bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Electrode Gas Flow Rate and Electrolyte Composition on Thermoelectric Power in Molten Carbonate Thermocell
Authors: Kandhasamy Sathiyaraj , Calandrino Luca , Burheim Odne Stokke , Solheim Asbjørn , Kjelstrup Signe , Haarberg Geir Martin
Published: September 2016

A thermocell (thermo-electrochemical cell) is an electrochemical system with two identical electrodes placed at different temperatures in an electrolyte solution. Ion transport between the electrodes due to the temperature gradient leads to thermoelectric power. These systems represent a promising pathway to utilize heat as a power source. A possible thermo-electrochemical cell with molten carbonate electrolyte and gas electrodes has been reported (1,2). The change in Seebeck coefficient (thermoelectric power) with electrode materials, electrode gas mixture, electrolyte composition and electrolyte support materials was studied (1). The addition of support material (solid oxide) in the molten carbonate electrolyte, may reduce the thermal conductivity and maintain the temperature gradient between the electrodes. Thermal boundary layers may arise due to the electrode gas flow rate; slow flow rate was preferred in the previous studies. In this study, the system is further studied to find an optimal ratio of electrolyte and support material, as well as electrode gas flow rate. The thermoelectric power is measured with various ratios of ((Li,Na)2CO3) molten carbonate mixed with solid oxide (MgO) in the electrolyte mixture and also with varying gas flow rates at the electrode-electrolyte interface.
Ionic Liquid Polymer Electrolyte Based on Bis(fluorosulfonyl)Amide for Sodium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Ab Rani Mohd Azri , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Hagiwara Rika
Published: September 2016

A new ionic liquid polymer electrolyte (ILPE) has been prepared for sodium secondary batteries. The ILPE is prepared by using a cast technique in which poly(vinyl chloride) used as a host polymer. The ILPE shows an ionic conductivity of 5.6 mS cm-1 at 318 K with 50 wt% of bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide ionic liquid. The stability of the ILPE reached 473 K based on 5 wt% loss. Sodium metal electrodeposition/dissolution was observed at the cathodic limit of the electrochemical window.
Electrochemical Detection of Neurotransmitters Using Modified PEDOT Electrodes
Authors: Gruia Violeta-Tincuta , Efimov Igor , Ispas Adriana , Bund Andreas
Published: September 2016

The electrochemical detection of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA), was investigated at poly[3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene], PEDOT, and PEDOT-Au electrodes. We could show that the technique used for preparing the PEDOT and the PEDOT-Au electrodes strongly affects the quality of the sensors. Pulse plating gave the best films with regard to their morphology and stability.
Performance of Whole-Cell Electrochemical Biosensor Using Integrated Microbes/Si Nano-Forest Structure
Authors: Mintz Hemed Nofar , Yoetz-Kopelman Tal , Convertino Annalisa , Shacham-Diamand Yosi
Published: September 2016

A new structure, integrating microbial cells on Si nano-forest, combines whole cell biosensors with a functional nanostructured electrode is described in the current work. E.Coli microbes that expressed and displayed recombinant ZZ proteins were immobilized to a functionalized electrode using IgG antibodies. The presence of E.Coli cells was verified visually and electrochemically using scanning electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy, respectively. Such structure produces unique electrochemical impedance spectrum that was affected by the analyte concentration. That signal, which is analyzed by both Nyquist diagram and the Bode plot, provide a proof of concept for the feasibility of such integrated whole cell biosensor. Moreover, the selectivity of the system was also confirmed using control cells displaying proteins different form ZZ.
The Bathtub Method for Detecting Small Quantities of Specific Pathogens
Authors: Horikawa Shin , Du Songtao , Liu Yuzhe , Chen I-Hsuan , Chai Yating , Wikle Howard Clyde , Chin Bryan A
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a rapid method for detecting small quantities of specific bacteria. The method combines phage-coated magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors, microfabricated arrayed bathtubs for cell culture, a surface-scanning detector, and a motorized translation system, enabling real-time monitoring of the growth of specific bacteria in a nutrient broth. Rapid detectionof a few bacterial cells is possible, depending on the sensor size and efficiency of bacterial growth.
Development of High-Sensitive Detection System for Redox Analytes Having a Standard Potential Higher Than O2 Evolution by Using Micropatterned Conductive Boron-Doped DLC Electrodes
Authors: Ohtomo Shinpei , Naragino Hiroshi , Okafuji Keigo , Kobayashi Ryutaro , Honda Kensuke
Published: September 2016

High sensitive electroanalytical system for redox analytes with standard potential higher than O2 evolution was developed by realizing interdigitated microarray electrodes based on boron-doped DLC (B-DLC-IDA). For Ce3+/4+ with the standard potential of 1.6 V, the amplification of response current derived from redox cycling was observed at B-DLC-IDA in the dual mode measurement. The amperometric current was amplified 180-fold by applying the potential of 1.7 V and 0.8 V to the collector and the generator electrodes in chronoamperometriy (CA) at the dual mode measurement. Theoretical detection limit (S/N = 3) toward Ce3+ was 0.13 μM. This detection limit was able to be improved to the value 2 orders of magnitude lower than that at B-DLC flat electrode by developing the electroanalytical system using B-DLC-IDA electrodes.
(Invited) Single Molecule SERS with Directionally Arrayed Gold Nanoparticle Dimers on Substrate
Authors: Sugano Koji
Published: September 2016

This study achieved single molecule detection, for the first time, on the prefabricated substrate for SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) with non-resonant molecules. Single-molecule SERS has never been achieved using the prefabricated SERS substrate. It has been achieved only using molecule bridged particle dimer by in-liquid formation with polarization matching of incident light. In this study the substrate with directionally arrayed gold nanoparticle dimers was proposed for single molecule detection and identification of a wide range of bio/chemical molecules. Around 50 Raman measurements and statistical analysis were performed for demonstrating single-molecule SERS. At 10−5 M, the distribution of Raman intensities were fitted by one Gaussian curve. At 10−11 M, the distribution was fitted by three Gaussian curves. That is consistent with a Poisson distribution. This indicates the probability of detecting 0, 1, and 2 molecule(s). From these results, we confirmed that the developed substrates achieved single molecule SERS detection and identification.
(Keynote) Chemical Selectivity and Micro/Nano Sensors
Authors: Prashanthi K , Phani A , Thundat Thomas George
Published: September 2016

Achieving chemical selectivity in micro and nanosensors is challenging task. Here we describe a technique based on photothermal spectroscopy to enhance the selectivity challenge encountered in nano and micro sensors. This technique does not depend on routinely used method of immobilized chemo-selective molecular layers of sensor surfaces. In this technique physisorbed molecular species on nano and micro sensors are excited into their vibrational levels by sequential exposure to pulsed infrared radiation (IR). Non-radiative decay of the excited species results changes in the temperature of the low thermal mass sensor. Temperature changes of the sensor can be measured by many different methods and when plotted as a function of irradiating IR wavelength shows peaks corresponding to molecular vibrations.
Multi Factorial Study of Megasonic Enhanced Photoresist Strip with DiO3
Authors: Fittkau Jens , Dussault Donald , Gottschalk Christiane , Vikström Conny , Zenger Tobias , Spreitzer Johannes , Bouvot Laurent
Published: September 2016

Design of Experiment (DoE) studies were employed to study optimized process conditions for the use of ozonated water (DIO3) in photoresist stripping processes. Optimized processes for the DIO3-based removal of a variety of positive and negative photoresist formulations were developed. Photoresist strip rates approaching 500 nm/min for simple resist formulations such as AZ 9260 and 200 nm/min for more challenging photoresists were observed. OPEX limits were imposed on the optimized processes and the best DIO3 photoresist strip processes with the lowest OPEX were determined.
Co-clinical Assessment of Tumor Cellularity in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Heid Irina , Steiger Katja , Trajkovic-Arsic Marija , Settles Marcus , Eßwein Manuela R. , Erkan Mert , Kleeff Jörg , Jäger Carsten , Friess Helmut , Haller Bernhard , Steingötter Andreas , Schmid Roland M. , Schwaiger Markus , Rummeny Ernst J. , Esposito Irene , Siveke Jens T. , Braren Rickmer F.
Published: September 2016

Purpose: Tumor heterogeneity is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It determines tumor biology including tumor cellularity (i.e., amount of neoplastic cells and arrangement into clusters), which is related to the proliferative capacity and differentiation and the degree of desmoplasia among others. Given the close relation of tumor differentiation with differences in progression and therapy response or, e.g., the recently reported protective role of tumor stroma, we aimed at the noninvasive detection of PDAC groups, relevant for future personalized approaches. We hypothesized that histologic differences in PDAC tissue composition are detectable by the noninvasive diffusion weighted- (DW-) MRI-derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameter.

Experimental design: PDAC cellularity was quantified histologically and correlated with the ADC parameter and survival in genetically engineered mouse models and human patients.

Results: Histologic analysis showed an inverse relationship of tumor cellularity and stroma content. Low tumor cellularity correlated with a significantly prolonged mean survival time (PDAClow = 21.93 months vs. PDACmed = 12.7 months; log-rank P < 0.001; HR = 2.23; CI, 1.41–3.53). Multivariate analysis using the Cox regression method confirmed tumor cellularity as an independent prognostic marker (P = 0.034; HR = 1.73; CI, 1.04–2.89). Tumor cellularity showed a strong negative correlation with the ADC parameter in murine (r = −0.84; CI, −0.90– −0.75) and human (r = −0.79; CI, −0.90 to −0.56) PDAC and high preoperative ADC values correlated with prolonged survival (ADChigh = 41.7 months; ADClow = 14.77 months; log rank, P = 0.040) in PDAC patients.

Conclusions: This study identifies high tumor cellularity as a negative prognostic factor in PDAC and supports the ADC parameter for the noninvasive identification of PDAC groups. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1461–70. ©2016 AACR.
Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Induces Methylation Changes in Blood DNA Associated with Overall Survival in Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Flanagan James M. , Wilson Angela , Koo Chail , Masrour Nahal , Gallon John , Loomis Erick , Flower Kirsty , Wilhelm-Benartzi Charlotte , Hergovich Alexander , Cunnea Paula , Gabra Hani , Braicu Elena Ioana , Sehouli Jalid , Darb-Esfahani Silvia , Vanderstichele Adriaan , Vergote Ignace , Kreuzinger Caroline , Castillo-Tong Dan Cacsire , Wisman G. Bea A. , Berns Els MJJ , Siddiqui Nadeem , Paul James , Brown Robert
Published: September 2016

Purpose: DNA damage repair can lead to epigenetic changes. DNA mismatch repair proteins bind to platinum DNA adducts and at sites of DNA damage can recruit the DNA methylating enzyme DNMT1, resulting in aberrant methylation. We hypothesised that DNA damage repair during platinum-based chemotherapy may cause aberrant DNA methylation in normal tissues of patients such as blood.

Experimental Design: We used Illumina 450k methylation arrays and bisulphite pyrosequencing to investigate methylation at presentation and relapse in blood DNA from patients with ovarian cancer enrolled in the SCOTROC1 trial (n = 247) and in a cohort of ovarian tumor DNA samples collected at first relapse (n = 46). We used an ovarian cancer cell line model to investigate the role of the DNA mismatch repair gene MLH1 in platinum-induced methylation changes.

Results: Specific CpG methylation changes in blood at relapse are observed following platinum-based chemotherapy and are associated with patient survival, independent of other clinical factors [hazard ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.8–7.6, P = 2.8 × 10−4]. Similar changes occur in ovarian tumors at relapse, also associated with patient survival (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–6.8, P = 0.048). Using an ovarian cancer cell line model, we demonstrate that functional mismatch repair increases the frequency of platinum-induced methylation.

Conclusions: DNA methylation in blood at relapse following chemotherapy, and not at presentation, is informative regarding survival of patients with ovarian cancer. Functional DNA mismatch repair increases the frequency of DNA methylation changes induced by platinum. DNA methylation in blood following chemotherapy could provide a noninvasive means of monitoring patients' epigenetic responses to treatment without requiring a tumor biopsy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(9); 2213–22. ©2016 AACR.
Role of KEAP1/NRF2 and TP53 Mutations in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Development and Radiation Resistance
Authors: Jeong Youngtae , Hoang Ngoc T. , Lovejoy Alexander , Stehr Henning , Newman Aaron M. , Gentles Andrew J. , Kong William , Truong Diana , Martin Shanique , Chaudhuri Aadel , Heiser Diane , Zhou Li , Say Carmen , Carter Justin N. , Hiniker Susan M. , Loo Billy W. , West Robert B. , Beachy Philip , Alizadeh Ash A. , Diehn Maximilian
Published: September 2016

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, and biomarkers predicting treatment response remain lacking. Here, we describe novel murine LSCC models driven by loss of Trp53 and Keap1, both of which are frequently mutated in human LSCCs. Homozygous inactivation of Keap1 or Trp53 promoted airway basal stem cell (ABSC) self-renewal, suggesting that mutations in these genes lead to expansion of mutant stem cell clones. Deletion of Trp53 and Keap1 in ABSCs, but not more differentiated tracheal cells, produced tumors recapitulating histologic and molecular features of human LSCCs, indicating that they represent the likely cell of origin in this model. Deletion of Keap1 promoted tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to oxidative stress and radiotherapy (RT). KEAP1/NRF2 mutation status predicted risk of local recurrence after RT in patients with non–small lung cancer (NSCLC) and could be noninvasively identified in circulating tumor DNA. Thus, KEAP1/NRF2 mutations could serve as predictive biomarkers for personalization of therapeutic strategies for NSCLCs.

Significance: We developed an LSCC mouse model involving Trp53 and Keap1, which are frequently mutated in human LSCCs. In this model, ABSCs are the cell of origin of these tumors. KEAP1/NRF2 mutations increase radioresistance and predict local tumor recurrence in radiotherapy patients. Our findings are of potential clinical relevance and could lead to personalized treatment strategies for tumors with KEAP1/NRF2 mutations. Cancer Discov; 7(1); 86–101. ©2016 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Challenges and Outcomes of Posterior Wall Isolation for Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kumar Prabhat , Bamimore Ayotunde M. , Schwartz Jennifer D. , Chung Eugene H. , Gehi Anil K. , Kiser Andy C. , Hummel James P. , Mounsey J. Paul
Published: September 2016

Background

The left atrial posterior wall (
PW
) often contains sites required for maintenance of atrial fibrillation (
AF
). Electrical isolation of the PW is an important feature of all open surgeries for AF. This study assessed the ability of current ablation techniques to achieve PW isolation (
PWI
) and its effect on recurrent
AF
.

Methods and Results

Fifty‐seven consecutive patients with persistent or high‐burden paroxysmal
AF
underwent catheter ablation, which was performed using an endocardial‐only (30) or a hybrid endocardial–epicardial procedure (27). The catheter ablation lesion set included pulmonary vein antral isolation and a box lesion on the
PW
(roof and posterior lines). Success in creating the box lesion was assessed as electrical silence of the PW (voltage <0.1 mV) and exit block in the
PW
with electrical capture. Cox proportional hazards models were used for analysis of
AF
recurrence.
PWI
was achieved in 21 patients (36.8%), more often in patients undergoing hybrid ablation than endocardial ablation alone (51.9% versus 23.3%,
P
=0.05). Twelve patients underwent redo ablation. Five of 12 had a successful procedural
PWI
, but all had
PW
reconnection at the redo procedure. Over a median follow‐up of 302 days, 56.1% of the patients were free of atrial arrhythmias. No parameter including procedural
PWI
was a statistically significant predictor of recurrent atrial arrhythmias.

Conclusions

PWI
during catheter ablation for AF is difficult to achieve, especially with endocardial ablation alone. Procedural achievement of
PWI
in this group of patients was not associated with a reduction in recurrent atrial arrhythmias, but reconnection of the
PW
was common.
Texting Complaints to Politicians: Name Personalization and Politicians’ Encouragement in Citizen Mobilization
Authors: Grossman Guy , Michelitch Kristin , Santamaria Marta
Published: September 2016

Poor public service provision and government accountability is commonplace in low-income countries. Although mobile phone–based platforms have emerged to allow constituents to report service deficiencies to government officials, they have been plagued by low citizen participation. We question whether low participation may root in low political efficacy to politically participate. In the context of a text message–reporting platform in Uganda, we investigate the impact of adding efficacy-boosting language to mobilization texts—(a) citizen name personalization and (b) politician encouragement—on citizens’ willingness to report service deficiencies to politicians via text messages. Both treatments, designed to increase internal and external efficacy, respectively, have a large, positive effect on participation. The results are driven by traditionally less internally efficacious constituents (females) and less externally efficacious constituents (those represented by opposition party members), respectively.
Introduction: A processual approach to informalization
Authors: Boudreau Julie-Anne , Davis Diane E
Published: September 2016

This introduction briefly reviews the intertwinement of ‘informality’ and ‘modernization’ and their implications for the theory and practice of the city. The editors identify the importance of recognizing uneven processes of informalization, emphasizing the need to compare the quality of state–citizen–market relations more than the quantity of ‘informality.’ In the process they ask whether and how informal and formal practices can help to rethink modern concepts such as citizenship, universal infrastructural access, organized resistance, and the state itself. One way to do so is to reposition these concepts as relational processes involving various actors, spaces, and temporalities rather than as essentialized objects. Such epistemological moves will shed light on the extent to which basic social needs such as the distribution of justice, the production of authority, and the regulation of class relations are not the sole terrain of the state, but negotiated relationally. The article concludes by proposing three epistemological devices – iterative comparison, ambiguous categories, and the use of hermeneutics – that can help scholars avoid the biases associated with essentialized categories.
Learning from informality? Rethinking the mismatch between formal policy strategies and informal tactics of citizenship
Authors: Verloo Nanke
Published: September 2016

Democratic governance is increasingly focused on active citizenship. Governments in the Global North seek to make residents responsible for improving their communities. Democracy, however, is not solely experienced in abstract terms, it also materializes through more informal everyday interactions with public officials. This article explores the significance of routine and performative street-level encounters that shape people’s experience of belonging or exclusion in a democratic state through a methodology of narrative mapping. Two ethnographic vignettes reveal the disjuncture between formal policy strategies that seek to foster citizenship and residents’ informal tactics to perform citizenship in an urban neighborhood in the Netherlands. The article underscores a paradox: the fact that formal strategies can inadvertently disrupt informal citizenship tactics, and thereby undermine the goals of an inclusive project.
Crisis, (re-)informalization processes and protest: The case of Barcelona
Authors: Pradel-Miquel Marc
Published: September 2016

In response to the economic crisis in Southern European cities, citizens have turned to political unrest. This article analyzes these responses in terms of the return of ‘reciprocity practices’ parallel to forms of informality more commonly seen in cities of the Global South. Citizen self-organization to cover basic needs can be read as a strategy of resistance similar to that identified as quiet encroachment; but to the extent that it is politicized, it also becomes part of the political struggle for rights. Through the case of Barcelona, this article analyzes how social groups are politicizing their survival practices, using the case of sub-Saharan migrants living in abandoned factories in the city. The article’s aim is to show how in the context of weakening citizenship rights, there is a growth of informal practices that become unevenly politicized among different groups.
Preparation of titanium dioxide immobilized on carbon fibers annealed in steam ambient and their photocatalytic properties
Authors: Hu Haixia , Pang Bangyong , Zhu Yaofeng , Fu Yaqin
Published: September 2016

Composites of titanium dioxide (TiO2) immobilized on carbon fibers (CFs) were synthesized by a two-step process. Acid-treated CFs were dip-coated in a TiO2 sol and then annealed under superheated steam ambient to form TiO2/CF composites. The effects of titanium sol concentration and annealing temperature on the micromorphology and phase structure of the TiO2/CF were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared TiO2/CFs were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of acid orange II under ultraviolet light irradiation. The TiO2/CF composites prepared by superheated steam annealing exhibited a uniform surface morphology and high loading degree. The photocatalytic degradation of acid orange indicated that the TiO2/CF composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance and reached up to 98.7% degradation rate after 2.5 h of irradiation.
Configurational Models to Predict Residents’ Support for Tourism Development
Authors: Olya Hossein G. T. , Gavilyan Yaqub
Published: September 2016

This empirical study developed and tested configural models for predicting residents’ support for tourism development (RSTD). The main contributions of this study are to propose a new analytical method for modeling the complex interactions of RSTD indicators, advancing the necessary theory to support both the ordinary and heterogonous relationships of RSTD and its antecedents, providing managerial guidelines for both promoting RSTD and controlling the negation of RSTD, and modeling RSTD in Hawraman, Iran, a location in which little information is available about host communities. We administered a survey to collect the views of 202 residents with varying demographic characteristics. To ascertain the occurrences of contrarian cases, cross-tabulation tests were performed, and their results helped to identify the functionality of fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) and complexity theory for asymmetrical modeling of RSTD. The predictive validity of causal recipes was also checked. The results from the fsQCA revealed that conditions with a higher level of community attachment, community involvement, knowledge of tourism, power to influence tourism, perceived personal benefit, positive tourism impacts, and satisfaction with quality of life led to a higher RSTD score. The results also indicated that trust in government and tourism negative impacts both positively and negatively, depending on the attributes of other antecedents in the causal recipe, function as determinants of RSTD. This study presents deeper insights into the tourism literature by exploring conditions that indicate high/low RSTD scores, which are useable for modeling other complex tourism issues.
Clinical spectrum of yellow phosphorous poisoning in a tertiary care centre in South India: a case series
Authors: Mishra Ajay Kumar , Devakiruba Nathaniel Samson , Jasmine Sudha , Sathyendra Sowmya , Zachariah Anand , Iyadurai Ramya
Published: September 2016

Rodenticides such as yellow phosphorus are highly toxic compounds which are commonly used for pest control. Reports of yellow phosphorus poisoning from tropical nations is scanty. In this retrospective study, we report the clinical features, mortality and predictors of mortality among nine patients at a tertiary care centre in south India. Yellow phosphorus consumption was common among a younger age group of patients. The mean duration of presentation after consumption was five days. The most common clinical manifestations seen were abdominal pain and vomiting followed by a depressed sensorium. Features of acute liver failure including coagulopathy were seen in all patients. Despite all patients receiving supportive therapy, a poor outcome or death resulted in the majority. Early referral to a tertiary care centre, meticulous monitoring and supportive measures are key elements of patient management as there are no specific antidotes available at present. Increase in public and physician awareness to the toxin and implementation of preventive policies is of utmost importance.
Predictors of Academic Self-Concept for African American College Students
Authors: Franklin Andrew S. , Debb Scott M. , Colson Darlene G.
Published: September 2016

This study explored the roles of demographic variables, grade point average, centrality (an aspect of racial identity), and student-professor interactions in predicting academic self-concept. A convenience sample of 132 African American students (104 females and 28 males) ranging in age from 18 to 38 ( Mage = 26), attending a historically Black university completed an online questionnaire assessing demographic information, grade point average, an aspect of racial identity from the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity, student-professor interactions, and academic self-concept. Results showed that grade point average and student-professor interactions characterized by faculty’s level of care were significant factors in predicting academic self-concept. These relationships may be important for understanding salient factors that influence the academic self-concept in African American college students.
Assessment of the effectiveness and practical feasibility of glass solar chimney walls by open frame in Thailand
Authors: Ratanachotinun Jaran , Pairojn Pithan
Published: September 2016

This research will assess the effectiveness of glass solar chimney wall by open frame (GSCW-O) and compare it with one-layer glass wall (OLGW) in Thailand. The results showed that the use of a GSCW-O can reduce the inside temperature compared with that of OLGW by around 2–4℃ annually, providing heat transfer to the outside, as well as limiting the relative humidity (RH) to 60%, which protects against the occurrence of fungi that cause allergies. The research also found that GSCW-O results in 10–20% less energy consumption when compared to OLGW. In addition being five times cheaper than insulation glass, the payback period for GSCW-O is only 5–6 years. The questionnaire results were satisfactory and proved GSCW-O is very good in practice, pleasing in design, and providing significant energy savings. Testing of hydroponic cultivation in a GSCW house also showed satisfactory growth with a lack of pests, resulting from controlled temperature, humidity, and protection from the elements. For a tropical climate such as Thailand’s, GSCW-O is a suitable design for the reduction in energy consumption and for sustainable architecture.

Practical application This research provides helpful information on glass solar chimney wall by open frame for both the owners and developers by adopting an energy efficient building for sustainable energy conservation. For tropical country like Thailand, glass solar chimney wall by open frame is a suitable design and the best alternative for saving energy and global environmental conservation in the building industry.
Measuring Spatiotemporal Changes of Rural Basic Public Service in Poverty-stricken Area of China
Authors: Wang Yanhui , Chi Yao
Published: September 2016

To address the development of rural basic public services (RBPS) among contiguous destitute areas of China, we develop a comprehensive RBPS evaluation methodology to examine RBPS development level of 728 poverty-stricken counties, using geographical information system (GIS) to describe their multiscale and multidimensional spatiotemporal change during 2010–2012; besides, we also try to reveal how RBPS interacts with county economy (CE) by integrating Tapio model and weighted Voronoi circle-layer structure. Our results show that (1) at a multiscale of area–province–county, in spite of the overall low level, RBPS is steadily growing during 2010–2012, along with a positive spatial autocorrelation and an obvious nonequilibrium that is high in east China but low in west; however, the RBPS gaps among the whole counties are gradually narrowing, shifting their development grades from a mostly relative shortage or relatively severe shortage in 2010 to a main state of relatively richness or relatively equilibrium in 2012, (2) from a multidimensional view, the RBPS gaps among most dimensions of different areas are gradually narrowing, except for the dimension of social public safety service that shows a significant regional differentiation among different areas. RBPS in Tibetan areas is the most unequalled and falls into the most obvious heterogeneity, and (3) there exist weak correlations between county-level original RBPS and original CE for each year and each circle layer, while significantly positive correlation is found only between mean RBPS and mean CE for four circle-layer subsets of counties, respectively; overall, RBPS development level lags behind that of CE as a main result of the weak decoupling between them. This study may provide a good understanding of the status, regional differences, and evolution of RBPS in poverty-stricken rural China, and serves as a scientific reference regarding decision-making in both promoting intrarural antipoverty harmonious development and constructing the new countryside of China.
Organizational Capabilities for Integrating Care
Authors: Evans Jenna M. , Grudniewicz Agnes , Baker G. Ross , Wodchis Walter P.
Published: September 2016

The success of integrated care interventions is highly dependent on the internal and collective capabilities of the organizations in which they are implemented. Yet, organizational capabilities are rarely described, understood, or measured with sufficient depth and breadth in empirical studies or in practice. Assessing these capabilities can contribute to understanding why some integrated care interventions are more effective than others. We identified, organized, and assessed survey instruments that measure the internal and collective organizational capabilities required for integrated care delivery. We conducted an expert consultation and searched Medline and Google Scholar databases for survey instruments measuring factors outlined in the Context and Capabilities for Integrating Care Framework. A total of 58 instruments were included in the review and assessed based on their psychometric properties, practical considerations, and applicability to integrated care efforts. This study provides a bank of psychometrically sound instruments for describing and comparing organizational capabilities. Greater use of these instruments across integrated care interventions and studies can enhance standardized comparative analyses and inform change management. Further research is needed to build an evidence base for these instruments and to explore the associations between organizational capabilities and integrated care processes and outcomes.
Self-Reported Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease by Sex and Disease Duration
Authors: Shin Ju Young , Pohlig Ryan T. , Habermann Barbara
Published: September 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a wide range of symptom presentations. The purpose of this research was to compare self-reported motor and non-motor symptoms of PD by sex and disease duration. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey in community-dwelling people with PD. A total of 141 participants (64.6% response rate; 59.6% men; Mage = 69.7 years) were included. Males reported more rigidity, speech problems, sexual dysfunction, memory problems, and socializing problems than females. The number of motor symptoms in three groups divided by increments of 5 years was significantly increased. Postural instability, freezing, off periods, dyskinesia, speech problems, and hallucinations/psychosis were significantly increased as the disease duration increased. Thorough assessment of motor and non-motor symptoms could decrease the risk of inadequate symptom management. Provision of information regarding PD symptoms at each stage may help people with PD and their caregivers in planning their future care and life.
Researching workplace friendships
Authors: Rumens Nick
Published: September 2016

Although organizational research on workplace friendships is well established, it has been criticized for its predominately postpositivistic outlook, which largely focuses on how workplace friendships can be linked to improving organizational outcomes such as efficiency and performance. As a consequence, other aspects of the lived experiences of work and friendship are obscured, in particular how these friendships are important in their own right and how they function as social and personal relationships. Supplementing postpositivistic research on workplace friendships, this article shows how researchers can derive theoretical insights from a “sociology of friendship.” The main contribution of this article relates to the development of a sociology of workplace friendship that understands the porous and mutable nature of these relationships and considers the social and personal factors that influence their role, place and meaning in the workplace. As such, three sociological frames of analysis are elaborated that encourage researchers to examine friendships at work as a set of contextually contingent social practices and as historically patterned social and personal relationships. This article articulates an agenda of research to inspire and guide researchers using these frames, one potential outcome of which is generating much needed scholarship that explores how workplace friendships contribute to human flourishing.
Terrorism discourse on French international broadcasting: France 24 and the case of Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris
Authors: Połońska-Kimunguyi Eva , Gillespie Marie
Published: September 2016

This article offers an inquiry into the discursive construction of ‘terrorism’ by France 24, the French international broadcaster, in the aftermath of the attacks on Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine in January 2015. The article argues that the broadcaster seems to employ a relatively narrow definition of terrorism linking it to Islam and Muslims. France 24 portrays the attacks as an external phenomenon coming to France from outside. The blame is assigned to non-French factors, mainly to foreign extremist organisations, Islamist ideologues and overseas training. No reasons for violence are sought inside the country. Internal developments, such as discrimination, youth marginalisation, lack of educational and work opportunities, relations between law enforcement and the Muslim community that could potentially contribute to the acts, are not explored by the broadcaster’s investigative journalism. This narrow interpretation of ‘terrorism’ that assigns responsibility to Muslims, Islamic indoctrination and overseas training may further alienate Muslim communities in France’s already divided society. It points to narrow policy responses that focus mainly on stricter monitoring of Muslim minorities, on limiting combat and cross-border movement. This type of discourse excludes long-term policy solutions that address broader socio-politico-economic conditions in which ‘terrorism’ might flourish.
Cross-Disciplinary Thematic Special Series
Authors: Xin Yan Ping , Tzur Ron
Published: September 2016

This article introduces the thematic special series on intersection of mathematics education and special education. This special series will include four research papers and one commentary. The four research papers rooted in a working group from the annual conferences of the International Group of the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME) as well as its North American Chapter (PME-NA).
Composing Networks
Authors: Swarts Jason
Published: September 2016

This article is an investigation of composing practices through which people create networks with mobile phones. By looking through the lens of actor-network theory, the author portrays the networking activity of mobile phone users as translation, what Latour describes as an infralanguage to which different disciplinary perspectives can be appended. Given how much mobile phone use is information-based, the author describes how five people composed on mobile phones to create coordinated networks of professional and domestic activity. To arrive at this discussion, the author first considers the objectives of mobile networking, which include creating a sense of place and coordination within that space. The author then describes the findings of a case study of mobile phone users who build translational networks. The discussion focuses on the participants’ composing practices.
Neurocognitive Profiles in Childhood Absence Epilepsy
Authors: Cheng Dazhi , Yan Xiuxian , Gao Zhijie , Xu Keming , Zhou Xinlin , Chen Qian
Published: September 2016

Although neuropsychological studies have demonstrated specific cognitive impairments in children with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), the potential role of the frontal lobe in these cognitive deficits remains unclear. We therefore evaluated cognitive functions related to and unrelated to the functionality of the frontal lobe in childhood absence epilepsy patients and control subjects. Thirty-seven childhood absence epilepsy patients and 37 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects were recruited and assessed using a computerized neuropsychological test battery. Childhood absence epilepsy patients, especially a drug-naïve subgroup, showed cognitive deficits in reasoning, visual attention, and executive function, which are typical cognitive functions of the frontal lobe. In contrast, treated childhood absence epilepsy patients only exhibited cognitive deficits in visual attention. There were no significant between-group differences for other cognitive tests. Our findings suggest that frontal lobe–related cognitive deficits represent the characteristic neuropsychological profile associated with childhood absence epilepsy.
Pediatric Central Neurocytoma
Authors: Karthigeyan Madhivanan , Gupta Kirti , Salunke Pravin
Published: September 2016

Central neurocytomas are well-differentiated tumors of neuronal origin. These are relatively uncommon in the pediatric population. Anaplastic features reflected by brisk mitotic activity, microvascular proliferation, necrosis, and MIB-1 labeling index >2% or 3% have been proposed to indicate aggressive behavior. Because of its rarity, there is paucity of data regarding the histologic spectrum and outcome of central neurocytomas in children. With this short series, we describe our observations of the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcome of this tumor in children over a 5-year period.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic and conductive CNT/KB/PBZ nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhu Yean , Yuan Dingzhong
Published: September 2016

In this study, a simple and economical fabrication of superhydrophobic and conductive coatings with different loadings of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Ketjen black (KB) dispersed in polybenzoxazine (PBZ) solution is presented. The relationship between the ratio of CNT, KB and PBZ with the properties of the composites was investigated in this article. The morphology and structure of the obtained composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, the water contact angle (WCA) and sheet resistance were investigated using a contact angle goniometer and four-point probe technique. Loading different amounts of CNT, KB and PBZ allowed the composites to exhibit different degrees of hydrophobicity and conductivity. Interestingly, a synergistic effect has been observed between CNT and KB. It was found that the coatings containing CNT:KB:PBZ = 4:6:10 showed both the highest WCA (about 160°), lowest sliding angle (about 3°) and lowest sheet resistance, which can reach approximately 6.5 × 102 Ω/sq. Furthermore, the CNT/KB/PBZ nanocomposites have excellent stability under a wide range of pH values and different environmental conditions.
Population predictions for the world’s largest cities in the 21st century
Authors: Hoornweg Daniel , Pope Kevin
Published: September 2016

We project populations to 2100 for the world’s larger cities. Three socioeconomic scenarios with various levels of sustainability and global cooperation are evaluated, and individual “best fit” projections made for each city using global urbanization forecasts. In 2010, 757 million people resided in the 101 largest cities – 11 per cent of the world’s population. By the end of the century, world population is projected to range from 6.9 billion to 13.1 billion, with 15 per cent to 23 per cent of people residing in the 101 largest cities (1.6 billion to 2.3 billion). The disparate effects of socioeconomic pathways on regional distribution of the world’s 101 largest cities in the 21st century are examined by changes in population rank for 2010, 2025, 2050, 2075 and 2100. Socioeconomic pathways are assessed based on their influence on the world’s largest cities. Two aspects of the projections raise concerns about reliability: the unlikely degree of growth of cities suggested for Africa and the growth of cities in coastal settings (and likely global immigration). Trends and the effect of sustainable development on regional distribution of large cities throughout the 21st century are discussed.
The Implementation of Feminist Law Reforms
Authors: Hunter Rosemary , Tyson Danielle
Published: September 2016

In 2005, the Australian State of Victoria abolished the controversial partial defence of provocation. Part of the impetus for the reforms was to challenge provocation’s victim-blaming narratives and the defence’s tendency to excuse men’s violence against intimate partners. However, concerns were also expressed that these narratives and excuses would simply reappear at the sentencing stage when men who had killed intimate partners were convicted of murder or manslaughter. This article analyses post-provocation sentencing judgments, reviewing cases over the 10-year period since the reforms in order to determine whether these concerns have been borne out. The analysis suggests that at the level of sentencing outcomes they have not been borne out, although at the level of discourse the picture is more mixed. While sentencing narratives continue to reproduce the language of provocation, at the same time, post-provocation sentencing appears to provide opportunities for feminist judging – picking up on the spirit of the reforms – which have been taken up by some judges more than others.
China’s Race for Arms
Authors: Basu Pratnashree , Chatterji Rakhahari
Published: September 2016

China has been investing considerable financial as well as intellectual resources for strengthening, improving, and maintaining its defense establishment. The Chinese military establishment continues to constantly keep itself abreast of advances in both technology and tactics. However, China’s race for arms and the urgency with which it wants to acquire competence in weapons technology are matters of serious concern for its big and small neighbors, not only those with many of whom it has territorial and maritime disputes but also countries of the Asia-Pacific region like Australia and the USA. It remains to be seen how far China, despite its race for arms and competence, is able to convince its neighbors and the world that its rise would indeed continue to be peaceful. In this backdrop, this article tracks the evolution of Chinese military policy in the recent years in terms of strategies, structures, finances, and development, and identifies the weaknesses of the military establishment. It attempts to understand China’s race for arms in the light of the significance of realist thought in understanding world politics.
Interventionism as a union strategy? The strategies of the Norwegian Nurses Organisation in relation to temporary agency work
Authors: Bergene Ann Cecilie , Egeland Cathrine
Published: September 2016

In this article it is argued that the strategy of the Norwegian Nurses Organisation in relation to temporary agency work represents a critical intervention. The strategy addresses the need to challenge hegemonic ideas about working women, especially professionals, including the association of unionism and militancy with men, masculinity and manliness, which might undermine any attempt at union revitalization. The article thus contributes to the gendering of the union renewal debate, while also adding to our understanding of professionals in the labour movement. The analysis is conducted in a ‘retroductive’ manner, posing the question of why an unexpected turn in the strategy of the NNO towards temporary work agencies came to pass.
Identification of Fusarium solani species complex from infected zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Ke Xiaoli , Lu Maixin , Wang Jianguo
Published: September 2016

Although Fusarium sp. infections have been reported in aquatic invertebrates, studies of Fusarium spp. as fish pathogens remain very limited. In our study, a fungus was isolated from diseased zebrafish ( Danio rerio). DNA sequence analysis of the fungus, based on a partial region of the translation elongation factor 1α gene ( EF-1α), the internal transcribed spacer region and domains D1 and D2 of the large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene (ITS plus LSU), and the RNA polymerase II subunit gene ( RPB2), showed 99.9–100% homology to Fusarium solani species complex sequences. Multilocus sequence typing analysis based on 3-locus haplotypes ( EF-1α, ITS plus LSU, and RPB2) suggests that the isolated strain was type 3+4-P. Challenge experiments showed that this organism could be pathogenic to zebrafish, but usually does not infect healthy subjects under normal circumstances.