bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerosols: A Sustainable Route to Functional Materials
Authors: Powell Michael J. , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: September 2017

Sustainability is an increasingly important topic in the design and manufacture of materials, with the need to reduce the environmental impact of producing materials being of paramount significance. A competing interest to this is the ability to produce functional materials in large volumes from a fast, on‐line process, which can be integrated easily into existing industrial setups. Herein, we present aerosol‐assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) routes to advanced functional materials. We will show that by careful design of precursors and manipulation of deposition conditions, it is possible to achieve high sustainability whilst maintaining fast growth rates and large scale production of thin film functional materials.
Structural Analysis of Uranyl Complexation by the EF‐Hand Motif of Calmodulin: Effect of Phosphorylation
Authors: Sauge‐Merle Sandrine , Brulfert Florian , Pardoux Romain , Solari Pier Lorenzo , Lemaire David , Safi Samir , Guilbaud Philippe , Simoni Eric , Merroun Mohamed Larbi , Berthomieu Catherine
Published: September 2017

Better understanding of uranyl–protein interactions is a prerequisite to predict uranium chemical toxicity in cells. The EF‐hand motif of the calmodulin site I is about thousand times more affine for uranyl than for calcium, and threonine phosphorylation increases the uranyl affinity by two orders of magnitude at pH 7. In this study, we confront X‐ray absorption spectroscopy with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, time‐resolved laser‐induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS), and structural models obtained by molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the uranyl coordination in the native and phosphorylated calmodulin site I. For the native site I, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data evidence a short U−Oeq distance, in addition to distances compatible with mono‐ and bidentate coordination by carboxylate groups. Further analysis of uranyl speciation by TRLFS and thorough investigation of the fluorescence decay kinetics strongly support the presence of a hydroxide uranyl ligand. For a phosphorylated site I, the EXAFS and FTIR data support a monodentate uranyl coordination by the phosphoryl group and strong interaction with mono‐ and bidentate carboxylate ligands. This study confirms the important role of a phosphoryl ligand in the stability of uranyl–protein interactions. By evidencing a hydroxide uranyl ligand in calmodulin site I, this study also highlights the possible role of less studied ligands as water or hydroxide ions in the stability of protein–uranyl complexes.
Synthesis and Reactivity of a Scandium Terminal Hydride: H2 Activation by a Scandium Terminal Imido Complex
Authors: Han Xianghao , Xiang Li , Lamsfus Carlos A. , Mao Weiqing , Lu Erli , Maron Laurent , Leng Xuebing , Chen Yaofeng
Published: September 2017

Dihydrogen is easily activated by a scandium terminal imido complex containing the weakly coordinated THF. The reaction proceeds through a 1,2‐addition mechanism, which is distinct from the σ‐bond metathesis mechanism reported to date for rare‐earth metal‐mediated H2 activation. This reaction yields a scandium terminal hydride, which is structurally well‐characterized, being the first one to date. The reactivity of this hydride is reported with unsaturated substrates, further shedding light on the existence of the terminal hydride complex. Interestingly, the H2 activation can be reversible. DFT investigations further eludciate the mechanistic aspects of the reactivity of the scandium anilido‐terminal hydride complex with PhNCS but also on the reversible H2 activation process.
Utility of Jatropha for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals and Emerging Contaminants of Water Resources: A Review
Authors: Kamusoko Reckson , Jingura Raphael M.
Published: September 2017

Contamination of water resources by organic and inorganic pollutants emitted from industrial and non‐industrial activities is a global concern. The availability of toxic pollutants in high concentrations may be lethal to humans and the natural ecosystem. Established technologies that range from biological to chemical methods are available to ameliorate polluted environments. Traditional remediation technologies including physical, chemical, and thermal processes have several drawbacks. The key point is that the fate of most of their products is not known. Recently, phytoremediation has gathered momentum and has attracted the interest of many scientists. It has more advantages than traditional methods. Phytoremediation uses plant mechanisms to remodel contaminated environments. The technologies include phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, phytostabilization, phytodegradation, and phytovolatization. These approaches differ in purposes and goals, which can be remediation, detoxification, management of water movement, and leaching of contaminants, containment, and stabilization. Jatropha has now emerged as a plant that can be exploited for phytoremediation. The plant is able to survive on degraded land, often poor and fragile soils. Jatropha has the ability to facilitate sequestration, uptake, translocation, and detoxification of pollutants. The objective of this paper is to provide a review of the utility of Jatropha for phytoremediation of heavy metals and emerging contaminants. Phytoremediation is a new area undergoing extensive scientific research and development. Thus, amalgamation of trends in research and development is essential in order to shape and guide future work.
Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation by MnOx/C: In Situ Catalyst Formation, Carbon Substrate Variations, and Direct O2/CO2 Monitoring by Membrane‐Inlet Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Melder Jens , Kwong Wai Ling , Shevela Dmitriy , Messinger Johannes , Kurz Philipp
Published: September 2017

Layers of amorphous manganese oxides were directly formed on the surfaces of different carbon materials by exposing the carbon to aqueous solutions of permanganate (MnO4−) followed by sintering at 100–400 °C. During electrochemical measurements in neutral aqueous buffer, nearly all of the MnOx/C electrodes show significant oxidation currents at potentials relevant for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, by combining electrolysis with product detection by using mass spectrometry, it was found that these currents were only strictly linked to water oxidation if MnOx was deposited on graphitic carbon materials (faradaic O2 yields >90 %). On the contrary, supports containing sp3‐C were found to be unsuitable as the OER is accompanied by carbon corrosion to CO2. Thus, choosing the “right” carbon material is crucial for the preparation of stable and efficient MnOx/C anodes for water oxidation catalysis. For MnOx on graphitic substrates, current densities of >1 mA cm−2 at η=540 mV could be maintained for at least 16 h of continuous operation at pH 7 (very good values for electrodes containing only abundant elements such as C, O, and Mn) and post‐operando measurements proved the integrity of both the catalyst coating and the underlying carbon at OER conditions.
Anodic Dissolution of Al Current Collectors in Unconventional Solvents for High Voltage Electrochemical Double‐Layer Capacitors
Authors: Krummacher Jakob , Heß Lars‐Henning , Balducci Andrea.
Published: September 2017

This study investigated the anodic dissolution of Al current collectors in unconventional electrolytes for high voltage electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) containing adiponitrile (ADN), 3‐cyanopropionic acid methyl ester (CPAME), 2‐methyl‐glutaronitrile (2‐MGN) as solvent, and tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (Et4NBF4) and tetraethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Et4NTFSI) as conductive salts. To have a comparison with the state‐of‐the‐art electrolytes, the same salts were also used in combination with acetonitrile (ACN). The chemical–physical properties of the electrolytes were investigated. Furthermore, their impact on the anodic dissolution of Al was analyzed in detail as well as the influence of this process on the performance of high voltage EDLCs. The results of this study indicated that in the case of Et4NBF4‐based electrolytes, the use of an alternative solvent is very beneficial for the realization of stable devices. When Et4NTFSI is used, the reduced solubility of the complex Al(TFSI)3 appears to be the key for the realization of advanced electrolytes.
Improvement of Electrochemical Water Oxidation by Fine‐Tuning the Structure of Tetradentate N4 Ligands of Molecular Copper Catalysts
Authors: Shen Junyu , Wang Mei , Gao Jinsuo , Han Hongxian , Liu Hong , Sun Licheng
Published: September 2017

Two copper complexes, [(L1)Cu(OH2)](BF4)2 [1; L1=N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1,2‐diaminoethane] and [(L2)Cu(OH2)](BF4)2 [2, L2=2,7‐bis(2‐pyridyl)‐3,6‐diaza‐2,6‐octadiene], were prepared as molecular water oxidation catalysts. Complex 1 displayed an overpotential (η) of 1.07 V at 1 mA cm−2 and an observed rate constant (kobs) of 13.5 s−1 at η 1.0 V in pH 9.0 phosphate buffer solution, whereas 2 exhibited a significantly smaller η (0.70 V) to reach 1 mA cm−2 and a higher kobs (50.4 s−1) than 1 under identical test conditions. Additionally, 2 displayed better stability than 1 in controlled potential electrolysis experiments with a faradaic efficiency of 94 % for O2 evolution at 1.58 V, when a casing tube was used for the Pt cathode. A possible mechanism for 1‐ and 2‐catalyzed O2 evolution reactions is discussed based on the experimental evidence. These comparative results indicate that fine‐tuning the structures of tetradentate N4 ligands can bring about significant change in the performance of copper complexes for electrochemical water oxidation.
Hybrid Deep Eutectic Solvents with Flexible Hydrogen‐Bonded Supramolecular Networks for Highly Efficient Uptake of NH3
Authors: Li Yuhui , Ali Mohammad Chand , Yang Qiwei , Zhang Zhiguo , Bao Zongbi , Su Baogen , Xing Huabin , Ren Qilong
Published: September 2017

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Qiwei Yang at the Zhejiang University. The image shows the effective capture of NH3 molecules by hybrid deep eutectic solvents comprising choline chloride, resorcinol, and glycerol. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201701135.
Lung metastases of a uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex‐cord tumor: Report of a rare case
Authors: Kondo Yasuto , Sakaguchi Shinobu , Mikubo Masashi , Naito Masahito , Shiomi Kazu , Ohbu Makoto , Satoh Yukitoshi
Published: September 2017

Uterine tumor resembling an ovarian sex‐cord tumor (UTROSCT) is a rare type of uterine neoplasm. We present an extremely rare case of lung metastases from a UTROSCT focusing on the cytologic features. A 69‐year‐old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital for further examination and treatment for abnormal shadows in the right lung field. She had a history of total hysterectomy for UTROSCT. Moreover, she underwent wedge resection of the right middle lobe for lung metastasis of UTROSCT in 2011. Enhanced chest computed tomography scan revealed a solid nodule 8 mm in diameter in the right upper lobe and a well‐demarcated 33‐mm mass or nodule in the lower lobe. Under the diagnosis of metastatic tumors from UTROSCT, she underwent wedge resection of the right upper lobe and segmentectomy of the right S8. Cytologically, the stump smear from the resected tumors revealed round to short spindle‐shaped neoplastic small cells arranged in sheets with poor cohesion and no cluster formation. The nuclei were irregular in shape, and the chromatin was finely granular, uniform, and increased. Mitotic figures were not observed. Necrosis was absent in the background. Histologically, the final diagnosis was UTROSCT group II. This is an unusual case of metastatic UTROSCT to the lung in which the cytologic features are described.
Deciphering the enigma of undetected species, phylogenetic, and functional diversity based on Good‐Turing theory
Authors: Chao Anne , Chiu Chun‐Huo , Colwell Robert K. , Magnago Luiz Fernando S. , Chazdon Robin L. , Gotelli Nicholas J.
Published: September 2017

Estimating the species, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of a community is challenging because rare species are often undetected, even with intensive sampling. The Good‐Turing frequency formula, originally developed for cryptography, estimates in an ecological context the true frequencies of rare species in a single assemblage based on an incomplete sample of individuals. Until now, this formula has never been used to estimate undetected species, phylogenetic, and functional diversity. Here, we first generalize the Good‐Turing formula to incomplete sampling of two assemblages. The original formula and its two‐assemblage generalization provide a novel and unified approach to notation, terminology, and estimation of undetected biological diversity. For species richness, the Good‐Turing framework offers an intuitive way to derive the non‐parametric estimators of the undetected species richness in a single assemblage, and of the undetected species shared between two assemblages. For phylogenetic diversity, the unified approach leads to an estimator of the undetected Faith's phylogenetic diversity (PD, the total length of undetected branches of a phylogenetic tree connecting all species), as well as a new estimator of undetected PD shared between two phylogenetic trees. For functional diversity based on species traits, the unified approach yields a new estimator of undetected Walker et al.'s functional attribute diversity (FAD, the total species‐pairwise functional distance) in a single assemblage, as well as a new estimator of undetected FAD shared between two assemblages. Although some of the resulting estimators have been previously published (but derived with traditional mathematical inequalities), all taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity estimators are now derived under the same framework. All the derived estimators are theoretically lower bounds of the corresponding undetected diversities; our approach reveals the sufficient conditions under which the estimators are nearly unbiased, thus offering new insights. Simulation results are reported to numerically verify the performance of the derived estimators. We illustrate all estimators and assess their sampling uncertainty with an empirical dataset for Brazilian rain forest trees. These estimators should be widely applicable to many current problems in ecology, such as the effects of climate change on spatial and temporal beta diversity and the contribution of trait diversity to ecosystem multi‐functionality.
Increased consumer density reduces the strength of neighborhood effects in a model system
Authors: Merwin Andrew C. , Underwood Nora , Inouye Brian D.
Published: September 2017

An individual's susceptibility to attack can be influenced by conspecific and heterospecifics neighbors. Predicting how these neighborhood effects contribute to population‐level processes such as competition and evolution requires an understanding of how the strength of neighborhood effects is modified by changes in the abundances of both consumers and neighboring resource species. We show for the first time that consumer density can interact with the density and frequency of neighboring organisms to determine the magnitude of neighborhood effects. We used the bean beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, and two of its host beans, Vigna unguiculata and V. radiata, to perform a response‐surface experiment with a range of resource densities and three consumer densities. At low beetle density, damage to beans was reduced with increasing conspecific density (i.e., resource dilution) and damage to the less preferred host, V. unguiculata, was reduced with increasing V. radiata frequency (i.e., frequency‐dependent associational resistance). As beetle density increased, however, neighborhood effects were reduced; at the highest beetle densities neither focal nor neighboring resource density nor frequency influenced damage. These findings illustrate the importance of consumer density in mediating indirect effects among resources, and suggest that accounting for consumer density may improve our ability to predict population‐level outcomes of neighborhood effects and our use of them in applications such as mixed‐crop pest management.
Diagnostic utility of cardiac troponin T level in patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Takashio Seiji , Yamamuro Megumi , Izumiya Yasuhiro , Hirakawa Kyoko , Marume Kyohei , Yamamoto Masahiro , Ueda Mitsuharu , Yamashita Taro , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Yasuda Satoshi , Ogawa Hisao , Ando Yukio , Anzai Toshihisa , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: September 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) levels in discriminating cardiac amyloidosis from patients with cardiac hypertrophy caused by aetiologies other than cardiac amyloidosis.

Methods and results

Serum hs‐cTnT levels were measured in 96 patients with cardiac amyloidosis (light chain: 23, wild‐type transthyretin amyloidosis: 40, and mutated transthyretin amyloidosis: 33), and 91 patients with other causes of cardiac hypertrophy who were confirmed to have no cardiac amyloidosis by endomyocardial biopsy (control group). The diagnostic utility and cut‐off value of hs‐cTnT were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The median hs‐cTnT levels were higher in cardiac amyloidosis than the control group [0.048 (0.029–0.073) vs. 0.016 (0.010–0.031) ng/mL; P < 0.001]. High levels of hs‐cTnT were suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis (cut‐off value: 0.0312 ng/mL, sensitivity: 0.74, specificity: 0.76, area under the curve: 0.788; 95% confidence interval: 0.723–0.854, P < 0.001), compared with brain natriuretic peptide and E/e′ ratio. The hs‐cTnT levels were also useful in differentiating each type of amyloidosis from the control group. Multivariate analysis identified log hs‐cTnT as an independent diagnostic factor for cardiac amyloidosis (odds ratio: 2.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.30–3.80; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

High serum levels of hs‐cTnT are highly suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis, allowing its differentiation from cardiac hypertrophy of other aetiologies. Further refined diagnostic approaches that include imaging modalities and histopathological examination are needed for these patients to avoid underdiagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.
Renin–angiotensin blockade in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Fonarow Gregg C. , Khan Hassan , Greene Stephen J. , Anker Stefan D. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Butler Javed
Published: September 2017

Studies with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have yielded inconsistent results. To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of all evidence for ACE‐I and ARBs in patients with HFpEF, we searched PubMed, Ovid SP, Embase, and Cochrane database to identify randomized trials and observational studies that compared ACE‐I or ARBs against placebo or standard therapy in HFpEF patients. Random‐effect models were used to pool the data, and I2 testing was performed to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. A total of 13 studies (treatment arm = 8676 and control arm = 8608) were analysed. Pooled analysis of randomized trials for ACE‐I and ARBs (n = 6) did not show any effect on all‐cause mortality [relative risk (RR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93–1.11, P = 0.68, I2 = 0%], while results from observational studies showed a significant improvement (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.87–0.95, P = 0.005, I2 = 81.5%). In pooled analyses of all studies, ACE‐I showed a reduction of all‐cause mortality (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.87–0.95, P = 0.01). There was no reduction in cardiovascular mortality seen, but in pooled analysis of randomized trials, there was a trend towards reduced HF hospitalization risk (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.83–1.01, I2 = 0%, P = 0.074). These data suggest that ACE‐I and ARBs may have a role in improving outcomes of patients with HFpEF, underscoring the need for future research with careful patient selection, and trial design and conduct.
Synthesis of trans‐Configured Enol Ethers by a Sequence of syn‐Selective Glycolate Aldol Addition, Hydrolysis, and Grob Fragmentation
Authors: Engesser Tobias , Brückner Reinhard
Published: September 2017

A trans‐selective access to enol ethers with a disubstituted C=C bond was developed. It consists of a diastereoselective glycolate aldol addition, a hydrolysis, and a Grob fragmentation. Aldol additions of N‐[(benzyloxy)acetyl]oxazolidinones furnished syn‐aldols selectively. Hydrolytic removal of the auxiliaries gave α‐benzyloxy‐β‐hydroxycarboxylic acids. Exposure to DMF dineopentylacetal induced Grob fragmentations, which delivered trans‐configured enol ethers. Applying our 3‐step sequence in a bidirectional synthesis led to bis(enol ethers) trans,trans‐selectively, i.e., to a motif rarely encountered in the literature. A modified precursor synthesis allowed for the first time to access both the E‐ and the Z‐isomer of an enol ether with a trisubstituted C=C bond stereoselectively using a Grob fragmentation route. The Ar–Br and C≡C–SiMe2tBu motifs of appropriate enol ethers engaged in follow‐up reactions via organometallics. These provided more elaborated enol ethers.
Exercise for the prevention of low back and pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shiri R. , Coggon D. , Falah‐Hassani K.
Published: September 2017

Background and objective

The effect of exercise in prevention of low back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy is uncertain. This study aimed to assess the effect of exercise on low back pain, pelvic girdle pain and associated sick leave.

Databases and data treatment

Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from their inception through May 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion in the review if they compared an exercise intervention with usual daily activities and at least some of the participants were free from low back pain and/or pelvic girdle pain at baseline. Methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed, and heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.

Results

Eleven randomized controlled trials (2347 pregnant women) qualified for meta‐analyses. Exercise reduced the risk of low back pain in pregnancy by 9% (pooled risk ratio (RR) = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.99, I2 = 0%, seven trials, N = 1175), whereas it had no protective effect on pelvic girdle pain (RR = 0.99, CI 0.81–1.21, I2 = 0%, four RCTs, N = 565) or lumbopelvic pain (RR = 0.96, CI 0.90–1.02, I2 = 0%, eight RCTs, N = 1737). Furthermore, exercise prevented new episodes of sick leave due to lumbopelvic pain (RR = 0.79, CI 0.64–0.99, I2 = 0%, three RCTs, N = 1168). There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

Exercise appears to reduce the risk of low back pain in pregnant women, and sick leave because of lumbopelvic pain, but there is no clear evidence for an effect on pelvic girdle pain.

Significance

Exercise has a small protective effect against low back pain during pregnancy.
A comparative analysis of human plasma and serum proteins by combining native PAGE, whole‐gel slicing and quantitative LC‐MS/MS: Utilizing native MS‐electropherograms in proteomic analysis for discovering structure and interaction‐correlated differences
Authors: Wen Meiling , Jin Ya , Manabe Takashi , Chen Shumin , Tan Wen
Published: September 2017

MS identification has long been used for PAGE‐separated protein bands, but global and systematic quantitation utilizing MS after PAGE has remained rare and not been reported for native PAGE. Here we reported on a new method combining native PAGE, whole‐gel slicing and quantitative LC‐MS/MS, aiming at comparative analysis on not only abundance, but also structures and interactions of proteins. A pair of human plasma and serum samples were used as test samples and separated on a native PAGE gel. Six lanes of each sample were cut, each lane was further sliced into thirty‐five 1.1 mm × 1.1 mm squares and all the squares were subjected to standardized procedures of in‐gel digestion and quantitative LC‐MS/MS. The results comprised 958 data rows that each contained abundance values of a protein detected in one square in eleven gel lanes (one plasma lane excluded). The data were evaluated to have satisfactory reproducibility of assignment and quantitation. Totally 315 proteins were assigned, with each protein assigned in 1–28 squares. The abundance distributions in the plasma and serum gel lanes were reconstructed for each protein, named as “native MS‐electropherograms”. Comparison of the electropherograms revealed significant plasma‐versus‐serum differences on 33 proteins in 87 squares (fold difference > 2 or < 0.5, p < 0.05). Many of the differences matched with accumulated knowledge on protein interactions and proteolysis involved in blood coagulation, complement and wound healing processes. We expect this method would be useful to provide more comprehensive information in comparative proteomic analysis, on both quantities and structures/interactions.
Resilience of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier Based Energy‐Storage Systems
Authors: Rüde Timo , Bösmann Andreas , Preuster Patrick , Wasserscheid Peter , Arlt Wolfgang , Müller Karsten
Published: September 2017

The reliability of energy storage by using a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) was evaluated. LOHC systems consist of a number of components and can be divided into two different strands for charging and discharging. This is important in terms of system reliability, because most potential causes of failure only lead to partial loss of functionality. The different components are discussed in terms of the respective causes of the failure, consequences, mitigation, and recovery strategies to draw a conclusion on the resilience of the system. On the basis of the probability of different failures and the mean times to repair, the availability of LOHC systems could be estimated quantitatively. The mean times for main relevant failure causes ranged from 4000 to 60 000 h. It was calculated that full functionality and partial functionality could be provided for more than 97 and approximately 98 % of the operational times, respectively.
Comments on: Spatiotemporal models for skewed processes
Authors: Genton Marc G. , Hering Amanda S.
Published: September 2017

We would first like to thank the authors for this paper that highlights the important problem of building models for non‐Gaussian space‐time processes. We will hereafter refer to the paper as SGV, and we also would like to acknowledge and thank them for providing us with the temporally detrended temperatures, plotted in their Figure 1, along with the coordinates of the twenty‐one locations and the posterior means of the parameters for the MA1 model. We find much of interest to discuss in this paper, and as we progress through points of interest, we pose some questions to the authors that we hope they will be able to address.
“Just Call Me a Desert Researcher”
Authors: Heimlich Rüdiger
Published: September 2017

Whether in documentary films, exhibitions, talks or articles, for decades the Cologne‐based geologist and climate scientist Stefan Kröpelin has been popularising the history, landscapes and people of the Sahara. As a field researcher and in many ways a “science ambassador”, the DFG and the Stifterverband have chosen him as the recipient of this year's Communicator Award.
Hibernators on Madagascar
Authors: Dausmann Kathrin H.
Published: September 2017

In our latitudes, we are familiar with mammals who spend the less hospitable season of the year in dens, but it has come as some surprise to discover that dwarf lemurs in the tropics do the same. New studies show that thanks to their special thermoregulation strategies, they can adapt even more flexibly to the climate, habitats and sleeping sites.
When the Land Turns Green
Authors: Boy Jens , Mikutta Robert , Guggenberger Georg
Published: September 2017

For millennia, warming and glacial retreat have been creating new land in Antarctica. A network of soil scientists, algae researchers and molecular geneticists is studying this process as it continues to be advanced by climate change. The process reveals how bare rock is transformed into fertile ground through the coevolution of plants and soil, providing a model for the whole Earth ecosystem.
The adoption of chief diversity officers among S&P 500 firms: Institutional, resource dependence, and upper echelons accounts
Authors: Shi Wei , Pathak Seemantini , Song Lynda Jiwen , Hoskisson Robert E.
Published: September 2017

The importance of workforce diversity has become a salient management concern given that demographic minorities comprise key sources of the workforce and consumers. As a result, some firms created chief diversity officer (CDO) positions to manage workforce diversity. This study takes a multitheoretic approach, drawing upon institutional, resource dependence, and upper echelons theories to explain firms' adoptions of this key position. Using Cox event history analyses based on a sample of S&P 500 firms, we find that, from an institutional theory perspective, firms are more likely to adopt CDOs when they are headquartered in legalized gay marriage states and the accumulative number of industry CDO adoptions is high. From a resource dependence perspective, we find that firm innovation intensity, diversification levels, transient institutional ownership, and industry female and African American employment bases can predict firms' adoptions of CDO positions. From an upper echelons explanation, we find that female top management team representation is positively associated with firms' adoptions of CDO positions.
Reading and Writing as Scientists? Text Genres and Literacy Practices in Girls’ Middle‐Grade Science
Authors: Faller S. Elisabeth
Published: September 2017

Science teachers are often charged with providing discipline‐specific literacy instruction. However, little is known about the reading and writing genres, or text types, typically found in these classrooms. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge about what opportunities adolescents have to engage with the genres privileged in science to learn the discipline's specialized ways of making meaning and communicating knowledge. This article reports on a case study of the reading and writing genres found within four middle‐grade science classrooms in one small all‐female school. Results suggest that although a variety of text genres were present, there was little discussion of how and why science content was presented in particular ways. Notably, students also had far more opportunities to read than write extended nonfiction. Teachers can cultivate a more reciprocal relation between reading and writing in science by using genres that students read as models for their writing.
Optimization of spark plasma sintered titania for potential application as a keratoprosthesis skirt
Authors: Li Zhong , Yam Gary Hin‐Fai , Thompson Brianna C. , Setiawan Melina , Goh Gwendoline Tze Wei , Tan Donald , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Khor Khiam Aik
Published: September 2017

The manufacture of mechanically strong and biocompatible titania (TiO2) materials is of vital importance for their application as corneal implant skirts. This study was aimed at optimizing the selection of raw powder and sintering conditions for TiO2 ceramics. TiO2 compacts were synthesized from five raw powders, denoted as Altair, Inframat, Alfa, Materion, and Amperit, respectively, by spark plasma sintering using different sintering parameters. The XRD and Raman results confirmed that the anatase TiO2 phase in the Inframat powder had converted completely to rutile TiO2 phase after sintering at 900°C and above. The nanoindentation results indicated that among the five types of TiO2 samples sintered at 1100°C, the Inframat pellets possessed the highest Young's modulus and hardness. Additionally, when Materion samples were employed to study the effects of SPS parameters, a higher sintering temperature in the range of 1100–1300°C decreased the mechanical properties of sintered pellets probably due to the generation of more structural defects. Culture of human corneal stromal fibroblasts on the sintered sample surfaces showed that comparably high cell viability and proliferation were observed on all TiO2 samples except Amperit compared to positive control. Furthermore, cells cultured on Inframat TiO2 sintered in the temperature range of 900–1300°C exhibited viability and formation of focal adhesion complex similar to those on control, and those prepared at 1100°C had significantly higher cell proliferation indices than control. In conclusion, Inframat TiO2 consolidated at 1100°C by SPS was the best formulation for the preparation of mechanically strong and biocompatible Keratoprosthesis skirt. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3502–3513, 2017.
SPIO‐Au core–shell nanoparticles for promoting osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells: Concentration‐dependence study
Authors: Yuan Muzhaozi , Wang Ya , Qin Yi‐Xian
Published: September 2017

This work aims to explore the concentration‐dependence of SPIO‐Au core–shell nanoscale particles (NPs) (17.3 ± 1.2 nm in diameter) on biocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells. The stability of NPs was first investigated by UV–vis absorption spectra and zeta potential measurement. Then concentration effects of NPs (1–80 μg/mL) were evaluated on viability, morphology, proliferation, cellular uptake, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity levels. Results have shown strong stability and no acute toxicity (viability > 93%) or morphological difference at all concentration levels of NPs. The proliferation results indicated that the concentration of NPs below 40 μg/mL does not affect the cell proliferation for 7 days of incubation. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed the successful internalization of NPs into MC3T3‐E1 cells and the dose‐dependent accumulation of NPs inside the cytoplasm. The ALP level of MC3T3‐E1 cells was improved by 49% (of control) after treated with NPs at 10 μg/mL for 10 days, indicating their positive effect on early osteogenic differentiation. This study confirmed the excellent biocompatibility of SPIO‐Au NPs and their great potential for promoting osteogenic differentiation and promised the future application for these NPs in bone engineering including drug delivery, cell labeling, and activity tracking within scaffolds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3350–3359, 2017.
In vitrobasic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) delivery using an antithrombogenic 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer coated with a micropatterned diamond‐like carbon (DLC) film
Authors: Bito Kenta , Hasebe Terumitsu , Maegawa Shunto , Maeda Tomoki , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Suzuki Tetsuya , Hotta Atsushi
Published: September 2017

In this study, a newly designed drug‐release platform composed of an antithrombogenic 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer was introduced, which was impregnated with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) (bFGF/MPC polymer) to enhance the endothelial cell activation. The platform was also coated with an ultrathin micropatterned diamond‐like carbon (DLC) film (DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer) to precisely control the drug release rate and the cell compatibility. The resulting DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer could effectively prolong the bFGF release rate by depositing the micropatterned DLC. The number of adherent platelets on the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer was significantly lower (about 1/14) than that on a currently used stent made of stainless steel (SUS316L), indicating the enhanced antithrombogenicity in the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer. The proliferation of endothelial cells on the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer and the DLC/MPC polymer (without bFGF) were also examined. It was found that the optical density of HUVEC on the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer determined by WST‐8 assay was higher by 25%than that on the DLC/MPC polymer (without bFGF) measured after 72 h of incubation. Our results suggest that the released bFGF that contributes to the expression of other growth factors results in the early proliferation of the HUVEC on the DLC/bFGF/MPC polymer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3384–3391, 2017.
Synthesis and Fluorescent Properties of Tetra‐Biphenyl N‐Substituted Phthalimides
Authors: Huang Sheng‐Han , Shih Yu‐Wei , Lin Yan‐Liang , Yang Te‐Fang
Published: September 2017

A series of tetra(biphenyl‐4‐yl)phthalimide (TBPPI) derivatives with different N‐substituents (n‐butyl, phenyl, p‐methyl phenyl, and p‐acetyl phenyl moieties for compounds 7–10, respectively) were prepared to examine their fluorescent behavior under various conditions. The chemical structure of compound 7 has been successfully confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra in different ratios of CH2Cl2/EtOH mixture solutions revealed that compounds 7 and 8 exhibited both aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) behaviors, while compounds 9 and 10 displayed AIE and aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties, respectively.
Enhanced adsorption behavior of 17β‐estradiol by anaerobic granular sludge combined with zero‐valent iron
Authors: Zhao Bai‐Hang , Chen Jie , Zhai Jie‐Yi , Bian Wei , Zhang Jing , Wang Zhan‐Zhao , Li Yun , Li Jun
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The release of natural estrogen 17 β‐estradiol (E2) to the aquatic environment is a matter of concern. Batch experiments were conducted to study the adsorption of E2 by anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS) combined with zero‐valent iron (ZVI). The enhancement mechanism of ZVI for E2 adsorption by AnGS was also analyzed.

RESULTS

The E2 adsorption efficiency of AnGs with ZVI was 48% higher than that without ZVI. The optimal conditions for high E2 adsorption efficiency (92.21%) and high equilibrium adsorption capacity (4.92 µg g‐1 VSS) were rZVI/AnGS 1.33, pH 6, and temperature 25°C. E2 adsorption by ZVI/AnGS was a spontaneous and exothermic process, well described by the Freundlich isotherm.

CONCLUSION

The addition of a suitable amount of ZVI enhanced E2 adsorption by AnGS. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Titanium dioxide‐coated biochar composites as adsorptive and photocatalytic degradation materials for the removal of aqueous organic pollutants
Authors: Cai Xiaoxi , Li Jiang , Liu Yunguo , Yan Zhili , Tan Xiaofei , Liu Shaobo , Zeng Guangming , Gu Yanling , Hu Xinjiang , Jiang Luhua
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

This article reports the synthesis and characterisation of titanium dioxide‐coated biochar composites (TBCs) by pyrolysing titanium dioxide‐treated biomass prepared by a modified sol–gel method. Their adsorptive and photocatalytic activities were evaluated based on the removal of safranine T (ST) from an aqueous solution with/without UV‐light irradiation.

RESULTS

Characterisation studies suggested that TiO2 was successfully loaded on the biochar substrate. The biochar and TiO2 contents of the composite significantly affected its performance. The ST removal capabilities of the TBCs with 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 g of the biomass are 1.7, 2.3, 7.2, and 2.3 times better than that of the raw biochar, respectively. Thus, the optimum amount of biomass in TBC‐x was determined to be 2 g, with the corresponding sample exhibiting excellent stability, effectiveness over a wide pH range, and a maximum ST removal capacity of 226.7 mg g‐1.

CONCLUSION

The loading of TiO2 significantly enhanced the adsorption performance of biochar and the high specific surface area of the biochar synergistically promoted the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. Both adsorption and photocatalytic degradation were confirmed to contribute to the decolourisation of the aqueous solution because of the removal of ST, with the effect of adsorption being slightly higher than that of photocatalysis. The synthesised composite is a promising alternative material for removing chemical contaminants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dogs don't always prefer their owners and can quickly form strong preferences for certain strangers over others.
Authors: Feuerbacher Erica N. , Wynne Clive D. L.
Published: September 2017

The unique relationship between dog and owner has been demonstrated in several experimental procedures, including tests in which dogs are left alone or with a stranger, tests of dogs’ appeasement or social approach when petted by their owner or a stranger, and their ability to learn when taught by their owner or a stranger. In all cases, dogs responded differently to their owner, which has been referred to as a specific attachment, and likely a product of a prolonged history of reinforcement. In the current study, we used a concurrent choice paradigm in which dogs could interact with two people, both of whom provided the same petting interaction, to test whether owned dogs would prefer their owner over a stranger and whether the familiarity of the testing context would influence preference. We also investigated whether shelter and owned dogs tested with two strangers would show a preference between strangers and whether that preference would be similar in magnitude to any preference between the owner and stranger. Owned dogs preferred to interact with their owners when in an unfamiliar context, but allocated more time to the stranger in a familiar context. Both shelter and owned dogs tested with two strangers showed a magnitude of preference for one stranger over the other similar to owned dogs’ preference for owners in an unfamiliar context. These results parallel what has been found in strange situation tests with owned dogs tested with their owners, but the strength of preference shown for one of two strangers indicates dogs can form a preference for one person quickly.
The effects of potassium and muscle homogenate on proprioceptive responses in crayfish and crab
Authors: Malloy Cole , Dayaram Viresh , Martha Sarah , Alvarez Brenda , Chukwudolue Ikenna , Dabbain Nadera , mahmood Dlovan D. , Goleva Slavina , Hickey Tori , Ho Angel , King Molly , Kington Paige , Mattingly Matthew , Potter Samuel , Simpson Landon , Spence Amanda , Uradu Henry , Van Doorn Jacob , Weineck Kristin , Cooper Robin L.
Published: September 2017

Proprioception of limbs and joints is a basic sensory function throughout most of the animal kingdom. It is important to understand how proprioceptive organs and the associated sensory neurons function with altered environments such as increased potassium ion concentrations ([K+]) from diseased states, ionic imbalances, and damaged tissues. These factors can drastically alter neuronal activity. To assess this matter, we used the chordotonal organ in a walking leg of a blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and the muscle receptor organ of the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). These organs serve as tractable models for the analysis of proprioception. The preparations can help serve as translational models for these effects, which may be observed in other invertebrate species as well as mammalian species (including humans). When extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o) is increased to 20 mM in both preparations, mixed results are observed with activity increasing in some preparations and decreasing in others after mechanical displacement. However, when [K+]o is increased to 40 mM, activity drastically decreases in all preparations. Additionally, proprioceptor sensory activity declines upon exposure to a diluted muscle homogenate, which contains a host of intracellular constituents. The robust effects of altered [K+] on proprioception in these models illuminate the potential detriments on neuronal function in cases of severe tissue damage as well as altered [K+]o.
Controlled‐release urea decreased ammonia volatilization and increased nitrogen use efficiency of cotton
Authors: Tian Xiaofei , Geng Jibiao , Guo Yanle , Li Chengliang , Zhang Min , Chen Jianqiu
Published: September 2017

Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer input leads to higher N loss via ammonia (NH3) volatilization. Controlled‐release urea (CRU) was expected to reduce emission losses of N. An incubation and a plant growth experiment with Gossypium hirsutum L. were conducted with urea and CRU (a fertilizer mixture of polymer‐coating sulfur‐coated urea and polymer‐coated urea with N ratios of 5 : 5) under six levels of N fertilization rates, which were 0% (0 mg N kg−1 soil), 50% (110 mg N kg−1 soil), 75% (165 mg N kg−1 soil), 100% (220 mg N kg−1 soil), 125% (275 mg N kg−1 soil), and 150% (330 mg N kg−1 soil) of the recommended N fertilizer rate. For each type of N fertilizer, the NH3 volatilization, cotton yield, and N uptake increased with the rate of N application, while N use efficiency reached a threshold and decreased when N application rates of urea and CRU exceeded 238.7 and 209.3 mg N kg−1 soil, respectively. Ammonia volatilization was reduced by 65–105% with CRU in comparison to urea treatments. The N release characteristic of CRU corresponded well to the N requirements of cotton growth. Soil inorganic N contents, leaf SPAD values, and net photosynthetic rates were increased by CRU application, particularly from the full bloom stage to the initial boll‐opening stage. As a result, CRU treatments achieved significantly higher lint yield by 7–30%, and the N use efficiency of CRU treatments was increased by 25–124% relative to that of urea treatments. These results suggest that the application of CRU could be widely used for cotton production with higher N use efficiency and lower NH3 volatilization.
A heterogeneous potassium supply enhances the leaf potassium concentration of ridge‐cultivated tobacco grown in calcareous soil
Authors: Lu Dianjun , Huan Weiwei , Yan Taotao , Wang Yiliu , Jiang Chaoqiang , Zhang Xiang , Chen Xiaoqin , Wang Huoyan , Zu Chaolong , Zhou Jianmin
Published: September 2017

The high potassium (K)‐fixing capacity of calcareous soils with homogeneous K supply limits crop K concentration. The objective of this study was to determine the increase in the leaf K concentration of tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum L.) with a heterogeneous K supply. Two field experiments were conducted from 2013 to 2015 with five K rates applied in homogeneous environments and one K rate applied in varying fractions of soil volume (from 0% to 100%) in heterogeneous environments. Under ridge culture, leaf biomass was not significantly affected by homogeneous (K rate) or heterogeneous (patch size) K management. Under homogeneous conditions, increasing the K supply to three times the standard rate used by farmers (249 kg K ha−1) increased leaf K concentration significantly, but the effect was limited and not cost‐effective. Heterogeneous supply of K fertilizer at the standard K rate in patches of 0–40% of soil volume outperformed homogeneous K supply in terms of leaf K concentrations. Furthermore, K fertilizer mixed in intermediate soil volume fractions of 1–20% resulted in higher leaf K concentrations than the smallest (0%) and larger (30–40%) soil fractions. However, such K‐rich patch application should be managed precisely with specific placement due to the sharp reduction in available K with increasing distance from the fertilizer. To maximize the sorption of immobile K, the match between the uptake volume of the rhizosphere and the area available for K diffusion is important.