bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Electoral Integrity during the 2016 US Elections
Authors: Norris Pippa
Published: December 2017

This chapter describes several major challenges observed during the 2016 US elections. Five issues pose growing risks to electoral legitimacy in the 2016 race: partisan polarization over electoral procedures; lack of public confidence following widespread claims of fraud, vote rigging, and the suppression of voter rights; the risks of hacking; the consequences of deregulating campaign funding; and the lack of professional standards of electoral management. It argues that without a comprehensive program of reforms addressing these problems, in a close, heated, and bitterly fought election, the 2016 contest could be a critical “tipping point” triggering lasting harm to its legitimacy.
Measuring Electoral Integrity
Authors: Norris Pippa
Published: December 2017

This chapter outlines the core concept and measure of electoral integrity, the key yardstick used by the Electoral Integrity Project (EIP) to evaluate free and fair elections. EIP defines the idea of electoral integrity as the presence of a set of agreed-upon international conventions and global norms, applying universally to all countries worldwide through the election cycle, including during the pre-election period, the campaign, on polling day, and its aftermath. For evidence, EIP developed an expert survey of Perceptions of Electoral Integrity (PEI), which gathers information covering all independent nation-states around the world that have held direct (popular) elections for the national parliament or presidential elections, excluding micro-states (with populations below 100,000). The 213 elections in 153 nations analyzed in the latest release used in this study, PEI-4.5, fall within the period from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2016.
Comparing Electoral Integrity within and across States
Authors: Norris Pippa
Published: December 2017

This chapter compares cross-national and state-level evidence from expert and mass surveys to diagnose problems in American elections. When evaluating the integrity of elections, experts rated America exceptionally poorly. Compared with all 153 countries in the survey, based on the average evaluations of both the 2012 and 2014 US elections, America scored 62 out of the 100-point PEI Index. Compared with the rest of the world, the United States ranks 52nd worldwide. Experts also evaluated the 2016 elections across all fifty US states and Washington, DC. The results show that the south remains the region of America which experts assess as having the weakest electoral performance. Democratic-controlled states usually had significantly greater electoral integrity than Republican-controlled states, across all stages except one (the declaration of the results, probably reflecting protests in several major cities following the unexpected Trump victory).
T/B APEX 3508: Best Practices for Detection and Recovery of Sunken Oil
Authors: Sawyer Mark , Schweitzer Gregory , Davis Adam , Elliott Jim , Mauseth Gary , Scott Travis M.
Published: December 2017

On September 2, 2015, two towing vessels collided on the Lower Mississippi River at Mile 937, near Columbus, Kentucky, resulting in the complete breach of the #3 starboard cargo tank on the T/B APEX 3508 and the release of 120,588 gallons of clarified slurry oil (CSO; Group V oil; Specific Gravity: 1.14) into the navigable waterway. The incident was classified as a Major Inland Spill in accordance with the National Oil and Hazardous Substance Contingency Plan and a Major Marine Casualty that was jointly investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board. Over flights conducted as far as 20 miles downriver indicated only light, sporadic sheening for 1–2 days. On-water and shoreline assessments conducted up to six miles downriver revealed no visible signs of surface oiling. Based on its properties, the vast majority of the CSO was presumed to have sunk, but its precise disposition and location was not confirmed. Using side scan sonar (SSS) technology, two distinct subsurface anomalies with an approximate combined area of 9,200 m2 were identified on the river bed in the vicinity of the incident. The anomalies were confirmed as oil by divers and direct sampling, and were then divided into 25 m grids for identification and tracking. The Unified Command evaluated best available technologies and determined that GPS guided environmental dredging would be the safest, most effective and efficient of the recovery options. The established cleanup endpoint was a maximum of 10% sporadic oil distribution in each grid. Two endangered mussel species were identified as potentially inhabiting the affected area. A diver survey was conducted in the area and concluded that bottom habitat was not likely to support the listed species. Further consultations with the resource manager indicated that proposed recovery operations posed low risk to the species. Recovery operations commenced on September 15, 2015 and concluded on September 25, 2015. Endpoint verification was conducted via SSS.

In total, response operations lasted 23 days (eight operational periods), involved over 120 responders and 75 specialized response assets, and cost approximately $5 million. Approximately 2,524 m3 of dredged material (liquid and solids) were removed. After decanting, approximately 1,730 m3of oiled solids representing approximately 50 to 75% of the spilled product was recovered. This case serves as a benchmark for sunken oil detection and recovery operations, and identified many best practices that should be considered on future cases with similar spill conditions.
Oil Leak Detections with a Combined Telescopic Fluorescence Sensor and a Wide Band MultiBeam Sonar
Authors: Bello Job , Eriksen Peter , Pocwiardowski Pawel
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT 2017-042:

A combined telescopic fluorescence instrument and a wide band multibeam sonar (WBMS) were developed as dual sensors for detecting underwater oil leaks and plumes. The fluorescence instrument is a forward-looking fluorescence polarization instrument with motorized telescopic focusing that can detect oil at a standoff distance. The instrument responds only to materials showing fluorescence polarization, and therefore is able to distinguish oil from other fluorescing species in water. The WBMS is as an acoustic sensor that provides 2D as well as 3D topology for mapping and water column imagery. The operational integration of the two sensors result in a more definitive identification and mapping of oil in the water column co-registered in time and space. The sonar records a 3-dimensional map of a leak, and then the fluorescence sensor is use to confirm that the leak that the sonar detected is oil. A sensing scheme to integrate the operation and overlap the field of view of the 2 instruments was developed as well as the software algorithm to automate the detection process. Evaluations of the integrated sensors were done in a test pool and in open water. Testing results shows that the combined sensors are very effective in detecting and identifying oil plume in the water column.
The role of phospholipid molecular species in determining the physical properties of yeast membranes
Authors: Renne Mike F. , de Kroon Anton I. P. M.
Published: December 2017

In most eukaryotes, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, glycerophospholipids are the main membrane lipid constituents. Besides serving as general membrane ‘building blocks’, glycerophospholipids play an important role in determining the physical properties of the membrane, which are crucial for proper membrane function. To ensure optimal physical properties, membrane glycerophospholipid composition and synthesis are tightly regulated. This review will summarize our current knowledge of factors and processes determining the membrane glycerophospholipid composition of the reference eukaryote S. cerevisiae at the level of molecular species. Extrapolating from relevant model membrane data, we also discuss how modulation of the molecular species composition can regulate membrane physical properties.
Inactivation of cardiolipin synthase triggers changes in mitochondrial morphology
Authors: Matsumura Ayaka , Higuchi Jun , Watanabe Yasunori , Kato Masahiro , Aoki Keigo , Akabane Shiori , Endo Toshiya , Oka Toshihiko
Published: December 2017

Mitochondrial tubular structures are maintained by a balance between membrane fusion and fission that is regulated by various factors, including Drp1 and mitofusin/fzo‐1. Here we report the role of cardiolipin (CL) synthase in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology. Knockdown of CL synthase induced mitochondrial elongation in nematode and human cells. Knockdown of both nematode cardiolipin synthase and drp‐1 or fzo‐1 suggested that knocking down CL synthase decreases mitochondrial division. Mass spectrometric analysis of human CL synthase‐knocked down cells revealed a decreased amount of CL and an accumulation of phosphatidylglycerol, a CL precursor. Knockdown of other genes involved in CL synthesis did not influence mitochondrial morphology. Thus, mitochondrial elongation may result from the accumulation of phosphatidylglycerol rather than decreased CL.
Influence of Vegetation Growth on the Enhanced Seasonality of Atmospheric CO2
Authors: Yuan Wenping , Piao Shilong , Qin Dahe , Dong Wenjie , Xia Jiangzhou , Lin Hui , Chen Min
Published: December 2017

The amplitude of seasonal fluctuations in concentrations of atmospheric CO2 has increased over recent decades. Model‐based studies suggest that this increase could be the result of enhanced vegetation growth during the growing season and ecosystem respiration in the nongrowing season. Here we investigated seasonal changes in vegetation growth derived from satellite‐based observations of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from 1982 to 2013. We found notable agreement between these observations and interannual variations of seasonality of global atmospheric CO2, suggesting that terrestrial vegetation growth is the dominant driver of the seasonality of the concentration of atmospheric CO2. Specifically, we found that the trend in seasonality of global vegetation growth was not continuous from 1982 to 2013 and that it increased substantially after 2001. In response, the trend of seasonality in the concentration of atmospheric CO2 stalled from 1982 to 2000 but increased from 2001 onward. This 2001 change in the growth seasonality trend was largely a result of decreased NDVI during spring and winter. CMIP5 models were unable to reproduce this observed seasonality. Our results showed the dominant role played by vegetation growth in determining atmospheric CO2 seasonality, highlighting the need to improve representation of vegetation growth in current terrestrial models to adequately indicate seasonal changes in the concentration of atmospheric CO2.
How Often Do Thermally Excited 630.0 nm Emissions Occur in the Polar Ionosphere?
Authors: Kwagala Norah Kaggwa , Oksavik Kjellmar , Lorentzen Dag A. , Johnsen Magnar G.
Published: December 2017

This paper studies thermally excited emissions in the polar ionosphere derived from European Incoherent Scatter Svalbard radar measurements from the years 2000–2015. The peak occurrence is found around magnetic noon, where the radar observations show cusp‐like characteristics. The ionospheric, interplanetary magnetic field and solar wind conditions favor dayside magnetic reconnection as the dominant driving process. The thermal emissions occur 10 times more frequently on the dayside than on the nightside, with an average intensity of 1–5 kR. For typical electron densities in the polar ionosphere (2 × 1011 m−3), we find the peak occurrence rate to occur for extreme electron temperatures (>3000 K), which is consistent with assumptions in literature. However, for extreme electron densities (>5 × 1011 m−3), we can now report on a completely new population of thermal emissions that may occur at much lower electron temperatures (∼2300 K). The empirical atmospheric model (NRLMSISE‐00) suggests that the latter population is associated with enhanced neutral atomic oxygen densities.
Modulation of Winter Precipitation Dynamics Over the Arabian Gulf by ENSO
Authors: Sandeep S. , Ajayamohan R. S.
Published: December 2017

The Arabian Gulf (Gulf) and the surrounding regions are centers of intense economic activity. The precipitating weather systems that form over the Gulf are important for this predominantly arid region. It is suggested that El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influences the Middle East precipitation variability through an equatorward shift of the subtropical jet. Here we present compelling evidence to illustrate the role of ENSO in modulating the local dynamics and moisture transport in initiating precipitation during different ENSO phases using satellite and reanalysis data. It is found that the moisture transport from the Red and Arabian Seas toward the Gulf is stronger during El Niño years. The pattern and strength of moisture transport toward the Gulf is weakened during La Niña and neutral years, with most of the transport directed toward the northern Gulf. Using a 120 h back trajectory analysis, it is found that while the air parcels coming toward the Gulf from the Arabian and Red Seas side originate at lower tropospheric levels, the air parcels from the Mediterranean originate at middle and upper tropospheric levels during El Niño years. In contrast, upper tropospheric air parcels originating over the southern Arabian Sea plays a dominant role on Gulf precipitation during La Niña and neutral years. The seasonal mean transients of zonal winds show a robust ENSO signature over the Gulf, indicating a favorable (less favorable) condition for the penetration of midlatitude eddies over the region during El Niño (La Niña) winters.
Impacts of Assimilating Vertical Velocity, Latent Heating, or Hydrometeor Water Contents Retrieved From a Single Reflectivity Data Set
Authors: Lee Yoonjin , Kummerow Christian D. , Zupanski Milija
Published: December 2017

Assimilation of observation data in cloudy regions has been challenging due to the unknown properties of clouds such as cloud depth or cloud drop size distributions (DSD). Attempts to assimilate data in cloudy regions generally assume a DSD, but most assimilation systems fail to maintain consistency between models and the observation data, as each has its own set of assumptions. This study tries to retain the consistency between the forecast model and the retrieved data by developing a Bayesian retrieval scheme that uses the forecast model itself for the a priori database. Through the retrieval algorithm, vertical profiles of three variables related to the development of tropical cyclones, including vertical velocity (VV), latent heating (LH), and hydrometeor water contents (HYDRO), are derived from the same reflectivity observation. Each retrieved variable is assimilated in the data assimilation system using a flow‐dependent forecast error covariance matrix. The simulations are compared to evaluate the respective impact of each variable in the assimilation system. In this study, three assimilation experiments were conducted for two hurricane cases captured by the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite: Hurricane Pali (2016) and Hurricane Jimena (2015). Analyses from these two hurricane cases suggest that assimilating LH and HYDRO have similar impacts on the assimilation system while VV has less of an impact than the other two variables. Using these analyses as an initial condition for the forecast model reveals that the assimilations of retrieved LH and HYDRO were able to improve the track forecast as well.
Vertical Thermospheric Density Profiles From EUV Solar Occultations Made by PROBA2 LYRA for Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Thiemann E. M. B. , Dominique M. , Pilinski M. D. , Eparvier F. G.
Published: December 2017

A new data set of summed neutral N2 and O number density profiles, spanning altitudes between 150 and 400 km, and observed during Northern Winter from 2010 to 2016 is presented. The neutral density profiles are derived from solar occultation measurements made by the 0.1–20 nm Zr channel on the Large Yield Radiometer (LYRA) instrument on board Project for Onboard Autonomy 2 (PROBA2). The climatology derived from the vertical profiles is consistent with that predicted by the NRLMSISE‐00 model, and the systematic error and random uncertainty of the measurements are less than 13% and 6%, respectively. The density profiles are used to characterize the response of thermospheric density to solar EUV irradiance variability. Peak correlation coefficients between neutral density and EUV irradiance occur near 300 km at the dusk terminator and 220 km at the dawn terminator. Density variability is higher at dawn than it is at dusk, and temperature variability increases with increasing altitude at both terminators.
The postpartum effect of maternal diabetes on the circulating levels of sirtuins and superoxide dismutase
Authors: Sultan Samar , Alzahrani Nada , Al‐Sakkaf Kalthoom
Published: December 2017

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a glucose intolerance disorder which occurs during pregnancy as a result of insulin insensitivity; it usually disappears after delivery. However, some women with GDM can develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) after delivery, and the mechanisms by which this occurs remain unknown. This study compared the levels of sirtuins (NAD‐dependent deacetylases) and antioxidative enzymes in postpartum women with previous GDM (pGDM) or T2D and in postpartum women with a previous healthy pregnancy (controls). Women with pGDM showed upregulated levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mRNA and protein, with reduced expression levels of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), relative to the controls. Women with T2D similarly showed a lower level of SIRT3 mRNA than the controls. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) was higher in women with pGDM than in the controls. These data show that in women with pGDM, the reduced level of SIRT3 may play a role in the reduced SOD2 level, possibly leading to oxidative stress, which, in turn, upregulates the level of SIRT1. These results might confer the risk of future diabetes development in women with pGDM, as a similar reduction in SIRT3 was found in women with T2D.
Formation of Cu Nanodots on Diamond Surface to Improve Heat Transfer in Cu/D Composites
Authors: Guillemet Thomas , Heintz Jean‐Marc , Mortaigne Bruno , Lu Yongfeng , Silvain Jean‐François
Published: December 2017

Diamond‐dispersed copper matrix (Cu/D) composite materials with different interfacial configurations are fabricated through powder metallurgy and their thermal performances are evaluated. An innovative solution to chemically bond copper (Cu) to diamond (D) has been investigated and compared to the traditional Cu/D bonding process involving carbide‐forming additives such as boron (B) or chromium (Cr). The proposed solution consists of coating diamond reinforcements with Cu particles through a gas–solid nucleation and growth process. The Cu particle‐coating acts as a chemical bonding agent at the Cu–D interface during hot pressing, leading to cohesive and thermally conductive Cu/D composites with no carbide‐forming additives. Investigation of the microstructure of the Cu/D materials through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy analyses is coupled with thermal performance evaluations through thermal diffusivity, dilatometry, and thermal cycling. Cu/D composites fabricated with 40 vol% of Cu‐coated diamonds exhibit a thermal conductivity of 475 W m−1 K−1 and a thermal expansion coefficient of 12 × 10−6 °C−1. These promising thermal performances are superior to that of B‐carbide‐bonded Cu/D composites and similar to that of Cr‐carbide‐bonded Cu/D composites fabricated in this study. Moreover, the Cu/D composites fabricated with Cu‐coated diamonds exhibit higher thermal cycling resistance than carbide‐bonded materials, which are affected by the brittleness of the carbide interphase upon repeated heating and cooling cycles. The as‐developed materials can be applicable as heat spreaders for thermal management of power electronic packages. The copper‐carbon chemical bonding solution proposed in this article may also be found interesting to other areas of electronic packaging, such as brazing solders, direct bonded copper substrates, and polymer coatings.
Highly Efficient Rapid Annealing of Thin Polar Polymer Film Ferroelectric Devices at Sub‐Glass Transition Temperature
Authors: Georgiou Vasileia , Veksler Dmitry , Ryan Jason T. , Campbell Jason P. , Shrestha Pragya R. , Ioannou Dimitris E. , Cheung Kin P.
Published: December 2017

An unexpected rapid anneal of electrically active defects in an ultrathin (15.5 nm) polar polyimide film at and below glass transition temperature (Tg) is reported. The polar polymer is the gate dielectric of a thin‐film‐transistor. Gate leakage current density (Jg) through the polymer initially increases with temperature, as expected, but decreases rapidly at Tg − 60 °C. After ≈2 min at Tg, the leakage is reduced by nearly three orders of magnitude. A concomitant observation is that the drain current (Id)–gate voltage (Vg) hysteresis decreases with temperature, reaching zero at nearly the same temperature at which Jg collapses. As Jg drops further, the drain current hysteresis increases again but in the opposite direction. This combination strongly supports the interpretation of rapid defect annealing.
Rare Earth Ion‐Doped CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals
Authors: Hu Qingsong , Li Zha , Tan Zhifang , Song Huaibing , Ge Cong , Niu Guangda , Han Jiantao , Tang Jiang
Published: December 2017

Rare earth ions Eu3+ and Tb3+ are doped into CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) for the first time, utilizing a one‐pot ultrasonication method. As‐synthesized NCs exhibit dual emissions from NCs and rare earth ions, further strengthening the competitiveness of perovskite NCs for lighting application.
Efficient Synthesis of Amines by Iron‐Catalyzed C=N Transfer Hydrogenation and C=O Reductive Amination
Authors: Facchini Sofia Vailati , Cettolin Mattia , Bai Xishan , Casamassima Giuseppe , Pignataro Luca , Gennari Cesare , Piarulli Umberto
Published: December 2017

Here we report the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of non‐activated imines promoted by a Fe‐catalyst in the absence of Lewis acid co‐catalysts. Use of the (cyclopentadienone)iron complex 1, which is much more active than the classical ‘Knölker complex’ 2, allowed to reduce a number of N‐aryl and N‐alkyl imines in very good yields using iPrOH as hydrogen source. The reaction proceeds with relatively low catalyst loading (0.5–2 mol%) and, remarkably, its scope includes also ketimines, whose reduction with a Fe‐complex as the only catalyst has little precedents. Based on this methodology, we developed a one‐pot CTH protocol for the reductive amination of aldehydes/ketones, which provides access to secondary amines in high yield without the need to isolate imine intermediates.

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Development of Nanostructured Water Treatment Membranes Based on Thermotropic Liquid Crystals: Molecular Design of Sub‐Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Sakamoto Takeshi , Ogawa Takafumi , Nada Hiroki , Nakatsuji Koji , Mitani Masato , Soberats Bartolome , Kawata Ken , Yoshio Masafumi , Tomioka Hiroki , Sasaki Takao , Kimura Masahiro , Henmi Masahiro , Kato Takashi
Published: December 2017

Supply of safe fresh water is currently one of the most important global issues. Membranes technologies are essential to treat water efficiently with low costs and energy consumption. Here, the development of self‐organized nanostructured water treatment membranes based on ionic liquid crystals composed of ammonium, imidazolium, and pyridinium moieties is reported. Membranes with preserved 1D or 3D self‐organized sub‐nanopores are obtained by photopolymerization of ionic columnar or bicontinuous cubic liquid crystals. These membranes show salt rejection ability, ion selectivity, and excellent water permeability. The relationships between the structures and the transport properties of water molecules and ionic solutes in the sub‐nanopores in the membranes are examined by molecular dynamics simulations. The results suggest that the volume of vacant space in the nanochannel greatly affects the water and ion permeability.
Intrinsically High Thermoelectric Performance in AgInSe2 n‐Type Diamond‐Like Compounds
Authors: Qiu Pengfei , Qin Yuting , Zhang Qihao , Li Ruoxi , Yang Jiong , Song Qingfeng , Tang Yunshan , Bai Shengqiang , Shi Xun , Chen Lidong
Published: December 2017

Diamond‐like compounds are a promising class of thermoelectric materials, very suitable for real applications. However, almost all high‐performance diamond‐like thermoelectric materials are p‐type semiconductors. The lack of high‐performance n‐type diamond‐like thermoelectric materials greatly restricts the fabrication of diamond‐like material‐based modules and their real applications. In this work, it is revealed that n‐type AgInSe2 diamond‐like compound has intrinsically high thermoelectric performance with a figure of merit (zT) of 1.1 at 900 K, comparable to the best p‐type diamond‐like thermoelectric materials reported before. Such high zT is mainly due to the ultralow lattice thermal conductivity, which is fundamentally limited by the low‐frequency Ag‐Se “cluster vibrations,” as confirmed by ab initio lattice dynamic calculations. Doping Cd at Ag sites significantly improves the thermoelectric performance in the low and medium temperature ranges. By using such high‐performance n‐type AgInSe2‐based compounds, the diamond‐like thermoelectric module has been fabricated for the first time. An output power of 0.06 W under a temperature difference of 520 K between the two ends of the module is obtained. This work opens a new window for the applications using the diamond‐like thermoelectric materials.
A Low‐Temperature Thin‐Film Encapsulation for Enhanced Stability of a Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Lee Young Il , Jeon Nam Joong , Kim Bong Jun , Shim Hyunjeong , Yang Tae‐Youl , Seok Sang Il , Seo Jangwon , Im Sung Gap
Published: December 2017

The stability of a perovskite solar cell (PSC) is enhanced significantly by applying a customized thin‐film encapsulation (TFE). The TFE is composed of a multilayer stack of organic/inorganic layers deposited by initiated chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition, respectively, whose water vapor transmission rate is on the order of 10−4 g m−2 d−1 at an accelerated condition of 38 °C and 90% relative humidity (RH). The TFE is optimized, taking into consideration various aspects of thermosensitive PSCs. Lowering the process temperature is one of the most effective methods for minimizing the thermal damage to the PSC during the monolithic integration of the TFE onto PSC. The direct deposition of TFE onto a PSC causes less than 0.3% degradation (from 18.5% to 18.2%) in the power conversion efficiency, while the long‐term stability is substantially improved; the PSC retains 97% of its original efficiency after a 300 h exposure to an accelerated condition of 50 °C and 50% RH, confirming the enhanced stability of the PSC against moisture. This is the first demonstration of a TFE applied directly onto PSCs in a damage‐free manner, which will be a powerful tool for the development of highly stable PSCs with high efficiency.
In Situ EXAFS‐Derived Mechanism of Highly Reversible Tin Phosphide/Graphite Composite Anode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ding Yujia , Li Zhe‐Fei , Timofeeva Elena V. , Segre Carlo U.
Published: December 2017

A novel Sn4P3/graphite composite anode material with superior capacity and cycling performance (651 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles) is investigated by in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure modeling and detailed analysis of local environment changes are correlated to the cell capacity and reveal the mechanism of lithiation/delithiation process. Results show that in the first two lithiation/delithiation cycles crystalline Sn4P3 is fully converted to an amorphous SnPx phase, which in further cycles participates in reversible conversion and alloying reactions. The superior reversibility of this material is attributed to the highly dispersed SnPx in the graphite matrix, which provides enhanced electrical conductivity and prevents aggregation of Sn clusters during the lithiation/delithiation process. The gradual capacity fading in long‐term cycling is attributed to the observed increase in the size and the amount of metallic Sn clusters in the delithiated state, correlated to the reduced recovery of the SnPx phase. This paper reveals the mechanism responsible for the highly reversible tin phosphides and provides insights for improving the capacity and cycle life of conversion and alloying materials.
Engineering Catalytic Active Sites on Cobalt Oxide Surface for Enhanced Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Han Xiaopeng , He Guowei , He Yu , Zhang Jinfeng , Zheng Xuerong , Li Lanlan , Zhong Cheng , Hu Wenbin , Deng Yida , Ma Tian‐Yi
Published: December 2017

Tuning the catalytic active sites plays a crucial role in developing low cost and highly durable oxygen electrode catalysts with precious metal‐competitive activity. In an attempt to engineer the active sites in Co3O4 spinel for oxygen electrocatalysis in alkaline electrolyte, herein, controllable synthesis of surface‐tailored Co3O4 nanocrystals including nanocube (NC), nanotruncated octahedron (NTO), and nanopolyhedron (NP) anchored on nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (N‐rGO), through a facile and template‐free hydrothermal strategy, is provided. The as‐synthesized Co3O4 NC, NTO, and NP nanostructures are predominantly enclosed by {001}, {001} + {111}, and {112} crystal planes, which expose different surface atomic configurations of Co2+ and Co3+ active sites. Electrochemical results indicate that the unusual {112} plane enclosed Co3O4 NP on rGO with abundant Co3+ sites exhibit superior bifunctional activity for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, as well as enhanced metal–air battery performance in comparison with other counterparts. Experimental and theoretical simulation studies demonstrate that the surface atomic arrangement of Co2+/Co3+ active sites, especially the existence of octahedrally coordinated Co3+ sites, optimizes the adsorption, activation, and desorption features of oxygen species. This work paves the way to obtain highly active, durable, and cost‐effective electrocatalysts for practical clean energy devices through regulating the surface atomic configuration and catalytic active sites.
Oriented Grains with Preferred Low‐Angle Grain Boundaries in Halide Perovskite Films by Pressure‐Induced Crystallization
Authors: Kim Wanjung , Jung Myung Sun , Lee Seonhee , Choi Yung Ji , Kim Jung Kyu , Chai Sung Uk , Kim Wook , Choi Dae‐Geun , Ahn Hyungju , Cho Jeong Ho , Choi Dukhyun , Shin Hyunjung , Kim Dongho , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: December 2017

A general methodology is reported to create organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskite films with enlarged and preferred‐orientation grains. Simply pressing polyurethane stamps with hexagonal nanodot arrays on partially dried perovskite intermediate films can cause pressure‐induced perovskite crystallization. This pressure‐induced crystallization allows to prepare highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) because the preferred‐orientation and enlarged grains with low‐angle grain boundaries in the perovskite films exhibit suppressed nonradiative recombination. Consequently, the photovoltaic response is dramatically improved by the uniaxial compression in both inverted‐planar PSCs and normal PSCs, leading to power conversion efficiencies of 19.16%.
Spontaneous Growth of 3D Framework Carbon from Sodium Citrate for High Energy‐ and Power‐Density and Long‐Life Sodium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Yang Bingjun , Chen Jiangtao , Lei Shulai , Guo Ruisheng , Li Hongxia , Shi Siqi , Yan Xingbin
Published: December 2017

Carbon sheets with 3D architectures, large graphitic interlayer spacing, and high electrical conductivity are highly expected to be an ideal anode material for sodium‐ion hybrid capacitors (SIHCs). Pursuing a simple synthesis methodology and advancing it from the laboratory to industry is of great importance. In this study, a new approach is presented to prepare 3D framework carbon (3DFC) with the above integrated advantages by a direct calcination of sodium citrate without aid of any additional carbon source, template, or catalyst. The first‐principle calculations verify that the large interlayer spacing and the curvature structure of 3DFC facilitate the sodium ion insertion/extraction. As a consequence, the optimal 3DFC sample exhibits high reversible capacity as well as excellent rate and cycling performance. On this basis, a dual‐carbon SIHC is fabricated by employing 3DFC as battery‐type anode and 3DFC‐derived nanoporous carbon as capacitor‐type cathode. It is able to deliver high energy‐ and power‐density feature as well as outstanding long‐term cycling stability in the potential range of 0–4.0 V. This study may open an avenue for developing high‐performance carbon electrode materials and pushes the practical applications of SIHCs a decisive step forward.
Graphene Layers‐Wrapped Fe/Fe5C2 Nanoparticles Supported on N‐doped Graphene Nanosheets for Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Hu Enlai , Yu Xin‐Yao , Chen Fang , Wu Yadan , Hu Yong , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: December 2017

Synthesis of highly efficient nonprecious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) superior to platinum (Pt) is still a big challenge. Herein, a new highly active ORR electrocatalyst is reported based on graphene layers‐wrapped Fe/Fe5C2 nanoparticles supported on N‐doped graphene nanosheets (GL‐Fe/Fe5C2/NG) through simply annealing a mixture of bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and ferrocene. An interesting exfoliation–denitrogen mechanism underlying the conversion of bulk g‐C3N4 into N‐doped graphene nanosheets is revealed. Owing to the high graphitic degree, optimum N‐doping level and sufficient active sites from the graphene layers‐wrapped Fe/Fe5C2 nanoparticles, the as‐prepared GL‐Fe/Fe5C2/NG electrocatalyst obtained at 800 °C exhibits outstanding ORR activity with a 20 mV more positive half‐wave potential than the commercial Pt/C catalyst in 0.1 m KOH solution and a comparable onset potential of 0.98 V. This makes GL‐Fe/Fe5C2/NG an outstanding electrocatalyst for ORR in alkaline solution.
Patient perspectives on the use of categories of conditions for decision making about genomic carrier screening results
Authors: Kraft Stephanie A. , McMullen Carmit K. , Porter Kathryn M. , Kauffman Tia L. , Davis James V. , Schneider Jennifer L. , Goddard Katrina A. B. , Wilfond Benjamin S.
Published: December 2017

As expanded genome‐scale carrier screening becomes increasingly prevalent, patients will face decisions about whether to receive results about a vast number of genetic conditions. Understanding patient preferences is important to meaningfully demonstrate the ethical goal of respect and support patient autonomy. We explore one possible way to elicit preferences by sorting conditions into categories, which may support patient decision making, but the extent to which categories are helpful is unknown. In the context of a randomized trial of genome sequencing for preconception carrier screening compared to usual care (single disease carrier testing), we interviewed 41 participants who had genome sequencing about their experience using a taxonomy of conditions to select categories of results to receive. We then conducted interviews with an additional 10 participants who were not randomized to genome sequencing, asking them about the taxonomy, their reasons for selecting categories, and alternative ways of presenting information about potential results to receive. Participants in both groups found the categories helpful and valued having a meaningful opportunity to choose which results to receive, regardless of whether they opted to receive all or only certain categories of results. Additionally, participants who received usual care highlighted preparedness as a primary motivation for receiving results, and they indicated that being presented with possible reasons for receiving or declining results for each category could be helpful. Our findings can be used to develop approaches, including the use of categories, to support patient choices in expanded carrier screening. Further research should evaluate and optimize these approaches.
Graphene‐Based Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells: Advancements, Fundamental Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Petridis Konstantinos , Kakavelakis George , Stylianakis Minas M. , Kymakis Emmanuel
Published: December 2017

Metal halide based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered among the most promising photovoltaic technologies, and already present certified efficiencies that surpass 22 %. The high performance and low fabrication cost make this technology competitive with that of state‐of‐the‐art thin‐film photovoltaics. However, PSCs present some striking disadvantages that hinder their commercialization, including short operational lifetimes, high toxicity, and hysteresis effects, which lower both the performance and long‐term stability of the devices. Herein, work conducted within the last two years is summarized with regard to addressing the challenges of low‐temperature‐processed planar inverted PSCs composed of graphene‐based materials. In addition, critical challenges and the prospects of this field are discussed and some prospects for future research directions are proposed.
Child and family characteristics moderate agreement between caregiver and clinician report of autism symptoms
Authors: Neuhaus Emily , Beauchaine Theodore P. , Bernier Raphael A. , Webb Sara J.
Published: December 2017

Rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and age at first diagnosis vary considerably across the United States and are moderated by children's sex, race, ethnicity, and availability of services. We additionally suggest that degree of caregiver–clinician agreement on ASD symptoms may play a role in ASD assessment. Since gold standard ASD assessment integrates caregiver‐reported developmental history with clinician observations, differential agreement between reporters across demographic groups may contribute to a host of detrimental outcomes. Here, we investigate whether caregiver–clinician agreement on ASD symptoms varies according to child and family characteristics. Comprehensive data from 2,759 families in the Simons Simplex Collection were analyzed. Linear models were created with caregiver reports predicting clinician reports, and moderating effects of child characteristics and family factors were examined. Poorer reporter correspondence was observed when children had higher IQ scores, stronger adaptive behavior, and more behavioral difficulties. Greater disagreement was also associated with African American racial status (for younger children), lower household income, and paternal social difficulties (for older children). Children's biological sex did not moderate caregiver–clinician agreement. Marked disagreement between caregivers and clinicians could lead to suboptimal or insufficient intervention services and negative experiences for families throughout development. Such families may also be less likely to qualify for research studies, and therefore be underrepresented in the ASD literature. Modified assessment procedures may be required to improve assessment accuracy and family experiences. Autism Res 2018, 11: 476–487. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Evaluation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) incorporates both caregiver and clinician perspectives of symptoms, and disagreement between these perspectives could lead to poorer outcomes for families. Using data from 2,759 families, we show that caregiver–clinician agreement on ASD symptoms is poorer for children with higher cognitive and adaptive skills, more behavioral difficulties, lower household income, and African American racial status. These children may be at higher risk for misdiagnosis, poorer family experiences during evaluations, and poorer representation in ASD research.
Longitudinal development of thalamic and internal capsule microstructure in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: McLaughlin Kristine , Travers Brittany G. , Dadalko Olga I. , Dean Douglas C. , Tromp Do , Adluru Nagesh , Destiche Daniel , Freeman Abigail , Prigge Molly D. , Froehlich Alyson , Duffield Tyler C. , Zielinski Brandon A. , Bigler Erin D. , Lange Nicholas , Anderson Jeff S. , Alexander Andrew L. , Lainhart Janet E.
Published: December 2017

The thalamus is a key sensorimotor relay area that is implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is unknown how the thalamus and white‐matter structures that contain thalamo‐cortical fiber connections (e.g., the internal capsule) develop from childhood into adulthood and whether this microstructure relates to basic motor challenges in ASD. We used diffusion weighted imaging in a cohort‐sequential design to assess longitudinal development of the thalamus, and posterior‐ and anterior‐limbs of the internal capsule (PLIC and ALIC, respectively) in 89 males with ASD and 56 males with typical development (3–41 years; all verbal). Our results showed that the group with ASD exhibited different developmental trajectories of microstructure in all regions, demonstrating childhood group differences that appeared to approach and, in some cases, surpass the typically developing group in adolescence and adulthood. The PLIC (but not ALIC nor thalamus) mediated the relation between age and finger‐tapping speed in both groups. Yet, the gap in finger‐tapping speed appeared to widen at the same time that the between‐group gap in the PLIC appeared to narrow. Overall, these results suggest that childhood group differences in microstructure of the thalamus and PLIC become less robust in adolescence and adulthood. Further, finger‐tapping speed appears to be mediated by the PLIC in both groups, but group differences in motor speed that widen during adolescence and adulthood suggest that factors beyond the microstructure of the thalamus and internal capsule may contribute to atypical motor profiles in ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 450–462. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Microstructure of the thalamus, a key sensory and motor brain area, appears to develop differently in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microstructure is important because it informs us of the density and organization of different brain tissues. During childhood, thalamic microstructure was distinct in the ASD group compared to the typically developing group. However, these group differences appeared to narrow with age, suggesting that the thalamus continues to dynamically change in ASD into adulthood.
Der Löwenhof in Dortmund – experimentelle Statik zum Erhalt historischer Eisenbetondecken
Authors: Gutermann Marc , Gersiek Martin , Löschmann Friedhelm , Patrias Marcus
Published: December 2017

Der Löwenhof ist eines der wenigen erhaltenen historischen, nicht sakralen Bauwerke innerhalb des Dortmunder Wallrings. Im Vorfeld einer brandschutztechnischen Ertüchtigung wurde die Deckenkonstruktion stellenweise freigelegt. Der schlechte Zustand des Tragwerks führte zu einer Nachrechnung, die Mängel in der Aufstellungsstatik, der Konstruktion und der Bauausführung offenbarte. Das Gebäude, durch die Volkshochschule Dortmund zuletzt als Veranstaltungsstätte genutzt, wurde für den Publikumsverkehr gesperrt. Dieser Artikel beschreibt den Weg der Planungsgruppe, der über Bauwerksdiagnostik, Tragwerksplanung und experimentelle Methoden letztendlich zum Erhalt des Bauwerks führte.
Uniform magnetic targeting of magnetic particles attracted by a new ferromagnetic biological patch
Authors: Pei Ning , Cai Lanlan , Yang Kai , Ma Jiaqi , Gong Yongyong , Wang Qixin , Huang Zheyong
Published: December 2017

A new non‐toxic ferromagnetic biological patch (MBP) was designed in this paper. The MBP consisted of two external layers that were made of transparent silicone, and an internal layer that was made of a mixture of pure iron powder and silicon rubber. Finite‐element analysis showed that the local inhomogeneous magnetic field (MF) around the MBP was generated when MBP was placed in a uniform MF. The local MF near the MBP varied with the uniform MF and shape of the MBP. Therefore, not only could the accumulation of paramagnetic particles be adjusted by controlling the strength of the uniform MF, but also the distribution of the paramagnetic particles could be improved with the different shape of the MBP. The relationship of the accumulation of paramagnetic particles or cells, magnetic flux density, and fluid velocity were studied through in vitro experiments and theoretical considerations. The accumulation of paramagnetic particles first increased with increment in the magnetic flux density of the uniform MF. But when the magnetic flux density of the uniform MF exceeded a specific value, the magnetic flux density of the MBP reached saturation, causing the accumulation of paramagnetic particles to fall. In addition, the adsorption morphology of magnetic particles or cells could be improved and the uniform distribution of magnetic particles could be achieved by changing the shape of the MBP. Also, MBP may be used as a new implant to attract magnetic drug carrier particles in magnetic drug targeting. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:98–107, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epigenetic and Transcriptional Variability Shape Phenotypic Plasticity
Authors: Ecker Simone , Pancaldi Vera , Valencia Alfonso , Beck Stephan , Paul Dirk S.
Published: December 2017

Epigenetic and transcriptional variability contribute to the vast diversity of cellular and organismal phenotypes and are key in human health and disease. In this review, we describe different types, sources, and determinants of epigenetic and transcriptional variability, enabling cells and organisms to adapt and evolve to a changing environment. We highlight the latest research and hypotheses on how chromatin structure and the epigenome influence gene expression variability. Further, we provide an overview of challenges in the analysis of biological variability. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic and transcriptional variability, at both the intra‐ and inter‐individual level, provides great opportunity for disease prevention, better therapeutic approaches, and personalized medicine.
Solution‐based Sulfur‐Polymer Coating on Nanofibrillar Films for Immobilization of Aqueous Mercury Ions
Authors: Lee Jaehyuk , Lee Seyeong , Kim Jihee , Hanif Zahid , Han Seunghee , Hong Sukwon , Yoon Myung‐Han
Published: December 2017

Herein, we report the solution‐based method for coating sulfur polymers on various substrate materials. First, sulfur polymers were synthesized by reacting elemental sulfur and 1,3‐diisopropenylbenzene and dissolved in various organic solvents to search for solvents with good solubility. Next, the trend in film thickness of sulfur‐polymer coating was systematically examined using the sulfur‐polymer solutions in dichlorobenzene (DCB) and various materials with different surface energy. The nanofibrillar film made of the poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid) (PVA‐PAA) blend exhibited the most uniform/conformal deposition of sulfur polymer via dipping‐coating, indicating that the DCB solution is most suitable for the well‐controlled deposition of sulfur polymer on nanostructured materials with higher surface energy than 40 mN/m. Finally, the resultant sulfur polymer‐coated nanofibrillar film showed high mercury ion uptake capacity (26 mg/g with 50 ppm Hg solution) even with a small amount of sulfur‐based adsorbent (20 mg) loading on the film (40 mg). Our study suggests that the sulfur polymer solution can introduce the crucial properties of elemental sulfur on the surface of any conventional materials even with mechanical flexibility and nano/microscale structural complexity.