bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel radio-frequency-based gas sensor with integrated heater
Authors: Walter Stefanie , Bogner Andreas , Hagen Gunter , Moos Ralf
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Up to now, sensor applications have rarely used materials whose
dielectric properties are a function of the gas concentration. A sensor
principle, by which this material effect can be utilized, is based planar
radio-frequency sensors. For the first time, such a sensor was equipped with
an integrated heater and successfully operated at temperatures up to
700 ∘C. This makes it possible to apply materials that show
gas-dependent changes in the dielectric properties only at higher
temperatures. By coating the planar resonance structure with a zeolite,
ammonia could be detected. The amount of ammonia stored in the sensitive
layer can thereby be determined, since the resonant frequency of the sensor
shifts with its ammonia loading. Desorption measurements showed a dependence
of the storage behavior of the ammonia in the gas-sensitive layer on the
operating temperature of the sensor. Thus, it was possible that by operating
the sensor at 300 ∘C, it only shows a gas-concentration-dependent
signal. At lower operating temperatures, on the other hand, the sensor could
possibly be used for dosimetric determination of very low ammonia
concentrations.
Thermal conductivity of firn at Lomonosovfonna, Svalbard, derived
from subsurface temperature measurements
Authors: Marchenko Sergey , Cheng Gong , Lötstedt Per , Pohjola Veijo , Pettersson Rickard , van Pelt Ward , Reijmer Carleen
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Accurate description of snow and firn processes is necessary for estimating the fraction of glacier surface melt that contributes to runoff. Most processes in snow and firn are to a great extent controlled by the temperature therein and in the absence of liquid water, the temperature evolution is dominated by the conductive heat exchange. The latter is controlled by the effective thermal conductivity k. Here we reconstruct the effective thermal conductivity of firn at Lomonosovfonna, Svalbard, using an optimization routine minimizing the misfit between simulated and measured subsurface temperatures and densities. The optimized k* values lie in the range from 0.2 to 1.6 J (s m K)−1 increase downwards and over time. The results are supported by uncertainty quantification experiments, according to which k* is most sensitive to systematic errors in empirical temperature values and their estimated depths, particularly in the lower part of the vertical profile. Compared to commonly used density-based parameterizations our k values are consistently larger, suggesting a faster conductive heat exchange in firn.
Detection and characterization of extreme wind speed ramps
Authors: Hannesdóttir Ásta , Kelly Mark
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The present study introduces a new method to characterize ramp-like wind speed fluctuations, including coherent gusts. This method combines two well-known methods: the continuous wavelet transform and the fitting of an analytical form based on the error function. The method provides estimation of ramp amplitude and rise time, and is herein used to statistically characterize ramp-like fluctuations at three different measurements sites. Together with corresponding amplitude of wind direction change, the ramp amplitude and rise time variables are compared to the extreme coherent gust with direction change from the IEC wind turbine safety standard. From the comparison we find that the observed amplitudes of the estimated fluctuations do not exceed the one prescribed in the standard, but the rise time is generally much longer, on average around 200 s. The direction change does however exceed the one prescribed in the standard several times, but for those events the rise time is a minute or more. We also demonstrate a general pattern in the statistical behavior of the characteristic ramp variables, noting their wind speed dependence, or lack thereof, at the different sites.
A IMPORTÂNCIA DE PROJETOS DE EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL EM UMA UNIDADE DE CONSERVAÇÃO NO SEMIÁRIDO NORDESTINO
Authors: Campelo Ana Karine Ribeiro , De Melo Juliana Barroso
Published: January 2019

A caatinga é o bioma brasileiro menos protegido, com baixa porcentagemde Unidades de Conservação. A Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural éuma categoria pertencente às Unidades de Conservação de uso sustentável,que resulta em vários benefícios ambientais. Este artigo teve por objetivogeral analisar projetos que envolvem a educação ambiental desenvolvidos naReserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Serra das Almas, inserida na caatinga,no município de Crateús, no Ceará. A metodologia fundamenta-se na realizaçãoda pesquisa bibliográfica documental, de modo a retratar projetos queversaram sobre a educação ambiental na reserva. O desenvolvimento de açõeseducativas de maneira contextualizada com o semiárido auxilia no trabalhode sensibilizar a população para conservar os recursos naturais e propicia adivulgação de informações sobre a importância do bioma. Observa-se que aimplementação desses projetos na Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Naturalreforçou a conservação do bioma, contribuindo para a manutenção do meioambiente e estimulando a intensificação das ações de proteção.
MORPHOMETRIC STUDIES AND ANALYSES OF GERMINABILITY IN CENOSTIGMA MACROPHYLLUM TUL. IN AN URBAN-RURAL GRADIENT IN TERESINA-PI, BRAZIL
Authors: Faria Mateus Henrique Freire , Da Silva André Bastos , Cantalice Aníbal Silva , Medeiros Maria Jaislanny Lacerda e , Lopes Clarissa Gomes Reis
Published: January 2019

Urbanization can alter environmental factors that affect the morphologicaland germinative characteristics of seeds. We evaluated the influence of anurban-rural gradient on the morphometrics of the fruits and seeds ofCenostigma macrophyllum Tul. (Fabaceae) and on seed germinability in theregion near Teresina, Piaui State, Brazil. One hundred fruits were collectedin the urban zone and 100 in the rural area, and the lengths, widths,thicknesses, and weights of both the fruits and seeds were measured,as well as the numbers of seeds per fruit. The seeds were then used ingreenhouse germination experiments (during two months) to calculate thepercentages of emergence (E%) and survival (S%), the emergence rate index(ERI), synchronization index (Z), and Timson’s index (T). The results showedsignificant statistical differences between the two areas in terms of thebiometric patterns of the fruits and seeds as well as seed germination, withhigher values in the urban zone. As such, urbanization was found to affectthe morphologies and germination processes of plant species.
Using Quizizz to Integrate Fun Multiplayer Activity in the Accounting Classroom
Authors: Zhao Fang
Published: January 2019

This study investigates the effectiveness of Quizizz on enhancing students’ learning experiences in an accounting classroom. Quizizz is an educational app that enables students to participate in fun multiplayer class activities. After doing in-class exercises using Quizizz, students report that this app brings positive impact on their learning experiences. Class section in which Quizizz is applied more frequently reports higher scores on the satisfaction of using this app and higher scores on the instructor’s teaching evaluation.
Empirical modeling of the relationship between decision sight distance and stopping sight distance based on AASHTO
Authors: BASSAN Shy
Published: January 2019

The paper introduces implementation of highways' stopping sight distance (SSD) and decision sight distance (DSD) based on AASHTO modeling assumptions. SSD characterizes the necessary distance for highway vehicles to stop safely in front from an obstacle. SSD is a function of vehicle speed, perception reaction time, deceleration rate, and grade based on AASHTO and most highway design international guidelines. The deceleration rate which is assumed constant (3.4 m/sec2) based on AASHTO 2011 is generally controlled by the friction coefficient depending on the road surface conditions. A driver's demanded deceleration rate may not exceed the range of friction coefficient according to various pavement conditions. Although SSD is generally sufficient to allow skilled and alert drivers to the stop their vehicles under regular situations, this distance is insufficient when information is difficult to comprehend. A DSD should be provided in highways geometric design when the driver is required to detect an unexpected or difficult to perceive information source. Interchanges (specifically exit ramps) and intersections, and required changing in driver direction of travel, changes in the basic cross section such as toll plaza, lane drop, are typical scenarios where driver needs DSD in the safety manner. The introduction of the two sight distance types (SSD and DSD) is a perquisite for empirical modeling of the relationship between DSD and SSD. The modeling refers to DSD for rural highways, suburban roads, and urban roads based on AASHTO models. Specifically the paper covers DSD three avoidance maneuver types of stopping (types A, A1, B) and three maneuver types of speed, path, and direction changing (types C,D, E) for the three roadway categories. The major parameters that control these avoidance types are pre-maneuver times, and pre-maneuver plus maneuver times. The empirical relationship proposed in this study simplifies the process of evaluating the decision sight distance based on stopping sight distance record, based on AASHTO models, without the need of strenuous estimation of the DSD model maneuver and deceleration parameters. Such a simplified correlation has not been found in the literature except a rough approximation documented in the British highway design guidelines.
Polyp expansion of passive suspension feeders: a red coral case study
Authors: Rossi Sergio , Rizzo Lucia , Duchêne Jean-Claude
Published: January 2019

Polyp activity in passive suspension feeders has been linked to several environmental factors such as hydrodynamics, water temperature and food concentration. To better elucidate the driving forces controlling polyp expansion in these organisms and the potential role of particle concentration, the octocoral Corallium rubrum was investigated in accordance with two approaches: 1) High-frequency in-situ observations testing various environmental and biological variables affecting the water column, and 2) Video-recorded flume-controlled laboratory experiments performed under a range of environmental and biological conditions in terms of water temperature, flow speed, chemical signals and zooplankton. In the field, C. rubrum polyp activity correlated positively with particle (seston and zooplankton) concentration, which was related to current speed. This observation was confirmed by the flume video records of the laboratory experiments, which showed differences in polyp activity due to changes in temperature and current speed, but especially in response to nutritional stimuli and the presence of zooplankton. Zooplankton and water movement appeared to be the main factors controlling polyp expansion. These results suggest that the energy budget of passive suspension feeders (and probably the benthic community as a whole) may rely on their ability to maximise prey capture during food pulses. The latter, which may be described as discontinuous organic matter (dead or alive) input, may be the key to a better understanding of benthic-pelagic coupling processes and trophic impacts on animal forests composed of sessile suspension feeders.
Algal Cell Walls
Authors: Domozych David
Published: January 2019

Algae represent a diverse group of mostly photosynthetic eukaryotes that are profoundly important to Earth's ecosystems and human economy. These organisms possess a variety of extracellular matrix (ECM) components that are critical for multiple life functions. The most well‐studied ECMs are cell walls that are common to the green algae, red algae and brown algae. The typical cell wall consists of crystalline fibrillar polysaccharides (e.g. cellulose) that interact with a surrounding matrix of polysaccharides and proteoglycans. The matrix polysaccharides may be sulfated or acidic and some can complex various cations to form hard surfaces. Other distinct cell wall‐like coverings are found in algae including glycoprotein walls of volvocalean flagellates and silica‐complexed frustules of diatoms. Other noncell wall ECM types of algae include the amphiesma or dinoflagellates and the coccosphere of haptophytes.

Key Concepts

Algae possess a variety of extracellular matrices including cell walls.

Most green, red and brown algae have cell walls consisting of a composite of a fibrillar polysaccharide framework associated with a polysaccharide/protein matrix.

Unique cell walls are found in some algal groups including crystalline glycoprotein cell walls of volvocalean green algae and silica‐complexed cells walls of diatoms.

Many algae do not have cell walls but have coverings made of complex scales and plates.

The cell wall is synthesised and deposited externally through the coordinated action of the endomembrane and cytoskeletal systems.
Termination ofDNAReplication in Prokaryotes
Authors: Rudolph Christian J , Corocher Tayla‐Ann , Grainge Ian , Duggin Iain G
Published: January 2019

Most bacteria and archaea have circular chromosomes, in which DNA replication begins at a site known as an origin of replication. Double‐stranded DNA unwound at the origin creates two replication forks that are engaged by DNA polymerase complexes (replisomes) that advance each fork and proceed in opposite directions away from the origin, copying the original strands. Termination of DNA replication occurs when the two forks meet and fuse, creating two separate double‐stranded DNA molecules. In the well‐studied bacteriaEscherichia coliandBacillus subtilis, this occurs in the terminus region, which is situated diametrically opposite the origin. Failure to terminate chromosome replication correctly can lead to problems with genome function and stability, including DNA over‐replication. In contrast, some archaea have multi‐origin chromosomes and do not appear to specifically regulate the location of termination.

Key Concepts

Termination of DNA replication occurs when two oppositely orientated replication forks meet and fuse, to create two separate and complete double‐stranded DNA molecules.

In circular bacterial chromosomes, termination is restricted to a region called the terminus region, located approximately opposite the origin of replication.

A replication fork trap is an opposing arrangement of unidirectional replication terminator (Ter) sites in a region of DNA, which allows replication forks to enter the trap from either direction, but not exit it.

Failure to terminate bacterial chromosome replication correctly results in chromosome over‐replication and genome instability.

Terminator proteins bind to asymmetric DNATersites to arrest a replication fork approaching the non‐permissive side but allow fork passage from permissive side.
Psychoses
Authors: Moises Hans W
Published: January 2019

Psychoses are serious psychiatric disorders characterised by the inability to differentiate reality from unreality. Major symptoms are disorganised thoughts, delusions, hallucinations and persistent profound sadness or euphoric mood without apparent reason. They are split into a group of known organic and a group of unknown causes. The latter are termed major psychoses and affect approximately 2% of the human population. The subdivision of major psychoses into schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is a matter of debate. In search of the aetiology of these disorders, different models have been applied, mainly medical, Darwinian, Mendelian, psychogenic and genomic paradigms. These approaches, their results and hypotheses of schizophrenia are summarised in this article. More details can be found in other articles in this encyclopedia, references and in a list for further reading.

Key Concepts

Psychoses are caused by known or postulated brain disorders.

The classification of psychoses is based on aetiology and course.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder I (manic‐depressive illness) are two major psychoses of postulated but unknown organic origin.

Bipolar II is not a psychosis per se but assumed to be a mild form of bipolar I and has been found to overlap in part with borderline personality disorders.

Major psychoses are polygenic disorders with heritability estimates of approximately 80%.

Genome research has identified several genes associated with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder which are, in part, identical.

Brain imaging revealed partly overlapping volume reductions in schizophrenia as well as in bipolar disorder.

Genes associated with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder play a role in neurodevelopment, synaptic and vascular regulation.

Dopamine hyperactivity, neurodevelopment, inflammation, neurodegeneration, mild ischaemia and synaptic dysregulation have been implicated in the aetiology of major psychoses.
Recently Mobilised Transposons in the Human Genome
Authors: Saha Partha S , An Wenfeng
Published: January 2019

Transposable elements make up approximately half of the human genome. Apart from an evolutionary role in altering the genomic landscape and gene expression, recent discoveries have brought into focus the scale and impact of active movement by non‐LTR retrotransposons, both in the germline and in somatic niches. Heritable insertions that originate from either early embryonic or germ cell development have contributed to over 100 cases of human genetic diseases. Alu, L1 and SVA contribute to 60%, 25% and 10% of disease‐causing germline insertions, respectively. In contrast, L1 retrotransposition is responsible for the majority of nonheritable (or somatic) insertions found in the brain and many types of cancers. A multidisciplinary effort is required to fully understand the role of active retrotransposition in human physiology and pathophysiology.

Key Concepts

Recently mobilised transposons in the human genome are confined to three types of non‐LTR retrotransposons: L1, Alu and SVA.

Ongoing retrotransposition in the germline has contributed to over 100 cases of tumour and nontumour human genetic diseases, including 21 cases of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Early embryonic development is a critical window for retrotransposition and may harbour excessive insertional activities.

Elevated L1 retrotransposition in germ cells is expected in individuals with partially compromised piRNA pathway.

Human brain is a hub for somatic retrotransposition during neuronal development. Its implication on neuronal function or dysfunction (friend or foe) remains to be elucidated.

Human cancers can be categorised into very‐high, high, medium, low and very‐low insertional activity groups. Some insertions are cancer drivers but the majority are likely passenger events.
Climate Change and Insectivore Ecology
Authors: Vafidis Jim , Smith Jeremy , Thomas Robert
Published: January 2019

The impacts of climate change on natural populations are only beginning to be understood. Although some important changes are already occurring, in the future these are predicted to be more substantial and of greater ecological significance. Insects are a key taxonomic group for understanding the ecological impacts of climate change, due to their responsiveness to environmental change and importance as food for other organisms. Insects are highly sensitive to rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns and erratic weather conditions, driving rapid short‐term variations in their abundance, mobility, distribution and phenology. Such variations represent changes in their availability as prey to insectivores, a diverse range of insect‐eating animals that include mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds. The impacts of these changes on the ecology of insectivores are complex and include population increases or decreases, broad‐scale shifts in distribution, and changes in behavioural traits such as foraging strategy, investment in parental care, and the timing of breeding and migration. Although some insectivorous species are able to respond to – and even benefit from – climate change, those that fail to respond appropriately may struggle to reproduce, disperse and survive, leading to population decline and ultimately, to extinction.

Key Concepts

Insects are a key taxonomic group in most terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, providing an important trophic resource for insectivores.

Climate change is already causing major shifts in the distribution, phenology, behaviour, abundance and diversity of insect populations, with complex consequences for insectivores.

Climate change may benefit some insectivores by increasing food availability and providing more suitable conditions for reproduction.

Specific benefits to insectivores include earlier parturition, faster development of juveniles and range expansion.

Warmer temperatures may also cause negative impacts on insectivores, through more frequent and intense heat waves and reduced water availability in arid environments.

The negative impacts are expected to be more severe for taxa that are less able to disperse or migrate to escape unfavourable conditions, and thus less able to shift range to track the changing conditions.

The timing of biological events (phenology) will be affected – primarily by advancing the dates at which insects become active in spring and extending the length of the active season of insects in temperate and boreal regions.

Important gaps in our knowledge remain, for example despite the large biomass and species richness of insects in the tropics the impacts of climate change on tropical insectivores remain largely unknown.
Coevolution of Genes and Culture in Man
Authors: Portin Petter
Published: January 2019

Biological and cultural evolution share the necessary conditions for evolution in general, the principles of variation, inheritance and selection that together constitute the sufficient condition for biological evolution. In addition, for cultural evolution, there are several other necessary conditions. Cultural evolution also has characteristics that are not observed in biological evolution. These are consequences of the differences in the mode of transfer of information between biological and cultural evolution (
Figure
1), leading to the fact that cultural evolution is far more rapid than biological evolution. Biological and cultural evolution affect each other, thus experiencing continuing coevolution. Changes in the genes have been necessary to adopt complex behavioral traits, such as the ability to speak, and changes in culture, such as diet, have caused changes in gene frequencies. Modern studies on molecular genetics suggest that coevolution of culture and genes is the most important factor in our origin and evolution.

Key Concepts

The necessary conditions for biological evolution, adaptive changes of gene frequencies in the populations of organisms, are variation, inheritance and selection.

These three phenomena, which can also be called the postulates of the theory of evolution, together also constitute a sufficient condition for biological evolution.

These general principles apply not only to biological evolution but also to the evolution of societies and culture – a theory which is called general Darwinism.

The necessary conditions for cultural evolution include, in addition to the necessary conditions for biological evolution, several other factors as for example storage, collection and accumulation of information; formation of social groups, work and division of labor between individuals; the subsequent development of society; and spoken language.

These similarities in the conditions for biological and cultural evolution affect the interaction between the genes and culture in a specific way making their coevolution possible.

Indeed, many cases of reciprocal coevolutionary interaction between the genes of human individuals or populations and the culture of the population in question have been observed.

Differences in gene frequencies between populations and changes in the genes of individuals have led to differences in the culture of the population in question, and vice versa, thus indicating coevolution between genes and culture.
Selectivity in Ring‐Closing Metathesis: Synthesis of Propellanes and Angular Aza‐tricycles
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Aswar Vikas R. , Ansari Saima
Published: January 2019

Several naturally occurring alkaloids contain quaternary carbon centers attached to a nitrogen atom. An efficient synthetic protocol has been developed to assemble indoline‐fused propellanes over aza‐tricyclic carbazole derivatives via a selective ring‐closing metathesis employing Grubbs’ first‐generation catalyst. Electronic factors seem to play a critical role in the outcomes. The structure of propellanes and angular aza‐tricyclic compounds are confirmed by catalytic hydrogenation sequence. To expand the synthetic utility of these propellanes and aza‐tricycles, Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction has been employed to generate functionalized polycycles. Fourteen ruthenium carbene catalysts are examined to synthesize propellanes and aza‐tricycles.

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A “Thiocarbonyl‐Directed” Regiospecific C−H/S−H Annulation of Quinoline‐4(1H)‐thiones with Alkynes
Authors: Modi Anju , Sau Prasenjit , Chakraborty Nikita , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: January 2019

A regiospecific C−H/S−H annulation of quinoline‐4(1H)‐thiones with alkynes have been demonstrated using a ruthenium(II) catalyst. This C−H/S−H annulation is directed via the C=S group, where preferential annulation takes place at the sterically hindered position even in the presence of three other competing sitesviz. two C−H/N−H and one C−H/O−H. This type of annulation is unsuccessful for simple aryl thiol such as 1‐naphthylthiol, giving only an oxidative dimerized product. The reaction proceeds via ruthenium‐catalyzed oxidative annulation followed by a hydrolytic cleavage of an amidic bond (loss of −COPh group), leading to the synthesis of thiopyrano[2,3,4‐de]quinolines. Isotopic labelling experiments suggest an irreversible initial C−Ru bond formation and the cleavage of C−H bond to be the rate‐limiting step. The reaction with unsymmetrical and terminal alkynes gave single regioisomeric product, where the new C−S bond formation takes place at thesp‐carbon of alkyne having more electron density. The reaction shows wide substrate scope both for quinoline‐4(1H)‐thiones as well as alkynes giving up to 91% product yields.

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Atropselective Dibrominations of a 1,1′‐Disubstituted 2,2′‐Biindolyl with Diverging Point‐to‐Axial Asymmetric Inductions. Deriving 2,2′‐Biindolyl‐3,3′‐diphosphane Ligands for Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Baumann Thomas , Brückner Reinhard
Published: January 2019

On the 1H NMR timescale, 2,2′‐biindolyls with (R)‐configured (1‐alkoxyprop)‐2‐yl, (1‐hydroxyprop)‐2‐yl, or (1‐siloxyprop)‐2‐yl substituents at C‐1 and C‐1′ are atropisomerically stable at <0 °C and interconvert at >30 °C. A 2,2′‐biindolyl (R,R)‐17 a of that kind and achiral (!) brominating reagents gave the atropisomerically stable 3,3′‐dibromobiindolyls (M)‐ and/or (P)‐18 a at best atropselectively—because of point‐to‐axial asymmetric inductions—and atropdivergently, exhibiting up to 95 % (M)‐ and as much (P)‐atropselectivity. This route to atropisomerically pure biaryls is novel and should extend to other substrates and/or different functionalizations. The dibromobiindolyls (M)‐ and (P)‐18 a furnished the biindolyldiphosphanes (M)‐ and (P)‐14 without atropisomerization. These syntheses did not require the resolution of a racemic mixture, which distinguishes them from virtually all biaryldiphosphane syntheses known to date. (M)‐ and (P)‐14 acted as ligands in catalytic asymmetric allylations and hydrogenations. Remarkably, the β‐ketoester rac‐25 c was hydrogenated trans‐selectively with 98 % ee; this included a dynamic kinetic resolution.
Tailoring the Grain Boundary Chemistry of Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Enhanced Solar Hydrogen Production and CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhang Guigang , Li Guosheng , Heil Tobias , Zafeiratos Spiros , Lai Feili , Savateev Aleksandr , Antonietti Markus , Wang Xinchen
Published: January 2019

Photocatalytic water splitting is a promising and clean way to mimic plant photosynthesis in a sustainable manner. Improvements of the quantum efficiency and optical absorption in the relevant range are necessary steps to approach practicality. Herein, we reported that these issues can be readily addressed when 5‐aminotetrazole, a monomer with high nitrogen content, is used for the synthesis of carbon nitride. The molten salt mixture NaCl/KCl is used as a high‐temperature solvent to tailor the grain boundary structure and chemistry. Visible light quantum efficiency for H2 production of 0.65 could be obtained in the presence of K2HPO4 as a double layer modifier. This value is very high, considering that this number depends on light to charge couple conversion, charge localization, as well as a successful oxidation and reduction reaction.
Nylon Intermediates from Bio‐Based Levulinic Acid
Authors: Marckwordt Annemarie , El Ouahabi Fatima , Amani Hadis , Tin Sergey , Kalevaru Narayana V. , Kamer Paul C. J. , Wohlrab Sebastian , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: January 2019

Use of ZrO2/SiO2 as a solid acid catalyst in the ring‐opening of biobased γ‐valerolactone with methanol in the gas phase leads to mixtures of methyl 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐pentenoate (MP) in over 95 % selectivity, containing a surprising 81 % of M4P. This process allows the application of a selective hydroformylation to this mixture to convert M4P into methyl 5‐formyl‐valerate (M5FV) with 90 % selectivity. The other isomers remain unreacted. Reductive amination of M5FV and ring‐closure to ϵ‐caprolactam in excellent yield had been reported before. The remaining mixture of 2‐ and 3‐MP was subjected to an isomerising methoxycarbonylation to dimethyl adipate in 91 % yield.
Development of novel EST‐SSR markers for Ephedra sinica (Ephedraceae) by transcriptome database mining
Authors: Jiao Si‐Qian , Sun Yan‐Qiang , Zhang Dong‐Xu , Gao Qiong , Jin Yuqing , Liu Hui , Ma Yongpeng , Yang Yong , Porth Ilga , Mao Jian‐Feng
Published: January 2019

Premise of the Study

Ephedra sinica (Ephedraceae) is a gymnosperm shrub with a wide distribution across Central and Eastern Asia. It is widely cultivated as a medicinal plant, but its wild populations are monitored to determine whether protection is needed.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐six microsatellite markers, including 11 polymorphic markers, were developed from E. distachya RNA‐Seq data deposited in the National Center for Biotechology Information dbEST database. Among 100 genotyped E. sinica individuals originating from five different population groups, the allele number ranged from three to 22 per locus. Levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.866 (average 0.176) and 0 to 0.876 (average 0.491), respectively. Allelic polymorphism information content ranged from 0.000 to 0.847 (average 0.333). Cross‐species amplifications were successfully conducted with two related Ephedra species for all 11 di‐ or trinucleotide simple sequence repeats.

Conclusions

This study provides the first set of microsatellite markers for genetic monitoring and surveying of this medicinal plant.
A Fast Convergence Super‐Twisting Observer Design for an Autonomous Airship
Authors: Xiao Chang , Zhou Weixiang , Zhou Pingfang , Duan Dengping
Published: January 2019

Airships are often under the risk of external disturbances, for example, the wind. The accurate external disturbance of the airship are hard to acquire. Typically, the super‐twisting observer can track the states for mechanical systems and could be used as an external disturbance tracker. However, the convergence rate of the traditional super‐twisting observer is very slow and the observed states often oscillate heavily. We modified the traditional super‐twisting observer by adding more variables to the sliding surface, and adding parameters to the newly added variables. Simulation results illustrates that the new proposed observer is able to reduce the convergence time and reduce overshoot greatly, improving the performance of the observer.
Analysis of Conjugated Polymers Conductivity by in situ Electrochemical‐Conductance Method
Authors: Salinas Gerardo , Frontana‐Uribe Bernardo A.
Published: January 2019

The in situ electrochemical‐conductance method is presented as an important electrochemical characterization tool for gaining insight into the chemical and electrical behavior of π‐conjugated polymers and electroactive materials. Important information about conductivity models, the type of charge carrier, and the carrier‐transport pathways as well as explanations of different phenomena related to charge and mass transport can be extracted from the obtained analyses. Using conveniently modified polymers, this method enables the development of a wide range of conductometric sensory devices. This Minireview summarizes the historical development of the in situ electrochemical‐conductance method, describes the systems used, explains details of the calculations, and discusses recent advances and applications.
An Approach to Chemical Reaction Engineering and Process Intensification for the Lean Aqueous Hydroformylation Using a Jet Loop Reactor
Authors: Esteban Jesús , Warmeling Helge , Vorholt Andreas J.
Published: January 2019

The biphasic hydroformylation of 1‐octene using a lean aqueous phase as solvent phase for catalyst recycling is discussed here. The gas‐liquid‐liquid reaction was homogeneously catalyzed by industrial standard catalytic system with [Rh(cod)Cl]2 as precursor and TPPTS as ligand. This work summarizes investigations addressing different aspects of the reaction, where a procedural approach was followed to gain understanding of its nature, kinetics and interphase reactivity. Finally, the application of the jet loop reactor is analyzed as a means to intensify the reaction.
Smart Golden Leaves Fabricated by Integrating Au Nanoparticles and Cellulose Nanofibers
Authors: Shiigi Hiroshi , Tomiyama Tomohiro , Saito Maki , Ishiki Kengo , Nguyen Dung Q. , Endo Tatsuro , Yamamoto Yojiro , Shan Xueling , Chen Zhidong , Nishino Tomoaki , Nakao Hidenobu , Nagaoka Tsutomu
Published: January 2019

A simple processing technology based on spontaneous arrangement of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) makes it possible to form a gold leaf with superior mechanical, chemical and electrical characteristics with a small amount of gold (<15 vol.%). The electrical resistivity of the AuNP/CNF hybrid film reached 8.7×10−6 Ω cm at 13 vol.% corresponding to that of a gold plate (2.9×10−6 Ω cm) through a distribution of AuNP inside the film in the form of a band. The AuNPs work not only as linkers between various CNFs in the hybrid structure but also as scaffolds. Self‐assembly allows the formation of leaves on three‐dimensional micrometer‐sized substrates, on which it is impossible to form a uniform flexible metallic layer using conventional techniques such as sputtering, vapor deposition, and electroless plating. The hybrid film holds great promise as a novel gold leaf for a wide range of applications, including coatings, smart papers, electronic skins, and wearable devices owing to its unique combination of superior properties, as well as good productivity, processability, and renewability.
The effects of component‐specific treatment compliance in individually tailored internet‐based treatment
Authors: Kraepelien Martin , Blom Kerstin , Lindefors Nils , Johansson Robert , Kaldo Viktor
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of treatment compliance in a guided individually tailored internet‐based treatment (TAIL) in relation to depression and co‐morbid symptoms. Compliance with the homework in the different treatment components in TAIL, each aimed at a specific condition, was rated for 207 participants by independent assessors. Six subgroups (n = 34–131) were constructed consisting of participants with co‐occurring symptoms of worry, panic, social anxiety, stress, insomnia, or pain. For each group, hierarchical regression was used to investigate whether the total sum of compliance points, Overall Compliance, predicted reductions in depression and in condition‐specific symptoms. Also, in each subgroup, it was tested whether working with specific treatment components, Specific Compliance, predicted reduction of the targeted symptoms. Overall Compliance predicted 15% of the reduction in depression symptoms. For participants with worry, panic, social anxiety, stress, or insomnia, Overall Compliance also predicted symptom reductions in that specific condition. Specific Compliance predicted reduction in the targeted symptoms for participants with social anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Specific Compliance with stress and insomnia components also predicted reductions in depression. Our results strengthen the importance of compliance in internet‐based treatments. Because compliance with stress and insomnia components was particularly important for broad symptom reductions, these conditions should not be ignored when treating patients with co‐morbid symptoms.
Therapeutic alliance—not therapist competence or group cohesion—contributes to reduction of psychological distress in group‐based mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for cancer patients
Authors: Bisseling Else M. , Schellekens Melanie P.J. , Spinhoven Philip , Compen Félix R. , Speckens Anne E.M. , van der Lee Marije L.
Published: January 2019

Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an innovative evidence‐based intervention in mental and somatic health care. Gaining knowledge of therapeutic factors associated with treatment outcome can improve MBCT. This study focused on predictors of treatment outcome of MBCT for cancer patients and examined whether group cohesion, therapeutic alliance, and therapist competence predicted reduction of psychological distress after MBCT for cancer patients. Moreover, it was examined whether therapist competence facilitated therapeutic alliance or group cohesion. Multilevel analyses were conducted on a subsample of patients collected in a larger randomized controlled trial on individual internet‐based versus group‐based MBCT versus treatment as usual in distressed cancer patients. The current analyses included the 84 patients who completed group‐based MBCT out of 120 patients who were randomized to group‐based MBCT. Group cohesion and therapist competence did not predict reduction in psychological distress, whereas therapeutic alliance did. In addition, therapist competence did not predict therapeutic alliance but was associated with reduced group cohesion. Our findings revealed that therapeutic alliance significantly contributed to reduction of psychological distress in MBCT for cancer patients. Elaborating the clinical implications of the predictive significance of therapeutic alliance might be of added value to enhance the potential effect of MBCT.
Sustainable Protocol for the Reduction of Nitroarenes by Heterogeneous Au@SBA‐15 with NaBH4 under Flow Conditions
Authors: Ferlin Francesco , Giannoni Tommaso , Zuliani Alessio , Piermatti Oriana , Luque Rafael , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: January 2019

A gold‐incorporated SBA‐15 catalyst was prepared by a solvent‐free ball‐milling approach. The catalyst showed high reactivity and selectivity in the reduction of a variety of nitroarenes to anilines operating in absolute EtOH with NaBH4 as reducing agent. The catalyst was reused in batch conditions over five consecutive runs without any losses of activity or selectivity. Considering the high chemical stability and reusability of the catalytic system, a continuous‐flow protocol was also investigated and defined to minimize the generation of waste and optimize the continuous reuse of the catalyst. Benefits of flow conditions were proven by turnover numbers that increased from 47.5 to 1902 and also by the minimization of both leaching (9.5 vs. 1 ppm) and E‐factor values (8 vs. 23 in batch).
Phosphomolybdic Acid‐Assisted Growth of Ultrathin Bismuth Nanosheets for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Formate
Authors: Guo Si‐Xuan , Zhang Ying , Zhang Xiaolong , Easton Christopher D. , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2019

Oxides containing two‐dimensional metallic catalysts have shown enhanced catalytic activity, stability, and product selectivity. Porous three‐dimensional structures maximize the accessibility of the active sites, thus enhancing the catalytic performance of the catalysts. By integrating these desirable features in a single catalyst, further improvement in catalytic activity and selectivity is expected. In this study, oxide‐containing bismuth (Bi) nanosheets of about 4 nm thickness interconnected to form a porous three‐dimensional structure were synthesized by electrodeposition in the presence of phosphomolybdic acid under hydrogen evolution conditions. These Bi nanosheets catalyze CO2 reduction in a CO2‐saturated 0.5 m NaHCO3 solution to formate with a faradaic efficiency of 93±2 % at −0.86 V vs. RHE with a formate partial current density as high as 30 mA cm−2. The Tafel slope of about 78 mV dec−1 suggests that the protonation of the adsorbed CO2.− is the rate‐limiting step.
Lithium‐Ion‐Based Conjugated Polyelectrolyte as an Interface Material for Efficient and Stable Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Li Junli , Liu Jikang , Liu Xiangfu , Wang Rongwen , Zhang Jian , Tu Guoli
Published: January 2019

An eco‐friendly n‐type water/alcohol‐soluble conjugated polyelectrolyte PFEOSO3Li was synthesized and applied as a cathode interfacial layer in organic solar cells. The π‐delocalized polyfluorene backbone has an intimate connection with the hydrophobic active layer, and the side chain with lithium ion may move toward the ZnO layer through the self‐assembly property of conjugated polyelectrolytes. UV photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that modification with PFEOSO3Li dramatically lowers the work function of indium‐doped tin oxide (ITO)/ZnO and may form strong interfacial dipoles between ZnO and the active layer. Meanwhile, introduction of lithium ions as spectator cations may contribute to reduction of the intrinsic surface defects of ZnO. The green emission in the photoluminescence spectrum of ZnO disappeared after modification with PFEOSO3Li. In addition, the roughness of ZnO barely changed after coating with PFEOSO3Li, and the surface became more hydrophobic, which demonstrates that the thin conjugated polyelectrolyte layer exhibits good adhesion with both ZnO and the active layer. These phenomena indicate that the introduction of PFEOSO3Li makes ITO/ZnO an efficient cathode. As a result, inverted organic solar cell devices with ZnO/PFEOSO3Li double‐interlayers exhibit high efficiencies of 11.7 and 10.6 % for PBDB‐T:IT‐M and PBDB‐T:ITIC blend systems, respectively.
When #MeToo affects YouToo
Authors: Gillott Eden
Published: January 2019

The public demands higher standards and levels of trust for higher education. Sadly, it's easier to believe the bad news than it is to hope for the good.
Enhancing insights into foraging specialization in the world's largest fish using a multi‐tissue, multi‐isotope approach
Authors: Wyatt Alex S.J. , Matsumoto Rui , Chikaraishi Yoshito , Miyairi Yosuke , Yokoyama Yusuke , Sato Keiichi , Ohkouchi Nao , Nagata Toshi
Published: January 2019

Intra‐species variability in foraging strategies may be common, which has significant implications for efforts to understand and manage enigmatic species like the whale shark Rhincodon typus. The ecological relevance of differences in tissue isotopes within and between individuals in the context of foraging however depends on understanding tissue turnover times and carbon (Δ13C) and nitrogen (Δ15N) discrimination, which can vary with physiology, metabolism, and diet quality. Here, we examine isotope dynamics in captive R. typus as a basis for enhanced ecological insights into wild populations of the world's largest fish and other enigmatic species. A variable diet, principally consisting of two krill (Euphausia pacifica and Euphausia superba) provided an average of 48 ± 20 MJ/d (mean ± SD), or 2.7 ± 1.3 times basal metabolic requirements. On this diet, in agreement with allometric relationships, large body sizes (3,000–4,000 kg) were matched by slow plasma and cartilage turnover rates (empirically derived as 9 months and 3 yr, respectively), which provide tissue‐specific limits on the timescales over which we can isotopically detect diet changes in this species. Average diet‐to‐tissue discrimination showed significant variation between tissues (plasma and cartilage), and among growing and fasting individuals (Δ13C range, 1.5 to 5.5‰; Δ15N range, −0.1 to 2.9‰). Assimilation rates increased with temperature and were higher for the smaller E. pacifica (15 ± 2 mm) than E. superba (48 ± 2 mm). Growth significantly lowered both Δ15Nplasma and Δ15Ncartilage, with inappetence markedly reducing Δ15Nplasma and Δ13Cplasma, as well as significantly altering blood biochemistry. Captive findings facilitated the first robust multi‐tissue growth‐ and nutrition‐corrected isotope analysis of a wild R. typus population, suggesting individual foraging specialization on low trophic level mid‐ocean or coastal prey. Long‐term fasting during ocean‐basin‐scale migrations may be common and such metabolic effects should be carefully quantified when isotopically assessing intra‐species foraging differences. The metabolically constrained multi‐tissue, multi‐isotope approach described can facilitate ecological insights that are indispensable for effective conservation and management of globally threatened, but poorly understood, species by identifying differences in key foraging areas and target prey within and between individuals.
Modified Stoney Model and Optimization of Electrode Structure Based on Stress Characteristics
Authors: Xie Haimei , Kang Yilan , Song Haibin , Shi Baoqin , Wang Jianshan
Published: January 2019

Stress in electrodes is inherently linked to mechanical failure that leads to degradation of cycle performance. To optimize battery performance, we propose a modified Stoney model to study the deformation and stress of a bilayer electrode. This model couples bending deformation and electrochemical‐dependent elastic modulus of active layer, and we apply the model to systematically analyze how thickness ratio l, modulus ratio m, bending, and electrochemical‐dependent elastic modulus impact stresses across a wide range. Results show that stresses non‐monotonously vary with l and m. Surface stress of active material transforms from a trend of first decrease and then increase to monotonous increase with m, and first increases and then decreases with l. Therefore, Li‐induced softening and stiffening as well as Li‐induced‐increased thickness relieve stresses within a certain range. Based on stress characterization, some electrode structures are suggested to improve battery performance. For a constant elastic modulus of active layer, l and m should be smaller or make stress factor close to 0. And l and m should be selected on the left (right or near) of extreme points for softening (stiffening) of active layer. This work provides a comprehensive stress analysis to guide the optimization of electrode structures.