bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
It Is Time for a New Direction in Biotechnology Education Research
Authors: Nordqvist Ola , Aronsson Henrik 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis manuscript presents a scoping review of Biotechnology Education Research (BTER) over the last 20 years. BTER during this period primarily focused on attitudes and knowledge, typically using research design methods suitable for addressing questions about frequencies, central tendencies, correlations, and so on. However, to guide the development of educational practices that will increase and sustain students' motivation and interest in science in general and biotechnology in particular, BTER will need to adopt research design methods that support the inference of causal relationships from observations. Research will need to focus on students' interest and motivation, and its relationship with effective teaching and learning of biotechnology in the context of socio‐scientific issues (SSIs). Such a shift will increase interest and motivation in teaching and learning biotechnology and will also help establish and maintain students' interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) because biotechnology is an important STEM subject. This in turn may encourage students to choose educational and professional careers in science, helping to meet society's current and future needs. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(2): 189–200, 2019.
Promising Techniques for Depolymerization of Lignin into Value‐added Chemicals
Authors: Ren Tianyu , Qi Wei , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe front cover artwork for issue 2/2019 is provided by the research groups of Wei Qi at Tianjin University (China). The image shows five different chemicals coming out of a tree or, in other words, from sustainable plant resources. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201801428.
Rectangular Tunnel‐Structured Na0.4MnO2 as a Promising Cathode Material Withstanding a High Cutoff Voltage for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Zhixiao , Deng Huiqiu , Xie Jianjun , Xia Jing , Nie Su , Liu Wen , Liu Li , Wang Xianyou 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe structural characteristics and electrochemical properties of Na0.4MnO2 (Na2Mn5O10) as a cathode material in sodium‐ion batteries are systematically investigated. Na0.4MnO2 possesses a unique (2×3) rectangular tunnel structure and the barrier for Na diffusion along the rectangular channel is only 18 meV, based on density functional theory calculations. Na0.4MnO2 nanorods show good rate capability and cycle performance with coulombic efficiencies near 100 % in the voltage range of 2.0–4.0 V as well as 2.0–4.5 V. It delivers an initial discharge capacity of 83.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintains 84.7 % after 50 cycles and 74.5 % after 100 cycles with a voltage range of 2.0–4.0 V. It is interesting that the Na0.4MnO2 nanorod cathode shows a much better electrochemical performance when adjusting the high cutoff voltage to 4.5 V. The discharge capacity of 98.3 mAh g−1 can be obtained after 50 cycles with a capacity retention as high as 89.1 % at 0.1 C and a capacity retention of 86.6 % can be maintained after 100 cycles in a voltage range of 2.0–4.5 V. Even at 4  C, a high discharge capacity of 79.3 mAh g−1 can be obtained. These data strongly suggest that Na0.4MnO2 with a (2×3) rectangular tunnel structure is a promising cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries.
On the Possibility of Using the Jellium Model as a Guide To Design Bimetallic Superalkali Cations
Authors: Sun Wei‐Ming , Zhang Xiao‐Ling , Pan Kai‐Yun , Chen Jing‐Hua , Wu Di , Li Chun‐Yan , Li Ying , Li Zhi‐Ru 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe potential application of the jellium model as guidance in the rational design of bimetallic superalkali cations is examined under gradient‐corrected density functional theory for the first time. By using Li, Mg, and Al as atomic building blocks, a series of bimetallic cationic clusters with 2, 8, 20, and 40 valence electrons are obtained and investigated. As the corresponding neutral clusters tend to lose one valence electron to achieve closed‐shell states in the jellium model, these studied cations exhibit much lower vertical electron affinities (EAvert, 3.42–4.95 eV) than the ionization energies (IEs) of alkali metal atoms, indicating their superalkali identities. The high stability of these cationic clusters is guaranteed by their considerable HOMO–LUMO gaps and binding energies per atom. Moreover, the feasibility of using the designed superalkalis as efficient reductants to activate CO2 and N2 molecules and as stable building blocks to assemble ionic superatom compounds is explored. Therefore, this study may provide an effective method for obtaining various metallic superatoms with extensive applications on the basis of the simple jellium rule.
Host–Guest Complexation Using Pillar[5]arene Crystals: Crystal‐Structure Dependent Uptake, Release, and Molecular Dynamics of an Alkane Guest
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Hamada Yukie , Sueto Ryuta , Sakata Yoko , Akine Shigehisa , Moeljadi Adhitya Mangala Putra , Hirao Hajime , Kakuta Takahiro , Yamagishi Tada‐aki , Mizuno Motohiro 
Published: January 2019

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Tomoki Ogoshi at Kanazawa University. The image depicts the crystal‐state host–guest complexation, with guest molecules encapsulated in crystals. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201805733.
Enhanced Oxidation Stability of Transparent Copper Films Using a Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Nucleation Layer
Authors: Bellchambers Philip , Walker Marc , Huband Steven , Dirvanauskas Aivaras , Hatton Ross A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA novel seed layer for the formation of slab‐like transparent copper films on glass and plastic substrates is reported, based on a mixed molecular monolayer and an ultra‐thin (0.8 nm) aluminium layer both deposited from the vapour phase, which substantially outperforms the best nucleation layer for optically thin copper films reported to date. Using this hybrid layer, the metal percolation threshold is reduced to <4 nm nominal thickness and the long‐term stability of sub‐10 nm films towards oxidation in air is comparable to that of silver films of the same thickness fabricated using the best reported seed layer for optically thin silver films to date. The underlying reason for the remarkable effectiveness of this hybrid nucleation is elucidated using a combination of photoelectron spectroscopy, small angle X‐ray studies, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
Synthesis of Open‐Cage [60]Fullerenes with Five Carbonyl Groups on the Rim of the 15‐Membered Orifice
Authors: Xu Dan , Yang Dazhi , Su Jie , Gan Liangbing 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA new type of open‐cage [60]fullerene was prepared starting from our previously reported open‐cage [60]fullerenes containing hydroxy and tert‐butylperoxo groups, and an iminofuranone moiety on the rim of the orifice. The key reactions are alcoholysis with MeOH/PCl5 and reductive aromatization with SnCl2 or HI (aq). The resulting open‐cage compound contains two ketone carbonyls, two amide carbonyls, and one ester carbonyl group. The X‐ray crystal structure of the precursor compound shows that the 18‐membered orifice is almost completely blocked because of the presence of the amide group directly above the orifice.
Structure–activity study of fluorine or chlorine‐substituted cinnamic acid derivatives with tertiary amine side chain in acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition
Authors: Gao Xiao‐Hui , Tang Jing‐Jing , Liu Hao‐Ran , Liu Lin‐Bo , Liu Ying‐Zi 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this study, a series of new fluorine or chlorine‐substituted cinnamic acid derivatives that contain tertiary amine side chain were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition. The results show that almost all the derivatives containing tertiary amine side chain (compounds 4a–9d) exhibit moderate or potent activity in AChE inhibition. By contrast, their parent compounds (compounds 3a–3f) in the absence of tertiary amine moitery exhibit poor inhibitory activity against AChE. For the compounds containing pyrroline or piperidine side chain, the bioactivity in AChE inhibition is much intense than those containing N,N‐diethylamino side chain. The chlorine or fluorine substituted position produces a significant effect on the bioactivity and selectivity in AChE inhibition. Most of the compounds that contain para‐substituted fluorine or chlorine exhibit potent activity against AChE and poor activity against BChE, while ortho‐substituted analogs show the opposite effect. It is worth noticing that the compounds containing N,N‐diethylamino side chain are exceptions to this pattern. Among the newly synthesized compounds, compounds 6d are the most potent in AChE inhibition (IC50 = 1.11 ± 0.08 μmol/L) with high selectivity for AChE over BChE (selectivity ratio: 46.58). An enzyme kinetic study of compounds 6d suggests it produces a mixed‐type inhibitory effect in AChE.
Soil microbial restoration strategies for promoting climate‐ready prairie ecosystems
Authors: Docherty Kathryn M. , Gutknecht Jessica L. M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTractable practices for soil microbial restoration in tallgrass prairies reclaimed from agriculture are a critical gap in traditional ecological restoration. Long‐term fertilization and tilling permanently alter soil bacterial and fungal communities, requiring microbe‐targeted restoration methods to improve belowground ecosystem services and carbon storage in newly restored prairies. These techniques are particularly important when restoring for climate‐ready ecosystems, adapted to altered temperature regimes. To approach these issues, we conducted a multi‐factorial greenhouse experiment to test the effects of plant species richness, soil amendment and elevated temperature on soil microbial diversity, growth, and function. Treatments consisted of three seedlings of one plant species (Andropogon gerardii) or one seedling each of three plant species (A. gerardii, Echinacea pallida, Coreopsis lanceolata). Soil amendments included cellulose addition, inoculation with a microbial community collected from an undisturbed remnant prairie, and a control. We assessed microbial communities using extracellular enzyme assays, Illumina sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, predicted bacterial metabolic pathways from sequence data and phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA), which includes both bacterial and fungal lipid abundances. Our results indicate that addition of cellulose selects for slow‐growing bacterial taxa (Verrucomicrobia) and fungi at ambient temperature. However, at elevated temperature, selection for slow‐growing bacterial taxa is enhanced, while selection for fungi is lost, indicating temperature sensitivity among fungi. Cellulose addition was a more effective means of altering soil community composition than addition of microbial communities harvested from a remnant prairie. Soil water content was typically higher in the A. gerardii treatment alone, regardless of temperature, but at ambient temperature only, predicted metagenomics pathways for bacterial carbon metabolism were more abundant with A. gerardii. In summary, these results from a mesocosm test case indicate that adding cellulose to newly restored soil and increasing the abundance of C4 grasses, such as A. gerardii, can select for microbial communities adapted for slow growth and carbon storage. Further testing is required to determine if these approaches yield the same results in a field‐level experiment.
Application of filamentous phages in environment: A tectonic shift in the science and practice of ecorestoration
Authors: Sharma Radhey Shyam , Karmakar Swagata , Kumar Pankaj , Mishra Vandana 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTheories in soil biology, such as plant–microbe interactions and microbial cooperation and antagonism, have guided the practice of ecological restoration (ecorestoration). Below‐ground biodiversity (bacteria, fungi, invertebrates, etc.) influences the development of above‐ground biodiversity (vegetation structure). The role of rhizosphere bacteria in plant growth has been largely investigated but the role of phages (bacterial viruses) has received a little attention. Below the ground, phages govern the ecology and evolution of microbial communities by affecting genetic diversity, host fitness, population dynamics, community composition, and nutrient cycling. However, few restoration efforts take into account the interactions between bacteria and phages. Unlike other phages, filamentous phages are highly specific, nonlethal, and influence host fitness in several ways, which make them useful as target bacterial inocula. Also, the ease with which filamentous phages can be genetically manipulated to express a desired peptide to track and control pathogens and contaminants makes them useful in biosensing. Based on ecology and biology of filamentous phages, we developed a hypothesis on the application of phages in environment to derive benefits at different levels of biological organization ranging from individual bacteria to ecosystem for ecorestoration. We examined the potential applications of filamentous phages in improving bacterial inocula to restore vegetation and to monitor changes in habitat during ecorestoration and, based on our results, recommend a reorientation of the existing framework of using microbial inocula for such restoration and monitoring. Because bacterial inocula and biomonitoring tools based on filamentous phages are likely to prove useful in developing cost‐effective methods of restoring vegetation, we propose that filamentous phages be incorporated into nature‐based restoration efforts and that the tripartite relationship between phages, bacteria, and plants be explored further. Possible impacts of filamentous phages on native microflora are discussed and future areas of research are suggested to preclude any potential risks associated with such an approach.
Studying the microbiota of bats: Accuracy of direct and indirect samplings
Authors: Dietrich Muriel , Markotter Wanda 
Published: January 2019

AbstractGiven the recurrent bat‐associated disease outbreaks in humans and recent advances in metagenomics sequencing, the microbiota of bats is increasingly being studied. However, obtaining biological samples directly from wild individuals may represent a challenge, and thus, indirect passive sampling (without capturing bats) is sometimes used as an alternative. Currently, it is not known whether the bacterial community assessed using this approach provides an accurate representation of the bat microbiota. This study was designed to compare the use of direct sampling (based on bat capture and handling) and indirect sampling (collection of bat's excretions under bat colonies) in assessing bacterial communities in bats. Using high‐throughput 16S rRNA sequencing of urine and feces samples from Rousettus aegyptiacus, a cave‐dwelling fruit bat species, we found evidence of niche specialization among different excreta samples, independent of the sampling approach. However, sampling approach influenced both the alpha‐ and beta‐diversity of urinary and fecal microbiotas. In particular, increased alpha‐diversity and more overlapping composition between urine and feces samples was seen when direct sampling was used, suggesting that cross‐contamination may occur when collecting samples directly from bats in hand. In contrast, results from indirect sampling in the cave may be biased by environmental contamination. Our methodological comparison suggested some influence of the sampling approach on the bat‐associated microbiota, but both approaches were able to capture differences among excreta samples. Assessment of these techniques opens an avenue to use more indirect sampling, in order to explore microbial community dynamics in bats.
Limited effects of early snowmelt on plants, decomposers, and soil nutrients in Arctic tundra soils
Authors: Darrouzet‐Nardi Anthony , Steltzer Heidi , Sullivan Patrick F. , Segal Aliza , Koltz Amanda M. , Livensperger Carolyn , Schimel Joshua P. , Weintraub Michael N. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn addition to warming temperatures, Arctic ecosystems are responding to climate change with earlier snowmelt and soil thaw. Earlier snowmelt has been examined infrequently in field experiments, and we lack a comprehensive look at belowground responses of the soil biogeochemical system that includes plant roots, decomposers, and soil nutrients. We experimentally advanced the timing of snowmelt in factorial combination with an open‐top chamber warming treatment over a 3‐year period and evaluated the responses of decomposers and nutrient cycling processes. We tested two alternative hypotheses: (a) Early snowmelt and warming advance the timing of root growth and nutrient uptake, altering the timing of microbial and invertebrate activity and key nutrient cycling events; and (b) loss of insulating snow cover damages plants, leading to reductions in root growth and altered biological activity. During the 3 years of our study (2010–2012), we advanced snowmelt by 4, 15, and 10 days, respectively. Despite advancing aboveground plant phenology, particularly in the year with the warmest early‐season temperatures (2012), belowground effects were primarily seen only on the first sampling date of the season or restricted to particular years or soil type. Overall, consistent and substantial responses to early snowmelt were not observed, counter to both of our hypotheses. The data on soil physical conditions, as well interannual comparisons of our results, suggest that this limited response was because of the earlier date of snowmelt that did not coincide with substantially warmer air and soil temperatures as they might in response to a natural climate event. We conclude that the interaction of snowmelt timing with soil temperatures is important to how the ecosystem will respond, but that 1‐ to 2‐week changes in timing of snowmelt alone are not enough to drive season‐long changes in soil microbial and nutrient cycling processes.
The test of the ecohydrological separation hypothesis in a dry zone of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Qiu Xue , Zhang Mingjun , Wang Shengjie , Evaristo Jaivime , Argiriou Athanassios A. , Guo Rong , Chen Rong , Meng Hongfei , Che Cunwei , Qu Deye 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe ecohydrological separation hypothesis has generated considerable scientific interest and debate in ecohydrological studies, and it assumes there exist two water pools in subsurface water, one of which is soil water used by plants and the other is that supplied to groundwater. Although this hypothesis has been tested in several humid sites, a further test in arid and semiarid conditions is still needed. Based on the isotopic ratios in different water bodies collected during a 2‐year field work, the hypothesis was tested in a drier zone located in the Qilian Mountains of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau in order to investigate whether this separation phenomenon existed in a drier climate, and whether this may be a common characteristic or an exception. The results suggested that the hydrological separation does not necessarily exist and may not even be determined by stable isotopes; there is a clear need to more precise experimental methods.
Native herbivores enhance the resistance of an anthropogenically disturbed salt marsh to Spartina alterniflora invasion
Authors: Ning Zhonghua , Xie Tian , Liu Zezheng , Bai Junhong , Cui Baoshan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe extent by which human activities create an inroad for the invasion of exotic plant species and the mechanisms that drive a disturbed ecosystem's resistance to exotic invasion is largely unknown. We investigated the mechanisms by which salt marsh resists cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) invasion by two key factors: anthropogenic disturbance by ditching and herbivory by the native crab Helice tientsinensis. In northern China, although abiotic resistance (i.e., hyper‐stresses) inhibited the landward invasion of cordgrass to high marshes, our transplant experiments showed that anthropogenic ditching created windows of opportunity for cordgrass invasion to high marshes by enhancing propagule pressure and providing favorable (i.e., low‐salinity and high‐inundation) microhabitats for colonization. Furthermore, a native herbivore exclusion experiment showed that crab grazing strongly suppressed seedling establishment and growth of cordgrass in ditched high marshes, which gradually created native biotic resistance to cordgrass invasion. We conclude that grazing by native herbivores can enhance the resistance of high marshes to cordgrass invasion triggered by anthropogenic ditching disturbance in northern China. These findings highlight that it is critical to investigate ecosystem resistance associated with anthropogenic disturbance to better understand the multiple mechanisms of exotic plant invasion, and we call for integration of these findings into invasion control strategies.
An ambispective cohort study on treatment outcomes of patients with epilepsy in a tertiary epilepsy center in Rwanda and recommendations for improved epilepsy care
Authors: Van Steenkiste Frank , Fidèle Sebera , Nsanzabaganwa Wellars , Uwacu Beni , Dedeken Peter , Teuwen Dirk E. , Boon Paul 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectiveBecause outcome data inform and drive healthcare decisions and improvement of patient care, this study aimed to gain a deep understanding of sociodemographic profiles and treatment outcomes of newly presenting and recently diagnosed persons living with epilepsy (PwE) at a tertiary epilepsy center in Rwanda.MethodsIn June 2016 (T1), as a first stage of this single‐center cohort study, an ambispective chart review was conducted on baseline sociodemographic and disease characteristics of PwE using a structured questionnaire. Missing data were obtained by phone interview. In 2017, follow‐up data were collected by phone interview on treatment outcomes after 15‐months (T2).ResultsOf 406 PwE screened, 235 were included at T1 and outcomes on 166 PwE were obtained at T2. More than 70% were <20 years of age, with a male preponderance. A high number of patients were aged ≥20 years, were single (67.4%), unemployed (41.5%), and had no formal education or primary level education (53.9%), possibly reflecting stigma. A mean delay in diagnosis since first seizure increased with age at first seizure, amounting to 3 years for patients aged ≥20 years. At T2, 69.6% of 166 patients who could be contacted reported no seizures in the previous month. Valproate monotherapy was the most frequently prescribed treatment. At T2, 47% had discontinued treatment, which was often not recommended by a physician, despite medical insurance coverage in >90% of patients. Only 19% reported an adverse event. Marked and partial improvement in quality of life (QoL) was reported by, respectively, 50.9% and 32.7% of patients.SignificanceEncouraging results on improved seizure control and QoL were observed at follow‐up. The treatment gap remains high due to loss to follow‐up and treatment discontinuation. In this article, we discuss needs and recommendations for improving patient care, requiring concerted efforts of stakeholders at all levels of the healthcare system.