bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Episodic, seasonal, and annual export of atmospheric and microbial nitrate from a temperate forest
Authors: Sabo Robert D. , Nelson David M. , Eshleman Keith N.
Published: December 2015

It remains difficult to assess the timing and amount of atmospherically deposited and microbial nitrate (NO3‐NAtm and NO3‐NMicro, respectively) reaching streams. To elucidate temporal variation of NO3‐NAtm and NO3‐NMicro, we measured nitrate concentrations, δ17O‐NO3−, and δ18O‐NO3− in a stream draining a gaged, forested watershed in the central Appalachian Mountains throughout a range of hydrological conditions during two water years. From the isotopic data we calculated Δ17O‐NO3− values, which were used to calibrate a statistical load model to estimate export of NO3‐NAtm and NO3‐NMicro. A hydrograph separation was used to estimate loss of NO3‐NAtm and NO3‐NMicro through base flow and direct runoff pathways. NO3‐NAtm contributed 7–11% of the total nitrate yields and paralleled seasonal patterns of NO3‐NMicro. Yields of NO3‐NAtm and NO3‐NMicro in streamflow during the study period were dominated (61 and 85%, respectively) by base flow transport, suggesting that base flow is a major loss pathway for both nitrate species from this watershed.
Modulation of subtropical stratospheric gravity waves by equatorial rainfall
Authors: Cohen Naftali Y. , Boos William R.
Published: December 2015

Internal gravity waves influence a variety of phenomena in Earth's stratosphere and upper troposphere, including aviation weather turbulence and circulations that set high‐altitude distributions of ozone and greenhouse gases. Here coupling between the dominant mode of subseasonal variability of the equatorial atmosphere—the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO)—and subtropical stratospheric gravity waves created by flow over topography is documented for the first time. We use three different meteorological data sets to show that during boreal winter, the MJO modifies the vertical distribution of internal gravity wave drag induced by the Tibetan Plateau and the deposition of momentum into the stratosphere. This interaction, however, has no significant impact on the vertically integrated wave drag. Our findings raise new questions about how future changes in tropical rainfall might affect stratospheric variability and highlight the importance of local processes over Tibet for the circulations that set distributions of climatically important high‐altitude trace gases.
Profiles of ionospheric storm‐enhanced density during the 17 March 2015 great storm
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Wenbin , Burns Alan , Yue Xinan , Zhang Shunrong , Zhang Yongliang , Huang Chaosong
Published: December 2015

Ionospheric F2 region peak densities (NmF2) are expected to have a positive correlation with total electron content (TEC), and electron densities usually show an anticorrelation with electron temperatures near the ionospheric F2 peak. However, during the 17 March 2015 great storm, the observed TEC, NmF2, and electron temperatures of the storm‐enhanced density (SED) over Millstone Hill (42.6°N, 71.5°W, 72° dip angle) show a quiet different picture. Compared with the quiet time ionosphere, TEC, the F2 region electron density peak height (hmF2), and electron temperatures above ~220 km increased, but NmF2 decreased significantly within the SED. This SED occurred where there was a negative ionospheric storm effect near the F2 peak and below it, but a positive storm effect in the topside ionosphere. Thus, this SED event was a SED in TEC but not in NmF2. The very low ionospheric densities below the F2 peak resulted in a much reduced downward heat conduction for the electrons, trapping the heat in the topside in the presence of heat source above. This, in turn, increased the topside scale height so that even though electron densities at the F2 peak were depleted, TEC increased in the SED. The depletion in NmF2 was probably caused by an increase in the density of the molecular neutrals, resulting in enhanced recombination. In addition, the storm time topside ionospheric electron density profiles were much closer to diffusive equilibrium than the nonstorm time profiles, indicating less daytime plasma flow between the ionosphere and the plasmasphere.
mTORC1 is involved in the regulation of branched‐chain amino acid catabolism in mouse heart
Authors: Zhen Hongmin , Kitaura Yasuyuki , Kadota Yoshihiro , Ishikawa Takuya , Kondo Yusuke , Xu Minjun , Morishita Yukako , Ota Miki , Ito Tomokazu , Shimomura Yoshiharu
Published: December 2015

The branched‐chain α‐ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex regulates branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism by controlling the second step of this catabolic pathway. In the present study, we examined the in vivo effects of treatment with an mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, on cardiac BCKDH complex activity in mice. Oral administration of leucine in control mice significantly activated the cardiac BCKDH complex with an increase in cardiac concentrations of leucine and α‐ketoisocaproate. However, rapamycin treatment significantly suppressed the leucine‐induced activation of the complex despite similar increases in cardiac leucine and α‐ketoisocaproate levels. Rapamycin treatment fully inhibited mTORC1 activity, measured by the phosphorylation state of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1. These results suggest that mTORC1 is involved in the regulation of cardiac BCAA catabolism.
Harnessing Hierarchical Nano‐ and Micro‐Fabrication Technologies for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering
Authors: Abbah Sunny A. , Delgado Luis M. , Azeem Ayesha , Fuller Kieran , Shologu Naledi , Keeney Michael , Biggs Manus J. , Pandit Abhay , Zeugolis Dimitrios I.
Published: December 2015

Cells within a tissue are able to perceive, interpret and respond to the biophysical, biomechanical, and biochemical properties of the 3D extracellular matrix environment in which they reside. Such stimuli regulate cell adhesion, metabolic state, proliferation, migration, fate and lineage commitment, and ultimately, tissue morphogenesis and function. Current scaffold fabrication strategies in musculoskeletal tissue engineering seek to mimic the sophistication and comprehensiveness of nature to develop hierarchically assembled 3D implantable devices of different geometric dimensions (nano‐ to macrometric scales) that will offer control over cellular functions and ultimately achieve functional regeneration. Herein, advances and shortfalls of bottom‐up (self‐assembly, freeze‐drying, rapid prototype, electrospinning) and top‐down (imprinting) scaffold fabrication approaches, specific to musculoskeletal tissue engineering, are discussed and critically assessed.
Design and Control of Nanoconfinement to Achieve Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agents with High Relaxivity
Authors: Malzahn Kerstin , Ebert Sandro , Schlegel Isabel , Neudert Oliver , Wagner Manfred , Schütz Gunnar , Ide Andreas , Roohi Farnoosh , Münnemann Kerstin , Crespy Daniel , Landfester Katharina
Published: December 2015

The enhanced relaxation of hydrogen atoms of surrounding water from suitable contrast agent promotes magnetic resonance imaging as one of the most important medical diagnosis technique. The key challenge for the preparation of performant contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging with high relaxivity is to ensure a high local concentration of contrast agent while allowing a contact between water and the contrast agent. Both requirements are answered by tailoring a semipermeable confinement for a gadolinium complex used as contrast agent. A locally high concentration is achieved by successfully encapsulating the complex in polymer nanocontainers that serves to protect and retain the complex inside a limited space. The access of water to the complex is achieved by carefully controlling the chemistry of the shell and the core of the nanocontainers. The confinement of the nanocontainers enables an increased relaxivity compared to an aqueous solution of the contrast agent. The nanocontainers are successfully applied in vivo to yield enhanced contrast in magnetic resonance imaging.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Sequential Aminopalladation and Oxidative Coupling with Acetylenes/Enones: Synthesis of Newly Substituted Quinolines from 2‐Aminophenyl Propargyl Alcohols
Authors: Thirupathi Nuligonda , Puri Surendra , Reddy Thota Jagadeshwar , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Reddy Maddi Sridhar
Published: December 2015

Palladium catalyzed conversion of 1‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐propargyl alcohols to 3‐alkynyl quinolines is realized via a cascade that involves aminopalladation, oxidative coupling with alkynes and dehydration. The method is shown to have a broad substrate scope with respect to propargyl alcohols as well as alkynes. Vinyl ketones as coupling partners in the same reaction afforded 3‐alkenyl quinolines with equal ease.

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Comprehensive view of the population history ofArabia as inferred by mtDNAvariation
Authors: Černý Viktor , Čížková Martina , Poloni Estella S. , Al‐Meeri Ali , Mulligan Connie J.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Genetic and archaeological research supports the theory that Arabia was the first region traversed by modern humans as they left Africa and dispersed throughout Eurasia. However, the role of Arabia from the initial migration out of Africa until more recent times is still unclear.

Materials and Methods

We have generated 379 new hypervariable segment 1 (HVS‐1) sequences from a range of geographic locations throughout Yemen. We compare these data to published HVS‐1 sequences representing Arabia and neighboring regions to build a unique dataset of 186 populations and 14,290 sequences.

Results

We identify 4,563 haplotypes unevenly distributed across Arabia and neighboring regions. Arabia contains higher proportions of shared haplotypes than the regions with which it shares these haplotypes, suggesting high levels of migration through the region. Populations in Arabia show higher levels of population expansion than those in East Africa, but lower levels than the Near East, Middle East or India. Arabian populations also show very high levels of genetic variation that overlaps with variation from most other regions.

Conclusion

We take a population genetics approach to provide a comprehensive view of the relationships of Arabian and neighboring populations. We show that Arabian populations share closest links to the Near East and North Africa, but have a more ancient origin with slower demographic growth and/or lower migration rates. Our conclusions are supported by phylogenetic studies but also suggest that recent migrations have erased signals of earlier events. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:607–616, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient Synthesis of Chiral Trisubstituted 1,2‐Allenyl Ketones by Catalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Malonic Esters to Enynes
Authors: Yao Qian , Liao Yuting , Lin Lili , Lin Xiaobin , Ji Jie , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: December 2015

An N,N′‐dioxide/scandium(III) complex catalyzed, highly efficient conjugate addition of malonic esters to enynes is described. A range of trisubstituted 1,2‐allenyl ketones were obtained in high yields (up to 99 %) with good d.r. (up to 95/5) and excellent ee values (97 %–99 %). Moreover, the products could be easily transformed into chiral furan and 5‐hydroxypyrazoline derivatives, both of which are important skeletons of many biologically active compounds and pharmacologicals.
The “Other” Inositols and Their Phosphates: Synthesis, Biology, and Medicine (with Recent Advances inmyo‐Inositol Chemistry)
Authors: Thomas Mark P. , Mills Stephen J. , Potter Barry V. L.
Published: December 2015

Cell signaling via inositol phosphates, in particular via the second messengermyo‐inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate, and phosphoinositides comprises a huge field of biology. Of the nine 1,2,3,4,5,6‐cyclohexanehexol isomers,myo‐inositol is pre‐eminent, with “other” inositols (cis‐,epi‐,allo‐,muco‐,neo‐,l‐chiro‐,d‐chiro‐, andscyllo‐) and derivatives rarer or thought not to exist in nature. However,neo‐ andd‐chiro‐inositol hexakisphosphates were recently revealed in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, thus highlighting the paucity of knowledge of the origins and potential biological functions of such stereoisomers, a prevalent group of environmental organic phosphates, and their parent inositols. Some “other” inositols are medically relevant, for example,scyllo‐inositol (neurodegenerative diseases) andd‐chiro‐inositol (diabetes). It is timely to consider exploration of the roles and applications of the “other” isomers and their derivatives, likely by exploiting techniques now well developed for themyoseries.
Catching sharks: recreational saltwater angler behaviours and attitudes regarding shark encounters and conservation
Authors: Mcclellan Press Kate , Mandelman John , Burgess Elizabeth , Cooke Steven J. , Nguyen Vivian M. , Danylchuk Andy J.
Published: December 2015

With the increasing popularity of recreational angling around the world, there is a need to better understand the potential contribution of recreational fishing to reported shark population declines. However, the nature and perception of shark encounters – a fundamental precursor to future research, management and conservation measures aimed to increase shark survival – is not well documented in recreational fisheries.

Five hundred and ninety recreational saltwater anglers responded to the survey and reported their experiences targeting or incidentally catching sharks, as well as their attitudes toward sharks, shark fishing techniques, and shark conservation and management.

The survey found sharks were caught regularly, with 57% of respondents commonly targeting sharks and 93% of respondents having caught a shark at least once. Eighty‐eight percent of the respondents released the last shark that they caught and most respondents often or always practised catch‐and‐release when catching sharks.

The survey revealed that avid anglers have positive attitudes toward sharks and shark conservation and have a desire to handle and release sharks in ways that will increase their likelihood of survival.

However, the survey also revealed that there are a variety of situational factors (e.g. target fish, fishing platform) that influence the choices that anglers make while fishing, which may influence adherence to catch‐and‐release methods.

Based on their positive attitudes toward sharks, recreational anglers may be strong allies for the development, dissemination, and adoption of species and situational‐specific best practice catch‐and‐release guidelines for this group of fishes within the wider recreational saltwater angling community.

Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoscale Metal–Organic Framework–Hemoglobin Conjugates
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Wang Lei , Huang Yubin , Xie Zhigang , Jing Xiabin
Published: December 2015

A metal–organic framework (MOF)–protein conjugate, NH2‐MIL‐125(Ti)‐hemoglobin [MIL‐125(Ti)‐Hb], was synthesized by a covalent postmodification strategy. The crystalline structure was maintained after chemical and protein modification. The content of grafted Hb was tuned by the stoichiometric ratio and reached 50 wt % if the mass ratio of MIL‐125(Ti)/Hb was 1:1.25 in the feed. The oxygen‐transporting capacity of grafted Hb was kept, and the P50 (the half O2 pressure saturated with O2) and Hill coefficients of the MIL‐125(Ti)‐Hb conjugate were found to be 22.9 mm Hg and 2.35, respectively, which are close to the respective values of free Hb. All the results indicate that the MIL‐125(Ti)‐Hb conjugate could be potentially used as an oxygen carrier.
Optimizing one‐way traffic network reconfiguration and lane‐based non‐diversion routing for evacuation
Authors: Zhao Xing , Ren Gang , Huang Zheng‐feng.
Published: December 2015

Unfortunately, situations such as flood, hurricanes, chemical accidents, and other events occur frequently more and more. To improve the efficiency and practicality of evacuation management plan, an integrated optimization model of one‐way traffic network reconfiguration and lane‐based non‐diversion routing with crossing elimination at intersection for evacuation is constructed in this paper. It is an integrated model aiming at minimizing the network clearance time based on Cell Transmission Model. A hybrid algorithm with modified genetic algorithm and tabu search method is devised for approximating optimal problem solutions. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed model and solving method, two cases are illustrated in this paper. Through the first example, it can be seen that the proposed model and algorithm can effectively solve the integrated problems, and compared with the objective value of the original network, the network clearance time of the final solution reduces by 47.4%. The calculation results for the realistic topology and size network of Ningbo in China, which locates on the east coast of the Pacific Ocean, justify the practical value of the model and solution method, and solutions under different settings of reduction amount of merging cell capacity embody obvious differences. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early gross motor skills predict the subsequent development of language in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bedford Rachael , Pickles Andrew , Lord Catherine
Published: December 2015

Background: Motor milestones such as the onset of walking are important developmental markers, not only for later motor skills but also for more widespread social‐cognitive development. The aim of the current study was to test whether gross motor abilities, specifically the onset of walking, predicted the subsequent rate of language development in a large cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: We ran growth curve models for expressive and receptive language measured at 2, 3, 5 and 9 years in 209 autistic children. Measures of gross motor, visual reception and autism symptoms were collected at the 2 year visit. In Model 1, walking onset was included as a predictor of the slope of language development. Model 2 included a measure of non‐verbal IQ and autism symptom severity as covariates. The final model, Model 3, additionally covaried for gross motor ability. Results: In the first model, parent‐reported age of walking onset significantly predicted the subsequent rate of language development although the relationship became non‐significant when gross motor skill, non‐verbal ability and autism severity scores were included (Models 2 & 3). Gross motor score, however, did remain a significant predictor of both expressive and receptive language development. Conclusions: Taken together, the model results provide some evidence that early motor abilities in young children with ASD can have longitudinal cross‐domain influences, potentially contributing, in part, to the linguistic difficulties that characterise ASD. Autism Res 2016, 9: 993–1001. © 2015 The Authors Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Autism Research
Environmental and economic impacts of different sugarcane production systems in the ethanol biorefinery
Authors: Chagas Mateus F. , Bordonal Ricardo O , Cavalett Otávio , Carvalho João Luis N , Bonomi Antonio , La Scala Newton
Published: December 2015

Economic and environmental impacts of ethanol biorefineries with different sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production technologies are evaluated with a focus on harvesting systems, reduced tillage, controlled traffic farming to reduce soil compaction, and alternatives of sugarcane rotation. Results showed that scenarios with sunn hemp (Crotolaria juncea) as a rotation crop in the sugarcane cycle present great potential to decrease environmental impacts of sugarcane biorefineries. Although reduced tillage promotes a reduction in sugarcane production costs in comparison to conventional tillage, it only cause a slightly decrease (less than 5%) on ethanol environmental impacts. Use of soybean (Glycine max) as a rotation crop yields an extra source of income, increasing the net agricultural revenues by 15% compared to scenario with sunn hemp. However, better economic and environmental impacts for sugarcane biorefinery are obtained with use of sunn hemp in the crop rotation and controlled traffic farming. Sugarcane production using controlled traffic farming allows an increased number of harvesters, with consequent reduction of 43% in greenhouse gases emissions, 24% in fossil depletion, and 44% in acidification potential when compared to burned cane scenario. These results reinforce that better agricultural management practices should be used to maximize number of cuts in the sugarcane cycle. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Production of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid from p‐coumaric acid by Burkholderia glumae BGR1
Authors: Jung Da‐Hye , Kim Eun‐Jung , Jung Eunok , Kazlauskas Romas J , Choi Kwon‐Young , Kim Byung‐Gee
Published: December 2015

p‐Coumaric acid (pCA) is abundant in biomass with low lignin content, such as straw and stubble from rye, wheat, and barley. pCA can be isolated from biomass and used for the synthesis of aromatic hydrocarbons. Here, we report engineering of the natural pathway for conversion of pCA into p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (pHBA) to increase the amount of pHBA that accumulates more than 100‐fold. Burkholderia glumae strain BGR1 (BGR1) grows efficiently on pCA as a sole carbon source via a CoA‐dependent non‐β‐oxidation pathway. This pathway removes two carbons from pCA as acetyl‐CoA yielding p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and subsequently oxidizes it to pHBA. To increase the amount of accumulated pHBA in BGR1, we first deleted two genes encoding enzymes that degrade pHBA in the β‐ketoadipate pathway. At 10 mM of pCA, the double deletion mutant BGR1_PB4 (Δphb3hΔbcl) accumulated pHBA with 95% conversion, while the control BGR1 accumulated only with 11.2% conversion. When a packed bed reactor containing immobilized BGR1_PB4 cells was operated at a dilution rate 0.2 h−1, the productivity of pHBA was achieved at 9.27 mg/L/h for 134 h. However, in a batch reactor at 20 mM pCA, growth of BGR1_PB4 was strongly inhibited, resulting in a low conversion of 19.3%. To further increase the amount of accumulated pCA, we identified the first enzyme in the pathway, p‐hydroxcinnmaoyl‐CoA synthetase II (phcs II), as the rate‐limiting enzyme. Over expression of phcs II using a Palk promoter in a batch reaction at 20 mM of pCA yielded 99.0% conversion to pHBA, which is the highest concentration of pHBA ever reported using a biological process. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1493–1503. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the effect of hot‐compressed water treatment on enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic nanofibrils with different lignin content using a quartz crystal microbalance
Authors: Kumagai Akio , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Endo Takashi
Published: December 2015

Hot‐compressed water (HCW) treatment is known to not only improve enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass but to also generate insoluble lignin droplets, which retard enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, the inhibitory effect of the lignin droplets was evaluated by monitoring the initial enzyme adsorption and degradation of lignocellulosic nanofibrils (LCNFs) using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Lignin content was adjusted by the sodium chlorite‐acetic acid method and divided into samples with high (24.9 wt%) and low (5.6 wt%) lignin content, which were then subjected to HCW treatment at various temperatures. The changes in lignin content were small with increasing HCW temperature, whereas hemicellulose content decreased, regardless of the initial lignin content. The formation of lignin droplets and pseudo‐lignin‐like products was confirmed in both LCNFs by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and was predominant in LCNFs with high lignin content treated at 200°C. QCM data showed that the enzyme adsorption amount in both LCNFs after HCW treatment was increased and was greater in LCNFs with low lignin content. Initial enzymatic degradation was substantially slowed in LCNFs with high lignin content, particularly after HCW treatment at temperatures higher than 180°C. These QCM results suggest that the steric hindrance of the deposited lignin is the primary mechanism by which the initial enzymatic hydrolysis is delayed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1441–1447. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Henry Gray, plagiarist
Authors: Richardson Ruth
Published: December 2015

The first edition of Anatomy Descriptive and Surgical (1858) was greeted with accolades, but also provoked serious controversy concerning Henry Gray's failure to acknowledge the work of earlier anatomists. A review in the Medical Times (1859) accused Gray of intellectual theft. The journal took the unusual step of substantiating its indictment by publishing twenty parallel texts from Gray and from a pre‐existing textbook, Quain's Anatomy. At the recent “Vesalius Continuum” conference in Zakynthos, Greece (2014) Professor Brion Benninger disputed the theft by announcing from the floor the results of a computer analysis of both texts, which he reported exonerated Gray by revealing no evidence of plagiarism. The analysis has not been forthcoming, however, despite requests. Here the historian of Gray's Anatomy supplements the argument set out in the Medical Times 150 years ago with data suggesting unwelcome personality traits in Henry Gray, and demonstrating the utility of others’ work to his professional advancement. Fair dealing in the world of anatomy and indeed the genuineness of the lustre of medical fame are important matters, but whether quantitative evidence has anything to add to the discussion concerning Gray’s probity can be assessed only if Benninger makes public his computer analysis. Clin. Anat. 29:135–139, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Probing Protein Surfaces: QSAR Analysis with Helix Mimetics
Authors: Azzarito Valeria , Rowell Philip , Barnard Anna , Edwards Thomas A. , Macdonald Andrew , Warriner Stuart L. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: December 2015

α‐Helix‐mediated protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are important targets for small‐molecule inhibition; however, generic approaches to inhibitor design are in their infancy and would benefit from QSAR analyses to rationalise the noncovalent basis of molecular recognition by designed ligands. Using a helix mimetic based on an oligoamide scaffold, we have exploited the power of a modular synthesis to access compounds that can readily be used to understand the noncovalent determinants of hDM2 recognition by this series of cell‐active p53/hDM2 inhibitors.
Nickel–Iron/Gadolinium‐Doped Ceria (CGO) Composite Electrocatalyst as a Protective Layer for a Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cell Anode Fed with Biofuels
Authors: Lo Faro Massimiliano , Trocino Stefano , Zignani Sabrina Campagna , Italiano Cristina , Reis Rafael Machado , Ticianelli Edson Antonio , Aricò Antonino Salvatore
Published: December 2015

The performance and reliability of a commercial solid‐oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with the anode coated by a protective catalytic layer is demonstrated. Physico‐chemical and electrochemical characterizations of a Ni–Fe/gadolinium‐doped ceria (CGO) electrocatalyst forming the protective layer are reported. The anode layer was prepared by using a procedure that favors the interaction between Ni and Fe. Power densities approaching 0.3 W cm−2 for the SOFC cell fed with dry organic fuels were obtained. A time test was performed in the presence of a large flow rate of dry organic fuels under operating conditions (0.8 V) showing appropriate fuel flexibility for the device. The resistance to sulfur contamination was verified by feeding increasing amounts of H2S. The cell showed only moderate performance losses until 80 ppm of sulfur contaminant.
Filtration Process Optimization: Rheological Behavior of a Filter Cake at Different Moisture Contents
Authors: Bourcier Damien , Kong Yan Siong , Feraud Jean‐Pierre , Ode Denis , Colson Didier , Puel François
Published: December 2015

Transferring a wet cake from a filter to a dryer or furnace could severely lower the productivity of a whole process when the wet cake exhibits high viscosity and a sticky paste behavior. Depending on their moisture content, three distinct regions of rheological behavior were identified. Among them, only the granular solid type had sufficient flowability during the transfer operation. It was possible to discriminate the flow behavior more quantitatively by determining two transition values of moisture content. Rheological measurements were carried out at a constant shear rate representative of that encountered in the mechanical transfer system used at plant scale. The use of vane geometry for the rheometer was necessary to ensure an accurate repeatability of the viscosity measurements.
One‐Pot Route to Gold Nanoparticles Embedded in Electrospun Carbon Fibers as an Efficient Catalyst Material for Hybrid Alkaline Glucose Biofuel Cells
Authors: Both Engel Adriana , Bechelany Mikhael , Fontaine Olivier , Cherifi Aziz , Cornu David , Tingry Sophie
Published: December 2015

Traditional strategies to develop Au metal nanoparticle catalysts for glucose oxidation comprise Au nanoparticles (NPs) supported on electrode surfaces. In this work, the fabrication of a new material capable of acting as an abiotic anode for the electrooxidation of glucose was developed. The material is composed of electrospun carbon fibers containing gold nanoparticles formed in situ from a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution with HAuCl4. This approach allows the pre‐reduction of the gold salt by PAN under mild conditions without the need for extra energy and leads to very stable carbon–gold bonding with well‐dispersed AuNPs, not previously reported. The gold‐modified carbon fibers (Au@CFs) were characterized by SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, XRD, and electrochemical analysis. The Au@CF electrodes showed electrochemical activity toward glucose oxidation in alkaline media. Combined to a bilirubin oxidase modified biocathode (BOD@CFs), the resulting hybrid glucose biofuel cell showed open‐circuit voltage and power density values of 0.75 V and 65 μW cm−2, respectively, which remained intact after 3 weeks.
Direct Synthesis of Protoberberine Alkaloids by Rh‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Activation as the Key Step
Authors: Jayakumar Jayachandran , Cheng Chien‐Hong
Published: December 2015

A one‐pot reaction of substituted benzaldehydes with alkyne–amines by a Rh‐catalyzed C−H activation and annulation to afford various natural and unnatural protoberberine alkaloids is reported. This reaction provides a convenient route for the generation of a compound library of protoberberine salts, which recently have attracted great attention because of their diverse biological activities. In addition, pyridinium salt derivatives can also be formed in good yields from α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and amino–alkynes. This reaction proceeds with excellent regioselectivity and good functional group compatibility under mild reaction conditions by using O2 as the oxidant.
Blue and Green Phosphorescent Liquid‐Crystalline Iridium Complexes with High Hole Mobility
Authors: Wang Yafei , Cabry Christopher P. , Xiao ManJun , Male Louise , Cowling Stephen J. , Bruce Duncan W. , Shi Junwei , Zhu Weiguo , Baranoff Etienne
Published: December 2015

Blue‐ and green‐emitting cyclometalated liquid‐crystalline iridium complexes are realized by using a modular strategy based on strongly mesogenic groups attached to an acetylacetonate ancillary ligand. The cyclometalated ligand dictates the photophysical properties of the materials, which are identical to those of the parent complexes. High hole mobilities, up to 0.004 cm2 V−1 s−1, were achieved after thermal annealing, while amorphous materials show hole mobilities of only approximately 10−7–10−6 cm2 V−1 s−1, similar to simple iridium complexes. The design strategy allows the facile preparation of phosphorescent liquid‐crystalline complexes with fine‐tuned photophysical properties.
Prozesswärmeerzeugung im heißen Bypass von RTO‐Anlagen versus separater Wärmeerzeugung
Authors: Carlowitz Otto , Meyer Sven , Schricker Bernd , Förster Martin
Published: December 2015

Anlagen zur regenerativen thermischen Oxidation (RTO) dienen u. a. zur Detoxifizierung von lösemittelhaltigen Abgasen. Die mithilfe von Wärmespeicherbetten erzielten Abgasvorwärmtemperaturen ermöglichen einen überautothermen Betrieb schon ab relativ geringen Lösemittelbeladungen, so dass eine Prozesswärmeauskopplung ohne zusätzlichen Brennstoff realisiert werden kann. Reicht der gewonnene Prozesswärmestrom nicht aus, wird die Spitzenlast in der Regel durch einen direkt befeuerten Kessel erzeugt. Es wird nachgewiesen, dass es energetisch günstiger sein kann, die Prozesswärme ausschließlich – auch unter Einsatz von Zusatzbrennstoff – durch die RTO zu erzeugen.
Designing Metallic Iron Packed‐Beds for Water Treatment: A Critical Review
Authors: Noubactep Chicgoua
Published: December 2015

Filtration systems based on metallic iron (Fe0filters) have been successfully used for water treatment over the past two decades. Relevant Fe0filters expand from subsurface permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) to household filters. Fe0filters systems are shown efficient for the remediation of biological and chemical contamination. Properly designing a Fe0filter is finding a long‐term balance between two major interdependent design parameters: (i) Fe0reactivity, and (ii) filter permeability. Other relevant design parameters include (i) aqueous flow velocity, (ii) bed thickness, and (iii) water chemistry. Water chemistry includes nature and extent of contamination. To date, attempts to design more sustainable Fe0filters have been mostly pragmatic as: (i) reactive Fe0has failed to be considered as in situ generator of contaminant collectors (and “secondary” reducing agents), and (ii) the volumetric expansive nature of iron corrosion has been overlooked. On the other hand, valuable design criteria were available in the hydrometallurgical literature (cementation using elemental metals) prior to the advent of Fe0filters. As a consequence the literature is full of seemingly controversial results which are easily conciliated by the physico–chemistry of the system. The present review is limited at identifying some misconceptions and demonstrating their proliferation. Tools for better analyses are recalled. Recent X‐ray tomography data are used as illustration of how valuable data are insufficiently discussed. It is hoped that the present contribution will boost systematic research for the design of more sustainable Fe0filters.
Delivering a research‐enabled multistakeholder partnership for enhanced patient care at a population level: The Northern Ireland Comprehensive Cancer Program
Authors: Lawler Mark , Gavin Anna , Salto‐Tellez Manuel , Kennedy Richard D. , Van Schaeybroeck Sandra , Wilson Richard H. , Harkin Denis Paul , Grayson Margaret , Boyd Ruth E. , Hamilton Peter W. , McArt Darragh G. , James Jacqueline , Robson Tracy , Ladner Robert D. , Prise Kevin M. , O'Sullivan Joe M. , Harrison Timothy , Murray Liam , Johnston Patrick G. , Waugh David J.
Published: December 2015

The last 20 years have seen significant advances in cancer care in Northern Ireland, leading to measureable improvements in patient outcomes. Crucial to this transformation has been an ethos that recognizes the primacy role of research in effecting heath care change. The authors' model of a cross‐sectoral partnership that unites patients, scientists, health care professionals, hospital trusts, bioindustry, and government agencies can be truly transformative, empowering tripartite clinical‐academic‐industry efforts that have already yielded significant benefit and will continue to inform strategy and its implementation going forward.
Efficient Conversion of Lignin to Electricity Using a Novel Direct Biomass Fuel Cell Mediated by Polyoxometalates at Low Temperatures
Authors: Zhao Xuebing , Zhu J. Y.
Published: December 2015

A novel polyoxometalates (POMs) mediated direct biomass fuel cell (DBFC) was used in this study to directly convert lignin to electricity at low temperatures with high power output and Faradaic efficiency. When phosphomolybdic acid H3PMo12O40 (PMo12) was used as the electron and proton carrier in the anode solution with a carbon electrode, and O2 was directly used as the final electron acceptor under the catalysis of Pt, the peak power density reached 0.96 mW cm−2, 560 times higher than that of phenol‐fueled microbial fuel cells (MFCs). When the cathode reaction was catalyzed by PMo12, the power density could be greatly enhanced to 5 mW cm−2. Continuous operation demonstrated that this novel fuel cell was promising as a stable electrochemical power source. Structure analysis of the lignin indicated that the hydroxyl group content was reduced whereas the carbonyl group content increased. Both condensation and depolymerization takes place during the PMo12 oxidation of lignin.
Plasma Treatment of Food
Authors: Ehlbeck J. , Schnabel U. , Andrasch M. , Stachowiak J. , Stolz N. , Fröhling A. , Schlüter O. , Weltmann K.‐D.
Published: December 2015

Plasma treatments are known for their antimicrobial effectiveness for more than 100 years. The invention of ozone tube by Werner von Siemens in 1857 leads to technical applications in the fields of communal tap water purification in small villages in Germany and in 1916 in St. Petersburg. Nikola Tesla was filed a patent for a corona discharge ozone generator used with ambient air in the USA in 1896. He founded the Tesla Ozone Co. in 1900 and started the production of these devices for therapeutic applications.

Despite of this early success there are in comparison only few attempts to use the plasma technology for food treatment in the past. In the last decades there is an increasing interest in facing the problems caused by natural products with their high variety in size and shape. Beside these very obvious parameters hidden parameters like fluctuating water content increases the difficulties to achieve stable and reliable plasma processes.

Therefore, in the beginning of this progress the treatment of seeds with low water content, a rigid hull and small size giving the possibility to treat large ensembles are in the focus of the researchers. The first aim of these treatments was to improving and modifying germination [1, 2]. This was followed by more complex products as fresh products for consumption as e.g. meat [3] or fruits and fresh cut salads as describe in this work. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the Impact of Electron Temperature in Magnetron Sputtering Benchmarked with Energy Flux Measurements
Authors: Haase F. , Lundin D. , Bornholdt S. , Kersten H.
Published: December 2015

In this work we have investigated the effect of increasing the electron energy as a way to increase the ionization probability of the sputtered metal (Ti) by measuring the impact of three different process gases (Ne, Ar, and Kr). Using a combined Langmuir and calorimetric probe we were able to compare the electron density ne, the electron temperature Te, the total energy influx, as well as the different energy flux contributions from charge carriers, neutrals and surface processes for various discharge conditions. The results show that the electron temperature can be increased by up to a factor of 3 by using Ne instead of Ar (or Kr). Furthermore, it was also found that by using Ne the mean free path for electron impact ionization was decreased by at least 50 %, and for higher pressures even more. In addition, we show that the contributions from sputtered neutrals and film formation represent a large fraction of the total energy influx, whereas the energy flux from ions is very low due to low ne in this type of discharge. However, by investigating changes in the electron energy flux, it was possible to study the effects of using Ne. These results may provide a way to tune the degree of ionization in sputtering processes. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Stable adaptive channel estimation method under impulsive noise environments
Authors: Gui Guan , Zhang Tingping , Dan Jingpei , Xu Li
Published: December 2015

Channel estimation is one of the key technologies for ensuring reliable wireless communications under impulsive noise environments. This paper studies robust adaptive channel estimation methods for mitigating harmful impulsive noises, which are described as alpha‐stable (α‐stable) distribution models. Traditional adaptive channel estimation using the second‐order statistics based least mean square (SOS‐LMS) algorithm does not perform well under α‐stable noise environments, even though it was considered one of attractive approaches for estimating channels in the case of Gaussian noises. Unlike the traditional SOS‐LMS algorithm, in this research, we propose a stable sign‐function‐based LMS algorithm, which can mitigate the impulsive noises. Specifically, we first construct the cost function with minimum ℓ1‐norm error criterion and then derive the updating equation of the proposed algorithm. Compared with the traditional SOS‐LMS, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated via Monte Carlo simulations in various α‐stable noise scenarios. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex differences in subjective and objective responses to a stimulant medication (methylphenidate): Comparisons between overweight/obese adults with and without binge‐eating disorder
Authors: Davis Caroline , Levitan Robert D. , Kaplan Allan S. , Carter‐Major Jacqueline C. , Kennedy James L.
Published: December 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in response to a single dose of a psychomotor‐stimulant medication (methylphenidate: MP) and to assess whether expected differences were moderated by binge‐eating disorder (BED) status. It is anticipated that findings will shed light on factors that contribute to response variation in the use of stimulant pharmacotherapy to treat BED.

Method

The study employed a double‐blind, drug‐placebo, cross‐over design in overweight/obese adults with BED (n = 90) and without BED (n = 108). Emotional/mood ratings were assessed every 15 minutes after oral administration of the drug/placebo, and appetite, cravings, and consumption were assessed during a laboratory‐based snack‐food challenge.

Results

Women reported earlier and more sustained “overall” effects of the drug—including “feeling high”—than the men. There was also a significantly greater suppression in appetite ratings, food cravings, and food consumption from the placebo to the drug condition among the women. Indeed, among men there were no significant differences between the two conditions on any of the food‐related variables. BED status also did not moderate any of the drug‐placebo differences.

Discussion

These findings are relevant to the use of stimulant pharmacotherapy for BED, and raise the possibility that overweight/obese men may be relatively less responsive to this form of treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:473–481).
Characterization of a conditional interleukin‐1 receptor 1 mouse mutant using the Cre/LoxP system
Authors: Abdulaal Wesam H. , Walker Catherine R. , Costello Ryan , Redondo‐Castro Elena , Mufazalov Ilgiz A. , Papaemmanouil Athina , Rothwell Nancy J. , Allan Stuart M. , Waisman Ari , Pinteaux Emmanuel , Müller Werner
Published: December 2015

IL‐1 is a key cytokine known to drive chronic inflammation and to regulate many physiological, immunological, and neuroimmunological responses via actions on diverse cell types of the body. To determine the mechanisms of IL‐1 actions as part of the inflammatory response in vivo, we generated a conditional IL‐1 receptor 1 (IL‐1R1) mouse mutant using the Cre/LoxP system (IL‐1R1fl/fl). In the mutant generated, exon 5, which encodes part of the extracellular‐binding region of the receptor, is flanked by LoxP sites, thereby inactivating the two previously described functional IL‐1R1 gene transcripts after Cre‐mediated recombination. Using keratin 14‐Cre driver mice, new IL‐1R1 deficient (−/−) mice were subsequently generated, in which all signaling IL‐1 receptor isoforms are deleted ubiquitously. Furthermore, using vav‐iCre driver mice, we deleted IL‐1 receptor isoforms in the hematopoietic system. In these mice, we show that both the IL‐17 and IL‐22 cytokine response is reduced, when mice are challenged by the helminth Trichuris muris. We are currently crossing IL‐1R1fl/fl mice with different Cre‐expressing mice in order to study mechanisms of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Activated Carbon Prepared from Lignite as Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
Authors: Li Lijun , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Shujuan , Cao Zhenzhu , Wu Zhaojun , Wang Hong , Gao Yanfang , Liu Jinrong
Published: December 2015

Activated carbon derived from lignite is investigated as the active electrode material in supercapacitors. ZnCl2 was used as excitation agent during preparation process. XRD, BET, SEM and electrochemical performance testing carried out to characterize the structure and properties of activated carbon. Electrochemical investigations indicate that the activated carbon (AC‐650°) shows the maximum specific capacitance of 207.5 F g−1 in 6 M KOH electrolytes at 0.5 A g−1. The activated carbon presents good cycle stability during 3,000 cycles at a fair current density of 5 A g−1 and capacity rate can reach 91 %, because of its specific surface area of 1024 m2 g−1.
Denudation intensity and control in the Chinese Tian Shan: new constraints from mass balance on catchment‐alluvial fan systems
Authors: Guerit Laure , Barrier Laurie , Jolivet Marc , Fu Bihong , Métivier François
Published: December 2015

Tectonics and climate are usually seen as the main controlling factors of denudation rates, which seem to rise with the tectonic activity and to decrease when the climate becomes drier. However, the low denudation rates observed in semi‐arid to arid contexts are generally measured on orogenic plateaus where the respective influence of the flat relief and the dry climate cannot really be unravelled. The Chinese Tian Shan was chosen as a case study. In the northern piedmont of this mountain range, a series of well‐preserved Quaternary alluvial fans offer the opportunity to perform a mass balance study at the scale of several catchment areas and several hundreds of thousands of years. Based on a geometrical reconstruction of these fans, the volumes of sediments exported out of 10 drainage basins during the Middle–Late Pleistocene (from ∼300 to ∼12 kyr) and the Holocene (from ∼12 kyr to present) have been estimated. From these volumes, an average denudation rate of ∼135 m/Myr was determined in the Tian Shan Range for the last 300 kyr. In agreement with other mass balances performed in the same area, the typical denudation intensity of the northern Tian Shan is thus of a few hundred meters per million years at most, regardless of the space and time scales considered. From a comparison with denudation rates in other mountain ranges throughout the world, we suggest that a dry climate can dramatically limit the denudation intensity even in active orogenic systems with a high topographic gradient like the Tian Shan. As a result, the time required to reach equilibrium between denudation and rock uplift in these systems could be extremely long (i.e. of more than several million years). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.