bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesoscale field‐aligned irregularity structures (FAIs) of airglow associated with medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs)
Authors: Sun Longchang , Xu Jiyao , Wang Wenbin , Yue Xinan , Yuan Wei , Ning Baiqi , Zhang Donghe , de Meneses F. C.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we report the evolution (generation, amplification, and dissipation) of optically observed mesoscale field‐aligned irregularity structures (FAIs) (~150 km) associated with a medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbance (MSTID) event. There have not been observations of mesoscale FAIs of airglow before. The mesoscale FAIs were generated in an airglow‐depleted front of southwestward propagating MSTIDs that were simultaneously observed by an all‐sky imager, a GPS monitor, and a digisonde around Xinglong (40.4°N, 30.5° magnetic latitude), China, on 17/18 February 2012. A normalized cross‐correlation method has been used to obtain the velocities of mesoscale FAIs and MSTIDs. The mesoscale FAIs had an obvious northwestward relative velocity to main‐body MSTIDs (about 87.0 m/s on average). The direction of this relative velocity was roughly parallel to the depleted fronts. Furthermore, the evolution of the mesoscale FAIs was mostly controlled by the intensity of the depleted fronts. Occurred in a highly elevated ionosphere that had a total electron content depletion associated with large negative airglow perturbations (−25%), the mesoscale FAIs grew rapidly when they experienced southeastward wind, which had a speed of about 100 m/s and were measured by a Fabry‐Perot interferometer. A northeastward polarization electric field within a depleted airglow front can play a controlling role in the development of the mesoscale FAIs. The electric field can significantly elevate the ionosphere and move the mesoscale FAIs northwestward by the E × B drift. The processes for the generation and development of the polarization electric field and the mesoscale FAIs, however, need further study.
Terrestrial pyrogenic carbon export to fluvial ecosystems: Lessons learned from the White Nile watershed of East Africa
Authors: Güereña David T. , Lehmann Johannes , Walter Todd , Enders Akio , Neufeldt Henry , Odiwour Holiance , Biwott Henry , Recha John , Shepherd Keith , Barrios Edmundo , Wurster Chris
Published: October 2015

Pyrogenic carbon (PyC) is important because of its role in the global organic C (OC) cycle and in modifying soil properties. However, our understanding of PyC movement from terrestrial to fluvial ecosystems is not robust. This study examined (i) whether erosion or subsurface transport was more important for PyC export from headwaters, (ii) whether PyC was exported preferentially to total OC (TOC), and (iii) whether the movement of PyC from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems provides an explanation for the coupling of PyC and non‐PyC observed in rivers at a global scale. In the Guineo‐Congolian highland forest region of western Kenya, duplicate catchments with sizes of 1–12 ha were equipped with stream gauges in primary forest and adjacent mixed agricultural landscapes that were cleared by fire 10, 16, or 62 years before. Stream water samples were taken weekly throughout 1 year and compared with runoff to assess PyC movement. Additional stream samples were taken from all major tributaries of the White Nile watershed of Lake Victoria. PyC was not found to be preferentially eroded relative to TOC or non‐PyC, as topsoil (0–0.15 m) PyC concentrations (6.3 ± 0.3% of TOC; means and standard errors) were greater than runoff sediment (1.9 ± 0.4%) and dissolved PyC concentrations (2.0 ± 0.4%, n = 252). In addition, PyC proportions in eroded sediment were lower than and uncorrelated (r2 = 0.04; P = 0.14) with topsoil PyC. An enrichment of PyC was found with depth in the soil, from 6.3 ± 0.3% of TOC in the topsoil (0–0.15 m) to 12.3 ± 0.3% of TOC at 1–2 m. Base flow PyC proportions of TOC correlated well with subsoil PyC (r2 = 0.57; P < 0.05) but not with topsoil PyC (r2 = 0.18; P > 0.05). Similar PyC proportions were found in the studied headwater streams (2.7 ± 0.2%), their downstream inflow into Lake Victoria (3.7%), the other nine major rivers into Lake Victoria (4.9 ± 0.8%), and its outflow into the White Nile (1.1%). A strong positive correlation between dissolved PyC and non‐PyC (r2 = 0.91; P < 0.0001) in the headwater streams reflect relationships previously seen for a range of globally important rivers, and contrasts with a negative relationship for suspended sediments (r2 = −0.5; P < 0.0001). The estimated PyC export from the Lake Victoria watershed of 11 Gg yr−1 may therefore originate to a large extent from subsoil pathways in dissolved form that appeared to be an important source of PyC in aquatic environments and may explain the coupling of PyC and non‐PyC at a global scale.
Regional sea level change in response to ice mass loss in Greenland, the West Antarctic and Alaska
Authors: Brunnabend S.‐E. , Schröter J. , Rietbroek R. , Kusche J.
Published: October 2015

Besides the warming of the ocean, sea level is mainly rising due to land ice mass loss of the major ice sheets in Greenland, the West Antarctic, and the Alaskan Glaciers. However, it is not clear yet how these land ice mass losses influence regional sea level. Here, we use the global Finite Element Sea‐ice Ocean Model (FESOM) to simulate sea surface height (SSH) changes caused by these ice mass losses and combine it with the passive ocean response to varying surface loading using the sea level equation. We prescribe rates of fresh water inflow, not only around Greenland, but also around the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and the mountain glaciers in Alaska with approximately present‐day amplitudes of 200, 100, and 50 Gt/yr, respectively. Perturbations in sea level and in freshwater distribution with respect to a reference simulation are computed for each source separately and in their combination. The ocean mass change shows an almost globally uniform behavior. In the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean, mass is redistributed toward coastal regions. Steric sea level change varies locally in the order of several centimeters on advective timescales of decades. Steric effects to local sea level differ significantly in different coastal locations, e.g., at North American coastal regions the steric effects may have the same order of magnitude as the mass driven effect, whereas at the European coast, steric effects remain small during the simulation period.
Increase in HFC‐134a emissions in response to the success of the Montreal Protocol
Authors: Fortems‐Cheiney A. , Saunois M. , Pison I. , Chevallier F. , Bousquet P. , Cressot C. , Montzka S. A. , Fraser P. J. , Vollmer M. K. , Simmonds P. G. , Young D. , O'Doherty S. , Weiss R. F. , Artuso F. , Barletta B. , Blake D. R. , Li S. , Lunder C. , Miller B. R. , Park S. , Prinn R. , Saito T. , Steele L. P. , Yokouchi Y.
Published: October 2015

The 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (HFC‐134a), an important alternative to CFC‐12 in accordance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, is a high global warming potential greenhouse gas. Here we evaluate variations in global and regional HFC‐134a emissions and emission trends, from 1995 to 2010, at a relatively high spatial and temporal (3.75° in longitude × 2.5° in latitude and 8 day) resolution, using surface HFC‐134a measurements. Our results show a progressive increase of global HFC‐134a emissions from 19 ± 2 Gg/yr in 1995 to 167 ± 5 Gg/yr in 2010, with both a slowdown in developed countries and a 20%/yr increase in China since 2005. A seasonal cycle is also seen since 2002, which becomes enhanced over time, with larger values during the boreal summer.
Recyclable and reusable NiCl2(PPh3)2/CuI/PEG‐400/H2O system for the sonogashira coupling reaction of aryl iodides with alkynes
Authors: Wei Ting , Zhang Tingli , Huang Bin , Tuo Yuxin , Cai Mingzhong
Published: October 2015

A stable and highly efficient NiCl2(PPh3)2/CuI/PEG‐400/H2O catalytic system for the Sonogashira reaction has been developed. In the presence of NiCl2(PPh3)2 and CuI, the coupling reaction of aryl iodides with terminal alkynes was carried out smoothly in a mixture of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG‐400) and water at 100°C with K2CO3 as base to afford a variety of arylacetylenes in good to excellent yields. The isolation of the products was readily performed by extraction with petroleum ether, and the NiCl2(PPh3)2/CuI/PEG‐400/H2O system could be easily recycled and reused six times without significant loss of catalytic activity. Our system not only avoids the use of easily volatile organic solvents but also solves the basic problem of catalyst reuse. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic profiling of a novel antithrombotic compound, S002‐333 and enantiomers: metabolic stability, species comparison and in vitro–in vivo extrapolation
Authors: Saxena Amrita , Valicherla Guru R. , Jain Girish K. , Bhatta Rabi S. , Saxena Anil K. , Gayen Jiaur R.
Published: October 2015

Objective

The aim of this research work was to characterize the metabolism of S002‐333, (2‐(4'‐methoxy‐benzenesulfonyl)‐2,3,4,9‐tetrahydro‐1H‐pyrido (3,4‐b) indole‐3‐carboxylic acid amide) and its enantiomers, S004‐1032 (R‐form) and S007‐1558 (S‐form) in pooled human liver microsomes (PHLM) and pooled liver microsomes (LM) of rat (RLM), rabbit (RABLM), dog (DLM) and monkey (MLM). Another objective of this study was to identify suitable surrogate species to humans for further development of lead candidates.

Method

In vitro metabolic stability and metabolite identification of S002‐333 and enantiomers were carried out in PHLM and LM of various species. The prediction of surrogate species and in vitro in vivo extrapolation were performed based upon the calculated in vitro intrinsic clearance (CLint).

Results/Conclusion

The in vitro CLint values for S002‐333, S004‐1032 and S007‐1558 were 0.027 ± 0.005, 0.025 ± 0.004 and 0.036 ± 0.005 ml/min/mg, respectively, in PHLM, indicating that S007‐1558 was the most metabolically unstable of the three. The LM of other species showed similar results. A common surrogate species to humans for S002‐333 and enantiomers was predicted as rabbit where the extrapolated hepatic clearance (CLH) did not show a significant difference to the in vivo CLH values. However, none of the species closely mimic humans with respect to the proportion of major metabolites (M‐1–M‐4) formed in vitro. Likewise, the CLH values were also predicted in humans for S002‐333 and enantiomers using various mathematical models. During analysis, there was no chiral inversion evident among the individual isomers throughout in vitro and in vivo experiments. In conclusion, the in vitro results indicate a prominent role of phase I metabolism in the degradation of S002‐333 and enantiomers and predict rabbit as an alternative species to conduct further safety and efficacy studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenolic compounds: Strong inhibitors derived from lignocellulosic hydrolysate for 2,3‐butanediol production by Enterobacter aerogenes
Authors: Lee Sang Jun , Lee Ju Hun , Yang Xiaoguang , Kim Sung Bong , Lee Ja Hyun , Yoo Hah Young , Park Chulhwan , Kim Seung Wook
Published: October 2015

Lignocellulosic biomass are attractive feedstocks for 2,3‐butanediol production due to their abundant supply and low price. During the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, various byproducts are formed and their effects on 2,3‐butanediol production were not sufficiently studied compared to ethanol production. Therefore, the effects of compounds derived from lignocellulosic biomass (weak acids, furan derivatives and phenolics) on the cell growth, the 2,3‐butanediol production and the enzymes activity involved in 2,3‐butanediol production were evaluated using Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 29007. The phenolic compounds showed the most toxic effects on cell growth, 2,3‐butanediol production and enzyme activity, followed by furan derivatives and weak acids. The significant effects were not observed in the presence of acetic acid and formic acid. Also, feasibility of 2,3‐butanediol production from lignocellulosic biomass was evaluated using Miscanthus as a feedstock. In the fermentation of Miscanthus hydrolysate, 11.00 g/L of 2,3‐butanediol was obtained from 34.62 g/L of reducing sugar. However, 2,3‐butanediol was not produced when the concentration of total phenolic compounds in the hydrolysate increased to more than 1.5 g/L. The present study provides useful information to develop strategies for biological production of 2,3‐butanediol and to establish biorefinery for biochemicals from lignocellulosic biomass.
Understanding β‐mannanase from Streptomyces sp. CS147 and its potential application in lignocellulose based biorefining
Authors: Yoo Hah Y. , Pradeep G. C. , Lee Soo K. , Park Don H. , Cho Seung S. , Choi Yun H. , Yoo Jin C. , Kim Seung W.
Published: October 2015

Hydrolytic enzymes such as cellulase and hemicellulase have been attracted in lignocellulose based biorefinery. Especially, mannanase has been a growing interest in industrial applications due to its importance in the bioconversion. In this study, an extracellular endo‐β‐1,4‐D‐mannanase was produced by Streptomyces sp. CS147 (Mn147) and purified 8.5‐fold with a 43.4% yield using Sephadex G‐50 column. The characterization of Mn147 was performed, and the results were as follows: molecular weight of ∼25 kDa with an optimum temperature of 50°C and pH of 11.0. The effect of metal ions and various reagents on Mn147 was strongly activated by Ca+2 but inhibited by Mg+2 , Fe+2 , hydrogen peroxide, EDTA and EGTA. Km and Vmax values of Mn147 were 0.13 mg/mL and 294 μmol/min mg, respectively, when different concentrations (3.1 to 50 mg/mL) of locust bean gum galactomannan were used as substrate. In enzymatic hydrolysis of heterogeneous substrate (spent coffee grounds), Mn147 shows a similar conversion compared to commercial enzymes. In addition, lignocellulosic biomass can be hydrolyzed to oligosaccharides (reducing sugars), which can be further utilized for the production of biomaterials. These results showed that Mn147 is attractive in quest of potential bioindustrial applications.
Improved growth and ethanol fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of acetic acid by overexpression of SET5 and PPR1
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Ming , Zhao Xin‐Qing , Cheng Cheng , Bai Feng‐Wu
Published: October 2015

To better understand the contribution of zinc‐finger proteins to environmental stress tolerance, particularly inhibition from acetic acid, which is a potent inhibitor for cellulosic ethanol production by microbial fermentations, SET5 and PPR1 were overexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741. With 5 g/L acetic acid addition, engineered strains BY4741/SET5 and BY4741/PPR1 showed improved growth and enhanced ethanol fermentation performance compared to that with the control strain. Similar results were also observed in ethanol production using corn stover hydrolysate. Further studies indicated that SET5 and PPR1 overexpression in S. cerevisiae significantly improved activities of antioxidant enzymes and ATP generation in the presence of acetic acid, and consequently decreased intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (50.9 and 45.7%, respectively). These results revealed the novel functions of SET5 and PPR1 for the improvement of yeast acetic acid tolerance, and also implicated the involvement of these proteins in oxidative stress defense and energy metabolism in S. cerevisiae. This work also demonstrated that overexpression of SET5 and PPR1 would be a feasible strategy to increase cellulosic ethanol production efficiency.
Genome‐scale metabolic model of Pichia pastoris with native and humanized glycosylation of recombinant proteins
Authors: Irani Zahra Azimzadeh , Kerkhoven Eduard J. , Shojaosadati Seyed Abbas , Nielsen Jens
Published: October 2015

Pichia pastoris is used for commercial production of human therapeutic proteins, and genome‐scale models of P. pastoris metabolism have been generated in the past to study the metabolism and associated protein production by this yeast. A major challenge with clinical usage of recombinant proteins produced by P. pastoris is the difference in N‐glycosylation of proteins produced by humans and this yeast. However, through metabolic engineering, a P. pastoris strain capable of producing humanized N‐glycosylated proteins was constructed. The current genome‐scale models of P. pastoris do not address native nor humanized N‐glycosylation, and we therefore developed ihGlycopastoris, an extension to the iLC915 model with both native and humanized N‐glycosylation for recombinant protein production, but also an estimation of N‐glycosylation of P. pastoris native proteins. This new model gives a better prediction of protein yield, demonstrates the effect of the different types of N‐glycosylation of protein yield, and can be used to predict potential targets for strain improvement. The model represents a step towards a more complete description of protein production in P. pastoris, which is required for using these models to understand and optimize protein production processes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 961–969. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous detection of fluquinconazole and flusilazole in lettuce using gas chromatography with a nitrogen phosphorus detector: decline patterns at two different locations
Authors: Im So Jeong , Rahman Md Musfiqur , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Kim Sung‐Woo , Kabir Humayun , Farha Waziha , Lieu Truong , Lee Young‐Jun , Jung Da‐I. , Choi Jeong‐Heui , Shin Ho‐Chul , Im Geon‐Jae , Hong Su‐Myeong , Shim Jae‐Han
Published: October 2015

Method validations in addition to decline patterns of fluquinconazole and flusilazole in lettuce grown under greenhouse conditions at two different locations were investigated. Following the application of fluquinconazole and flusilazole at a dose rate of 20 mL/20 L water, lettuce samples were collected randomly for up to 7 days post‐application, and simultaneously extracted with acetone, purified through solid‐phase extraction, analyzed via gas chromatography with a nitrogen phosphorus detector, and confirmed through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The linearity was excellent, with determination coefficients (R2) between 0.9999 and 1.0. The method was validated in triplicate at two different spiking levels (0.2 and 1.0 mg/kg) with satisfactory recoveries between 75.7 and 97.9% and relative standard deviations of <9. The limit of quantification was 0.01 mg/kg. Both analytes declined very quickly, as can be seen from the short half‐life time of <4 days. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between residues at different days of sampling, except at 7 days post‐application (triple application). At that point, the decline patterns of fluquinconazole and flusilazole were independent of application rate, location, temperature and humidity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ligament of the head of femur: A comprehensive review of its anatomy, embryology, and potential function
Authors: Perumal Vivek , Woodley Stephanie J. , Nicholson Helen D.
Published: October 2015

The functional significance of the ligament of the head of femur (LHF), or ligamentum teres has often been debated. Having gained recent attention in clinical practice, it is suggested to partly provide some mechanical stability to the hip joint. However, the anatomy of this ligament is not well studied. This paper systematically reviews the anatomy of the LHF with the aim of exploring our current understanding of this structure and identifying any gaps in knowledge regarding its morphology and function. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was undertaken and relevant data extracted, analyzed. A total of 69 references were obtained, that included 53 full text articles, three published abstracts, and 13 textbooks. Many publications related to clinical studies (n = 11) rather than gross anatomy (n = 7), with one report on variation of the LHF. Considerable inconsistency in the naming and description of the LHF morphology was observed. Variable attachment sites were reported except for the acetabular notch, transverse acetabular ligament, and the femoral fovea. Presence and patency of the ligamental arteries supplying the head of the femur and their exact location were variably described and were often incomplete. The LHF is believed to be taught in extreme hip adduction, but there is little evidence to support this. In conclusions, further investigation of the anatomy of the LHF is recommended, particularly to clarify its mechanical role, innervation, and vascular contribution to the developing and adult femur, so to better inform clinical practice. Clin. Anat. 29:247–255, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understand legal requirements for releasing, protecting information in a crisis
Authors: Prywes Daniel I. , Sobel Scott
Published: October 2015

Managing the legal and public relations dimensions of a crisis is an art, not a science. Legal restrictions on university speech must be understood and harmonized with the requirements of an effective public relations strategy.
Can a student force a university to take specific measures against a professor?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: October 2015

Yoona Ha claimed her Northwestern University professor caused her to become intoxicated and sexually assaulted her at his off‐campus apartment in February 2012.
Cell‐Free Protein Synthesis: Pros and Cons of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Systems
Authors: Zemella Anne , Thoring Lena , Hoffmeister Christian , Kubick Stefan
Published: October 2015

From its start as a small‐scale in vitro system to study fundamental translation processes, cell‐free protein synthesis quickly rose to become a potent platform for the high‐yield production of proteins. In contrast to classical in vivo protein expression, cell‐free systems do not need time‐consuming cloning steps, and the open nature provides easy manipulation of reaction conditions as well as high‐throughput potential. Especially for the synthesis of difficult to express proteins, such as toxic and transmembrane proteins, cell‐free systems are of enormous interest. The modification of the genetic code to incorporate non‐canonical amino acids into the target protein in particular provides enormous potential in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and is in the focus of many cell‐free projects. Many sophisticated cell‐free systems for manifold applications have been established. This review describes the recent advances in cell‐free protein synthesis and details the expanding applications in this field.
Substrate Hunting for the Myxobacterial CYP260A1 Revealed New 1α‐Hydroxylated Products from C‐19 Steroids
Authors: Khatri Yogan , Ringle. Michael , Lisurek Michael , von Kries Jens Peter , Zapp Josef , Bernhardt Rita
Published: October 2015

Cytochromes P450 catalyze a variety of synthetically useful reactions. However, it is difficult to determine their physiological or artificial functions when a plethora of orphan P450 systems are present in a genome. CYP260A1 from Sorangium cellulosum So ce56 is a new member among the 21 available P450s in the strain. To identify putative substrates for CYP260A1 we used high‐throughput screening of a compound library (ca. 17 000 ligands). Structural analogues of the type I hits were searched for biotechnologically relevant compounds, and this led us to select C‐19 steroids as potential substrates. We identified efficient surrogate redox partners for CYP260A1, and an Escherichia coli‐based whole‐cell biocatalyst system was developed to convert testosterone, androstenedione, and their derivatives methyltestosterone and 11‐oxoandrostenedione. A detailed 1H and 13C NMR characterization of the product(s) from C‐19 steroids revealed that CYP260A1 is the very first 1α‐steroid hydroxylase.
Identifying the Minimal Enzymes Required for Biosynthesis of Epoxyketone Proteasome Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Joyce , Zhu Xuejun , Zhang Wenjun
Published: October 2015

Epoxyketone proteasome inhibitors have attracted much interest due to their potential as anticancer drugs. Although the biosynthetic gene clusters for several peptidyl epoxyketone natural products have recently been identified, the enzymatic logic involved in the formation of the terminal epoxyketone pharmacophore has been relatively unexplored. Here, we report the identification of the minimal set of enzymes from the eponemycin gene cluster necessary for the biosynthesis of novel metabolites containing a terminal epoxyketone pharmacophore in Escherichia coli, a versatile and fast‐growing heterologous host. This set of enzymes includes a non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), a polyketide synthase (PKS), and an acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (ACAD) homologue. In addition to the in vivo functional reconstitution of these enzymes in E. coli, in vitro studies of the eponemycin NRPS and 13C‐labeled precursor feeding experiments were performed to advance the mechanistic understanding of terminal epoxyketone formation.
General Polyethyleneimine‐Mediated Synthesis of Ultrathin Hexagonal Co3O4 Nanosheets with Reactive Facets for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Bin , Lu Xiao‐Ying , Tang Yuanyuan , Ben Weiwei
Published: October 2015

Ultrathin hexagonal Co3O4 nanosheets with exposed reactive facets and porous architectures are synthesized by using a polyethyleneimine (PEI)‐mediated hydrothermal strategy. Characterization of the material indicates typical Co3O4 nanosheets of hexagonal shape that are approximately 100 nm in side length and 15 nm thick. PEI plays crucial roles in the synthesis of hexagonal Co3O4. The effects of the reaction conditions on the precursor morphologies and dimensions are investigated to understand the various roles of PEI. Electrochemical tests reveal the superior performance of ultrathin hexagonal Co3O4 nanosheets, including a remarkable specific capacity (e.g. 1007 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and 858 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1), excellent cyclability (e.g. capacity retention: 96–99 %), and a high rate capability. The improved performance is attributed to the combined effects from the high percentage reactive facets as well as the ultrathin and porous structures. This synthesis strategy can be extended to fabricate other anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
An Approach to Preparing Ni–P with Different Phases for Use as Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
Authors: Wang Dan , Kong Ling‐Bin , Liu Mao‐Cheng , Luo Yong‐Chun , Kang Long
Published: October 2015

Herein, we describe a simple two‐step approach to prepare nickel phosphide with different phases, such as Ni2P and Ni5P4, to explain the influence of material microstructure and electrical conductivity on electrochemical performance. In this approach, we first prepared a Ni–P precursor through a ball milling process, then controlled the synthesis of either Ni2P or Ni5P4 by the annealing method. The as‐prepared Ni2P and Ni5P4 are investigated as supercapacitor electrode materials for potential energy storage applications. The Ni2P exhibits a high specific capacitance of 843.25 F g−1, whereas the specific capacitance of Ni5P4 is 801.5 F g−1. Ni2P possesses better cycle stability and rate capability than Ni5P4. In addition, the Fe2O3//Ni2P supercapacitor displays a high energy density of 35.5 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 400 W kg−1 and long cycle stability with a specific capacitance retention rate of 96 % after 1000 cycles, whereas the Fe2O3//Ni5P4 supercapacitor exhibits a high energy density of 29.8 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 400 W kg−1 and a specific capacitance retention rate of 86 % after 1000 cycles.
Cross‐linked Polymer‐Blend Gate Dielectrics through Thermal Click Chemistry
Authors: Li Shengxia , Tang Wei , Zhang Weimin , Guo Xiaojun , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2015

New cross‐linking reagents were synthesized and mixed with polystyrene (PS) in solution to form a blend. Thin‐films were spin‐coated from the blend and then cross‐linked by thermal activation at relatively low temperature (100 °C) to form cross‐linked gate dielectrics. This new method is compatible with plastic substrates in flexible electronics. The azide and alkyne cross‐linking reagents are kinetically stable at room temperature, so any premature cross‐linking is avoided during processing. This method also significantly improved the dielectric performances of PS thin films. Solution‐processed top‐gate organic field‐effect transistor devices with indacenodithiophene–benzothiadiazole copolymer as semiconductor layer and the cross‐linked PS blend as dielectric layer showed improved performances with lower gate leakages and higher operation stabilities than devices with neat PS film as dielectric layer.
Conversion of waste‐soap and soap‐like materials into diesel and gasoline by catalytic pyrolysis using virgin soap as model
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Sulaiman Shaharin Anwar , Gul Humaira , Farooq Sana , Khan Khalid Mohammad , Gulab Hussain , Naz Muhammad Yasin
Published: October 2015

In this work, soap was converted into a hydrocarbon‐rich product through catalytic pyrolysis using cement as a catalyst. The intention was to develop a new economical and effective method for preparing diesel and gasoline from soap waste in food processing. The optimum conditions for pyrolysis were investigated in a batch process under static conditions at different reactor temperatures, catalyst amounts, and reaction durations. The resulting oil product was analyzed using GC‐FID, GC‐MS, and FTIR. The best yield occurred at a reaction temperature of 400 °C for 60 min with 0.3 g/g (30 mass%) catalyst in soap waste, which resulted in 0.71 g/g (71 mass%) hydrocarbons with small fractions of pyran, ketone, and oxygenated compounds of mixed functional groups. The resulting liquid pyrolysate mainly consisted of diesel‐like oil with a small fraction of gasoline and some oils that had boiling‐point temperature ranges similar to kerosene.
Electro‐Oxidation of the Pharmaceutical Furosemide: Kinetics, Mechanism, and By‐Products
Authors: Olvera‐Vargas Hugo , Oturan Nihal , Buisson Didier , van Hullebusch Eric D. , Oturan Mehmet A.
Published: October 2015

Furosemide is a widely prescribed diuretic whose unambiguous presence in water appointed it as an emerging pollutant. This work focuses on the electrochemical degradation of this drug in aqueous solutions by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes, electro‐Fenton and anodic oxidation, using Pt/carbon‐felt and boron doped diamond (BDD)/carbon‐felt cells with H2O2 electrogeneration. The higher oxidation power of the electro‐Fenton process using a BDD anode was demonstrated. The oxidative degradation of furosemide by electrochemically generated •OH radicals follows a pseudo‐first order kinetics. The absolute rate constant of the oxidation reaction of furosemide by •OH was determined using a competition kinetics method and found to be 3.4 × 109 M−1 s−1. The evolution of the total organic carbon removal during the treatment as a mineralization efficiency parameter was investigated. It was found that the electrochemical degradation of furosemide yields formation of aromatic by‐products which are oxidized afterwards to aliphatic carboxylic acids before their conversion to CO2 and inorganic ions (NH4+, NO3–, Cl–, and SO42–). The toxicity assessment by the Microtox® method revealed formation of oxidation reaction intermediates more toxic than the parent molecule. Nevertheless, the overall results confirm the high effectiveness of anodic oxidation and electro‐Fenton processes for the removal of furosemide and its by‐products from aqueous media.
Non‐Ideal Behaviour and Solution Interactions in Binary DMSO Solutions
Authors: Virk Amninder S. , Codling Dale J. , Stait‐Gardner Timothy , Price William S.
Published: October 2015

The structure and dynamics of hydrogen‐bonded structures are of significant importance in understanding many binary mixtures. Since self‐diffusion is very sensitive to changes in the molecular weight and shape of the diffusing species, hydrogen‐bonded associated structures in dimethylsulfoxide–methanol (DMSO–MeOH) and DMSO–ethanol (DMSO–EtOH) mixtures are investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) diffusion experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations over the entire composition range at 298 K. The self‐diffusion coefficients of DMSO–MeOH and DMSO–EtOH mixtures decrease by up to 15% and 10%, respectively, with DMSO concentration, indicating weaker association as compared to DMSO–water mixtures. The calculated heat of mixing and radial distribution functions reveal that the intermolecular structures of DMSO–MeOH and DMSO–EtOH mixtures do not change on mixing. DMSO–alcohol hydrogen‐bonded dimers are the dominant species in mixtures. Direct comparison of the simulated and experimental data afford greater insights into the structural properties of binary mixtures.
Predicting bird phenology from space: satellite‐derived vegetation green‐up signal uncovers spatial variation in phenological synchrony between birds and their environment
Authors: Cole Ella F. , Long Peter R. , Zelazowski Przemyslaw , Szulkin Marta , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: October 2015

Population‐level studies of how tit species (Parus spp.) track the changing phenology of their caterpillar food source have provided a model system allowing inference into how populations can adjust to changing climates, but are often limited because they implicitly assume all individuals experience similar environments. Ecologists are increasingly using satellite‐derived data to quantify aspects of animals' environments, but so far studies examining phenology have generally done so at large spatial scales. Considering the scale at which individuals experience their environment is likely to be key if we are to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes acting on reproductive phenology within populations. Here, we use time series of satellite images, with a resolution of 240 m, to quantify spatial variation in vegetation green‐up for a 385‐ha mixed‐deciduous woodland. Using data spanning 13 years, we demonstrate that annual population‐level measures of the timing of peak abundance of winter moth larvae (Operophtera brumata) and the timing of egg laying in great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) is related to satellite‐derived spring vegetation phenology. We go on to show that timing of local vegetation green‐up significantly explained individual differences in tit reproductive phenology within the population, and that the degree of synchrony between bird and vegetation phenology showed marked spatial variation across the woodland. Areas of high oak tree (Quercus robur) and hazel (Corylus avellana) density showed the strongest match between remote‐sensed vegetation phenology and reproductive phenology in both species. Marked within‐population variation in the extent to which phenology of different trophic levels match suggests that more attention should be given to small‐scale processes when exploring the causes and consequences of phenological matching. We discuss how use of remotely sensed data to study within‐population variation could broaden the scale and scope of studies exploring phenological synchrony between organisms and their environment.
An atypical reproductive cycle in a common viviparous Asia Agamid Phrynocephalus vlangalii
Authors: Wu Yayong , Fu Jinzhong , Yue Bisong , Qi Yin
Published: October 2015

Viviparous lizards living in cold climate of high altitude often exhibit atypical reproductive cycles, in which mating and fertilization occur synchronously and annually with parturition occurring at the end of the year. Nevertheless, detailed case studies on atypical reproductive cycles are few. Using anatomical data combined with behavioral observations, we examined the reproductive cycle of a common Asian agamid, Phrynocephalus vlangalii, from a high‐elevation area in Sichuan, China. Male spermiation of P. vlangalii occurred in May, and spermatogenesis began in June and reached a maximum in October. For females, ovulation and fertilization occurred in May, and females developed gestation and pregnancy in 3 months from June to August, without vitellogenesis during this period. Females gave birth synchronously in late August, then vitellogenesis began and lasted until May of the next year. All adult males and females were synchronized in the same reproductive condition each month. The synchronous and annual reproductive cycle of P. vlangalii clearly represents an atypical cycle. The male courtship and mating behaviors were concordant with gonadal cycle and mainly happened in May and June. Despite the short growth period for neonates, they had a high over‐winter survival rate of 84.4%, suggesting that autumn parturition did not generate high costs to this reproductive cycle. We propose that the high over‐winter survival rate of neonates is likely linked with female delayed sexual maturity, female asynchronous vitellogenesis and gestation, large relative clutch mass (RCM), and adult‐offspring burrow sharing behavior during hibernation.
Development of Control Method for Outer‐Rotor Spherical Actuator
Authors: TSUKANO MASAHITO , HIRATA KATSUHIRO , MAEDA SHUHEI , NIGUCHI NOBORU
Published: October 2015

Conventional multi‐degree‐of‐freedom drive systems need many single‐degree‐of‐freedom actuators, but this makes the structure larger and heavier. The development of a spherical actuator should reduce the number of actuators, but the low torque and narrow rotation range are still problems. We developed a 2‐degree‐of‐freedom spherical actuator with an outer rotor that can produce a higher torque and wider rotation angle. In this paper, we propose a control method; we confirmed its usefulness by performing dynamic analysis using the three‐dimensional finite element method and by taking measurements with a prototype.
Design and Efficiency Evaluation of a High‐Efficiency Induction Motor for Railway Traction
Authors: KONDO MINORU , MIYABE MINORU , EBIZUKA RYUJI , HANAOKA KOJI
Published: October 2015

In commuter trains, a large portion of the energy consumption is a result of losses from traction motors. Therefore, highly efficient traction motors would be very effective for saving energy. We developed an induction motor with a high efficiency of 95.5%. This paper presents the design and an efficiency evaluation of a prototype machine.
Structural and nonstructural performance of a seismically isolated building using stable unbonded fiber‐reinforced elastomeric isolators
Authors: Van Engelen Niel C. , Konstantinidis Dimitrios , Tait Michael J.
Published: October 2015

Stable unbonded fiber‐reinforced elastomeric isolators (SU‐FREIs) exhibit a characteristic horizontal softening and stiffening response, similar to other adaptive devices such as the triple friction pendulum and sliding systems with variable curvature. The transition between the softening and stiffening occurs at a displacement corresponding to a unique deformation known as full rollover. In this paper, the full rollover displacement of SU‐FREIs is altered by using modified support geometry (MSG), a geometric modification of the upper and lower supports applied to tailor the hysteresis loops of the isolator. Experimental results are used to calibrate a numerical model of a base‐isolated structure. The model demonstrates that the stiffening regime provides minimal restraint against displacements during events that meet or exceed the maximum considered earthquake. A parametric study revealed that the level of stiffening required to restrain displacements during large events is significant. This increase in stiffness is reflected in an increase in the response of the structure and light nonstructural components. Full rollover and MSG is considered advantageous to maintain horizontal stability and provide control over the stiffening of SU‐FREIs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How did bonobos come to range south of the congo river? Reconsideration of the divergence of Pan paniscus from other Pan populations
Authors: Takemoto Hiroyuki , Kawamoto Yoshi , Furuichi Takeshi
Published: October 2015

While investigating the genetic structure in wild bonobos,1 we realized that the widely accepted scenario positing that the Pleistocene appearance of the Congo River separated the common ancestor of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (P. paniscus) into two species is not supported by recent geographical knowledge about the formation of the Congo River. We explored the origin of bonobos using a broader biogeographical perspective by examining local faunas in the central African region. The submarine Congo River sediments and paleotopography of central Africa show that the Congo River has functioned as a geographical barrier for the last 34 million years. This evidence allows us to hypothesize that when the river was first formed, the ancestor of bonobos did not inhabit the current range of the species on the left bank of the Congo River but that, during rare times when the Congo River discharge decreased during the Pleistocene, one or more founder populations of ancestral Pan paniscus crossed the river to its left bank. The proposed scenario for formation of the Congo River and the corridor hypothesis for an ancestral bonobo population is key to understanding the distribution of great apes and their evolution.
Pricing American Put Options Using the Mean Value Theorem
Authors: Tung Humphrey K.K.
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes a unique framework for the determination of the exercise boundary of American put option utilizing the mean value theorem for integration. We have isolated the path‐dependent feature of the problem through a small term, and formulated an iteration procedure that avoids an explicit integration over the exercise boundary in the integral representation of the pricing. Our method outperforms other methods in the literature in terms of accuracy and efficiency for the pricing of American put options with maturity in the region of most practical uses. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:793–815, 2016
Coping With Modeling for One‐Hour SO2 and NO2 NAAQS
Authors: Schewe George J. , Raasch Clay
Published: October 2015

Dispersion modeling is used in support of regulatory programs for federal, regional, state, and local permitting and relies on the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) models to do so. Currently, performing modeling requires the use of model methodologies that are evolving as the science becomes more robust, as previous methods are considered to be insufficient, and as we address two one‐hour probabilistic standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Associated with these pollutants and standards are important modeling issues that are not currently addressed in the EPA's Guideline on Air Quality Models (some of these issues have been considered in the proposed revisions of July 29, 2015, from the EPA but are only “proposed” or “beta” options currently) or for which modeling guidance has changed over the past few years as models like AERMOD have been adjusted and reinterpreted to handle the form of these probabilistic standards.
Understanding Power Requirements, Energy Costs, and Incentives for Data Centers
Authors: Comerford Tim
Published: October 2015

More than any other industry, electric supply is the most important attribute necessary for siting and operating a data center or mission‐critical facility. The following article takes a look at how utilities can affect the location and operation of data centers by understanding specific power requirements and costs, and reviews incentives offered by utilities in each state for data centers.
Accuracy of grid precipitation data for Brazil: application in river discharge modelling of the Tocantins catchment
Authors: Monteiro José A. F. , Strauch Michael , Srinivasan Raghavan , Abbaspour Karim , Gücker Björn
Published: October 2015

Here, we compared grid precipitation data — Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and WATCH Forcing Data methodology applied to ERA‐Interim (WFDEI) data — with Brazilian Weather Bureau (INMET) and Brazilian Water Agency (ANA) rain gauge data (n = 2027) for the period 1980–2010 in order to evaluate which grid data set better represents precipitation, and is thus more suitable for hydrological modelling of Brazilian water resources. We found that WFDEI outperformed CFSR according to three statistical indicators. We then applied and interpolated a simple bias correction to further improve WFDEI data before we used these data to model river discharge of the Tocantins catchment with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Calibration (validation in parentheses; weighted averages of all gauges) had satisfactory statistical metrics: p‐factor = 0.52 (0.47); r‐factor = 0.84 (0.99); R2 = 0.78 (0.71); bR2 = 0.68 (0.47); NS = 0.70 (0.66); Pbias = −4.5 (4.0). Finally, the calibrated SWAT model was used to assess the spatial distribution of the catchment's water resources. Annual green water flow (evapotranspiration) increased from the south‐east (640–840 mm yr−1) to north‐west (1140–1440 mm) of the Tocantins catchment, while green water storage (soil water content) increased from south (330–1070 mm) to north (2180–3290 mm). Blue water (water yield) had a less clear pattern, with lower values in the south and the central borders of the catchment (20–560 mm) and higher values along the central axis and the north (920–1460 mm). Our analysis suggested that WFDEI was an accurate representation of Brazilian precipitation. For large catchments, we therefore recommend the use of WFDEI instead of sparse and often missing rain gauge data in modelling Brazilian water resources. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating a tablet application and differential reinforcement to increase eye contact in children with autism
Authors: Jeffries Tricia , Crosland Kimberly , Miltenberger Raymond
Published: October 2015

We tested the effectiveness of a tablet application and differential reinforcement to increase eye contact in 3 children with autism. The application required the child to look at a picture of a person's face and identify the number displayed in the person's eyes. Eye contact was assessed immediately after training, 1 hr after training, and in a playroom. The tablet application was not effective; however, differential reinforcement was effective for all participants.
In vivo evaluation of injectable calcium phosphate cement composed of Zn‐ and Si‐incorporated β‐tricalcium phosphate and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate for a critical sized defect of the rabbit femoral condyle
Authors: Paul Kallyanashis , Lee Byung Yeol , Abueva Celine , Kim Boram , Choi Hwan Jun , Bae Sang Ho , Lee Byong Taek
Published: October 2015

Zinc (Zn) enhances bone formation with mineralization and is an essential element of osteoblastic proliferation. Silicon (Si) is important in apatite formation coupled with the promotion of osteogenesis. The primary focus of this work was the assessment of the bone healing capacity of calcium phosphate cements (CPC) composed of Zn‐ and Si‐incorporated β‐tri calcium phosphate (TCP) and mono calcium phosphate mono hydrate (MCPM). Zn‐ and Si‐incorporated β‐TCP was synthesized through a sol gel process with varying amounts of Zn: (3, 6, or 9% w/w) and 15% w/w Si. Fabricated CPC samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, setting time, injectability, compressive strength and initial pH change with time. Compositional analysis and the effects of Zn and Si on cellular interaction were evaluated by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy mapping, viability determination and F‐actin assay. The data were used to optimize the CPC formulation. The efficacy of bone healing was investigated via implantation into critical sized rabbit femoral condyle defects for 4 and 8 weeks. CPC cement with 6% (w/w) Zn content was the best candidate for faster bone healing (bone to tibial volume ratio in 8 weeks: 22.78% ± 0.02). Significantly faster degradation was also revealed. Bone healing was significantly delayed when CPC cement with 9% (w/w) Zn was used. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 260–271, 2017.