bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instruments of Assessment for First Two Years of Life of Infant
Authors: Moreira Rafaela Silva , Figueiredo Elyonara Mello de
Published: February 2016

Resumo Introdução: a avaliação do desenvolvimento de lactentes objetiva identificar e classificar precocemente um atraso de desenvolvimento e/ou programar uma intervenção. Esta avaliação é considerada ineficiente quando realizada apenas por julgamento clínico profissional. Dessa forma existem inúmeras escalas de avaliação que podem auxiliar os profissionais neste processo, sendo necessário um maior conhecimento de suas vantagens e desvantagens. Objetivo: identificar e analisar instrumentos de avaliação do desenvolvimento infantil para lactentes de zero a dois anos de idade. Método: realizou-se busca nas principais bases de dados informatizadas, nos manuais dos instrumentos de avaliação e livros de Fisioterapia Pediátrica. Foram extraídos de cada instrumento: caracterização geral, propriedades psicométricas, pressuposto teórico que embasa o instrumento, validade para crianças brasileiras e acessibilidade para o fisioterapeuta no Brasil. Resultados: Foram selecionados os artigos referentes aos testes TIMP, DUBOWITZ, MAI, AIMS e BAYLEY-III. O TIMP apresentou os melhores índices de confiabilidade e sensibilidade para avaliação de bebês prematuros nos quatro primeiros meses de vida, contudo é sua aplicação é demorada e depende do estado emocional do lactente. DUBOWITZ é de fácil e rápida aplicação apesar de não ser muito acessível no Brasil. A literatura sugere uma reavaliação do MAI à medida que este exibe uma limitada base psicométrica e uma pobre validade de construto. A AIMS apresenta as melhores propriedades psicométricas e condições para uso clínico. A Bayley-III está entre os melhores instrumentos, pois seus dados são válidos, confiáveis e objetivos, contudo pouco utilizada no Brasil provavelmente pelo custo do material de aplicação. Conclusão: Em lactentes pré-termo o uso do TIMP apresenta as melhores propriedades psicométricas, já em lactentes de até 18 meses a AIMS é uma melhor opção, e acima desta idade a Bayley-III atinge os objetivos propostos com adequadas propriedades psicométricas.
Perfil alimentar e nutricional de lactentes atendidos em unidade básica de saúde no Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Mendes Amanda De Conceição Leão , Queiroz Dayanna Joyce Marques , Melo Andressa Názara Lucena , Sureira Thaiz Mattos , Pequeno Nila Patrícia Freire
Published: February 2016

Objetivos: Verificar o perfil de aleitamento materno, introdução de alimentos, hábitos alimentares, estado nutricional de lactentes e relacionar o tempo de aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME) e anemia materna. Método: Estudo transversal com 22 lactentes de 6 a 24 meses. As mães responderam a um questionário semiestruturado e o lactente foi submetido à avaliação antropométrica. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste Qui-quadrado, considerandose o nível de significância p < 0,05. Resultados: 22,73% apresentaram excesso de peso, o tempo médio de (AME) foi de 123,2 dias (DP ± 68,9 dias), 63,63% por tempo inferior a 6 meses. A duração do AME foi associada significativamente ao sexo feminino (p = 0,042) e ao número deconsultas de pré-natal (p = 0,002), 36,4% das mães apresentaram anemia na gestação, que foi associada ao saneamento básico (p = 0,03) e ao número de consultas de pré-natal (p = 0.002). Os alimentos mais frequentes introduzidos antes dos seis meses foram respectivamente, suco de frutas (27,3%), açúcar (21%), fruta (13,63%), arroz ou macarrão (9%), carne ou frango ou ovo (5,3%) verduras e legumes (5%) e feijão (4,8%). Conclusão: A prática do AME apresentase baixa, o crescente aumento da introdução precoce de alimentos mostra-se preocupante, sendo fundamental a criação de estratégias de incentivo e apoio a amamentação, assim como a prevenção de excesso de peso nessa faixa etária.
Chaotic global parameters correlation with heart rate variability in obese children
Authors: Vanderlei Franciele M. , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos M. , Garner David M.
Published: February 2016

The aim of the study is to analyze heart rate dynamics in obese children by measures of HRV. HRV is a simple and non-invasive measure of autonomic impulses. 94 children of mixed gender aged eight to twelve years were divided into two equal groups based on body mass index: obese and normal weight range. HRV was monitored in the dorsal decubitus position for 20 minutes. After tests of normality, Kruskal Wallis was applied for the statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at (p < 0.05). Regarding the application of Principal Component Analysis the first two components represent 99.4% of total variance. The obese children exhibited in heart frequency dynamics associated to an increase in the Chaos Forward Parameter. The Chaos Forward Parameter which applies all three chaotic global parameters is suggested to be the most robust algorithm. Obesity in children can be termed a dynamical condition but it increases the chaotic response.
Realidade virtual na reabilitação física de pacientes com doença de Parkinson
Authors: Vieira Gisele De Paula , Araujo Daniela Freitas Guerra Henriques de , Leite Marco Antonio Araujo , Orsini Marco , Correa Clynton Lourenço
Published: February 2016

Introdução: A realidade virtual (RV) pode ser uma ferramenta terapêutica utilizada no campo da neurorreabilitação. É considerada uma atividade lúdica que fornece feedback visual e auditivo, facilitando a adesão dos pacientes ao tratamento. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão de literatura a respeito da influência da RV na reabilitação de pacientes com doença de Parkinson. Método: Utilizamos como base de dados os sistemas virtuais das bibliotecas Medline, PEDro, Lilacs, Scielo e Pubmed, a partir dos seguintes descritores: Doença de Parkinson e Realidade Virtual; Doença de Parkinson e Wii e seus equivalentes em espanhol e inglês para obtenção dos artigos. Foi utilizada a escala PEDro para fins de pontuação metodológica dos artigos analisados. Resultados: A partir de 50 artigos obtidos após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram obtidos 16 artigos para análise. De acordo com a escala PEDro a maioria dos artigos teve baixa pontuação. Os resultados sugerem que a RV apresenta resultados positivos nas variáveis velocidade e tempo de movimento, equilíbrio, marcha, controle postural e funcionalidade de membros superiores. A atividade lúdica oferecida pela RV e a contribuição dos feedbacks visual e auditivo oferecido por este tipo de intervenção podem ser o grande potencial desta nova ferramenta. Conclusão: A RV é útil na potencialização do controle motor, na funcionalidade, na capacidade cognitiva e no equilíbrio, mas ainda precisa de estudos com melhor qualidade metodológica para confirmação dos resultados da RV na doença de Parkinson.
Insatisfação corporal em escolares de uma cidade do Sul do Brasil
Authors: Leite Ana Caroline Branco , Ferrazzi Natália Basso , Mezadri Tatiana , Höfelmann Doroteia Aparecida
Published: February 2016

A insatisfação corporal associa-se a transtornos alimentares, dificuldades de relacionamento interpessoal e ideação suicida. Objetivou-se estimar a prevalência de insatisfação corporal, e verificar sua associação com variáveis infantis e maternas de escolares do 4º e 5º ano de escolas municipais de Itajaí, Santa Catarina. Sorteou-se 737 escolares, de 22 escolas urbanas e rurais. A coleta de dados compreendeu a coleta de dados antropométricos, aplicação de questionários para a criança e para seu responsável. A insatisfação corporal foi identificada, pela diferença entre a percepção da silhueta atual e àquela desejada pelos escolares. Calcularam-se as Razões de Prevalência (RP) e Intervalos de Confiança de 95% (IC 95%). A taxa de resposta foi 81,7% (n = 602). A prevalência de insatisfação corporal foi de 76,9%. Escolares acima do peso, e aqueles com excesso de gordura abdominal apresentaram prevalência 21% e 30%, superiores de insatisfação corporal. Filhos de pais com excesso de peso apresentaram prevalência 12% maior. Tentativas de emagrecer ou engordar foi 23% e 21% maior entre as crianças insatisfeitas com o peso. Após análise ajustada a prevalência foi menor entre as meninas (RP 0,9 IC95% 0,8;1,0) e maior entre crianças com excesso de gordura abdominal e que realizaram tentativas de perder ou ganhar peso (RP 1,2 IC95% 1,1; 1,4). Osresultados indicaram elevada prevalência de insatisfação corporal, principalmente entre os meninos. Aproximadamente metade dos escolares desejou peso inferior, contudo, entre os meninos o desejo de ganhar peso foi maior. A gordura na região abdominal associou-se fortemente à maior prevalência de insatisfação corporal.
Análise da prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade e do nível de atividade física em crianças e adolescentes de uma cidade do sudoeste de São Paulo
Authors: Cabrera Thays Fernanda Castilho , Correia Ingrid Fernandes Leite , Santos Daiane Oliveira dos , Pacagnelli Francis Lopes , Prado Maria Tereza Artero , Silva Talita Dias da , Monteiro Carlos Bandeira de Mello , Fernani Deborah Cristina Gonçalves Luiz
Published: February 2016

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a prevalência de sobrepeso, obesidade e o nível de atividade física segundo o sexo de crianças e adolescentes de escolas públicas da cidade de Nantes, São Paulo, Brasil. A amostra foi composta de 170 crianças e 232 adolescentes com a idade média de 8,04±1,31 e 13,2±1,83 anos, respectivamente, de ambos os sexos e frequentadores de duas escolas. Foram coletadas as medidas antropométricas: Índice de massa corpórea pela idade (IMC/idade) e circunferência abdominal. O IMC/idade foi classificado de acordo com o Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (SISVAN) (2007) e um questionário modificado e adaptado sugerido por Silva (2009) foi utilizado para analisar o nível de atividade física. O teste t não pareado foi realizado e os valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significativos.A prevalência de 30,59% dos indivíduos com sobrepeso ou obesidade, foi verificada sendo a maioria desta adolescente. Também foi encontrada maior média e com diferença significativa do valor da circunferência abdominal no sexo feminino no grupo das crianças. Foi observado que 62,68% da amostra são inativos ou inadequadamente ativos e que a maioria desses era do sexo feminino. Estes fatos demonstram considerável risco que estes indivíduos podem apresentar de complicações cardiovasculares e musculoesqueléticas no decorrer da vida. A importância da realização precoce de programas educacionais e nutricionais na escola deve ser enfatizada para prevenção e tratamento destes indivíduos com excesso de peso e baixo nível de atividade física.
Mortalidade infantil nos últimos quinquênios em Porto Velho, Rondônia – Brasil
Authors: Moreira Kátia Fernanda Alves , Oliveira Tathiane Souza de , Gonçalves Ticiana Albuquerque , Moura Cleson De Oliveira , Maluf Sâmia Nagib , Tavares Rosalina Semedo de Andrade , Tavares Carlos Mendes
Published: February 2016

Objetivo: Analisar a evolução de mortalidade infantil. Método: Estudo ecológico e descritivo. Utilizaram-se os bancos de dados de óbitos fornecidos pelo Sistema de Informações sobre mortalidade, durante o período de 2006 a 2010. Selecionaram-se apenas os registros em que o município de residência e de ocorrência dos óbitos correspondiam ao município de Porto Velho e os que apresentavam idade menor de 12 meses no momento do óbito. Analisaram apenas os óbitos por causas evitáveis neonatal e pós-neonatal. Resultados: No município de Porto Velho, em período estudado há um predomínio de mães com idade entre 20 a 34 anos, cujos percentuais de óbitos infantis variaram entre 26,0% em 2006 a 29,0% em 2010, com oscilações percentuais nos demais anos. Houve uma tendência crescente de óbitos prematuros, exceto no ano de 2009, cujo percentual foi de 45,0%. Entre os anos de 2006 e 2007 esse percentual manteve-se em 50,0%, aumentou para 53% em 2008 e em 2010 representou 54,0% dos óbitos em menores de 1 ano. Conclusão: A estimativa de incidência de mortalidade infantil foi sempre mais elevada, ao longo do período estudado, do que o valor esperado para o Brasil até 2015.
Visual motor integration and overall development of preterm and at term children at the beginning of schooling
Authors: Pinheiro Raquel Cristina , Martinez Claudia Maria Simões , Fontaine Anne Marie Germaine Victorine
Published: February 2016

Objetivo: Investigar a influência da prematuridade e do baixo peso ao nascimento em indicadores de desenvolvimento, como a coordenação viso motora, viso perceptiva e motora fina de crianças no início da escolarização, bem como suas relações com índices de atraso de desenvolvimento global. Método: Estudo comparativo tipo caso-controle. Participaram deste estudo 18 crianças com histórico de nascimento pré-termo (Grupo de Estudo), pareadas com 18 crianças sem o referido histórico (Grupo Comparado). Estas foram avaliadas por meio do Teste de Triagem de Desenvolvimento de Denver II e pelo Teste de Integração Viso Motora-VMI. Resultados: Testes estatísticos revelaram diferença significativa entre o Grupo de Estudo e Grupo Comparado para as variáveis Viso Motor (p=0,000) e Motor Fino (p = 0,007), porém diferença significativa entre o desempenho dos grupos Baixo Peso e Peso Adequado foi observado nas variáveis Viso Motor (p=0,000), Viso Perceptivo (p=0,016) e Motor Fino (p=0,036), demonstrando que o peso é um fator mais influente que a prematuridade para o desempenho viso perceptivo. Observou-se diferença significativa em todas as partes do instrumento VMI (p = 0,001; p = 0,000; p = 0,000) quando comparado os grupo Denver Suspeito e Denver Normal e observa-se que o pior desempenho em testes de triagem do desenvolvimento pode ser um fator preditivo para o pior desempenho nos testes de integração viso motora. Conclusões: Crianças prematuras obtiveram pior desempenho nos instrumentos de avaliação confirmando que a prematuridade representa risco ao desenvolvimento. Habilidades mais complexas exigidas na fase escolar para a leitura e escrita, podem ser influenciadas pelas dificuldades viso motoras, viso perceptivas e motoras finas.
Association among sexual maturation, overweight and central adiposity in children and adolescents at two schools in são Paulo
Authors: Oliveira Jéssica Rodrigues de , Frutuoso Maria Fernanda Petroli , Gambardella Ana Maria Dianezi
Published: February 2016

ResumoO objetivo foi analisar a associação entre maturação sexual relativamente acelerada, excesso de peso e adiposidade central em crianças e adolescentes. Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal com 617 crianças e adolescentes de 8 a 18 anos de idade. Foram realizadas três coletas de dados de peso, estatura, perímetro da cintura. O excesso de peso foi classificado com base nos valores críticos do índice de massa corporal (IMC) para crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. Oestágio de maturação sexual (EMS) foi autoavaliado nas três coletas pelas crianças e adolescentes. Os indivíduos foram distribuídos em quartis de idades segundo EMS e sexo. Foramcomparados os indivíduos com maturação relativamente acelerada com os demais indivíduos. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análises de regressão linear e logística. Foi observada associação negativa entre escore z do IMC e idade de início da maturação sexual em meninos, não sendo observada associação no sexo feminino. A maturação sexual relativamente acelerada associou-se positivamente com excesso de peso e com valores de escore z do IMC. Meninas com maturação relativamente acelerada apresentaram maior adiposidade central. A pesquisaconcluiu que a maturação sexual acelerada associou-se com o excesso de peso e maior incremento no IMC em ambos os sexos evidenciando a importância da identificação do estágio de maturação sexual na avaliação nutricional de crianças e adolescentes.
Association between child maltreatment indicators and developmental problems in early childhood education
Authors: Gomez Vanessa Ruiz Vaz , Bazon Marina Rezende
Published: February 2016

Introdução: a experiência de maus tratos constitui-se em um importante fator de risco ao desenvolvimento humano, a curto e longo prazo. Objetivo: caracterizar uma amostra de crianças em início de escolarização quanto à presença de indicadores de maus tratos infantis e à de problemas emocionais e comportamentais e verificar a associação entre essas variáveis. Métodos: a amostra (n = 40) foi composta por todas as crianças do 1º ano de uma escola municipal cujos pais/responsáveis autorizaram, e seus respectivos professores (n = 6). Para a coleta de dados empregou-se o Inventário de Frases no Diagnóstico de Violência Doméstica contra Crianças e Adolescentes (IFVD) e o Teacher’s Report Form (TRF). Procedeu-se a análises descritivas e inferenciais. Resultados: a pontuação média no IFVD foi de 17,82, fora da faixa de risco, segundo as normas do instrumento. Porém, 30% da amostra obtiveram escore superior a 23, o preconizado para suspeitar de maus tratos. Com isso, estabeleceu-se 2 grupos para a comparação no TRF (crianças suspeitas de serem maltratadas/ crianças sem suspeita). Verificou-se diferenças significativas em Total de Problemas e em Problemas Internalizantes, ainda que em termos médios os dois grupos tenham apresentado performances em níveis normais, em todos os subitens. Conclusão: crianças apresentando indicadores de maus tratos apresentaram também indicadores de depressão e ansiedade, ainda que em níveis não clínicos, corroborando outros estudos. Deve-se, entretanto, considerar que a amostra formada por conveniência pode ter introduzido um viés no tocante à severidade/gravidade dos maus tratos abarcados no estudo. Outros estudos, com amostras maiores e mais diversificadas, devem ser realizados.
Potential contribution of fish restocking to the recovery of deteriorated coral reefs: an alternative restoration method?
Authors: Obolski Uri , Hadany Lilach , Abelson Avigdor
Published: February 2016

Counteracting the worldwide trend of coral reef degeneration is a major challenge for the scientific community. A crucial management approach to minimizing stress effects on healthy reefs and helping the recovery of disturbed reefs is reef protection. However, the current rapid decline of the world’s reefs suggests that protection might be insufficient as a viable stand-alone management approach for some reefs. We thus suggest that the ecological restoration of coral reefs (CRR) should be considered as a valid component of coral reef management, in addition to protection, if the applied method is economically applicable and scalable. This theoretical study examines the potential applicability and outcomes of restocking grazers as a restoration tool for coral reef recovery—a tool that has not been applied so far in reef restoration projects. We studied the effect of restocking grazing fish as a restoration method using a mathematical model of degrading reefs, and analyzed the financial outcomes of the restocking intervention. The results suggest that applying this restoration method, in addition to protection, can facilitate reef recovery. Moreover, our analysis suggests that the restocking approach almost always becomes profitable within several years. Considering the relatively low cost of this restoration approach and the feasibility of mass production of herbivorous fish, we suggest that this approach should be considered and examined as an additional viable restoration tool for coral reefs.
Aerosol characterization over the North China Plain: Haze life cycle and biomass burning impacts in summer
Authors: Sun Yele , Jiang Qi , Xu Yisheng , Ma Yan , Zhang Yingjie , Liu Xingang , Li Weijun , Wang Fei , Li Jie , Wang Pucai , Li Zhanqing
Published: February 2016

The North China Plain experiences frequent severe haze pollution during all seasons. Here we present the results from a summer campaign that was conducted at Xianghe, a suburban site located between the megacities of Beijing and Tianjin. Aerosol particle composition was measured in situ by an Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor along with a suite of collocated measurements during 1–30 June 2013. Our results showed that aerosol composition at the suburban site was overall similar to that observed in Beijing, which was mainly composed of organics (39%), nitrate (20%), and sulfate (18%). Positive matrix factorization of organic aerosol (OA) identified four OA factors with different sources and processes. While secondary organic aerosol dominated OA, on average accounting for 70%, biomass burning OA (BBOA) was also observed to have a considerable contribution (11%) for the entire study period. The contribution of BBOA was increased to 21% during the BB period in late June, indicating a large impact of agricultural burning on air pollution in summer. Biomass burning also exerted a significant impact on aerosol optical properties. It was estimated that ~60% enhancement of absorption at the ultraviolet spectral region was caused by the organic compounds from biomass burning. The formation mechanisms and sources of severe haze pollution episodes were investigated in a case study. The results highlighted two different mechanisms, i.e., regional transport and local sources, driving the haze life cycles differently in summer in the North China Plain. While secondary aerosol species dominated aerosol composition in the episode from regional transport, organics and black carbon comprised the major fraction in the locally formed haze episode.
The signature of low‐frequency oceanic forcing in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation
Authors: O'Reilly Christopher H. , Huber Markus , Woollings Tim , Zanna Laure
Published: February 2016

The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) significantly influences the climate of the surrounding continents and has previously been attributed to variations in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Recently, however, similar multidecadal variability was reported in climate models without ocean circulation variability. We analyze the relationship between turbulent heat fluxes and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the midlatitude North Atlantic in observations and coupled climate model simulations, both with and without ocean circulation variability. SST anomalies associated with the AMO are positively correlated with heat fluxes on decadal time scales in both observations and models with varying ocean circulation, whereas in models without ocean circulation variability the anomalies are negatively correlated when heat flux anomalies lead. These relationships are captured in a simple stochastic model and rely crucially on low‐frequency forcing of SST. The fully coupled models that better capture this signature more effectively reproduce the observed impact of the AMO on European summertime temperatures.
Role of soil moisture versus recent climate change for the 2010 heat wave in western Russia
Authors: Hauser Mathias , Orth René , Seneviratne Sonia I.
Published: February 2016

The severe 2010 heat wave in western Russia was found to be influenced by anthropogenic climate change. Additionally, soil moisture‐temperature feedbacks were deemed important for the buildup of the exceptionally high temperatures. We quantify the relative role of both factors by applying the probabilistic event attribution framework and analyze ensemble simulations to distinguish the effect of climate change and the 2010 soil moisture conditions for annual maximum temperatures. The dry 2010 soil moisture alone has increased the risk of a severe heat wave in western Russia sixfold, while climate change from 1960 to 2000 has approximately tripled it. The combined effect of climate change and 2010 soil moisture yields a 13 times higher heat wave risk. We conclude that internal climate variability causing the dry 2010 soil moisture conditions formed a necessary basis for the extreme heat wave.
The Effect of Transition Elements on High‐Temperature Mechanical Properties of Al–Si Foundry Alloys–A Review
Authors: Rakhmonov Jovid , Timelli Giulio , Bonollo Franco
Published: February 2016

The high temperature mechanical performance of Al–Si alloys can be enhanced by alloying with transition metals, induced by the formation of thermally stable and coarsening resistant precipitates in the microstructure. However, the binary dispersoids such as Al3Zr can be less effective due to limitations encountered during conventional manufacturing processes. Further improvements can be achieved through the transformation of these binary trialuminides into ternary or quaternary forms by alloying with appropriate elements. The role of transition elements in improving high temperature mechanical properties of Al–Si alloys from both theoretical and practical viewpoints is critically reviewed.
Composite Materials with Enhanced Conductivities
Authors: Zhu Hanxing , Fan Tongxiang , Zhang Di
Published: February 2016

The authors have analyzed the isotropic thermal/electrical conductivities of two types of specially structured composite materials. Closed‐form results have been obtained for predicting the conductivities of the composites, and the accuracy has been verified by FE simulations. The obtained results in this paper are compared to the relevant theoretical predictions and experimental measurements. It has been demonstrated that the type‐I composites have achieved a conductivity that is almost the same as the highest possible theoretical upper limit, and the type‐II composites have a conductivity significantly greater than the experimental results of conventional isotropic composite materials.
Interface‐Induced Polarization in SrTiO3‐LaCrO3 Superlattices
Authors: Comes Ryan B. , Spurgeon Steven R. , Heald Steve M. , Kepaptsoglou Despoina M. , Jones Lewys , Ong Phuong Vu , Bowden Mark E. , Ramasse Quentin M. , Sushko Peter V. , Chambers Scott A.
Published: February 2016

Epitaxial interfaces and superlattices comprised of polar and non‐polar perovskite oxides have generated considerable interest because they possess a range of desirable properties for functional devices. In this work, emergent polarization in superlattices of SrTiO3 (STO) and LaCrO3 (LCO) is demonstrated. By controlling the interfaces between polar LCO and non‐polar STO, polarization is induced throughout the STO layers of the superlattice. Using X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy and aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy displacements of the Ti cations off‐center within TiO6 octahedra along the superlattice growth direction are measured. This distortion gives rise to built‐in potential gradients within the STO and LCO layers, as measured by in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Density functional theory models explain the mechanisms underlying this behavior, revealing the existence of both an intrinsic polar distortion and a built‐in electric field, which are due to alternately positively and negatively charged interfaces in the superlattice. This study paves the way for controllable polarization for carrier separation in multilayer materials and highlights the crucial role that interface structure plays in governing such behavior.
High Efficiency and Stable Perovskite Solar Cell Using ZnO/rGO QDs as an Electron Transfer Layer
Authors: Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Tavakoli Rouhollah , Nourbakhsh Zahra , Waleed Aashir , Virk Umar Siddique , Fan Zhiyong
Published: February 2016

Fabrication of organohalide perovskite materials on the top of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) has some beneficial advantages such as room temperature processing; however, the perovskite is not stable on ZnO NPs layer during the annealing process. In fact, there are only a few reports about the fabrication of perovskite solar cells on ZnO NPs layer. Herein, the decomposition mechanism of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite materials on ZnO is reported, and it is found that the perovskite film on the top of the ZnO layer is converted into PbI2 during the annealing process due to the existence of hydroxide groups on the surface of the ZnO NPs. Depending on the annealing temperature, the reaction rate and the quality of the perovskite film can be changed. In order to tackle this problem, a quasi core shell structure of ZnO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) quantum dots is synthesized and is employed as an electron transfer layer. In this regard, rGO not only passivates the surface of the ZnO NPs to prevent the reaction, but also extracts the charge carriers quickly from the perovskite layer to reduce the carrier recombination. Our results show that perovskite solar cell on ZnO/rGO layer exhibits a stable power conversion efficiency as high as 15.2% and 11.2% on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates, respectively, under AM1.5G illumination.
Tuning the Mn Deposition on the Anode to Improve the Cycle Performance of the Mn‐Based Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Zhan Chun , Qiu Xinping , Lu Jun , Amine Khalil
Published: February 2016

Capacity fading of lithium‐ion batteries with Mn‐containing cathodes is closely related to Mn dissolution from the cathode and, more importantly, the subsequent Mn deposition on the anode. In this paper, a new method for solving the Mn deposition issue— Tuning the Mn deposition instead of simply decreasing the concentration of Mn deposited on the anode—is proposed. Two commonly used electrolyte additives, fluorinated ethylene carbonate and vinylene carbonate, are found to improve the cycle performance of the battery but, surprisingly, to enhance the Mn deposited on the anode at the same time. According to the ion‐exchange model in previous work, this increased Mn2+ deposition can be attributed to the increased amount of the Li+ ions in the additive‐modified solid‐electrolyte interface (SEI), as the Mn deposition can occur via an ion‐exchange reaction between the Li+ in the SEI and the Mn2+ in the electrolyte. The improved capacity retention can be attributed to the enhanced robustness of the SEI layers against the attack of Mn2+ ion because of the sufficient amount of mobile Li+ in the SEI layer for ion transport. This work sheds new light on solving the capacity fade issue of Mn‐based Li‐ion batteries by manipulating the Mn–Li ion‐exchange process.
Illegal captive lemurs in Madagascar: Comparing the use of online and in‐person data collection methods
Authors: Reuter Kim E. , Schaefer Melissa S.
Published: February 2016

Although it is illegal to capture, sell, and trade lemurs, the live capture of lemurs in Madagascar is ongoing and may have impacted over 28,000 lemurs between 2010 and 2013. Only one study has examined this trade and did so using in‐person interviews in northern Madagascar. The current study sought to expand this existing dataset and examine the comparability of online surveys to more traditional on‐location data collection methods. In this study, we collected data through a web‐based survey resulting in 302 sightings of 685 captive lemurs. We also collected data from 171 hotel and 43 restaurant websites and social media profiles. Survey submissions included sightings of 30 species from 10 genera, nearly twice as many species as identified via the in‐person interviews. Lemur catta, Varecia variegata, and Eulemur fulvus were the most common species sighted in captivity. Captive lemurs were reported in 19 of Madagascar's 22 administrative regions and most were seen in urban areas near their habitat ranges. This represents a wider geographic distribution of captive lemurs than previously found through in‐person interviews. The online survey results were broadly similar to those of the in‐person surveys though greater in species and geographic diversity demonstrating advantages to the use of online surveys. The online research methods were low in cost (USD $100) compared to on‐location data collection (USD $12,000). Identified disadvantages included sample bias; most of the respondents to the online survey were researchers and many captive sightings were near study sites. The results illustrate the benefits of incorporating a social science approach using online surveys as a complement to traditional fieldwork. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22541, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Magnesium‐Substituted Polystibides [(LMg)4Sb8]
Authors: Ganesamoorthy Chelladurai , Wölper Christoph , Nizovtsev Anton S. , Schulz Stephan
Published: February 2016

Redox reactions of [(L1,2Mg)2] and Sb2R4(R=Me, Et) yielded the first Mg‐substituted realgar‐type Sb8polystibides [(L1,2Mg)4(μ4,η2:2:2:2‐Sb8)] (L1=HC[C(Me)N(2,4,6‐Me3C6H2)]2, L2=HC[C(Me)N(2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3)]2). Compounds [(L1,2Mg)2] serve both as reducing agents, initiating the cleavage of the Sb−C bonds, and as stabilizers for the resulting Sb8polyanion. The polystibides were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and X‐ray structure analysis. In addition, results from quantum chemical calculations are presented.
HandaPhos: A General Ligand Enabling Sustainable ppm Levels of Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Couplings in Water at Room Temperature
Authors: Handa Sachin , Andersson Martin P. , Gallou Fabrice , Reilly John , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: February 2016

The new monophosphine ligand HandaPhos has been identified such that when complexed in a 1:1 ratio with Pd(OAc)2, enables Pd‐catalyzed cross‐couplings to be run using ≤1000 ppm of this pre‐catalyst. Applications to Suzuki–Miyaura reactions involving highly funtionalized reaction partners are demonstrated, all run using environmentally benign nanoreactors in water at ambient temperatures. Comparisons with existing state‐of‐the‐art ligands and catalysts are discussed herein.
Die Borosulfate K4[BS4O15(OH)], Ba[B2S3O13] und Gd2[B2S6O24]
Authors: Gross Peter , Kirchhain Arno , Höppe Henning A.
Published: February 2016

K4[BS4O15(OH)], Ba[B2S3O13] und Gd2[B2S6O24] wurden durch einen neuen Syntheseansatz erhalten. Dabei wurde zunächst die komplexe Säure H[B(HSO4)4] hergestellt; diese wurde anschließend in einem offenen System mit wasserfreien Chloriden von K, Ba und Gd zu den jeweiligen Borosulfaten und einem flüchtigen Molekül (HCl) umgesetzt. Protonierte Borosulfate sollten ebenfalls zugänglich sein, indem eine geeignete Stöchiometrie der Startmaterialien eingestellt wird, besonders in geschlossenen Systemen, welche die Deprotonierung von H[B(HSO4)4] über Kondensation und Dehydratisierung hemmen. Dieser Ansatz führte zur Synthese der ersten Borosulfate zwei‐ und dreiwertiger Kationen (Ba[B2S3O13] und Gd2[B2S6O24] mit Bandsilicat‐ bzw. Ringsilicat‐Topologien) sowie des ersten protonierten Alkalimetallborosulfats (K4[BS4O15(OH)]).
Influence of the nacnac Ligand in Iron(I)‐Mediated P4 Transformations
Authors: Spitzer Fabian , Graßl Christian , Balázs Gábor , Zolnhofer Eva M. , Meyer Karsten , Scheer Manfred
Published: February 2016

A study of P4 transformations at low‐valent iron is presented using β‐diketiminato (L) FeI complexes [LFe(tol)] (tol=toluene; L=L1 (1 a), L2 (1 b), L3 (1 c)) with different combinations of aromatic and backbone substituents at the ligand. The products [(LFe)4(μ4‐η2:η2:η2:η2‐P8)] (L=L1 (2 a), L2 (2 b)) containing a P8 core were obtained by the reaction of 1 a,b with P4 in toluene at room temperature. Using a slightly more sterically encumbered ligand in 1 c results in the formation of [(L3Fe)2(μ‐η4:η4‐P4)] (2 c), possessing a cyclo‐P4 moiety. Compounds 2 a–c were comprehensively characterized and their electronic structures investigated by SQUID magnetization and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy as well as by DFT methods.
Decomposition of the potassic rocks by sub‐molten salt method and synthesis of low silica X zeolite
Authors: Miao Qingyu , Zhao Bin , Liu Sijia , Guo Juhua , Tong Yuejin , Cao Jilin
Published: February 2016

In this work, the potassic rock (PR), an ore rich in aluminosilicate and alkali metal sources, was decomposed to active amorphous material in mild condition for the first time via sub‐molten salt method. Low silica X (LSX) zeolite was successfully synthesized using the amorphous precursor from PRs as starting material. The effects of temperature, time, and mass concentration of alkali on the decomposition of PRs powder, and the effects of molar ratios of SiO2/Al2O3 and H2O/(Na2O + K2O) on the synthesis of LSX zeolite, were investigated. X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to characterize the precursors and as‐prepared zeolites. The results indicated that the highly active amorphous precursor can be obtained in (Na, K)OH sub‐molten salt medium with 80% of mass concentration of alkali at 190 °C for 3.0 h. The LSX zeolite can be synthesized in 5.85Na2O:1.65K2O:Al2O3:(2.1–2.3)SiO2:(113–125)H2O system using the slurry obtained from the decomposition of PRs. Copyright © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of light component on the regulation of quinoline insolubility in pitch during thermal treatment
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Dexiang , Yang Xu
Published: February 2016

Pitches with different contents of light component were obtained from the high‐temperature coal tar by distillation. The effect of the light component on the thermal polymerization of pitch was investigated using a laboratory autoclave. The component distribution in the original pitch was determined by gel permeation chromatography. The variation of carbon distribution in the modified pitch was monitored by solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. The results show that the variation of quinoline insolubility (QI) in the modified pitch during thermal treatment is markedly influenced by the amount of light component. When the light components exist in the original pitch, the QI in the modified pitch decreases at a low temperature (below 683 K) during the initial reaction stage and subsequently increases. The toluene insolubility of the modified pitch invariably increases. When the light components are added in the original pitch with a higher softening point, the results show the same trend of decrease of QI in the modified pitch. It can be included that the QI content in the modified pitch can be regulated by both the thermal polymerization conditions and the contents of the light component in the original pitch. Copyright © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of a poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)/starch nanocomposite scaffold with a solvent‐casting/salt‐leaching technique for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Taherkhani Safa , Moztarzadeh Fathollah
Published: February 2016

A series of nanocomposite scaffolds of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and starch with a range of porosity from 50 to 90% were fabricated with a solvent‐casting/salt‐leaching technique, and their physical and mechanical properties were investigated. X‐ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the presence of the characteristic peaks of PCL in the fabricated scaffolds. Microstructure studies of the scaffolds revealed a uniform pore morphology and structure in all of the samples. The experimental measurements showed that the average contact angle of the PCL/starch composite was 88.05 ± 1.77°. All of the samples exhibited compressive stress/strain curves similar to those of polymeric foams. The samples with 50, 60, 70, and 80 wt % salt showed compressive‐load‐resisting capabilities in the range of human cancellous bone. With increasing porosity, a significant decrease in the mechanical properties of the scaffolds was observed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43523.
Inkjet printing of polylactic acid on substrates prepared by fused deposition modeling and its potential for selective surface finishing
Authors: Köpplmayr Thomas , Mühlberger Michael
Published: February 2016

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technology commonly used for prototyping. One limiting aspect for the use in functional prototyping and small‐lot production is the achievable surface roughness. The aim of this work was to investigate a potential method of processing polylactic acid (PLA), as it is commonly used for FDM printing, via inkjet technology. PLA solvent inks with different concentrations were prepared by dissolving PLA in 1,4‐dioxane. The tested PLA substrates were prepared by FDM with different layer thicknesses and the change in surface roughness after multilayer inkjet printing was measured by a stylus profilometer. The surface roughness was reduced by up to 50% and further increasing the number of inkjet layers caused voids and PLA accumulations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43527.
First‐principles Study on the Charge Transport Mechanism of Lithium Sulfide (Li2S) in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Kim B. S. Do‐Hoon , Lee M. S. Byungju , Park Kyu‐Young , Kang Kisuk
Published: February 2016

The lithium‐sulfur chemistry is regarded as a promising candidate for next‐generation battery systems because of its high specific energy (1675 mA h g−1). Although issues such as low cycle stability and power capability of the system remain to be addressed, extensive research has been performed experimentally to resolve these problems. Attaining a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism and its reaction product would further spur the development of lithium‐sulfur batteries. Here, we investigated the charge transport mechanism of lithium sulfide (Li2S), a discharge product of conventional lithium‐sulfur batteries using first‐principles calculations. Our calculations indicate that the major charge transport is governed by the lithium‐ion vacancies among various possible charge carriers. Furthermore, the large bandgap and low concentration of electron polarons indicate that the electronic conduction negligibly contributes to the charge transport mechanism in Li2S.
Photoinduced electron transfer reactions of pyranine with benzoquinone and titanium dioxide
Authors: Kathiravan A. , Asha Jhonsi M.
Published: February 2016

The fluorescence quenching of pyranine by benzoquinone in acetonitrile medium was studied using steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence techniques. The quenching process was characterized by a Stern–Volmer plot, which displayed a linear aspect. From the linear plot, the bimolecular quenching rate constant was obtained. The obtained rate constants are within diffused controlled limits. The results show that benzoquinone can efficiently quench the fluorescence of pyranine with dynamic quenching rate constants in the order of 1010 M–1 s–1, suggesting that the pyranine can act as a good electron donor for photoinduced electron transfer in artificial photosynthesis and organic solar cells. In addition, the electron injection dynamics of a pyranine/titanium dioxide semiconductor film was also investigated and electron injection from the excited state pyranine into the conduction band of titanium dioxide is suggested. These preliminary results hold promise for the possibility of using pyranine in dye‐sensitized solar cells. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematical investigation of binding interaction between novel ruthenium(II) arene complex with curcumin analogs and ctDNA
Authors: Huang Shan , Liang Yu , Huang Chusheng , Su Wei , Lei Xiaolin , Liu Yi , Xiao Qi
Published: February 2016

In this study, the interaction between a novel ruthenium(II) arene complex with curcumin analogs and calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) was investigated systematically by viscosity measurement, the DNA melting approach, multispectroscopic techniques and electrochemical methods. The absorption spectra of the ctDNA–drug complex showed a slight red shift and a weak hypochromic effect. The relative viscosity and melting temperature of ctDNA increased on addition of the drug. The evidence obtained from fluorescence competitive experiments indicated that the binding mode of the drug with ctDNA was intercalative. Using acridine orange (AO) as a fluorescence probe, the drug statically quenched the fluorescence of the ctDNA–AO complex, and hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions played vital roles in the binding interaction between the drug and ctDNA. The influences of ionic strength, chemical denaturants and pH on the binding interaction were also investigated. Circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectra suggested that this drug might bond with the G–C base pairs of ctDNA and the right‐handed B‐form helicity of ctDNA remained after drug binding. The intercalative binding between the drug and ctDNA was further investigated using electrochemical techniques. All these results suggested that the biological activity of ctDNA was affected by ruthenium(II) arene complex with curcumin analogs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient-reported outcomes and their predictors at 2- and 3-year follow-up after immediate latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction and adjuvant treatment
Authors: Winters Z E , Afzal M , Balta V , Freeman J , Llewellyn-Bennett R , Rayter Z , Cook J , Greenwood R , King M T , Hallam S , Weiler-Mithoff E , Nicholson S , McManus P , Galea M , Benson J
Published: February 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to estimate the impact 2 and 3 years after surgery of implant-assisted latissimus dorsi (LDI) and autologous latissimus dorsi (ALD) flap breast reconstructions on patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and, secondarily, to determine whether baseline characteristics can predict PROs.

Methods

This was a multicentre prospective cohort study. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and breast cancer module (QLQ-BR23), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast (FACT-B), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) PROs were completed before surgery and at 2 and 3 years after breast reconstruction. The effects of LDI and ALD, adjusted for baseline clinicodemographic characteristics, were estimated with multiple linear regressions. Effect sizes above 0·5 were considered clinically important.

Results

Some 206 patients (LDI 93, ALD 113) were recruited in 2007–2013; 66·5 per cent were node-negative and 34·6 per cent received radiotherapy. Women with adverse clinicopathological factors were more likely to have received radiotherapy and to undergo ALD. Patients in both surgical groups showed clinically important effects at 2 and 3 years, including improvements in emotional scales, but worse physical functioning, social well-being, body image and anxiety. Radiotherapy adversely affected social functioning at 2 years (P = 0·002). Women undergoing ALD reconstruction had significantly improved sexual functioning at 3 years (P = 0·003) relative to those who had LDI procedures, even after adjusting for case mix (P = 0·007). At 3 years, younger women experienced worse physical well-being than older women (P = 0·006), and chemotherapy was associated with worse arm symptoms (P = 0·005).

Conclusion

Clinically important changes occurred in physical functioning, breast symptoms, body image and psychological distress. These results will guide selections of key PRO domains and sample-size calculation of future studies.