bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending Designed Linear Biocatalytic Cascades for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Gandomkar Somayyeh , Żądło‐Dobrowolska Anna , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: August 2018

Artificial cascade reactions involving biocatalysts have demonstrated a tremendous potential during the recent years. This review just focuses on selected examples of the last year and putting them into context to a previously published suggestion for classification. Subdividing the cascades according to the number of catalysts in the linear sequence, and classifying whether the steps are performed simultaneous or in a sequential fashion as well as whether the reaction sequence is performed in vitro or in vivo allows to organise the concepts. The last year showed, that combinations of in vivo as well as in vitro are possible. Incompatible reaction steps may be run in a sequential fashion or by compartmentalisation of the incompatible steps either by using special reactors (membrane), polymersomes or flow techniques.
A Cptt‐Based Trioxo‐Rhenium Catalyst for the Deoxydehydration of Diols and Polyols
Authors: Li Jing , Lutz Martin , Otte Matthias , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M.
Published: August 2018

Trioxo‐rhenium complexes are well known catalysts for the deoxydehydration (DODH) of vicinal diols (glycols). In this work, we report on the DODH of diols and biomass‐derived polyols using CpttReO3 as a new catalyst (Cptt=1,3‐di‐tert‐butylcyclopentadienyl). The DODH reaction was optimized using 2 mol % of CpttReO3 and 3‐octanol as both reductant and solvent. The CpttReO3 catalyst exhibits an excellent activity for biomass‐derived polyols. Specifically, glycerol is almost quantitatively converted to allyl alcohol and mucic acid gives 75 % of muconates at 91 % conversion. In addition, the loading of CpttReO3 can be reduced to 0.1 mol % to achieve a turn‐over number as high as 900 per Re when using glycerol as substrate. Examination of DODH reaction profiles by NMR spectroscopy indicates that catalysis is related to Cp‐ligand release, which raises questions on the nature of the actual catalyst.
Calix[8]arene as New Platform for Cobalt‐Salen Complexes Immobilization and Use in Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution of Epoxides
Authors: Abdellah Ibrahim , Martini Cyril , Dos Santos Amandine , Dragoe Diana , Guérineau Vincent , Huc Vincent , Schulz Emmanuelle
Published: August 2018

Eight cobalt‐salen complexes have been covalently attached to a calix[8]arene platform through a flexible linker by a procedure employing Click chemistry. The corresponding well‐defined catalyst proved its efficiency in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of various epoxides through an operative bimetallic cooperative activation, demonstrating highly enhanced activity when compared to its monomeric analogue. As an insoluble complex, this multisite cobalt‐salen catalyst could be easily recovered and reused in successive catalytic runs. Products were isolated by a simple filtration with virtually no cobalt traces and without requiring a prior purification by flash chromatography.
An Unusual Two‐Step Hydrolysis of Nerve Agents by a Nanozyme
Authors: Khulbe Kritika , Roy Punarbasu , Radhakrishnan Anusree , Mugesh Govindasamy
Published: August 2018

Organophosphate‐based nerve agents irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase enzyme, leading to respiratory failure, paralysis and death. Several organophosphorus hydrolases are capable of degrading nerve agents including pesticides and insecticides. Development of stable artificial enzymes capable of hydrolysing nerve agents is important for the degradation of environmentally toxic organophosphates. Herein, we describe a Zr‐incorporated CeO2 nanocatalyst that can be used for an efficient capture and hydrolysis of nerve agents such as methyl paraoxon to less toxic monoesters. This unusual sequential degradation pathway involves a covalently linked nanocatalyst‐phosphodiester intermediate.
Micropipette Contact Method to Investigate High‐Energy Cathode Materials by using an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Dayeh Malak , Ghavidel M. R. Zamanzad , Mauzeroll Janine , Schougaard Steen B.
Published: August 2018

The ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide was used in the scanning micropipette contact method to extend the electrochemical window of the electrolyte solution and enable the study of lithium‐ion battery materials with higher oxidation potential. Localized electrochemical measurements were performed on lithium iron phosphate particles that were drop‐cast onto a glassy carbon substrate. Investigation of the active materials occurred on a small scale (ca. 10 μm diameter), defined by the area of meniscus contact between the electrolyte solution in the micropipette and the substrate. Our studies showed that the SMCM probe is stable and can be used to analyze high energy lithium‐ion battery materials in the range of 2.5 to 5.1 V vs. Li/Li+.
Performance and In‐Situ FTIR Evaluation of Pt−Sn/C Electrocatalysts with Several Pt : Sn Atomic Ratios for the Ethanol Oxidation Reaction in Acidic Media
Authors: González‐Quijano D. , Pech‐Rodríguez W. J. , González‐Quijano J. A. , Escalante‐García J. I. , Morais C. , Napporn T. W. , Rodríguez‐Varela F. J.
Published: August 2018

Pt−Sn/C electrocatalysts with nominal Pt : Sn atomic ratios of 1 : 1, 2 : 1 and 3 : 1 were synthesized via the polyol method. The effects of the atomic ratios on their catalytic activity for the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in acidic media was evaluated and compared to a Pt/C electrocatalyst obtained by the same procedure. The differences in reaction mechanism between the alloys and Pt/C were elucidated by in‐situ FTIR measurements. XRD characterization of the Pt−Sn/C electrocatalysts showed a degree of alloying ranging between 27 and 54 % (from Vegard's law), while crystallite sizes close to 2.2 nm were determined with the Scherrer equation. Pt : Sn atomic ratios of 1 : 1, 1.6 : 1 and 2.4 : 1 were found experimentally via EDS analysis, fairly close to the nominally expected values. Electrochemical evaluation indicated that the alloy having a 1 : 1 ratio has the highest electrocatalytic activity for EOR. In‐situ FTIR characterization showed that the Pt−Sn/C alloys promote the oxidation of ethanol via a triple parallel pathway: one path involving the directly conversion of COL (linearly‐bonded CO) to CO2, while the second proceeds via the reaction of AAL (acetaldehyde) into COL and later to CO2, and the third involves the formation of AA (acetic acid) from adsorbed acetate that may be produced from AAL. Such mechanism promoted the EOR at more negative potentials at the alloys, also delivering higher current densities, relative to Pt/C. Thus, the inclusion of Sn in the Pt structure enhanced the catalytic activity for the EOR in acidic media.
Perovskite ABO3‐Type MOF‐Derived Carbon Decorated Fe3O4 with Enhanced Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Yang Li , Tian Ye , Ge Peng , Zhao Ganggang , Pu Tiancheng , Yang Yingchang , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Huang Lanping , Ji Xiaobo
Published: August 2018

Recently, the carbonization of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has become an efficient method to prepare metal‐oxide materials on carbon support, which can provide advantages toward conversion‐type reactions of lithium ion batteries as the size and shape of the materials can be tuned by adjusting the MOF ligands. Formic acid is widely used in MOFs with diverse coordination models, which can further regulate morphologies of the carbonized metal oxides. However, less work is reported on the fabrication of metal oxides with formic acid ligands and their application as electrode materials. Herein, utilizing the self‐assembled MOFs [NH2(CH3)2][FeIIIFeII(HCOO)6] with formic acid ligands as the precursor, a carbon decorated Fe3O4 is successfully prepared, consisting of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with diameters of 40–60 nm and the coated carbon that is stemmed from the organic precursor of formic acid. When used as the electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, this composite exhibits good rate capability and stabilized reversible capacity of 1041 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 100 mA g−1. These superior properties can be attributed to the synergetic effect of the unique nano/micro structure and uniform dispersion of the conductive carbon provided by this new MOF precursor.
Competitive Routes for Electrochemical Oxidation of Substituted Diarylamines: the Guidelines
Authors: Levitskiy Oleg A. , Dulov Dmitry A. , Nikitin Oleg M. , Bogdanov Alexey V. , Eremin Dmitry B. , Paseshnichenko Ksenia A. , Magdesieva Tatiana V.
Published: August 2018

Electrochemical oxidation of diphenylamines with electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents in various combinations was investigated. It was shown that the subsequent reaction channels for the radical cations are dependent on the location and electronic properties of the substituents in both phenyl rings. Guidelines for the prediction of the dominant reaction path were formulated. The conclusions developed will be useful for planning electrosynthesis. Digital simulation of the voltammograms allowed estimating the mechanism of N,N‐diaryl‐5,10‐dihydrophenazine formation (which is one of the main reaction channels); the corresponding radical cations were isolated for the first time and characterized by X‐ray, electrochemical and spectral methods. Oxidation peak potentials for diarylaminyl anions (obtained using electrochemically generated base) were measured providing information for mechanistic estimation of anti/prooxidant activity of diarylamines in radical processes.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Evaluate the Mobility and Toxicity of Cadmium in a Soil–Plant System
Authors: de Godoi Pereira Madson , Matos Thaionara C. , Santos Micael C. C. , Aragão Carlos A. , Leite Kelly R. B. , da Costa Pinto Paulo A. , Santos Hugo A. , Vasconcelos Antenor S. , Souza Laís A. , dos Santos Eduardo B. G. N. , Korn Mauro
Published: August 2018

This study aims to elucidate the retention mechanism of Cd2+ in Chromic Luvisol, quantify the accumulation of this element in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), and evaluate the resulting biological disorders. After chemical and structural soil characterization, its maximum adsorptive capacity for Cd2+ is estimated. Subsequently, coriander is cultivated in the presence of Cd (from 12.5 to 2500 mg kg−1); cadmium concentrations are spectrometrically determined in stalks and leaves previously decomposed in a pressurized microwave oven. Leaves are analyzed by optical microscopy to identify cell damage. Chromic Luvisol has 20% (w/w) clay, 0.4 ± 0.03% (w/w) total organic matter, pH 8.0 ± 0.1, maximum adsorptive capacity = 5350 mg kg−1, and discretely reversible Cd2+ adsorption. Coriander exhibits leaf chlorosis and die when soil cadmium doses are ≥625 mg kg−1; below this dose, cadmium is accumulated in coriander up to 22.0 ± 0.6 mg kg−1 (dry weight). At 15 mg kg−1 in soil, cadmium causes atrophy of the mesophyll. This work integrates chemical and biological aspects related to the presence of cadmium in Chromic Luvisol, and highlights the risks concerning the cadmium accumulation in coriander as well as the possibilities of using this vegetable in future phytoremediation investigations.
DivIVA concentrates mycobacterial cell envelope assembly for initiation and stabilization of polar growth
Authors: Melzer Emily S. , Sein Caralyn E. , Chambers James J. , Siegrist M. Sloan
Published: August 2018

In many model organisms, diffuse patterning of cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis by the actin homolog MreB enables the bacteria to maintain their characteristic rod shape. In Caulobacter crescentus and Escherichia coli, MreB is also required to sculpt this morphology de novo. Mycobacteria are rod‐shaped but expand their cell wall from discrete polar or subpolar zones. In this genus, the tropomyosin‐like protein DivIVA is required for the maintenance of cell morphology. DivIVA has also been proposed to direct peptidoglycan synthesis to the tips of the mycobacterial cell. The precise nature of this regulation is unclear, as is its role in creating rod shape from scratch. We find that DivIVA localizes nascent cell wall and covalently associated mycomembrane but is dispensable for the assembly process itself. Mycobacterium smegmatis rendered spherical by peptidoglycan digestion or by DivIVA depletion are able to regain rod shape at the population level in the presence of DivIVA. At the single cell level, there is a close spatiotemporal correlation between DivIVA foci, rod extrusion and concentrated cell wall synthesis. Thus, although the precise mechanistic details differ from other organisms, M. smegmatis also establish and propagate rod shape by cytoskeleton‐controlled patterning of peptidoglycan. Our data further support the emerging notion that morphology is a hardwired trait of bacterial cells.
Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes as Photosensitizers for Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy: A Structure–Activity Study on Clinical Bacterial Strains
Authors: Le Gall Tony , Lemercier Gilles , Chevreux Sylviane , Tücking Katrin‐Stephanie , Ravel Julian , Thétiot Franck , Jonas Ulrich , Schönherr Holger , Montier Tristan
Published: August 2018

As a growing public health concern, the worldwide spread of antimicrobial resistance urges the development of new therapies. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (a‐PDT) may be an alternative to conventional antibiotic therapy. Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of seven original reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐producing ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes. These are part of a collection of 17 derivatives varying in terms of the nature of the substituent(s), molecular symmetry, electrical charge, and counterions. They were characterized by considering 1) their physical properties (absorption coefficient at irradiation wavelength, 1O2 generation quantum yield, luminescence) and 2) their antibacterial activity in a series of photodynamic assays using Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria of clinical relevance. The results unveiled some structure–activity relationships: one derivative that combines multiple beneficial features for a‐PDT was effective against all the bacteria considered, regardless of their Gram status, species, or antibiotic resistance profile. This systematic study could guide the design of next‐generation ruthenium‐based complexes for enhanced antibacterial photodynamic strategies.
Two types of sensory proliferation patterns underlie the formation of spatially tuned olfactory receptive fields in the cockroach Periplaneta americana
Authors: Watanabe Hidehiro , Koike Yukino , Tateishi Kosuke , Domae Mana , Nishino Hiroshi , Yokohari Fumio
Published: August 2018

In the cockroach Periplaneta americana, to represent pheromone source in the receptive space, axon terminals of sex pheromone‐receptive olfactory sensory neurons (pSNs) are topographically organized within the primary center, the macroglomerulus, according to the peripheral locations of sex pheromone‐receptive single walled (sw)‐B sensilla. In this study, we sought to determine when and where pSNs emerge in the nymphal antenna. We revealed two different pSN proliferation patterns that underlie the formation of topographic organization in the macroglomerulus. In nymphal antennae, which lack sw‐B sensilla, pSNs are identified in the shorter sensilla, termed sw‐A sensilla. Because new sw‐A sensilla emerge on the proximal antenna at every molt, topographic organization in the macroglomerulus must be formed by adding axon terminals of newly emerged pSNs to the lateral region in the macroglomerulus at each molt. At the final molt, a huge number of new sw‐B sensilla appeared throughout the whole antenna. Sw‐B sensilla in the proximal part of the adult antenna were newly formed during the last instar stage, whereas those located in the distal antenna were transformed from sw‐A sensilla. This transformation was accompanied by an increase in the number of pSNs. Axon terminals of newborn pSNs in new sw‐B sensilla were recruited to the lateral part of the macroglomerulus, whereas those of newborn pSNs in transformed sw‐B sensilla were recruited to the macroglomerulus according to the sensillar location. These mechanisms enable an increase in sensitivity to sex pheromone in adulthood while retaining the topographic map formed during the postembryonic development.
Neuronal types of the human cortical amygdaloid nucleus
Authors: Vásquez Carlos Escobar , Reberger Roman , Dall'Oglio Aline , Calcagnotto Maria Elisa , Rasia‐Filho Alberto A.
Published: August 2018

The human cortical amygdaloid nucleus (CoA) receives exteroceptive sensory stimuli, modulates the functions coded by the intrinsic amygdaloid circuit, and constitutes the beginning of the limbic lobe continuum with direct and indirect connections toward subcortical, allocortical, and higher order neocortical areas. To provide basic data on the human CoA, we characterized and classified the neurons using the thionin and the “single‐section” Golgi method adapted for postmortem brain tissue and light microscopy. We found 10 different types of neurons named according to the morphological features of the cell body, dendritic branches, and spine distribution. Most cells are multipolar spiny neurons with two or more primary dendrites, including pyramidal‐like ones. Three‐dimensional reconstructions evidenced the types and diversity of the dendritic spines in each neuron. The unlike density of spines along dendritic branches, from proximal to distal ones, indicate that the synaptic processing and plasticity can be different in each CoA neuron. Our study provides novel data on the neuronal composition of the human CoA indicating that the variety of cells in this region can have phylogenetic, ontogenetic, morphological, and likely functional implications for the integrated human brain function. This can reflect both a more complex subcortical synaptic processing of sensory and emotional information and an adaptation for species‐specific social behavior display.
Reducing stress concentration on the cup rim of hip implants under edge loading
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Sharif , Chan Gi Wing Constance
Published: August 2018

High stress concentration under edge loading on the cup rim contact due to micro‐separation causes accelerated striping wear, fracture, and fatigue in hip implant components. While continuous effort is devoted into improving bearing design and surgical procedure to tackle the problem, the concern still has remained forcing biomedical engineers to seek for new and alternative solutions. The current paper aims to investigate the effect of a new geometry “spline” introduced at the cup's rim corner to minimise stress concentration under edge loading. Three‐dimensional finite element modelling of a metal‐on‐metal hip implant is developed, where contact pressure, von Mises stress, and strain are predicted for three spline geometries, ie, equivalent characteristic arc radius (R = 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm) at four micro‐separations (of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm) simulating edge loading on the rim contact via the application of a constant vertical load of 3 kN. The efficacy of the spline is compared with that of circular arc and sharp corner (ie, no arc) geometries. Overall, the spline outperforms both sharp corner and circular arc in reducing contact pressure, stress, and strain. The benefit of the spline over the circular arc is quite promising at larger micro‐separation but fairly marginal at smaller arc radius and micro‐separation. The findings indicate that, as an alternative to the circular fillet, the spline can be considered a potential geometry to be incorporated at the rim corner of the cup.
Hybrid approach for big data localization and semantic annotation
Authors: Ramay Waheed Yousuf , Cheng‐Yin Xu , Rahman Shams ur , Habib Muhammad Asif
Published: August 2018

Most of the data concerning business‐oriented systems are still based on either NoSQL or the relational data model. On the other hand, Semantic Web data model Resource Description Framework (RDF) has become the new standard for data modeling and analysis. Due to this situation integration of NoSQL, Relational Database (RDB) and RDF data models are becoming a required feature of the systems. Many solutions like tools and languages are provided in the shape of the transformation of data from RDB to RDF. This research is aimed to compare and map data models used for transformation between NoSQL, RDB, and Semantic Web. This study will help in achieving much better and enhanced technology‐based systems for retrieval and storage of data among Big‐data annotation using Semantic Web. It is aimed to reduce the response time of queries and offer compatibility with the web and semantically enriched data format. A drugs dataset is being used and transformed to have semantical meaning embedded and linked to support big data localization. At the end of this paper, RDF graph and bar chart are used to represent transformed data after passing through the proposed model. Big data localization helps in gaining fast and accurate results.
Impact analysis of adverbs for sentiment classification on Twitter product reviews
Authors: Haider Sajjad , Tanvir Afzal Muhammad , Asif Muhammad , Maurer Hermann , Ahmad Awais , Abuarqoub Abdelrahman
Published: August 2018

Social networking websites such as Twitter provide a platform where users share their opinions about different news, events, and products. A recent research has identified that 81% of users search online first before purchasing products. Reviews are written in natural language and needs sentiment analysis for opinion extraction. Various approaches have been proposed to perform sentiment classification based on polarity bearing words in reviews such as noun, verb, adverb, and an adjective. Prior researchers have also identified the role of an adverb as a feature. However, impact analysis of adverb forms, are not yet studied and remains an open research area. This study focused on the following tasks: (1) impact of different forms of adverbs that are not studied for sentiment classification; (2) analysis of possible combinations of eight forms that are 255. The different forms are Adverb (RA), Degree Adverbs (RG), Degree Comparative Adverbs (RGR), General Adverbs (RR), General Comparative Adverbs (RRR), Locative Adverbs (RL), Prep. Adverb (RP), and Adverbs of time (RT); (3) comparison with benchmark dataset. Dataset of 5513 tweets is used to evaluate the idea. The findings of this work show that RRR and RR are important polarities bearing words for neutral opinions, RL for positive, and RP for negative opinions.
Integrating social justice‐based conflict resolution into higher education settings: Faculty, staff, and student professional development through mediation training
Authors: Watson Nancy T. , Rogers Kenita S. , Watson Karan L. , Liau‐Hing Yep Carla
Published: August 2018

This paper will share highlights of an approach used to target professional development of faculty and staff at one of the largest public, land grant, research‐intensive universities in the United States. We will share a practical model designed to build individual and organizational capacity by integrating conflict management techniques that are based on social justice principles into higher education settings. This model has been successfully utilized for more than 2,500 faculty, staff, and students (undergraduate and graduate) at the university, and is an ongoing proactive and responsive strategy in creating a mindful culture and sustaining a cohesive workplace climate.
Police perceptions of restorative justice: Findings from a small‐scale study
Authors: Gavin Paul , MacVean Allyson
Published: August 2018

This paper considers the views and perceptions of police officers and staff from a local police force in England, on the training provided in, and use of, restorative justice. These views were obtained through the use of an online questionnaire as well as the recording of comments made by police officers and staff after one training session. While the overall sample is too small to draw any concrete conclusions, participants appeared to share views expressed in similar, larger studies. This study adds to the literature on restorative justice as police views in this area are underresearched in England and Wales.
Excellent Compatibility of the Gravimetric and Areal Capacitances of an Electric‐Double‐Layer Capacitor Configured with S‐Doped Activated Carbon
Authors: Ma Xinlong , Zhao Lei , Yu Zhiqing , Wang Xuejie , Song Xinyu , Ning Guoqing , Gao Jinsen
Published: August 2018

Coffee grounds were converted into S‐doped activated carbon (SAC) in the presence of an active agent and S dopant through a one‐step synthesis approach. Carbonization, activation, and S doping was achieved through this one‐step methodology. The SAC was used as an electrode material for the preparation of a symmetric electrical‐double‐layer capacitor (EDLC), and the influence of the loading mass of the active materials on the capacitive behaviors was investigated. The assembled SAC‐based symmetric EDLC not only yielded a high capacitance but it also afforded a satisfactory capacitance retention. The symmetric EDLC constructed with loading mass SAC of 7.5 mg cm−2 was capable of delivering a maximum gravimetric and areal capacitance of 200 F g−1 and 1.5 F cm−2, respectively. The compatibility of the gravimetric and areal capacitances of SAC was mainly attributed to the high abundance of interconnected pore channels, which were beneficial for the increased contact area between electrode and electrolyte ions, fast charge transfer, and fast diffusion of the electrolyte ions. In addition to the well‐developed porous networks, the introduction of S into the carbon frameworks significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity, storage capacity, and rate capability. The developed one‐step synthesis provides a facile and effective route for obtaining high‐performance capacitive electrode materials and realizing high value‐added utilization of biomass.
Secondary compounds of Pinus massoniana alter decomposers' effects on Quercus variabilis litter decomposition
Authors: Lin Hong , Zhao Yunxia , Muyidong Numaimaiti , Tian Kai , He Zaihua , Kong Xiangshi , Sun Shucun , Tian Xingjun
Published: August 2018

A major gap to understand the effects of plant secondary compounds on litter decomposition in the brown food web is lack of information about how these secondary compounds modify the activities of soil decomposers. To address this question, we conducted an experiment where aqueous extracts and tannins prepared from Pinus massoniana needles were added to soils collected either from P. massoniana (pine soil) or Quercus variabilis (oak soil). Our objective was to investigate the cascading effects of the two compounds on isopod (Armadillidium vulgare) activity and subsequent change in Q. variabilis litter decomposition. We found that in pine soil, both aqueous extracts and tannins (especially at high concentrations) had positive effects on litter decomposition rates when isopods were present. While without isopods, litter decomposition was enhanced only by high concentrations of aqueous extracts, and tannins had no significant effect on decomposition. In oak soil, high concentrations of aqueous extracts and tannins inhibited litter decomposition and soil microbial biomass, regardless of whether isopods were present or not. Low concentrations of aqueous extracts increased litter decomposition rates and soil microbial biomass in oak soil in the absence of isopods. Based on our results, we suggest that the high concentration of secondary compounds in P. massoniana is a key factor influencing the effects of decomposers on litter decomposition rates, and tannins form a major part of secondary compounds. These funding particularly provide insight into form‐ and concentration‐oriented effects of secondary compounds and promote our understanding of litter decomposition and soil nutrient cycling in forest ecosystem.
Females know better: Sex‐biased habitat selection by the European wildcat
Authors: Oliveira Teresa , Urra Fermín , López‐Martín José María , Ballesteros‐Duperón Elena , Barea‐Azcón José Miguel , Moléon Marcos , Gil‐Sánchez José María , Alves Paulo Celio , Díaz‐Ruíz Francisco , Ferreras Pablo , Monterroso Pedro
Published: August 2018

The interactions between animals and their environment vary across species, regions, but also with gender. Sex‐specific relations between individuals and the ecosystem may entail different behavioral choices and be expressed through different patterns of habitat use. Regardless, only rarely sex‐specific traits are addressed in ecological modeling approaches. The European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is a species of conservation concern in Europe, with a highly fragmented and declining distribution across most of its range. We assessed sex‐specific habitat selection patterns for the European wildcat, at the landscape and home range levels, across its Iberian biogeographic distribution using a multipopulation approach. We developed resource selection functions in a use‐availability framework using radio‐telemetry data from five wildcat populations. At the landscape level, we observed that, while both genders preferentially established home ranges in areas close to broadleaf forests and far from humanized areas, females selected mid‐range elevation areas with some topographic complexity, whereas males used lowland areas. At the home range level, both females and males selected areas dominated by scrublands or broadleaf forests, but habitat features were less important at this level. The strength of association to habitat features was higher for females at both spatial levels, suggesting a tendency to select habitats with higher quality that can grant them enhanced access to shelter and feeding resources. Based on our results, we hypothesize that sex‐biased behavioral patterns may contribute to the resilience of wildcats’ genetic integrity through influencing the directionality of hybridization with domestic cats. Our study provides information about European wildcats’ habitat use in an Iberian context, relevant for the implementation of conservation plans, and highlights the ecological relevance of considering sex‐related differences in environmental preferences.
Host diet mediates a negative relationship between abundance and diversity ofDrosophilagut microbiota
Authors: Erkosar Berra , Yashiro Erika , Zajitschek Felix , Friberg Urban , Maklakov Alexei A. , van der Meer Jan R. , Kawecki Tadeusz J.
Published: August 2018

Nutrient supply to ecosystems has major effects on ecological diversity, but it is unclear to what degree the shape of this relationship is general versus dependent on the specific environment or community. Although the diet composition in terms of the source or proportions of different nutrient types is known to affect gut microbiota composition, the relationship between the quantity of nutrients supplied and the abundance and diversity of the intestinal microbial community remains to be elucidated. Here, we address this relationship using replicate populations ofDrosophila melanogastermaintained over multiple generations on three diets differing in the concentration of yeast (the only source of most nutrients). While a 6.5‐fold increase in yeast concentration led to a 100‐fold increase in the total abundance of gut microbes, it caused a major decrease in their alpha diversity (by 45–60% depending on the diversity measure). This was accompanied by only minor shifts in the taxonomic affiliation of the most common operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Thus, nutrient concentration in host diet mediates a strong negative relationship between the nutrient abundance and microbial diversity in theDrosophilagut ecosystem.
Dermal mycobacteriosis and warming sea surface temperatures are associated with elevated mortality of striped bass in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Groner Maya L. , Hoenig John M. , Pradel Roger , Choquet Rémi , Vogelbein Wolfgang K. , Gauthier David T. , Friedrichs Marjorie A. M.
Published: August 2018

Temperature is hypothesized to alter disease dynamics, particularly when species are living at or near their thermal limits. When disease occurs in marine systems, this can go undetected, particularly if the disease is chronic and progresses slowly. As a result, population‐level impacts of diseases can be grossly underestimated. Complex migratory patterns, stochasticity in recruitment, and data and knowledge gaps can hinder collection and analysis of data on marine diseases. New tools enabling quantification of disease impacts in marine environments include coupled biogeochemical hydrodynamic models (to hindcast key environmental data), and multievent, multistate mark–recapture (MMSMR) (to quantify the effects of environmental conditions on disease processes and assess population‐level impacts). We used MMSMR to quantify disease processes and population impacts in an estuarine population of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in Chesapeake Bay from 2005 to 2013. Our results supported the hypothesis that mycobacteriosis is chronic, progressive, and, frequently, lethal. Yearly disease incidence in fish age three and above was 89%, suggesting that this disease impacts nearly every adult striped bass. Mortality of diseased fish was high, particularly in severe cases, where it approached 80% in typical years. Severely diseased fish also had a 10‐fold higher catchability than healthy fish, which could bias estimates of disease prevalence. For both healthy and diseased fish, mortality increased with the modeled average summer sea surface temperature (SST) at the mouth of the Rappahannock River; in warmer summers (average SST ≥ 29°C), a cohort is predicted to experience >90% mortality in 1 year. Regression of disease signs in mildly and moderately diseased fish was <2%. These results suggest that these fish are living at their maximum thermal tolerance and that this is driving increased disease and mortality. Management of this fishery should account for the effects of temperature and disease on impacted populations.
Changes in soil fungal communities and vegetation following afforestation with Pinus tabulaeformis on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Dang Peng , Vu Ngoc Ha , Shen Zhen , Liu Jinliang , Zhao Fei , Zhu Hailan , Yu Xuan , Zhao Zhong
Published: August 2018

Soil fungi have important effects on plant performance and nutrient cycling. To understand the dynamics of the soil fungal community and their response to changes in understory plants and soil properties after afforestation, we investigated a cropland site (CL) and three Pinus tabulaeformis plantation sites with different ages (15, 30, and 45 yr) in the Ziwuling Mountains, Loess Plateau, China. Afforestation increased the soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ‐N, and ‐N contents but decreased the available phosphorus (AP). The biomass and diversity of plants decreased in the herb layer with plantation age, and the biomass of plants increased in the shrub layer. Compared with cropland, the soil fungal diversity indices decreased significantly after afforestation. The soil fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycetes in CL and the 15‐year‐old plantation, whereas Basidiomycota dominated in the 30‐ and 45‐year‐old sites. Correlation analysis showed that the understory vegetation influenced the richness indices more than the diversity indices for the soil fungal community, and herb layer plants had stronger effects on the core soil fungal communities than the shrub layer plants. Soil organic carbon, TN, AP, C:P ratio, and N:P ratio were significantly correlated with the soil fungal communities. Moreover, the C:P ratio and N:P ratio increased as the forest age increased, thereby indicating that P was a crucial influence factor that affected the development of the soil fungal community in P. tabulaeformis plantations.
Polycentricity in the water–energy nexus: A comparison of polycentric governance traits and implications for adaptive capacity of water user associations in Spain
Authors: Villamayor‐Tomas Sergio
Published: August 2018

This paper assesses the merits of polycentricity by looking at the water–energy nexus in the Spanish irrigation sector. In the last few decades, the Spanish electricity and water governance systems have transitioned from relatively monocentric, top‐down arrangements to arrangements that exhibit traits of polycentricity. This paper characterizes both governance systems against a series of polycentricity traits and provision and production activities. It then assesses the merits of the systems against the capacity of water user associations (WUAs) to adapt to water and electricity supply dynamics. The study relies on quantitative and archival data collected from a set of 38 irrigation systems located in north‐east Spain as well as secondary data from the broader water, energy and irrigation sectors. As illustrated in the analysis, WUAs can play a key role in integrating the management of water and electricity. They do so locally, via a diversity of institutional and operational adaptations. This role, however, requires sufficient levels of autonomy, clear rules that shape the interactions between WUAs and other water and electricity actors, and a relatively competitive environment.
Exploring LTE‐V link‐level performance under V‐CPS by geometry enhanced winner II channel model
Authors: Gong Yi , Wang Shengchu , Zhang Yupeng , Luo Feng , Zhang Lin
Published: August 2018

The reliable and efficient simulation of a Long‐Term Evolution‐vehicle requires a channel model that considers practical features of vehicle ad hoc networks, such as large‐scale and small‐scale fading effects from static and mobile objects. However, existing vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) channel models seldom consider vehicle ad hoc networks. In this paper, we propose a geometry‐enhanced WINNER II V2V channel model, which simulates channel responses among vehicles in arbitrary locations with detailed geographical information (eg, placement of buildings). After exploiting the outlines of vehicles and buildings, line‐of‐sight/nonline‐of‐sight links are evaluated. In addition, multiple‐interaction reflections and diffractions are calculated. Then, signal variations and multilink time delays are generated. Therefore, it reflects practical communication conditions, are more reliable than existing Long‐Term Evolution V2V channel models. The model is applied to our developed link‐level simulator, which conforms to the Third‐Generation Partnership Project Release 14, and is compared with two other common channel models. Results validate the importance of the surrounding geometry compared with models with simple large‐scale and small‐scale propagation paths.
Low‐complexity networking based on joint energy efficiency in ultradense mmWave backhaul networks
Authors: Tan Zhenjie , Qu Hua , Zhao Jihong , Ren Gongye , Wang Wenjie
Published: August 2018

As operation cost and energy consumption problems deteriorate with network densification toward 5G, traditional radio resource management and networking strategies must be upgraded. It is observed that when the access network is dealing with a large amount of user traffic, the backhaul (BH) network turns out to be the new bottleneck hindering the cellular system from further increasing its capacity and efficiency. Although wired transmission technologies, such as passive optic fiber networks, are generally available between base stations, the resulting capital expenditure and operational expenditure are prohibitive in an ultradense deployment scenario. To redesign the BH network in 5G, multihop millimeter‐wave transmission is considered as a cost‐efficient and well‐performing candidate. In this paper, we propose a low‐complexity method based on millimeter‐wave transmission to minimize the energy consumption from both the access network and the BH network through joint admission‐power‐traffic control. Concretely, a self‐organizing heuristics is created through which the access and backhaul joint energy efficiency of both the base station and the whole system is maximized under the assumption of predefined user rate requirements. Simulation results show that our proposed method achieves significant reduction (∼95%) in algorithm execution time compared with the branch‐and‐bound search at the expense of little extra energy cost (∼7%). In addition, our proposed method satisfies the quality‐of‐service requirements of user equipment in the system with a lower transmission delay in terms of hops than that of the branch‐and‐bound search. A baseline algorithm called MR‐MPF (maximum reference signal receiver power admission control with minimum power flooding) is also compared to demonstrate our algorithm's superiority in energy saving.
Protective Role of Hepatocyte Cyclooxygenase‐2 Expression Against Liver Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Mice
Authors: Motiño Omar , Francés Daniel E. , Casanova Natalia , Fuertes‐Agudo Marina , Cucarella Carme , Flores Juana M. , Vallejo‐Cremades María Teresa , Olmedilla Luis , Pérez Peña José , Bañares Rafael , Boscá Lisardo , Casado Marta , Martín‐Sanz Paloma
Published: August 2018

Liver ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a serious clinical problem affecting liver transplantation outcomes. IRI causes up to 10% of early organ failure and predisposes to chronic rejection. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is involved in different liver diseases, but the significance of COX‐2 in IRI is a matter of controversy. This study was designed to elucidate the role of COX‐2 induction in hepatocytes against liver IRI. In the present work, hepatocyte‐specific COX‐2 transgenic mice (hCOX‐2‐Tg) and their wild‐type (Wt) littermates were subjected to IRI. hCOX‐2‐Tg mice exhibited lower grades of necrosis and inflammation than Wt mice, in part by reduced hepatic recruitment and infiltration of neutrophils, with a concomitant decrease in serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, hCOX‐2‐Tg mice showed a significant attenuation of the IRI‐induced increase in oxidative stress and hepatic apoptosis, an increase in autophagic flux, and a decrease in endoplasmic reticulum stress compared to Wt mice. Interestingly, ischemic preconditioning of Wt mice resembles the beneficial effects observed in hCOX‐2‐Tg mice against IRI due to a preconditioning‐derived increase in endogenous COX‐2, which is mainly localized in hepatocytes. Furthermore, measurement of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in plasma from patients who underwent liver transplantation revealed a significantly positive correlation of PGE2 levels and graft function and an inverse correlation with the time of ischemia. Conclusion: These data support the view of a protective effect of hepatic COX‐2 induction and the consequent rise of derived prostaglandins against IRI.
Health Star Ratings: What's on the labels of Australian beverages?
Authors: Brownbill Aimee L. , Braunack‐Mayer Annette , Miller Caroline
Published: August 2018

Issue addressed

The Health Star Rating (HSR) System provides a useful tool to communicate health and nutrition messages to consumers. Given the large contribution from sugar‐containing beverages to sugar intake in the Australian diet and the adverse health outcomes associated with frequent consumption, it is important to investigate how the HSR System is displayed on beverages. Our research measured and compared the presence of the HSR System on the labels of sugar‐containing and sugar‐free beverages in Australia.

Methods

We conducted a survey of the labels on 762 ready‐to‐drink (≤600 mL) nondairy/nonalcoholic beverages, sampled from 17 South Australian supermarkets in late 2016. We measured the presence of a star rating icon or an energy‐only icon (which is an option of the HSR System for beverages).

Results

The HSR System was observed on 35.3% of beverages, with only 6.8% displaying a star rating icon and 28.5% displaying an energy‐only icon. When present (n = 52), star rating icons were almost universally 5 stars (94.2%), and of these, they were predominantly displayed on 100% juices (85.7%). Almost all beverages with a star rating contained high amounts of sugar; only three sugar‐free beverages displayed a star rating.

Conclusion

We found that there are low uptake and limited use of the HSR System on beverages.

So what?

The HSR System on beverages could better achieve its objectives if the energy‐only icon were removed from the graphic options, the algorithm were adjusted so that 100% juices cannot display a 5‐star rating, and the System were made mandatory.
Risk factors for delayed social‐emotional development and behavior problems at age two: Results from the All Our Babies/Families (AOB/F) cohort
Authors: McDonald Sheila W. , Kehler Heather L. , Tough Suzanne C.
Published: August 2018

Background and Aims

Social‐emotional delays and behavioral problems at preschool age are associated with negative outcomes at school age, including ongoing behavior problems, poorer social functioning, and academic difficulties. Understanding modifiable risk factors for suboptimal development requires consideration of contemporary family circumstances to determine areas for effective early intervention to optimize development. This study aimed to identify risk factors for delayed social‐emotional development and behavior problems at age two among participants of the All Our Babies/Families cohort study.

Methods

Mothers (N = 1596) completed five comprehensive questionnaires spanning midpregnancy to 2 years postpartum. At child age two, behavior and competence outcomes were measured using the Brief Infant‐Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment. Chi square analysis and multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify key risk factors for suboptimal child outcomes. Predicted probabilities for adverse outcomes in the presence of risk were calculated.

Results

Risk factors for possible delayed social‐emotional development in children included maternal depression at 2 years postpartum (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.63, 3.72), lower parenting self‐efficacy at 2 years postpartum (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.51, 5.06), non‐daily play‐based interaction when child was 1 and 2 years old (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02, 1.99), child delayed sleep initiation at 2 years of age (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.05, 2.37), and playgroup non‐attendance between 1 and 2 years postpartum (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03, 1.99). Risk factors for possible behavior problems included lower maternal optimism during pregnancy (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.36, 2.99), maternal depression at 2 years postpartum (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.46, 3.27), difficulty balancing responsibilities at 2 years postpartum (OR 2.32 95% CI 1.55, 3.47), child second language exposure at 2 years of age (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.37, 2.58), child delayed sleep initiation at 2 years of age (OR 1.55 95% CI 1.06, 2.26), child frequent night wakings at 2 years of age (OR 2.95 95% CI 2.13, 4.10), and more screentime exposure at 2 years of age (OR 1.85 95% CI 1.34, 2.54).

Conclusions

This study suggests that addressing maternal mental health and promoting parenting strategies that encourage play‐based interaction, limiting screen time, preventing sleep problems, and engagement in informal playgroups would reduce the risk of behavior and social‐emotional problems.