A novel conjugated polymer fluorescence probe for the detection of copper ions in aqueous media.

A novel ionic conjugated polymer fluorescent probe (IP) containing fluorenyls and imines was synthesized through a simple condensation method for the rapid detection of Cu2+. The probe exhibited a selective quenching response toward Cu2+over other common metal ions in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at a pH of 7. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity ofIPwas linearly proportional to the concentration of Cu2+when it ranged from 1 to 10µM, and the limit of detection for Cu2+was 0.45µM. Furthermore, the quenched fluorescence ofIPby Cu2+was recovered after adding amino acids or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), indicating that the probe could be recycled and is promising to reduce the detection cost of Cu2+in real samples.

The influence of disclosure of an autism diagnosis on peer engagement and interactions for a child with autism in summer camps: a case study.

PURPOSE: Little research has evaluated how disclosure of an autism diagnosis influences peer engagement and understanding of children with autism in community recreation programs. This study describes outcomes of disclosing an autism diagnosis for a child with autism participating in mainstream, community summer camps. METHODS: This case study includes a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with autism who participated in two camps, one in which he disclosed and one in which he did not disclose. Quantitative data on peer engagement states and reciprocal interactions were coded through structured behavioral observation of video recorded on the first, second, and last day of each program. Qualitative interviews about perceived outcomes of disclosure were completed with the child with autism, camp leaders, and peers in the disclosure camp. RESULTS: Peer engagement and reciprocal interactions improved following the disclosure protocol and continued to improve on the final day of the camp, which was not observed in the non-disclosure camp. A key qualitative theme revealed that changed behavioral attribution was the main contributor to improved inclusion following disclosure. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary data to support that disclosure may be a simple intervention to improve peer engagement and understanding of children with autism in community programs.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONChildren with Autism Spectrum Disorder are at high risk of experiencing social exclusion, especially in community programs.A disclosure protocol (disclosure + explanation for behaviors) could be a simple intervention to facilitate peer acceptance and inclusion of children with autism, however this intervention has not been evaluated in a real life context.This study provides preliminary evidence to support the use of a simple disclosure protocol for families who want to disclose, within short-term community programs.

Improved anti-organic fouling and antibacterial properties of PVDF ultrafiltration membrane by one-step grafting imidazole-functionalized graphene oxide.

At present, membrane fouling is a thorny issue that limits the development of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite membrane, which seriously affects its separation performance and service lifespan. Herein, an imidazole-functionalized graphene oxide (Im-GO) with hydrophilicity and antibacterial performance was synthesized, and it was used as a modifier to improve the anti-organic fouling and antibacterial properties of PVDF membrane. The anti-organic fouling test showed that the maximum flux recovery ratios against bovine serum albumin and humic acid were 88.9% and 94.5%, respectively. Conspicuously, the grafted imidazole groups could effectively prevent the bacteria from growing on the membrane surface. It was gratifying that the antibacterial modifier Im-GO was almost not lost from the hybrid membranes even by the ultrasonic treatment, which was different from the conventional release-killing antibacterial agents. Owing to the long-term anti-organic fouling and antibacterial properties, Im-GO/PVDF hybrid membranes exhibit a great application potential in the fields of rough separation and concentration of biomedical products.