bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneously Enhancing Stability and Activity of Maghemite via Site‐Specific Ti(IV) Doping for NO Emission Control
Authors: Chen Junxiao , Qu Weiye , Chen Yaxin , Liu Xiaona , Jiang Xiaoming , Wang Hu , Zong Yuhao , Ma Zhen , Tang Xingfu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMaghemite (γ‐Fe2O3) is an environmentally benign catalyst for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3, but its poor stability and low activity hamper its application in real NO emission control. Herein, we developed a stable Ti4+ doped γ‐Fe2O3 catalyst (Ti‐γ‐Fe2O3) by site‐specific Ti4+ doping at the octahedral sites rather than tetrahedral active sites (Fe3+Td), as substantiated by synchrotron room‐temperature X‐ray diffraction (SXRD) data. In situ SXRD and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) data demonstrate that Ti4+ cations occupying part of the octahedral sites lead to enhanced thermal stability of Ti‐γ‐Fe2O3 with respect to γ‐Fe2O3, thus enabling Ti‐γ‐Fe2O3 to stably operate at 400 °C under simulated normal SCR conditions. Fe L3‐edge and O K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectra show that the high‐valence Ti4+ doping lengthens the Fe3+Td‐O bonds, and activates the lattice oxygen species, thus improving the SCR activity. This work provides a feasible strategy for designing environmentally benign Fe2O3‐based SCR catalysts with significant stability and high catalytic activity.
Chemical and Physical Analysis of Different Ash Fractions from Small Biomass Boilers
Authors: Kronenberger Daniel , Groß Bodo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDue to the growing number of small biomass boilers in residential buildings, the ash amounts from these plants are increasing. In order to find a beneficial use for these ashes, chemical and physical analyses were carried out on different ash fractions of different boilers. The results enable a comparison of the used boilers and fuels. As a result, it was shown that the chemical composition and physical properties strongly depend on the type of the ash, the fuel, and the boiler. The main focus of the investigations was on assessing whether the ashes were to be classified as fertilizer or waste. Accordingly, the results of the analyses were compared with the respective limit values for these cases. In addition, further possible applications were evaluated with regard to their suitability, and related current problems were identified.
Biomass and Lipid Productivity of Neochloris oleoabundans for CO2 Biofixation and Biodiesel Application
Authors: Razzak Shaikh Abdur 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMicroalgae cultivation and its use is a promising approach for integrated CO2 biofixation and biodiesel production. Freshwater Neochloris oleoabundans was investigated for lipid content, biomass productivity, and lipid productivity under different temperatures, CO2 concentrations, and nitrogen‐to‐phosphorus (N/P) ratios in culture media. A rapid calorimetric method based on sulfo‐phospho‐vanillin was used for the quantification of the intracellular lipid content. The growth of N. oleoabundans was found to be highly temperature‐sensitive. Lipid contents were found to be dependent on the CO2 concentration. Changing the N/P ratio also caused the biomass growth and lipid productivity to change. The results confirmed the potential of N. oleoabundans for CO2 biofixation and biodiesel production.
Methanol Synthesis from Steel Mill Exhaust Gases: Challenges for the Industrial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Schittkowski Julian , Ruland Holger , Laudenschleger Daniel , Girod Kai , Kähler Kevin , Kaluza Stefan , Muhler Martin , Schlögl Robert 
Published: August 2018

AbstractOne of the major goals of current research on energy conversion is the mitigation of CO2 emission. A beneficial scenario for CO2 utilization is the catalytic conversion of industrial waste or process gases into valuable products. Within the cross‐industry approach of Carbon2Chem® the synthesis of methanol from steel mill exhaust gases is a promising way to close the carbon cycle based on additional sustainably produced H2. New catalyst requirements have to be met due to fluctuating feed gas composition and availability as well as gas separation and purification issues.
A Glycal Approach to the Synthesis of Pregnane Glycoside P57
Authors: Liu Chao , Ma Yuyong , Pei Chengfeng , Li Wei , Yu Biao 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPregnane glycoside P57 is known as an active component of Hoodia gordonii, which has long been used as a diet with appetite suppressant property. Chemical synthesis of P57 demands installation of β‐cymarosyl linkage onto the steroid aglycone. The stereoselective formation of this special 2‐deoxy‐β‐glycosidic linkage has previously been proven to be difficult and thus a limiting step in the synthesis of P57 and its congeners. Herein, we report the glycosylation reactions with glycals as donors and TPHB (triphenylphosphine hydrobromide) as promoter and a convergent synthesis of P57 via a β‐selective glycosylation with a trisaccharide glycal donor.
Meltdown! Local Heating by Decaying Excited Host Positive Polarons Triggers Aggregation Quenching in Blue PhOLEDs
Authors: Setzer Tobias , Friederich Pascal , Meded Velimir , Wenzel Wolfgang , Lennartz Christian , Dreuw Andreas 
Published: August 2018

AbstractExciton‐polaron induced aggregation (EPIA) in organic host materials for blue Phosphorescent Organic Light Emitting Diodes (PhOLEDs) is driven by a non‐radiative decay of electronically excited positive polarons resulting in a local heating of the amourphous host matrix. The released heat triggers morphological changes, i. e. molecular aggregation between neighboring host molecules. The resulting aggregates, which our calculations identify as carbazolyl dimers, lead to decreased PhOLED efficiency. Statistical assessment of some host‐only morphologies reveals a structure‐dependent propensity for molecular aggregation corroborating the identified EPIA mechanism. Our findings provide a fresh look at established molecular design rules and will help to improve blue PhOLED host materials to enhance blue PhOLED device lifetimes.
Design, Synthesis and Photochemical Properties of a Phenalenone‐Based pH Sensor: Switchable pH Sensing in Four Detectable Channels
Authors: Mitra Amritaa , Bose Suranjana , Biswas Sachidulal , Bandyopadhyay Pinaki , Sarkar Arindam 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe synthesis and pH‐sensing property of a novel phenalenone‐based compound, 9‐(4‐hydroxyphenylamino)‐1‐oxo‐phenalenone (HPAP), is reported. The newly synthesized compound is capable of functioning as a pH sensor in the region of pH 7 to 12. The sensor can be used as a colorimetric indicator in the transition from pH 10 to pH 11. The sensor is able to function in four detectable channels. All four channels (UV, emission, colorimetric/visible and photoluminescence) have been shown to be reversible, thus implying the reuse of this single‐molecule sensor and indicator for several experiments. Mechanistic investigations have been performed by UV, NMR and DFT studies which indicate that a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) based mechanism could be operative. Straightforward and cost‐effective application of the sensor in thin‐layer chromatography has also been established.
Pollinator activity and pollination success of Medicago sativa L. in a natural and a managed population
Authors: Chen Min , Zhao Xue‐Yong , Zuo Xiao‐An 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMedicago sativa L. is an important cash crop in the arid region of northwest China. Pollinator activity is an essential aspect of pollination success, but the relationships between pollinator visitation rate and seed set still need further study of M. sativa. We investigated the following characteristics of M. sativa in natural and managed populations: floral traits, pollinator activity, and breeding system. Our results indicated the management could affect the number of flowers produced; however, there was no detectable effect on the seed set per flower. We found the percentage of seeds among pollinated flowers in the managed population was significantly higher than that in the natural population. Moreover, the increase in the proportion of pollinated flowers could significantly increase seed set per flower, and pollinator visitation rate was the important limiting factor for seed set in both populations. Andrena lebedevi Popov was found to be the most frequent pollinator in both populations. Outcrossing was dominant in the breeding system and insect pollination played an important role in outcrossing. Our study suggested that proper management (artificial selection) could promote pollination success of M. sativa.
Moose movement rates are altered by wolf presence in two ecosystems
Authors: Ditmer Mark A. , Fieberg John R. , Moen Ron A. , Windels Steve K. , Stapleton Seth P. , Harris Tara R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPredators directly impact prey populations through lethal encounters, but understanding nonlethal, indirect effects is also critical because foraging animals often face trade‐offs between predator avoidance and energy intake. Quantifying these indirect effects can be difficult even when it is possible to monitor individuals that regularly interact. Our goal was to understand how movement and resource selection of a predator (wolves;Canis lupus) influence the movement behavior of a prey species (moose;Alces alces). We tested whether moose avoided areas with high predicted wolf resource use in two study areas with differing prey compositions, whether avoidance patterns varied seasonally, and whether daily activity budgets of moose and wolves aligned temporally. We deployed GPS collars on both species at two sites in northern Minnesota. We created seasonal resource selection functions (RSF) for wolves and modeled the relationship between moose first‐passage time (FPT), a method that discerns alterations in movement rates, and wolf RSF values. Larger FPT values suggest rest/foraging, whereas shorter FPT values indicate travel/fleeing. We found that the movements of moose and wolves peaked at similar times of day in both study areas. Moose FPTs were 45% lower in areas most selected for by wolves relative to those avoided. The relationship between wolf RSF and moose FPT was nonlinear and varied seasonally. Differences in FPT between low and high RSF values were greatest in winter (−82.1%) and spring (−57.6%) in northeastern Minnesota and similar for all seasons in the Voyageurs National Park ecosystem. In northeastern Minnesota, where moose comprise a larger percentage of wolf diet, the relationship between moose FPT and wolf RSF was more pronounced (ave. across seasons: −60.1%) than the Voyageurs National Park ecosystem (−30.4%). These findings highlight the role wolves can play in determining moose behavior, whereby moose spend less time in areas with higher predicted likelihood of wolf resource selection.
Alaskan brown bears (Ursus arctos) aggregate and display fidelity to foraging neighborhoods while preying on Pacific salmon along small streams
Authors: Wirsing Aaron J. , Quinn Thomas P. , Cunningham Curry J. , Adams Jennifer R. , Craig Apryle D. , Waits Lisette P. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe interaction between brown bears (Ursus arctos) and Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) is important to the population dynamics of both species and a celebrated example of consumer‐mediated nutrient transport. Yet, much of the site‐specific information we have about the bears in this relationship comes from observations at a few highly visible but unrepresentative locations and a small number of radio‐telemetry studies. Consequently, our understanding of brown bear abundance and behavior at more cryptic locations where they commonly feed on salmon, including small spawning streams, remains limited. We employed a noninvasive genetic approach (barbed wire hair snares) over four summers (2012–2015) to document patterns of brown bear abundance and movement among six spawning streams for sockeye salmon, O. nerka, in southwestern Alaska. The streams were grouped into two trios on opposite sides of Lake Aleknagik. Thus, we predicted that most bears would forage within only one trio during the spawning season because of the energetic costs associated with swimming between them or traveling around the lake and show fidelity to particular trios across years because of the benefits of familiarity with local salmon dynamics and stream characteristics. Huggins closed‐capture models based on encounter histories from genotyped hair samples revealed that as many as 41 individuals visited single streams during the annual 6‐week sampling season. Bears also moved freely among trios of streams but rarely moved between these putative foraging neighborhoods, either during or between years. By implication, even small salmon spawning streams can serve as important resources for brown bears, and consistent use of stream neighborhoods by certain bears may play an important role in spatially structuring coastal bear populations. Our findings also underscore the efficacy of noninvasive hair snagging and genetic analysis for examining bear abundance and movements at relatively fine spatial and temporal scales.
Cattle select African savanna termite mound patches less when sharing habitat with wild herbivores
Authors: Odadi Wilfred O. , Charles Grace K. , Young Truman P. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAfrican savanna termite mounds function as nutrient‐rich foraging hotspots for different herbivore species, but little is known about their effects on the interaction between domestic and wild herbivores. Understanding such effects is important for better management of these herbivore guilds in landscapes where they share habitats. Working in a central Kenyan savanna ecosystem, we compared selection of termite mound patches by cattle between areas cattle accessed exclusively and areas they shared with wild herbivores. Termite mound selection index was significantly lower in the shared areas than in areas cattle accessed exclusively. Furthermore, cattle used termite mounds in proportion to their availability when they were the only herbivores present, but used them less than their availability when they shared foraging areas with wild herbivores. These patterns were associated with reduced herbage cover on termite mounds in the shared foraging areas, partly indicating that cattle and wild herbivores compete for termite mound forage. However, reduced selection of termite mound patches was also reinforced by higher leafiness of Brachiaria lachnantha (the principal cattle diet forage species) off termite mounds in shared than in unshared areas. Taken together, these findings suggest that during wet periods, cattle can overcome competition for termite mounds by taking advantage of wildlife‐mediated increased forage leafiness in the matrix surrounding termite mounds. However, this advantage is likely to dissipate during dry periods when forage conditions deteriorate across the landscape and the importance of termite mounds as nutrient hotspots increases for both cattle and wild herbivores. Therefore, we suggest that those managing for both livestock production and wildlife conservation in such savanna landscapes should adopt grazing strategies that could lessen competition for forage on termite mounds, such as strategically decreasing stock numbers during dry periods.
Predicting the cover and richness of intertidal macroalgae in remote areas: a case study in the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Kotta Jonne , Valdivia Nelson , Kutser Tiit , Toming Kaire , Rätsep Merli , Orav‐Kotta Helen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAntarctica is an iconic region for scientific explorations as it is remote and a critical component of the global climate system. Recent climate change causes a dramatic retreat of ice in Antarctica with associated impacts to its coastal ecosystem. These anthropogenic impacts have a potential to increase habitat availability for Antarctic intertidal assemblages. Assessing the extent and ecological consequences of these changes requires us to develop accurate biotic baselines and quantitative predictive tools. In this study, we demonstrated that satellite‐based remote sensing, when used jointly with in situ ground‐truthing and machine learning algorithms, provides a powerful tool to predict the cover and richness of intertidal macroalgae. The salient finding was that the Sentinel‐based remote sensing described a significant proportion of variability in the cover and richness of Antarctic macroalgae. The highest performing models were for macroalgal richness and the cover of green algae as opposed to the model of brown and red algal cover. When expanding the geographical range of the ground‐truthing, even involving only a few sample points, it becomes possible to potentially map other Antarctic intertidal macroalgal habitats and monitor their dynamics. This is a significant milestone as logistical constraints are an integral part of the Antarctic expeditions. The method has also a potential in other remote coastal areas where extensive in situ mapping is not feasible.
No trade‐offs in interspecific interference ability and predation susceptibility in newt larvae
Authors: Hloušková Monika , Balogová Monika , Kršáková Veronika , Gvoždík Lumír 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCoexistence of species with similar requirements is allowed, among others, through trade‐offs between competitive ability and other ecological traits. Although interspecific competition is based on two mechanisms, exploitation of resources and physical interference, trade‐off studies largely consider only species’ ability to exploit resources. Using a mesocosm experiment, we examined the trade‐off between interference competition ability and susceptibility to predation in larvae of two newt species, Ichthyosaura alpestris and Lissotriton vulgaris. In the presence of heterospecifics, L. vulgaris larvae slowed somatic growth and developmental rates, and experienced a higher frequency of injuries than in conspecific environments which suggests asymmetrical interspecific interference. During short‐term predation trials, L. vulgaris larvae suffered higher mortality than I. alpestris. Larvae of the smaller species, L. vulgaris, had both lower interference and antipredator performance than the larger I. alpestris, which suggests a lack of trade‐off between interference competition ability and predator susceptibility. We conclude that interference competition may produce a positive rather than negative relationship with predation susceptibility, which may contribute to the elimination of subordinate species from common habitats.
Legacy polychlorinated biphenyl contamination impairs male embryonic development in an elasmobranch with matrotrophic histotrophy, the round stingray (Urobatis halleri)
Authors: Lyons Kady , Wynne-Edwards Katherine E. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Anthropogenic chemical exposure can result in overall reductions in reproductive success. Using the round stingray (Urobatis halleri) as an elasmobranch model with internal gestation, we measured female fecundity and embryo growth from postovulation to near parturition to test the hypothesis that environmental polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination would impair reproductive success. Two sites were sampled from southern California, USA: the mainland site was exposed to legacy PCB contamination (with low exposure to other anthropogenic contaminants), and the offshore reference site at Catalina Island was a separate population with low anthropogenic influence. Contaminant-exposed embryos weighed less at each stage of development than reference embryos, while accumulating proportionately more liver mass over development. Furthermore, environmental contamination negatively affected male embryos more than female embryos. The present study is the first study to demonstrate a negative effect of contaminant exposure on elasmobranch embryo growth, with probable fitness costs later in life. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2904–2911. © 2018 SETAC
Encapsulation of Biosynthesized Nanosilver in Silica Composites for Sustainable Antimicrobial Functionality
Authors: Abou‐El‐Sherbini Khaled S. , Amer Mohey H. A. , Abdel‐Aziz Mohamed S. , Hamzawy Esmat M. A. , Sharmoukh Walid , Elnagar Mohamed M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become known as a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs is dependent on the particle size and the dispersion status. In this study, a simple and effective approach is developed for sequestering the biosynthesized AgNPs in silica composites during the gel formation of MCM‐41. Composites with different Ag concentrations of 0.034% (Ag1@MCM‐41), 0.151% (Ag2@MCM‐41), and 0.369% (Ag3@MCM‐41) are synthesized and then heated at 400 °C to produce Ag1@MCM‐41H, Ag2@MCM‐41H, and Ag3@MCM‐41H, respectively. The samples are characterized by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The AgNPs are confirmed to be highly dispersed in the amorphous silica framework. The antimicrobial activity of the AgNP–silica samples is investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans using the cup–plate and the plate‐count techniques. The results show an excellent antimicrobial effect of these samples against the studied microorganisms. Importantly, the AgNP–silica samples are found to be stable up to 58 months under ambient conditions. These stable and powerful antimicrobial composites provide a more practical and effective strategy for combating biomedical pathogens and public health threats.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐150‐5p affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, and EMT by regulation of the BRAFV600E mutation in papillary thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Yan Ruihong , Yang Tianzheng , Zhai Hongyan , Zhou Zhenhu , Gao Lei , Li Yuhong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPapillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Studies have confirmed an association between microRNA (miRNA) and the BRAFV600E mutation in various cellular biological processes of PTC. This study aimed to clarify the potential relationship between miR‐150‐5p and the BRAFV600E mutation in PTC. Human PTC cell lines B‐CPAP and TPC‐1 were transfected with the miR‐150‐5p mimic, an inhibitor, and the corresponding controls. Then, cell proliferation, viability, and apoptosis were detected by bromodeoxyuridine, trypan blue exclusion, and flow cytometry assays. The expressions of the main factors of cell cycle, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and DNA mismatch repair were examined by Western blot analysis and a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, pc‐BRAFV600E was transfected into B‐CPAP and TPC‐1 cells to determine the relationship between miR‐150‐5p and BRAFV600E. In addition, the methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signal pathway was examined using Western blot analysis. Overexpression of miR‐150‐5p promoted cell proliferation and viability, inhibited apoptosis, and upregulated cell cycle factor expressions at 50 passages of B‐CPAP and TPC‐1 cells after transfection. Overexpression of miR‐150‐5p led to an obvious decrease in E‐cadherin expression, but enhanced N‐cadherin, Slug and Vimentin, ZEB1, and Snail expression. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐150‐5p markedly suppressed POLD3, MSH2, and MSH3 expression. Furthermore, BRAFV600E overexpression increased the expression level of miR‐150‐5p in TPC cells, and overexpression of telomerase reverse transcriptase further enhanced the promoting effect of BRAFV600E on miR‐150‐5p expression in B‐CPAP and TPC‐1 cells. Finally, BRAFV600E overexpression activated the MEK/ERK signal pathway in B‐CPAP and TPC‐1 cells. These data indicated that miR‐150‐5p promoted cell proliferation, suppressed apoptosis, and accelerated the EMT process by regulation of the BRAFV600E mutation. Our findings will help elucidate the pathogenesis of PTC and identify biomarkers.