bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of heat‐moisture treatment on the molecular structure and physicochemical properties of Coix seed starches
Authors: Liu Xing , Wu Jin‐Hong , Xu Jun‐Hua , Mao Dan‐Zhuo , Yang Yong‐Jian , Wang Zheng‐Wu
Published: December 2015

The effects of heat‐moisture treatment on structure and properties of big Coix seed (BCS), translucent Coix seed (TCS), and small Coix seed (SCS) starches were investigated in this study. The amylose contents of BCS, TCS, and SCS starches were 0.63, 24.12, and 0.96%, respectively. After HMT, starches appeared cracks and broken, birefringence weakened and the relative crystallinity and the ratio of 1047 cm−1/1022 cm−1 of HMT starches decreased, owing to disorganization of double helices and disruption of crystalline regions. The gelatinization temperatures of HMT starches increased but the thermal enthalpies decreased. The rheological characteristics had been changed, and HMT starches had the better flowability, especially for TCS starch. HMT increased rapidly digestible starch and resistant starch (RS) levels, and decreased slowly digestible starch levels. The TCS starch had the highest RS content (70.36%). The results show that the HMT has significant impacts on the structural and physicochemical properties of different varieties Coix seed starches but to different extents.
Rankl Impairs Lactogenic Differentiation Through Inhibition of the Prolactin/Stat5 Pathway at Midgestation
Authors: Cordero Alex , Pellegrini Pasquale , Sanz-Moreno Adrián , Trinidad Eva M. , Serra-Musach Jordi , Deshpande Chetan , Dougall William C. , Pujana Miguel Angel , González-Suárez Eva
Published: December 2015

Prolactin and progesterone both orchestrate the proliferation and differentiation of the mammary gland during gestation. Differentiation of milk secreting alveoli depends on the presence of prolactin receptor, the downstream Jak2-Stat5 pathway and the transcription factor Elf5. A strict regulation of Rank signaling is essential for the differentiation of the mammary gland and in particular for alveolar commitment. Impaired alveologenesis and lactation failure are observed in both, knockout and Rank overexpressing mice; however, the underlying molecular mechanism responsible for these phenotypes remains largely unknown. Using genome-wide expression analyses and functional studies, we show here that Rankl (RL) exposure leads to impaired secretory differentiation of alveolar cells not only in MMTV-RANK but also in wild-type (WT) mammary acini. Conversely, pharmacological blockage of Rank signaling at midgestation in WT mice leads to precocious and exacerbated lactogenesis. Mechanistically, RL negatively regulates Stat5 phosphorylation and Elf5 expression at the onset of lactogenesis. Continuous RL exposure leads to the expansion of basal and bipotent cells in WT and MMTV-RANK acini. Overall, we demonstrate that enhanced Rank signaling impairs secretory differentiation during pregnancy by inhibition of the prolactin/p-Stat5 pathway.
Long‐term perspectives on terrestrial and aquatic carbon cycling from palaeolimnology
Authors: McGowan Suzanne , Anderson N. John , Edwards Mary E. , Langdon Peter G. , Jones Vivienne J. , Turner Simon , van Hardenbroek Maarten , Whiteford Erika , Wiik Emma
Published: December 2015

Lakes are active processors and collectors of carbon (C) and thus recognized as quantitatively important within the terrestrial C cycle. Better integration of palaeolimnology (lake sediment core analyses) with limnological C budgeting approaches has the potential to enhance understanding of lacustrine C processing and sequestration. Palaeolimnology simultaneously assimilates materials from across lake habitats, terrestrial watersheds, and airsheds to provide a uniquely broad overview of the terrestrial‐atmospheric‐aquatic linkages across different spatial scales. The examination of past changes over decadal–millennial timescales via palaeolimnology can inform understanding and prediction of future changes in C cycling. With a particular, but not exclusive, focus on northern latitudes we examine the methodological approaches of palaeolimnology, focusing on how relatively standard and well‐tested techniques might be applied to address questions of relevance to the C cycle. We consider how palaeolimnology, limnology, and sedimentation studies might be linked to provide more quantitative and holistic estimates of lake C cycling and budgets. Finally, we use palaeolimnological examples to consider how changes such as terrestrial vegetation shifts, permafrost thaw, the formation of new lakes and reservoirs, hydrological modification of inorganic C processing, land use change, soil erosion and disruption to global nitrogen and phosphorus cycles might influence lake C cycling. WIREs Water 2016, 3:211–234. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1130

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Science of Water > Water Quality
Operations management and the resource based view: Another view
Authors: Bromiley Philip , Rau Devaki
Published: December 2015

This paper evaluates the usefulness of the resource‐based view (RBV) to the field of operations management. Based on the seminal RBV articles, we argue that using the RBV does not align with the objectives and activities of operations management researchers in several ways. First, the dependent variable in the RBV is sustained competitive advantage. Using sustained competitive advantage as a dependent variable implies that scholars focus on explaining the differences between the relatively few firms with sustained competitive advantage and all the other firms, ignoring performance variations within the great mass of firms. In addition, competitive advantage exists at the level of the business or the firm and does not directly translate into the normal level of operations management research. Measuring sustained competitive advantage also presents difficulties. Second, the explanatory variables in the RBV are resources that must be rare, valuable and hard or impossible to imitate. Measuring valuable resources or factors firms cannot imitate poses serious problems both in demonstrating value independent of the factor's impact on performance (i.e., avoiding tautology) and in measuring unique or nearly unique entities. Third, under the RBV, prescription is problematic; you cannot prescribe things that firms can readily implement because such things can be imitated. We present the practice‐based view (PBV) as a simpler and better alternative for operations management where scholars attempt to explain the entire range of firm and unit performance based on transferable practices.
Stokes flow for a shrinking pore
Authors: Aubin Christopher A. , Ryham Rolf J.
Published: December 2015

We consider a sphere with a circular pore embedded in an unbounded viscous fluid, where the rim of the pore moves in such a way that the radius of the sphere is constant. Away from the pore, the surface area stretches or compresses uniformly. An exact form for the axisymmetric velocity field which describes the quasi-static motion of the bulk fluid is calculated. The resulting dissipation function yields an analytical value for the aqueous drag coefficient for the sphere with a shrinking pore. Additionally, we examine the small hole and small angle limits, which converge to the unsteady flow for the expansion of a hole in a plane wall, and for the contraction of a circular disk.
Why Are Immigrants Underrepresented in Politics? Evidence from Sweden
Authors: DANCYGIER RAFAELA M. , LINDGREN KARL-OSKAR , OSKARSSON SVEN , VERNBY KÅRE
Published: December 2015

Widespread and persistent political underrepresentation of immigrant-origin minorities poses deep challenges to democratic practice and norms. What accounts for this underrepresentation? Two types of competing explanations are prevalent in the literature: accounts that base minority underrepresentation on individual-level resources and accounts that emphasize political opportunity structures. However, due to the lack of data suitable for testing these explanations, existing research has not been able to adjudicate between these theories. Using registry-based microdata covering the entire Swedish adult population between 1991 and 2010 our study is the first to empirically evaluate these alternative explanations. We examine election outcomes to municipal councils over the course of six elections and find that variation in individual-level resources cannot explain immigrants’ underrepresentation. Further, when comparing immigrants and natives who face comparable political opportunity structures a large representation gap remains. Instead, we argue that discrimination by party gatekeepers plays a more significant role in perpetuating the underrepresentation of immigrants than do individual resources or structural variables.
Remittances and Social Spending
Authors: DOYLE DAVID
Published: December 2015

Remittances are a significant source of foreign exchange for developing economies. I argue that remittances, due to their compensation and insurance functions, will increase the general income level and economic security of recipients, thereby reducing their perceived income risk. Over time, this will dampen demand from recipients for government taxation and social insurance. Therefore, I expect increases in income remitted to an economy to result in reduced levels of social welfare transfers at the macro-level. This dynamic can help us to understand spending patterns in developing democracies, and the absence of demand for social security transfers in countries with high levels of inequality and economic insecurity. I test this argument with a sample of 18 Latin American states, over the period 1990 to 2009, and subject the central causal mechanism to a battery of statistical tests. The results of these tests provide strong support for this argument.
Mixing Methods: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: HUMPHREYS MACARTAN , JACOBS ALAN M.
Published: December 2015

We develop an approach to multimethod research that generates joint learning from quantitative and qualitative evidence. The framework—Bayesian integration of quantitative and qualitative data (BIQQ)—allows researchers to draw causal inferences from combinations of correlational (cross-case) and process-level (within-case) observations, given prior beliefs about causal effects, assignment propensities, and the informativeness of different kinds of causal-process evidence. In addition to posterior estimates of causal effects, the framework yields updating on the analytical assumptions underlying correlational analysis and process tracing. We illustrate the BIQQ approach with two applications to substantive issues that have received significant quantitative and qualitative treatment in political science: the origins of electoral systems and the causes of civil war. Finally, we demonstrate how the framework can yield guidance on multimethod research design, presenting results on the optimal combinations of qualitative and quantitative data collection under different research conditions.
Modifying effects of maternal Hb concentration on infant birth weight in women receiving prenatal iron-containing supplements: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Linlin , Mei Zuguo , Li Hongtian , Zhang Yali , Liu Jianmeng , Serdula Mary K.
Published: December 2015

Concerns have been raised about the benefits of Fe-containing supplements on infant birth weight among women with normal/high Hb levels at baseline. Thus far, no clinical trials have examined whether the effects of prenatal Fe-containing supplements on birth weight vary by maternal Hb levels. We compared the effects of Fe–folic acid (IFA) or multiple micronutrients (MMN) with folic acid (FA) supplements on birth weight among pregnant women with mild/no anaemia or high Hb levels. A double-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted in 2006–2009. In total, 18 775 pregnant women with mild/no anaemia (<100 g/l) were enrolled from five counties in north China. During the period from before 20 weeks of gestation to delivery, the women randomly received a daily supplement containing the following: (1) FA (400 μg); (2) IFA (FA, 400 μg; Fe, 30 mg); or (3) MMN (FA, Fe and thirteen additional vitamins and minerals). Birth weight was measured within the 1st hour of birth. Maternal Hb concentration was determined at enrolment. Among women with normal (≤132 g/l) or high (133–145 g/l) baseline Hb levels, IFA or MMN supplementation had no effect on birth weight. Among women with very high (>145 g/l) baseline Hb levels, IFA and MMN supplements increased birth weight by 91·44 (95 % CI 3·37, 179·51) g and 107·63 (95 % CI 21·98, 193·28) g (P<0·05), respectively, compared with the FA group. No differences were found between the IFA and the MMN group, regardless of maternal Hb concentration. In conclusion, the effects of Fe-containing supplements on birth weight depended on baseline Hb concentrations. The Fe-containing supplements improved birth weight in women with very high Hb levels before 20 weeks of gestation.
Is Bactra bactrana (Kennel, 1901) a novel pest of sweet peppers?
Authors: Roditakis E. , Morin S. , Baixeras J.
Published: December 2015

This is the first report of Bactra bactrana (Kennel, 1901) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) attacking a major solanaceous crop, sweet pepper Capsicum annuum L. The infestation was detected in two greenhouses at the area of Tympaki (Southern Crete, Greece). The moth larvae caused typical symptoms of a fruit borer with numerous small holes on the surface of the peppers and extensive damage on the inside of the fruit as a result of the feeding activity. Unknown factors facilitated this major shift in host range since B. bactrana is typically a stem borer of sedges. In addition, the pest status of B. bactrana is currently under question, as in both cases the infestations by the moth were associated with significant yield losses. B. bactrana was moderately controlled with chemicals registered for Lepidoptera management in sweet pepper due to the boring nature of the infestation. Some comparative taxonomic notes are provided to facilitate accurate pest discrimination of related Bactra species. Finally, biological attributes of the species are summarized and are discussed from pest control and ecological perspectives. Because Bactra species have been used in augmentative releases for the control of sage, the implications of our findings on the release of biocontrol agents are placed in perspective.
The Dynamics of Sovereign Credit Risk
Authors: Jeanneret Alexandre
Published: December 2015

This article proposes a structural model for sovereign credit risk with endogenous sovereign debt and default policies. A maximum-likelihood estimation of the model with local stock market prices generates daily model-implied sovereign spreads. This approach explains two-thirds of the daily variation in observed sovereign spreads for emerging and European economies over the 2000–2011 period. Global factors help to further explain the time variation in sovereign credit risk. In particular, sovereign spreads in emerging markets vary with U.S. market uncertainty, whereas European spreads depend on Euro-zone bond factors.
Beyond the Carry Trade: Optimal Currency Portfolios
Authors: Barroso Pedro , Santa-Clara Pedro
Published: December 2015

We test the relevance of technical and fundamental variables in forming currency portfolios. Carry, momentum, and value reversal all contribute to portfolio performance, whereas the real exchange rate and the current account do not. The resulting optimal portfolio produces out-of-sample returns that are not explained by risk and are valuable to diversified investors holding stocks and bonds. Exposure to currencies increases the Sharpe ratio of diversified portfolios by 0.5 on average, while reducing crash risk. We argue that besides risk, currency returns reflect the scarcity of speculative capital.
Dynamic Capital Structure Adjustment and the Impact of Fractional Dependent Variables
Authors: Elsas Ralf , Florysiak David
Published: December 2015

Researchers in empirical corporate finance often use bounded ratios (e.g., debt ratios) as dependent variables in their regressions. Using the example of estimating the speed of adjustment toward target leverage, we show by Monte Carlo and resampling experiments that commonly applied estimators yield severely biased estimates, as they ignore that debt ratios are fractional (i.e., bounded between 0 and 1). We propose a new unbiased estimator for adjustment speed in the presence of fractional dependent variables that also controls for unobserved heterogeneity and unbalanced panel data. This new estimator is suitable for corporate finance applications beyond capital structure research.
Morphology and molecular analysis of life-cycle stages of Proctoeces maculatus (Looss, 1901) (Digenea: Fellodistomidae) in the Bizerte Lagoon, Tunisia
Authors: Antar R. , Gargouri L.
Published: December 2015

The life cycle of Proctoeces maculatus (Looss, 1901) (Digenea, Fellodistomidae) was studied in Bizerte Lagoon (Tunisia). Three sequential hosts appear to be involved: the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 (Mytilidae) as the first intermediate host; the polychaete Sabella pavonina Savigny, 1822 (Sabellidae), as the second intermediate host; and fishes (Lithognathus mormyrus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Sparidae), Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carangidae) and Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758 (Sparidae) as the definitive hosts. It should be noted that S. pavonina was recorded as second intermediate host for P. maculatus for the first time. Molecular confirmation of the morphological identification of the life-cycle stages of this digenean was obtained using partial 28S rDNA sequences. Comparative sequences revealed that the sporocysts and the metacercariae are conspecific but they diverged by 0.3% from the adults. The present results raised the possibility of the existence of cryptic species within the different developmental stages. However, all the present isolates differed from material from Archosargus probatocephalus in the Gulf of Mexico identified as P. maculatus.
Performance pressure enhances speech learning
Authors: MADDOX W. TODD , KOSLOV SETH , YI HAN-GYOL , CHANDRASEKARAN BHARATH
Published: December 2015

Real-world speech learning often occurs in high-pressure situations such as trying to communicate in a foreign country. However, the impact of pressure on speech learning success is largely unexplored. In this study, adult, native speakers of English learned nonnative speech categories under pressure or no-pressure conditions. In the pressure conditions, participants were informed that they were paired with a (fictitious) partner, and that each had to independently exceed a performance criterion for both to receive a monetary bonus. They were then informed that their partner had exceeded the bonus and the fate of both bonuses depended upon the participant's performance. Our results demonstrate that pressure significantly enhanced speech learning success. In addition, neurobiologically inspired computational modeling revealed that the performance advantage was due to faster and more frequent use of procedural learning strategies. These results integrate two well-studied research domains and suggest a facilitatory role of motivational factors in speech learning performance that may not be captured in traditional training paradigms.
Motion planning and implementation for the self-recovery of an overturned multi-legged robot
Authors: Peng Saijin , Ding Xilun , Yang Fan , Xu Kun
Published: December 2015

This paper first presents a method of motion planning and implementation for the self-recovery of an overturned six-legged robot. Previous studies aimed at the static and dynamic stabilization of robots for preventing them from overturning. However, no one can guarantee that an overturn accident will not occur during various applications of robots. Therefore, the problems involving overturning should be considered and solved during robot design and control. The design inspirations of multi-legged robots come from nature, especially insects and mammals. In addition, the self-recovery approach of an insect could also be imitated by robots. In this paper, such a self-recovery mechanism is reported. The inertial forces of the dangling legs are used to bias some legs to touch the ground, and the ground reaction forces exerted on the feet of landing legs are achieved to support and push the body to enable recovery without additional help. By employing the mechanism, a self-recovery approach named SSR (Sidewise-Self-Recovery) is presented and applied to multi-legged robots. Experiments of NOROS are performed to validate the effectiveness of the self-recovery motions. The results show that the SSR is a suitable method for multi-legged robots and that the hemisphere shell of robots can help them to perform self-recovery.
HEADROOM APPROACH TO DEVICE DEVELOPMENT: CURRENT AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Authors: Girling Alan , Lilford Richard , Cole Amanda , Young Terry
Published: December 2015

Objectives:The headroom approach to medical device development relies on the estimation of a value-based price ceiling at different stages of the development cycle. Such price-ceilings delineate the commercial opportunities for new products in many healthcare systems. We apply a simple model to obtain critical business information as the product proceeds along a development pathway, and indicate some future directions for the development of the approach.

Methods:Health economic modelling in the supply-side development cycle for new products.

Results:The headroom can be used: initially as a ‘reality check’ on the viability of the device in the healthcare market; to support product development decisions using a real options approach; and to contribute to a pricing policy which respects uncertainties in the reimbursement outlook.

Conclusions:The headroom provides a unifying thread for business decisions along the development cycle for a new product. Over the course of the cycle attitudes to uncertainty will evolve, based on the timing and manner in which new information accrues. Within this framework the developmental value of new information can justify the costs of clinical trials and other evidence-gathering activities. Headroom can function as a simple shared tool to parties in commercial negotiations around individual products or groups of products. The development of similar approaches in other contexts holds promise for more rational planning of service provision.
Some new results about the geometry of sets of finite perimeter
Authors: Delladio Silvano
Published: December 2015

We establish that the intrinsic distancedEassociated with an indecomposable plane setEof finite perimeter is infinitesimally Euclidean; namely,inE. By this result, we prove through a standard argument that a conservative vector field in a plane set of finite perimeter has a potential. We also provide some applications to complex analysis. Moreover, we present a collection of results that would seem to suggest the possibility of developing a De Rham cohomology theory for integral currents.
A High-accuracy Extraction Algorithm of Planet Centroid Image in Deep-space Autonomous Optical Navigation
Authors: Du Siliang , Wang Mi , Chen Xiao , Fang Shenghui , Su Hongbo
Published: December 2015

A planet centroid is an important observable object in autonomous optical navigation. A high-accuracy algorithm is presented to extract the planet centroid from its raw image. First, we proposed a planet segmentation algorithm to segment the planet image block to eliminate noise and to reduce the computation load. Second, we developed an effective algorithm based on Prewitt-Zernike moments to detect sub-pixel real edges by determining possible edges with the Prewitt operator, removing pseudo-edges in backlit shady areas, and relocating real edges to a sub-pixel accuracy in the Zernike moments. Third, we proposed an elliptical model to fit sub-pixel edge points. Finally, we verified the performance of this algorithm against real images from the Cassini-Huygens mission and against synthetic simulated images. Simulation results showed that the accuracy of the planet centroid is up to 0·3 pixels and that of the line-of-sight vector is at 2·1 × 10−5rad.
Coronary artery collateral flow and its effect on myocardial perfusion in a patient with unilateral pulmonary artery atresia
Authors: Byeon Jae Ho , Jung Mi-Hyang , Youn Ho-Joong
Published: December 2015

Unilateral pulmonary artery atresia is a rare congenital defect. The affected lung in unilateral pulmonary artery atresia usually receives its blood supply from many collateral vessels including the coronary artery. We report a case of an elderly woman with suspected anginal symptoms who had a coronary artery fistula functioning as a collateral vessel due to unilateral pulmonary artery atresia.
Microstructure of Concrete with Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Plants
Authors: Bravo Miguel , Santos Silva António , de Brito Jorge , Evangelista Luís
Published: December 2015

This paper intends to analyze the microstructure of concrete with recycled aggregates (RA) from construction and demolition waste from various Portuguese recycling plants. To that effect, several scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were performed. Various concrete mixes were evaluated in order to analyze the influence of the RA’s collection point and consequently of their composition on the mixes’ characteristics. Afterward all the mixes were subjected to the capillary water absorption test in order to quantitatively evaluate their porosity. Results from the SEM/EDS analysis were compared with those from capillary water absorption test. The SEM/EDS analysis showed that the bond capacity of aggregates to the new cement paste is greatly influenced by the RA’s nature. On the other hand, there was an increase in porosity with the incorporation of RA.
Methodological Challenges of Mixed Methods Intervention	Evaluations
Authors: Boeije Hennie R. , Drabble Sarah J. , O’Cathain Alicia
Published: December 2015

Abstract. This paper addresses the methodological challenges that accompany the use of a combination of research methods to evaluate complex interventions. In evaluating complex interventions, the question about effectiveness is not the only question that needs to be answered. Of equal interest are questions about acceptability, feasibility, and implementation of the intervention and the evaluation study itself. Using qualitative research in conjunction with trials enables us to address this diversity of questions. The combination of methods results in a mixed methods intervention evaluation (MMIE). In this article we demonstrate the relevance of mixed methods evaluation studies and provide case studies from health care. Methodological challenges that need our attention are, among others, choosing appropriate designs for MMIEs, determining realistic expectations of both components, and assigning adequate resources to both components. Solving these methodological issues will improve our research designs and provide further insights into complex interventions.
UAE-Oman Mountains Give Clues to Oceanic Crust and Mantle Rocks
Authors: Pilia Simone , Ali Mohammed , Watts Anthony , Searle Michael
Published: December 2015

When oceanic plates meet continental plates, the continental plates usually come out on top. Cases where this is reversed provide valuable access to oceanic crust and mantle materials.
Wilfried Brutsaert Receives 2015 William Bowie Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: December 2015

Wilfried Brutsaert was awarded the 2015 William Bowie Medal at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 16 December 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for "outstanding contributions to fundamental geophysics and for unselfish cooperation in research."
Andrew F. Nagy Receives 2015 John Adam Fleming Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: December 2015

Andrew F. Nagy was awarded the 2015 John Adam Fleming Medal at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 16 December 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for "original research and technical leadership in geomagnetism, atmospheric electricity, aeronomy, space physics, and related sciences."
Ships Bring More Than Cargo to Arctic Waters
Authors: Heisman Rebecca
Published: December 2015

A probe of ballast water in ships at an Arctic port finds hitchhiking organisms that polar warming could allow to invade the region's ecosystems in less than 40 years.
Despite Stalled Regulations, U.S. Mercury Emissions Decline
Authors: Klein Kerry
Published: December 2015

Newly published measurements made downwind of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio coal-burning plants reveal steep, unexpected drops in atmospheric mercury concentrations since 2006.
The Coming Blue Revolution
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: December 2015

Managing water scarcity, one of the most pressing challenges society faces today, will require a novel conceptual framework to understand our place in the hydrologic cycle.
Toward Improving Decadal Climate Predictions
Authors: Boer George , Meehl Gerald A. , Smith Doug
Published: December 2015

Aspen Global Change Institute Workshop on Decadal Climate Predictions: Improving Our Understanding of Processes and Mechanisms to Make Better Predictions; Aspen, Colorado, 7–12 June 2015
How Biofuels Can Cool Our Climate and Strengthen Our Ecosystems
Authors: DeLucia Evan
Published: December 2015

Critics of biofuels like ethanol argue they are an unsustainable use of land. But with careful management, next-generation grass-based biofuels can net climate savings and improve their ecosystems.
Assessing U.S. Fire Risks Using Soil Moisture Satellite Data
Authors: Skibba Ramin
Published: December 2015

NASA satellite data and models provide information for mapping fire risks nationwide, giving agencies tools for fire response, say scientists at the AGU Fall Meeting.
Rapid simultaneous determination of four indole compounds in dietary supplements by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with a dilute and shoot step
Authors: Phonchai Apichai , Wilairat Prapin , Chantiwas Rattikan
Published: December 2015

A simple micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method with UV detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of indole-3-carbinol, indole-3-acetonitrile, indole-3-acetic acid and 3,3′-diindolylmethane.
Analysis of dissolved organic matter fluorescence using self-organizing maps: mini-review and tutorial
Authors: Cuss C. W. , Guéguen C.
Published: December 2015

A user-friendly tutorial and Matlab package facilitate easy application of self-organizing maps to fluorescence and interpretation in four different modes.
Target-protected dumbbell molecular probe mediated cascade rolling circle amplification strategy for the sensitive assay of DNA methyltransferase activity
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Wang Lei , Jiang Wei
Published: December 2015

A novel fluorescence detection system is developed for DNA methyltransferase activity assay based on target-protected dumbbell molecular probe mediated cascade rolling circle amplification strategy.
Asymmetric synthesis of 3,3′-pyrrolidinyl-dispirooxindoles via a one-pot organocatalytic Mannich/deprotection/aza-Michael sequence
Authors: Zhao Kun , Zhi Ying , Li Xinyi , Puttreddy Rakesh , Rissanen Kari , Enders Dieter
Published: December 2015

A highly stereoselective synthesis of functionalized 3,3′-pyrrolidinyl-dispirooxindole derivatives with three stereogenic centers, including two contiguous spiro-stereocenters, has been achieved through an organocatalytic Mannich/Boc-deprotection/aza-Michael sequence.
Production of acrylic acid from biomass-derived allyl alcohol by selective oxidation using Au/ceria catalysts
Authors: Yang Sungpil , Kim Minsu , Yang Sungeun , Kim Dae Sung , Lee Won Jae , Lee Hyunjoo
Published: December 2015

Acrylic acid can be selectively produced from biomass-derived allyl alcohol using an oxidic Au/ceria catalyst prepared by the deposition–precipitation method.
Homochiral and heterochiral Mn(ii) coordination frameworks: spontaneous resolution dependent on dipyridyl ligands
Authors: Yue Qi , Wang Na-Na , Guo Shao-Yun , Liang Lu-Lu , Gao En-Qing
Published: December 2015

An unsymmetric tetracarboxylic ligand collaborates with 4,4′-bipyridine to induce spontaneous resolution to form homochiral 3D coordination frameworks, while the use of longer dipyridyl ligands instead of 4,4′-bipyridine leads to isoreticular but heterochiral frameworks.
Cobaltoceniumethynyl gold(i) as an unusual heterodinuclear bioorganometallic fragment to study the biological properties of alkynyl gold complexes
Authors: Vanicek S. , Kopacka H. , Wurst K. , Vergeiner S. , Kankowski S. , Schur J. , Bildstein B. , Ott I.
Published: December 2015

A cobaltoceniumethynyl gold(i) complex with a triphenylphosphane ligand triggered efficient cytotoxic effects in cancer cells in contrast to a derivative with two cobaltocenium moieties.
Microfluidics and microbial engineering
Authors: Kou Songzi , Cheng Danhui , Sun Fei , Hsing I-Ming
Published: December 2015

This review highlights the recent development and future opportunities in the interdisciplinary field, integrating microfluidic technology and microbial engineering.
Novel heterocyclic ring-fused oleanolic acid derivatives as osteoclast inhibitors for osteoporosis
Authors: Wu Jing , Bao Bei-Hua , Shen Qi , Zhang Yu-Chao , Jiang Qing , Li Jian-Xin
Published: December 2015

A series of novel oleanolic acid (OA) derivatives were synthesized via modifications of the A-ring and C28-amides of OA, and their anti-bone resorption activities were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.
Inhibition of human DNA topoisomerase IB by nonmutagenic ruthenium(ii)-based compounds with antitumoral activity
Authors: de Camargo Mariana S. , da Silva Monize M. , Correa Rodrigo S. , Vieira Sara D. , Castelli Silvia , D'Anessa Ilda , De Grandis Rone , Varanda Eliana , Deflon Victor M. , Desideri Alessandro , Batista Alzir A.
Published: December 2015

New cytotoxic ruthenium(ii) compounds with mercaptopyridine derivatives inhibit human DNA topoisomerase IB and interact moderately with DNA and BSA macromolecules.
Chemical and electrochemical grafting of polythiophene onto polystyrene synthesized via ‘living’ anionic polymerization
Authors: Massoumi Bakhshali , Abbasi Farhang , Jaymand Mehdi
Published: December 2015

A novel strategy for chemical and electrochemical grafting of polythiophene onto a polystyrene backbone synthesized via ‘living’ anionic polymerization is reported.
Carbon nanobuds based on carbon nanotube caps: a first-principles study
Authors: Choi Ji Il , Kim Hyo Seok , Kim Han Seul , Lee Ga In , Kang Jeung Ku , Kim Yong-Hoon
Published: December 2015

The formation of fullerene carbon nanobuds (CNBs) on carbon nanotube (CNT) caps is energetically more favorable than that on CNT sidewalls. Generally, CNBs based on CNT ends can induce resonant transmissions near the Fermi level.
Bandgap tunable colloidal Cu-based ternary and quaternary chalcogenide nanosheets via partial cation exchange
Authors: Ramasamy Parthiban , Kim Miri , Ra Hyun-Soo , Kim Jinkwon , Lee Jong-Soo
Published: December 2015

A simple and reproducible partial cation exchange approach has been reported for 2D colloidal Cu2GeSe3, Cu2ZnGeSe4 and their alloyed Cu2GeSxSe3−x, Cu2ZnGeSxSe4−x nanosheets.
MnO2 nanosheets as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for H2O2 reduction in alkaline medium
Authors: Cai Zhuang , Zhang Dongming , Gu Liangliang , Liu Ping , Ye Ke , Cheng Kui , Cao Dianxue , Wang Guiling
Published: December 2015

Considering the good ability of MnO2 for the breakage of the HO–OH bond in H2O2, we employed C@TiO2 nanowire supported MnO2 as a novel catalyst for H2O2 electroreduction.
Synthesis of colloidal MnO2with a sheet-like structure by one-pot plasma discharge in permanganate aqueous solution
Authors: Kim Hyemin , Watthanaphanit Anyarat , Saito Nagahiro
Published: December 2015

Stable colloidal MnO2—consisting of MnO2with a sheet-like structure—was synthesized by solution plasma process (SPP) in one-step and without utilizing any dispersants or stabilizers.
Structural evolution of CeO2-doped alkali boroaluminosilicate glass and the correlation with physical properties based on a revised structural parameter analysis
Authors: Wang Zhenlin , Cheng Laifei
Published: December 2015

CeO2 ruptures Si(B)–O bonds in reedmergnerite- and danburite-like groups with cerium ion balance charged units enhancing network interconnectivity.
Three dimensional heteroatom-doped carbon composite film for flexible solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Zou Ben-Xue , Gao You , Liu Bo , Yu Yongpeng , Lu Yanhua
Published: December 2015

Three dimensional (3D) heteroatom-doped active carbon as a flexible supercapacitor electrode is explored with a starting material of silkworm fibers and low molecular weight phenol resin composite.
Synthesis of a SrFeO3−x/g-C3N4heterojunction with improved visible-light photocatalytic activities in chloramphenicol and crystal violet degradation
Authors: Lin Ho-Pan , Chen Chiing-Chang , Lee Wenlian William , Lai Ya-Yun , Chen Jau-Yuan , Chen Ya-Qian , Fu Jing-Ya
Published: December 2015

Some solid magnetic photocatalysts containing ferrites are convenient for being separated from reaction solutions by a magnet.
Novel magnetically separable ZnO/AgBr/Fe3O4/Ag3VO4 nanocomposites with tandem n–n heterojunctions as highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts
Authors: Shekofteh-Gohari Maryam , Habibi-Yangjeh Aziz
Published: December 2015

In the present work, novel magnetically separable ZnO/AgBr/Fe3O4/Ag3VO4 nanocomposites with different weight percentages of Ag3VO4 were successfully prepared.
A positive synergetic effect observed in the P3HT–SnO2 composite semiconductor: the striking increase of carrier mobility
Authors: Geng Yujing , Zhao Tianyu , Lian Gang , Cui Xinhang , Liu Yang , Liu Jinli , Wang Qilong , Cui Deliang
Published: December 2015

A P3HT–SnO2 PNS composite semiconductor with extra-high mobility was prepared via the positive synergetic effect between organic and inorganic moieties.
Hierarchical core/shell structures of ZnO nanorod@CoMoO4 nanoplates used as a high-performance electrode for supercapacitors
Authors: Cao Yunjiu , An Lei , Liao Lijun , Liu Xijian , Ji Tao , Zou Rujia , Yang Jianmao , Qin Zongyi , Hu Junqing
Published: December 2015

ZnO@CoMoO4 core/shell structures as an electrode for supercapacitors exhibited a high specific capacitance of 1.52 F cm−2 (1169 F g−1) at 2 mA cm−2 and a good cycling stability of 109% of the initial specific capacitance after 5000 cycles.
Synthesis of porous Al doped ZnO nanosheets with high adsorption and photodecolorizative activity and the key role of Al doping for methyl orange removal
Authors: Sun Xiaohua , Luo Weilong , Chen Linlin , Zheng Linjie , Bao Chao , Sun Panpan , Huang Niu , Sun Yihua , Fang Liang , Wang Lei
Published: December 2015

Porous Al doped ZnO (AZO) nanosheets have been prepared as an efficient multifunctional water treatment material.
Tailoring self-assembly behavior of a biological surfactant by imidazolium-based surfactants with different lengths of hydrophobic alkyl tails
Authors: Song Zhaohua , Xin Xia , Shen Jinglin , Zhang Han , Wang Shubin , Yang Yanzhao
Published: December 2015

Possible molecular packing model of microcrystal structures formed by NaDC and [C2mim]Br.
A novel chitosan/sponge chitin origin material as a membrane for supercapacitors – preparation and characterization
Authors: Stepniak Izabela , Galinski Maciej , Nowacki Krzysztof , Wysokowski Marcin , Jakubowska Paulina , Bazhenov Vasilii V. , Leisegang Tilmann , Ehrlich Hermann , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: December 2015

A new chitosan/sponge chitin – based membrane (CS/CH membrane) was prepared via the casting method for the first time.
A rapid spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of malondialdehyde in human plasma after its derivatization with thiobarbituric acid and vortex assisted liquid–liquid microextraction
Authors: Yahyavi Hossain , Kaykhaii Massoud , Hashemi Mohammad
Published: December 2015

A rapid spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of malondialdehyde in human plasma after its derivatization with thiobarbituric acid and vortex assisted liquid–liquid microextraction.
Baking ‘crumbly’ carbon nitrides with improved photocatalytic properties using ammonium chloride
Authors: Savateev Aleksandr , Chen Zu Peng , Dontsova Dariya
Published: December 2015

Ammonium chloride serves as a green, unreactive and reusable template to prepare carbon nitrides with enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Effects of freeze drying and spray drying on the microstructure and composition of milk fat globules
Authors: Yao Yunping , Zhao Guozhong , Yan Yuanyuan , Chen Chen , Sun Cong , Zou Xiaoqiang , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xingguo
Published: December 2015

Freeze drying and spray drying are conventional methods for converting milk into powder in the dairy industry.
Photocatalytic oxidation of small molecule hydrocarbons over Pt/TiO2 nanocatalysts
Authors: Li Yunpeng , Cai Yuanzhu , Chen Xuxing , Pan Xiaoyang , Yang Mingxue , Yi Zhiguo
Published: December 2015

Pt loading on P25 resulted in unexpected visible light activity for the oxidation of small molecule hydrocarbons.
Self-assembled lanthanum hydroxide microspheres within a reaction–diffusion framework: synthesis, characterization, control and application
Authors: Al Akhrass Ghida A. , Ammar Manal , El-Rassy Houssam , Al-Ghoul Mazen
Published: December 2015

The reaction–diffusion framework is used to synthesize lanthanum hydroxide microspheres with controlled particle size and fascinating surface topology and adsorption capacity.
Innovative enhancement of gas barrier properties of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposite films by introducing confined crystals
Authors: Zhou Sheng-Yang , Chen Jing-Bin , Li Xu-Juan , Ji Xu , Zhong Gan-Ji , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: December 2015

In this work, we creatively obtain high gas barrier poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/clay nanocomposite films by introducing confined crystals taking advantage of the spatial confinement effect which commonly exists in polymer/nanofiller systems.
Evaluation of the anticancer properties of the predicted hBaxBH3-mimetic compound 2-hydroxy-3,5-dinitrobenzamide in a mammary carcinogenesis-induced rat model
Authors: Sivakumar Dakshinamurthy , Surapaneni Krishna Mohan , Prabu Ponnachipudhur Chinnaswamy , Hari Natarajan , Thiruvasagam Ponnusamy , Rajasekaran Muthu , Sivaraman Thirunavukkarasu
Published: December 2015

Designing small molecular prototypes having potential to disrupt binding interfaces of pro-apoptotic–anti-apoptotic/BH3-only proteins is a promising strategy in cancer chemotherapy.
Retentivity of spin state transitions in LaCoO3 with chemical disorder
Authors: V Aswin , Dogra Anjana , Gupta Anurag , Pulikkotil J. J.
Published: December 2015

The thermally mediated low-spin and high spin states observed in LaCoO3 appears to be retained with Al substitutions, revealing a strong interplay between bonding and disorder in the system.
An efficient titanium foil based perovskite solar cell: using a titanium dioxide nanowire array anode and transparent poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) electrode
Authors: Xiao Yaoming , Han Gaoyi , Zhou Haihan , Wu Jihuai
Published: December 2015

The light-weight perovskite solar cell is prepared by employing TiO2 nanowire (TNW) arrays on the Ti foil substrate as the electron collection layer and using a highly transparent PEDOT on the ITO/PEN substrate as the hole transporting layer.
Rational design of Sn-based multicomponent anodes for high performance lithium-ion batteries: SnO2@TiO2@reduced graphene oxide nanotubes
Authors: Cheong Jun Young , Kim Chanhoon , Jang Ji Soo , Kim Il-Doo
Published: December 2015

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-wrapped SnO2@TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) anodes exhibit superior rate capability and cycle retention due to stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer and enhanced electrical conductivity through TiO2 and rGO-coated layer.
Nitrogen-functionalised carbon nanotubes as a novel adsorbent for the removal of Cu(ii) from aqueous solution
Authors: Oyetade Oluwaseun A. , Nyamori Vincent O. , Martincigh Bice S. , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B.
Published: December 2015

Nitrogen-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes synthesized were effective and efficient for the removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solutions.
On the origin of functionalization in one-pot radiation synthesis of nanogels from aqueous polymer solutions
Authors: Dispenza C. , Sabatino M. A. , Grimaldi N. , Mangione M. R. , Walo M. , Murugan E. , Jonsson M.
Published: December 2015

E-beam irradiation is a “green”, one-step route for the production of biocompatible nanogels from polymer aqueous solutions. Functional group density is tuned independently from size and molecular weight by a proper choice of irradiation conditions.
Titanium incorporated with UiO-66(Zr)-type Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) for photocatalytic application
Authors: Wang Aoning , Zhou Yingjie , Wang Zhoulu , Chen Miao , Sun Luyi , Liu Xiang
Published: December 2015

Dual function of the adsorption and photodegradation for the methylene blue removal over the UiO-66(Ti) nanocomposites.
In situ synthesis of N-doped carbon nanotubes–BiOCl nanocomposites and their synergistic photocatalytic performance
Authors: Zhu LuPing , Wang LingLing , Bing NaiCi , Li Peng , Wang LiJun , Huang Chao , Liao GuiHong
Published: December 2015

N-Doped carbon nanotube–BiOCl (NCB) nanocomposites were prepared by anin situgrowth strategy. The NCB nanocomposites possessed enhanced photocatalytic efficiency, compared with CNxNTs, BiOCl 3D flower-like hierarchitectures, and P25.
Disk-like nanojets with steerable trajectory using platinum nozzle nanoengines
Authors: Hu Liangxing , Miao Jianmin , Grüber Gerhard
Published: December 2015

Nanojets with one off-center platinum nozzle nanoengine can propel forward circularly, while the nanojets with two identically and symmetrically distributed platinum nozzle nanoengines are capable of moving forward in a linear way.
Improvement of performance of a Au–Cu/AC catalyst using thiol for acetylene hydrochlorination reaction
Authors: Hong Guotai , Tian Xiaohui , Jiang BinBo , Liao Zuwei , Wang Jingdai , Yang Yongrong , Zheng Jie
Published: December 2015

Thiol could bond to the surface, mitigating the oxidation by HCl and protecting the active structure of Au NPs.
A MWCNT–nanoparticle composite as a highly efficient lightweight electromagnetic wave absorber in the range of 4–18 GHz
Authors: Fang Jiyong , Wang Yan , Wei Wei , Chen Zheng , Li Yunxi , Liu Zhi , Yue Xigui , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: December 2015

The nanocomposite has an excellent EM wave attenuation ability with a wide absorption band (4–18 GHz), strong absorption (−52.4 dB) and low absorber thickness (strong absorption from 4 to 18 GHz at thicknesses between 1.1 and 3.7 mm).
Bio-degradation of polyethylene waste by simultaneous use of two bacteria: Bacillus licheniformis for production of bio-surfactant and Lysinibacillus fusiformis for bio-degradation
Authors: Mukherjee Shritama , Roy Chowdhuri Uttam , Kundu Patit P.
Published: December 2015

A unique method of biodegradation of commercial polyethylene by using simultaneously a bio-surfactant produced byBacillus licheniformisandLysinibacillusbacterium in various combinations was investigated in this study.
Effect of Mg2+/Li+ mixed electrolytes on a rechargeable hybrid battery with Li4Ti5O12 cathode and Mg anode
Authors: Miao Qi , NuLi Yanna , Wang Nan , Yang Jun , Wang Jiulin , Hirano Shin-ichi
Published: December 2015

The electrolytes affect the electrochemical performance of a hybrid battery with LTO cathode, Mg anode, and mixed Mg2+/Li+ electrolytes. In addition, graphene emerges as an effective parameter in enhancing the capacities and rate performance of LTO.
Star-shaped hole transport materials with indeno[1,2-b] thiophene or fluorene on a triazine core for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Lim Kimin , Kang Moon-Sung , Myung Yoon , Seo Jong-Hyun , Banerjee Parag , Marks Tobin J. , Ko Jaejung
Published: December 2015

New star-shaped hole transport materials including a 1,3,5-triazine core have been successfully synthesized and investigated for high performance perovskite solar cells.