bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Promising High‐Voltage Cathode Material Based on Mesoporous Na3V2(PO4)3/C for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Zeng Jing , Yang Yang , Lai Shaobo , Huang Jianxing , Zhang Yiyong , Wang Jing , Zhao Jinbao 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe lack of suitable high‐voltage cathode materials has hindered the development of rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs). Here, mesoporous Na3V2(PO4)3/C (NVP/C) spheres have been synthesized through a facile spray‐drying–annealing method, and their electrochemically desodiated phase NaV2(PO4)3/C (ED‐NVP/C) has been investigated as an intercalation host for Mg2+ ions. The obtained ED‐NVP/C exhibits an average discharge voltage of around 2.5 V (vs. Mg2+/Mg), higher than those of most previously reported cathode materials. In addition, it can deliver an initial discharge capacity of 88.8 mA h g−1 at 20 mA g−1, with good cycling stability. Ex situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results demonstrate that the electrochemical reaction is based on an intercalation mechanism and shows good reversibility. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) data have revealed that the intercalation process involves a two‐phase transition. The reported ED‐NVP/C cathode material with high working voltage offers promising potential for application in RMBs.
New Architectures for Designed Catalysts: Selective Oxidation using AgAu Nanoparticles on Colloid‐Templated Silica
Authors: Shirman Tanya , Lattimer Judith , Luneau Mathilde , Shirman Elijah , Reece Christian , Aizenberg Michael , Madix Robert J. , Aizenberg Joanna , Friend Cynthia M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA highly modular synthesis of designed catalysts with controlled bimetallic nanoparticle size and composition and a well‐defined structural hierarchy is demonstrated. Exemplary catalysts—bimetallic dilute Ag‐in‐Au nanoparticles partially embedded in a porous SiO2 matrix (SiO2–AgxAuy)—were synthesized by the decoration of polymeric colloids with the bimetallic nanoparticles followed by assembly into a colloidal crystal backfilled with the matrix precursor and subsequent removal of the polymeric template. This work reports that these new catalyst architectures are significantly better than nanoporous dilute AgAu alloy catalysts (nanoporous Ag3Au97) while retaining a clear predictive relationship between their surface reactivity with that of single‐crystal Au surfaces. This paves the way for broadening the range of new catalyst architectures required for translating the designed principles developed under controlled conditions to designed catalysts under operating conditions for highly selective coupling of alcohols to form esters. Excellent catalytic performance of the porous SiO2–AgxAuy structure for selective oxidation of both methanol and ethanol to produce esters with high conversion efficiency, selectivity, and stability was demonstrated, illustrating the ability to translate design principles developed for support‐free materials to the colloid‐templated structures. The synthetic methodology reported is customizable for the design of a wide range of robust catalytic systems inspired by design principles derived from model studies. Fine control over the composition, morphology, size, distribution, and availability of the supported nanoparticles was demonstrated.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Structural Phases in CoMoO4†
Authors: Zagorac Dejan , Schön J. Christian , Rosić Milena , Zagorac Jelena , Jordanov Dragana , Luković Jelena , Matović Branko 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNew crystalline modifications of the technologically important compound CoMoO4 would be of great importance. Thus, the simple and fast Self‐Propagating Room Temperature procedure (SPRT) was used to synthesize crystalline phases of CoMoO4 at room temperature. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) revealed that the synthesized material consists of two phases: CoMoO4(I) and CoMoO4(II), both with the monoclinic space group C2/m, No.12. This experimental exploration of the phase space of CoMoO4 was complemented by theoretical efforts. These consisted of a global search for structure candidates in the CoMoO4 system using fast empirical potentials. Eleven additional structure candidates have been found, several of which might be accessible to synthesis and/or shed light on other cobalt‐molybdenum oxides whose structure and composition are under discussion.
High‐volume steroid isotopic standards developed as working standards for gas chromatography–combustion–isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Tobias Herbert J. , Brenna J. Thomas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHigh‐precision carbon isotope ratio analysis of urinary steroids by gas chromatography–combustion–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC–C–IRMS) is the official test to detect illicit doping of synthetic versions of endogenous steroids, such as testosterone. Our group created the first steroid isotopic standards (SIS) specifically for World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratories. The standards contain mixtures of steroids as acetates or free steroids at ~400 μg each per ampoule and have been widely distributed to anti‐doping laboratories to facilitate comparability of inter‐laboratory results. Here we report on the creation and characterization of 3 new high‐volume single component SIS suitable for use as working standards. They contain ~50 times more steroid mass per ampoule than previous SIS. The new SIS, coded CU/PCC 40‐1, CU/PCC 41‐1, & CU/PCC 42‐1, contain ~20 mg of androsterone, androsterone‐AC, and 5α‐cholestane, with determined isotopic values of ‐27.09 ± 0.07 mUr, ‐32.82 ± 0.01 mUr, ‐25.03 ± 0.01 mUr, respectively. We used our previously developed protocol to calibrate the isotopically uniform steroids against the isotopic standard gases methane and ethane in NIST RM 8559 that are traceable to the international standard Vienna PeeDee Belemnite (VPDB). Two sets of data, acquired 7 months apart, of absolute δ13CVPDB and ∆Δδ13CVPDB values from 8 randomly selected ampoules of all 3 SIS indicate uniformity of steroid isotopic composition within measurement reproducibility, SD(δ13C) < 0.2 mUr Our results show that protocols for SIS extend to creation of high volume working standards that can also be used as internal standards under appropriate GC conditions.
The natural selection of metabolism and mass selects lifeforms from viruses to multicellular animals
Authors: Witting Lars 
Published: September 2017

AbstractI show that the natural selection of metabolism and mass can select for the major life‐history and allometric transitions that define lifeforms from viruses, over prokaryotes and larger unicells, to multicellular animals. The proposed selection is driven by a mass‐specific metabolism that is selected as the pace of the resource handling that generates net energy for self‐replication. An initial selection of mass is given by a dependence of mass‐specific metabolism on mass in replicators that are close to a lower size limit. A sublinear maximum dependence selects for virus‐like replicators, with no intrinsic metabolism, no cell, and practically no mass. A superlinear dependence selects for prokaryote‐like self‐replicating cells, with asexual reproduction and incomplete metabolic pathways. These self‐replicators have selection for increased net energy, and this generates a gradual unfolding of population‐dynamic feed‐back selection from interactive competition. The incomplete feed‐back selects for larger unicells with more developed metabolic pathways, and the completely developed feed‐back for multicellular animals with sexual reproduction. This model unifies the natural selection of lifeforms from viruses to multicellular animals, and it provides a parsimonious explanation where allometries and major life histories evolve from the natural selection of metabolism and mass.
Hydrology driven changes in the rotifer trophic structure and implications for food web interactions
Authors: Galir Balkić Anita , Ternjej Ivančica , Špoljar Maria 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRotifers display r‐strategy life‐histories and are adaptable to environmental disturbances. Although rotifers constitute a large proportion of zooplankton in river‐floodplain systems, the influence of hydrology on their assemblage has been poorly studied. We postulated that rotifer assemblage and grazing activities were controlled by mechanisms associated with hydrological conditions. We conducted a 5‐year study (Kopački Rit Nature Park, NE Croatia) to assess the influence of hydrology on (a) rotifer assemblage during different hydrological phases, (b) the vertical distribution of rotifer abundance, functional feeding guilds, and grazing intensity, and (c) the main drivers affecting rotifer assemblage in the floodplain lake. The results indicated that (a) during isolation, longer residence time and high phytoplankton biomass microfilter‐feeders (mIff) and macrofilter‐feeders (mAff) grazing rates were similar whereas predators (Pr) were the most efficient consumers, (b) during high flow pulses, high conductivity and variable water level governed rotifer grazing rates of mIff and mAff at a retion of 1:2 and a decline of Pr grazing activity, and (c) during the flood pulse, reduced phytoplankton biomasss still resulted in mAff and Pr domination of the community whereas mIff grazing activity remained at the same level. Under stable hydrological conditions algivorous species codominated with bacterivores and predators, suggesting an increased biodiversity and food web interactions. In contrast, throughout the inundation period, algivorous species predominated. However, differences in rotifer assemblage between normal flow and flood pulses indicated the importance of hydrology in shaping rotifer trophic structure through modifying lower trophic levels and the availability of food sources.
Focused echocardiography and lung ultrasound protocol for guiding treatment in acute heart failure
Authors: Öhman Jonas , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Karjalainen Pasi , Lassus Johan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimsThere is little evidence‐based therapy existing for acute heart failure (AHF), hospitalizations are lengthy and expensive, and optimal monitoring of AHF patients during in‐hospital treatment is poorly defined. We evaluated a rapid cardiothoracic ultrasound (CaTUS) protocol, combining focused echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac filling pressures, that is, medial E/e′ and inferior vena cava index, with lung ultrasound (LUS) for guiding treatment in hospitalized AHF patients.Methods and resultsWe enrolled 20 consecutive patients hospitalized for AHF, whose in‐hospital treatment was guided using the CaTUS protocol according to a pre‐specified treatment protocol targeting resolution of pulmonary congestion on LUS and lowering cardiac filling pressures. Treatment results of these 20 patients were compared with those of a standard care sample of 100 patients, enrolled previously for follow‐up purposes. The standard care sample had CaTUS performed daily for follow‐up and received standard in‐hospital treatment without ultrasound guidance. All CaTUS exams were performed by a single experienced sonographer. The CaTUS‐guided therapy resulted in significantly larger decongestion as defined by reduction in symptoms, cardiac filling pressures, natriuretic peptides, cumulative fluid loss, and resolution of pulmonary congestion (P < 0.05 for all) despite a shorter mean length of hospitalization. Congestion parameters were significantly lower also at discharge (P < 0.05 for all), without any significant difference in these parameters on admission. The treatment arm displayed better survival regarding the combined endpoint of 6 month all‐cause death or AHF re‐hospitalization (log rank P = 0.017). No significant difference in adverse events occurred between the groups.ConclusionsThe CaTUS‐guided therapy for AHF resulted in greater decongestion during shorter hospitalization without increased adverse events in this small pilot study and might be associated with a better post‐discharge prognosis.
Vascular phenotypes of acute decompensated vs. new‐onset heart failure: treatment implications
Authors: Ferreira Jorge 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimsAcute heart failure (HF) is a frequent and life‐threatening syndrome with heterogeneous clinical, haemodynamic, and neurohormonal features. This article describes the vascular phenotypes associated with acute decompensated chronic HF (ADCHF), and new‐onset acute HF (NOAHF).Data SynthesisWorsening of chronic HF occurs with full activation of adaptive mechanisms that maintain blood pressure (BP) and systemic perfusion. Rapid onset of HF in the setting of previous normal functioning heart not only does not allow full activation of adaptive mechanisms but also generates inappropriate responses from systemic endothelium leading to low BP/hypotension. Consequently, the treatment of ADCHF is based on diuretics and vasodilators, while in NOAHF, vasoconstrictors may be required to maintain BP to allow the correction of the acute cardiac disease.ConclusionsPatients with ADCHF and NOAHF present different vascular phenotypes with treatment implications.
CMV and natural killer cells: shaping the response to vaccination
Authors: Goodier Martin R. , Jonjić Stipan , Riley Eleanor M. , Juranić Lisnić Vanda 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are highly prevalent, persistent human pathogens that not only evade but also shape our immune responses. Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the control of CMV and CMVs have in turn developed a plethora of immunoevasion mechanisms targeting NK cells. This complex interplay can leave a long‐lasting imprint on the immune system in general and affect responses toward other pathogens and vaccines. This review aims to provide an overview of NK cell biology and development, the manipulation of NK cells by CMVs and the potential impact of these evasion strategies on responses to vaccination.
Chemical Characterization, Oxidative Stability, and In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Sesame Oils Extracted by Supercritical and Subcritical Techniques and Conventional Methods: A Comparative Study Using Chemometrics
Authors: Shi Long‐Kai , Zheng Li , Liu Rui‐Jie , Chang Ming , Jin Qing‐Zhe , Wang Xing‐Guo 
Published: September 2017

In this study, profiles of chemical characterization, oxidative stability, and in vitro antioxidant capacity of sesame oils obtained from supercritical and subcritical techniques and conventional methods are studied and compared. The results shows that a large proportion of fatty acid and triacylglycerol are not significantly influenced by the processing technologies (except for LLLn, SOA, C18:3n‐6, and C22:0). However, significant differences of minor component, oxidation stability, and free radical scavenging activity among the test oil samples are observed. Supercritical sesame oils are more excellent than the subcritical sesame oils and oils obtained from the traditional methods, especially in terms of γ‐tocopherol, lignan and polyphenol contents, and antioxidant capacity, thus indicating that CO2 fluid technology is a desirable alternative to extract sesame oils with rich nutrition and superb physiological activity. Further, oils obtained from roasted sesame seeds exhibited higher oxidative stability and antioxidant capacity, thus declaring that high temperature roasting was a critical issue that influenced the quality of the final sesame oil product.Practical Applications: This study used two burgeoning technologies, namely supercritical and subcritical techniques for the practical applications of the extraction process of sesame oils from sesame (Sesamum indicum, L.) seeds. Supercritical fluid was an excellent technology to selectively extract bioactive compounds from sesame by using CO2 as a carrier solvent. The use of CO2 supercritical fluid in the present study was associated with high efficiency and antioxidant activities of the obtained sesame oils. These results indicate that this technology was an efficient and rapid method for extracting phytochemicals when compared with the conventional methods (hot pressing, cold pressing, solvent extraction, and aqueous extraction), thus indicating that it had the potential to work as a satisfactory approach to produce specific sesame oil products for health care and cosmetic use. This method can be easily implemented on an industrial scale.In this study, profiles of chemical characterization, oxidative stability, and in vitro antioxidant capacity of sesame oils obtained from supercritical and subcritical techniques and conventional methods are studied and compared. PCA and HCA show apparent distinctions between the supercritical sesame oils and the other kinds, as well as between the roasted and unroasted sesame oils. Models deduced by MLR are all significant, which are recognized as satisfactory and acceptable for predicting the in vitro antioxidant abilities of the sesame oils.
A Seagrass‐Based Biorefinery for Generation of Single‐Cell Oils for Biofuel and Oleochemical Production
Authors: Masri Mahmoud A. , Younes Samer , Haack Martina , Qoura Farah , Mehlmer Norbert , Brück Thomas 
Published: September 2017

Abstract78 million tons of residual seagrass deposits accumulate annually on shorelines worldwide. These represent an untapped feedstock for fermentative single‐cell oil production, targeted at biofuel and oleochemical generation, without affecting the sensitive marine environment or compromising food security. Seven beach‐cast samples of seagrass (related to Z. marina, Z. noltii, S. filiforme, P. australis, P. oceanic, and T. testudinum) were collected from marine ecosystems around the world. A combination of 18S rRNA phylogenetic, structural, and comprehensive biomass analyses of seagrass leaves were applied. The carbohydrate content ranged from 73 to 81 % (w/dwbiomass). Single‐step enzymatic hydrolysis was developed to efficiently release the monomeric sugars contained in seagrasses biomass without any pretreatment. P. oceanica hydrolysate allowed for higher lipid yields (6.8 g L−1) compared to the synthetic minimal medium (5.1 g L−1) in shake flasks, and was subsequently utilized as the sole fermentation medium for oleaginous yeast T. oleaginosus at a technical scale using a fed‐batch bioreactor, which provided 24.5 g L−1 lipids (0.35 g L−1 h−1). Moreover, the sugar/lipid conversion ratio was 0.41 (w/w). Cumulative data indicates that by exploiting only half of the global beach‐cast seagrass, approximately 4 million tons of microbial oils could be generated.
Food‐energy‐water nexus to mitigate sustainability challenges in a groundwater reliant agriculturally dominant environment (GRADE)
Authors: Uddameri Venkatesh , Reible Danny 
Published: September 2017

Groundwater reliant and agriculturally dominant environments (GRADEs) utilize exhaustible aquifer resources to supply food and fiber demands. The sustainability of these GRADES is threatened by over‐exploitation of fresher groundwater resources. There is an interest in exploring deeper brackish groundwater resources to sustain agricultural based economies in these regions. Using the southern high plains of Texas (SHP) as a test‐bed, the interlinkages between food‐energy‐water on improving water resiliency through brackish groundwater development is explored. Three scenarios—(1) direct use of deeper formations; (2) blending deeper and shallower groundwaters and 3) desalination of blended resources were evaluated in a spatially explicit manner. The results indicate that direct reuse of deeper water is possible over 30% of the study area, but it is not available in areas of critical need. The parameters limiting the suitability of deeper groundwater for agriculture in the order of decreasing importance are EC > TDS > SAR > B > Na > Cl. Simple blending of water from deeper and shallower aquifers improve water quality over roughly 900,000 acres. While blending greatly reduces the specific ion toxicities caused by sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and boron (B), the limitations of total dissolved solids (TDS) cannot be overcome. The over‐burden pressures in the deeper confined aquifer somewhat alleviate the blending energy requirements, especially in the southern portions of SHP. Desalination increases the energy requirements by several fold and is not suitable to sustain current agricultural practices which are focused mostly on lower valued staple crops. Using desalinated water for municipal and industrial uses can help ameliorate the stresses on the Ogallala Aquifer and enhance its longevity. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 21–36, 2018Novelty or Significance: The study is focused on the linkages between food, energy and water in groundwater dependent agricultural economies. Using the Southern High Plains of Texas as a test‐bed, the work evaluates whether a deeper brackish groundwater resource (Dockum geological unit) can be used to augment water supplies to sustain intensive agricultural production. The study identifies various factors that limit the use of this deeper resource and quantifies the energy footprint associated with three progressively complex approaches to improve water resiliency in the region and prolong the life of the Ogallala Aquifer.
Preserved cortical asymmetry despite thinner cortex in children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure and associated conditions
Authors: Zhou Dongming , Rasmussen Carmen , Pei Jacqueline , Andrew Gail , Reynolds James N. , Beaulieu Christian 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with reduced overall brain volume. Although this has been reported consistently across studies, the status of cortical thickness after PAE is more variable. The cortex is asymmetric in typical controls, but it is unclear whether the left and right counter parts of the cortical gray matter are unevenly influenced in postpartum brain development after PAE. Brain MRI was acquired in a newly recruited sample of 157 participants (PAE: N = 78, 5.5–18.9 years, 40 females and controls: N = 79, 5.8–18.5 years, 44 females) across four Canadian sites in the NeuroDevNet project. The PAE group had other confounds such as psychiatric co‐morbidity, different living environment, and so on, not present in the control group. In agreement with previous studies, the volumes of all brain structures were reduced in PAE compared to controls, including gray and white matter of cerebrum and cerebellum, and all deep gray matter including the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, caudate, putamen, and pallidum. The PAE group showed reductions in global and regional cortical thickness, while the pattern and degree of cortical thickness asymmetry were preserved in PAE participants with the greatest rightward asymmetry in the lateral parietal lobe and the greatest leftward asymmetry in the lateral frontal cortex. This persistent asymmetry reflects that the homologous left and right cortical regions followed typical relative developmental patterns in the PAE group despite being thinner bilaterally than controls. Hum Brain Mapp 39:72–88, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.