bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children's Participation in Ritualized Circle Time - Ritual in music sessions in the multicultural kindergarten: How does it comply with children's right to participation?
Authors: Kulset Nora Bilalovic
Published: December 2016

This article addresses the possibly contradictory relationship between children's right to participate and ritualized circle time. It presents an analysis from an arts-based research inquiry within self-study, conducted during circle times in multicultural kindergartens (children aged three to six). The focus of the analysis is aspects of the ritualized song circle time that might enhance or undermine children's right to participation. Examples from videotaped material and interviews with kindergarten teachers are presented in the context of Small's (1998) and Dissanayake's (2008, 2014) notions of ritual, and of Bae's (2009) and Eide et al.'s (2012) understandings of children's participation. Results indicate that a structured and ritualized song circle time enhances children's participation in a multicultural kindergarten.
Identification and characterization ofDaldinia eschscholtziiisolated from skin scrapings, nails, and blood
Authors: Ng Kee Peng , Chan Chai Ling , Yew Su Mei , Yeo Siok Koon , Toh Yue Fen , Looi Hong Keat , Na Shiang Ling , Lee Kok Wei , Yee Wai-Yan , Kuan Chee Sian
Published: December 2016

Background

Daldinia eschscholtziiis a filamentous wood-inhabiting endophyte commonly found in woody plants. Here, we report the identification and characterization of nineD. eschscholtziiisolates from skin scrapings, nail clippings, and blood.

Methods

The nine isolates were identified based on colony morphology, light microscopy, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based phylogeny.In vitroantifungal susceptibility of the fungal isolates was evaluated by the Etest to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

Results

The nine isolates examined were confirmed asD. eschscholtzii. They exhibited typical features ofDaldiniasp. on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, with white felty colonies and black-gray coloration on the reverse side. Septate hyphae, branching conidiophore with conidiogenous cells budding from its terminus, and nodulisporium-like conidiophores were observed under the microscope. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the nine isolates were clustered within theD. eschscholtziispecies complex. All the isolates exhibited low MICs against azole agents (voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole), as well as amphotericin B, with MIC of less than 1 µg/ml.

Discussion

Early and definitive identification ofD. eschscholtziiis vital to reducing misuse of antimicrobial agents. Detailed morphological and molecular characterization as well as antifungal profiling ofD. eschscholtziiprovide the basis for future studies on its biology, pathogenicity, and medicinal potential.
Identifying stably expressed genes from multiple RNA-Seq data sets
Authors: Zhuo Bin , Emerson Sarah , Chang Jeff H. , Di Yanming
Published: December 2016

We examined RNA-Seq data on 211 biological samples from 24 different Arabidopsis experiments carried out by different labs. We grouped the samples according to tissue types, and in each of the groups, we identified genes that are stably expressed across biological samples, treatment conditions, and experiments. We fit a Poisson log-linear mixed-effect model to the read counts for each gene and decomposed the total variance into between-sample, between-treatment and between-experiment variance components. Identifying stably expressed genes is useful for count normalization and differential expression analysis. The variance component analysis that we explore here is a first step towards understanding the sources and nature of the RNA-Seq count variation. When using a numerical measure to identify stably expressed genes, the outcome depends on multiple factors: the background sample set and the reference gene set used for count normalization, the technology used for measuring gene expression, and the specific numerical stability measure used. Since differential expression (DE) is measured by relative frequencies, we argue that DE is a relative concept. We advocate using an explicit reference gene set for count normalization to improve interpretability of DE results, and recommend using a common reference gene set when analyzing multiple RNA-Seq experiments to avoid potential inconsistent conclusions.
Conversion of an instantaneous activating K+ channel into a slow activating inward rectifier
Authors: Baumeister Dirk , Hertel Brigitte , Schroeder Indra , Gazzarrini Sabrina , Kast Stefan M. , Van Etten James L. , Moroni Anna , Thiel Gerhard
Published: December 2016

The miniature channel, Kcv, is a structural equivalent of the pore of all K+ channels. Here, we follow up on a previous observation that a largely voltage‐insensitive channel can be converted into a slow activating inward rectifier after extending the outer transmembrane domain by one Ala. This gain of rectification can be rationalized by dynamic salt bridges at the cytosolic entrance to the channel; opening is favored by voltage‐sensitive formation of salt bridges and counteracted by their disruption. Such latent voltage sensitivity in the pore could be relevant for the understanding of voltage gating in complex Kv channels.
A periodic freshwater patch detachment process from the Block Island Sound estuarine plume
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Rothstein Lewis M. , Luo Yiyong
Published: December 2016

Previous observations suggest periodic freshwater patches separating from the Block Island Sound (BIS) estuarine plume. In this study, the dynamics of the separation process is investigated through a series of numerical experiments using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). In addition, we explore the seasonal variability of the freshwater patches and their response to river discharge and ambient current. The model results indicate that episodic freshwater patches are triggered by small changes in tidal currents over the spring‐neap tidal cycle. The spring‐neap variation in tidal currents causes significant, monthly fluctuations in turbulent mixing and vertical stratification in BIS, modulating the freshwater discharge thereby generating episodic freshwater patches that move both downstream along the southern shore of Long Island and toward Rhode Island Sound (RIS). The realistically configured model shows that the freshwater patches experience strong seasonal variability. They are largest in spring when the river discharge peaks, and smallest in summer due to the weak river discharge and a robust upstream ambient current from RIS. According to the analysis of the freshwater transport out of BIS, we conclude that such detachment occurs at tidal mixing fronts.
Variation in magnetic properties of serpentinized peridotites exposed on the Yokoniwa Rise, Central Indian Ridge: Insights into the role of magnetite in serpentinization
Authors: Fujii Masakazu , Okino Kyoko , Sato Hiroshi , Nakamura Kentaro , Sato Taichi , Yamazaki Toshitsugu
Published: December 2016

Magnetic properties in serpentinized peridotites are of increasing interest in seafloor mapping and petrologic studies because such data can promote the understanding of serpentinization reactions and hydrogen creation in ultramafic rocks. In order to reveal the magnetic properties and magnetite growth in serpentinized peridotites, we analyzed 30 serpentinized peridotite samples from a nontransform offset massif called the Yokoniwa Rise in the Central Indian Ridge. The results from multiple rock magnetic analyses and petrological observations illustrate the details of the creation and growth of magnetite in serpentinized peridotites that have undergone 17–100% serpentinzation. The magnetic carrier of these samples is pure magnetite, which did not suffer from maghemitization (low‐temperature oxidation). The magnetic susceptibility ranged from 0.002 to 0.087 SI and increased nonlinearly with the progression of the serpentinization reaction. The natural remanent magnetization intensities of 0.2–8.4 A/m are comparable to those of basalts, which suggests that the remanence as well as induced magnetization of highly serpentinized peridotite can contribute to magnetization of the oceanic lithosphere. The amount of magnetite estimated from saturation magnetization increased nonlinearly from 0.1 to 5.5 wt % with the progression of the serpentinization. Highly serpentinized peridotites have a well‐developed serpentine mesh texture. Pseudo‐single‐domain (PSD) and multidomain (MD) grains were formed during igneous processes in the mantle and/or during the initial stages of serpentinization. Superparamagnetic (SP) particles were formed during the initial stages of serpentinization. Single‐domain (SD) magnetite was formed during the later stage of serpentinization, and it is assembled inside of mesh structures with strong magnetostatic interactions.
Effect of graphite on the electrical conductivity of the lithospheric mantle
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Yoshino Takashi
Published: December 2016

Graphite is considered as one of candidate to explain the high‐conductivity anomalies revealed through magnetotelluric (MT) observations. To investigate the effect of interfacial energy on the interconnection of graphite in olivine matrix, we measured the electrical conductivity of polycrystalline San Carlos olivine mixed with 0.8 vol % graphite on the grain boundaries via impedance spectroscopy at 1 GPa and 300–1700 K in a cubic multianvil apparatus. The olivine‐graphite dihedral angle of the recovered sample was also measured to determine interfacial energy between graphite and olivine. The bulk electrical conductivities and large activation enthalpy (∼1.32 eV) of the carbon‐bearing sample were consistent with those of dry polycrystalline olivine. This behavior implies that graphite cannot be interconnected on olivine grain boundaries, which is also supported by the large dihedral angle (98°) of the olivine/graphite system. Impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed at 3 GPa and a temperature of up to 1700 K for carbon‐coated olivine bicrystal samples to investigate the stability of graphite films on the grain boundaries of silicate minerals under upper‐mantle conditions. The conductivities rapidly or slowly dropped as a function of time and graphite film thickness during annealing at the target temperature. This phenomenon exhibits that graphite film on the olivine grain boundary is readily destroyed under upper‐mantle conditions as supported by microstructural observations on the recovered carbon‐coated olivine bicrystal samples. Higher interfacial energy and larger dihedral angle (∼98°) between graphite and olivine would not allow the maintenance of graphite film on olivine grain boundaries. The activation enthalpy for the apparent disconnection rate of a graphite film on olivine grain boundaries is close to that of carbon diffusion in olivine grain boundaries, which suggests that the disconnection of the graphite film is likely to be controlled by carbon grain boundary diffusion. Therefore, graphite is an unlikely candidate to explain the high‐conductivity anomalies revealed by MT surveys in the upper mantle.
Tidal flow separation at protruding beach nourishments
Authors: Radermacher Max , de Schipper Matthieu A. , Swinkels Cilia , MacMahan Jamie H. , Reniers Ad J.H.M.
Published: December 2016

In recent years, the application of large‐scale beach nourishments has been discussed, with the Sand Motor in the Netherlands as the first real‐world example. Such protruding beach nourishments have an impact on tidal currents, potentially leading to tidal flow separation and the generation of tidal eddies of length scales larger than the nourishment itself. The present study examines the characteristics of the tidal flow field around protruding beach nourishments under varying nourishment geometry and tidal conditions, based on extensive field observations and numerical flow simulations. Observations of the flow field around the Sand Motor, obtained with a ship‐mounted current profiler and a set of fixed current profilers, show that a tidal eddy develops along the northern edge of the mega‐nourishment every flood period. The eddy is generated around peak tidal flow and gradually gains size and strength, growing much larger than the cross‐shore dimension of the coastline perturbation. Based on a 3 week measurement period, it is shown that the intensity of the eddy modulates with the spring‐neap tidal cycle. Depth‐averaged tidal currents around coastline perturbations are simulated and compared to the field observations. The occurrence and behavior of tidal eddies is derived for a large set of simulations with varying nourishment size and shape. Results show that several different types of behavior exist, characterized by different combinations of the nourishment aspect ratio, the size of the nourishment relative to the tidal excursion length, and the influence of bed friction.
Vertical structure of pore pressure under surface gravity waves on a steep, megatidal, mixed sand‐gravel‐cobble beach
Authors: Guest Tristan B. , Hay Alex E.
Published: December 2016

The vertical structure of surface gravity wave‐induced pore pressure is investigated within the intertidal zone of a natural, steeply sloping, megatidal, mixed sand‐gravel‐cobble beach. Results from a coherent vertical array of buried pore pressure sensors are presented in terms of signal phase lag and attenuation as functions of oscillatory forcing frequency and burial depth. Comparison of the observations with the predictions of a theoretical poro‐elastic bed response model indicates that the large observed phase lags and attenuation are attributable to interstitial trapped air. In addition to the dependence on entrapped air volume, the pore pressure phase and attenuation are shown to be sensitive to the hydraulic conductivity of the sediment, to the changing mean water depth during the tidal cycle, and to the redistribution/rearrangement of beach face material by energetic wave action during storm events. The latter result indicates that the effects on pore pressure of sediment column disturbance during instrument burial can persist for days to weeks, depending upon wave forcing conditions. Taken together, these results raise serious questions as to the practicality of using pore pressure measurements to estimate the kinematic properties of surface gravity waves on steep, mixed sand‐gravel beaches.
Seasonal controls of aragonite saturation states in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Wang Zhaohui Aleck , Lawson Gareth L. , Pilskaln Cynthia H. , Maas Amy E.
Published: December 2016

The Gulf of Maine (GoME) is a shelf region especially vulnerable to ocean acidification (OA) due to natural conditions of low pH and aragonite saturation states (Ω‐Ar). This study is the first to assess the major oceanic processes controlling seasonal variability of the carbonate system and its linkages with pteropod abundance in Wilkinson Basin in the GoME. Two years of seasonal sampling cruises suggest that water‐column carbonate chemistry in the region undergoes a seasonal cycle, wherein the annual cycle of stratification‐overturn, primary production, respiration‐remineralization and mixing all play important roles, at distinct spatiotemporal scales. Surface production was tightly coupled with remineralization in the benthic nepheloid layer during high production seasons, which results in occasional aragonite undersaturation. From spring to summer, carbonate chemistry in the surface across Wilkinson Basin reflects a transition from a production‐respiration balanced system to a net autotropic system. Mean water‐column Ω‐Ar and abundance of large thecosomatous pteropods show some correlation, although patchiness and discrete cohort reproductive success likely also influence their abundance. Overall, photosynthesis‐respiration is the primary driving force controlling Ω‐Ar variability during the spring‐to‐summer transition as well as over the seasonal cycle. However, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dissolution appears to occur near bottom in fall and winter when bottom water Ω‐Ar is generally low but slightly above 1. This is accompanied by a decrease in pteropod abundance that is consistent with previous CaCO3 flux trap measurements. The region might experience persistent subsurface aragonite undersaturation in 30–40 years under continued ocean acidification.
Understanding the West African Monsoon from the analysis of diabatic heating distributions as simulated by climate models
Authors: Martin G. M. , Peyrillé P. , Roehrig R. , Rio C. , Caian M. , Bellon G. , Codron F. , Lafore J.‐P. , Poan D. E. , Idelkadi A.
Published: December 2016

Vertical and horizontal distributions of diabatic heating in the West African monsoon (WAM) region as simulated by four model families are analyzed in order to assess the physical processes that affect the WAM circulation. For each model family, atmosphere‐only runs of their CMIP5 configurations are compared with more recent configurations which are on the development path toward CMIP6. The various configurations of these models exhibit significant differences in their heating/moistening profiles, related to the different representation of physical processes such as boundary layer mixing, convection, large‐scale condensation and radiative heating/cooling. There are also significant differences in the models' simulation of WAM rainfall patterns and circulations. The weaker the radiative cooling in the Saharan region, the larger the ascent in the rainband and the more intense the monsoon flow, while the latitude of the rainband is related to heating in the Gulf of Guinea region and on the northern side of the Saharan heat low. Overall, this work illustrates the difficulty experienced by current climate models in representing the characteristics of monsoon systems, but also that we can still use them to understand the interactions between local subgrid physical processes and the WAM circulation. Moreover, our conclusions regarding the relationship between errors in the large‐scale circulation of the WAM and the structure of the heating by small‐scale processes will motivate future studies and model development.
Onset of secondary progressive MS after long‐term rituximab therapy – a case report
Authors: von Büdingen H.‐Christian , Bischof Antje , Eggers Erica L. , Wang Shengzhi , Bevan Carolyn J. , Cree Bruce A. C. , Henry Roland G. , Hauser Stephen L.
Published: December 2016

A patient with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) was treated with a standard immunomodulatory therapy, but due to ongoing disease activity was switched to rituximab. Relapses ceased, but secondary progressive MS (SPMS) eventually appeared, associated with new focal spinal cord white matter lesions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed persistent oligoclonal bands (OCB) and clonally related B cells in CSF and peripheral blood. The treatment escalation approach failed to prevent evolution to SPMS, raising the question of whether initiation of B‐cell depleting therapy at the time of RMS diagnosis should be tested to more effectively address the immune pathology leading to SPMS.
Incidence and Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, or Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Radner Helga , Lesperance Tamara , Accortt Neil A. , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To estimate prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obesity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Patients with RA, psoriasis, or PsA were identified based on medical and pharmacy claims from the MarketScan claims databases from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2014. Primary outcomes included age‐ and sex‐standardized prevalence of CV risk factors during the 12 months preceding diagnosis date and incidence rates per 1,000 patient‐years, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) during followup.

Results

Prevalence for RA, psoriasis, and PsA cohorts for hypertension was 18.6% (95% CI 18.3–18.8), 16.6% (95% CI 16.3–17.0), and 19.9% (95% CI 19.4–20.4), respectively; for diabetes mellitus 6.2% (95% CI 6.1–6.4), 6.3% (95% CI 6.0–6.5), and 7.8% (95% CI 7.4–8.2); for hyperlipidemia 9.9% (95% CI 9.7–10.1), 10.4% (95% CI 10.2–10.7), and 11.6% (95% CI 11.2–12.0); and for obesity 4.4% (95% CI 4.2–4.6), 3.8% (95% CI 3.5–4.0), and 6.0% (95% CI 5.6–6.5). Incidence rates per 1,000 patient‐years during followup for RA, psoriasis, and PsA cohorts, respectively, for hypertension were 74.0 (95% CI 72.5–75.5), 68.2 (95% CI 65.9–70.4), and 79.8 (95% CI 76.3–83.3); for diabetes mellitus 10.6 (95% CI 10.1–11.1), 13.0 (95% CI 12.1–13.8), and 14.7 (95% CI 13.5–16.0); for hyperlipidemia 40.3 (95% CI 39.4–41.3), 47.1 (95% CI 45.4–48.7), and 52.0 (95% CI 49.6–54.3); and for obesity 24.4 (95% CI 23.4–25.4), 26.4 (95% CI 25.0–27.8), and 32.9 (95% CI 30.6–35.2).

Conclusion

Patients with RA, psoriasis, and PsA have high prevalence and incidence of CV risk factors, suggesting the need for risk factor monitoring of these patients.
Primary Care Screening and Comorbidity Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Widdifield Jessica , Ivers Noah M. , Bernatsky Sasha , Jaakkimainen Liisa , Bombardier Claire , Thorne J. Carter , Ahluwalia Vandana , Paterson J. Michael , Young Jacqueline , Wing Laura , Tu Karen
Published: December 2016

Objective

Quality measurement for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients has largely focused on care provided by rheumatologists. Our aim was to develop and assess quality measures related to the screening and management of comorbidity in RA patients in primary care.

Methods

We used the primary care Electronic Medical Record Administrative data Linked Database in Ontario, Canada. We harmonized Canadian general population and RA clinical recommendations to develop and assess screening, process, and outcome measures. For each RA patient, 10 non‐RA patients were matched by age and sex. Stratified analyses were performed, comparing patients with RA to those without RA, to assess the performance of quality measures.

Results

We compared 1,405 RA patients to 14,050 matched non‐RA patients (72.8% female; mean age 62.5 years). Compared to non‐RA patients, RA patients more frequently had influenza (44.9% versus 40.0%) and pneumococcal (40.4% versus 34.1%) vaccinations and bone mineral density testing (67.4% versus 58.1%). Herpes zoster vaccinations were less frequent among RA patients (13.8% versus 19.5%), as was screening for cervical cancer (58.6% versus 64.0%). No significant differences were observed between RA and non‐RA patients in screenings for breast (70.7% versus 73.8%) or colorectal (31.7% versus 34.5%) cancers. Only a quarter of RA patients had a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment. No definitive differences were detected in the management of patients who had co‐occurring cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

For both RA and non‐RA patients, compliance with Canadian recommendations for preventive medical services and screening for comorbid conditions in primary care was less than optimal. This indicates key targets for improvement.
Zero Thermal Expansion Achieved by an Electrolytic Hydriding Method in La(Fe,Si)13 Compounds
Authors: Li Shaopeng , Huang Rongjin , Zhao Yuqiang , Wang Wei , Han Yemao , Li Laifeng
Published: December 2016

The La(Fe,Si)13‐based compounds have been recently developed as promising negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials by elemental substitution, which show large, isotropic and nonhysteretic NTE properties as well as relatively high electrical and thermal conductivities. In this paper, the La(Fe,Si)13 hydrides are prepared by a novel electrolytic hydriding method. Furthermore, the thermal expansion and magnetic properties of La(Fe,Si)13 hydrides are investigated by the variable‐temperature X‐ray diffraction and physical property measurement system. Fascinatingly, it is found that room‐temperature NTE properties and zero thermal expansion (ZTE) properties with broad operation‐temperature window (20–275 K) have been achieved after electrolytic hydriding. The further magnetic properties combined with theoretical analysis reveal that the improvements of NTE and ZTE properties in the La(Fe,Si)13 hydrides are ascribed to the variations of magnetic exchange couplings after hydrogenation. The present results highlight the potential applications of La(Fe,Si)13 hydrides with room‐temperature NTE and broad operation‐temperature window ZTE properties.
Hydrogel Functionalized Janus Membrane for Skin Regeneration
Authors: An Young‐Hyeon , Yu Seung Jung , Kim In Seon , Kim Su‐Hwan , Moon Jeong‐Mi , Kim Seunghyun L. , Choi Young Hwan , Choi Joon Sig , Im Sung Gap , Lee Kyung Eun , Hwang Nathaniel S.
Published: December 2016

In this study, a hydrogel functionalized Janus membrane is developed and its capacity is examined as a wound dressing biomaterial. A hydrophobic fluoropolymer, poly(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10‐heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate) (PHFDMA), is uniformly coated onto macroporous polyester membrane through initiated chemical vapor deposition process on both sides. PHFDMA‐coated macroporous membrane exhibits antibacterial property, allows air permeation, and inhibits water penetration. Janus membrane property is obtained by exposing one side of PHFDMA coated membrane with 1 m KOH solution, which allows PHFDMA cleavage resulting in carboxylic acid residue. This carboxylic acid residue is then further functionalized with gelatin methacrylate‐based photocrosslinkable hydrogel for moisture retention and growth factor release. When applied to full thickness dorsal skin defect model, functionalized hydrogel allows moisture retention and hydrophobic surface prevents exudate leaks via water repellence. Furthermore, hydrogel functionalized Janus membrane enhances the wound healing rate and induces thick epidermal layer formation. In conclusion, the multifunctional Janus membrane with hydrophobic outer surface and immobilized hydrogel on the other surface is fabricated for an innovative strategy for wound healing.
A 3D Chemically Modified Graphene Hydrogel for Fast, Highly Sensitive, and Selective Gas Sensor
Authors: Wu Jin , Tao Kai , Guo Yuanyuan , Li Zhong , Wang Xiaotian , Luo Zhongzhen , Feng Shuanglong , Du Chunlei , Chen Di , Miao Jianmin , Norford Leslie K.
Published: December 2016

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has proved to be a promising candidate in high‐performance gas sensing in ambient conditions. However, trace detection of different kinds of gases with simultaneously high sensitivity and selectivity is challenging. Here, a chemiresistor‐type sensor based on 3D sulfonated RGO hydrogel (S‐RGOH) is reported, which can detect a variety of important gases with high sensitivity, boosted selectivity, fast response, and good reversibility. The NaHSO3 functionalized RGOH displays remarkable 118.6 and 58.9 times higher responses to NO2 and NH3, respectively, compared with its unmodified RGOH counterpart. In addition, the S‐RGOH sensor is highly responsive to volatile organic compounds. More importantly, the characteristic patterns on the linearly fitted response–temperature curves are employed to distinguish various gases for the first time. The temperature of the sensor is elevated rapidly by an imbedded microheater with little power consumption. The 3D S‐RGOH is characterized and the sensing mechanisms are proposed. This work gains new insights into boosting the sensitivity of detecting various gases by combining chemical modification and 3D structural engineering of RGO, and improving the selectivity of gas sensing by employing temperature dependent response characteristics of RGO for different gases.
Characterization and Understanding of Thermoresponsive Polymer Composites Based on Spiky Nanostructured Fillers
Authors: Chen Zheng , Pfattner Raphael , Bao Zhenan
Published: December 2016

Conductive polymer composites based on nanostructured particular fillers have many important applications, such as temperature and pressure sensors. Among many factors, the microstructure of conductive particle network determines the electron conduction properties. It has been found that nanospiky Ni particles filled in a polymer matrix can enable a reversible and rapid response and a large change of conductivity upon temperature change. While it has been previously hypothesized that quantum tunneling plays an important role, no direct experimental evidence with systematic characterization and understanding is available. Herein, impedance spectroscopy and low‐temperature electrical measurements are used to reveal the charge transport mechanisms of nanospiky Ni‐based nanocomposites upon temperature change. The results show that quantum tunneling effects indeed play a major role, which enables significant interparticle resistance change upon slight change (expansion and contraction) of the microstructured particle network.
Enhanced Efficiency of Hot‐Cast Large‐Area Planar Perovskite Solar Cells/Modules Having Controlled Chloride Incorporation
Authors: Liao Hsueh‐Chung , Guo Peijun , Hsu Che‐Pu , Lin Ma , Wang Binghao , Zeng Li , Huang Wei , Soe Chan Myae Myae , Su Wei‐Fang , Bedzyk Michael J. , Wasielewski Michael R. , Facchetti Antonio , Chang Robert P. H. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Marks Tobin J.
Published: December 2016

Organic–inorganic perovskite photovoltaics are an emerging solar technology. Developing materials and processing techniques that can be implemented in large‐scale manufacturing is extremely important for realizing the potential of commercialization. Here we report a hot‐casting process with controlled Cl− incorporation which enables high stability and high power‐conversion‐efficiencies (PCEs) of 18.2% for small area (0.09 cm2) and 15.4% for large‐area (≈1 cm2) single solar cells. The enhanced performance versus tri‐iodide perovskites can be ascribed to longer carrier diffusion lengths, improved uniformity of the perovskite film morphology, favorable perovskite crystallite orientation, a halide concentration gradient in the perovskite film, and reduced recombination by introducing Cl−. Additionally, Cl− improves the device stability by passivating the reaction between I− and the silver electrode. High‐quality thin films deployed over a large‐area 5 cm × 5 cm eight‐cell module have been fabricated and exhibit an active‐area PCE of 12.0%. The feasibility of material and processing strategies in industrial large‐scale coating techniques is then shown by demonstrating a “dip‐coating” process which shows promise for large throughput production of perovskite solar modules.
A Perovskite Nanorod as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhu Yinlong , Zhou Wei , Zhong Yijun , Bu Yunfei , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhong Qin , Liu Meilin , Shao Zongping
Published: December 2016

The development of highly efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is paramount for water splitting associated with the storage of clean and renewable energy. Here, this study reports its findings in the development of a nanostructured perovskite oxide as OER/HER bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting. Prepared by a facile electrospinning method, SrNb0.1Co0.7Fe0.2O3–δ perovskite nanorods (SNCF‐NRs) display excellent OER and HER activity and stability in an alkaline solution, benefiting from the catalytic nature of perovskites and unique structural features. More importantly, the SNCF‐NR delivers a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of merely ≈1.68 V while maintaining remarkable durability when used as both anodic and cathodic catalysts in an alkaline water electrolyzer. The performance of this bifunctional perovskite material is among the best ever reported for overall water splitting, offering a cost‐effective alternative to noble metal based electrocatalysts.
Improved Performance of Ternary Polymer Solar Cells Based on A Nonfullerene Electron Cascade Acceptor
Authors: Fan Baobing , Zhong Wenkai , Jiang Xiao‐Fang , Yin Qingwu , Ying Lei , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: December 2016

Efficient ternary polymer solar cells are constructed by incorporating an electron‐deficient chromophore (5Z,5′Z)‐5,5′‐((7,7′‐(4,4,9,9‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐4,9‐dihydro‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene‐2,7‐diyl)bis(6‐fluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole‐7,4‐diyl))bis(methanylylidene))bis(3‐ethyl‐2‐thioxothiazolidin‐4‐one) (IFBR) as an additional component into the bulk‐heterojunction film that consists of a wide‐bandgap conjugated benzodithiophene‐alt‐difluorobenzo[1,2,3]triazole based copolymer and a fullerene acceptor. With respect to the binary blend films, the incorporation of a certain amount of IFBR leads to simultaneously enhanced absorption coefficient, obviously extended absorption band, and improved open‐circuit voltage. Of particular interest is that devices based on ternary blend film exhibit much higher short‐circuit current densities than the binary counterparts, which can be attributed to the extended absorption profiles, enhanced absorption coefficient, favorable film morphology, as well as formation of cascade energy level alignment that is favorable for charge transfer. Further investigation indicates that the ternary blend device exhibits much shorter charge carrier extraction time, obviously reduced trap density and suppressed trap‐assisted recombination, which is favorable for achieving high short‐circuit current. The combination of these beneficial aspects leads to a significantly improved power conversion efficiency of 8.11% for the ternary device, which is much higher than those obtained from the binary counterparts. These findings demonstrate that IFBR can be a promising electron‐accepting material for the construction of ternary blend films toward high‐performance polymer solar cells.
Dissolution of semicrystalline polymer fibers: Numerical modeling and parametric analysis
Authors: Ghasemi Mohammad , Singapati Abhiram Y. , Tsianou Marina , Alexandridis Paschalis
Published: December 2016

The solvent processing of polymers is significantly constrained by polymer chain crystallinity. A phenomenological model is developed here that captures the phenomena governing the dissolution of semicrystalline polymers, for example, solvent penetration, transformation from crystalline to amorphous domains, specimen swelling, and polymer chain untangling. The model is validated for the case of cellulose fiber swelling and dissolution in an ionic liquid. A parametric sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the impact of decrystallization rate constant, disentanglement rate, concentration dependence of solvent diffusivity, disentanglement threshold, and thickness of external boundary layer on the swelling and dissolution of semicrystalline polymer fibers. The rate of dissolution after attaining maximum swelling is found to be mainly controlled by the polymer chain disentanglement rate. The insights obtained from this study would facilitate the design of efficient solvent systems and processing conditions for the dissolution of semicrystalline polymers such as cellulose, polyglycolic acid, and polyesters. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 63: 1368–1383, 2017
An Evaluation of Multisystemic Therapy with Australian Families
Authors: Porter Mark , Nuntavisit Leartluk
Published: December 2016

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Multisystemic Therapy (MST) intervention for Australian families invloved with the Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). This program was implemented within the Western Australian Department of Health in 2005, and has continually operated two small clinical teams within the Perth metropolitan area since then. This intervention was specifically chosen to improve service access, engagement, and intervention with vulnerable families having young persons with a history of significant and enduring behavioural problems. The study reports on data collected from July 2007 to July 2013 which includes baseline, post‐treatment, 6‐month, and 12‐month follow‐up. There were 153MSTfamilies participating in the research at all time points (71% male; 11% Australian Aboriginal; average youth age was 13.6 years). Caregivers completed a set of questionnaires including Child Behaviour Checklist, Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. One‐way repeated measureANOVAwere used to measure changes over time. Significant caregiver‐reported improvements in all measures were reported at post‐treatment, and most improvements were maintained at the follow‐up periods of 6 and 12 months post‐intervention. These preliminary outcomes demonstrate that the 4–5 monthMSTintervention significantly reduces behavioural problems and emotional difficulties in young Australians and these improvements are generally maintained by caregivers over time. Primary caregivers reported improved skills and mental health functioning that were also maintained over the follow‐up period. A proposed randomised controlled trial of the program will address potential placebo and selection bias effects.
Harnessing the Power of Family Dinners to Create Change in Family Therapy
Authors: Fishel Anne K.
Published: December 2016

Family dinner and family therapy confer many similar benefits to family members and they are both settings in which families can connect and interact as a group, in a designated space and time. Over the last 20 years, a large body of research documents the physical, academic, and mental health benefits of family dinners. Research links regular family meals with healthier eating habits and lower obesity rates, lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, depression, stress, and anxiety, as well as stronger self‐esteem, parent‐child connectedness, resilience, and even better vocabularies. Family therapists can harness these benefits in four ways. First, by asking screening questions of families to determine whether and how often they are sharing meals and then discussing solutions to overcoming common obstacles. Second, by asking about or enacting a family dinner to obtain a snapshot of a family's organisation and functioning, in terms of their gender roles, division of labour, expression of affect and conflict, capacity to have fun, and tolerance of difference. Third, by playing non‐competitive games in therapy that promote conversation, games that can also be played at the dinner table. Fourth, using family dinner as an annex to therapy as a place to experiment with new roles, behaviours, and patterns of communication, which can be enacted on a nightly basis after being discussed in therapy. Two case examples are presented to illustrate the ways that dinner can be a place for change, begun in therapy, and implemented at home.
Group Processes in the Circle of Security Program: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Jonsdottir Annika , Coyne Joe
Published: December 2016

This paper describes an exploratory study of one aspect of the Circle of Security (COS) attachment‐based parenting program: the group process used in its tape review sessions. During the tape review, a reviewing parent (RP) watches videos of interactions between themselves and their child, who is aged between one and six years. The RP watches these videos in the presence of facilitators and other parents (termed ‘the observing parents (OP)’) who are encouraged to comment on the videotaped behaviour of the RP and on the COS concepts captured on video. The comments of the OPs were assessed qualitatively by looking for themes and specific comments that gave insight into the experience of COS for the parents involved. The analysis indicates that the comments of the OPs are important to the change process of the COS program.
Rekonstruktion
Authors: Peseke Horst , Freund Alexander , Bärenfänger Katja , Duppel Christoph
Published: December 2016

Das Philosophicum wurde von 1958 bis 1960 als Seminargebäude auf dem Campus Bockenheim in Frankfurt errichtet. Sein Architekt, Ferdinand Kramer, entwarf das Gebäude als eines der ersten Stahlskelettbauten in Deutschland mit außen liegenden Stützen und einer Curtain‐Wall‐Fassade.

Durch die Verlagerung der Uni Anfang 2001 ins Frankfurter Westend auf das Gelände der ehemaligen I.G. Farbenindustrie entwickelte sich eine Diskussion über die Neugestaltung bzw. Neunutzung des Geländes in Bockenheim und somit auch des Philosophicums. Um die Potenziale und Risiken eines seit ca. 15 Jahren leer stehenden hochkarätigen Zeugnisses eines intensiven und prägenden Zeitabschnitts der Stadtentwicklung auszuloten, ist Bollinger + Grohmann seit 2011 mit der denkmalpflegerischen Bestandsaufnahme, der Tragwerksplanung, der Fassadenplanung und der Bauphysik in unterschiedlichen Fragestellungen und Bearbeitungstiefen betraut. Im Rahmen vorlaufender Machbarkeitsstudien wurden Erweiterungen, verschiedene bauphysikalische und Fassadenkonzepte erarbeitet, die alle den Bestand berücksichtigten.

Im Jahre 2014 wurde die Immobilie an den jetzigen Eigentümer verkauft. Bis Ende 2016 wird das Gebäude in ein Studierenden‐Wohnheim mit 270 Apartments, einer Kindertagesstätte und einem Café im Erdgeschoss umgebaut. Dabei wurde der denkmalgeschützte Altbau um einen fünfgeschossigen Neubauriegel ergänzt. Im Zuge der Baumaßnahme wurden die Stahlbetonfassaden behutsam instand gesetzt und die Curtain Wall in ihrem Erscheinungsbild als Stahlfassade rekonstruiert. Die Rekonstruktion ist Hauptgegenstand des Artikels.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms and domain/splice variants modulate assembly and elastomeric properties of human elastin. Implications for tissue specificity and durability of elastic tissue
Authors: Miao Ming , Reichheld Sean E. , Muiznieks Lisa D. , Sitarz Eva E. , Sharpe Simon , Keeley Fred W.
Published: December 2016

Polymeric elastin provides the physiologically essential properties of extensibility and elastic recoil to large arteries, heart valves, lungs, skin and other tissues. Although the detailed relationship between sequence, structure and mechanical properties of elastin remains a matter of investigation, data from both the full‐length monomer, tropoelastin, and smaller elastin‐like polypeptides have demonstrated that variations in protein sequence can affect both polymeric assembly and tensile mechanical properties. Here we model known splice variants of human tropoelastin (hTE), assessing effects on shape, polymeric assembly and mechanical properties. Additionally we investigate effects of known single nucleotide polymorphisms in hTE, some of which have been associated with later‐onset loss of structural integrity of elastic tissues and others predicted to affect material properties of elastin matrices on the basis of their location in evolutionarily conserved sites in amniote tropoelastins. Results of these studies show that such sequence variations can significantly alter both the assembly of tropoelastin monomers into a polymeric network and the tensile mechanical properties of that network. Such variations could provide a temporal‐ or tissue‐specific means to customize material properties of elastic tissues to different functional requirements. Conversely, aberrant splicing inappropriate for a tissue or developmental stage or polymorphisms affecting polymeric assembly could compromise the functionality and durability of elastic tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a study that assesses the consequences of known polymorphisms and domain/splice variants in tropoelastin on assembly and detailed elastomeric properties of polymeric elastin.
Swallowing and swallowing‐breathing interaction as predictors of intubation in Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Ogna Adam , Prigent Helene , Lejaille Michele , Samb Patricia , Sharshar Tarek , Annane Djillali , Lofaso Frederic , Orlikowski David
Published: December 2016

Background

Bulbar weakness and respiratory impairment have been associated with increased morbidity in retrospective studies of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) patients. The aim of this study was to prospectively explore the relationship between subclinical swallowing impairment, respiratory function parameters, the necessity to intubate patients and the development of early postintubation pneumonia in patients with GBS in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Respiratory, swallowing, and tongue strength parameters were measured in 30 consecutive adults (51.7 ± 18.1 years old), hospitalized for GBS in the ICU of a teaching hospital. Twenty healthy volunteers were recruited as a control group. The primary outcomes were intubation and pneumonia during the ICU stay.

Results

Nineteen patients (65.5%) had piecemeal swallowing, and 19 (65.5%) had impaired breathing‐swallowing interaction, of which, respectively, 47.4% and 52.6% had a clinically apparent swallowing impairment. Swallowing impairment was associated with lower values of respiratory function, but not with peripheral motor weakness. Tongue protrusion strength was correlated with respiratory parameters and swallowing impairment. Ten patients were intubated and six developed pneumonia. Age, BMI, severe axial involvement, respiratory parameters (vital capacity and respiratory muscle strength), tongue protrusion strength, and clinical swallowing impairment were predictors of intubation.

Conclusions

Swallowing impairment was present early after ICU admission in over 80% of patients and was an important predictor of intubation. A systematic clinical evaluation of swallowing should be carried out, eventually combined with an evaluation of tongue protrusion strength, along with the usual assessment of neurological and respiratory function, to determine the severity of the GBS.
Structural and performance characteristics of representative anion exchange resins used for weak partitioning chromatography
Authors: Zhang Shaojie , Iskra Tim , Daniels William , Salm Jeffrey , Gallo Christopher , Godavarti Ranga , Carta Giorgio
Published: December 2016

Weak partitioning chromatography (WPC) has been proposed for the purification of monoclonal antibodies using an anion exchange (AEX) resin to simultaneously remove both acidic and basic protein impurities. Despite potential advantages, the relationship between resin structure and WPC performance has not been evaluated systematically. In this work, we determine the structure of representative AEX resins (Fractogel® EMD TMAE HiCap, Q Sepharose FF, and POROS 50 HQ) using transmission electron microscopy and inverse size exclusion chromatography and characterize protein interactions while operating these resins under WPC conditions using two mAb monomers, a mAb dimer, mAb multimers, and BSA as model products and impurities. We determine the isocratic elution behavior of the weakly bound monomer and dimer species and the adsorptive and mass transfer properties of the strongly bound multimers and BSA by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results show that for each resin, using the product Kp value as guidance, salt, and pH conditions can be found where mAb multimers and BSA are simultaneously removed. Isocratic elution and adsorption mechanisms are, however, different for each resin and for the different components. Under WPC conditions, the Fractogel resin exhibited very slow diffusion of both mAb monomer and dimer species but fast adsorption for both mAb multimers and BSA with high capacity for BSA, while the Sepharose resin, because of its small pore size, was unable to effectively remove mAb multimers. The POROS resin was instead able to bind both multimers and BSA effectively, while exhibiting a greater resolution of mAb monomer and dimer species. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:425–434, 2017