

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Synthesis of Conducting Polymer/Zinc Sulfide Nanocomposite Films and Investigation of Their Electrochemical and Morphological Properties
Authors: TURAC ERSEN , SAHMETLIOGLU ERTUGRUL , GOKTURK ERSEN
Published: October 2014

Polypyrrole–zinc sulfide (PPy‐ZnS) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)–zinc sulfide (PEDOT–ZnS) composite films were synthesized and characterized. Their electrochemical behaviors were investigated. The synthesis of PPy‐ZnS and PEDOT‐ZnS composite films was carried out by electropolymerization of pyrrole and 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene in the presence of ZnS nanoparticles dispersed in the electrolytic solution. The structures of the PPy–ZnS and PEDOT–ZnS composite films were characterized by the use of scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was used to determine the electrochemical behavior of the resulting materials. The Energy Dispersive X‐Ray mapping (EDX mapping) method was used to detect the existence of Zn and S ions on PPy‐ZnS and the Zn ion on PEDOT‐ZnS composite films. A four‐probe technique was used to measure the conductivity of PPy–ZnS and PEDOT–ZnS composite films along with PPy and PEDOT.
One‐Nanometer‐Precision Control of Al2O3 Nanoshells through a Solution‐Based Synthesis Route
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chi Zi‐Xiang , Mao Wen‐Xin , Lv Rong‐Wen , Cao An‐Min , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: October 2014

Forming uniform metal oxide nanocoatings is a well‐known challenge in the construction of core–shell type nanomaterials. Herein, by using buffer solution as a specific reaction medium, we demonstrate the possibility to grow thin nanoshells of metal oxides, typically Al2O3, on different kinds of core materials, forming a uniform surface‐coating layer with thicknesses achieving one nanometer precision. The application of this methodology for the surface modification of LiCoO2 shows that a thin nanoshell of Al2O3 can be readily tuned on the surface for an optimized battery performance.
A Twisting Electronic Nanoswitch Made of DNA
Authors: Huang Yu Chuan , Sen Dipankar
Published: October 2014

Single‐stranded DNAs and RNAs that are rich in the nucleobase guanine form four‐stranded G‐quadruplexes, which are held together by hydrogen‐bonded guanine quartets. In aqueous solution, both DNA duplexes and G‐quadruplexes are modest conductors of electrical charge. A tight, topologically constrained DNA construct called twDNA is now reported, in which a core of four guanine‐rich single strands structurally and electronically links together four DNA double helices. The addition and removal of K+ or Sr2+ cations promote alternative conformers of twDNA, which have strikingly distinct electronic properties. Unlike DNA mechano‐electronic switches that require large conformational changes, twDNA requires only modest twisting/untwisting structural attenuations to achieve electronic switching.
Polyoxometallat‐basierte ionische Flüssigkeiten als selbstreparierender Säure‐Korrosionsschutz
Authors: Herrmann Sven , Kostrzewa Monika , Wierschem Andreas , Streb Carsten
Published: October 2014

Korrosion ist ein weltweites Problem, vor allem für Metalle. Hier wird gezeigt, wie Metalle durch hydrophobe Polxoxometallat‐basierte ionische Flüssigkeiten (POM‐ILs) leicht vor Säurekorrosion geschützt werden können. Dafür wurden Cu‐Plättchen mit bei Raumtemperatur flüssigen POM‐Ils auf Basis von Übergangsmetall‐funktionalisierten Keggin‐Anionen [SiW11O39M(H2O)]n− (M=CuII, FeIII) und quartären Alkylammonium‐Kationen (CnH2n+1)4N+ (n=7–8) beschichtet. Die Korrosionsbeständigkeit gegen Säuredämpfe und in einem simulierten sauren Regen konnte im Vergleich zu Beschichtungen auf Basis kommerzieller ILs oder fester Polyoxometallate signifikant verbessert werden. Schäden durch mechanische Beanspruchung der POM‐IL‐Beschichtung verheilen binnen einer Minute unter vollständiger Regenerierung der Schutzeigenschaften. Die Beschichtung lässt sich leicht durch Waschen mit organischen Lösungsmitteln entfernen.
PET Imaging of Bacterial Infections with Fluorine‐18‐Labeled Maltohexaose
Authors: Ning Xinghai , Seo Wonewoo , Lee Seungjun , Takemiya Kiyoko , Rafi Mohammad , Feng Xuli , Weiss Daiana , Wang Xiaojian , Williams Larry , Camp Vernon M. , Eugene Malveaux , Taylor W. Robert , Goodman Mark , Murthy Niren
Published: October 2014

A positron emission tomography (PET) tracer composed of 18F‐labeled maltohexaose (MH18F) can image bacteria in vivo with a sensitivity and specificity that are orders of magnitude higher than those of fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG). MH18F can detect early‐stage infections composed of as few as 105 E. coli colony‐forming units (CFUs), and can identify drug resistance in bacteria in vivo. MH18F has the potential to improve the diagnosis of bacterial infections given its unique combination of high specificity and sensitivity for bacteria.
Synthese von Triazenen mit Distickstoffmonoxid
Authors: Kiefer Gregor , Riedel Tina , Dyson Paul J. , Scopelliti Rosario , Severin Kay
Published: October 2014

Triazene sind wertvolle Verbindungen in der organischen Chemie, für die eine Vielzahl an Anwendungen dokumentiert ist. Ferner wurden Triazene ausgiebig als potenzielle Antitumorwirkstoffe getestet. Hier beschreiben wir eine neue Methode zur Synthese von Triazenen. Das Verfahren nutzt ein Reagens, das selten in der organischen Synthese verwendet wird: Distickstoffmonoxid (N2O, “Lachgas”). N2O vermittelt die Kupplung von Lithiumamiden und Organomagnesiumverbindungen, während es selbst als Stickstoffdonor dient. Trotz des höchst inerten Charakters des Distickstoffmonoxids können die Reaktionen in Lösung unter milden Bedingungen durchgeführt werden. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil der neuen Methode ist der Zugang zu Triazenen mit Alkenyl‐ und Alkinylsubstituenten. Diese Verbindungen sind mit herkömmlichen Verfahren nur schwer erhältlich, da die benötigten Ausgangsstoffe instabil sind. Einige der neuen Alkinyltriazene zeigten eine hohe Zytotoxizität in Untersuchungen an Eierstock‐ und Brustkrebszellen in vitro.
Thermal Non‐Oxidative Aromatization of Light Alkanes Catalyzed by Gallium Nitride
Authors: Li Lu , Mu Xiaoyue , Liu Wenbo , Kong Xianghua , Fan Shizhao , Mi Zetian , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: October 2014

The thermal catalytic activity of GaN in non‐oxidative alkane dehydroaromatization has been discovered for the first time. The origin of the catalytic activity was studied experimentally and theoretically. Commercially available GaN powders with a wurtzite crystal structure showed superior stability and reactivity for converting light alkanes, including methane, propane, n‐butane, n‐hexane and cyclohexane into benzene at an elevated temperature with high selectivity. The catalyst is highly robust and can be used repeatedly without noticeable deactivation.
The Polymorphs of L‐Phenylalanine
Authors: Ihlefeldt Franziska Stefanie , Pettersen Fredrik Bjarte , von Bonin Aidan , Zawadzka Malgorzata , Görbitz Carl Henrik
Published: October 2014

The solid‐state structure of the amino acid phenylalanine (Phe) offers a potential key to understanding the behavior of a large class of important aromatic compounds. Obtaining good single crystals is, however, notoriously difficult. The structure of the common polymorph of Phe, form I, was first reported by Weissbuch et al. (as D‐Phe) in 1990, but the correctness of the published C2 unit cell with two disordered molecules in the asymmetric unit was later questioned and other space groups suggested. The identity of form I of L‐Phe is here established to be P21 with Z′=4, based on data from a well‐diffracting single crystal grown from an acetic acid solution of the amino acid. A second new polymorph, form IV, together with the two recently described forms II and III provide unprecedented information on the structural complexity of this essential amino acid. It is furthermore documented that the racemate, dl‐Phe, does not grow proper single crystals.
An Efficient Method for the In Vitro Production of Azol(in)e‐Based Cyclic Peptides
Authors: Houssen Wael E. , Bent Andrew F. , McEwan Andrew R. , Pieiller Nathalie , Tabudravu Jioji , Koehnke Jesko , Mann Greg , Adaba Rosemary I. , Thomas Louise , Hawas Usama W. , Liu Huanting , Schwarz‐Linek Ulrich , Smith Margaret C. M. , Naismith James H. , Jaspars Marcel
Published: October 2014

Heterocycle‐containing cyclic peptides are promising scaffolds for the pharmaceutical industry but their chemical synthesis is very challenging. A new universal method has been devised to prepare these compounds by using a set of engineered marine‐derived enzymes and substrates obtained from a family of ribosomally produced and post‐translationally modified peptides called the cyanobactins. The substrate precursor peptide is engineered to have a non‐native protease cleavage site that can be rapidly cleaved. The other enzymes used are heterocyclases that convert Cys or Cys/Ser/Thr into their corresponding azolines. A macrocycle is formed using a macrocyclase enzyme, followed by oxidation of the azolines to azoles with a specific oxidase. The work is exemplified by the production of 17 macrocycles containing 6–9 residues representing 11 out of the 20 canonical amino acids.
Synthesis and characterization of PEDOT derivative with carboxyl group and its chemo sensing application as enhanced optical materials
Authors: Hu Dufen , Zhang Long , Zhang Kaixin , Duan Xuemin , Xu Jingkun , Dong Liqi , Sun Hui , Zhu Xiaofei , Zhen Shijie
Published: October 2014

Poly(4‐(((2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐2‐yl)methoxy)methyl)benzoic acid) (PEDOT‐Ph‐COOH) was facilely synthesized by the direct electropolymerization of 4‐(((2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐2‐yl)methoxy)methyl)benzoic acid (EDOT‐Ph‐COOH) in CH2Cl2‐Bu4NPF6 (0.10 M) system, and the PEDOT‐Ph‐COOH films were systematically investigated. The results displayed that the film had excellent reversible redox activities, good electrochemical performance, and rough and compact surface. Finally, the PEDOT‐Ph‐COOH film was used as an optical chemo‐sensor for the highly selective and sensitive detection of F−,
,
,
, Cu2+, and Fe3+ in dimethyl sulfoxide. Satisfactory results indicated that optical chemo‐sensor based on PEDOT‐Ph‐COOH possessed an excellent sensing performance and enhanced optical response, and it might be as potential promising materials, such as electrochromic devices, supercapacitors and so on. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41559.
Design of a Class of Sliding Mode Observer with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Xie Fa‐Xiang , Ji Bo‐Hai
Published: October 2014

This paper is concerned with the design of observers for a linear system with time‐varying delay in the field of structural control. A class of sliding mode observers with state and input time‐varying delays is developed on the basis of the coordinate transformation and free‐weighting matrix methods. The exponential dynamic properties of the observers are introduced to improve the performance of the observer. The delay and delay‐rate dependent conditions formulated by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are proposed to obtain the gains of the observers. Then, the bisection method is proposed to obtain the maximum exponential decay rate and allowable time delay. Finally, a numerical example of a fourth‐order system is used to show the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed observer.
Feasibility of raw glycerol conversion into single cell oil by zygomycetes under non‐aseptic conditions
Authors: Moustogianni Anna , Bellou Stamatia , Triantaphyllidou Irene‐Eva , Aggelis George
Published: October 2014

The use of plant oils as feedstock for the biodiesel manufacture has many drawbacks, thus, the interest has turned to single cell oil (SCO) as an alternative. However, the production of SCO is still too expensive, mainly due to the low oil productivity and the high cost of medium sterilization required. In this work raw glycerol was converted into SCO by oleaginous Zygomycetes under non‐aseptic conditions on selective (i.e., containing essential oils and/or antibiotics) nitrogen limited media. The obtained data showed that although bacterial populations inhibited the fungal growth, lipid accumulation remained unaffected by the presence of bacteria in the growth medium compared to control experiments (conducted under aseptic conditions). Therefore, a two‐stage process was developed in which growth was performed under aseptic conditions (1st stage) followed by lipid accumulation performed under non‐aseptic conditions (2nd stage) in the presence of thyme essential oil as an antibacterial agent. Large amounts of lipids were accumulated inside the mycelia, yielding around 13% wt/wt of oil per glycerol consumed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 827–831. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial to evaluate mental practice in enhancing advanced laparoscopic surgical performance
Authors: Louridas M , Bonrath E M , Sinclair D A , Dedy N J , Grantcharov T P
Published: October 2014

Background

Mental practice, the cognitive rehearsal of a task without physical movement, is known to enhance performance in sports and music. Investigation of this technique in surgery has been limited to basic operations. The purpose of this study was to develop mental practice scripts, and to assess their effect on advanced laparoscopic skills and surgeon stress levels in a crisis scenario.

Methods

Twenty senior surgical trainees were randomized to either conventional training or mental practice groups, the latter being trained by an expert performance psychologist. Participants' skills were assessed while performing a porcine laparoscopic jejunojejunostomy as part of a crisis scenario in a simulated operating room, using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) and bariatric OSATS (BOSATS) instruments. Objective and subjective stress parameters were measured, as well as non-technical skills using the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons rating tool.

Results

An improvement in OSATS (P = 0·003) and BOSATS (P = 0·003) scores was seen in the mental practice group compared with the conventional training group. Seven of ten trainees improved their technical performance during the crisis scenario, whereas four of the ten conventionally trained participants deteriorated. Mental imagery ability improved significantly following mental practice training (P = 0·011), but not in the conventional group (P = 0·083). No differences in objective or subjective stress levels or non-technical skills were evident.

Conclusion

Mental practice improves technical performance for advanced laparoscopic tasks in the simulated operating room, and allows trainees to maintain or improve their performance despite added stress.
An adaptable investigative graduate laboratory course for teaching protein purification
Authors: Carroll Christopher W. , Keller Lani C.
Published: October 2014

This adaptable graduate laboratory course on protein purification offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of techniques while allowing the instructor the freedom to incorporate their own personal research interests. The course design involves two sequential purification schemes performed in a single semester. The first part comprises the expression and purification of a recombinant GFP‐binding protein from E. coli. The student‐purified GFP‐binding protein is then used in the second part of the course to immunoprecipitate GFP‐tagged proteins, and their potential interacting partners, from cell or tissue extracts. As an example, we describe the immunoprecipitation of GFP‐tagged proteins from Drosophila melanogaster larval extracts that are homologous to proteins implicated in human diseases, followed by western blotting to examine student experimental outcomes. However, the widespread availability of GFP‐fusion proteins in diverse organisms enables researchers to tailor the second part of the course to their specific research programs while maintaining the flexibility to engage students in active learning. Student evaluations indicate a genuine excitement for research and in depth knowledge of both the techniques performed and the theory behind them. © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(6):486–494, 2014.
Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 1094: Functional Analysis of DNA and Chromatin. Edited by Juan Carlos Stockert, Jesús Espada and Alfonso Blázquez‐Castro.
Authors: Kolpashchikov Dmitry M.
Published: October 2014

Humana Press, Totowa 2014, XV+365 pp., hardcover, $ 119.00.—ISBN 978‐1‐62703‐705‐1
The Hydrogenation of Aromatic Compounds under Mild Conditions by Using a Solid Lewis Acid and Supported Palladium Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wu Tianbin , Hou Minqiang , Ma Jun , Liu Huizhen , Jiang Tao , Wang Weitao , Wu Congyi , Han Buxing
Published: October 2014

Al2O3 or SiO2 particles with abundant surface hydroxyl groups can prevent side reactions of aromatic compounds with AlCl3 completely; this Lewis acid can potentially destroy the stable structure of aromatic compounds to a large extent. This discovery was successfully utilized in the highly efficient hydrogenation of benzene, toluene, and naphthalene under mild conditions co‐catalyzed by AlCl3 and Pd/Al2O3 or Pd/SiO2. Pd, AlCl3, and the surface hydroxyl groups on the support show excellent cooperative effects for the hydrogenation reactions. Theoretical studies indicate that formation of a complex, by an interaction between benzene, AlCl3, and the solid oxides, plays a key role in the highly efficient hydrogenation reactions.
Water Oxidation at Electrodes Modified with Earth‐Abundant Transition‐Metal Catalysts
Authors: Galán‐Mascarós José Ramón
Published: October 2014

A broad and critical description of the state‐of‐the‐art in water oxidation electrocatalysts for the oxygen‐evolving reaction is given. Technologically relevant catalysts for energy production from earth‐abundant metals are highlighted.