bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The beauty, logic and limitations of twin studies
Authors: Røysamb Espen , Tambs Kristian
Published: July 2016

During the last fifty years more than 2700 twin studies have been published, examining the etiology of ahigh number of traits. Twin studies enable investigation of both genetic and environmental effects, andthereby also examination of causal factors involved in human traits and disorders. The beauty of twinstudies resides in the potential of studying the unobserved by the logic of a design. The aim of this article isto outline central theoretical foundations and possible limitations, and to review selected key findings. Wedescribe the inherent fundamentals of the classic and extended twin designs. The logic of the main analyticapproaches is outlined, and the principles of univariate biometric modelling described. Next, we reviewdifferent multivariate models, including the Cholesky, correlated factors, common factor, common pathwayand phenotypic causality models. Additionally, the cotwin-control approach, representing a naturalexperimental design, and mimicking a counterfactual situation, is outlined. Central assumptions, threatsand limitations of the twin design are discussed. In particular, we address the issue of missing heritability,non-random mating, the equal environment assumption and gene-environment correlations. Finally, wereview some selected findings from the field of behavior genetics and twin studies.
Hereditary and environmental factors causing total joint replacement due to hip and knee osteoarthritis – a twin registry based prospective cohort study
Authors: Magnusson Karin , Hagen Kåre Birger
Published: July 2016

The relative contribution of genetic factors and more modifiable environmental factors to a clinicallyrelevant osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis is unkown. In this paper we present an ongoing study on the geneticcontribution to total joint replacement (TJR) due to hip and knee OA and effects of lifestyle and lifestylerelated conditions on TJR due to OA. We have linked data on incident OA from the Norwegian ArthroplastyRegistry were l with the Norwegian Twin Registry on the National ID number in 2014, thus obtaining apopulation based cohort of same-sex twins born 1915-60. Data on height, weight and lifestyle were selfreportededin questionnaires conducted between 1978 and 1992. The monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic(DZ) concordances as well as the genetic contribution vs. contribution of more modifiable, environmentalfactors to arthroplasty will be examined in separate analyses for the hip and the knee joint. The samplecomprised N=18058 twins (N=3803 MZ and N=5226 DZ pairs) including N=9650 (53.4%) females and amean (SD) age of 38 (12.3) years at questionnaire response. Some preliminary analyses have been performedshowing a higher concordance for TJR due to hip OA among MZ (0.36) than DZ twins (0.16), which maybe consistent with a genetic contribution to hip OA. TJR due to hip OA may be determined by geneticfactors. Results for the knee joint as well as final results from hereditary analyses and co-twin controlanalyses of will be published consecutively from 2016.
Utopian Studies in Portugal
Authors: Vieira Fátima
Published: July 2016

Although the idea of utopia has always been intertwined with both the concept of maritime space and the Portuguese “myth-history,” the Portuguese have never generated a truly utopian literary tradition. Still, close contact with French and English literature resulted in the production of some utopias and dystopias, which this article briefly describes. The article further explains how the funding model for academic research in Portugal has shaped the way the field of utopian studies has developed in the country.
Utopia: Brazilian Translations in Context
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Cláudia Romano
Published: July 2016

This article provides a general overview of the presence of utopia and utopian thought in Brazil. After a brief presentation of the research groups on utopia based in Brazilian universities, the reader will find some examples of the presence of the utopian ideal in political-social movements and in literature. Further on, the editions of Utopia translated into Brazilian Portuguese are reviewed, revealing much about the local history of book printing and translation. This article will eventually present the author's own project of translating More's Libellus aureus, which consists in trying to reproduce the stylistic features of the Latin text, such as word- and sound play, to reveal a manner of expression that is rarely preserved in translations but which is, nonetheless, highly significant.
The Hungarian Translations of Thomas More'sUtopia
Authors: Czigányik Zsolt
Published: July 2016

The first Hungarian translation of Utopia by Ferenc Kelen was published rather belatedly in 1910, followed by an abridged translation in 1941, by László Geréb. Two years later a new, precise but modern translation was prepared by Tibor Kardos. A shorter selection of More's original was also published in the fifties in András Bodor's translation. Until the 1963 edition of Kardos's translation, Utopia was presented as an important text in social philosophy, with detailed introductions, afterwords, and notes to the text. Recent editions usually place the emphasis on the literary qualities of the text. All the translations are based on the Latin version, usually the 1518 Frobenius (Basel) edition or Michels and Ziegler's 1895 critical edition. The presence of the paratext varies in the different translations: More's letter to Giles is usually translated, yet most of the other parerga are ignored. Recent editions are usually illustrated, with the illustrations often (but not always) based on the 1518 Frobenius edition. The absence of a Hungarian translation in the first four centuries after the first publication of More's Utopia is counterweighted by not fewer than eleven editions in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Review of Lower Extremity Traction in Current Orthopaedic Trauma
Authors: Matullo Kristofer S. , Gangavalli Anup , Nwachuku Chinenye
Published: July 2016

Although methods of traction for temporizing and definitive treatment of orthopaedic injuries are described in dated textbooks, current literature and recommendations on the use of skin and skeletal traction in orthopaedic trauma are lacking. Elaborate traction schemas have been described, but few of them have been retained in practice and even fewer have been supported by scientific data. Several options exist for traction modalities that involve the pelvis and lower extremities, including portable traction devices and traction pins.
The Effect of Oral Administration of Pistacia Atlantica Kurdica Gum on the Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in Patients with Dyspepsia: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Afrasiabian Hamidollah , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Nejati Mohammad Ali , Salehi Alireza
Published: July 2016

H. pylori infection is one of the most common infections in the world so that the aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial P. Atlantica Kurdica gum in the eradication of H. pylori. This study is a randomized clinical trial; Patients with positive Urea Breath Test and symptoms of dyspepsia were entered. Patients were randomly divided into four groups. Group A: three drugs including 500 mg of Amoxicillin twice a day (bd), Clarithromycin 500 mg bd and Omeprazole 20 mg (bd) and Group B: Group A drugs plus the capsule containing 1 g of powdered P. Atlantica Kurdica gum (bd). In Group C: the capsule containing 1 g of powdered P. Atlantica Kurdica gum (bd) and Group D: this group took placebo-containing capsule (bd) for 14 days respectively. Dyspeptic symptoms before and after healing period and the UBT results two days before the start of treatment and 30 days after the completion were compared in 4 groups. Patients were not statistically significant difference from each other in the four groups regarding the demographic situation. Moreover, H. pylori eradication rate was 19/24 in Group A, 18/24 in Group B, 10/23 in Group C and 2/24 in Group D. Relieving symptoms of dyspepsia in Groups B and C were significantly higher than in Group D (P=0.025 and p=0.006 respectively). P. Atlantica Kurdica significantly led to the treatment of dyspepsia symptoms and H. pylori eradication.
The Role of Community Partnership in Financial Supporting for Scientific Research
Authors: Abbood Rasha Harith , Neama Nagham H.
Published: July 2016

The scientific research is an effort for solving a problem either it is intellectual, scientific, or conceptual that would be solved through submitting such alternative situations or hypotheses which finally caused added value. This added value will serve many aspects of society either in agriculture productions, manufacture, serving products or even in the knowledge sector through obvious paving scientific ways.

This research focuses on the importance of community partnership for supporting the researches and development in researching institutes for serving their societies through developing its mini as well as medium sizes economical organizations, according to their great role in the national economy. It also focuses on such samples of community partnership and their main obstacles that faced through the scientific research.

Thus, this research depends on a methodology of “Societies development” comes on what are the expenses for scientific research? Here, it is enough to review the expense’s percentage of many developing countries to know the secret. Such as in Sweden, the expenses of scientific researches percentage was (3.013%), in Japan it was (3,013%), in USA it was (2.63%), in China it was (1.97%), and finally in South Africa it was (0.96%). While, unfortunately in Iraq there is no specific budget for scientific research.
Then, such processes have been suggested to encourage the small and medium size organizations to cooperate the researches institutes in development as well as researching sectors. In addition to that, media channels can play a great role in introducing the importance of scientific researches and knowledge and electing such untraditional channels to finance this community through adapting certain strategies of community partnership with private sector.
The Influence of Blockholders, Bondholders and Families on the Venturers’ Accounting Behavior
Authors: Catuogno Simona , Arena Claudia , Saggese Sara , Sarto Fabrizia
Published: July 2016

Relying on the opportunistic view of contracting theory, the paper explores the influence of blockholders, bondholders and families on the managerial accounting for interests in jointly controlled entities. In particular, it assumes that the equity method is an opportunistic accounting choice as it improves firm performance and induces managerial self-dealing rather than efficient contracting. The paper examines a sample of Italian listed companies holding interests in jointly controlled entities through a logistic regression analysis. Findings show that the family influence encourages the opportunistic choice of equity method, while the monitoring role played by blockholders and bondholders discourages the use of the performance-improving technique. The research contributes to the literature on contracting theory and corporate governance and has also practical implications for evaluating the appropriateness of IFRS 11.
Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy for Interstitial Lung Disease Diagnosis: A Perspective From Members of the Pulmonary Pathology Society
Authors: Raparia Kirtee , Aisner Dara L. , Allen Timothy Craig , Beasley Mary Beth , Borczuk Alain , Cagle Philip T. , Capelozzi Vera , Dacic Sanja , Hariri Lida P. , Kerr Keith M. , Lantuejoul Sylvie , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Rekhtman Natasha , Roden Anja C. , Roy-Chowdhuri Sinchita , Sholl Lynette , Smith Maxwell L. , Thunnissen Eric , Tsao Ming Sound , Yatabe Yasushi
Published: July 2016

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy involves using a cryoprobe rather than forceps to obtain a bronchoscopic biopsy. Recent studies have shown that transbronchial cryobiopsy provides a larger specimen than conventional transbronchial forceps biopsy, and that the interobserver agreement in the interpretation of cryobiopsy specimens is comparable to that of a surgical lung biopsy. This is encouraging, and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy clearly has a role in the workup and diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases. However, very few patients who have been studied underwent both transbronchial lung cryobiopsy and surgical lung biopsy, and the available data suggest that the diagnostic accuracy of cryobiopsy may not be similar to that of surgical lung biopsy. Further study is needed before transbronchial lung biopsy can be recommended as a replacement for surgical lung biopsy.
Using the Periscope Live Video-Streaming Application for Global Pathology Education: A Brief Introduction
Authors: Fuller Maren Y. , Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Gardner Jerad M.
Published: July 2016

Periscope is a live video-streaming smartphone application (app) that allows any individual with a smartphone to broadcast live video simultaneously to multiple smartphone users around the world. The aim of this review is to describe the potential of this emerging technology for global pathology education. To our knowledge, since the launch of the Periscope app (2015), only a handful of educational presentations by pathologists have been streamed as live video via Periscope. This review includes links to these initial attempts, a step-by-step guide for those interested in using the app for pathology education, and a summary of the pros and cons, including ethical/legal issues. We hope that pathologists will appreciate the potential of Periscope for sharing their knowledge, expertise, and research with a live (and potentially large) audience without the barriers associated with traditional video equipment and standard classroom/conference settings.
A survey of sow management at farrowing in the UK
Authors: Ison SH , Jarvis S , Rutherford KMD
Published: July 2016

Farrowing is an important period in pig production, with sow health and piglet mortality representing a welfare issue and an economic loss. Sow health and welfare is critical for piglet survival and good management can improve welfare and productivity. This study investigated the management of sows around farrowing and attitudes of UK pig farmers towards sow pain and difficulty farrowing. Farmers were asked how often they provided night checks, used farrowing induction and administered pharmaceutical products during and after farrowing. Farmers and veterinarians were asked if they used or prescribed anti-inflammatories for farrowing-related health issues. Farmers were asked if pain at farrowing was a problem for gilts and sows and what percentage they considered to have difficulty farrowing. Convenience sampling using a number of distribution methods was used. Sixty-one farmers and 52 veterinarians responded. Of the farmer respondents, ten worked on outdoor and 51 on indoor farms. Night checks were reported as frequently provided and farrowing induction was rare. Many respondents reported using oxytocin substitutes at least sometimes during (74%) or after (54%) farrowing. Azaperone was reported to be used at least sometimes by 45% of respondents during and 33% after farrowing. Farmers indicated that pain at farrowing was more often a problem for gilts than sows and 5% of gilts and 4% of sows were considered to have farrowing difficulty. The high level of supervision around farrowing, with the use of night checks, is encouraging and could improve welfare. Frequent use of oxytocin substitutes, which promote farrowing and milk let-down may negatively impact sow and piglet welfare and could be masking poor mothers that fail to perform well without intervention. This study provides interesting information regarding the management of sows around farrowing, which could inform future research and education to improve sow and piglet welfare in the periparturient period.
Calcium imaging with genetically encoded indicators in behaving primates
Authors: Seidemann Eyal , Chen Yuzhi , Bai Yoon , Chen Spencer C , Mehta Preeti , Kajs Bridget L , Geisler Wilson S , Zemelman Boris V
Published: July 2016

Understanding the neural basis of behaviour requires studying brain activity in behaving subjects using complementary techniques that measure neural responses at multiple spatial scales, and developing computational tools for understanding the mapping between these measurements. Here we report the first results of widefield imaging of genetically encoded calcium indicator (GCaMP6f) signals from V1 of behaving macaques. This technique provides a robust readout of visual population responses at the columnar scale over multiple mm2 and over several months. To determine the quantitative relation between the widefield GCaMP signals and the locally pooled spiking activity, we developed a computational model that sums the responses of V1 neurons characterized by prior single unit measurements. The measured tuning properties of the GCaMP signals to stimulus contrast, orientation and spatial position closely match the predictions of the model, suggesting that widefield GCaMP signals are linearly related to the summed local spiking activity.
Fast men slow more than fast women in a 10 kilometer road race
Authors: Deaner Robert O. , Addona Vittorio , Carter Rickey E. , Joyner Michael J. , Hunter Sandra K.
Published: July 2016

Background.Previous studies have demonstrated that men are more likely than women to slow in the marathon (footrace). This study investigated whether the sex difference in pacing occurs for a shorter race distance.

Materials &Methods.Data were acquired from the Bolder Boulder 10 km road race for the years 2008–2013, which encompassed 191,693 performances. There were two pacing measures, percentage change in pace of the first 3 miles relative to the final 3.2 miles and percentage change in pace of the first mile relative to the final 5.2 miles. Pacing was analyzed as a continuous variable and as two categorical variables, as follows: “maintain the pace,” defined as slowing <5% and “marked slowing,” defined as slowing ≥10%.

Results.Among the fastest (men< 48:40;women< 55:27) and second fastest (men< 53:54;women< 60:28) sex-specific finishing time sextiles, men slowed significantly more than women with both pacing measures, but there were no consistently significant sex differences in pacing among the slower four sextiles. For the fastest sextile, the odds for women were 1.96 (first pacing measure) and 1.36 (second measure) times greater than men to maintain the pace. For the fastest sextile, the odds for women were 0.46 (first measure) and 0.65 (second measure) times that of men to exhibit marked slowing. Multiple regression indicated that being older was associated with lesser slowing, but the sex difference among faster runners persisted when age was controlled.

Conclusions.There was a sex difference in pacing during a 10 km race where glycogen depletion is not typically relevant. These results support the hypothesis that the sex difference in pacing partly reflects a sex difference in decision making.
Emotional intelligence and depressive symptoms in Spanish institutionalized elders: does emotional self-efficacy act as a mediator?
Authors: Luque-Reca Octavio , Augusto-Landa José María , Pulido-Martos Manuel
Published: July 2016

Background.This work examines the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and depressive symptomatology in institutionalized older adults, delving into the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Considering that previous evidence of the variation of the EI-depression relationship depending on whether the emotional ability or the perception of that ability is evaluated, a model of multiple mediation was tested in which the dimensions of emotional self-efficacy (ESE) act as mediators in the relationship between ability EI and depressive symptomatology.

Methods.The sample consisted of 115 institutionalized older adults (47.82% women; 80.3 ± 7.9 years of age) from the province of Jaén (Spain) who completed a test of ESE, a measure of ability EI, and a self-administered questionnaire of depressive symptoms.

Results.The results showed a positive association between older adults’ emotional performance and depressive symptomatology, finding stronger associations with ESE than with EI abilities. In addition, multiple mediation analyses showed that two of the four dimensions of ESE fully mediated the relationship between ability EI and depressive symptoms.

Discussion.These findings suggest that older adults’ high levels of emotional competence generate a feeling of ESE which can protect them against depressive symptoms. This work supports the predictive validity of emotional abilities and ESE for the mental health of a group that is particularly vulnerable to depression, institutionalized older adults. The limitations of the work are discussed, and future lines of research were considered.
Impact of agricultural management on bacterial laccase-encoding genes with possible implications for soil carbon storage in semi-arid Mediterranean olive farming
Authors: Moreno Beatriz , Benitez Emilio
Published: July 2016

Background:In this work, we aimed to gain insights into the contribution of soil bacteria to carbon sequestration in Mediterranean habitats. In particular, we aimed to use bacterial laccase-encoding genes as molecular markers for soil organic C cycling. Using rainfed olive farming as an experimental model, we determined the stability and accumulation levels of humic substances and applied these data to bacterial laccase-encoding gene expression and diversity in soils under four different agricultural management systems (bare soils under tillage/no tillage and vegetation cover under chemical/mechanical management).

Materials and Methods:Humic C (> 104Da) was subjected to isoelectric focusing. The GC-MS method was used to analyze aromatic hydrocarbons. Real-Time PCR quantification and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) for functional bacterial laccase-like multicopper oxidase (LMCO)-encoding genes and transcripts were also carried out.

Results:Soils under spontaneous vegetation, eliminated in springtime using mechanical methods for more than 30 years, showed the highest humic acid levels as well as the largest bacterial population rich in laccase genes and transcripts. The structure of the bacterial community based on LMCO genes also pointed to phylogenetic differences between these soils due to the impact of different management systems. Soils where herbicides were used to eliminate spontaneous vegetation once a year and those where pre-emergence herbicides resulted in bare soils clustered together for DNA-based DGGE analysis, which indicated a certain amount of microbial selection due to the application of herbicides. When LMCO-encoding gene expression was studied, soils where cover vegetation was managed either with herbicides or with mechanical methods showed less than 10% similarity, suggesting that the type of weed management strategy used can impact weed community composition and consequently laccase substrates derived from vegetation decay.

Conclusions:We suggest that the low humic acid content retrieved in the herbicide-treated soils was mainly related to the type (due to vegetal cover specialization) and smaller quantity (due to lower vegetal biomass levels) of phenolic substrates for laccase enzymes involved in humification processes. We also found that spontaneous vegetal cover managed using mechanical methods could be the best option for achieving C stabilization in rainfed Mediterranean agroecosystems.
A mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant can inhibit peroxidase activity of cytochrome c by detachment of the protein from liposomes
Authors: Firsov Alexander M. , Kotova Elena A. , Orlov Viktor N. , Antonenko Yuri N. , Skulachev Vladimir P.
Published: July 2016

Interaction of cytochrome c with cardiolipin converts this respiratory chain electron‐transfer protein into a peroxidase, supposedly involved in mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis initiation. Liposome membrane permeabilization provoked by peroxidase activity of the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex has been previously shown to be suppressed by conventional antioxidants. Here, the mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (plastoquinonyl‐decyl‐triphenylphosphonium) was found to strongly inhibit both cytochrome c/cardiolipin peroxidase activity and the permeabilization of liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin. A number of binding assays revealed a significant inhibiting effect of SkQ1 on cytochrome c binding to liposomes, thus suggesting that SkQ1‐mediated protection of liposomes from the cytochrome c/H2O2‐induced permeabilization involved distortion of the cytochrome c‐membrane binding. It is suggested that antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of alkyltriphenylphosphonium cations can be related to the prevention of cytochrome c/cardiolipin interaction.
Activity‐based protein profiling of hydrolytic enzymes induced by gibberellic acid in isolated aleurone layers of malting barley
Authors: Daneri‐Castro Sergio N. , Chandrasekar Balakumaran , Grosse‐Holz Friederike M. , van der Hoorn Renier A. L. , Roberts Thomas H.
Published: July 2016

During barley germination, the aleurone layer secretes most of the enzymes required to degrade the endosperm, many of which are yet to be characterized. We used activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP) to detect a range of active enzymes extracted from aleurone layers isolated from grains of a commercial malting barley variety incubated with or without gibberellic acid (GA). Enzymes found to be induced by GA were putative aleurains, cathepsin‐B‐like proteases and serine hydrolases. By using an inhibitory sugar panel, a specific active retaining β‐glycosidase in the barley aleurone was identified as a putative xylanase. Our results show that ABPP can be used rapidly to identify a variety of active enzyme isoforms in cereal aleurone without the need for enzyme purification.
The influence of Southern Ocean surface buoyancy forcing on glacial‐interglacial changes in the global deep ocean stratification
Authors: Sun S. , Eisenman I. , Stewart A. L.
Published: July 2016

Previous studies have suggested that the global ocean density stratification below ∼3000 m is approximately set by its direct connection to the Southern Ocean surface density, which in turn is constrained by the atmosphere. Here the role of Southern Ocean surface forcing in glacial‐interglacial stratification changes is investigated using a comprehensive climate model and an idealized conceptual model. Southern Ocean surface forcing is found to control the global deep ocean stratification up to ∼2000 m, which is much shallower than previously thought and contrary to the expectation that the North Atlantic surface forcing should strongly influence the ocean at intermediate depths. We show that this is due to the approximately fixed surface freshwater fluxes, rather than a fixed surface density distribution in the Southern Ocean as was previously assumed. These results suggest that Southern Ocean surface freshwater forcing controls glacial‐interglacial stratification changes in much of the deep ocean.
Precipitation δ18O over the Himalaya‐Tibet orogen from ECHAM5‐wiso simulations: Statistical analysis of temperature, topography and precipitation
Authors: Mutz Sebastian G. , Ehlers Todd A. , Li Jingmin , Steger Christian , Paeth Heiko , Werner Martin , Poulsen Christopher J.
Published: July 2016

Variations in oxygen isotope compositions (δ18O) provide insight into modern climate and past changes in climate and topography. In addition, in regions such as Tibet, geologic archives of isotope ratios record climate change driven by plateau uplift and therefore also provide information about the surface uplift history. A good understanding of modern‐day controls on δ18O is crucial for interpreting geologic δ18O in this context. We use the ECHAM5‐wiso global atmospheric general circulation model to calculate δ18O in precipitation (δ18Op) for the present‐day climate. In the region of the Tibetan Plateau, spatial variations of monthly means of δ18Op are statistically related to spatial variations of 2 m air temperature and precipitation rate, as well as to topography. The size and location of investigated regions are varied in our study to capture regional differences in these relationships and the processes governing the modern δ18Op. In addition to correlation analyses, a cross‐validated stepwise multiple regression is carried out using δ18Op as the predictand, and topography and atmospheric variables (temperature and precipitation amount) as predictors. The 2 m air temperature and topography yield the highest spatial correlation coefficients of >0.9 and < −0.9, respectively, throughout most of the year. Particularly high correlation coefficients are calculated for the region along the Himalayan orogeny and parts of western China. The predictors explain >90% of the δ18Op spatial variance in the same regions. The 2 m air temperature is the dominant predictor and contributes 93.6% to the total explained spatial variance on average. The results demonstrate that most of the δ18Op pattern on and around the Tibetan Plateau can be explained by variation in 2 m air temperature and altitude. Correlation of the dependent predictors indicate that in low‐altitude regions where topography does not determine temperature variability, the high correlation of temperature and δ18Op may partially be explained by variations in precipitation rates.
Long‐term fertilization alters the relative importance of nitrate reduction pathways in salt marsh sediments
Authors: Peng Xuefeng , Ji Qixing , Angell John H. , Kearns Patrick J. , Yang Hannah J. , Bowen Jennifer L. , Ward Bess B.
Published: July 2016

Salt marshes provide numerous valuable ecological services. In particular, nitrogen (N) removal in salt marsh sediments alleviates N loading to the coastal ocean. N removal reduces the threat of eutrophication caused by increased N inputs from anthropogenic sources. It is unclear, however, whether chronic nutrient overenrichment alters the capacity of salt marshes to remove anthropogenic N. To assess the effect of nutrient enrichment on N cycling in salt marsh sediments, we examined important N cycle pathways in experimental fertilization plots in a New England salt marsh. We determined rates of nitrification, denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) using sediment slurry incubations with 15N labeled ammonium or nitrate tracers under oxic headspace (20% oxygen/80% helium). Nitrification and denitrification rates were more than tenfold higher in fertilized plots compared to control plots. By contrast, DNRA, which retains N in the system, was high in control plots but not detected in fertilized plots. The relative contribution of DNRA to total nitrate reduction largely depends on the carbon/nitrate ratio in the sediment. These results suggest that long‐term fertilization shifts N cycling in salt marsh sediments from predominantly retention to removal.
Direct Heating Amino Acids with Silica: A Universal Solvent‐Free Assembly Approach to Highly Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon Materials
Authors: Gao Xingmin , Chen Zhi , Yao Yan , Zhou Mengyuan , Liu Yong , Wang Jinxiu , Wu Winston Duo , Chen Xiao Dong , Wu Zhangxiong , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: July 2016

A general solvent‐free assembly approach via directly heating amino acid and mesoporous silica mixtures is developed for the synthesis of a family of highly nitrogen‐doped mesoporous carbons. Amino acids have been used as the sole precursors for templating synthesis of a series of ordered mesoporous carbons. During heating, amino acids are melted and strongly interact with silica, leading to effective loading and improved carbon yields (up to ≈25 wt%), thus to successful structure replication and nitrogen‐doping. Unique solvent‐free structure assembly mechanisms are proposed and elucidated semi‐quantitatively by using two affinity scales. Significantly high nitrogen‐doping levels are achieved, up to 9.4 (16.0) wt% via carbonization at 900 (700) °C. The diverse types of amino acids, their variable interactions with silica and different pyrolytic behaviors lead to nitrogen‐doped mesoporous carbons with tunable surface areas (700–1400 m2 g−1), pore volumes (0.9–2.5 cm3 g−1), pore sizes (4.3–10 nm), and particle sizes from a single template. As demonstrations, the typical nitrogen‐doped carbons show good performance in CO2 capture with high CO2/N2 selectivities up to ≈48. Moreover, they show attractive performance for oxygen reduction reaction, with an onset and a half‐wave potential of ≈−0.06 and −0.14 V (vs Ag/AgCl).
Stabilizing Active Edge Sites in Semicrystalline Molybdenum Sulfide by Anchorage on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ekspong Joakim , Sharifi Tiva , Shchukarev Andrey , Klechikov Alexey , Wågberg Thomas , Gracia‐Espino Eduardo
Published: July 2016

Finding an abundant and cost‐effective electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for a global production of hydrogen from water electrolysis. This work reports an exceptionally large surface area hybrid catalyst electrode comprising semicrystalline molybdenum sulfide (MoS2+x) catalyst attached on a substrate based on nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (N‐CNTs), which are directly grown on carbon fiber paper (CP). It is shown here that nitrogen‐doping of the carbon nanotubes improves the anchoring of MoS2+x catalyst compared to undoped carbon nanotubes and concurrently stabilizes a semicrystalline structure of MoS2+x with a high exposure of active sites for HER. The well‐connected constituents of the hybrid catalyst are shown to facilitate electron transport and as a result of the good attributes, the MoS2+x/N‐CNT/CP electrode exhibits an onset potential of −135 mV for HER in 0.5 m H2SO4, a Tafel slope of 36 mV dec−1, and high stability at a current density of −10 mA cm−2.
Overcoming the Limitations of C−H Activation with Strongly Coordinating N‐Heterocycles by Cobalt Catalysis
Authors: Wang Hui , Lorion Mélanie M. , Ackermann Lutz
Published: July 2016

Strongly coordinating nitrogen heterocycles, including pyrimidines, oxazolines, pyrazoles, and pyridines, were fully tolerated in cobalt‐catalyzed C−H amidations by imidate assistance. Structurally complex quinazolines are thus accessible in a step‐economic manner. Our findings also establish the relative powers of directing groups in cobalt(III)‐catalyzed C−H functionalization for the first time.
Unraveling the Catalytic Synergy between Ti3+ and Al3+ Sites on a Chlorinated Al2O3: A Tandem Approach to Branched Polyethylene
Authors: Piovano Alessandro , Thushara K. S. , Morra Elena , Chiesa Mario , Groppo Elena
Published: July 2016

An original step‐by‐step approach to synthesize and characterize a bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst consisting of isolated Ti3+ centers and strong Lewis acid Al3+ sites on the surface of a chlorinated alumina has been devised. A wide range of physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques were employed to demonstrate that the two sites, in close proximity, act in a concerted fashion to synergistically boost the conversion of ethylene into branched polyethylene, using ethylene as the only feed and without any activator. The coordinatively unsaturated Al3+ ions promote ethylene oligomerization through a carbocationic mechanism and activate the Ti3+ sites for the traditional ethylene coordination polymerization.
Design and Synthesis of a Water‐Stable Anionic Uranium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) with Ultra Large Pores
Authors: Li Peng , Vermeulen Nicolaas A. , Gong Xirui , Malliakas Christos D. , Stoddart J. Fraser , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: July 2016

Ionic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a subclass of porous materials that have the ability to incorporate different charged species in confined nanospace by ion‐exchange. To date, however, very few examples combining mesoporosity and water stability have been realized in ionic MOF chemistry. Herein, we report the rational design and synthesis of a water‐stable anionic mesoporous MOF based on uranium and featuring tbo‐type topology. The resulting tbo MOF exhibits exceptionally large open cavities (3.9 nm) exceeding those of all known anionic MOFs. By supercritical CO2 activation, a record‐high Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area (2100 m2 g−1) for actinide‐based MOFs has been obtained. Most importantly, however, this new uranium‐based MOF is water‐stable and able to absorb positively charged ions selectively over negatively charged ones, enabling the efficient separation of organic dyes and biomolecules.
Medium‐Ring Nitrogen Heterocycles through Migratory Ring Expansion of Metalated Ureas
Authors: Hall Jessica E. , Matlock Johnathan V. , Ward John W. , Gray Katharine V. , Clayden Jonathan
Published: July 2016

Simple benzo‐fused nitrogen heterocycles (indolines, tetrahydroquinolines, and their homologues) undergo migratory ring expansion through deprotonation of their benzylic urea derivatives with lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) in the presence of N,N′‐dimethylpropylideneurea (DMPU). The products of the reactions are benzodiazepines, benzodiazocines, and their homologues, with ring sizes of 8–12. The reactions tolerate a range of substituent patterns and types, and may exhibit enantiospecificity or diastereoselectivity. Considerable complexity is rapidly generated in an efficient synthesis of these otherwise difficult‐to‐obtain medium‐ring nitrogen heterocycles.
Tuning Pore Size in Square‐Lattice Coordination Networks for Size‐Selective Sieving of CO2
Authors: Chen Kai‐Jie , Madden David G. , Pham Tony , Forrest Katherine A. , Kumar Amrit , Yang Qing‐Yuan , Xue Wei , Space Brian , Perry John J. , Zhang Jie‐Peng , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: July 2016

Porous materials capable of selectively capturing CO2 from flue‐gases or natural gas are of interest in terms of rising atmospheric CO2 levels and methane purification. Size‐exclusive sieving of CO2 over CH4 and N2 has rarely been achieved. Herein we show that a crystal engineering approach to tuning of pore‐size in a coordination network, [Cu(quinoline‐5‐carboxyate)2]n (Qc‐5‐Cu) ena+bles ultra‐high selectivity for CO2 over N2 (SCN≈40 000) and CH4 (SCM≈3300). Qc‐5‐Cu‐sql‐β, a narrow pore polymorph of the square lattice (sql) coordination network Qc‐5‐Cu‐sql‐α, adsorbs CO2 while excluding both CH4 and N2. Experimental measurements and molecular modeling validate and explain the performance. Qc‐5‐Cu‐sql‐β is stable to moisture and its separation performance is unaffected by humidity.
Simplest Monodentate Imidazole Stabilization of the oxy‐Tyrosinase Cu2O2 Core: Phenolate Hydroxylation through a CuIII Intermediate
Authors: Chiang Linus , Keown William , Citek Cooper , Wasinger Erik C. , Stack T. Daniel P.
Published: July 2016

Tyrosinases are ubiquitous binuclear copper enzymes that oxygenate to CuII2O2 cores bonded by three histidine Nτ‐imidazoles per Cu center. Synthetic monodentate imidazole‐bonded CuII2O2 species self‐assemble in a near quantitative manner at −125 °C, but Nπ‐ligation has been required. Herein, we disclose the syntheses and reactivity of three Nτ‐imidazole bonded CuII2O2 species at solution temperatures of −145 °C, which was achieved using a eutectic mixture of THF and 2‐MeTHF. The addition of anionic phenolates affords a CuIII2O2 species, where the bonded phenolates hydroxylate to catecholates in high yields. Similar CuIII2O2 intermediates are not observed using Nπ‐bonded CuII2O2 species, hinting that Nτ‐imidazole ligation, conserved in all characterized Ty, has functional advantage beyond active‐site flexibility. Substrate accessibility to the oxygenated Cu2O2 core and stabilization of a high oxidation state of the copper centers are suggested from these minimalistic models.
Effect of using polymeric materials in ecological sand‐fixing of Kerqin Sandy Land of China
Authors: Gong Wei , Zang Yunxiao , Liu Bailing , Chen Hualin , Wu Fusheng , Huang Ronghai , Wang Shaokun
Published: July 2016

For the first time, the main characteristics of the polymeric materials are considered for understanding their possible application in ecological sand‐fixing. In this investigation, two emulsions, named as E2, a poly(vinyl acetate) emulsion, and E7, a vinyl acetate–ethylene copolymer emulsion, have been selected for a series of tests related to the practical requirements for ecological sand‐fixing. Besides the sand‐fixing properties and the thermal aging and freeze–thaw stabilities of the emulsions, their effects in increasing the growth of both microbes and plants in sandy lands have been evaluated by field experiments in Kerqin Sandy Land of China, and the relationship between the performance and structure of the two emulsions has also been described. The experimental results show that both emulsions could significantly improve the compressive strength of treated sand and could withstand the changes in temperature of the Kerqin Sandy Land. However, different effects were exhibited in promoting the growth of microbes, in facilitating the accumulation of organic fertilizer and soluble salt, and in increasing the crop yield. All of the differences are attributed to their different molecular chain structures. These findings suggest that the structure of a polymeric emulsion should be the first consideration for the materials used in ecological sand‐fixing, and ecological sand‐fixing is a successful method for the stabilization of sandy land and the restoration of desertified land in semiarid regions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 44102
A structural study of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR‐50) ring opening under mild acidic condition
Authors: Hamzah Rosniza , Bakar Mohamad Abu , Dahham Omar Sabbar , Zulkepli Nik Noriman , Dahham Saad Sabbar
Published: July 2016

A structural study of ring opening reaction of purified epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with acetic acid was conducted using the NMR techniques and its thermal characteristic was evaluated with Thermal gravimetry/Differential Thermal Gravimetry (TG/DTG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses. 1H‐NMR revealed that 19.56% of epoxide was ring‐opened from the total amount of the epoxide unit in ENR‐50 and this was supported by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. 13C‐NMR suggests the fixation of alkyl (R) i.e., acetate group to the epoxide carbon via ester linkage and formation of hydroxyl groups in the polymer chains. The attachment location of R occurred at both most (↑) and least (↓) hindered carbons of the epoxide. The TG/DTG results of acid treated ENR‐50 showed three decomposition steps at 235–338, 338–523, 523–627 °C due to the presence of the polymer chains mixture, i.e., ring‐opened and intact epoxide of ENR‐50. This increases the Tg value of acid treated ENR‐50 at 24.6 °C as compared to purified ENR‐50 at −17.7 °C. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44123.
Shape memory crosslinked polyurethanes containing thermoreversible Diels‐Alder couplings
Authors: Lakatos Csilla , Czifrák Katalin , Karger‐Kocsis József , Daróczi Lajos , Zsuga Miklós , Kéki Sándor
Published: July 2016

Crosslinked polyurethanes (PUs) containing irreversible (allophanate) and reversible Diels‐Alder chemical bonds were synthesized using various diisocyanates (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate MDI, 1,6‐hexamethylenediisocyanate HDI) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) ((PCL) with different molecular weights (Mn = 10 kg/mol, 25 kg/mol, 50 kg/mol) as diol component. The melting/crystallization of PCL and the reversible DA bonds acted as temperature‐activated switches for shape memory performances, while allophanate network provided the permanent crosslinks for these PUs. The reversible DA bonds were obtained by the reaction of diisocyanate‐ended prepolymers with furfurylamine (FA) followed by the addition of bismaleimide (BMI). The permanent crosslinks between the linear chains containing DA bonds were achieved using additional amounts of diisocyanates (MDI or HDI). The above reaction path was supported by infrared spectroscopic results and swelling experiments. Tensile mechanical and shape memory properties in tension of the PUs were determined and discussed as a function of composition and crosslink densities deduced from swelling and dynamic mechanical analysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44145.
Interaction of silylated superplasticizers with cementitious materials
Authors: Lu Zichen , Kong Xiangming , Liu Hui , Wang Ziming , Zhang Yanrong , Dong Biqin , Xing Feng
Published: July 2016

Incorporation of silane groups into polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) opens a new technical approach to improve properties of PCE, such as to enhance the adsorption of PCE on cement and hence the dispersing performance, to minimize the retardation effect, and potentially to increase mechanical strength of cement mortars. Silylated PCEs were synthesized using silane monomer via radical copolymerization. Dispersing effect, adsorption behaviors, and influences on mortar strength of these polymers were systematically investigated. Results show that increasing the incorporation of sliane groups in PCE promotes the adsorption of polymer on cement surface and hence leads to good fluidity retention capability. Furthermore, sulfate resistance ability of silylated PCE is superior due to stronger chemical adsorption of polymer on cement surface. The retardation effect of PCE is minimized by the introduction of silane groups. The addition of silylated PCE significantly increases 3 days compressive strength without notably affecting the long‐term strength. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44161.
Engineering the Interconnecting Position of Star‐Shaped Donor–π–Acceptor Molecules Based on Triazine, Spirofluorene, and Triphenylamine Moieties for Color Tuning from Deep Blue to Green
Authors: Wang Yafei , Liu Wanhui , Deng Jiyong , Xie Guohua , Liao Yuanwei , Qu Zuoming , Tan Hua , Liu Yu , Zhu Weiguo
Published: July 2016

Pi‐conjugated organic molecules featuring the donor–bridge–acceptor (D–π–A) structure have been widely used in semiconducting materials owing to their rigid structure, good thermal stability, excellent charge transfer, and high emission efficiency. To investigate the effect of the D–π–A molecular structure on the photophysical properties, in this contribution, three star‐shaped D–π–A isomers based on the 2,4,6‐triphenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine, spirofluorene, and triphenylamine moieties, that is, p‐TFTPA, mp‐TFTPA, and m‐TFTPA, were synthesized by elaborately engineering the interconnecting position in the building‐block units. The optophysical properties of these compounds were systematically explored by experiments and theory calculations. Definitively, changing the interconnecting position in these molecules played a significant role in the degree of π conjugation, which resulted in tunable emission colors from deep blue to green. Moreover, these isomers were employed as emissive dopants in organic light‐emitting diodes. The highest external quantum efficiency of 2.3 % and current efficiency of 6.2 cd A−1 were achieved by using the p‐TFTPA based device. This research demonstrates a feasible way to realize blue emitters by engineering D–π–A conjugation.