bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Water Drives Improved Proton Transport in Siliceous Nanocomposite Nafion Thin Films
Authors: Goossens Pieter‐Jan , Vallaey Brecht , Verlinden Jesse , Martens Johan A. , Rongé Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNafion proton exchange membranes dehydrate when they are used in the gas phase and in high‐temperature applications, such as fuel cells and (photo)electrolysis. Retaining a high level of membrane hydration under such conditions can be achieved by using inorganic fillers, but has never been demonstrated for thin films. Herein, several types of siliceous nanoparticles were incorporated for the first time into Nafion thin films. For composite Nafion materials, increased water uptake does not always induce increased proton conductivity. Here, increased water uptake did result in higher proton conductivity due to a synergistic effect within the composite film. The nanocomposites displayed a higher water uptake than could be expected based on the water uptake of the individual materials. Excess water present at the Nafion–filler interface was found to cause the proton conductivity of nanocomposite Nafion/Ludox AS‐40 thin films to double compared with pristine Nafion at low relative humidity (from 2 to 4 mS cm−2). Knowledge about the properties of such interfaces will allow for the better design of self‐humidifying nanocomposite Nafion membranes, films, and catalyst layers.
Understanding the Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite–Spirobifluorene Solar Cells
Authors: Song Zhen , Liu Jiang , Wang Gang , Zuo Wentao , Liao Cheng , Mei Jun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLead halide perovskite solar cells with remarkable power conversion efficiency have attracted much attention in recent years. However, there still exist many problems with their use that are not completely understood, and further studies are needed. Herein, the hole‐transport layer dependence of the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells is investigated in detail. It is found that devices freshly prepared using pristine 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) and Li‐doped spiro‐OMeTAD as hole‐transport layers exhibit S‐shaped current density–voltage curves with poor fill factors. The devices show progressively improved fill factors and efficiencies upon exposure to air, which is attributed to air‐induced conductivity improvement in the spiro‐OMeTAD layer. After introducing a cobalt salt dopant (FK209) into the spiro‐OMeTAD layer, the corresponding devices show remarkable performance without the need of air exposure. These results confirm that the dopant not only increases the conductivity of spiro‐OMeTAD layer, but also tunes the surface potential, which helps to improve charge transport and reduce the recombination loss.
Modulating Excitonic Recombination Effects through One‐Step Synthesis of Perovskite Nanoparticles for Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kulkarni Sneha A. , Muduli Subas , Xing Guichuan , Yantara Natalia , Li Mingjie , Chen Shi , Sum Tze Chien , Mathews Nripan , White Tim J. , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe primary advantages of halide perovskites for light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are solution processability, direct band gap, good charge‐carrier diffusion lengths, low trap density, and reasonable carrier mobility. The luminescence in 3 D halide perovskite thin films originates from free electron‐hole bimolecular recombination. However, the slow bimolecular recombination rate is a fundamental performance limitation. Perovskite nanoparticles could result in improved performance but processability and cumbersome synthetic procedures remain challenges. Herein, these constraints are overcome by tailoring the 3 D perovskite as a near monodisperse nanoparticle film prepared through a one‐step in situ deposition method. Replacing methyl ammonium bromide (CH3NH3Br, MABr) partially by octyl ammonium bromide [CH3(CH2)7NH3Br, OABr] in defined mole ratios in the perovskite precursor proved crucial for the nanoparticle formation. Films consisting of the in situ formed nanoparticles displayed signatures associated with excitonic recombination, rather than that of bimolecular recombination associated with 3 D perovskites. This transition was accompanied by enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY≈20.5 % vs. 3.40 %). Perovskite LEDs fabricated from the nanoparticle films exhibit a one order of magnitude improvement in current efficiency and doubling in luminance efficiency. The material processing systematics derived from this study provides the means to control perovskite morphologies through the selection and mixing of appropriate additives.
Effects of the Formulations of Silicon‐Based Composite Anodes on their Mechanical, Storage, and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Assresahegn Birhanu Desalegn , Bélanger Daniel 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this work, the effects of the formulation of silicon‐based composite anodes on their mechanical, storage, and electrochemical properties were investigated. The electrode formulation was changed through the use of hydrogenated or modified (through the covalent attachment of a binding additive such as polyacrylic acid) silicon and acetylene black or graphene sheets as conducting additives. A composite anode with a covalently grafted binder had the highest elongation without breakages and strong adhesion to the current collector. These mechanical properties depend significantly on the conductive carbon additive used and the use of graphene sheets instead of acetylene black can improve elongation and adhesion significantly. After 180 days of storage under ambient conditions, the electronic conductivity and discharge capacity of the modified silicon electrode showed much smaller decreases in these properties than those of the hydrogenated silicon composite electrode, indicating that the modification can result in passivation and a constant composition of the active material. Moreover, the composite Si anode has a high packing density. Consequently, thin‐film electrodes with very high material loadings can be prepared without decreased electrochemical performance.
Electrocatalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrate Ions to Urea by a Titania–Nafion Composite Electrode
Authors: Saravanakumar Duraisamy , Song Jieun , Lee Sunhye , Hur Nam Hwi , Shin Woonsup 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCO2 and nitrate ions were successfully converted to urea by a TiO2–Nafion nanocomposite electrode under ambient conditions. The composite electrode was constructed by dropcasting the mixture of P25 titania and Nafion solution on an indium‐doped tin oxide (ITO) electrode. When the electrode was electrolyzed in CO2‐saturated 0.1 m KNO3 (pH 4.5) solution at −0.98 V versus Ag/AgCl, urea was formed with a Faradaic efficiency of 40 %. The other reduced products obtained were NH3, CO, and H2.
Evaluation of biological fluid analysis using the sysmex XN automatic hematology analyzer
Authors: Aguadero Vicente , Cano‐Corres Ruth , Berlanga Eugenio , Torra Montserrat 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundHematological cytometers with a biological fluid module could potentially correct the limitations of the manual chamber method. This study evaluates the agreement between the manual technique and the Sysmex XN‐1000 analyzer for white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts, as well as for leukocyte differentiation in different types of fluids. This study also evaluates the advantages of incorporating the technique in routine laboratory work.MethodsOne hundred and three fluid samples examined were 45 ascite (AF), 21 synovial (SF), 33 pleural (PF), and 31 cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid samples. All cell counting was performed with a Sysmex XN‐1000 and a Fuchs‐Rosenthal counting chamber. May Gründwald‐Giemsa stain was used for manual WBC differentiation. The manual analysis data were obtained in duplicate by the same two observers. Passing‐Bablok regression and the Kappa index were used to evaluate the interchangeability and concordance.ResultsGood agreement was observed for WBC differentiation in all fluids and for WBC counts in SF and PF. An optimal Kappa index was obtained, which indicated agreement and clinical significance for WBC and RBC counts in CSF and for RBC counts in PF. There was disagreement for WBC and RBC analysis in AF, with significantly higher results from the Sysmex XN‐1000 than from the manual method. A reduction in laboratory response time was observed when using the automatic method.ConclusionsExcept for AF, the Sysmex XN‐1000 results agree with those of the manual method, although to different degrees depending on the fluid type. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Partially observed cross‐layer optimization for vehicular communications
Authors: Li Lin , Liu Yanheng , Wang Jian , Wu Tao , Zhou Peng 
Published: August 2017

SummaryVehicular Ad‐hoc Networks (VANETs) that are characterized by frequently changed topology, worse signal noise ratio, and non‐negligible Doppler effect introduce new non‐trivial challenges to Quality‐of‐Service (QoS) provisioning. The methodology of cross‐layer optimization aims to jointly optimize the working behaviors over different layers to achieve a better network performance, eg, throughput and transmission latency. This paper presents a novel cross‐layer optimization method based on Partially Observed Markov Games (POMG) to improve optimization decision against the inaccurate observed context caused by high‐speed movement, sensor errors, and other unavoidable reasons. POMG extends Markov Decision Process (MDP) and Partially Observed Markov Decision Process (POMDP) to dynamically adjust the concerned actions (eg, transmission range, contention window, and bit rate) according to the observed traffic density and thus can improve optimization performance at several aspects, eg,, throughput, channel utilization, delay, and total number of neighbor nodes. The extensive simulations show that POMG could harvest a high entire gain compared with the traditional fixed policy and the other cross‐layer optimization schemes.
Intraosseous Rosai‐Dorfman disease diagnosed by touch imprint cytology evaluation: A case series
Authors: Pendse Avani A. , Wobker Sara E. , Greene Kevin G. , Smith Scott V. , Esther Robert J. , Dodd Leslie G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, also known as Rosai‐Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare benign disorder that primarily affects the lymph nodes. Localized lymphadenopathy is the most common clinical manifestation of this disorder. However, RDD has been described in several extra‐nodal sites including the head and neck region, soft tissue, skin, upper respiratory tract, gastro‐intestinal tract and central nervous system (CNS). Involvement of the bone is considered very rare, occurring in less than 10% patients. RDD is one of the histiocytoses and the differential diagnosis includes entities such as Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Erdheim‐Chester disease. In the rare intraosseous variant, the clinical and radiologic differential diagnosis is broader and includes neoplasms such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. In this report, we describe three cases of extra‐nodal, intraosseous RDD where touch imprint cytology played a crucial role in diagnosis. Two of the cases initially presented with involvement of the head and neck region and later developed intraosseous disease; while the third patient presented with primary bone involvement. The diagnosis was established by core biopsy with touch imprints of the bone lesions. The cytologic samples showed numerous histiocytes, often with neutrophils within their cytoplasm (emperipolesis) in addition to lymphocytes and plasma cells. The diagnosis of RDD was confirmed with appropriate immunohistochemical stains. Our account of these three cases of intraosseous Rosai‐Dorfman disease highlights the role of cytology in the diagnosis of this rare entity.
School‐age children's neural sensitivity to horizontal orientation energy in faces
Authors: Balas Benjamin , van Lamsweerde Amanda E. , Saville Alyson , Schmidt Jamie 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFace processing mechanisms are tuned to specific low‐level features including mid‐range spatial frequencies and horizontal orientation energy. Behaviorally, adult observers are more effective at face recognition tasks when these information channels are available. Neural responses to face images also reflect these information biases: Face‐sensitive ERP components respond preferentially to face images that contain horizontal orientation energy. How does neural tuning of face representations to horizontal information develop? Behavioral results show that this information bias increases over time such that younger children have a reduced bias favoring horizontally‐filtered faces that increases with age. In the present study, we chose to investigate how neural sensitivity to these low‐level features develops in the same age range, using ERP as a means of studying children and adults. Specifically, we examined how both face‐sensitive ERP components (the P100 and N170) changed their responses to faces and non‐faces as a function of age and orientation energy. Briefly, we found that the latency of the P100 and N170 component across age groups was consistent with the gradual emergence of a bias favoring horizontal orientation energy during middle childhood. The amplitude of the N170 component, however, exhibited a more complicated developmental profile that does not easily map onto previous behavioral results obtained from children in the same age ranges.
Parental depression and parent and child stress physiology: Moderation by parental hostility
Authors: Merwin Stephanie M. , Leppert Katherine A. , Smith Victoria C. , Dougherty Lea R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study examined the moderating role of parental hostility on the associations between parental depression and the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and morning cortisol levels of both parents and children. 148 parents and 148 preschool‐aged children provided salivary cortisol samples at waking, 30 and 45 min post‐waking on two consecutive days. Parental depression was assessed using a clinical interview, and parental hostility was assessed using an observational parent‐child interaction task. Results indicated that the combination of parental lifetime depression and high parental hostility was associated with lower morning cortisol levels in both parents and children. This interactive effect was present in children regardless of their exposure to parental depression. In addition, the combination of higher levels of parents’ current depressive symptoms and parental hostility was associated with lower parent CAR. Lastly, parents’ and children's lower morning cortisol levels were associated with parent‐reported child externalizing symptoms. Findings demonstrate that parents and children have similar stress system functioning related to parental depression and the parenting context, as well as children's behavioral problems, which may play a role in the intergenerational transmission of risk for psychopathology.
Immobilized enzyme reactors based on monoliths: Effect of pore size and enzyme loading on biocatalytic process
Authors: Volokitina Mariia V. , Nikitina Anna V. , Tennikova Tatiana B. , Korzhikova‐Vlakh Evgenia G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMacroporous monolithic columns with different mean pore size (from 360 to 2020 nm) and appropriate flow‐through properties were synthesized using free radical in situ copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate. In order to predict the composition of porogen mixture to generate the pores in the interested size interval, the Hildebrand theory was used. Ribonuclease A and its specific low‐ and macromolecular substrates cytidine‐2′,3′‐cyclic monophosphate sodium salt and RNA were applied as model system. The effect of mean pore size of macroporous monoliths used for enzyme immobilization on molecular recognition and biocatalytic characteristics was examined. The monitoring of RNA degradation was performed using anion‐exchange HPLC on monolithic CIM DEAE analytical column. The high efficiency of heterogeneous biocatalysts obtained comparatively to the catalytic reaction of RNA degradation in solution was demonstrated. Additionally, the series of six monolithic immobilized enzyme reactors with different amount of biocatalyst was prepared and studied regarding to the biocatalytic properties at recirculation mode at two experimental variants, e.g. (i) fixed range of concentrations of circulated substrate solutions, and (ii) fixed range of substrate/enzyme molar ratios.
An aptamer‐based paper microfluidic device for the colorimetric determination of cocaine
Authors: Wang Ling , Musile Giacomo , McCord Bruce R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA method utilizing paper microfluidics coupled with gold nanoparticles and two anticocaine aptamers has been developed to detect seized cocaine samples. The ready‐to‐use format involves the use of a paper strip that produces a color change resulting from the salt‐induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles producing a visible color change indicating the presence of the drug. This format is specific for the detection of cocaine. The visual LOD for the method was 2.5 μg and the camera based LOD was 2.36 μg. The operation of the device is easy and rapid, and does not require extensive training or instrumentation. All of the materials utilized in the device are safe and environmental friendly. This device should prove a useful tool for the screening of forensic samples.
Controlled crosslinking of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate for preparation of organic monolithic columns for capillary liquid chromatography
Authors: Gama Mariana R. , Aggarwal Pankaj , Lee Milton L. , Bottoli Carla B.G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOrganic monolithic columns based on single crosslinking of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) monomer were prepared in a single step by living/controlled free‐radical polymerization. Full optimization of the preparation, such as using different percentages of TRIM and different amounts of radical promoter as well as various porogen solvents were explored. The resulting monolithic columns were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy and nitrogen sorption for structure morphology studies and surface area measurements, respectively. Using capillary liquid chromatography, 150 μm i.d. columns were applied to separate a mixture of small hydrophobic molecules. The results indicated that column performance is highly sensitive to the type and the amount of porogen solvents used in the polymerization mixture composition. Good resolution factors and methylene selectivity were obtained, indicating the promising potential of this material for capillary liquid chromatography separations.
Nano‐engineered Diamond‐based Materials for Supercapacitor Electrodes: A Review
Authors: Siuzdak Katarzyna , Bogdanowicz Robert 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOwing to the popularity of carbon‐based supercapacitors, diamond has been examined as a potential candidate for such devices with unique advantages such as a wide electrochemical potential window and stable capacitive behavior in both aqueous and non‐aqueous electrolytes. Moreover, its chemical stability in harsh environments at extreme applied potentials and currents provides unique opportunities for designing new supercapacitors. Owing to the intrinsic low surface area of diamond, it is necessary to increase the electrochemically active surface area or to produce diamond‐based composites, thereby ensuring capacitance improvement for the practical applications. According to previous literature reports, nano‐engineered diamond structures can achieve a specific capacitance values as high as 10 mF cm−2 with a specific energy of 10–100 Wh kg−1 in aqueous electrolyte. The present manuscript reviews the recent advances in this topic of research by highlighting the potentials and challenges of diamond‐based supercapacitors. Special attention is paid to the fabrication methods and electrochemical performance of particular material combinations in view of further application for supercapacitor construction.
The relation between insulin‐like growth factor 1 levels and risk of depression in ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Wo , Kuang Li 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate whether lower serum levels of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) in the acute phase of ischemic stroke are associated with higher risk of post‐stroke depression (PSD) over a 1‐year period.MethodsThe subjects were first‐ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who were hospitalized from July 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015. The study also included 120 age‐matched and sex‐matched healthy controls from the same geographical area. Fasting blood samples were collected within 24 hours of admission for IGF‐I measurement. Neurological and neuropsychological evaluations were conducted at a 1‐year follow‐up.ResultsTwo‐hundred twenty‐five patients were observed for a 1‐year follow‐up, and 74 of these patients (32.9%, 95%CI: 26.8%‐39.0%) were diagnosed with PSD. The depression distribution across the IGF‐1 quartiles ranged between 61.4% (first quartile) and 8.9% (fourth quartile). In a multivariate model using the first quartiles of the IGF‐1 versus quartiles 2 through 4, together with the significant clinical variables, the marker displayed prognostic information, and the odds ratio (OR) for first quartile was 3.35 [95% CI, 1.88‐6.79; P = 0.001].ConclusionThe data showed that low serum IGF‐1 levels at admission are associated with a high risk of developing PSD, suggesting that these alterations might be involved in the pathophysiology of depression symptoms in stroke patients.
Community mental health teams for older people in England: Variations in ways of working
Authors: Verbeek Hilde , Worden Angela , Wilberforce Mark , Brand Christian , Tucker Sue , Abendstern Michele , Challis David 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveIntegrated community mental health teams (CMHTs) are a key component of specialist old age psychiatry services internationally. However, in England, significant shifts in policy, including a focus on dementia and age inclusive services, have influenced provision. This study portrays teams in 2009 against which subsequent service provision may be compared.MethodsA bespoke national postal survey of CMHT managers collected data on teams' structure, composition, organisation, working practices, case management, and liaison activities.ResultsA total of 376 CMHTs (88%) responded. Teams comprised a widespread of disciplines. However, just 28% contained the full complement of professionals recommended by government policy. Over 93% of teams had a single point of access, but some GPs bypassed this, and 40% of teams did not accept direct referrals from care homes. Initial assessments were undertaken by multiple disciplines, and 71% of teams used common assessment documentation. Nevertheless, many social workers maintained both NHS and local authority records. In 92% of teams, nominated care coordinators oversaw the support provided by other team members. However, inter‐agency care coordination was less prevalent. Few teams offered the range of outreach/liaison activities anticipated in the national dementia strategy.ConclusionsCompared with previous studies, teams had grown and changed, with a clear increase in non‐medical practitioners, particularly support workers. Measures to facilitate integrated care within CMHTs (eg, common access and documentation) were widespread, but integration across health and social care/primary and secondary services was less developed. Consideration of barriers to further integration, and the impact of current reforms is potentially fruitful.