bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Calving Interval on Milk Yield in Italian Buffalo Population
Authors: Parlato E. , Zicarelli L.
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the previous calving intervals (CI) on milk yield (MY) in the current lactation for the Italian buffalo breed population.
Data for 86,585 lactation records from the Italian Buffalo Breeders Association database, were analyzed. MY BLUP-estimates were obtained by including in the Animal Model the fixed effects of age-parity, previous CI, and herd-contemporary-group. The MY solutions for the months of CI were analyzed with the linear regression model where CI in months was the explanatory variable. 59.66% of the lactation records had CI between 11 and 14 months. 37.91 % of the lactation records were distributed between 15 and 24 months. The smaller percentage of records showed CI greater than 24 months. This CI distribution may be, in part, the result of herd management strategies. Dairy producers try to shorten the CI of their herd in order to get the most profit from early conceptions of the buffalo. The regression model and its parameters were statistically significant. The coefficient of determination was equal to 0.58. The intercept was equal to 72.42 kg; and the linear coefficient (b) was equal to -3.43. The negative value of b denotes a negative effect of CI on MY. This result indicates that there is a negative linear relationship between previous CI and MY in the current lactation. Therefore, shorten the CI may increase the profits of the farm through higher MY, because it has less of a negative effect on MY than longer CI.
Combination of Adsorption-Diffusion Model with Computational Fluid Dynamics for Simulation of a Tubular Membrane Made from SAPO-34 Thin Layer Supported by Stainless Steel for Separation of CO2 from CH4
Authors: Sadat Banitaba Fatemeh , Mansourpour Zahra , Fatemi Shohreh
Published: April 2016

Modeling of CO2/CH4 separation using SAPO-34 tubular membrane was performed by computational fluid dynamics. The Maxwell-Stefan equations and Langmuir isotherms were used to describe the permeate flux through the membrane and the adsorption-diffusion, respectively. Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes momentum balances in feed and permeate side coupled with adsorption-diffusion equations from the membrane were simultaneously solved by ANSYS FLUENT software. The velocity and concentration profiles were determined in both feed and permeate sides. There was a good agreement between simulation and experimental results and root mean square deviation for CH4 and CO2 are 0.13 and 0.1 (mmol m-2 s-1), respectively. The concentration polarization effect was observed in the results. The effect of the process variables were investigated to find out the most influential parameters in permeation and purity. The impact of operating conditions on separation were studied and showed that for enhancement of separation efficiency of CO2 from CH4, feed pressure, feed flow rate and tube radius and number of membrane modules in series should be increased, whereas flow configuration has less significant effect.
Colloidal Silicalite Coating for Improving Ionic Liquid Membrane Loading on Macroporous Ceramic Substrate for Gas Separation
Authors: Cao Zishu , Yang Shaowei , Sun Xinhui , Arvanitis Antonios , Dong Junhang
Published: April 2016

A thin layer of colloidal silicalite was coated on a macroporous alumina substrate to improve the effectiveness in loading and supporting ionic liquid (IL) membrane on macroporous ceramic substrate. The [bmim][BF4] IL and CO2 gas separation were used as the model system in this research. The colloidal silicalite top layer enabled the formation of a pinhole-free IL membrane with significantly reduced load of IL as compared to the bare alumina substrate because the former had a smaller and more uniform inter-particle pore size than the latter. The supported IL membrane was extensively studied for CO2 separation in conditions relevant to coal combustion flue gases. The silicalite-supported IL membrane achieved a CO2/N2 permselectivity of ~24 with CO2 permeance of ~1.0×10-8 mol/m2·s·Pa in dry conditions at 26˚C and reached a CO2/N2 separation factor of ~18 with CO2 permeance of ~1.56×10-8 mol/m2·s·Pa for a feed mixture containing ~11% CO2 and ~9% water vapor at 50oC. This supported IL membrane exhibited excellent stability under a 5-bar transmembrane pressure at 103˚C and chemical resistance to H2O, SO2, and air (O2). Results of this study also indicated that, in order to fully realize the advantages of using the colloidal silicalite support for IL membranes, it is necessary to develop macroporous ceramic supports with optimized pore size distribution so that the IL film can be retained in the micron-thin silicalite layer without penetrating into the base substrate.
Vasa praevia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Norvilaitė Kristina , Peštenytė Aurelija , Bužinskienė Diana , Drąsutienė Gražina , Arlauskienė Audronė , Poškus Tomas , Ostapenko Andrej
Published: April 2016

Background. The aim of this article is to present a rare clinical case of vasa praevia as well as to assess the relevance of the problem by reviewing the latest literature sources.
Materials and methods. In this report we present a case of a 33-yearold woman diagnosed with vasa praevia at 33 weeks of pregnancy, after hospitalisation with preterm rupture of membranes following the delivery of a  live healthy baby through a  lower segment Caesarean section during 33rd week of gestation at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Clinics. We investigated all the documentation of the patient before and after delivery.
Results and conclusions. Vasa praevia is a  rather rare pathology which is likely to occur during pregnancy, may result in heavy bleeding and be particularly threatening to the  fetus life. A  timely diagnosis for these women is essential. The gold standard for vasa praevia diagnosis is the fetal ultrasound scan. Vasa praevia pathology is found during the routine second trimester ultrasound check-up. The selection of proper tactics applied during pregnancy care is essential. At the gestational age of 28–32, it is advisable to mature fetal lungs as well as the fetus condition should be investigated by a perinatologist. The mode of delivery is the C-section which tends to reduce the frequency of possible complications.
Assessing the HIV Care Continuum in Latin America: progress in clinical retention, cART use and viral suppression
Authors: Rebeiro Peter F , Cesar Carina , Shepherd Bryan E , De Boni Raquel B , Cortés Claudia P , Rodriguez Fernanda , Belaunzarán‐Zamudio Pablo , Pape Jean W , Padgett Denis , Hoces Daniel , McGowan Catherine C , Cahn Pedro
Published: April 2016

Introduction

We assessed trends in HIV Care Continuum outcomes associated with delayed disease progression and reduced transmission within a large Latin American cohort over a decade: clinical retention, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) use and viral suppression (VS).

Methods

Adults from Caribbean, Central and South America network for HIV epidemiology clinical cohorts in seven countries contributed data between 2003 and 2012. Retention was defined as two or more HIV care visits annually, >90 days apart. cART was defined as prescription of three or more antiretroviral agents annually. VS was defined as HIV‐1 RNA <200 copies/mL at last measurement annually. cART and VS denominators were subjects with at least one visit annually. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to assess temporal trends and examine associations between age, sex, HIV transmission mode, cohort, calendar year and time in care.

Results

Among 18,799 individuals in retention analyses, 14,380 in cART analyses and 13,330 in VS analyses, differences existed between those meeting indicator definitions versus those not by most characteristics. Retention, cART and VS significantly improved from 2003 to 2012 (63 to 77%, 74 to 91% and 53 to 82%, respectively; p<0.05, each). Female sex (risk ratio (RR)=0.97 vs. males) and injection drug use as HIV transmission mode (RR=0.83 vs. male sexual contact with males (MSM)) were significantly associated with lower retention, but unrelated with cART or VS. MSM (RR=0.96) significantly decreased the probability of cART compared with heterosexual transmission.

Conclusions

HIV Care Continuum outcomes improved over time in Latin America, though disparities for vulnerable groups remain. Efforts must be made to increase retention, cART and VS, while engaging in additional research to sustain progress in these settings.
High-throughput mathematical analysis identifies Turing networks for patterning with equally diffusing signals
Authors: Marcon Luciano , Diego Xavier , Sharpe James , Müller Patrick
Published: April 2016

The Turing reaction-diffusion model explains how identical cells can self-organize to form spatial patterns. It has been suggested that extracellular signaling molecules with different diffusion coefficients underlie this model, but the contribution of cell-autonomous signaling components is largely unknown. We developed an automated mathematical analysis to derive a catalog of realistic Turing networks. This analysis reveals that in the presence of cell-autonomous factors, networks can form a pattern with equally diffusing signals and even for any combination of diffusion coefficients. We provide a software (available at http://www.RDNets.com) to explore these networks and to constrain topologies with qualitative and quantitative experimental data. We use the software to examine the self-organizing networks that control embryonic axis specification and digit patterning. Finally, we demonstrate how existing synthetic circuits can be extended with additional feedbacks to form Turing reaction-diffusion systems. Our study offers a new theoretical framework to understand multicellular pattern formation and enables the wide-spread use of mathematical biology to engineer synthetic patterning systems.
Structural basis for DNA 5´-end resection by RecJ
Authors: Cheng Kaiying , Xu Hong , Chen Xuanyi , Wang Liangyan , Tian Bing , Zhao Ye , Hua Yuejin
Published: April 2016

The resection of DNA strand with a 5´ end at double-strand breaks is an essential step in recombinational DNA repair. RecJ, a member of DHH family proteins, is the only 5´ nuclease involved in the RecF recombination pathway. Here, we report the crystal structures of Deinococcus radiodurans RecJ in complex with deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP), ssDNA, the C-terminal region of single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB-Ct) and a mechanistic insight into the RecF pathway. A terminal 5´-phosphate-binding pocket above the active site determines the 5´-3´ polarity of the deoxy-exonuclease of RecJ; a helical gateway at the entrance to the active site admits ssDNA only; and the continuous stacking interactions between protein and nine nucleotides ensure the processive end resection. The active site of RecJ in the N-terminal domain contains two divalent cations that coordinate the nucleophilic water. The ssDNA makes a 180° turn at the scissile phosphate. The C-terminal domain of RecJ binds the SSB-Ct, which explains how RecJ and SSB work together to efficiently process broken DNA ends for homologous recombination.
Teachers’ Working Conditions Amid Swedish School Choice Reform: Avenues for Further Research
Authors: Parding Karolina Åsa , Berg-Jansson Anna
Published: April 2016

Since the 1990s, governance changes, including customer choice agendas, have permeated the public sector and, consequently, welfare sector professionals’ work. One example is the education sector. The aim of this paper is to identify and discuss avenues for further research when it comes to teachers’ working conditions in the light of current choice agendas. This is accomplished by presenting an overview of previous studies on implications of the reforms for teachers’ working conditions. How are these conditions described in relation to the current school choice agenda in Sweden? What directions should be applied to increase knowledge of these conditions? We conclude by identifying some avenues for further research: the issues of organization of work, temporal and spatial dimensions of working conditions, and finally comparative studies of various forms, are suggested as warranting further investigation to highlight the diversified labor market in which teachers find themselves today.

Keywords: Competition, governance change, privatization, professional work, school choice, Sweden, teaching profession, working conditions
The Development of Self-Regulation in Four UK Professional Communities
Authors: Lester Stan
Published: April 2016

Professional self-regulation is often conceptualised as involving the delegation of state powers to professional groups.  An examination of four groups in the United Kingdom provides examples of self-regulation that have developed, with one partial exception, without the support of any statutory framework. Some common aspects of self-regulation are identified along with some differences that relate to how the professions have evolved, and to their operating contexts. Significant influences include how the profession is situated among adjacent groups, the degree of demand from clients and employers for qualified practitioners, and potentially whether the occupation is suitable as an initial career or requires  a measure of maturity and prior experience. An argument is made for greater recognition, both through practical examples and in academic discourse of self-regulation that is initiated and furthered voluntarily through negotiation between professions, their members and their clients rather than via legislative powers.
Editorial: Five Volumes Published
Authors: Smeby Jens-Christian
Published: April 2016

Editorial in the occasion of five volumes of Professions and Professionalism published.
Weak binding to E3 ubiquitin ligase c‐Cbl increases EGFRvA protein stability
Authors: Song Fei , Zhou Min , Wang Biao , Shi Bizhi , Jiang Hua , Zhang Jiqin , Li Zonghai
Published: April 2016

Recently, we have identified a novel epidermal growth factor receptor isoform (EGFRvA), which has higher tumor‐promoting capacity than EGFR. However, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that EGFRvA is more stable than EGFR. Interestingly, we observe that EGFRvA binds less to E3 ubiquitin ligase c‐Cbl than EGFR does, although Y1045, a direct binding site of c‐Cbl, is well phosphorylated in both of them. Further study reveals that EGFRvA cannot bind to Grb2, an important binding mediator between EGFR and c‐Cbl. Thus, our study finds that EGFRvA is more stable than EGFR because of its decreased binding to c‐Cbl.
Potential use of the N2/Ar ratio as a constraint on the oceanic fixed nitrogen loss
Authors: Shigemitsu M. , Gruber N. , Oka A. , Yamanaka Y.
Published: April 2016

Using a global ocean biogeochemical model, we investigate the suitability of the N2/Ar supersaturation ratio (ΔN2/Ar) as a tracer of marine nitrogen fixation and denitrification, i.e., the main biological processes that add or remove fixed nitrogen to or from the ocean. In a series of factorial simulations, we demonstrate that, in regions away from the oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), the ΔN2/Ar characteristics are mostly determined by benthic denitrification occurring in the deep ocean with minor contributions from benthic and water column denitrification at shallower depths. In the OMZs, the subsurface maxima of ΔN2/Ar are mainly determined by water column denitrification. In contrast, nitrogen fixation has little impact on ΔN2/Ar owing to the rapid loss of the N2 supersaturation signal through air‐sea exchange. We thus conclude that ΔN2/Ar can act as a powerful constraint on water column and benthic denitrification occurring in intermediate to deep waters, but it cannot be used to estimate nitrogen fixation. A comparison between the currently very limited observations of the ΔN2/Ar with our model results shows an acceptable level of agreement, suggesting that the model's prescribed rates and distributions of benthic and water column denitrification (i.e., 140 and 52 Tg N yr−1, respectively) are reasonable and confirm the results derived from other constraints.
Constraints on Lu‐Hf and Nb‐Ta systematics in globally subducted oceanic crust from a survey of orogenic eclogites and amphibolites
Authors: Zirakparvar N. Alex
Published: April 2016

To further understand Lu‐Hf and Nb‐Ta systematics in globally subducted oceanic crust, this paper evaluates all available Lu‐Hf garnet isochron ages and initial ɛHf values in conjunction with present‐day bulk‐rock Lu‐Hf isotope and trace element (K, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Ti in addition to Lu‐Hf) data from the world's orogenic eclogites and amphibolites (OEAs). Approximately half of OEAs exhibit Lu‐Hf and Nb‐Ta systematics mimicking those of unsubducted oceanic crust whereas the rest exhibit variability in one or both systems. For the Lu‐Hf system, mixing calculations demonstrate that subduction‐related phase transformations, in conjunction with open system behavior, can shift subducted oceanic crust toward higher Lu/Hf, or toward lower Lu/Hf that can also be associated with unradiogenic ɛHf values. However, evaluation of potential mechanisms for fractionating Nb from Ta is more complicated because many of the OEAs have Nb‐Ta systematics that are decoupled from Lu‐Hf and the behavior of K, Zr, and Ti. Nonetheless, the global data set demonstrates that the association between unradiogenic ɛHf and elevated Nb/Ta observed in some kimberlitic eclogite xenoliths can be inherited from processes that occurred during subduction of their oceanic crustal protoliths. This allows for a geologically based estimate of the Nb concentration in a reservoir composed of deeply subducted oceanic crust. However, mass balance calculations confirm that such a reservoir, when considered as a whole, likely has a Nb concentration similar to unsubducted oceanic crust and is therefore not the solution to the problem of the Earth's “missing” Nb.
Airborne remote sensing of ocean wave directional wavenumber spectra in the marginal ice zone
Authors: Sutherland Peter , Gascard Jean‐Claude
Published: April 2016

Interactions between surface waves and sea ice are thought to be an important, but poorly understood, physical process in the atmosphere‐ice‐ocean system. In this work, airborne scanning lidar was used to observe ocean waves propagating into the marginal ice zone (MIZ). These represent the first direct spatial measurements of the surface wavefield in the polar MIZ. Data were compared against two attenuation models, one based on viscous dissipation and one based on scattering. Both models were capable of reproducing the measured wave energy. The observed wavenumber dependence of attenuation was found to be consistent with viscous processes, while the spectral spreading of higher wavenumbers suggested a scattering mechanism. Both models reproduced a change in peak direction due to preferential directional filtering. Floe sizes were recorded using colocated visible imagery, and their distribution was found to be consistent with ice breakup by the wavefield.
Empirical evidence for latitude dependence and asymmetry of geomagnetic spatial variation in mainland China
Authors: Lu Shikun , Zhang Hao , Li Xihai , Liu Daizhi , Wang Xiqin
Published: April 2016

Spatiotemporal geomagnetic variation is a significant research topic of geomagnetism and space physics. Generated by convection and flows within the fluid outer core, latitude dependence and asymmetry, as the inherent spatiotemporal properties of geomagnetic field, have been extensively studied. We apply and modify an extension of existing method, Hidden Markov Model (HMM), which is an efficient tool for modeling the statistical properties of time series. Based on ground magnetic measurement data set in mainland China, first, we find the parameters of HMM can be used as the geomagnetic statistical signature to represent the spatiotemporal geomagnetic variations for each site. The results also support the existence of the geomagnetic latitude dependence more apparently. Furthermore, we provide solid empirical evidence for geomagnetic asymmetry relying on such ground magnetic measurement data set.
Thank you to 2015 reviewers of Radio Science
Authors: Wilkinson Phil , Salous Sana
Published: April 2016

On behalf of Radio Science, AGU, and the scientific community, the editors and associate editors would like to thank everybody who reviewed manuscripts for Radio Science in 2015. Peer review is widely accepted as an indispensable part of science. The hours spent reading and commenting on manuscripts not only improve the manuscripts themselves, but also ensure the scientific rigor of future research in our field. These contributions are vital. Many of those listed below went further and reviewed three or more manuscripts for our journal, and they are indicated in italics. Overall, reviewers contributed 591 individual reviews of 282 manuscripts. Thank you once again to all our reviewers for contributing your valuable time to this essential task. We look forward to a 2016 of exciting advances in our field and communicating those advances to our community and to the broader public.
Structure Building Predicts Grades in College Psychology and Biology
Authors: Arnold Kathleen M. , Daniel David B. , Jensen Jamie L. , McDaniel Mark A. , Marsh Elizabeth J.
Published: April 2016

Knowing what skills underlie college success can allow students, teachers, and universities to identify and to help at‐risk students. One skill that may underlie success across a variety of subject areas is structure building, the ability to create mental representations of narratives (Gernsbacher, Varner, & Faust, ). We tested if individual differences in structure‐building ability predicted success in two college classes: introductory to psychology and introductory biology. In both cases, structure building predicted success. This effect was robust, with structure building explaining variance in course grades even after accounting for high school GPA and SAT scores (in the psychology course) or a measure of domain knowledge (in the biology course). The results support the claim that structure building is an important individual difference, one that is associated with learning in different domains. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Actuating Soft Matter with Magnetic Torque
Authors: Erb Randall M. , Martin Joshua J. , Soheilian Rasam , Pan Chunzhou , Barber Jabulani R.
Published: April 2016

Here, recent significant developments are reviewed in manipulating soft matter systems through the use of magnetic torque. Magnetic torque enables the orientation, assembly, and manipulation of thermally fluctuating systems in broad material fields including biomaterials, ceramic and composite precursor suspensions, polymer solutions, fluids, foams, and gels. Magnetism offers an effective, safe, and massively parallel manufacturing approach. By exploiting magnetic torque, leading soft matter researchers have demonstrated new technologies in rheology, life sciences, optics, and structural materials. Specifically, magnetic torque has been used to assemble particle suspensions, to fabricate and actuate composite materials, and to control and manipulate biological materials. In each of these applications, there are energetic limitations to magnetic torque that need to be understood and characterized. However, magnetic torque offers a promising remote‐controlled approach to creating and enabling new soft matter technologies.
Kinetic Study of the Chemical Vapor Deposition of Tantalum in Long Narrow Channels
Authors: Mugabi James Atwoki , Eriksen Søren , Petrushina Irina , Christensen Erik , Bjerrum Niels J.
Published: April 2016

A kinetic study of the chemical vapor deposition of tantalum in long narrow channels is done to optimize the industrial process for the manufacture of tantalum coated plate heat exchangers. The developed model fits well at temperatures between 750 and 850 °C, and in the pressure range of 25–990 mbar. According to the model, the predominant tantalum growth species is TaCl3. The temperature is shown to have a pronounced effect on the morphology and rate of deposition of the tantalum and an apparent change in deposition mechanism occurs between 850–900 °C, resulting in the deposition rate at 900 °C being lower than both 850 and 950 °C.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride‐Based Electrolyte Composite for Li‐Ion Battery Operation from Room Temperature to 150 °C
Authors: Rodrigues Marco‐Tulio F. , Kalaga Kaushik , Gullapalli Hemtej , Babu Ganguli , Reddy Arava Leela Mohana , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: April 2016

Batteries for high temperature applications capable of withstanding over 60 °C are still dominated by primary cells. Conventional rechargeable energy storage technologies which have exceptional performance at ambient temperatures employ volatile electrolytes and soft separators, resulting in catastrophic failure under heat. A composite electrolyte/separator is reported that holds the key to extend the capability of Li‐ion batteries to high temperatures. A stoichiometric mixture of hexagonal boron nitride, piperidinium‐based ionic liquid, and a lithium salt is formulated, with ionic conductivity reaching 3 mS cm−1, electrochemical stability up to 5 V and extended thermal stability. The composite is used in combination with conventional electrodes and demonstrates to be stable for over 600 cycles at 120 °C, with a total capacity fade of less than 3%. The ease of formulation along with superior thermal and electrochemical stability of this system extends the use of Li‐ion chemistries to applications beyond consumer electronics and electric vehicles.
Non‐intrusive characterization of particle size changes in fluidized beds using recurrence plots
Authors: Savari Chiya , Sotudeh‐Gharebagh Rahmat , Zarghami Reza , Mostoufi Navid
Published: April 2016

An on‐line method is developed for monitoring of mean particle size in fluidized beds using pressure fluctuations (PFs) and acoustic emissions (AE) signal by recurrence plot (RP) and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). PFs and AE signals of a lab‐scale fluidized bed were measured simultaneously at various superficial gas velocities and mean particle sizes. Although the AE signals are often very complicated due to many different acoustic sources in the bed, applying RP analyses showed that small changes in mean particle size can be detected by visual comparison of AE‐RP structures, while this cannot be distinguished by graphical RP analysis of PFs. Moreover, the hydrodynamics of the bed was inspected through RQA analysis of both signals. For this purpose, recurrence rate, determinism, laminarity, average length of diagonal and vertical lines were extracted from RPs showing the effect of an increase in the mean particle size. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3547–3561, 2016
Novel de novo mutations in ZBTB20 in Primrose syndrome with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Mattioli Francesca , Piton Amelie , Gérard Bénédicte , Superti‐Furga Andrea , Mandel Jean‐Louis , Unger Sheila
Published: April 2016

The cardinal features of Primrose syndrome (MIM 259050) are dysmorphic facial features, macrocephaly, and intellectual disability, as well as large body size, height and weight, and calcified pinnae. A variety of neurological signs and symptoms have been reported including hearing loss, autism, behavioral abormalities, hypotonia, cerebral calcifications, and hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. Recently, heterozygous de novo missense mutations in ZBTB20, coding for a zing finger protein, have been identified in Primrose syndrome patients. We report a boy with intellectual disability carrying two de novo missense mutations in the last exon of ZBTB20 (Ser616Phe and Gly741Arg; both previously unreported). One of them, Ser616Phe, affects an amino acid located in one of the C2H2 zing‐fingers involved in DNA‐binding and close to other missense mutations already described. Reverse phenotyping showed that this patient presents with classic features of Primrose syndrome (dysmorphic facies, macrocephaly, hearing loss, hypotonia, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum) and, in addition, congenital hypothyroidism. Review of the literature reveals another Primrose syndrome patient with hypothyroidism and thus, this may represent an under recognized component that should be investigated in other patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The genetics of aggression: Where are we now?
Authors: Asherson Philip , Cormand Bru
Published: April 2016

Aggression, an overt behaviour with the intention to inflict damage, is a physiological trait with important roles throughout evolution, both in defence and predation. However, when expressed in humans in the wrong context, aggression leads to social maladjustment and crime. This special issue is about the genetic and neurobiological basis for aggression. Most of the 12 works presented here have been prepared by members of five international consortia established under the auspice of the FP7 and H2020 programs of the European Union to investigate different aspects of aggression and related behavioural phenotypes, including delineation of subtypes, aetiological mechanisms, neurobiology, neuroimaging, biomarkers, animal models and development and assessment of new treatments. Research on human aggression has largely focused on the societal causes of violent behaviour with relatively little focus on the underlying neuroscientific basis. However, interesting findings are emerging which suggest that by identifying distinct pathways to aggression, better targeting of social, psychological and medical treatments, can lead to improved outcomes for individuals and society. This issue represents a state of the art review of current neurobiological understanding of human aggression and a starting point for concerted efforts to move the field towards the development of new strategies for prevention and treatment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extended O‐Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Stassen Daphné , Demitri Nicola , Bonifazi Davide
Published: April 2016

The synthesis of O‐doped benzorylenes, in which peripheral carbon atoms have been replaced by oxygen atoms, has been achieved for the first time. This includes key high‐yielding ring‐closure steps which, through intramolecular C−O bond formation, allow stepwise planarization of oligonaphthalenes. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction showed that the tetraoxa derivative forms remarkable face‐to‐face π–π stacks in the solid state, a favorable solid‐state arrangement for organic electronics.
Bioinspired Mechanical Gradients in Cellulose Nanofibril/Polymer Nanopapers
Authors: Wang Baochun , Benitez Alejandro J. , Lossada Francisco , Merindol Remi , Walther Andreas
Published: April 2016

Mechanical gradients are important as tough joints, for strain field engineering in printable electronics, for actuators, and for biological studies, yet they are difficult to prepare and quantitatively characterize. We demonstrate the additive fabrication of gradient bioinspired nanocomposites based on stiff, renewable cellulose nanofibrils that are bottom‐up toughened via a tailor‐made copolymer. Direct filament writing of different nanocomposite hydrogels in patterns, and subsequent healing of the filaments into continuous films while drying leads to a variety of linear, parabolic and striped bulk gradients. In situ digital image correlation under tensile deformation reveals important differences in the strain fields regarding asymmetry and step heights of the patterns. We envisage that merging top‐down and bottom‐up structuring of nanocellulose hybrids opens avenues for aperiodic and multiscale, bioinspired nanocomposites with optimized combinations of stiffness and toughness.
The Sex Attractant Pheromone of Male Brown Rats: Identification and Field Experiment
Authors: Takács Stephen , Gries Regine , Zhai Huimin , Gries Gerhard
Published: April 2016

Trapping brown rats is challenging because they avoid newly placed traps in their habitat. Herein, we report the identification of the sex pheromone produced by male brown rats and its effect on trap captures of wild female brown rats. Collecting urine‐ and feces‐soiled bedding material of laboratory‐kept rats and comparing the soiled‐bedding odorants of juvenile and adult males, as well as of adult males and females, we found nine compounds that were specific to, or most prevalent in, the odor profiles of sexually mature adult males. When we added a synthetic blend of six of these compounds (2‐heptanone, 4‐heptanone, 3‐ethyl‐2‐heptanone, 2‐octanone, 2‐nonanone, 4‐nonanone) to one of two paired food‐baited trap boxes, these boxes attracted significantly more laboratory‐strain female rats in laboratory experiments, and captured ten times more wild female rats in a field experiment than the corresponding control boxes. Our data show that the pheromone facilitates captures of wild female brown rats.
A Pd/C‐CeO2 Anode Catalyst for High‐Performance Platinum‐Free Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Miller Hamish A. , Lavacchi Alessandro , Vizza Francesco , Marelli Marcello , Di Benedetto Francesco , D'Acapito Francesco , Paska Yair , Page Miles , Dekel Dario R.
Published: April 2016

One of the biggest obstacles to the dissemination of fuel cells is their cost, a large part of which is due to platinum (Pt) electrocatalysts. Complete removal of Pt is a difficult if not impossible task for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEM‐FCs). The anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEM‐FC) has long been proposed as a solution as non‐Pt metals may be employed. Despite this, few examples of Pt‐free AEM‐FCs have been demonstrated with modest power output. The main obstacle preventing the realization of a high power density Pt‐free AEM‐FC is sluggish hydrogen oxidation (HOR) kinetics of the anode catalyst. Here we describe a Pt‐free AEM‐FC that employs a mixed carbon‐CeO2 supported palladium (Pd) anode catalyst that exhibits enhanced kinetics for the HOR. AEM‐FC tests run on dry H2 and pure air show peak power densities of more than 500 mW cm−2.
Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of (E)‐1,6‐Enynes
Authors: Deng Xu , Ni Shao‐Fei , Han Zheng‐Yu , Guan Yu‐Qing , Lv Hui , Dang Li , Zhang Xu‐Mu
Published: April 2016

An enantioselective rhodium(I)‐catalyzed cycloisomerization reaction of challenging (E)‐1,6‐enynes is reported. This novel process enables (E)‐1,6‐enynes with a wide range of functionalities, including nitrogen‐, oxygen‐, and carbon‐tethered (E)‐1,6‐enynes, to undergo cycloisomerization with excellent enantioselectivity, in a high‐yielding and operationally simple manner. Moreover, this RhI‐diphosphane catalytic system also exhibited superior reactivity and enantioselectivity for (Z)‐1,6‐enynes. A rationale for the striking reactivity difference between (E)‐ and (Z)‐1,6‐enynes using RhI‐BINAP and RhI‐TangPhos is outlined using DFT studies to provide the necessary insight for the design of new catalyst systems and the application to synthesis.
An Alkyne Diboration/6π‐Electrocyclization Strategy for the Synthesis of Pyridine Boronic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Mora‐Radó Helena , Bialy Laurent , Czechtizky Werngard , Méndez María , Harrity Joseph P. A.
Published: April 2016

A new and efficient synthesis of pyridine‐based heteroaromatic boronic acid derivatives is reported through a novel diboration/6π‐electrocyclization strategy. This method delivers a range of functionalized heterocycles from readily available starting materials.
Repair of a Dimeric Azetidine Related to the Thymine–Cytosine (6‐4) Photoproduct by Electron Transfer Photoreduction
Authors: Fraga‐Timiraos Ana B. , Lhiaubet‐Vallet Virginie , Miranda Miguel A.
Published: April 2016

Photolyases are intriguing enzymes that take advantage of sunlight to restore lesions like cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers or (6‐4) photoproducts. This work focused on the photoreductive process responsible for splitting of the azetidine ring proposed to occur during (6‐4) photoproduct repair at a thymine–cytosine sequence. A model compound formed by photocycloaddition between thymine and 6‐azauracil has been designed to mimic the elusive azetidine intermediate. The photoinduced electron transfer process has been investigated by means of steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence using photosensitizers with oxidation potentials in the singlet excited state ranging from −3.3 to −2.1 V vs. SCE. Azetidine ring splitting and recovery of “repaired” bases were proven by HPLC analysis.
Charge‐Transfer Phase Transition of a Cyanide‐Bridged FeII/FeIII Coordination Polymer
Authors: Zhang Kuirun , Kang Soonchul , Yao Zi‐shuo , Nakamura Kazusa , Yamamoto Takashi , Einaga Yasuaki , Azuma Nobuaki , Miyazaki Yuji , Nakano Motohiro , Kanegawa Shinji , Sato Osamu
Published: April 2016

Heterometallic Prussian blue analogues are known to exhibit thermally induced charge transfer, resulting in switching of optical and magnetic properties. However, charge‐transfer phase transitions have not been reported for the simplest FeFe cyanide‐bridged systems. A mixed‐valence FeII/FeIII cyanide‐bridged coordination polymer, {[Fe(Tp)(CN)3]2Fe(bpe)⋅5 H2O}n, which demonstrates a thermally induced charge‐transfer phase transition, is described. As a result of the charge transfer during this phase transition, the high‐spin state of the whole system does not change to a low‐spin state. This result is in contrast to FeCo cyanide‐bridged systems that exhibit charge‐transfer‐induced spin transitions.
Integration of Semiconducting Sulfides for Full‐Spectrum Solar Energy Absorption and Efficient Charge Separation
Authors: Zhuang Tao‐Tao , Liu Yan , Li Yi , Zhao Yuan , Wu Liang , Jiang Jun , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: April 2016

The full harvest of solar energy by semiconductors requires a material that simultaneously absorbs across the whole solar spectrum and collects photogenerated electrons and holes separately. The stepwise integration of three semiconducting sulfides, namely ZnS, CdS, and Cu2−xS, into a single nanocrystal, led to a unique ternary multi‐node sheath ZnS–CdS–Cu2−xS heteronanorod for full‐spectrum solar energy absorption. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the nonstoichiometric copper sulfide nanostructures enables effective NIR absorption. More significantly, the construction of pn heterojunctions between Cu2−xS and CdS leads to staggered gaps, as confirmed by first‐principles simulations. This band alignment causes effective electron–hole separation in the ternary system and hence enables efficient solar energy conversion.
Synthesis of Lithium Boracarbonate Ion Pairs by Copper‐Catalyzed Multi‐Component Coupling of Carbon Dioxide, Diboron, and Aldehydes
Authors: Carry Béatrice , Zhang Liang , Nishiura Masayoshi , Hou Zhaomin
Published: April 2016

The catalytic selective multi‐component coupling of CO2, bis(pinacolato)diboron, LiOtBu, and a wide range of aldehydes has been achieved for the first time by using an NHC‐copper catalyst. This transformation has efficiently afforded a series of novel lithium cyclic boracarbonate ion pair compounds in high yields from readily available starting materials. This protocol has not only provided a new catalytic process for the utilization of CO2, but it has also constituted a novel route for the efficient synthesis of a new class of lithium borate compounds that might be of interest as potential electrolyte candidates for lithium ion batteries.
Using Chemoattractants to Lure Bacteria to Contact‐Killing Surfaces
Authors: Jain Rishabh , Faith Nancy G. , Milkowski Andrew , Nelson Kevin , Busche David , Lynn David M. , Czuprynski Charles J. , Abbott Nicholas L.
Published: April 2016

Antimicrobial surfaces with covalently attached biocidal functionalities only kill microbes that come into direct contact with the surfaces (contact‐killing surfaces). Herein, the activity of contact‐killing surfaces is shown to be enhanced by using gradients in the concentration of soluble chemoattractants (CAs) to attract bacteria to the surfaces. Two natural and nonbiocidal CAs (aspartate and glucose) were used to attract bacteria to model surfaces decorated with quaternary ammonium groups (known to kill bacteria that come into contact with them). These results demonstrate the killing of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, two common pathogens, at levels 10‐ to 20‐times greater than that of the native surfaces alone. This approach is general and provides new strategies for the design of active or dynamic contact‐killing surfaces with enhanced antimicrobial activities.
Bottom‐Up Fabrication of Nanopatterned Polymers on DNA Origami by In Situ Atom‐Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Tokura Yu , Jiang Yanyan , Welle Alexander , Stenzel Martina H. , Krzemien Katarzyna M. , Michaelis Jens , Berger Rüdiger , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Wu Yuzhou , Weil Tanja
Published: April 2016

Bottom‐up strategies to fabricate patterned polymers at the nanoscale represent an emerging field in the development of advanced nanodevices, such as biosensors, nanofluidics, and nanophotonics. DNA origami techniques provide access to distinct architectures of various sizes and shapes and present manifold opportunities for functionalization at the nanoscale with the highest precision. Herein, we conduct in situ atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) on DNA origami, yielding differently nanopatterned polymers of various heights. After cross‐linking, the grafted polymeric nanostructures can even stably exist in solution without the DNA origami template. This straightforward approach allows for the fabrication of patterned polymers with low nanometer resolution, which provides access to unique DNA‐based functional hybrid materials.
Factors influencing the measured surface reaction kinetics parameters
Authors: Hu Bobing , Xia Changrong
Published: April 2016

Further understanding of the cathode oxygen reduction reaction mechanism is one of the most important challenges for the development of solid oxide fuel cells at low and intermediate temperature. Determining the surface reaction kinetics parameters such as the surface exchange coefficient and bulk diffusion coefficient is critical to reveal the cathode process. However, the reported results from different literatures are widely divergent and sometimes the variation can reach as high as over one order of magnitude even for the same cathode material. The various original data make it difficult to judge the reaction property and possibly weaken the reliability of the parameters. In this review paper, the recent progress of the oxygen reduction reaction kinetics parameters is comprehensively summarized for typical cathode material La1−xSrxCo1−yFeyO3−δ regarding the experimental methods and principles. Emphasis is also placed on the main influenced factors which may result in the reported variation. The main purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of recent progress and reveal the possible difference source for the surface reaction kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transport properties of gases through integrally skinned asymmetric composite membranes prepared from date pit powder and polysulfone
Authors: Adewole Jimoh K.
Published: April 2016

Studies were conducted on transport properties and separation performance of date pit/polysulfone composite membranes for CO2, CH4, N2, He, and H2 gases. Date seeds were obtained and processed into powder. Asymmetric flat sheet membrane was prepared by solvent casting method with 2–10 wt % date pit powder. Membrane characterization was done using high pressure gas permeation, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, and scanning electron microscope analyses. The separation performance and the plasticization resistance property were evaluated in terms of gas permeability, selectivity, and plasticization pressure, respectively. Time dependent performance properties were evaluated up to a pressure of 40 bar for 75 days. Results obtained showed the highest selectivity values of 1.54 (He/H2), 3.637 (He/N2), 2.538 (He/CO2), 2.779 (He/CH4), 3.179 (H2/N2), 3.907 (H2/CO2), 1.519 (CH4/N2), 1.650 (CO2/N2), and 1.261 (CO2/CH4) at 10 bar and 35 °C feed pressure and temperature, respectively. The resulting composite membrane showed about 39.50 and 66.94% increase in the selectivity of He/N2 and CO2/CH4, respectively, as compared to the pure polysulfone membrane. Thus, the membrane composites possess some potentials in membrane gas separation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43606.
Hydrolytic degradation of nanocomposites based on poly(l‐lactic acid) and layered double hydroxides modified with a model drug
Authors: Oyarzabal Andrea , Mugica Agurtzane , Müller Alejandro J , Zubitur Manuela
Published: April 2016

Hydrolytic degradation of a nanocomposite of poly(L‐lactic acid), PLA, and a layered double hydroxide (LDH) modified with the drug 4‐biphenyl acetic acid (Bph) has been studied. PLA/LDH‐Bph nanocomposite was prepared by solvent casting with 5 wt % of drug modified LDH and the hydrolytic degradation was carried out in a PBS solution at pH 7.2 and 37 °C. Neat PLA with 5 wt % 4‐biphenyl acetic acid was studied as reference material (PLA/Bph). The materials were studied by WAXS, TEM, TGA, DSC, SEM, FTIR, SEC and contact angle measurements. For PLA/Bph, an acid catalytic effect, caused by the drug, accelerates PLA mass loss. However, for PLA/LDH‐Bph, the presence of LDH produces a barrier effect that initially reduces the diffusion of the oligomers produced during hydrolytic degradation. DSC results demonstrate that Bph induces faster PLA crystallization and this effect is reduced in PLA/LDH‐Bph nanocomposites because of their lower drug content. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43648.
Synthesis of a hole‐containing polypyrrole film modified by copper cementation
Authors: Lehr I. L. , Saidman S. B.
Published: April 2016

A simple procedure enables to obtain a hole‐containing PPy film on SAE 4140 steel in sodium bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) solutions. The film characterization was made by electrochemical and morphological studies. The effects of electropolymerization parameters on the obtained morphology are discussed. The formation of the coating is conditioned by the nature of the substrate and surfactant and the electrochemical technique employed. Electrochemical investigations demonstrate that the hole‐containing PPy film presents an increase in surface area. The polymer was modified by cementation of copper particles. The modified polymer offers a higher electrocatalytic activity for the HER than usual PPy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43650.
Elemental sulfur‐based polymeric materials: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Salman Mohamed Khalifa , Karabay Baris , Karabay Lutfiye Canan , Cihaner Atilla
Published: April 2016

New elemental sulfur‐based polymeric materials called poly(sulfur‐random‐divinylbenzene) [poly(S‐r‐DVB)] were synthesized by ring opening polymerization via inverse vulcanization technique in the presence of a mixture of o‐, m‐, and p‐diviniylbenzene (DVB) as a cross‐linker. A clear yellow/orange colored liquid was obtained from the elemental sulfur melted at 160 °C and then by adding various amounts of DVB to this liquid directly via a syringe at 200 °C viscous reddish brown polymeric materials were obtained. The copolymers are soluble in common solvents like tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, and chloroform, and they can be coated on any surface as a thin film by a spray coating technique. The characterization of the materials was performed by using nuclear magnetic resonance, fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies. The morphological properties were monitored via scanning electron microscope technique. Thermal analysis showed that an increase in the amount of DVB in the copolymers resulted in an increase in the thermal decomposition temperature. On the other hand, poly(S‐r‐DVB) copolymers exhibited good percent transmittance as 50% T between 1500 and 13,000 nm in electromagnetic radiation spectrum, which makes them good candidates to be amenable use in military and surveillance cameras. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43655.