bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La financiación por medio del crowdfunding del audiovisual: el caso del cortometraje "Juan y la nube"
Authors: Coronado Ruiz Carlota , Larrañaga Rubio Julio
Published: December 2015

En el artículo se analizan las posibilidades que tiene el crowfunding (CF) para financiar el audiovisual. Se explica el modelo de financiación del CF y se indican las distintas ventajas que reporta para el promotor este modelo de financiación alternativa. Además se exponen ampliamente las principales características del proceso de CF seguido para financiar el cortometraje Juan y la nube (que se alzó con el Goya al Mejor corto de animación en el año 2015). Se comentan también los principales motivos que llevan a los mecenas a financiar los proyectos
Β-Carotene content of M. Longifolia seed oil in different agro-climatic zones in Sri Lanka, the effect of heat on its stability and the composition of seed cake
Authors: Munasinghe Mihiri , Wansapala Jagath
Published: December 2015

M. longifolia is a plant with a seed rich of edible oil (more than 50%), but is still under-utilized for edible purposes in Sri Lankan context. It shows a wide distribution throughout the country representing several agro-climatic zones. No studies have done yet to discover variations of M. longifolia seed oil with respect to its different geographical locations. In this study, the content of β-carotene in M. longifolia seed oil samples obtained from four different agro-climatic zones in Sri Lanka was evaluated. The effect of heat on the stability of β-carotene in M. longifolia seed oil was also studied. Dried, fallen seeds were collected from randomly selected trees in four agro-climatic zones in Sri Lanka named low country dry zone (LD), low country wet zone (LW), low country intermediate zone (LI) and mid country intermediate zone (MI). Oil was extracted with a small scale, mechanical oil expeller (cold pressed method). β-carotene content in four samples was assessed with MPOB test method using Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS) spectrophotometer and with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) using Chase et al., (1994) method. A series of heat treatment (50 °C - 300 °C) was given and the content of β-carotene was determined at each temperature with the above mentioned two methods. There were some differences in the content of β-carotene for two types of methods. β-carotene content varies from 17.69 to 13.51 ppm in four agro-climatic zones for HPLC method and 20.46 - 27.69 ppm for spectrophotometric method. The reduction of β-carotene content up to 150 °C from the room temperature (30 °C) was not prominent. But after 150 °C, a sudden, sharp decrease was reported. Nutritional composition of seed cake varied significantly (p <0.05) among the different agro-climatic zones. Protein content, similar to Palm kernel was reported which ranged from 15.44 - 17.76%.
Bee bread - perspective source of bioactive compounds for future
Authors: Ivanišová Eva , Kačániová Miroslava , Frančáková Helena , Petrová Jana , Hutková Jana , Brovarskyi Valeryii , Velychko Serhii , Adamchuk Leonora , Schubertová Zuzana , Musilová Janette
Published: December 2015

Bee bread is product with long history used mainly in folk medicine. Nowadays, bee bread is growing in commercial interest due to its high nutritional properties. The objective of this study was to determine biological activity of ethanolic extract of bee bread obtained from selected region of Ukraine - Poltava oblast, Kirovohrad oblast, Vinnica oblast, Kyiv oblast, Dnepropetrovsk oblast. The antioxidant activity was measured with the radical scavenging assays using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical as well as phosphomolybdenum assay. Total polyphenol content was determined with Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and total flavonoid content by aluminium-chloride method. Secondary was also evaluated antimicrobial activity in bee bread samples with disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentrations. Antioxidant activity expressed as mg TEAC per g of dry weight (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) was the highest in bee bread from Poltava oblast in DPPH and also phosphomolybdenum method. Samples of bee bread contained high levels of total polyphenols (12.36 - 18.24 mg GAE - gallic acid equivalent per g of dry weight) and flavonoids (13.56 - 18.24 μg QE - quercetin equivalent per g of dry weight) with the best values of bee bread from Poltava oblast. An elevated level of antioxidant potential in the bee bread determines its biological properties, which conditioned of the biological active substances. The best antibacterial activity of bee bred with disc diffusion method was found against Bacillus thuringiensis CCM 19. The antibacterial activity inhibited by the bee bread extract in the present study indicate that best minimal inhibition concentration was against bacteria Escherichia coli CCM 3988 and Salmonella enterica subs. enterica CCM 3807.
Selenium content increasing in the seeds of garden pea after foliar biofortification
Authors: Hegedüsová Alžbeta , Mezeyová Ivana , Hegedűs Ondrej , Musilová Janette , Paulen Oleg
Published: December 2015

Selenium plays an important role as an antioxidant in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Content of selenium in the crops is constantly in the spotlight of professional public. Vegetables, as an important source of chemo protective substances, have irreplaceable position within the food of plant character. The aim of research work was to solve the Se content increasing in the seeds of garden pea (varieties Premium and Ambassador) through the foliar biofortification of the plants (50 g Se / ha and 100 g Se / ha) and to monitor its effect on production of photosynthetic pigments. In the seeds of fresh garden pea, the chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content was determined by spectrophotometer depending on a variety and the doses of selenium. In lyophilized seeds there was measured content of selenium by ET-AAS methods. The statistically significant increase of selenium was confirmed with its increasing concentrations in case of both varieties. In the var. Ambassador there was increasing from 0.083 ±0.009 mg.kg-1 DM to 4.935 ±0.598 mg.kg-1 DM (60-fold) and in a var. Premium the values increase from 0.067±0.007 mg.kg-1 DM to 3.248 ±0.289 mg.kg-1 DM (48-fold) after application of 100 g Se / ha. After application of 50 g Se / ha in both varieties of peas there was reported 25-fold increasing in the selenium content in comparison with control. The content of photosynthetic pigments was also increased, or possibly left at level of un-fortificated variant (chla - Ambassador - 50 g Se / ha; chlb - Premium - 100 g Se / ha) by foliar biofortification. Chlorophyll a content was high significantly increased according to used statistical methods in varieties Premium, from the content of 24.527 ±5.156 mg.kg-1 FM to 66.953 ±6.454 mg.kg-1 FM, likewise the content of chlorophyll b from the value of 19.708 ±5.977 mg.kg-1 FM to 37.488 ±6.146 mg.kg-1 FM (after 50 g / ha application).  Foliar biofortification of different vegetable species can provide large-scale intake of minerals with antioxidant properties for human as well as an increase of certain biologically active substances as a result of their synergies
The effect of dietary alfalfa meal on the chicken meat quality
Authors: Tkáčová Jana , Haščí­k Peter , Angelovičová Mária , Pavelkova Adriana , Bobko Marek
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of feed mixtures with proportion of alflafa meal 4% on body weight of broiler chickens, fat content their meat and oxidative stability meat fat under storage conditions. Final hybrid Cobb 500 chickens were used in the experiment. The broiler chickens were fed with feed mixtures starter from the 1st to the 18th day, grower from the 19th to the 31st day and finisher from the 32nd to the 38th ad libitum. An alfalfa meal of 4% was added in the feed mixtures of experimental group. In our experiment, we used alfalfa meal, which was made from Medicago sativa L. harvested in the bud's phase. The carcasses of broilers were stored at -18° C for a period of nine months. The average weight of chickens at the end of our experiment, the control group was 1685.6 g. In experimental group with addition of 4% alfalfa meal in feed mixtures, the chickens weighed 1709.6 g. The difference in body weight between the groups was not statistically significant (p >0.05). The average fat content in chicken meat was lower in the group with a share of 4% alfalfa meal 2.33 g.100g-1 compared to the fat content in meat chickens control group 2.59 g.100g-1. Differences in fat content in meat between the groups were not statistically significant (p >0.05). In our experiment, the average peroxide value of fat in meat under storage conditions 9 months at -18°C was lower in the group with a share of 4% alfalfa meal 2.42 µmol O2.g-1 compared with an average value of peroxide number 5.79 µmol O2.g-1 in the control group. Medicago sativa L. is an interesting object for research. It is characterized by high content of protein and biologically active substances that are effective for the promotion of health, and also an improvement the nutritional value and technological properties of the poultry food, when is used in feed mixtures.
Vernacular Traditions: Exploring Anglo-Saxon Mentalities
Authors: Matto Michael
Published: December 2015

Two recent books on Anglo-Saxon ideas about psychology have variants of the word “tradition” in their titles and develop theoretical paradigms around that term: Leslie Lockett’s Anglo-Saxon Psychologies in the Vernacular and Latin Traditions (2011) and Britt Mize’s Traditional Subjectivities: The Old English Poetics of Mentality (2013), both from the University of Toronto Press.1 While not primarily about the nature of traditions,2 both books rely on that term to frame their discussions of the psychology of the self and of how subjectivity manifests within different fields of Anglo-Saxon culture. In the earlier of the two books, Lockett offers a comprehensive account of Anglo-Saxon philosophical and theological concerns with the relationship among body, mind, and soul. In doing so she elaborates a distinction between two psychological models (and their variations) that were influential and productive in the Anglo-Saxon period. Mize’s project is narrower and deeper: he argues that the definition of the Anglo-Saxon poetic tradition itself should include a thematic and formulaic preoccupation with mentality. To read these books side-by-side is to see two authors’ projects weaving in and out of one another’s areas of interest and, in doing so, illustrating how fruitful psychology and mentality in Anglo-Saxon England can be as research topics. At the same time, they remind us how difficult it is to perceive pre-Christian “traditional” attitudes—whether about poetic conventions or psychological ideas—in the relatively late manuscript evidence we have.
Synthesis of Stable Sols of Layered Titanate Nanoparticles using Dialysis and Applications for Thin Film Preparation
Authors: Wen Chun Ming , Kojima Takashi , Uekawa Naofumi
Published: December 2015

Sols with stable dispersion of layered titanate nanoparticles were prepared at 298 K using dialysis of a mixed solution of ethylene glycol, TiCl3, ammonium carbonate, and H2O2. Raman spectra of the particles in the obtained sols showed Raman scattering peaks which can be assigned to a layered titanate structure. The stability of the obtained sols depended on the molar ratio of [ammonium carbonate] / [Ti ion]. The molar ratios of 3, 4, and 5 produced transparent yellow stable sols. Peptization of titanium hydroxide precipitate with H2O2 formed stable sols with dispersion of layered titanate nanoparticles, which had plate - shaped morphology. The obtained sols formed layered titanate thin films on glass substrates easily by drying the sols. Furthermore, when the layered titanate thin films were heated at 773 K for 1 h, anatase TiO2 thin films were obtained with (101) orientation of crystallites and optical transparency.
A Thermodynamic Model on a Linear Rule between the Molal Concentration Exponential and the Osmotic Coefficients on Mole Fraction Base in Electrolyte Solutions and its Application
Authors: Fang Zheng
Published: December 2015

A linear rule is discovered. That is the osmotic coefficients on mole fraction base (ω) are linearly related to the molal concentration exponential (mk2) in single electrolyte solutions. Based on this rule, a thermodynamic model is developed and successfully used to the single electrolytes with various valent types, such as uniunivalent, biunivalent, triunivalent, tetraunivalent,bibivalent, andtribivalent to predict their conventional osmotic coefficients on molal base (ϕ), and also other properties, such as the relative molal vapor pressure lowering, the equivalent conductivity. Besides mk2, the xk2 (the concentration exponential of mole fraction of solute) mk2ln(mk2), and xk2ln(xk2) are also linearly related to ω, respectively. They are all capable to be used to reproduce some properties of single electrolyte solutions. The examples with satisfied results have been given.
Étude de la contamination de la masse d’eau en pesticides, comparatif entre prélèvements ponctuels et échantillonnage passif – applications à des eaux naturelles et à des effluents de zones industrielles de la région bordelaise
Authors: Dufour Vincent , Cruz Justine , Chambolle Mélodie , Granger Damien , Le Menach Karyn , Pardon Patrick , Litrico Xavier , Budzinski Hélène
Published: December 2015

Cent dix-neuf pesticides ont été recherchés dans des eaux naturelles de la Jalle d’Eysines, un cours d’eau aquitain, et dans des effluents de zones industrielles bordelaises, au cours de deux campagnes de prélèvement. Les molécules ont été quantifiées à partir de prélèvements moyennés sur 24 h. En parallèle, des échantillonneurs passifs de type POCIS (Polar Organic Chemicals Integrative Sampler) ont permis d’établir un suivi qualitatif. Les profils moléculaires au sein d’un même type de masse d’eaux sont identiques, mais diffèrent entre une eau naturelle et un effluent de zone industrielle. L’approche qualitative via les POCIS a permis de quantifier des molécules non détectées lors des prélèvements moyennés, tant pour les eaux de la Jalle d’Eysines que pour celles des zones industrielles. Les échantillonneurs passifs semblent donc prometteurs pour la caractérisation de masses d’eaux de différentes origines, en ce qui concerne les pesticides dont le log KOW est compris entre un et quatre. Il est cependant nécessaire de développer la démarche PRC (Performance Reference Compounds) afin d’y ajouter une visée quantitative.
Descartes on Corporeal Substances
Authors: Zerbudis Ezequiel
Published: December 2015

I defend in this paper the following two theses: first, that Descartes was a Pluralist as regards extended substances, that is, that for him the extended world includes a plurality of bodies, including ordinary objects, each of which may be adequately described as a substance; and that for him the notion of substance is a rather slim notion, making no specific requirements as regards individuation or persistence conditions, and determining therefore no strict constraints on the kind of material objects that may count as substances. In short, I will be arguing for a certain view concerning the extension of the phrase ‘extended substance’ by defending a specific view of what ‘substance’ means.Keywords: substance, body, Monism, dependence.
L'autocomprensió i l'expectativa d'assolir l'objectivitat
Authors: Stroud Barry
Published: December 2015

“En aquestes conferències he tractat de ressaltar que, si tenim una explicació ferma i precisa de com pensem el món —i sobre el que hi percebem, hi sentim i hi creiem—, podem veure que l’única cosa que faria atractiu el ‘subjectivisme’ és la defensa d’una concepció molt restringida del contingut de les experiències i els sentiments que tenim al nostre abast. Amb la bellesa i la causalitat trobàrem que ni tan sols podíem identificar els sentiments o les experiències en qüesti. sense tenir ja prèviament la idea de bellesa o de causalitat que apliquem al món en aquests mateixos judicis. Semblava que el ‘subjectivisme’ prometia més en el cas dels colors i dels valors. Però allò que creiem sobre els colors dels objectes del món semblava massa estretament implicat en la nostra comprensió de les percepcions de color perquè poguem considerar que aquestes percepcions són res més que sensacions de determinats tipus. I el fet de prendre certes consideracions com a raons per a actuar de determinada manera també semblava estar massa estretament implicat en què volem i com decidim actuar perquè puguem entendre les voluntats i els desitjos que tenim com a meres sensacions o sentiments que, en alguna mesura, ens menen a l’acció”.
B. S.
Juan Carlos Siurana, Ética del humor, 2015
Authors: Richart Piqueras Andrés D.
Published: December 2015

Reseña del libro
Dynamic Interactions between Commuters’ Mode Choice Behaviour and Integrated Traveller Information
Authors: Meng Meng , Memon Abdul Ahad , Wong Yiik Diew , Lam Soi Hoi
Published: December 2015

A commuter’s mode choice decision in response to provided traveller information is directly dependent on the temporal and spatial interactions between the available travel modes, the network performance and control schemes, and the supplied traveller information. A self-developed simulation model – Intelligent Network Simulation Model (INSIM) – was employed to simulate travel scenarios in a multimodal transportation network. A set of experiments was designed to analyse and evaluate the influence of traffic information on commuter’s mode choice, using a medium-sized area in Singapore. Simulation results showed that the private-to-public mode switch propensity bears a strong and direct relation with amount of disseminated integrated multimodal traveller information (IMTI) as well as timeliness of information update. Other influential factors include degrees of accessibility and compliance to IMTI, and congestion-related events such as accidents.
Ataxin-1 oligomers induce local spread of pathology and decreasing them by passive immunization slows Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 phenotypes
Authors: Lasagna-Reeves Cristian A , Rousseaux Maxime WC , Guerrero-Munoz Marcos J , Vilanova-Velez Luis , Park Jeehye , See Lauren , Jafar-Nejad Paymaan , Richman Ronald , Orr Harry T , Kayed Rakez , Zoghbi Huda Y
Published: December 2015

Previously, we reported that ATXN1 oligomers are the primary drivers of toxicity in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1; Lasagna-Reeves et al., 2015). Here we report that polyQ ATXN1 oligomers can propagate locally in vivo in mice predisposed to SCA1 following intracerebral oligomeric tissue inoculation. Our data also show that targeting these oligomers with passive immunotherapy leads to some improvement in motor coordination in SCA1 mice and to a modest increase in their life span. These findings provide evidence that oligomer propagation is regionally limited in SCA1 and that immunotherapy targeting extracellular oligomers can mildly modify disease phenotypes.
Translational control of nociception via 4E-binding protein 1
Authors: Khoutorsky Arkady , Bonin Robert P , Sorge Robert E , Gkogkas Christos G , Pawlowski Sophie Anne , Jafarnejad Seyed Mehdi , Pitcher Mark H , Alain Tommy , Perez-Sanchez Jimena , Salter Eric W , Martin Loren , Ribeiro-da-Silva Alfredo , De Koninck Yves , Cervero Fernando , Mogil Jeffrey S , Sonenberg Nahum
Published: December 2015

Activation of the mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase in models of acute and chronic pain is strongly implicated in mediating enhanced translation and hyperalgesia. However, the molecular mechanisms by which mTOR regulates nociception remain unclear. Here we show that deletion of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), a major mTOR downstream effector, which represses eIF4E activity and cap-dependent translation, leads to mechanical, but not thermal pain hypersensitivity. Mice lacking 4E-BP1 exhibit enhanced spinal cord expression of neuroligin 1, a cell-adhesion postsynaptic protein regulating excitatory synapse function, and show increased excitatory synaptic input into spinal neurons, and a lowered threshold for induction of synaptic potentiation. Pharmacological inhibition of eIF4E or genetic reduction of neuroligin 1 levels normalizes the increased excitatory synaptic activity and reverses mechanical hypersensitivity. Thus, translational control by 4E-BP1 downstream of mTOR effects the expression of neuroligin 1 and excitatory synaptic transmission in the spinal cord, and thereby contributes to enhanced mechanical nociception.
Can partial‐cut harvesting be used to manage terrestrial lichen habitat? A review of recent evidence
Authors: Stevenson Susan K. , Coxson Darwyn S.
Published: December 2015

Recent research suggests that partial-cut harvesting techniques can be used to alter successional trajectories in pine- and spruce-lichen woodlands, allowing forest managers to extend the period of reindeer lichen growth in mid- to late seral boreal forest stands. In Quebec, a fully replicated partial-cutting trial found that terrestrial lichen abundance remained at least as high in the partial cut as in the clearcuts or unlogged stands, and that the partial cut appeared to be on a trajectory to have even more terrestrial lichen due to sustained higher growth rates. In Alberta, a retrospective study found higher terrestrial lichen abundance in an early horse-logged partial cut than in undisturbed adjacent old forests or in clearcuts. Follow-up studies of partial-cut harvesting trials in British Columbia found that group selection plots 10 years after harvesting had lichen cover equivalent to that of undisturbed forest. In contrast, studies on lichen woodlands that have been defoliated by mountain pine beetle showed a major decline in reindeer lichen cover and a corresponding increase in vascular plant cover, similar to the results of previous studies on clear-cut logging impacts. Taken together these studies provide qualified support for the hypothesis that partial-cut harvesting can be used to enhance, or at least maintain, terrestrial lichen mats used as forage by caribou.
VAGrENT: Variation Annotation Generator
Authors: Menzies Andy , Teague Jon W. , Butler Adam P. , Davies Helen , Tarpey Patrick , Nik‐Zainal Serena , Campbell Peter J.
Published: December 2015

VAGrENT is a tool that provides biological context and effect prediction for genomic sequence variants. It annotates single base substitutions and small insertions and deletions by comparing them to reference information within or close to genes or other transcribed elements. This information provides the critical insight required to inform the biological or clinical significance of variant data generated from sequencing studies. The software has been optimized to run efficiently against the large numbers and diverse classes of variants that are typically generated from next generation sequencing technologies. This unit describes how to configure and use VAGrENT and also contains support protocols for extending and adapting its default behavior. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rapid and highly variable warming of lake surface waters around the globe
Authors: O'Reilly Catherine M. , Sharma Sapna , Gray Derek K. , Hampton Stephanie E. , Read Jordan S. , Rowley Rex J. , Schneider Philipp , Lenters John D. , McIntyre Peter B. , Kraemer Benjamin M. , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Straile Dietmar , Dong Bo , Adrian Rita , Allan Mathew G. , Anneville Orlane , Arvola Lauri , Austin Jay , Bailey John L. , Baron Jill S. , Brookes Justin D. , de Eyto Elvira , Dokulil Martin T. , Hamilton David P. , Havens Karl , Hetherington Amy L. , Higgins Scott N. , Hook Simon , Izmest'eva Lyubov R. , Joehnk Klaus D. , Kangur Kulli , Kasprzak Peter , Kumagai Michio , Kuusisto Esko , Leshkevich George , Livingstone David M. , MacIntyre Sally , May Linda , Melack John M. , Mueller‐Navarra Doerthe C. , Naumenko Mikhail , Noges Peeter , Noges Tiina , North Ryan P. , Plisnier Pierre‐Denis , Rigosi Anna , Rimmer Alon , Rogora Michela , Rudstam Lars G. , Rusak James A. , Salmaso Nico , Samal Nihar R. , Schindler Daniel E. , Schladow S. Geoffrey , Schmid Martin , Schmidt Silke R. , Silow Eugene , Soylu M. Evren , Teubner Katrin , Verburg Piet , Voutilainen Ari , Watkinson Andrew , Williamson Craig E. , Zhang Guoqing
Published: December 2015

In this first worldwide synthesis of in situ and satellite‐derived lake data, we find that lake summer surface water temperatures rose rapidly (global mean = 0.34°C decade−1) between 1985 and 2009. Our analyses show that surface water warming rates are dependent on combinations of climate and local characteristics, rather than just lake location, leading to the counterintuitive result that regional consistency in lake warming is the exception, rather than the rule. The most rapidly warming lakes are widely geographically distributed, and their warming is associated with interactions among different climatic factors—from seasonally ice‐covered lakes in areas where temperature and solar radiation are increasing while cloud cover is diminishing (0.72°C decade−1) to ice‐free lakes experiencing increases in air temperature and solar radiation (0.53°C decade−1). The pervasive and rapid warming observed here signals the urgent need to incorporate climate impacts into vulnerability assessments and adaptation efforts for lakes.
Lunar water migration in the interval between large impacts: Heterogeneous delivery to Permanently Shadowed Regions, fractionation, and diffusive barriers
Authors: Moores John E.
Published: December 2015

The migration of water molecules across the lunar surface from sources sufficiently small, so as to not generate a transient collisional atmosphere, was examined using a Monte Carlo simulation. Previous work using similar models is extended by examining a realistic distribution of large south polar Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) to examine the heterogeneities observed in their water content—frost in Haworth and the nearby lowlands, but not in neighboring Shoemaker, and anomalously high hydrogen abundances from neutron data—and to determine how the pattern of water delivery can be distinguished from that predicted for transient collisional atmospheres. While the Haworth lowlands were seen to accumulate 3.9 times as much water as Shoemaker, the additional water delivered to Haworth crater was only 47% greater than Shoemaker, possibly due to shielding by Faustini and the lowlands. This relatively small difference is likely inadequate to explain the difference in frosting. More broadly, latitudinal trends in delivery dominate over meridional trends. Despite the heterogeneity in water delivery, fractionation effects from ballistic migration were small for the PSRs with equal D/H ratios seen in all PSRs within confidence limits. Finally, a diffusive barrier was observed starting at approximately 15° from each pole that hampers the poleward progress of equatorial particles. This barrier is the result of a reduction in the migration diffusivity from 1.0 × 107 m2 s−1 near the equator to 5.5 × 105 m2 s−1 within 10° of the pole and finally to 6.8 × 103 m2 s−1 within 4° of the pole.
CaO‐Templated Growth of Hierarchical Porous Graphene for High‐Power Lithium–Sulfur Battery Applications
Authors: Tang Cheng , Li Bo‐Quan , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Lin , Wang Hao‐Fan , Shi Jia‐Le , Wei Fei
Published: December 2015

Structural hierarchy plays an important role in the biological world and for functional materials with optimized properties and high efficiency. As promising candidates for various energy storage systems, hierarchical porous carbon/graphene materials have been intensively investigated over the past decades, while the favorable regulation of their hierarchical porosity remains a challenge. Herein, porous CaO serves as both the catalyst and template for a versatile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of hierarchical porous graphene. The gas atmosphere during CVD and nanostructure of adopted catalysts impact significantly on the graphitization degree and hierarchical porosity of resultant materials. The as‐fabricated material exhibits abundant microsized in‐plane vacancies, mesosized wrinkled pores, and macrosized strutted cavities, thereby contributing to a strong surface entrapment, short ion diffusion pathways, rapid mass transport, low interfacial resistance, and robust framework. It is demonstrated as a favorable scaffold for lithium–sulfur battery cathodes with superior rate capability, high coulombic efficiency, and excellent stability. A high capacity of 357 (656 ) is manifested at the current rate of 5.0 C, exhibiting a 74% retention of the capacity at 0.1 C. The first use of CaO‐templated CVD growth of graphene reported herein opens up new perspectives on the effective fabrication of hierarchical porous graphene materials on metal oxide catalysts with promising applications in energy storage, catalysis, adsorption, drug delivery, and so on.
Visualization of Current and Mapping of Elements in Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Niezgoda J. Scott , Ng Amy , Poplawsky Jonathan D. , McBride James R. , Pennycook Stephen J. , Rosenthal Sandra J.
Published: December 2015

The delicate influence of properties such as high surface state density and organic–inorganic boundaries on the individual quantum dot electronic structure complicates pursuits toward forming quantitative models of quantum dot thin films ab initio. This report describes the application of electron beam‐induced current (EBIC) microscopy to depleted‐heterojunction colloidal quantum dot photovoltaics (DH‐CQD PVs), a technique which affords one a “map” of current production within the active layer of a PV device. The effects of QD sample size polydispersity as well as layer thickness in CQD active layers as they pertain to current production within these PVs are imaged and explained. The results from these experiments compare well with previous estimations, and confirm the ability of EBIC to function as a valuable empirical tool for the design and betterment of DH‐CQD PVs. Lastly, extensive and unexpected PbS QD penetration into the mesoporous TiO2 layer is observed through imaging of device cross sections by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy combined with scanning transmission electron microscopy. The possible effects of this finding are discussed and corroborated with the EBIC studies on similar devices.
High‐Performance Mesostructured Organic Hybrid Pseudocapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Kim Sung‐Kon , Cho Jiung , Moore Jeffrey S. , Park Ho Seok , Braun Paul V.
Published: December 2015

The electrodes of a hybrid electrochemical capacitor which utilize the quinone (Q)‐hydroquinone (QH2) couple, a prototypical organic redox system known to provide fast and reversible proton‐coupled electron‐transfer reactions, are deterministically mesostructured via a colloidal templating strategy to provide good ion and electron transport pathways, enabling a high rate performance. Specifically, a conducting polymer, polypyrrole (PPy), is functionalized with a pseudocapacitive material, a Q/QH2‐containing catechol derivative, by noncovalent interactions. The mesostructure of this hybrid material is formed into an ordered 3D porous structure by a polystyrene colloidal crystal template‐assisted electrosynthesis. The catechol derivative is sufficiently bound to the PPy through noncovalent interactions to provide a volumetric capacitance as high as ≈130 F cm−3 and a capacitance retention of ≈75% over 10 000 charging/discharging cycles. When compared with a randomly structured electrode, the deterministically structured electrode exhibits an improved rate performance due to the mesostructure facilitated electron and ion transport.
Micropatterning of BiVO4 Thin Films Using Laser‐Induced Crystallization
Authors: Trzciński Konrad , Rodriguez Raul D. , Schmidt Constance , Rahaman Mahfujur , Sawczak Mirosław , Lisowska‐Oleksiak Anna , Gasiorowski Jacek , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: December 2015

Relatively high temperatures even up to 500 °C are required to obtain bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) films with the scheelite monoclinic (s‐m) structure that shows the highest photocatalytic activity. This requirement limits the possible choice of substrates. Moreover, high quality thin layers of crystalline BiVO4 cannot be prepared with current methods. In this study a light‐induced crystallization approach is presented, which is a step toward preparation and patterning of BiVO4 (s‐m) films for applications on plastic substrates. Thin films of amorphous BiVO4 are prepared by pulsed laser deposition. The possibility of using green (514.7 nm) laser illumination for crystallization of BiVO4 is investigated. The laser‐induced phase transition is tracked using Raman spectroscopy. The results are compared with those obtained from thermally annealed samples, crystalline structure of which is confirmed by measuring X‐ray diffraction. The homogeneity and quality of crystallization are verified using micro‐Raman spectroscopy imaging, while time‐dependent experiments reveal the crystallization rate. The conductivity of the crystallized region is investigated using conductive atomic force microscopy. A strong increase in the conductivity is found in the patterned regions. Experimental results demonstrate the possibility of using the laser‐induced crystallization of BiVO4 to prepare patterns of improved conductivity and semiconducting properties in comparison to amorphous surroundings.
Controlled Sulfurization Process for the Synthesis of Large Area MoS2 Films and MoS2/WS2 Heterostructures
Authors: Chiappe Daniele , Asselberghs Inge , Sutar Surajit , Iacovo Serena , Afanas'ev Valeri , Stesmans Andre , Balaji Yashwanth , Peters Lisanne , Heyne Markus , Mannarino Manuel , Vandervorst Wilfried , Sayan Safak , Huyghebaert Cedric , Caymax Matty , Heyns Marc , De Gendt Stefan , Radu Iuliana , Thean Aaron
Published: December 2015

Large area MoS2 films with tunable physical‐chemical properties are grown on dielectric substrates by annealing of ultrathin Mo layers in the presence of a sulfur‐containing gaseous precursor. Different growth conditions are found to have a significant impact on material properties, including chemical composition, roughness, and grain sizes, thus shedding light on critical parameters that govern sulfurization processes for the synthesis of large area 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. Optimized growth conditions in combination with the use of single crystal sapphire substrates with atomically flat interface result in the formation of oriented MoS2 films with improved quality and electrical performance. On the basis of this versatile synthesis technique, an original double‐step process is presented for the synthesis of WS2/MoS2 vertical heterostructures. Good uniformity of layers over large area has enabled first isolation of defects by electron spin resonance spectroscopy with densities correlated with mobility degradation and the first experimental characterization of the band alignment at the interfaces of MoS2, WS2, and their vertical stacks with the underlying SiO2 insulator.
Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Formation of Unstable Sulfinyl Radicals for the Synthesis of Sulfinates and Thiosulfonates
Authors: Shyam Pranab K. , Kim Yu Kwon , Lee Chan , Jang Hye‐Young
Published: December 2015

Copper‐catalyzed aerobic coupling of thiols and alcohols affords sulfinates and thiosulfonates. These products are assumed to form via sulfinyl radicals which are not commonly found in oxidative coupling reactions of thiols. A reaction mechanism involving sulfinyl radicals is proposed, and mass and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experimental results are provided.

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Destabilization of the gut microbiome marks the end‐stage of simian immunodeficiency virus infection in wild chimpanzees
Authors: Barbian Hannah J. , Li Yingying , Ramirez Miguel , Klase Zachary , Lipende Iddi , Mjungu Deus , Moeller Andrew H. , Wilson Michael L. , Pusey Anne E. , Lonsdorf Elizabeth V. , Bushman Frederic D. , Hahn Beatrice H.
Published: December 2015

Enteric dysbiosis is a characteristic feature of progressive human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection but has not been observed in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac)‐infected macaques, including in animals with end‐stage disease. This has raised questions concerning the mechanisms underlying the HIV‐1 associated enteropathy, with factors other than virus infection, such as lifestyle and antibiotic use, implicated as playing possible causal roles. Simian immunodeficiency virus of chimpanzees (SIVcpz) is also associated with increased mortality in wild‐living communities, and like HIV‐1 and SIVmac, can cause CD4+ T cell depletion and immunodeficiency in infected individuals. Given the central role of the intestinal microbiome in mammalian health, we asked whether gut microbial constituents could be identified that are indicative of SIVcpz status and/or disease progression. Here, we characterized the gut microbiome of SIVcpz‐infected and ‐uninfected chimpanzees in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Subjecting a small number of fecal samples (N = 9) to metagenomic (shotgun) sequencing, we found bacteria of the family Prevotellaceae to be enriched in SIVcpz‐infected chimpanzees. However, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of a larger number of samples (N = 123) failed to show significant differences in both the composition and diversity (alpha and beta) of gut bacterial communities between infected (N = 24) and uninfected (N = 26) chimpanzees. Similarly, chimpanzee stool‐associated circular virus (Chi‐SCV) and chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdV) identified by metagenomic sequencing were neither more prevalent nor more abundant in SIVcpz‐infected individuals. However, fecal samples collected from SIVcpz‐infected chimpanzees within 5 months before their AIDS‐related death exhibited significant compositional changes in their gut bacteriome. These data indicate that SIVcpz‐infected chimpanzees retain a stable gut microbiome throughout much of their natural infection course, with a significant destabilization of bacterial (but not viral) communities observed only in individuals with known immunodeficiency within the last several months before their death. Am. J. Primatol. 80:e22515, 2018. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T2R38 genotype is correlated with sinonasal quality of life in homozygous ΔF508 cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Adappa Nithin D. , Workman Alan D. , Hadjiliadis Denis , Dorgan Daniel J. , Frame Danielle , Brooks Steven , Doghramji Laurel , Palmer James N. , Mansfield Corrine , Reed Danielle R. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: December 2015

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is very prevalent in the cystic fibrosis (CF) patient population, and leads to high morbidity and markedly decreased quality of life (QOL). Identification of genetic markers that contribute to CRS symptoms in these patients can allow for risk stratification and tailoring of medical and surgical treatments. T2R38 is a bitter taste receptor expressed in the sinonasal tract, and nonfunctional alleles of this receptor have been implicated in treatment‐refractory CRS in non‐CF patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the significance of T2R38 genotype in the variability of sinonasal QOL and CRS disease severity in a sample of CF patients.

Methods

ΔF508 homozygous CF patients were recruited from the University of Pennsylvania Cystic Fibrosis Center and were genotyped for the TAS2R38 locus. To assess sinonasal symptom severity, a 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) was collected from each patient. Additional demographic and medical history data was obtained at the time of patient enrollment.

Results

A total of 49 ΔF508 homozygous CF patients aged 18 to 32 years were included in the final SNOT‐22 score analysis. Individuals with 2 functional T2R38 alleles (PAV/PAV) had significantly lower SNOT‐22 scores (n = 49, p < 0.05). On further breakdown of SNOT‐22 subcategories, rhinologic symptoms specifically were less severe in PAV/PAV patients than patients with other genotypes (n = 47, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our investigation indicates that T2R38 genotype correlates both with SNOT‐22 scores and rhinologic‐specific QOL in ΔF508 homozygous CF patients.
Zur Kenntnis von Lösungssystemen in tief siedenden Lösungsmitteln: 1. Mitteilung
Authors: Schenk Peter W. , Tulhoff Helmut
Published: December 2015

Eine neue Methode zur Löslichkeitsbestimmung in verflüssigten Gasen bei niedrigen Temperaturen wird beschrieben. Sie beruht darauf, daß aus einem Vorratsvolumen auf die zu lösende Substanz bei konstanter Temperatur so lange Lösungsmittel aufkondensiert wird, bis eine gesättigte Lösung entstanden ist. Aus der Druckabnahme im Vorratsgefäß wird die Lösungsmittelmenge bestimmt. Die Methode wird an den bereits untersuchten Systemen KCl/NH3, KBr/NH3, KJ/NH3 und KNO3/NH3 geprüft und die erhaltenen Werte in guter Übereinstimmung mit den für diese Systeme bekannten Werten gefunden.
Magnetic Susceptibility of Liquid Se – Te, Se – Tl, and Se – Ge Mixtures
Authors: Misonou M. , Endo H.
Published: December 2015

The measurements of magnetic susceptibility have been done for liquid Se – Te, Se – Tl, and Se – Ge mixtures up to 1000 °C. The number of the broken bonds per mole and the energy required to break a chain are deduced as functions of temperature and solute concentration. The modification of the chain structure of liquid Se by the addition of Te, Tl, or Ge is discussed.
Brain‐derived neurotropic factor polymorphisms, traumatic stress, mild traumatic brain injury, and combat exposure contribute to postdeployment traumatic stress
Authors: Dretsch Michael N. , Williams Kathy , Emmerich Tanja , Crynen Gogce , Ait‐Ghezala Ghania , Chaytow Helena , Mathura Venkat , Crawford Fiona C. , Iverson Grant L.
Published: December 2015

Background

In addition to experiencing traumatic events while deployed in a combat environment, there are other factors that contribute to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military service members. This study explored the contribution of genetics, childhood environment, prior trauma, psychological, cognitive, and deployment factors to the development of traumatic stress following deployment.

Methods

Both pre‐ and postdeployment data on 231 of 458 soldiers were analyzed. Postdeployment assessments occurred within 30 days from returning stateside and included a battery of psychological health, medical history, and demographic questionnaires; neurocognitive tests; and blood serum for the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2), apolipoprotein E (APOE), and brain‐derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) genes.

Results

Soldiers who screened positive for traumatic stress at postdeployment had significantly higher scores in depression (d = 1.91), anxiety (d = 1.61), poor sleep quality (d = 0.92), postconcussion symptoms (d = 2.21), alcohol use (d = 0.63), traumatic life events (d = 0.42), and combat exposure (d = 0.91). BDNF Val66 Met genotype was significantly associated with risk for sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and screening positive for traumatic stress. Predeployment traumatic stress, greater combat exposure and sustaining an mTBI while deployed, and the BDNF Met/Met genotype accounted for 22% of the variance of postdeployment PTSD scores (R2 = 0.22, P < 0.001). However, predeployment traumatic stress, alone, accounted for 17% of the postdeployment PTSD scores.

Conclusion

These findings suggest predeployment traumatic stress, genetic, and environmental factors have unique contributions to the development of combat‐related traumatic stress in military service members.
Artificial Metalloenzymes with the Neocarzinostatin Scaffold: Toward a Biocatalyst for the Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Ghattas Wadih , Cotchico‐Alonso Lur , Maréchal Jean‐Didier , Urvoas Agathe , Rousseau Maëva , Mahy Jean‐Pierre , Ricoux Rémy
Published: December 2015

A copper(II) cofactor coupled to a testosterone anchor, copper(II)‐(5‐(Piperazin‐1‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline)testosterone‐17‐hemisuccinamide (10) was synthesized and associated with a neocarzinostatin variant, NCS‐3.24 (KD=3 μm), thus generating a new artificial metalloenzyme by following a “Trojan horse” strategy. Interestingly, the artificial enzyme was able to efficiently catalyze the Diels–Alder cyclization reaction of cyclopentadiene (1) with 2‐azachalcone (2). In comparison with what was observed with cofactor 10 alone, the artificial enzymes favored formation of the exo products (endo/exo ratios of 84:16 and 62:38, respectively, after 12 h). Molecular modeling studies assigned the synergy between the copper complex and the testosterone (KD=13 μm) moieties in the binding of 10 to good van der Waals complementarity. Moreover, by pushing the modeling exercise to its limits, we hypothesize on the molecular grounds that are responsible for the observed selectivity.
A Rapid and Versatile Assay for Ago2‐Mediated Cleavage by Using Branched Rolling Circle Amplification
Authors: Hesse Marlen , Arenz Christoph
Published: December 2015

Micro RNA (miRNA) research has evolved into an essential part of investigating gene regulation in which deregulation of numerous miRNAs is associated with various cellular dysfunction and diseases. Here, we describe a rapid and homogenous assay for Ago2‐mediated target RNA cleavage, based on branched rolling circle amplification (BRCA). In particular, the ability to investigate small molecule binders for inhibition of miRNA function is within the potential of our assay. This method uses no artificial fluorescence labeling of RNA components, which can be an advantage in screening of potential inhibitors. To visualize cleavage of RNA substrate by Ago2, we developed a two‐step assay composed of Ago2‐mediated cleavage and BRCA‐based detection. The assay is cost‐effective and practicable and can be performed in 96‐well format by using a standard qPCR machine.
Activation and Transformation of Ethane by Au2VO3+ Clusters with Closed‐Shell Electronic Structures
Authors: Li Ya‐Ke , Li Zi‐Yu , Zhao Yan‐Xia , Liu Qing‐Yu , Meng Jing‐Heng , He Sheng‐Gui
Published: December 2015

The study of chemical reactions between gold‐containing heteronuclear oxide clusters and small molecules can provide molecular level mechanisms to understand the excellent activity of gold supported by metal oxides. While the promotion role of gold in alkane transformation was identified in the clusters with atomic oxygen radicals (O−.), the role of gold in the systems without O−. is not clear. By employing mass spectrometry and quantum chemistry calculations, the reactivity of Au2VO3+ clusters with closed‐shell electronic structures toward ethane was explored. Both the dehydrogenation and ethene elimination channels were identified. It is gold rather than oxygen species initiating the C−H activation. The Au−Au dimer formed during the reactions plays important roles in ethane transformation. The reactivity comparison between Au2VO3+ and bare Au2+ demonstrates that Au2VO3+ not only retains the property of bare Au2+ that transforming ethane to dihydrogen, but also exhibits new functions in converting ethane to ethene, which reveals the importance of the composite system. This study provides a further understanding of the reactivity of metal oxide supported gold in alkane activation and transformation.