bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome-based interpretation of early interim PET in advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Kobe Carsten , Goergen Helen , Baues Christian , Kuhnert Georg , Voltin Conrad-Amadeus , Zijlstra Josée , Hoekstra Otto , Mettler Jasmin , Drzezga Alexander , Engert Andreas , Borchmann Peter , Dietlein Markus
Published: August 2018

Key Points

DS4 is recommended as the cutoff value for PET-2 positivity after 2 cycles eBEACOPP for advanced-stage HL.
Self‐reported social and activity restrictions accompany local impairments in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: a systematic review
Authors: Ross Megan H. , Smith Michelle , Plinsinga Melanie L. , Vicenzino Bill
Published: August 2018

Background

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a painful, progressive tendinopathy that reportedly predominates in middle‐age, overweight women. There is no evidence based guidelines that clinicians can use to guide treatment planning, which leaves clinicians to make decisions on the basis of presenting clinical impairments and self‐reported pain and disability. The purpose of this systematic review was to quantify clinical impairments, pain and disability in individuals with PTTD compared with controls.

Methods

Five databases were searched for terms referring to the posterior tibial tendon and flatfoot up to and including 11 March 2018. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD: 42016046951). Studies were eligible if they were published in the English language and contained data on clinical impairments, pain or disability compared between participants diagnosed with PTTD and pain‐free individuals. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) were calculated where possible and meta‐analysis was performed when homogeneity of outcomes allowed.

Results

Ten eligible studies were identified and pooled in the meta‐analyses. Strong effects were revealed for poor heel rise endurance (SMD ‐1.52, 95% CI ‐2.05 to − 0.99), less forefoot adduction‐inversion strength (SMD ‐1.19, 95% CI ‐1.68 to − 0.71) and lower arch height (SMD ‐1.76, 95% CI ‐2.29 to − 1.23). Compared to controls, individuals with PTTD also had more self‐reported stiffness (SMD 1.45, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.99), difficulties caused by foot problems (SMD 1.42, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.33) and social restrictions (SMD1.26, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.27).

Conclusion

There is evidence of impaired tibialis posterior capacity and lowered arch height in individuals with PTTD compared to controls. Further to addressing the expected impairments in local tendon function and foot posture, pain, stiffness, functional limitations and social participation restrictions should be considered when managing PTTD.
Indoor mould testing in a historic building: Blickling Hall
Authors: Aktas Yasemin Didem , Shi Jiaqi , Blades Nigel , D’Ayala Dina
Published: August 2018

Indoor mould growth is a growing concern for all stakeholders of built environment, including residents, builders, insurance and building remediation industry as well as custodians of heritage buildings. The National Trust has reported this problem in a number of buildings under their ownership, and developed solutions and fine-tuned their maintenance programme so as to minimise indoor and surface mould growth risk. This paper reports findings from an extensive mould-testing scheme in Blickling Hall, a National Trust property in Norfolk, England, for an appraisal of airborne and surface mould levels within a total of eight rooms, including the famous Long Gallery. The testing protocol used combines active (aggressive) air sampling and surface sampling, analysis of the β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) activity to quantify mould levels and particle counting. The results show that the airborne mould levels are quite low in all spaces, due to satisfactory maintenance of indoor hygrothermal conditions by conservation heating. On the other hand, while the National Trust’s developed solutions and maintenance programme have proved effective to avoid surface mould growth in those locations that historically suffered from microbial activity (such as behind book presses, picture frames and tapestries), the results show that the surface cleaning around windows should be improved to tackle surface water due to condensation, which is considered to be the main driver behind high surface NAHA activity obtained in these areas.
Subjective memory complaints after electroconvulsive therapy: systematic review
Authors: Vann Jones Simon , McCollum Rick
Published: August 2018

Aims and method

Few studies have looked at subjective memory impairment from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) after treatment completion. We aimed to systematically review all available evidence for subjective post-treatment effects.

Results

We included 16 studies in this review. There was considerable between-study heterogeneity in clinical population, ECT modality and assessment scales used. The most common assessment scale (eight studies) was the Squire Subjective Memory Questionnaire. The majority of studies reported an improvement in subjective memory after ECT, which correlated with improved depression scores. Subjective complaints were fewer in studies that used ultra-brief pulse ECT. Longer pulse widths were associated with more subjective complaints, as was female gender and younger age of treatment in the largest study.

Clinical implications

There is considerable heterogeneity between studies, limiting meaningful conclusions. Ultra-brief pulse ECT appears to result in fewer subjective complaints.

Declaration of interest

None.
Predicting Emergency Visits and Hospital Admissions During Radiation and Chemoradiation: An Internally Validated Pretreatment Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Hong Julian C. , Niedzwiecki Donna , Palta Manisha , Tenenbaum Jessica D.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) may require emergency department evaluation or hospitalization. Early identification may direct preventative supportive care, improving outcomes and reducing health care costs. We developed and evaluated a machine learning (ML) approach to predict these events.

Methods

A total of 8,134 outpatient courses of RT and CRT from a single institution from 2013 to 2016 were identified. Extensive pretreatment data were programmatically extracted and processed from the electronic health record (EHR). Training and internal validation cohorts were randomly generated (3:1 ratio). Gradient tree boosting (GTB), random forest, support vector machine, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression approaches were trained and internally validated based on area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. The most predictive ML approach was also evaluated using only disease- and treatment-related factors to assess predictive gain of extensive EHR data.

Results

All methods had high predictive accuracy, particularly GTB (validation AUROC, 0.798). Extensive EHR data beyond disease and treatment information improved accuracy (delta AUROC, 0.056). A Youden-based cutoff corresponded to validation sensitivity of 81.0% (175 of 216 courses with events) and specificity of 67.3% (1,218 of 1811 courses without events). Interpretability is an important advantage of GTB. Variable importance identified top predictive factors, including treatment (planned RT and systemic therapy), pretreatment encounters (emergency department visits and admissions in the year before treatment), vital signs (weight loss and pain score in the year before treatment), and laboratory values (albumin level at weeks before treatment).

Conclusion

ML predicts emergency visits and hospitalization during cancer therapy. Incorporating predictions into clinical care algorithms may help direct personalized supportive care, improve quality of care, and reduce costs. A prospective trial investigating ML-assisted direction of increased clinical assessments during RT is planned.
Properties of temporary adhesion systems of marine and freshwater organisms
Authors: Lengerer Birgit , Ladurner Peter
Published: August 2018

Underwater adhesive secretions are a promising source of inspiration for biomedical and industrial applications. Although marine permanent adhesives have been extensively investigated, reversible adhesion, e.g. as used for locomotion and feeding, is still poorly understood. Here, we summarise the current knowledge on secretion-based, temporary adhesive systems in aquatic environments, with a special emphasis on the morphology and structure of adhesive organs and adhesive material. Many animals employing temporary adhesion to the substratum rely on so-called duo-gland adhesive organs, consisting of two secretory gland cells and one supportive cell. We give a detailed depiction of a basic duo-gland adhesive organ and variations thereof. Additionally, we discuss temporary adhesive systems with an alternative building plan. Next, the topography of secreted adhesive footprints is described based on examples. The limited data on the composition of temporary adhesives are summarised, separating known protein components and carbohydrate residues. There are still large gaps in our understanding of temporary adhesion. We discuss three proposed models for detachment, although the actual mechanism of voluntary detachment is still a matter for debate.
Untangling the generic boundaries in tribe Marrubieae (Lamiaceae: Lamioideae) using nuclear and plastid DNA sequences
Authors: Siadati Soudeh , Salmaki Yasaman , Saeidi Mehrvarz Shahryar , Heubl Günther , Weigend Maximilian
Published: August 2018

Tribe Marrubieae (Lamiaceae: Lamioideae) comprises about 91 species classified in four genera distributed from Europe to West and Central Asia and North Africa. Here, we present a phylogenetic analysis of cpDNA (rpl32–trnL, rps16, trnL intron, trnL–trnF spacer) and nuclear ribosomal (ITS) sequence data of 68 accessions representing all genera and most sections of Marrubieae. Our taxon sampling covers is dense for the genera Ballota and Marrubium, including a total of 60 of 85 currently recognized taxa (species and subspecies). Parsimony and Bayesian analyses of individual nrITS and cpDNA markers, as well as the combined plastid dataset, produced largely congruent trees. Our results confirm the monophyly of tribe Marrubieae. All analyses retrieved four well supported clades in the tribe. The phylogenetic position of the genera Acanthoprasium and Moluccella is consistent with previous studies and both are recovered as monophyletic. The most important result of the present study is the splitting of the genus Ballota, in its traditional concept, into two well–supported clades matching well with the genera Ballota and Pseudodictamnus. Moreover, Marrubium, in its current circumscription, is paraphyletic, but will become monophyletic by transferring Ballota deserti to this genus. In conclusion, we propose the recognition of five genera in tribe Marrubieae: Acanthoprasium, Ballota, Moluccella, Marrubium and the resurrected segregate Pseudodictamnus. The required new combinations are proposed.
The Local Time Method for Targeting and Selection
Authors: Ryzhov Ilya O.
Published: August 2018

We propose a framework for targeting and selection (T&S), a new problem class in simulation optimization where the objective is to select a simulation alternative whose mean performance matches a prespecified target as closely as possible. T&S resembles the more well-known problem of ranking and selection but presents unexpected challenges: for example, a one-step look-ahead method may produce statistically inconsistent estimates of the values, even under very standard normality assumptions. We create a new and fundamentally different approach, based on a Brownian local time model, that exhibits characteristics of two widely studied methodologies, namely expected value of information and optimal computing budget allocation. We characterize the asymptotic sampling rates of this method and relate them to the convergence rates of metrics of interest. The local time method outperforms benchmarks in experiments, including problems where the modeling assumptions of T&S are violated.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2018.1731 .
A warm reception
Authors: Wells Sheila
Published: August 2018

Staff training is important not only for the practice team but for patients, too. Trained staff are confident staff and, therefore, able to handle difficult situations. Sheila Wells explains
Take the plunge! Stepping into practice management
Authors: Bridges Glenys
Published: August 2018

Throughout the UK, the structure and complexity of dental practice management is changing rapidly. Glenys Bridges considers these changes for dental nurses looking for a new career path
From dental nurse to dentist
Authors: Jelley Jaye
Published: August 2018

How practice owner Jaye Jelley drew on her numerous roles in dentistry to create the perfect setting
She's football crazy
Authors: Wright Stacy
Published: August 2018

Stacy Wright is a 31-year-old Manchester City fan and dental nurse who is treatment coordinator and patient care advisor at two cosmetic dental practices in Manchester
An overview of the digestive system
Authors: Male Emma
Published: August 2018

Emma Male explores the function and components of the digestive system
We've explored… building
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: August 2018

The children at one setting got stuck in planning and then building an outdoor play house, hears Annette Rawstrone
From me to you
Authors: Cox Sarah
Published: August 2018

What is resilience and how should it be put into practice in the early years? Sarah Cox explains her research on the subject
Microwave Assisted Phytosynthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Iron Oxide Quantum Dots using Moringa oleifera
Authors: Reddy G. Deepthi , Noorjahan M. , Mangatayaru K.Girija , Krishnakanth M.
Published: August 2018

Magnetic Iron Oxide Quantum Dots (MIOQDs) were synthesized using Moringa oleifera leaves through green technique i.e., Microwave treatment. The synthetic method is highly rapid, simple and economical. MIOQDs were formed by reduction of ferric chloride (FeCl3) solution with Moringa oleifera leaf extract without any influence of alkaline conditions which opens a new arena for the phytosynthesis of nanoparticles. MIOQDs structural characteristics were scrutinized by Powder X-ray diffraction method, FESEM, TEM, UV –Visible Spectroscopy, Photoluminescence Emission Spectroscopy. The ultraviolet-visible spectrum recorded for the aqueous media iron nanoparticles showed an absorption peak at around 330 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction showed that the particles are crystalline in nature, with both hematite and maghemite structure.
Applications of Computer-aided Approaches to Determine Urease Inhibitory Activities of Flavonoids Analogous
Authors: Gupta Sheetal , V. Bajaj Amrital , Sohani Neena
Published: August 2018

The objective of this study was to determine potency of newly synthesized flavonoids ligands against urease enzyme, which take place through strong bond formation between ligands and amino acid of the active site of urease and both metal ions [Ni (II)]. In order to correctly valuate ligands, molecular dynamic simulation was used. Simulation studies revealed scientific information such as perfect bond contribution, percentage contribution of bonds and stability of bonds with variable time length. Afterwards, the analysis of binding free energy and complex stability has been done through the molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area continuum solvation (MM/GBSA) method. Then, the root mean square deviation (RMSD) was used as post-docking scoring approach. Interestingly, compound number 28 was found to be the most potent candidate in terms of anti-urease activity. Study also suggested that further modification of base ligands with electronegative substituents could enhance potency of the potential drug candidates.
GC-Mass Analysis and Estimation of Pomegranate Husks Extracts and the Biological Efficacy of Compound Tri-butyl Acetyl Citrate as one of the Extract Against Food Fungi
Authors: G. AL-Hashimi Alaa , AL-Salman H. N. K. , A. N. Al-Jadaan Shaker
Published: August 2018

Study of the biological efficiency of one of the (TBAC) compounds that isolated from the pomegranate husks extract. 200 gm dried pomegranate husks were extracted by a soxhlet and isolating seven compounds using a combination of organic solvents. Tri-butyl acetyl citrate (TBAC) was applied with the use of solvents such as methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hexane. The extraction ratio was higher when using methanol and less on Chloroform. All the extracts prepared by the chromatographic mass spectrometer were analyzed to identify and characterize the chemical compounds present in the raw extract in both organic and aquatic layers. A number of internationally recognized detection methods were used to detect each type of extracted compounds. The biological efficacy of TBAC was investigated against food fungi by taking the highest concentration of the TBAC and less concentration of the compound. The study of the activity of inhibition fungal rot using the Potato-Dextrose Agar (PDA) culture medium. The TBAC has demonstrated excellent bioavailability against food fungi. The GC-Mas detection process showed the presence of seven compounds in the pomegranate husks extract. The same technique demonstrated the possibility of isolating TBAC compound using various solvents, its potential for inhibition evaluation and the study of its biological effect against food fungi. In the present investigation, seven active compounds have been identified from by GC-MS, one of this compounds as bioactive compound (TBAC) that probably use as against fungal rot. The presence of bioactive compounds in Pomegranate husks proved pharmaceutical importance. However, further studies will require to finding its bioactivity and toxicity profile.
Microwave Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial activity of some Chromene derivatives
Authors: Nandhikumar R. , Subramani K.
Published: August 2018

In the present study the synthesis of Chromene derivatives 7-ethyl-2, 3, 4, 4a-tetrahydro-1H-xanthen-1-one (3a), 7-bromo-2, 3, and 4, 4a-tetrahydro-1 H-xanthen-1-one (3b), 5-ethoxy-2, 3, and 4, 4a-tetrahydro-1 H-xanthen-1-one (3c),7-ethyl-3, 3a-dihydrocyclopenta[b]Chromen-1(2H)-one (4a), 7-bromo-3, 3a-dihydrocyclopenta[b]Chromen-1(2H)-one (4b),and 5-ethoxy-3, 3a-dihydrocyclopenta[b]Chromen-1(2H)-one (4c) have been reported by the reaction of substituted Salicylaldehyde with 2-cyclopenten-1-one/2-cyclohexen-1-one in the presence of ammonium acetate with ethanol using microwave-irradiation. The Microwave synthesized complexes have been categorized via IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, Mass Spectroscopy then elemental analysis. In this Microwave irradiation method contains two scheme, in the Scheme 2 gives high yield compare to Scheme 1.In the antibacterial and anti-fungal study the compounds 3b, 4a shows good and 4b shows very good activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and 3b, 3c shows good activity against Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium species and Candida albicans, compare to others. Short reaction time, environmentally friendly products, high economical, excellent yield and good microbial activity are the highest benefits of this technique which create it high commercial than the other methods.
Synthesis and Characterization of Benzimidazole by Using o-Phenylenediamine with Different Aldehydes and Carboxylic Acids in the Presence of ρ-TSOH as a Catalyst
Authors: Jawad Kadhim Abdullah , Chazi Kazim Ali
Published: August 2018

This research paper deals with the synthesis and diagnose of Benzimidazole rings which were have been prepared by using two different methods in which used starting material o-phenylenediamine with different compounds. The first method is with aldehydes such as 4-Chlorobenzaldehyde, 4-N, N-Dimethylbenzaldehyde, and Formaldehyde. The second is with Carboxylic acids such as Salicylic acid, Acetic acid, and Butanoic acid. ρ-TSOH has been using as a catalyst in the synthesis methods above and used F.T.I.R and HNMR spectroscopy are used for diagnosing the prepared rings in addition to the physical properties.
An Efficient Electrochemical Approach for Characterization of the Interface Strength of Nano Titania-Silica (TS) Composite Coating on Titanium Implants
Authors: Mathai Suja
Published: August 2018

The thermal decomposition process developed in the present work is a viable technique for the formation of a nano TS (TiO2-SiO2) composite coating on Ti substrate. The electrochemical experiments revealed that the developed coatings had high degradation resistance characteristics and high biomimetic growth characteristics. There was no degradation on the coating even when it was subjected to different extent of electrochemical polarization and anodic current impression. The biomimetic growth studies of these coatings were carried out without any alkaline treatment. Surface and topographical analysis including SEM and AFM were also carried after biomimetic growth. The results of elemental analysis of the SBF solution and electrochemical characterization carried out at different stages revealed that there was efficient apatite growth even without pre-alkaline treatment.
SER Process Variable Evaluation for the Production of Hydrogen using Calcined Dolomite
Authors: Lopez-Ortiz A. , Collins-Martinez V. , Harrison D. P.
Published: August 2018

Reaction performance of the sorption enhanced reforming (SER) process for the production of hydrogen was studied using commercial dolomite as inexpensive solid CO2 absorbent. The combined reforming, shift, and CO2 separation reactions were studied using a laboratory-scale fixed-bed reactor as a function of temperature, feed gas composition, dolomite type, and dolomite and catalyst particle sizes. Reactor was loaded with a mixture of calcined dolomite (≈ 23g) and a commercial reforming catalyst (NiO/Al2O3, ≈ 10g). Temperature was varied from 550 to 650°C at 15 atm. Feed gas composition was varied from 6 to 20% CH4/balance N2 and steam, with a feed H2O/CH4 ratio = 4. Two sources of dolomite were used; Rockwell and Stonelite. Particle sizes of dolomite and catalyst were 75>dp>150 μm and 300>dp>425 μm, respectively and were inversely varied. Results show that at 550°C Ca(OH)2 formation is possible, thus reducing the available CaO for carbonation, negatively affecting the performance of the SER system, while 650°C reached the SER thermodynamic equilibrium (TE). The use of dolomite approached the TE of the feed gas compositions studied, disregarding of its source. Kinetic effects observed in the tests suggest that small dolomite and large catalyst particles favor the decrease of CO2 diffusion effects.
Effects of Hydrothermal Oxidation Temperature on the Performance of Natural Graphite as an Anode for Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Lu Mi , Tian Yanyan , Huang Bing , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: August 2018

Natural graphite (NG) was hydrothermally oxidized at room temperature, 100 ºC and 200 ºC respectively to analyze the effects of temperature on the electrochemical performance of the NG as an anode for lithium ion cells. Charge/discharge results showed that the sample treated at 100 ºC exhibited the highest initial intercalation capacity of 340.1 mAh/g and a Coulombic efficiency of 89.9%, while the sample treated at 200 ºC showed the highest capacity retention of 96.5% after 20 charge/discharge cycles. X-ray photoelectron spectra revealed that groups containing oxygen were present on the surface of all samples, which explains why the performance of the sample treated at room temperature shows slightly improved electrochemical performance that can be further improved by increasing the oxidation temperature.
Fabrication of Cathode-supported Tubular Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell for High Temperature Steam Electrolysis
Authors: Shao Le , Wang Shaorong , Qian Jiqin , Xue Yanjie , Liu Renzhu
Published: August 2018

The cathode-supported tubular solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) fabricated by dip-coating and co-sintering techniques have been studied for high temperature steam electrolysis application. The microstructure and electrochemical performeances were investigated in both SOEC and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) modes. In SOFC model, the maximum power densitity reached 390.7, 311.0 and 248.3 mW cm-2 at 850, 800, and 700 °C, respectively, running with H2 (105 mL min-1) and O2 (70 mL min-1) as working gases. In SOEC mode, the results indicated that the steam ratio had a strong impact on the performance of the tubular SOEC, and it’s better to operate the tubular SOEC in high steam ratio. I-V curves and EIS results suggested that the microstructure of the tubular SOEC needs to be optimized for mass transportation.
Microstructure Analysis and Hydrolysis Mechanism of AlLi Alloys Activated by Metal Additives for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Fan Mei-Qiang , Liu Shu , Sun Wen-Qiang , Chen Da , Lv Chun-Ju , Shu Kang-ying
Published: August 2018

Microstructure analysis and hydrolytic mechanism of activated Al-Li alloys including low melting point metal additives X (X:indicated as Bi, Sn, In and Ga) are explained for their good hydrogen generation performance in this paper. It is demonstrated that the presence of these metals has a double effect. The metals are helpful to reduce the grain size of Al-Li alloys due to the formation of new intermetallic compounds such as BiLi3, Sn5Li13, AlLiIn2, etc., preventing the connection of Al-Al and Li-Li atoms. The metals strongly improved hydrogen generation performance because the metals deposited on the surface of Al and Li metals act as cathodic centers for hydrogen generation. There were dual micro galvantic cells between Al (Li) and metal additives created in the hydrolysis process which stimulated the electrochemical corrosion of Al and Li. The LiX alloy acts as the initial hydrolysis centers due to its low standard potential and its hydrolysis byproduct LiOH further accelerates the micro galvantic cell between Al and X. Therefore, hydrogen generation performance is linked to standard potential of metal additives, increased Li and X amounts, uniform distribution of Li and X in the Al matrix in the longer milling time. Our results show that the potential good hydrogen generation performance can be obtained via the design and preparation technology of Al alloys.
Electrosynthesis and Studies on CdZnSe Thin Films
Authors: Mahalingam T. , Dhanasekaran V. , Rajendran S. , Chandramohan R. , Ixtlilco Luis , Sebastian P. J.
Published: August 2018

Electrodeposited CdZnSe thin films have been prepared at various bath temperatures. The thickness of the films was estimated between 850 nm and 1500 nm by stylus method. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the polycrystalline nature with cubic structure of CdZnSe alloy thin films. Microstructural properties such as, crystallite size, dislocation density, microstrain and number of crystallites per unit area were calculated using predominant orientation of the films. SEM images revealed that the surface morphology could be tailored suitably by adjusting the pH value during deposition. The surface roughness of the film was estimated using topographical studies. Optical properties of the film were analyzed from absorption and transmittance studies. Optical band gap of the films increased from 1.67 to 1.72 eV with the increase of bath temperature from 30 to 90℃. The optical constants (refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k)) of CdZnSe thin films were evaluated using optical studies.
Electroplated CuO Thin Films from High Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Dhanasekaran V. , Mahalingam T. , Rajendran S. , Rhee Jin Koo , Eapen D.
Published: August 2018

CuO thin films were coated on ITO substrates by an electrodeposition route through potentiostatic mode. The electrodeposited CuO thin films were characterized and the role of copper sulphate concentration on the structural, morphological and optical properties of the CuO films was studied. Film thickness was measured by a stylus profilometer and found to be in the range between 800 and 1400 nm. The structural characteristics studies were carried out using X-ray diffraction and found that the films are polycrystalline in nature with a cubic structure. The preferential orientation of CuO thin films is found to be along (111) plane. The estimated microstructural parameters revealed that the crystallite size increases whereas the number of crystallites per unit area decreases with increasing film thickness. SEM studies show that the grain sizes of CuO thin films vary between 100 and 150 nm and also morphologies revealed that the electrodeposited CuO exhibits uniformity in size and shape. The surface roughness is estimated 15 nm of the CuO film were studied by atomic force microscopy. Optical properties of the films were analyzed from absorption and transmittance studies. The optical band gap energy was determined to be 1.5 eV from absorption coefficient. The variation of refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (k), with wavelength was studied and the results are discussed.
Development of Inorganic-organic Membranes Consisting of ZrO2·nH2O and Sulfonated-PES for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Hirashige Takayuki , Kamo Tomoichi , Ishikawa Takao , Itabashi Takeyuki
Published: August 2018

We investigated inorganic-organic membranes consisting of sulfonated-poly(ether sulfone) (S-PES) and ZrO2·nH2O with the aim of improving proton conductivity and blocking methanol. We prepared excellent uniform membranes by the method using ZrOCl28H2O as a precursor. The proton conductivity of the ZrO2·nH2O/S-PES (EW=850) composite membrane with 50wt% ZrO2·nH2O content was about four times higher than that of S-PES (EW=850). On the other hand, the methanol permeability of the ZrO2·nH2O/S-PES (EW=850) composite membrane with 50wt% ZrO2·nH2O content was almost the same as that of S-PES (EW=850). These results mean in the composite membranes, the trade-off relationship between proton conductivity and methanol permeability found in S-PES was improved. The initial I-V performance of an MEA consisting of the ZrO2·nH2O/S-PES (EW=850) composite membrane with 50wt% ZrO2·nH2O content showed a maximum power density of 65 mW cm-2 at 260 mA cm-2.
Enhanced Capacitance of Microwave-assisted Functionalized Ordered Mesopourous Carbon for Supercapacitors
Authors: Portales-Martínez B. , González-Huerta R.G. , Domínguez-Esquivel J.M. , Cortés-Escobedo C.A.
Published: August 2018

The electrochemical capacitance for a double layer of ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) nanofibers functionalized under differing conditions is presented. OMC nanofibers were prepared using the molding method from SBA-15 and sucrose. Functionalisation was performed using varying HNO3 concentrations at 110°C and 120°C assisted by microwave radiation over 3 minutes. The transmission electron micrographs of the resulting fibers are reported. The capacitance, surface area and functional groups as functions of the acidity and heat treatment were analysed via cyclic voltammetry, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Ordered nanofibers treated with 7.7 M HNO3 at 110°C exhibited the highest capacitance.
Production of Hydrogen from Ethanol Using Pt/Hydrotalcite Catalysts Stabilized with Tungsten Oxides
Authors: Contreras J.L. , Ortiz M.A. , Luna R. , Fuentes G.A. , Autié M. , Salmones J. , Zeifert B. , Gordon M. , Vázquez T.
Published: August 2018

An stabilization effect of WOx over the Pt/hydrotalcite catalysts to produce H2 by ethanol steam reforming at low concentration was studied. The catalysts were characterized by N2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction, Infrared (IR), and UV-vis spectroscopy. The catalytic tests were made in a fixed bed reactor. The catalysts showed porous with the shape of parallel layers with a monomodal mesoporous distribution. By IR spectroscopy it was found superficial chemical such as: -OH, H2O, Al-OH, Mg-OH, and CO32-. The reaction products were; H2, CO2, CH3CHO, CH4 and C2H4. These catalysts did not produce CO and showed low selectivity to C2H4. By XRD we found that catalysts having Pt and the lowest W concentration showed the highest crystallinity and the highest stability during the reaction of ethanol steam reforming. A possible thermal stabilization effect of W in the hydrotalcite crystal structure leading to prevent the Pt sintering is proposed. By IR the hydrotalcite hydroxil groups coordinated with Mg and Al decreased by the presence of WOx. We found that catalysts with low W concentration and Pt having high crystallinity showed the highest stability after ethanol steam reforming. It could be a possible thermal stabilization effect of W in the hydrotalcite crystal structure leading to prevent the Pt sintering.
Synthesis and Characterization of 20% Pt-Fe/C Alloy as a Cathode Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction PEMFCs
Authors: Kang Sukmin , Yoo Sungyeol , Lee Jina , Boo Bonghyun , Yadav Bal Chandra , Ryu Hojin
Published: August 2018

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are highly efficient and non-polluting electrical power generators based on two electrochemical reactions. Therefore, PEMFCs are considered to be alternative electricity sources for electric vehicles, portable applications and stationary power systems due to their high power density and eco-friendly environment. However, PEMFCs are associated with many problems for their commercialization such as the high price of electrode catalyst and the slow rate of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, two different reducing agents NaBH4 and HCHO were used in the synthesis of carbon supported Pt-Fe catalysts (Pt-Fe/C-HCHO and Pt-Fe/C-NaBH4). Both catalysts were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cyclic voltametry in the range 0.05 -1.2 V vs. SHE. It was observed that reducing agent HCHO is more effective than NaBH4. In order to reduce amount of platinum, the 20% Pt-Fe/C catalyst was prepared by using Fe. The catalysts were heat treated up to 600 °C for improve the activity and stability. It was found that a temperature of 500 °C yielded the best catalyst morphology and ORR activity at 0.9 V.
Hydriding kinetics of LaNi5 using Nucleation-growth and Diffusion Models
Authors: Payá J. , Freni A. , Corberán J.M. , Compañ V.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the hydriding kinetics of a LaNi5 alloy have been measured with a thermo-gravimetric system. The rate controlling steps have been analyzed. In the α + β phase, a first order Johnson-Mehl-Avrami model provides a good agreement with the measurements. In the ? phase, the previous approach shows that the reaction becomes progressively controlled by the diffusion of hydrogen atoms through the hydride. In order to support this hypothesis, a Crank-Nicholson diffusion model has also been applied and achieved good results. The results show that the transition in the rate controlling mechanism takes place before the static pressure-composition isotherms are reached.
Development of Vernonia Amygdalina Photosynthetic Membraneless Electrochemical Cell
Authors: Alabi A. B. , Akomolafe T. , Ajao J. A. , Coppede N. , Babalola O. A. , Ihekwaba A. E.C.
Published: August 2018

Experimental analyses of Vernonia amygdalina pigment from plant collected in Ilorin, Nigeria, have been carried out using spectrophotometer, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (400Hz) and X-ray diffractometer. Biological membraneless electrochemical cells were fabricated using ground hydrated chlorophyll containing tissues.

The cells were assembled by compaction of hydrated pigment housed in an air-tight 6.5 cm3 cylindrical container, with similar electrodes of copper material. Experimental results showed that the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum is strongly absorbed at 412 nm and 662 nm by Vernonia amygdalina. The qualitative analysis of the powdered sample of the material showed that the constituents of the sample include Magnesium Carbide (Mg2C3), Nitrogen (N2) and Biuret Hydrate (C2H5N3O2H2O). In addition to this, chlorophyll a ( chl a) and triglyceride were also shown to be major constituents of the pigment. The particle size of the pigment was deduced using X-ray diffractometer to be 2.6 nm, and as such, the processed Vernonia amygdalina pigment is therefore a nano-material for energy conversion by photosynthetic processes.

The copper-copper electrodes photosynthetic cells generated current of about 4 µA and open circuit voltage of about 5 mV. The current generated by copper-zinc electrodes Photosynthetic Electrochemical Cell (PEC) ranged between 0.2 mA and 1.5 mA, while the open circuit voltage ranged between 0.4 V and 0.9 V. The simple preparation technique adopted, using widely available and low cost natural material showed that a biological photosynthetic electrochemical cell is feasible and promising.
Electrochemical studies of N,N-bis pyrazinyl ­ 3,4,9,10 - perylenebis (dicarboximide) (PyPD ) on Pt electrode
Authors: El-Mossalamy E. H. , Obaid A. Y. , El-Daly S. A. , El-Hallag I. S. , Asiri A. M. , Al-Harbi L. M.
Published: August 2018

The electrochemical studies of N, N – bis(pyrazinyl) – 3, 4, 9, 10 – perylene bis (dicarboximide) (PyPD) dye has been carried out on Pt electrode using cyclic voltammetry and convolution deconvolution voltammetry combined with digital simulation technique at a platinum electrode in 0.1 mol L-1 tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) in acetonitrile solvent (CH3CN). The compound under consideration was reduced via consumption of two sequential electrons to form radical anion and dianion (EE mechanism). The electrode reaction pathway and the electrochemical parameters of the investigated compound were determined using cyclic voltammetry and convolution – deconvolution transforms. The extracted electrochemical parameters were verified and confirmed via digital simulation method.
Comparative Study of Two Types of Iron Doped Carbon Aerogels for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Gligor Delia , Cotet Liviu Cosmin , Danciu Virginia
Published: August 2018

Iron doped carbon aerogels have been prepared by sol-gel polymerization of potassium salt of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid with formaldehyde followed by an ion-exchange process between K+ doped wet gel and Fe(II) or Fe(III) ion aqueous solutions. The resulted Fe(II) or Fe(III) doped gels have been dried in supercritical conditions with liquid CO2 and then pyrolyzed in high temperature resulting two types of iron doped carbon aerogels. These aerogels were morpho-structural investigated by using BET method, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. Also, these iron doped carbon aerogels (CAD-Fe(2+) and CAD-Fe(3+)) were tested for realization of modified carbon paste electrodes. CAD-Fe(2+) aerogel showed better electrochemical activity than CAD-Fe(3+) and also a good electrocatalytic activity towards H2O2 reduction (expressed by an electrocatalytic efficiency of 404% measured at – 500 mV vs. SCE).
Preformance of an Electrobiochemical Slurry Reactor for the Treatment of a Soil Contaminated with Lindane
Authors: Camacho-Pérez Beni , Ríos-Leal Elvira , Solorza-Feria Omar , Vazquez-Landa Pedro Alberto , Barrera-Cortés Josefina , Ponce-Noyola María Teresa , Garcia-Mena Jaime , Rinderknecht-Seijas Noemi , Poggi-Varaldo Héctor Mario
Published: August 2018

Lindane is a chlorinated pesticide known for its toxicity and persistence in the environment. Recently, it has been proposed that soil microbial fuel cell technology (SMFC) could be applied to enhance the removal of organic matter, phenol, and petroleum hydrocarbon in contaminated soil with simultaneous electricity output. Yet, there is no information on the application to remediation of soils polluted with pesticides. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the biodegradation of lindane with simultaneous electricity generation in an electrobiochemical slurry reactor (EBCR). The EBCR was inoculated with a sulfate reducing inoculum acclimated to lindane, it was further characterized, and batch operated for 30 day at room temperature. No external carbon source was supplemented in the experiment 1; the substrate was the soluble natural organic matter (NOM) of the soil. In the experiment 2 the EBCR was supplemented with a stock solution of sucrose: sodium acetate: lactate to give a final concentration of 2g COD/L in the reactor. Results from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterization in the EBCR (Experiment 1) showed that the equivalent circuit had a high anodic resistance R1=2064 Ω, cathodic resistance R3 = 192 Ω; and electrolyte/membrane resistance R2 = 7?, totaling a relatively high overall internal resistance Rint of 2263 Ω. During the batch operation, the EBCR showed a 30% lindane removal efficiency along with a maximum volumetric power of 165 mW m-3.This value compared favorably with results corresponding to sediments microbial fuel cells that are used to power weather monitoring systems. The organic matter removal was very high (72% as soluble COD, NOM) whereas the coulombic efficiency was low (5.4%). The latter, although, was higher than values reported for microbial fuel cells that degraded leachate-like effluents. In Experiment 2 of the EBCR both cell characteristics and performance significantly improved. The internal resistance as determined by polarization curve was 102 Ω when the two-electrode sets were connected in parallel. During the batch operation, the EBCR showed a 78% lindane removal and a maximum power volumetric of 634 mW m-3, the organic matter removal was 76% and coulombic efficiency was 15%. Finally, it can be concluded that our EBCR showed a high lindane removal capability and mixing of the slurry phase was associated to improvement of bioremediation and electricity performances of the device.
EDITORIAL - Joint Meeting 9th International Symposium on New Materials and Nano-Materials for Electrochemical Systems and XII International Congress of the Mexican Hydrogen Society
Authors: Varela F. J. Rodríguez , González Huerta R. G. , Martínez V. Collins
Published: August 2018

The Joint Meeting 9th International Symposium on New Materials and Nano-Materials for Electrochemical Systems and XII International Congress of the Mexican Hydrogen Society, “Challenges in New Materials Development for Sustainable Energy and Transport”, was held in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, on July 8-13, 2012. It served as a forum to disseminate the latest developments in relevant topics such as Advanced Batteries, Fuel Cells, Photoelectrochemical Cells, Hydrogen Production and Storage, among others.

The Event was hosted by the Mexican Hydrogen Society (MHS). Founded in 1999, the MHS is nowadays the leading organization within Mexico bringing together Research Groups, Government Agencies and Industry partners to promote R&D related to hydrogen technologies.

Plenary lectures were delivered by Prof. Nicolas Alonso-Vante from University of Poitiers (France), Prof. Perla B. Balbuena from Texas A&M University (USA), Prof. Bruce Parkinson from University of Wyoming (USA), Prof. Krishnan Rajeshwar from University of Texas At Arlington (USA), Prof. James J. Spivey from Louisiana State University (USA) and William Whittenberger from EcoLake Enterprises, LLC, Ohio, (USA).

The Meeting included 62 oral presentations and 73 works at the poster sessions of delegates from Mexico, Canada, France, Argentina, Spain, Turkey, USA, China, Japan, Brazil, Venezuela, Portugal.

This special issue of the Journal of New Materials for Electrochemical Systems includes selected papers presented at the Meeting, covering different important topics: Supercapacitors, Microbial Fuel Cells, Surface modification of polymer electrolytes, Capacitance studies, Materials for hydrogen evolution and hydrogen production, Dye-sensitized solar cells, Novel fuel cell membranes, Low Pt-content catalysts for PEMFCs anodes and cathodes, Autothermal Reforming of Ethanol, Steam Reforming of Biofuels, Anode electrocatalysts for DAFCs,

We wish to thank the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (National Council for Science and Technology of Mexico, CONACyT) for the financial support that made possible the 9th International Symposium on New Materials and Nano-Materials for Electrochemical Systems and XII International Congress of the Mexican Hydrogen Society. Also, we extend our gratitude to Prof. O. Savadogo, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal, for encouraging the publication of this Special Issue. Also, we thank all of the authors for their contributions and to the referees for their comments and suggestions.

The 10th International Symposium on New Materials and Nano Materials for Electrochemical Systems will be held in Montreal in July 5-8, 2015

The XIV International Congress of the MHS will be held in Cancun, Mexico, in 2014. For more information, please visit the MHS´s official webpage: www.smh2.mx.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Absorption Enhanced Steam Reforming of Biofuel Model Compounds
Authors: Collins-Martínez Virginia , Bretado Miguel A. Escobedo , Gutiérrez Jesús Salinas , Zaragoza Miguel Meléndez , Ortiz Alejandro López
Published: August 2018

Thermodynamic analysis of the steam reforming of biofuel model compounds using CaO, and Na2ZrO3, as CO2 absorbents was performed to determine favorable operating conditions to produce a high hydrogen ratio (HR, molsH2 produced/molsHC fed) and concentration (%H2) gas product. Biofuel compounds (HC’s) used were: 2,4-dimethylphenol (DMP), furfural (FUR) and vanillin (VAI). Equilibrium product compositions were studied at 300-850°C, steam to hydrocarbon molar ratio (S/HC) and CO2 absorbent at 1 atm. S/HC varied from stoichiometric; 15:1 (DMP), 13:1 (VAI) and 8:1 (FUR) to twice and trice their stoichiometric values, respectively. At stoichiometric S/HC ratios results indicate significant carbon formation with conventional reforming at T < 600°C, with no carbon formation using absorbents with any of the HC’s. The use of a CO2 absorbent resulted in an increase in HR and H2 purity of about 3 and 30% higher, respectively. The order from high to low HR was: VA>DMP>FUR.
Use of a TrI-functional Crosslinking Agent in Styrene/Acrylic Acid Copolymers to Enhance Mechanical Properties for use as Membranes in Fuel Cells
Authors: Benavides R. , Oenning L.W. , Paula M.M.S. , Da Silva L. , Kotzian C.
Published: August 2018

Alternative copolymers to the well-known Nafion membranes are the styrene/acrylic acid PS/AA) copolymers, which have advantages in cost and availability of raw materials. Previous attempts to improve their mechanical properties involved crosslinking with divinyl benzene, but in this case the use of the tri-functional monomer TMPTMA (trimethylol propane trimethacrylate) is examined. Copolymers with a PS/AA molar ratio of 94/6 were prepared by a free radical polymerization reaction, including TMPTMA at 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 % mol concentrations. Reactions were followed by percentage yield (gravimetry), Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and extent of crosslinking by gel percentage evaluation (soxhlet extraction) with three different solvents (water, tetrahydrofuran and dichloromethane). Thermal transitions were followed by calorimetry (DSC), stability by thermogravimetry (TGA) and mechanical properties by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). FTIR spectra show typical bands from the copolymer while the corresponding bands associated with crosslinking are overlapped; however, gel percentage evaluations show a higher level of crosslinking for the 0.1% TMPTMA copolymer and lack of solubility in water. DSC thermograms indicate an increment in the glass transition (Tg) and TGA exhibits a small increment in thermal stability for the crosslinked copolymers. Elastic moduli suggests a rubbery material for TMPTMA crosslinked copolymers while loss modulus confirms a Tg enhancement as observed by DSC. A 0.1 % TMPTMA copolymer does not form a membrane due to its insolubility and infusibility.