bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OnProphocaandLeptophoca(Pinnipedia, Phocidae) from the Miocene of the North Atlantic realm: redescription, phylogenetic affinities and paleobiogeographic implications
Authors: Dewaele Leonard , Lambert Olivier , Louwye Stephen
Published: February 2017

Background

ProphocaandLeptophocarepresent the oldest known genera of phocine seals, dating from the latest early to middle Miocene. Originally,Prophoca rousseauiandProphoca proximawere described based on fragmentary remains from the Miocene of Belgium. However, several researchers contested the union ofProphoca rousseauiandProphoca proximainto one genus, without providing evidence. The stratigraphic context ofProphocaremained poorly constrained due to the lack of precise data associated with the original specimens collected in the area of Antwerp (north of Belgium).

Methods

ProphocaandLeptophocaare redescribed and their phylogenetic position among Phocidae is reassessed using PAUP. Dinoflagellate biostratigraphy has been carried out on sediment samples associated with specimens fromProphocaandLeptophocato elucidate their approximate ages.

Results

Whereas the speciesProphoca rousseauiis redescribed,Prophoca proximais considered synonymous toLeptophoca lenis, with the proposal of a new combinationLeptophoca proxima(Van Beneden, 1877). Sediment samples from specimens of both taxa have been dated to the late Langhian–early Serravallian (middle Miocene). Following a reinvestigation ofLeptophoca amphiatlantica, characters from the original diagnosis are questioned and the specimens ofLeptophoca amphiatlanticaare consideredLeptophocacf.L. proxima. In a phylogenetic analysis,Prophoca rousseauiandLeptophoca proximaconstitute early branching stem-phocines.

Discussion

Leptophoca proximafrom the North Sea Basin is younger than the oldest known find ofLeptophoca proximafrom North America, which does not contradict the hypothesis that Phocinae originated along the east coast of North America during the late early Miocene, followed by dispersal to Europe shortly after. Morphological features of the appendicular skeleton indicate thatProphoca rousseauiandLeptophoca proximahave archaic locomotory modes, retaining a more prominent use of the fore flipper for aquatic propulsion than extant Phocidae.
Simplified two‐dimensional microwave imaging scheme using metamaterial‐loaded Vivaldi antenna
Authors: Johari Esha , Akhter Zubair , Bhaskar Manoj , Akhtar M. Jaleel
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a highly efficient, low‐cost scheme for two‐dimensional microwave imaging is proposed. To this end, the AZIM (anisotropic zero index metamaterial) cell‐loaded Vivaldi antenna is designed and tested as effective electromagnetic radiation beam source required in the microwave imaging scheme. The designed antenna is first individually tested in the anechoic chamber, and its directivity along with the radiation pattern is obtained. The measurement setup for the imaging here involves a vector network analyzer, the AZIM cell‐loaded ultra‐wideband Vivaldi antenna, and other associated microwave components. The potential of the designed antenna for the microwave imaging is tested by first obtaining the two‐dimensional reflectivity images of metallic samples of different shapes placed in front of the antenna, using the proposed scheme. In the next step, these sets of samples are hidden behind wooden blocks of different thicknesses and the reflectivity image of the test media is reconstructed by using the proposed scheme. Finally, the reflectivity images of various dielectric samples (Teflon, Plexiglas, permanent magnet moving coil) along with the copper sheet placed on a piece of cardboard are reconstructed by using the proposed setup. The images obtained for each case are plotted and compared with the actual objects, and a close match is observed which shows the applicability of the proposed scheme for through‐wall imaging and the detection of concealed objects.
A method to predict magnetopause expansion in radial IMF events by MHD simulations
Authors: Samsonov A. A. , Sibeck D. G. , Šafránková J. , Němeček Z. , Shue J.‐H.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a method for taking into account changes of solar wind parameters in the foreshock using global MHD simulations. We simulate four events with very distant subsolar magnetopause crossings that occurred during quasi‐radial interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) intervals lasting from one to several hours. Using previous statistical results, we suggest that the density and velocity in the foreshock cavity decrease to ∼60% and ∼94% of the ambient solar wind values when the IMF cone angle falls below 50°. This diminishes the solar wind dynamic pressure to 53% and causes a corresponding magnetospheric expansion. We change the upstream solar wind parameters in a global MHD model to take these foreshock effects into account. We demonstrate that the modified model predicts magnetopause distances during radial IMF intervals close to those observed by THEMIS. The strong total pressure decrease in the data seems to be a local, rather than a global, phenomenon. Although the simulations with decreased solar wind pressure generally reproduce the observed total pressure in the magnetosheath well, the total pressure in the magnetosphere often agrees better with results for nonmodified boundary conditions. The last result reveals a limitation of our method: we changed the boundary conditions along the whole inflow boundary, although a more correct approach would be to vary parameters only in the foreshock. A model with the suggested global modification of the boundary conditions better predicts the location of part of the magnetopause behind the foreshock but may fail in predicting the rest of the magnetopause.
Water vapor estimation using digital terrestrial broadcasting waves
Authors: Kawamura S. , Ohta H. , Hanado H. , Yamamoto M. K. , Shiga N. , Kido K. , Yasuda S. , Goto T. , Ichikawa R. , Amagai J. , Imamura K. , Fujieda M. , Iwai H. , Sugitani S. , Iguchi T.
Published: February 2017

A method of estimating water vapor (propagation delay due to water vapor) using digital terrestrial broadcasting waves is proposed. Our target is to improve the accuracy of numerical weather forecast for severe weather phenomena such as localized heavy rainstorms in urban areas through data assimilation. In this method, we estimate water vapor near a ground surface from the propagation delay of digital terrestrial broadcasting waves. A real‐time delay measurement system with a software‐defined radio technique is developed and tested. The data obtained using digital terrestrial broadcasting waves show good agreement with those obtained by ground‐based meteorological observation. The main features of this observation are, no need for transmitters (receiving only), applicable wherever digital terrestrial broadcasting is available and its high time resolution. This study shows a possibility to estimate water vapor using digital terrestrial broadcasting waves. In the future, we will investigate the impact of these data toward numerical weather forecast through data assimilation. Developing a system that monitors water vapor near the ground surface with time and space resolutions of 30 s and several kilometers would improve the accuracy of the numerical weather forecast of localized severe weather phenomena.
Solution‐Processed Low Threshold Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers from All‐Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Xiaoming , Nalla Venkatram , Zeng Haibo , Sun Handong
Published: February 2017

Recently, newly engineered all‐inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (IPNCs) (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) are discovered to possess superior optical gain properties appealing for solution‐processed cost‐effective lasers. Yet, the potential of such materials has not been exploited for practical laser devices, rendering the prospect as laser media elusive. Herein, the challenging but practically desirable vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) based on the CsPbX3 IPNCs, featuring low threshold (9 µJ cm−2), directional output (beam divergence of ≈3.6°), and favorable stability, are realized for the first time. Notably, the lasing wavelength can be tuned across the red, green, and blue region maintaining comparable thresholds, which is promising in developing single‐source‐pumped full‐color visible lasers. It is fully demonstrated that the characteristics of the VCSELs can be versatilely engineered by independent adjustment of the cavity and solution‐processable nanocrystals. The results unambiguously reveal the feasibility of the emerging CsPbX3 IPNCs as practical laser media and represent a significant leap toward CsPbX3 IPNC‐based laser devices.
Silver Zeolite Composites‐Based LEDs: A Novel Solid‐State Lighting Approach
Authors: Kennes Koen , Coutino‐Gonzalez Eduardo , Martin Cristina , Baekelant Wouter , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Van der Auweraer Mark
Published: February 2017

Silver clusters incorporated in a zeolite matrix represent a promising alternative for rare earth phosphors, organic dyes, and quantum dots as emitters in organic and hybrid organic/inorganic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Compared to other existing types of emitters, they combine an excellent stability to oxygen and humidity with a high luminescence quantum yield and color tunability. This study reports on the first use of these silver exchanged zeolites embedded in polyvinyl carbazole (PVK), which is expected to act as a conducting matrix, as emitters in a single‐layer OLED. It is demonstrated that the introduction of these Ag zeolites leads to electroluminescence bands that clearly differ from pristine PVK OLEDs as well as from the photoluminescence spectra of the Ag zeolites. The current density and the spectral properties observed in these devices are strongly influenced by the zeolite silver loading, paving the way for a new type of easily tunable hybrid and cost‐effective OLEDs.
Review of the Development of Methods for Characterization of Microspheres for Use in Embolotherapy: Translating Bench to Cathlab
Authors: Caine Marcus , Carugo Dario , Zhang Xunli , Hill Martyn , Dreher Matthew R. , Lewis Andrew L.
Published: February 2017

Therapeutic embolotherapy is the deliberate occlusion of a blood vessel within the body, which can be for the prevention of internal bleeding, stemming of flow through an arteriovenous malformation, or occlusion of blood vessels feeding a tumor. This is achieved using a wide selection of embolic devices such as balloons, coils, gels, glues, and particles. Particulate embolization is often favored for blocking smaller vessels, particularly within hypervascularized tumors, as they are available in calibrated sizes and can be delivered distally via microcatheters for precise occlusion with associated locoregional drug delivery. Embolic performance has been traditionally evaluated using animal models, but with increasing interest in the 3R's (replacement, reduction, refinement), manufacturers, regulators, and clinicians have shown interest in the development of more sophisticated in vitro methods for evaluation and prediction of in vivo performance. Herein the current progress in developing bespoke techniques incorporating physical handling, fluid dynamics, occlusive behavior, and sustained drug elution kinetics within vascular systems is reviewed. While it is necessary to continue to validate the safety of such devices in vivo, great strides have been made in the development of bench tests that better predict the behavior of these products aligned with the principles of the 3R's.
Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells without Hole Transport Materials: The Front Runner to the Market?
Authors: Chen Haining , Yang Shihe
Published: February 2017

Organometal trihalide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered recent interest in the scientific community. In the past few years, they have achieved power conversion efficiencies comparable to traditional commercial solar cells (e.g., crystalline Si, CuInGaSe and CdTe) due to their low‐cost of production via solution‐processed fabrication techniques. However, the stability of PSCs must be addressed before their commercialization is viable. Among various kinds of PSCs, carbon‐based PSCs without hole transport materials (C‐PSCs) seem to be the most promising for addressing the stability issue because carbon materials are stable, inert to ion migration (which originates from perovskite and metal electrodes), and inherently water‐resistant. Despite the significant development of C‐PSCs since they were first reported in 2013, some pending issues still need to be addressed to increase their commercial competitiveness. Herein, recent developments in C‐PSCs, including (1) device structure and working principles, (2) categorical progress of and comparison between meso C‐PSCs, embedment C‐PSCs and paintable PSCs, are reviewed. Promising research directions are then suggested (e.g., materials, interfaces, structure, stability measurement and scaling‐up of production) to further improve and promote the commercialization of C‐PSCs.
In‐Plane 2H‐1T′ MoTe2 Homojunctions Synthesized by Flux‐Controlled Phase Engineering
Authors: Yoo Youngdong , DeGregorio Zachary P. , Su Yang , Koester Steven J. , Johns James E.
Published: February 2017

The fabrication of in‐plane 2H‐1T′ MoTe2 homojunctions by the flux‐controlled, phase‐engineering of few‐layer MoTe2 from Mo nanoislands is reported. The phase of few‐layer MoTe2 is controlled by simply changing Te atomic flux controlled by the temperature of the reaction vessel. Few‐layer 2H MoTe2 is formed with high Te flux, while few‐layer 1T′ MoTe2 is obtained with low Te flux. With medium flux, few‐layer in‐plane 2H‐1T′ MoTe2 homojunctions are synthesized. As‐synthesized MoTe2 is characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Kelvin probe force microscopy and Raman mapping confirm that in‐plane 2H‐1T′ MoTe2 homojunctions have abrupt interfaces between 2H and 1T′ MoTe2 domains, possessing a potential difference of about 100 mV. It is further shown that this method can be extended to create patterned metal–semiconductor junctions in MoTe2 in a two‐step lithographic synthesis. The flux‐controlled phase engineering method could be utilized for the large‐scale controlled fabrication of 2D metal–semiconductor junctions for next‐generation electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Reconfigurable Microscale Frameworks from Concatenated Helices with Controlled Chirality
Authors: Jeon Seog‐Jin , Hayward Ryan C.
Published: February 2017

The utility of helical structures in driving motion of microorganisms and plants has inspired efforts to develop synthetic stimuli‐responsive helical architectures for self‐motile and shape‐morphing systems. While several approaches to responsive helices based on hydrogels and liquid crystalline polymers have been reported, they have so far been limited to macroscopic (cm scale) dimensions, and have not been applied to concatenated helices with more than two segments. Here, a robust method for microfabrication of helices inspired by Bauhinia seedpods, based on trilayer samples consisting of rigid plastic stripes sandwiching a swellable temperature‐responsive hydrogel, is reported and the formation of responsive shape‐controlled frameworks from concatenated multiple helices (multihelices) with controlled chirality is demonstrated. The block angle at each helical junction is controlled by the change in stripe direction, while the torsion angle defined by each segment of three helices is prescribed by the net twist of the middle segment, providing simple geometric design rules for the fabrication of complex 3D structures. This work opens new directions in programming 3D shapes by providing new insight into helical segments as building blocks, with potential applicability to the fabrication of scaffolds for cell culture, reconfigurable microfluidic channels, and microswimmers.
Ultrasensitive 2D ZnO Piezotronic Transistor Array for High Resolution Tactile Imaging
Authors: Liu Shuhai , Wang Longfei , Feng Xiaolong , Wang Zheng , Xu Qi , Bai Suo , Qin Yong , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a new kind of 2D piezotronic transistor (PT) with the highest sensitivity till date has been designed and demonstrated, and the 2DPT array with ultrahigh spatial resolution has been developed through assembling ZnO nanoplatelets into ordered nanoplatelet array. As active sensors by directly converting applied mechanical actuations into electrical control signals without applying gate voltage, the ZnO 2DPT array has a great advantage as a fundamental component of piezotronics. The 2DPT array paves the way for a large‐scale and integrated production of two terminal vertical transistors, which will contribute to its application in many fields such as human–machine interfacing, smart sensor, and processor systems.
Novel Bimorphological Anisotropic Bulk Nanocomposite Materials with High Energy Products
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Lou Li , Song Wenpeng , Huang Guangwei , Hou Fuchen , Zhang Qian , Zhang Hai‐Tian , Xiao Jianwei , Wen Bin , Zhang Xiangyi
Published: February 2017

Nanostructuring of magnetically hard and soft materials is fascinating for exploring next‐generation ultrastrong permanent magnets with less expensive rare‐earth elements. However, the resulting hard/soft nanocomposites often exhibit random crystallographic orientations and monomorphological equiaxed grains, leading to inferior magnetic performances compared to corresponding pure rare‐earth magnets. This study describes the first fabrication of a novel bimorphological anisotropic bulk nanocomposite using a multistep deformation approach, which consists of oriented hard‐phase SmCo rod‐shaped grains and soft‐phase Fe(Co) equiaxed grains with a high fraction (≈28 wt%) and small size (≈10 nm). The nanocomposite exhibits a record‐high energy product (28 MGOe) for this class of bulk materials with less rare‐earth elements and outperforms, for the first time, the corresponding pure rare‐earth magnet with 58% enhancement in energy product. These findings open up the door to moving from a pure permanent‐magnet system to a stronger nanocomposite system at lower costs.
Garnet Scintillators of Superior Timing Characteristics: Material, Engineering by Liquid Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Průša Petr , Kučera Miroslav , Babin Vladimir , Brůža Petr , Pánek Dalibor , Beitlerová Alena , Mareš Jiri A. , Hanuš Martin , Lučeničová Zuzana , Nikl Martin
Published: February 2017

Using liquid phase epitaxy, the Mg co‐doped multicomponent garnet film scintillators of composition (Ce0.01Lu0.27Gd0.74)3–xMgx(Ga2.48Al2.46)O12, x = 0–0.002 (0–700 at. ppm) are prepared. Following luminescence and scintillation characteristics and their dependence on Mg concentration are studied: photoluminescence emission and excitation spectra, radioluminescence spectra, photoluminescence and scintillation decay curves, light yield, energy resolution, and afterglow. At lower Mg concentration, the timing characteristics are slightly improved, while light yield and energy resolution are not negatively influenced. At higher Mg concentration, scintillation decay is significantly accelerated, although light yield is somewhat reduced. Afterglow values become extraordinarily low for a garnet scintillator, at least two times better than the best values published so far, which paves the way for their application in fast frame imaging applications. A mechanism of the improvement is shortly discussed.
A High Performance Deep Blue Organic Laser Gain Material
Authors: Wei Qi , Li Yan , Liu Jingguan , Fang Qiyun , Li Jiewei , Yan Xiaohong , Xie Linghai , Qian Yan , Xia Ruidong , Huang Wei
Published: February 2017

High performance organic lasers with both good optical lasing property and desirable carrier mobility still remains a big challenge for realizing electrically pumped organic lasing. In this work, we have developed a carbazole‐end‐capped ladder‐type oligo‐(p‐phenylene) based hybrid oligomer as solution‐processable deep blue laser gain media to reach a good balance between optical property and carrier transporting ability, by introducing moderate steric hindrance into the pi‐conjugated planar oligo‐(p‐phenylene) backbone. This material demonstrates excellent laser performance and moderate hole mobility of 1 × 10–3 cm2 V−1 s−1. The 1‐D distributed feedback (DFB) laser exhibits very low lasing threshold of 0.6 nJ pulse−1 and high slope efficiency of 5.9 ± 0.3% (50% fill factor). More importantly, the prominent ASE performance maintained at very thin film samples. The amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) threshold remains very low (16 nJ pulse−1) in the 45 nm‐thickness film. These results might indicate possibilities for electrically pumped gain materials.
The Strong Light‐Emission Materials in the Aggregated State: What Happens from a Single Molecule to the Collective Group
Authors: Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: February 2017

The strong light emission of organic luminogens in the aggregated state is essential to their applications as optoelectronic materials with good performance. In this review, with respect to the aggregation‐induced emission and room‐temperature phosphorescence luminogens, the important role of molecular packing modes is highlighted. As demonstrated in the selected examples, the molecular packing status in the aggregate state is affected by many factors, including the molecular configurations, the inherent electronic properties, the special functional groups, and so on. With the consideration of all these parameters, the strong fluorescence and phosphorescence in the aggregated state could be achieved in the rationally designed organic luminogens, providing some guidance for the further development.
Battery‐Supercapacitor Hybrid Devices: Recent Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: Zuo Wenhua , Li Ruizhi , Zhou Cheng , Li Yuanyuan , Xia Jianlong , Liu Jinping
Published: February 2017

Design and fabrication of electrochemical energy storage systems with both high energy and power densities as well as long cycling life is of great importance. As one of these systems, Battery‐supercapacitor hybrid device (BSH) is typically constructed with a high‐capacity battery‐type electrode and a high‐rate capacitive electrode, which has attracted enormous attention due to its potential applications in future electric vehicles, smart electric grids, and even miniaturized electronic/optoelectronic devices, etc. With proper design, BSH will provide unique advantages such as high performance, cheapness, safety, and environmental friendliness. This review first addresses the fundamental scientific principle, structure, and possible classification of BSHs, and then reviews the recent advances on various existing and emerging BSHs such as Li‐/Na‐ion BSHs, acidic/alkaline BSHs, BSH with redox electrolytes, and BSH with pseudocapacitive electrode, with the focus on materials and electrochemical performances. Furthermore, recent progresses in BSH devices with specific functionalities of flexibility and transparency, etc. will be highlighted. Finally, the future developing trends and directions as well as the challenges will also be discussed; especially, two conceptual BSHs with aqueous high voltage window and integrated 3D electrode/electrolyte architecture will be proposed.
Neurological and spinal manifestations of the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes
Authors: Henderson Fraser C. , Austin Claudiu , Benzel Edward , Bolognese Paolo , Ellenbogen Richard , Francomano Clair A. , Ireton Candace , Klinge Petra , Koby Myles , Long Donlin , Patel Sunil , Singman Eric L. , Voermans Nicol C.
Published: February 2017

The Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin extensibility, and tissue fragility. This communication briefly reports upon the neurological manifestations that arise including the weakness of the ligaments of the craniocervical junction and spine, early disc degeneration, and the weakness of the epineurium and perineurium surrounding peripheral nerves. Entrapment, deformation, and biophysical deformative stresses exerted upon the nervous system may alter gene expression, neuronal function and phenotypic expression. This report also discusses increased prevalence of migraine, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Tarlov cysts, tethered cord syndrome, and dystonia, where associations with EDS have been anecdotally reported, but where epidemiological evidence is not yet available. Chiari Malformation Type I (CMI) has been reported to be a comorbid condition to EDS, and may be complicated by craniocervical instability or basilar invagination. Motor delay, headache, and quadriparesis have been attributed to ligamentous laxity and instability at the atlanto‐occipital and atlantoaxial joints, which may complicate all forms of EDS. Discopathy and early degenerative spondylotic disease manifest by spinal segmental instability and kyphosis, rendering EDS patients prone to mechanical pain, and myelopathy. Musculoskeletal pain starts early, is chronic and debilitating, and the neuromuscular disease of EDS manifests symptomatically with weakness, myalgia, easy fatigability, limited walking, reduction of vibration sense, and mild impairment of mobility and daily activities. Consensus criteria and clinical practice guidelines, based upon stronger epidemiological and pathophysiological evidence, are needed to refine diagnosis and treatment of the various neurological and spinal manifestations of EDS. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The gut microbiome in human neurological disease: A review
Authors: Tremlett Helen , Bauer Kylynda C. , Appel‐Cresswell Silke , Finlay Brett B. , Waubant Emmanuelle
Published: February 2017

Almost half the cells and 1% of the unique genes found in our bodies are human, the rest are from microbes, predominantly bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. These microorganisms collectively form the human microbiota, with most colonizing the gut. Recent technological advances, open access data libraries, and application of high‐throughput sequencing have allowed these microbes to be identified and their contribution to neurological health to be examined. Emerging evidence links perturbations in the gut microbiota to neurological disease, including disease risk, activity, and progression. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in microbiome research in relation to neuro(auto)immune and neurodegenerative conditions affecting humans, such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Study design and terminology used in this rapidly evolving, highly multidisciplinary field are summarized to empower and engage the neurology community in this “newly discovered organ.” Ann Neurol 2017;81:369–382
Surviving High‐Temperature Calcination: ZrO2‐Induced Hematite Nanotubes for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Chengcheng , Li Ang , Luo Zhibin , Zhang Jijie , Chang Xiaoxia , Huang Zhiqi , Wang Tuo , Gong Jinlong
Published: February 2017

Nanotubular Fe2O3 is a promising photoanode material, and producing morphologies that withstand high‐temperature calcination (HTC) is urgently needed to enhance the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. This work describes the design and fabrication of Fe2O3 nanotube arrays that survive HTC for the first time. By introducing a ZrO2 shell on hydrothermal FeOOH nanorods by atomic layer deposition, subsequent high‐temperature solid‐state reaction converts FeOOH‐ZrO2 nanorods to ZrO2‐induced Fe2O3 nanotubes (Zr‐Fe2O3 NTs). The structural evolution of the hematite nanotubes is systematically explored. As a result of the nanostructuring and shortened charge collection distance, the nanotube photoanode shows a greatly improved PEC water oxidation activity, exhibiting a photocurrent density of 1.5 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), which is the highest among hematite nanotube photoanodes without co‐catalysts. Furthermore, a Co‐Pi decorated Zr‐Fe2O3 NT photoanode reveals an enhanced onset potential of 0.65 V (vs. RHE) and a photocurrent of 1.87 mA cm−2 (at 1.23 V vs. RHE).
Positional Enrichment by Proton Analysis (PEPA): A One‐Dimensional 1H‐NMR Approach for 13C Stable Isotope Tracer Studies in Metabolomics
Authors: Vinaixa Maria , Rodríguez Miguel A. , Aivio Suvi , Capellades Jordi , Gómez Josep , Canyellas Nicolau , Stracker Travis H. , Yanes Oscar
Published: February 2017

A novel metabolomics approach for NMR‐based stable isotope tracer studies called PEPA is presented, and its performance validated using human cancer cells. PEPA detects the position of carbon label in isotopically enriched metabolites and quantifies fractional enrichment by indirect determination of 13C‐satellite peaks using 1D‐1H‐NMR spectra. In comparison with 13C‐NMR, TOCSY and HSQC, PEPA improves sensitivity, accelerates the elucidation of 13C positions in labeled metabolites and the quantification of the percentage of stable isotope enrichment. Altogether, PEPA provides a novel framework for extending the high‐throughput of 1H‐NMR metabolic profiling to stable isotope tracing in metabolomics, facilitating and complementing the information derived from 2D‐NMR experiments and expanding the range of isotopically enriched metabolites detected in cellular extracts.
Stable pure‐blue emission of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) via suppression of the green emission
Authors: Chen Yuehua , You Xuemeng , Zhang Xinwen , Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Bin , Lai Wenyong , Huang Wei
Published: February 2017

Stable pure‐blue electroluminescence (EL) is obtained from polymer light‐emitting devices by dispersing poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO) into a wide band‐gap mixed‐matrix of poly(9‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK):2‐(4‐biphenylyl)‐5‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (PBD). From the EL spectra of the PFO‐doped films, we find that the additional green emission observed in the EL spectra of the pure PFO devices was significantly suppressed in the PFO‐doped devices. The spectral stability was also improved through evaluating the EL spectra of the PFO‐doped films annealed at different temperatures (from 80 to 150 °C). These results demonstrate that doping of PFO into a matrix to weaken the aggregate and oxidation of the PFO molecules is a simple strategy to suppress the green emission. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44950.
The Palatal Interpterygoid Vacuities of Temnospondyls and the Implications for the Associated Eye‐ and Jaw Musculature
Authors: Witzmann Florian , Werneburg Ingmar
Published: February 2017

A diagnostic feature of temnospondyls is the presence of an open palate with large interpterygoid vacuities, unlike the closed palate of most other early tetrapods, in which the vacuities are either slit‐like or completely absent. Attachment sites on neurocranium and palatal bones in temnospondyls allow the reconstruction of a powerful m. retractor bulbi and a large, sheet‐like m. levator bulbi that formed the elastic floor of the orbit. This muscle arrangement indicates that temnospondyls were able to retract the eyeballs through the interpterygoid vacuities into the buccal cavity, like extant frogs and salamanders. In contrast, attachment sites on palate and neurocranium suggest a rather sauropsid‐like arrangement of these muscles in stem‐tetrapods and stem‐amniotes. However, the anteriorly enlarged, huge interpterygoid vacuities of long‐snouted stereospondyls suggest that eye retraction was not the only function of the vacuities here, since the eye‐muscles filled only the posterior part of the vacuities. We propose an association of the vacuities in temnospondyls with a long, preorbital part of the m. adductor mandibulae internus (AMIa). The trochlea‐like, anterior edge of the adductor chamber suggests that a tendon of the AMIa was redirected in an anteromedial direction in the preorbital skull and dorsal to the pterygoids. This tendon then unfolded into a wide aponeurosis bearing the flattened AMIa that filled almost the complete interpterygoid vacuities anterior to the orbits. Our muscle reconstructions permit comprehensive insights to the comparative soft tissue anatomy of early tetrapods and provide the basis for a biomechanic analysis of biting performances in the future. Anat Rec, 300:1240–1269, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of long‐term concept‐symbols among citations: Do common intellectual histories structure citation behavior?
Authors: Comins Jordan A. , Leydesdorff Loet
Published: February 2017

“Citation classics” are not only highly cited, but also cited during several decades. We explore whether the peaks in the spectrograms generated by Reference Publication Years Spectroscopy (RPYS) indicate such long‐term impact by comparing across RPYS for subsequent time intervals. Multi‐RPYS enables us to distinguish between short‐term citation peaks at the research front that decay within 10 years versus historically constitutive (long‐term) citations that function as concept symbols. Using these constitutive citations, one is able to cluster document sets (e.g., journals) in terms of intellectually shared histories. We test this premise by clustering 40 journals in the Web of Science Category of Information and Library Science using multi‐RPYS. It follows that RPYS can not only be used for retrieving roots of sets under study (cited), but also for algorithmic historiography of the citing sets. Significant references are historically rooted symbols among other citations that function as currency.
A Sequential Algebraic Parametric Identification Approach for Nonlinear Vibrating Mechanical Systems
Authors: Beltran‐Carbajal F. , Silva‐Navarro G. , Trujillo‐Franco L. G.
Published: February 2017

A systematic on‐line algebraic parametric identification method in time domain is proposed for active vibration control on nonlinear vibrating mechanical systems. The identification is performed iteratively, to reduce the computational effort of the parameter estimation process, for finite or infinite dimensional large flexible structures into an interest bandwidth. Position signals are only required to algebraically and quickly estimate the parameters of multiple degrees‐of‐freedom nonlinear vibrating mechanical systems. Then, an adaptive‐like output feedback tracking dynamic control scheme is introduced to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the closed‐loop parameter estimation algorithms. Some simulation results are included to provide evidence of the efficient dynamic performance of the proposed parametric identification approach combined with asymptotic trajectory tracking control.
Characteristics of peat humification, magnetic susceptibility and trace elements of Hani peatland, northeastern China: paleoclimatic implications
Authors: Xiao He , Cheng Shenggao , Mao Xumei , Huang Ting , Hu Zhongxia , Zhou Ying , Liu Xiaotong
Published: February 2017

A high‐resolution peat humification record is obtained from Hani peatland, northeastern China to study climate change. An absorbance value time series from alkali‐extraction is used as a peat humification indicator. In addition, Hani peat magnetic susceptibility and trace elements have also been investigated. There is a sensitive response to abrupt climate changes when comparing a high‐resolution peat humification record with a Hani δ18O temperature proxy record and a drift ice record from the North Atlantic Ocean. Based on analyses of factors that affect peat decomposition, we suggest similar paleoclimate significance between the Hani and Dajiuhu peat on the degree of humification with a higher peat humification indicating colder and drier climate conditions. In contrast, a warm and moist climate provides a deoxidized condition that results in lower peat humification. Moreover, the Rb/Sr ratios and χlf in Hani peatland also indicate different climate conditions, especially in late Holocene. According to the Hani peat data, regional paleoclimate variations can be divided into the following five phases: 11.5–10.0 cal. kyr BP with warm climate conditions; 10.0–8.8 cal. kyr BP with sharply cooling and warming climate conditions; 8.8–4.8 cal. kyr BP with alternating cooling and warming climate conditions; 4.8–1.6 cal. kyr BP with warm climate conditions overall and 1.6–0 cal. kyr BP with cold climate conditions.
Planung und Errichtung eines Tanklagers mit Anforderungen gemäß Wasserhaushaltsgesetz
Authors: Glowienka Simon , Meyer Julian , González Rosa Maria Alberich
Published: February 2017

Bei der Planung und Ausführung von Anlagen, in denen wassergefährdende Stoffe gelagert werden (sog. L‐Anlagen), müssen nach § 62 Absatz 1 des Wasserhaushaltsgesetzes [1] Maßnahmen zur primären und sekundären Sicherheit getroffen und die Standsicherheit, aber auch die Dichtigkeit nachgewiesen werden. Planung und Umsetzung sollen beispielhaft für ein Projekt der chemischen Industrie an einem deutschen Standort aufgezeigt werden.

HOCHTIEF wurde im Rahmen eines Design‐and‐Build‐Projekts mit der Bauplanung und Bauausführung eines Tanklagers beauftragt. Der Auftrag umfasste im Wesentlichen die Errichtung von drei Tanktassen, die im Havariefall als sekundäre Barriere dienen. Eine Tanktasse wurde dabei in Form einer Edelstahlwanne ausgebildet und die zweite als Stahlbetoncontainment mit innen liegender Beschichtung. Das dritte Containment wurde als Betonkonstruktion mit Dichtigkeitsnachweis nach DAfStb‐Richtlinie [2] geplant und ausgeführt, wobei die Ringwand horizontal vorgespannt war. Der Artikel geht auf die Besonderheiten in der Planung und bei der Bauausführung ein.
Mobi‐Space – ein modulares, wiederverwendbares Bausystem aus Holz
Authors: Winter Stefan , Jacob‐Freitag Susanne , Köhler Claudia
Published: February 2017

Das Bausystem Mobi‐Space wurde zunächst als Mobi‐Sku:l entwickelt, um während Grundsanierungen von Schulen den Gemeinden einen ansprechenden Ersatzbau mit hohen energetischen und räumlichen Qualitäten anzubieten. Die wesentlichen Anforderungen an das System sind schnelle Errichtung, gute Demontier‐ und Wiederverwendbarkeit, ein energetischer Standard der Hülle oberhalb des EnEV‐Niveaus und in den bis zu dreigeschossigen Gebäuden ein den regulatorischen Anforderungen entsprechender Schall‐ und Brandschutz. Das System besteht aus 54 m2 großen Raummodulen, die überwiegend aus hoch vorgefertigten Holztafelelementen bestehen. Eine besondere Herausforderung stellt mit Blick auf eine mehrfache Montage und Demontage die Sicherstellung der horizontalen Lastabtragung und räumlichen Aussteifung dar. Dazu wurden zum Teil Steckverbindungen und Verspannungen, ergänzt durch lösbare Verschraubungen, verwendet. Temporäre Gründungen ergänzen das Gesamtkonzept.

Durch die modulare Konzeption können die Erschließungskonzepte den jeweiligen örtlichen Randbedingungen angepasst werden. Die Strom‐ und Medienversorgung erfolgt über Steckverbindungen von Modul zu Modul.

Das Bausystem wurde bisher nicht nur als temporärer Schulersatzbau, sondern auch als Mobi‐Office, z. B. an der TU Darmstadt, umgesetzt. Insgesamt wurden bisher 25 Projekte realisiert, drei davon bereits demontiert und neu aufgebaut. Das Mobi‐Space‐Konzept zeigt, wie modulares, industrielles Bauen mit hoher architektonischer Qualität realisiert werden kann.
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717)
Authors: Kutschera Ulrich
Published: February 2017

Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) erlangte als Insekten‐ und Blumen‐Malerin zu Lebzeiten europaweit Ruhm, obwohl sie als geschiedene, alleinerziehende Mutter in einer von Männern dominierten Welt mit Vorurteilen konfrontiert war. In diesem Beitrag werden Leben und Werk dieser in Frankfurt/Main geborenen Entomologin basierend auf einer Analyse ihrer Fachbücher im Zusammenhang mit den Leistungen von Darwin, Wallace, Haeckel und Weismann vorgestellt. Merian hat an 186 Insekten‐ und einigen Amphibien‐Arten den gesamten Lebenszyklus dokumentiert beziehungsweise gezeichnet, und damit die Aristoteles'sche Urzeugungs‐Hypothese wiederlegt. Da Merian erstmals Tier‐Pflanzen‐Interaktionen studiert hat, sollten wir sie zum 300. Todestag (13.01.2017) als Pionierin der Entwicklungsbiologie und Ökologie würdigen.
Bionik der Flugfeder
Authors: Eder Heinrich , Fiedler Wolfgang
Published: February 2017

Über Land segelnde Großvögel sind auf einen möglichst kostengünstigen Streckenflug angewiesen. Der bis über 8000 km lange Zug osteuropäischer Weißstörche in südafrikanische Wintergebiete oder die riesige Flächen abdeckenden Nahrungssuchflüge von Geiern sind nur dank optimierter Segelflugeigenschaften der Vögel physiologisch zu bewältigen. Die hier dargestellten Mechanismen zur Erhöhung des Auftriebs und zur Reduzierung unerwünschter Reibungs‐ und Wirbelwiderstände zeigen, dass diese Anpassungen bis in den mikrostrukturellen Bereich der Schwungfedern hinein realisiert sind. Im Einzelnen sind hier zu nennen: die strömungsdurchlässigen Strukturen entlang des Federschaftes, die strömungsadaptive Wölbung des Federprofiles und die Formgebung der Federspitze. Diese Mechanismen dienen insgesamt einer deutlichen Widerstandsreduzierung, die wiederum Voraussetzung für die erfolgreiche Entwicklung der Schwungfederkaskade war. Sie finden sich in übertragener Form häufig auch bei technischen Flugkörpern wieder.
Nachrichten des Verbandes Biologie, Biowissenschaften & Biomedizin in Deutschland
Authors: Dietz Karl‐Josef
Published: February 2017

Wissenschaft & Gesellschaft:

Statement zum Gentechnikgesetz

Novelle Naturschutzgesetz

VBIO Arbeitskreise:

AK BTA

AK Biomedizin

Landesverbände:

Baden‐Württemberg

NRW
Der Hund: Freund und Kollege auf vier Pfoten
Authors: Eitner Pascal
Published: February 2017

Kaum ein Haus‐ und Nutztier steht dem Menschen so nahe wie der Hund. Neben vielfältigen Aufgaben zum Beispiel als Bewacher, Spür nase und Hilfshirte haben sich Hunde auch als Gesellschafter von Menschen bewährt. Die Kommunikation zwischen Mensch und Hund ist der Schlüssel für eine gute Partnerschaft.
CHO Cells adapted to inorganic phosphate limitation show higher growth and higher pyruvate carboxylase flux in phosphate replete conditions
Authors: Maralingannavar Vishwanathgouda , Parmar Dharmeshkumar , Pant Tejal , Gadgil Chetan , Panchagnula Venkateswarlu , Gadgil Mugdha
Published: February 2017

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is an essential ion involved in diverse cellular processes including metabolism. Changes in cellular metabolism upon long term adaptation to Pi limitation have been reported in E. coli. Given the essential role of Pi, adaptation to Pi limitation may also result in metabolic changes in animal cells. In this study, we have adapted CHO cells producing recombinant IgG to limiting Pi conditions for 75 days. Not surprisingly, adapted cells showed better survival under Pi limitation. Here, we report the finding that such cells also showed better growth characteristics compared to control in batch culture replete with Pi (higher peak density and integral viable cell density), accompanied by a lower specific oxygen uptake rate and cytochrome oxidase activity towards the end of exponential phase. Surprisingly, the adapted cells grew to a lower peak density under glucose limitation. This suggests long term Pi limitation may lead to selection for an altered metabolism with higher dependence on glucose availability for biomass assimilation compared to control. Steady state U‐13C glucose labeling experiments suggest that adapted cells have a higher pyruvate carboxylase flux. Consistent with this observation, supplementation with aspartate abolished the peak density difference whereas supplementation with serine did not abolish the difference. This supports the hypothesis that cell growth in the adapted culture might be higher due to a higher pyruvate carboxylase flux. Decreased fitness under carbon limitation and mutations in the sucABCD operon has been previously reported in E. coli upon long term adaptation to Pi limitation, suggestive of a similarity in cellular response among such diverse species. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:749–758, 2017
Studies of the Binding of Modest Modulators of the Human Enzyme, Sirtuin 6, by STD NMR
Authors: Bolívar Beatriz E. , Welch John T.
Published: February 2017

Pyrazinamide (PZA), an essential constituent of short‐course tuberculosis chemotherapy, binds weakly but selectively to Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6). Despite the structural similarities between nicotinamide (NAM), PZA, and pyrazinoic acid (POA), these inhibitors modulate SIRT6 by different mechanisms and through different binding sites, as suggested by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR. Available experimental evidence, such as that derived from crystal structures and kinetic experiments, has been of only limited utility in elucidation of the mechanistic details of sirtuin inhibition by NAM or other inhibitors. For instance, crystallographic structural analysis of sirtuin binding sites does not help us understand important differences in binding affinities among sirtuins or capture details of such dynamic process. Hence, STD NMR was utilized throughout this study. Our results not only agreed with the binding kinetics experiments but also gave a qualitative insight into the binding process. The data presented herein suggested some details about the geometry of the binding epitopes of the ligands in solution with the apo‐ and holoenzyme. Recognition that SIRT6 is affected selectively by PZA, an established clinical agent, suggests that the rational development of more potent and selective NAM surrogates might be possible. These derivatives might be accessible by employing the malleability of this scaffold to assist in the identification by STD NMR of the motifs that interact with the apo‐ and holoenzymes in solution.
Bivalirudin versus heparin for peripheral vascular intervention: You get what you pay for…
Authors: Kimmelstiel Carey , Deliargyris Efthymios N.
Published: February 2017

Key Points

There are no randomized trials comparing bivalirudin with heparin in patients undergoing peripheral vascular intervention.

Retrospective analyses suggest that bivalirudin treatment during peripheral vascular intervention is associated with less bleeding and a reduction in major adverse clinical events.

Despite a higher acquisition cost compared with heparin, bivalirudin may actually provide more value and possibly reduce the total cost of care associated with peripheral interventions.
Significant leak after TAVR: A plug is an option
Authors: Yadav Pradeep K. , Gilchrist Ian C.
Published: February 2017

Key Points

Paravalvular leak (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not as frequent or severe with the evolution of the procedure.

Significant PVL increases mortality and heart failure related hospitalization.

While the data is limited, closure of the PVL with vascular plugs in anatomically suitable patients seems to have favorable outcomes.
Gender inequalities in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: The jury is still out
Authors: Condado Jose F. , Block Peter C.
Published: February 2017

Key Points

The Brazilian data support previous papers on mortality after TAVR.

Women probably have higher risk short‐term after TAVR, but less risk later.

Mechanisms for better long‐term outcomes might be due to more reversal of myocardial hypertrophy in women after TAVR.