bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi‐scalar analysis of Māori land use on Ahuahu (Great Mercury Island), New Zealand
Authors: McIVOR ISAAC H. , LADEFOGED THEGN N.
Published: November 2015

The duration and mode of occupation of pre‐European Māori living in northern New Zealand was influenced by their subsistence strategies. Our analysis of the surface archaeological remains on Ahuahu (Great Mercury Island, Coromandel) examines how communities practiced horticulture and interacted with their local ecological and social environments through mobility, storage and competition. Focusing on a 300 ha study area in the northern quarter of the island, we use a multi‐scalar land‐unit (LU) approach to categorize the landscape as a continuously varying phenomenon with multiple characteristics. Our results suggest that the largest concentrations of horticultural features were located in areas with high sunlight exposure (insolation), good soils, low slopes and stream access. This patterning indicates that specific areas were probably being targeted for horticultural production, although differential feature preservation and visibility must also be considered. The spatial organisation of storage pits, residential features and fortified locations suggests year‐round occupation of the island, not just summer planting. The heterogeneous characteristics of the landscape influenced the settlement of three particular zones on the island. We suggest that the economic defensibility of these areas would have facilitated territoriality within a socio‐historical context of population fluidity and mobility.
Roasting breadfruit in the Pacific: A combined plant macroremain and phytolith analysis from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Authors: LEVIN MAUREECE J.
Published: November 2015

In eastern Micronesia, breadfruit is an important staple crop and has probably been part of the diet since initial settlement. This paper uses combined macroremains and phytolith analysis to identify breadfruit production from a historical feature on Temwen Island, Pohnpei, Micronesia. Charred breadfruit exocarp material was recovered, indicating breadfruit roasting. Phytolith analysis from this feature does not provide direct evidence of breadfruit, but does reveal other taxa that are not present in flotation samples, demonstrating the utility of analysing multiple lines of botanical data. Thus, this project presents new botanical evidence for breadfruit and a method for approaching a more comprehensive study of cooking practices.
Mixed methods student evaluation of an online systemic human anatomy course with laboratory
Authors: Attardi Stefanie M. , Choi Suwhan , Barnett John , Rogers Kem A.
Published: November 2015

A fully online section of an existing face‐to‐face (F2F) systemic human anatomy course with a prosection laboratory was offered for the first time in 2012–2013. Lectures for F2F students (N = 365) were broadcast in both live and archived format to online students (N = 40) using virtual classroom software. Laboratories were delivered online by a teaching assistant who manipulated 3D computer models in the virtual classroom environment. An exploratory sequential mixed methods approach was undertaken to determine the most important deciding factors that drive students’ preferences for a given format and then to generate theory on the strengths and weaknesses of the online format. Students (20 online; 310 F2F) volunteered to participate in a crossover period of one week to expose them to the course section in which they were not originally registered. Open ended interviews (20 online; 20 F2F) and quantitative surveys (270 F2F) were conducted following a crossover. Students valued pace control, schedule, and location flexibility of learning from archived materials and being assessed online. In the online laboratory they had difficulty using the 3D models and preferred the unique and hands‐on experiences of cadaveric specimens. The F2F environment was conducive to learning in both lecture and laboratory because students felt more engaged by instructors in person and were less distracted by their surroundings. These results suggest the need to improve the online experience by increasing the quality of student–instructor communication and in turn student–content interaction with the 3D models. Anat Sci Educ 9: 272–285. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
Apoptosis Evaluation by Electrochemical Techniques
Authors: Yin Jian , Miao Peng
Published: November 2015

Apoptosis has close relevance to pathology, pharmacology, and toxicology. Accurate and convenient detection of apoptosis would be beneficial for biological study, clinical diagnosis, and drug development. Based on distinct features of apoptotic cells, a diversity of analytical techniques have been exploited for sensitive analysis of apoptosis, such as surface plasmon resonance, electrochemical methods, flow cytometry, and some imaging assays. Among them, the features of simplicity, easy operation, low cost, and high sensitivity make electrochemical techniques powerful tools to investigate electron‐transfer processes of in vitro biological systems. In this contribution, a general overview of current knowledge on various technical approaches for apoptosis evaluation is provided. Furthermore, recently developed electrochemical biosensors for detecting apoptotic cells and their advantages over traditional methods are summarized. One of the main considerations focuses on designing the recognition elements based on various biochemical events during apoptosis.
Copper‐Mediated Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of 2‐Methylpyridine and 8‐Methylquinoline with Methyl Ketones and Benzamides
Authors: Kumar Gadde Sathish , Boyle Joshua William , Tejo Ciputra , Chan Philip Wai Hong
Published: November 2015

A synthetic method to prepare (E)‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)enones and (E)‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)enones that relies on the respective copper(I)‐catalyzed formal cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction of 2‐methylpyridine and 8‐methylquinoline with methyl ketones has been discovered. The mechanism was delineated to follow a pathway involving oxidation of the N‐heterocycle to its corresponding aldehyde adduct prior to reaction with the methyl ketone. The versatility and substrate dependent divergence in the reactivity of the copper‐mediated CDC strategy was exemplified by its application to the synthesis of N‐(quinolin‐8‐ylmethyl)amide and N‐(quinolin‐8‐ylmethyl)aniline adducts on switching the cross‐coupling partner to benzamides or an aniline derivative.
CSR  in  Japanese Companies: Perspectives from Managers
Authors: Eweje Gabriel , Sakaki Mina
Published: November 2015

Increasingly, corporations are expected to be more socially and environmentally responsible in the communities and society where their operations are located. This is more so with ever growing sensitivity towards social and environmental issues, and demands from various stakeholders expecting corporations to do more for society. This study examines managers' actual CSR perceptions and practices in Japan. The paper reports on an empirical study carried out in Japan in 2012, where 12 Japanese global companies were interviewed about their CSR and sustainability strategy and practices. Results reveal that companies that participated in the study are keen to demonstrate that CSR is integral to their business strategy and have various projects and initiatives to support their position and commitment. For example, the tsunami disaster in March 2011 demonstrates how Japanese companies pulled their resources together to support the victims. However, there are other areas such as volunteering, diversity in the workplace and work–life balance that require more business attention. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Production of rhamnolipids and diesel oil degradation by bacteria isolated from soil contaminated by petroleum
Authors: Leite Giuseppe G. F. , Figueirôa Juciane V. , Almeida Thiago C. M. , Valões Jaqueline L. , Marques Walber F. , Duarte Maria D. D. C. , Gorlach‐Lira Krystyna
Published: November 2015

Biosurfactants are microbial secondary metabolites. The most studied are rhamnolipids, which decrease the surface tension and have emulsifying capacity. In this study, the production of biosurfactants, with emphasis on rhamnolipids, and diesel oil degradation by 18 strains of bacteria isolated from waste landfill soil contaminated by petroleum was analyzed. Among the studied bacteria, gram‐positive endospore forming rods (39%), gram positive rods without endospores (17%), and gram‐negative rods (44%) were found. The following methods were used to test for biosurfactant production: oil spreading, emulsification, and hemolytic activity. All strains showed the ability to disperse the diesel oil, while 77% and 44% of the strains showed hemolysis and emulsification of diesel oil, respectively. Rhamnolipids production was observed in four strains that were classified on the basis of the 16S rRNA sequences as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Only those strains showed the rhlAB gene involved in rhamnolipids synthesis, and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Erwinia carotovora, and Ralstonia solanacearum. The highest production of rhamnolipids was 565.7 mg/L observed in mineral medium containing olive oil (pH 8). With regard to the capacity to degrade diesel oil, it was observed that 7 strains were positive in reduction of the dye 2,6‐dichlorophenolindophenol (2,6‐DCPIP) while 16 had the gene alkane mono‐oxygenase (alkB), and the producers of rhamnolipids were positive in both tests. Several bacterial strains have shown high potential to be explored further for bioremediation purposes due to their simultaneous ability to emulsify, disperse, and degrade diesel oil. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:262–270, 2016
Process development in the QbD paradigm: Role of process integration in process optimization for production of biotherapeutics
Authors: Rathore Anurag S. , Pathak Mili , Godara Avinash
Published: November 2015

Biotherapeutics have become the focus of the pharmaceutical industry due to their proven effectiveness in managing complex diseases. Downstream processes of these molecules consist of several orthogonal, high resolution unit operations designed so as to be able to separate variants having very similar physicochemical properties. Typical process development involves optimization of the individual unit operations based on Quality by Design principles in order to define the design space within which the process can deliver product that meets the predefined specifications. However, limited efforts are dedicated to understanding the interactions between the unit operations. This paper aims to showcase the importance of understanding these interactions and thereby arrive at operating conditions that are optimal for the overall process. It is demonstrated that these are not necessarily same as those obtained from optimization of the individual unit operations. Purification of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G‐CSF), a biotherapeutic expressed in E. coli., has been used as a case study. It is evident that the suggested approach results in not only higher yield (91.5 vs. 86.4) but also improved product quality (% RP‐HPLC purity of 98.3 vs. 97.5) and process robustness. We think that this paper is very relevant to the present times when the biotech industry is in the midst of implementing Quality by Design towards process development. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:355–362, 2016
Simulation of the dynamic packing behavior of preparative chromatography columns via discrete particle modeling
Authors: Dorn Martin , Hekmat Dariusch
Published: November 2015

Preparative packed‐bed chromatography using polymer‐based, compressible, porous resins is a powerful method for purification of macromolecular bioproducts. During operation, a complex, hysteretic, thus, history‐dependent packed bed behavior is often observed but theoretical understanding of the causes is limited. Therefore, a rigorous modeling approach of the chromatography column on the particle scale has been made which takes into account interparticle micromechanics and fluid–particle interactions for the first time. A three‐dimensional deterministic model was created by applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) coupled with the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The column packing behavior during either flow or mechanical compression was investigated in‐silico and in laboratory experiments. A pronounced axial compression–relaxation profile was identified that differed for both compression strategies. Void spaces were clearly visible in the packed bed after compression. It was assumed that the observed bed inhomogeneity was because of a force‐chain network at the particle scale. The simulation satisfactorily reproduced the measured behavior regarding packing compression as well as pressure‐flow dependency. Furthermore, the particle Young's modulus and particle–wall friction as well as interparticle friction were identified as crucial parameters affecting packing dynamics. It was concluded that compaction of the chromatographic bed is rather because of particle rearrangement than particle deformation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:363–371, 2016
Optimal Retrofit Design of Crude Distillation Units for Processing Shale Gas/Natural Gas Condensate Oil
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Xu Qiang , Ho Thomas
Published: November 2015

The increasing production of condensate oil due to shale gas/natural gas booming has economically motivated refiners to add this valuable and abundant crude source into their feedstock. Many refineries, however, were originally built to process heavier crudes, whose design must be retrofitted to enable the processing of the changed feedstock. The conceptual retrofit design of crude distillation units for processing condensate oil has been studied. Four retrofit designs are proposed and simulated including facilities of preflash column, atmospheric distillation unit, and vacuum distillation unit. All retrofit designs are comprehensively evaluated by steady‐state modeling for feasibility check, energy consumption analysis for operating cost evaluation, and retrofit cost evaluation. The retrofit design with preflash columns in sequence potentially could be the most economical case.
Solar Electricity and Solar Fuels: Status and Perspectives in the Context of the Energy Transition
Authors: Armaroli Nicola , Balzani Vincenzo
Published: November 2015

The energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables is already ongoing, but it will be a long and difficult process because the energy system is a gigantic and complex machine. Key renewable energy production data show the remarkable growth of solar electricity technologies and indicate that crystalline silicon photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbines are the workhorses of the first wave of renewable energy deployment on the TW scale around the globe. The other PV alternatives (e.g., copper/indium/gallium/selenide (CIGS) or CdTe), along with other less mature options, are critically analyzed. As far as fuels are concerned, the situation is significantly more complex because making chemicals with sunshine is far more complicated than generating electric current. The prime solar artificial fuel is molecular hydrogen, which is characterized by an excellent combination of chemical and physical properties. The routes to make it from solar energy (photoelectrochemical cells (PEC), dye‐sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DSPEC), PV electrolyzers) and then synthetic liquid fuels are presented, with discussion on economic aspects. The interconversion between electricity and hydrogen, two energy carriers directly produced by sunlight, will be a key tool to distribute renewable energies with the highest flexibility. The discussion takes into account two concepts that are often overlooked: the energy return on investment (EROI) and the limited availability of natural resources—particularly minerals—which are needed to manufacture energy converters and storage devices on a multi‐TW scale.
Estimation and Comparison of Carbon Sequestration byZygophyllum atriplicoidesandGymnocarpus decander
Authors: Sadeghi Hossein , Ghasemi Nejad Raeini Mina
Published: November 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of plant organs (root, stem, and leaf) of two plants,Zygophyllum atriplicoidesandGymnocarpus decander, on carbon sequestration and some soil characteristics in the Saleh–Abad region, 41 km north of Haji–Abad, Bandar–Abbas, in 2012. This study was carried out by two separate factorial experiments. The first factor was the type of plant species in both experiments. The second factor was the plant organs in experiment I and different soil depths in experiment II. The results showed that the soil withZ.atriplicoideshad a higher soil saturation percentage, moisture percentage, nitrogen percentage, and organic carbon percentage; the soil withG. decanderhad a higher electrical conductivity. Soil at 0–15 cm depth had a higher electrical conductivity, nitrogen percentage and organic carbon, as well as a lower moisture percentage, compared with 15–30 cm depth, which was similar for both plants. Soil withZ. atriplicoidesand at a 0–15 cm depth had higher clay and silt percentages, and a lower sand percentage. Multiple regression showed that nitrogen and moisture percentage were the most effective traits contributing to carbon sequestration. Furthermore,Z.atriplicoides, compared toG. decander, had the higher stored organic carbon level in tissues; stems and leaves had higher and lower levels of stored organic carbon, respectively, in both plants. Overall, the results of this study indicated that the highest carbon sequestration was obtained in soils withZ. atriplicoidesat 0–15 cm depth.
β2‐microglobulin normalization within 6 months of ibrutinib‐based treatment is associated with superior progression‐free survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Thompson Philip A. , O'Brien Susan M. , Xiao Lianchun , Wang Xuemei , Burger Jan A. , Jain Nitin , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Estrov Zeev , Keating Michael J. , Wierda William G.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

A high pretreatment β2‐microglobulin (B2M) level is associated with inferior survival outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, to the authors' knowledge, the prognostic and predictive significance of changes in B2M during treatment have not been reported to date.

METHODS

The authors analyzed 83 patients treated with ibrutinib‐based regimens (66 with recurrent/refractory disease) and 198 treatment‐naive patients who were treated with combined fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) to characterize changes in B2M and their relationship with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

B2M rapidly decreased during treatment with ibrutinib; on multivariable analysis, patients who received FCR (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.18‐0.90 [P = .027]) were less likely to have normalized B2M at 6 months than patients treated with ibrutinib. On univariable analysis, normalization of B2M was associated with superior progression‐free survival (PFS) from the 6‐month landmark in patients treated with ibrutinib‐based regimens and FCR. On multivariable analysis, failure to achieve normalized B2M at 6 months of treatment was associated with inferior PFS (hazard ratio, 16.9; 95% CI, 1.3‐220.0 [P = .031]) for patients treated with ibrutinib, after adjusting for the effects of baseline B2M, stage of disease, fludarabine‐refractory disease, and del(17p). In contrast, in patients treated with FCR, negative minimal residual disease status in the bone marrow was the only variable found to be significantly associated with superior PFS (hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12‐0.67 [P = .004]).

CONCLUSIONS

Normalization of B2M at 6 months in patients treated with ibrutinib was found to be a useful predictor of subsequent PFS and may assist in clinical decision‐making. Cancer 2016;122:565–573. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Three‐dimensional immersive virtual reality for studying cellular compartments in 3D models from EM preparations of neural tissues
Authors: Calì Corrado , Baghabra Jumana , Boges Daniya J. , Holst Glendon R. , Kreshuk Anna , Hamprecht Fred A. , Srinivasan Madhusudhanan , Lehväslaiho Heikki , Magistretti Pierre J.
Published: November 2015

Advances in the application of electron microscopy (EM) to serial imaging are opening doors to new ways of analyzing cellular structure. New and improved algorithms and workflows for manual and semiautomated segmentation allow us to observe the spatial arrangement of the smallest cellular features with unprecedented detail in full three‐dimensions. From larger samples, higher complexity models can be generated; however, they pose new challenges to data management and analysis. Here we review some currently available solutions and present our approach in detail. We use the fully immersive virtual reality (VR) environment CAVE (cave automatic virtual environment), a room in which we are able to project a cellular reconstruction and visualize in 3D, to step into a world created with Blender, a free, fully customizable 3D modeling software with NeuroMorph plug‐ins for visualization and analysis of EM preparations of brain tissue. Our workflow allows for full and fast reconstructions of volumes of brain neuropil using ilastik, a software tool for semiautomated segmentation of EM stacks. With this visualization environment, we can walk into the model containing neuronal and astrocytic processes to study the spatial distribution of glycogen granules, a major energy source that is selectively stored in astrocytes. The use of CAVE was key to the observation of a nonrandom distribution of glycogen, and led us to develop tools to quantitatively analyze glycogen clustering and proximity to other subcellular features. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:23–38, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eclecticism versus Purity: Mediation Styles Used in New Zealand Employment Disputes
Authors: Morris Grant
Published: November 2015

Most employment mediation in New Zealand is carried out by Resolution Services under the Employment Relations Act 2000. This article focuses on mediation styles. According to policy and statute, what styles are claimed to be used? According to mediators, what styles are actually used? What are the repercussions of these findings? Resolution Services’ eclectic approach to mediation styles is both consciously practiced and effective. However, this approach means that parties have little idea which style to expect and that mediators are mixing and matching styles which, according to the style creators, are not supposed to be mixed and matched.
All‐Iron Redox Flow Battery Tailored for Off‐Grid Portable Applications
Authors: Tucker Michael C. , Phillips Adam , Weber Adam Z.
Published: November 2015

An all‐iron redox flow battery is proposed and developed for end users without access to an electricity grid. The concept is a low‐cost battery which the user assembles, discharges, and then disposes of the active materials. The design goals are: (1) minimize upfront cost, (2) maximize discharge energy, and (3) utilize non‐toxic and environmentally benign materials. These are different goals than typically considered for electrochemical battery technology, which provides the opportunity for a novel solution. The selected materials are: low‐carbon‐steel negative electrode, paper separator, porous‐carbon‐paper positive electrode, and electrolyte solution containing 0.5 m Fe2(SO4)3 active material and 1.2 m NaCl supporting electrolyte. With these materials, an average power density around 20 mW cm−2 and a maximum energy density of 11.5 Wh L−1 are achieved. A simple cost model indicates the consumable materials cost US$6.45 per kWh−1, or only US$0.034 per mobile phone charge.
Dual‐Phase Oxygen Transport Membranes for Stable Operation in Environments Containing Carbon Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Garcia‐Fayos Julio , Balaguer María , Serra José M.
Published: November 2015

Dual‐phase membranes are appealing candidates for oxygen transport membranes owing to their unique combination of ambipolar electron–ion transport and endurance. However, O2 separation in industrial environments demands very high stability and effectiveness in the presence of CO2‐ and SO2‐bearing process gases. Here, the composition of dual‐phase membranes based on NiFe2O4–Ce0.8Tb0.2O2−δ (NFO‐CTO) was optimized and the effective performance of catalytically‐activated membranes was assessed in presence of CO2 and SO2. Further insight into the limiting mechanisms in the permeation was gained through electrical conductivity studies, permeation testing in several conditions and impedance spectroscopy analysis. The dual‐phase membranes were prepared by one‐pot sol‐gel method and their permeability increases with increasing fluorite content. An O2 flux of 0.25 (ml min−1 cm−2) mm at 1000 °C was obtained for a thick self‐standing membrane with 40:60 NFO/CTO composition. An in‐depth study mimicking typical harsh conditions encountered in oxyfuel flue gases was performed on a 50:50 NFO/CTO membrane. CO2 content as well as SO2 presence in the sweep gas stream were evaluated in terms of O2 permeation. O2 fluxes of 0.13 and 0.09 mL min−1 cm−2 at 850 °C were obtained for a 0.59 mm thick membrane under CO2 and 250 ppm SO2 in CO2 sweep conditions, respectively. Extended periods at work under CO2‐ and SO2‐containing atmospheres revealed good permeation stability over time. Additionally, XRD, backscattered electrons detector (BSD)‐SEM, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the spent membrane confirmed material stability upon prolonged exposure to SO2.
Supreme Court's decision raises awareness of religious freedom on campus
Authors: Porter Michael
Published: November 2015

While some students may flock to Abercrombie & Fitch for the latest fashion trends, college and university administrators concerned with legal compliance can use a recent case involving the retailer to raise awareness about religious discrimination and religious freedom.
Encourage an atmosphere that's comfortable for trans students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2015

Faculty members are experts on their subject matter, but they might not always be aware of ways they can make their classrooms more inviting for transgender students and other students who do not identify with the traditional gender binary.
The case for promoting from within
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: November 2015

Three years ago I wrote an article for Dean & Provost about how shocked I was when one of my deans retired at the tender age of 54! I was fairly new at the college, and I wasn't mentally prepared for her to go. I committed then to succession planning and to developing employees so that they are ready to take over when their peers move on.
Overcome challenges to cultivate female leaders on your campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2015

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — In a packed session sponsored by the American Association for Women in Community Colleges at the recent American Association of Community Colleges annual convention, a group of female leaders in higher education spoke to the challenges of cultivating female leadership within higher education. The panel consisted of Allatia Harris, vice chancellor for the San Jacinto College District; Marie Gnage, campus president at Florida State College at Jacksonville; Maria Harper‐Marinick, executive vice chancellor and provost at Maricopa Community Colleges; and Dawn DeWolf, vice president of academic and student affairs at Lane Community College.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at zebrafish red and white muscle show different properties during development
Authors: Ahmed Kazi T. , Ali Declan W.
Published: November 2015

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are highly expressed at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ) where they are required for muscle activation. Understanding the factors that underlie NMJ development is critical for a full understanding of muscle function. In this study we performed whole cell and outside‐out patch clamp recordings, and single‐cell RT‐qPCR from zebrafish red and white muscle to examine the properties of nAChRs during the first 5 days of development. In red fibers miniature endplate currents (mEPCs) exhibit single exponential time courses at 1.5 days postfertilization (dpf) and double exponential time courses from 2 dpf onwards. In white fibers, mEPCs decay relatively slowly, with a single exponential component at 1.5 dpf. By 2 and 3 dpf, mEPC kinetics speed up, and decay with a double exponential component, and by 4 dpf the exponential decay reverts back to a single component. Single channel recordings confirm the presence of two main conductance classes of nAChRs (∼45 pS and ∼65 pS) in red fibers with multiple time courses. Two main conductance classes are also present in white fibers (∼55 pS and ∼73 pS), but they exhibit shorter mean open times by 5 dpf compared with red muscle. RT‐qPCR of mRNA for nicotinic receptor subunits supports a switch from γ to ε subunits in white fibers but not in red. Our findings provide a developmental profile of mEPC properties from red and white fibers in embryonic and larval zebrafish, and reveal previously unknown differences between the NMJs of these muscle fibers.© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 916–936, 2016
Local and neighboring patch conditions alter sex‐specific movement in banana weevils
Authors: Carval Dominique , Perrin Benjamin , Duyck Pierre‐François , Tixier Philippe
Published: November 2015

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the movements and spread of a species over time and space is a major concern of ecology. Here, we assessed the effects of an individual's sex and the density and sex ratio of conspecifics in the local and neighboring environment on the movement probability of the banana weevil,Cosmopolites sordidus. In a “two patches” experiment, we used radiofrequency identification tags to study theC. sordidusmovement response to patch conditions. We showed that local and neighboring densities of conspecifics affect the movement rates of individuals but that the density‐dependent effect can be either positive or negative depending on the relative densities of conspecifics in local and neighboring patches. We demonstrated that sex ratio also influences the movement ofC. sordidus, that is, the weevil exhibits nonfixed sex‐biased movement strategies. Sex‐biased movement may be the consequence of intrasexual competition for resources (i.e., oviposition sites) in females and for mates in males. We also detected a high individual variability in the propensity to move. Finally, we discuss the role of demographic stochasticity, sex‐biased movement, and individual heterogeneity in movement on the colonization process.
Crystal Structure, Magnetic, Electronic, and Thermal Transport Properties of Ternary Compounds REReB4 (RE = Ce, Gd–Er, Yb)
Authors: Abramchuk Mykola , Schnelle Walter , Veremchuk Igor , Leithe‐Jasper Andreas , Grin Yuri , Gumeniuk Roman
Published: November 2015

Rare‐earth rhenium borides REReB4 (RE = Ce, Gd–Er, Yb) were synthesized by various methods, including spark plasma sintering. They crystallize with the YCrB4 structure type (space group Pbam). The Tb, Ho, Er, and Yb representatives are Curie–Weiss paramagnets with the RE atoms in the +3 oxidation state, whereas the cerium atoms in CeReB4 are in the 4f0 configuration (oxidation state +4). Electronic‐structure calculations predict CeReB4 to be a metal with a density of states N(EF) = 1.6 states eV–1 f.u.–1 (f.u.: formula unit). Measurements of the transport properties confirm that REReB4 (RE = Ce, Tb, Ho) are metallic materials with low thermopowers and relatively high thermal conductivities.
Synthesis of 5‐Phosphonoisoxazol­ine N‐Oxides by Selective O‐Alkylation of Nitronate Anions
Authors: Perez Vincent , Rabasso Nicolas , Fadel Antoine
Published: November 2015

A series of 5‐phosphonoisoxazoline N‐oxides were prepared in good to excellent yields by selective O‐alkylation of nitronate anions with (α‐tosyloxyvinyl)phosphonates. A comprehensive study was undertaken to limit the competitive formation of the (β‐nitrocyclopropyl)phosphonate resulting from C‐alkylation of the ambident nitronate anions. The 5‐phosphonoisoxazoline N‐oxides thus formed were reduced to the corresponding 5‐phosphonoisoxazolines.
Total Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Turkiyenine
Authors: Kobayashi Hisataka , Sasano Yusuke , Kanoh Naoki , Kwon Eunsang , Iwabuchi Yoshiharu
Published: November 2015

The secondary metabolite, turkiyenine, is a probable bioactive component of the medicinal plant, Hypecoum procumbens L. Structurally, it is an isoquinoline‐derived alkaloid composed of dihydrobenzofuran and 3‐benzazepine‐1‐one moieties arranged in a unique spirocyclic structure. Yet despite the intriguing structure and medicinal relevance of benzofuran and benzazepine motifs, neither a synthetic study nor a biological evaluation of turkiyenine have been reported to date. Herein we communicate the first total synthesis of the proposed structure of turkiyenine, and on the basis of X‐ray crystallography show that the proposed structure is incorrect. The key steps of our synthesis include an aza‐spiro annulation onto a benzofuran using a rhodium–nitrenoid to construct a 3‐alkyl‐3‐amino‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran, an acyl‐alkylation of an aryne onto a β‐ketolactam to form a 3‐benzazepine‐1‐one, and chemoselective reduction of an amide in the presence of a ketone.
Floating photovoltaic arrays to power the mining industry: A case study for the McFaulds lake (Ring of Fire)
Authors: Trapani Kim , Millar Dean L.
Published: November 2015

The article looks at the integration of crystalline and thin film (a‐Si) floating photovoltaic (PV) arrays for electricity generation in remote mine sites. Floating PV arrays rather than regular ground mounted PV arrays are considered more suitable for the site because it decreases the environmental impacts—in terms of not requiring landscaping or deforestation. The research provides a techno‐economic analysis for the integration of varying levels of PV with 40 MW of diesel generation. The main challenge was the consideration of the gen sets part load together with the variability of the solar resource at the site. Applications of alternative technologies at remote mine sites are fairly limited. Results show that at a diesel fuel cost greater than $129c/L a‐Si floating PV would offer some financial benefits. At this price, this is not applicable to floating crystalline PV arrays because the infrastructure required to keep them floating would offset the cost savings from the PV array. Further savings could be achieved if energy storage or load shedding could be implemented at the mine, or extra revenue could be generated through carbon credits. Solar energy for remote mine sites is not a solution to 100% of its electricity demands, unless an energy storage is available, so diesel generation is still a requirement. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 898–905, 2016
Effects of biological soil crusts on soil detachment process by overland flow in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Liu Fa , Zhang Guang‐hui , Sun Long , Wang Hao
Published: November 2015

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) cover up to 60 to 70% of the soil surface in grasslands after the ‘Grain for Green’ project was implemented in 1999 to rehabilitate the Loess Plateau. However, few studies exist that quantify the effects of BSCs on the soil detachment process by overland flow in the Loess Plateau. This study investigated the potential effects of BSCs on the soil detachment capacity (Dc), and soil resistance to flowing water erosion reflected by rill erodibility and critical shear stress. Two dominant BSC types that developed in the Loess Plateau (the later successional moss and the early successional cyanobacteria mixed with moss) were tested against natural soil samples collected from two abandoned farmland areas. The samples were subjected to flow scouring under six different shear stresses ranging from 7.15 to 24.08 Pa. The results showed that Dc decreased significantly with crust coverage under both moss and mixed crusts. The mean Dc of bare soil (0.823 kg m−2 s−1) was 2.9 to 48.4 times greater than those of moss covered soil (0.017–0.284 kg m−2 s−1), while it (3.142 kg m−2 s−1) was 4.9 to 149.6 times greater than those of mixed covered soil (0.021–0.641 kg m−2 s−1). The relative detachment rate of BSCs compared with bare soils decreased exponentially with increasing BSC coverage for both types of BSCs. The Dc value can be simulated by flow shear stress, cohesion, and BSC coverage using a power function (NSE ≥ 0.59). Rill erodibility also decreased with coverage of both crust types. Rill erodibility of bare soil was 3 to 74 times greater than those of moss covered soil and was 2 to 165 times greater than those of mixed covered soil. Rill erodibility could also be estimated by BSC coverage in the Loess Plateau (NSE ≥ 0.91). The effect of crust coverage on critical shear stress was not significant. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prehistorical frequency of high‐energy marine inundation events driven by typhoons in the Bay of Bangkok (Thailand), interpreted from coastal carbonate boulders
Authors: Terry James P. , Dunne Kieran , Jankaew Kruawun
Published: November 2015

Rapidly rising populations of low‐lying megacities in Asia mean that understanding the potential risk of coastal flooding by storm surge is of paramount concern. The city of Bangkok and the wider Chao Phraya River delta at the head of the Gulf of Thailand is a region topographically vulnerable to coastal flooding, but without the record of a high‐energy marine inundation (HEMI) event in historical time owing to the atypical path that a typhoon must take to be able to produce such an event.

This work builds upon previous findings that identified coastal depositional evidence for HEMI events in the form of coastal carbonate boulders (CCBs) located on Ko Larn Island in the eastern Bay of Bangkok. The HEMI events were most likely driven by typhoons and the CCBs are therefore interpreted as typhoon deposits. Through uranium/thorium dating, it is revealed that from ad 1400 to ad 1600 the Bay of Bangkok possibly experienced a phase of relatively heightened storm impact. During this period, the frequency of typhoon‐driven HEMI events was approximately four events in 200 years. Waves generated onshore minimum flow velocities (MFVs) in excess of 5 m/s. Such exceptional MFVs are unlikely to be produced during the annual northeast monsoon, but are consistent with typhoon‐impacted coastlines elsewhere in the tropical Asia–Pacific region where similar CCB evidence exists. Since ad 1600, the Bay of Bangkok has enjoyed a relatively quiescent phase, recording less frequent HEMI events and of lower magnitude. However, the re‐occurrence of a typhoon‐driven HEMI event on the scale of the prehistorical events that emplaced carbonate boulders at elevation on Ko Larn Island would threaten low‐lying coasts in the Bay of Bangkok, including the Chao Phraya delta, with potentially damaging inundation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aerobic biodegradation potential of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in surface-water sediment at Rocky Mountain National Park, USA
Authors: Bradley Paul M. , Battaglin William A. , Iwanowicz Luke R. , Clark Jimmy M. , Journey Celeste A.
Published: November 2015

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in surface water and bed sediment threaten the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. In natural, remote, and protected surface-water environments where contaminant releases are sporadic, contaminant biodegradation is a fundamental driver of exposure concentration, timing, duration, and, thus, EDC ecological risk. Anthropogenic contaminants, including known and suspected EDCs, were detected in surface water and sediment collected from 2 streams and 2 lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado, USA). The potential for aerobic EDC biodegradation was assessed in collected sediments using 6 14C-radiolabeled model compounds. Aerobic microbial mineralization of natural (estrone and 17β-estradiol) and synthetic (17α-ethinylestradiol) estrogen was significant at all sites. Bed sediment microbial communities in Rocky Mountain National Park also effectively degraded the xenoestrogens bisphenol-A and 4-nonylphenol. The same sediment samples exhibited little potential for aerobic biodegradation of triclocarban, however, illustrating the need to assess a wider range of contaminant compounds. The present study's results support recent concerns over the widespread environmental occurrence of carbanalide antibacterials, like triclocarban and triclosan, and suggest that backcountry use of products containing these compounds should be discouraged. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1087–1096. Published 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Use of the wetting method on cassava flour in three konzo villages in Mozambique reduces cyanide intake and may prevent konzo in future droughts
Authors: Nhassico Dulce , Bradbury James Howard , Cliff Julie , Majonda Rita , Cuambe Constantino , Denton Ian C. , Foster Matthew P. , Martins Arlinda , Cumbane Adelaide , Sitoe Luis , Pedro Joao , Muquingue Humberto
Published: November 2015

Konzo is an irreversible paralysis of the legs that occurs mainly in children and young women associated with large cyanide intake from bitter cassava coupled with malnutrition. In East Africa outbreaks occur during drought, when cassava plants produce much more cyanogens than normal. A wetting method that removes cyanogens from cassava flour was taught to the women of three konzo villages in Mozambique, to prevent sporadic konzo and konzo outbreaks in the next drought. The intervention was in three villages with 72 konzo cases and mean konzo prevalence of 1.2%. The percentage of children with high (>350 μmol/L) urinary thiocyanate content and at risk of contracting konzo in Cava, Acordos de Lusaka, and Mujocojo reduced from 52, 10, and 6 at baseline to 17, 0, and 4 at conclusion of the intervention. Cassava flour showed large reductions in total cyanide over the intervention. The percentage of households using the wetting method was 30–40% in Acordos de Lusaka and Mujocojo and less in Cava. If the wetting method is used extensively by households during drought it should prevent konzo outbreaks and chronic cyanide intoxication. We recommend that the wetting method be taught in all konzo areas in East Africa.
Mexico Begins Reorganization of Wholesale Electricity Market
Authors: Talamantes Adrian L. , Blomfield Alex
Published: November 2015

In a major step toward the implementation of a modern and competitive wholesale electricity market in Mexico (the “Wholesale Market”), on September 8, 2015, the Secretaría de Energía (SENER) published the first set of regulations establishing the Wholesale Market's design and operating principles, and governing the marketing of electricity, ancillary services, renewable energy certificates (RECs), installed capacity, and congestion revenue rights (collectively, the “Market Protocols”). SENER intends to publish practice manuals and operating guidelines by the end of 2015 to instruct market participants and further implement the Wholesale Market.1
NAESB Developing Framework for Current and Future Grid Interoperability
Authors: Mallett Elizabeth
Published: November 2015

Permit me to set the scene.
Incentive Pay and Firm Performance: Moderating Roles of Procedural Justice Climate and Environmental Turbulence
Authors: Sung Sun Young , Choi Jin Nam , Kang Sung‐Choon
Published: November 2015

In connection with the literature on strategic reward and agency theory, this study investigates the effects of incentive pay on employee outcomes and firm performance. We identify employee outcomes, such as commitment and competence, as mediating processes that explain the effects of incentive pay on firm performance. We further propose procedural justice climate and environmental turbulence as boundary conditions that determine the strength of the effects of incentive pay on employee outcomes. The research model is tested using multisource data collected at three time points over a five‐year period from 227 Korean companies. Our analysis confirmed that incentive pay enhanced employee commitment and competence, which, in turn, improved the operational and financial performances of firms. The effect of incentive pay on employee commitment was negative for firms with a low procedural justice climate, but positive for firms operated under a highly turbulent environment. By contrast, the effect of incentive pay on employee competence was positive only for firms operated under a stable environment. This study enriches the literature by presenting and validating plausible underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions under which strategic performance–contingent incentive pay affects firm performance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcriptional and morphological effects of tamoxifen on the early development of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Xia Liang , Zheng Liang , Zhou Jun Liang
Published: November 2015

Tamoxifen is a widely used anticancer drug with both an estrogen agonist and antagonist effect. This study focused on its endocrine disrupting effect, and overall environmental significance. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations (0.5, 5, 50 and 500 µg l–1) of tamoxifen for 96 h. The results showed a complex effect of tamoxifen on zebrafish embryo development. For the 500 µg l–1 exposure group, the heart rate was decreased by 20% and mild defects in caudal fin and skin were observed. Expressions of a series of genes related to endocrine and morphological changes were subsequently tested through quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Bisphenol A as a known estrogen was also tested as an endocrine‐related comparison. Among the expression of endocrine‐related genes, esr1, ar, cyp19a1b, hsd3b1 and ugt1a1 were all increased by tamoxifen exposure, similar to bisphenol A. The cyp19a1b is a key gene that controls estrogen synthesis. Exposure to 0.5, 5, 50 and 500 µg l–1 of tamoxifen caused upregulation of cyp19a1b expression to 152%, 568%, 953% and 2024% compared to controls, higher than the effects from the same concentrations of bisphenol A treatment, yet vtg1 was suppressed by 24% from exposure to 500 µg l–1 tamoxifen. The expression of metabolic‐related genes such as cyp1a, cyp1c2, cyp3a65, gpx1a, gstp1, gsr and genes related to observed morphological changes such as krt17 were also found to be upregulated by high concentrations of tamoxifen. These findings indicated the potential environmental effect of tamoxifen on teleost early development. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.