bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Boosting Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis with 3D Graphene Aerogel‐Supported Ni/MnO Particles
Authors: Fu Gengtao , Yan Xiaoxiao , Chen Yifan , Xu Lin , Sun Dongmei , Lee Jong‐Min , Tang Yawen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractElectrocatalysts for oxygen‐reduction and oxygen‐evolution reactions (ORR and OER) are crucial for metal–air batteries, where more costly Pt‐ and Ir/Ru‐based materials are the benchmark catalysts for ORR and OER, respectively. Herein, for the first time Ni is combined with MnO species, and a 3D porous graphene aerogel‐supported Ni/MnO (Ni–MnO/rGO aerogel) bifunctional catalyst is prepared via a facile and scalable hydrogel route. The synthetic strategy depends on the formation of a graphene oxide (GO) crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel that allows for the efficient capture of highly active Ni/MnO particles after pyrolysis. Remarkably, the resulting Ni–MnO/rGO aerogels exhibit superior bifunctional catalytic performance for both ORR and OER in an alkaline electrolyte, which can compete with the previously reported bifunctional electrocatalysts. The MnO mainly contributes to the high activity for the ORR, while metallic Ni is responsible for the excellent OER activity. Moreover, such bifunctional catalyst can endow the homemade Zn–air battery with better power density, specific capacity, and cycling stability than mixed Pt/C + RuO2 catalysts, demonstrating its potential feasibility in practical application of rechargeable metal–air batteries.
Climate‐Dependent Heat‐Triggered Opening Mechanism of Banksia Seed Pods
Authors: Huss Jessica C. , Schoeppler Vanessa , Merritt David J. , Best Christine , Maire Eric , Adrien Jérôme , Spaeker Oliver , Janssen Nils , Gladisch Johannes , Gierlinger Notburga , Miller Ben P. , Fratzl Peter , Eder Michaela 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHeat‐triggered fruit opening and delayed release of mature seeds are widespread among plants in fire‐prone ecosystems. Here, the material characteristics of the seed‐containing follicles of Banksia attenuata (Proteaceae), which open in response to heat frequently caused by fire, are investigated. Material analysis reveals that long‐term dimensional stability and opening temperatures of follicles collected across an environmental gradient increase as habitats become drier, hotter, and more fire prone. A gradual increase in the biaxial curvature of the hygroscopic valves provides the follicles in the driest region with the highest flexural rigidity. The irreversible deformation of the valves for opening is enabled via a temperature‐dependent reduction of the elastic modulus of the innermost tissue layer, which then allows releasing the stresses previously generated by shrinkage of the fiber bundles in the adjacent layer during follicle drying. These findings illustrate the level of sophistication by which this species optimizes its fruit opening mechanism over a large distribution range with varying environmental conditions, and may not only have great relevance for developing biomimetic actuators, but also for elucidating the species' capacity to cope with climatic changes.
Heterologous Protein Expression in Pichia pastoris: Latest Research Progress and Applications
Authors: Juturu Veeresh , Wu Jin Chuan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPichia pastoris is a well‐known platform strain for heterologous protein expression. Over the past five years, different strategies to improve the efficiency of recombinant protein expression by this yeast strain have been developed; these include a patent‐free protein expression kit, construction of the P. pastoris CBS7435Ku70 platform strain with its high efficiency in site‐specific recombination of plasmid DNA into the genomic DNA, the design of synthetic promoters and their variants by combining different core promoters with multiple putative transcription factors, the generation of mutant GAP promoter variants with various promoter strengths, codon optimization, engineering the α‐factor signal sequence by replacing the native glutamic acid at the Kex2 cleavage site with the other 19 natural amino acids and the addition of mammalian signal sequence to the yeast signal sequence, and the co‐expression of single chaperones, multiple chaperones or helper proteins that aid in recombinant protein folding. Publically available high‐quality genome data from multiple strains of P. pastoris GS115, DSMZ 70382, and CBS7435 and the continuous development of yeast expression kits have successfully promoted the metabolic engineering of this strain to produce carotenoids, xanthophylls, nootkatone, ricinoleic acid, dammarenediol‐II, and hyaluronic acid. The cell‐surface display of enzymes has obviously increased enzyme stability, and high‐level intracellular expression of acyl‐CoA and ethanol O‐acyltransferase, lipase and d‐amino acid oxidase has opened up applications in whole‐cell biocatalysis for producing flavor molecules and biodiesel, as well as the deracemization of racemic amino acids. High‐level expression of various food‐grade enzymes, cellulases, and hemicellulases for applications in the food, feed and biorefinery industries is in its infancy and needs strengthening.
Covalent Triazine Framework Anchored with Co3O4 Nanoparticles for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Chen Sicong , Zhu Yuanzhi , Xu Danyun , Peng Wenchao , Li Yang , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an important process in energy conversion and storage devices. Great efforts have been focused on developing efficient, durable, and low‐cost non‐Pt catalysts. In this study, a novel hybrid ORR catalyst of Co3O4 and covalent triazine framework (CTF) was prepared through the in‐situ growth of Co3O4 nanoparticles on CTF by using a hydrothermal method. Systematical studies revealed that this hybrid catalyst not only has a synergistic catalytic effect in the ORR, but also has superior stability and better methanol resistance than commercial Pt/C catalysts.
Complete Depolymerization and Repolymerization of a Sugar Poly(orthoester)
Authors: Li Lingyao , Maiti Sampa , Thompson Nicole A. , Milligan Ian J. , Du Wenjun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInvited for this month′s cover is the group of Wenjun Du at Central Michigan University. The Cover Picture shows a glycopolymer undergoing a cycle of depolymerization and repolymerization. The Communication itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201701870.
Adipocytes role in the bone marrow niche
Authors: Guerra Daniel A. P. , Paiva Ana E. , Sena Isadora F. G. , Azevedo Patrick O. , Batista Miguel Luiz , Mintz Akiva , Birbrair Alexander 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAdipocyte infiltration in the bone marrow follows chemotherapy or irradiation. Previous studies indicate that bone marrow fat cells inhibit hematopoietic stem cell function. Recently, Zhou et al. (2017) using state‐of‐the‐art techniques, including sophisticated Cre/loxP technologies, confocal microscopy, in vivo lineage‐tracing, flow cytometry, and bone marrow transplantation, reveal that adipocytes promote hematopoietic recovery after irradiation. This study challenges the current view of adipocytes as negative regulators of the hematopoietic stem cells niche, and reopens the discussion about adipocytes' roles in the bone marrow. Strikingly, genetic deletion of stem cell factor specifically from adipocytes leads to deficiency in hematopoietic stem cells, and reduces animal survival after myeloablation, The emerging knowledge from this research will be important for the treatment of multiple hematologic disorders. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Ecobat: An online resource to facilitate transparent, evidence‐based interpretation of bat activity data
Authors: Lintott Paul R. , Davison Sophie , van Breda John , Kubasiewicz Laura , Dowse David , Daisley Jonathan , Haddy Emily , Mathews Fiona 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAcoustic surveys of bats are one of the techniques most commonly used by ecological practitioners. The results are used in Ecological Impact Assessments to assess the likely impacts of future developments on species that are widely protected in law, and to monitor developments’ postconstruction. However, there is no standardized methodology for analyzing or interpreting these data, which can make the assessment of the ecological value of a site very subjective. Comparisons of sites and projects are therefore difficult for ecologists and decision‐makers, for example, when trying to identify the best location for a new road based on relative bat activity levels along alternative routes. Here, we present a new web‐based, data‐driven tool, Ecobat, which addresses the need for a more robust way of interpreting ecological data. Ecobat offers users an easy, standardized, and objective method for analyzing bat activity data. It allows ecological practitioners to compare bat activity data at regional and national scales and to generate a numerical indicator of the relative importance of a night's worth of bat activity. The tool is free and open‐source; because the underlying algorithms are already developed, it could easily be expanded to new geographical regions and species. Data donation is required to ensure the robustness of the analyses; we use a positive feedback mechanism to encourage ecological practitioners to share data by providing in return high quality, contextualized data analysis, and graphical visualizations for direct use in ecological reports.
General environmental heterogeneity as the explanation of sexuality? Comparative study shows that ancient asexual taxa are associated with both biotically and abiotically homogeneous environments
Authors: Toman Jan , Flegr Jaroslav 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEcological theories of sexual reproduction assume that sexuality is advantageous in certain conditions, for example, in biotically or abiotically more heterogeneous environments. Such theories thus could be tested by comparative studies. However, the published results of these studies are rather unconvincing. Here, we present the results of a new comparative study based exclusively on the ancient asexual clades. The association with biotically or abiotically homogeneous environments in these asexual clades was compared with the same association in their sister, or closely related, sexual clades. Using the conservative definition of ancient asexuals (i.e., age >1 million years), we found eight pairs of taxa of sexual and asexual species, six differing in the heterogeneity of their inhabited environment on the basis of available data. The difference between the environmental type associated with the sexual and asexual species was then compared in an exact binomial test. The results showed that the majority of ancient asexual clades tend to be associated with biotically, abiotically, or both biotically and abiotically more homogeneous environments than their sexual controls. In the exploratory part of the study, we found that the ancient asexuals often have durable resting stages, enabling life in subjectively homogeneous environments, live in the absence of intense biotic interactions, and are very often sedentary, inhabiting benthos, and soil. The consequences of these findings for the ecological theories of sexual reproduction are discussed.
Hybrid CO2 EOR using polymer‐assisted carbonated low salinity waterflood to improve CO2 deliverability and mobility
Authors: Lee Ji Ho , Kim Tae Hong , Lee Kun Sang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA hybrid polymer‐assisted carbonated low‐salinity waterflood (PCLSWF) is a low‐salinity waterflood‐based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) co‐injecting CO2 and polymer. In the hybrid process, the low salinity of make‐up brine enhances CO2 deliverability into a reservoir due to the salting‐out phenomenon. This PCLSWF introduces the following synergetic effects: 1) wettability modification; 2) decreasing oil viscosity; 3) increasing brine viscosity. These effects are evaluated in core‐ and pilot‐scaled systems. First, the PCLSWF induces ion‐exchange of Ca2+ and improves wettability following MIE (multi‐components ionic exchange) theory. The wettability modification effect is enhanced in the pilot‐scaled system because the low pH of the PLCSWF dissolves more cemented calcite mineral producing Ca2+ and resulting in more ion‐exchange of Ca2+. Secondly, a lot of dissolved CO2 in brine is transferred into oil, consequently decreasing the viscosity and density of oil. Finally, polymer injection increases the viscosity of the displacing fluid. Although it undergoes mechanical and chemical degradation, it still improves mobility ratio and sweep efficiency. In the pilot‐scaled system, the PCLSWF enhances oil recovery up to 12%, 6%, and 2% over the low salinity waterflood (LSWF), low salinity polymer flood (LSPF), and carbonated low salinity waterflood (CLSWF) respectively. The optimization process maximizes the efficiency of the PCLSWF, and it is recommended that tertiary PCLSWF is deployed following the secondary CLSWF. The optimized injection design of the PCLSWF increases the net present value up to 18% more than the LSWF. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal autonomy support and dyadic verbal synchrony during narrative coconstruction: Links with child attachment representations and independent narrative competence
Authors: Kelly Kimberly Reynolds 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study investigated the empirical bases for 2 dimensions of narrative coconstruction (autonomy support and verbal synchrony) with 65 mother–child dyads. Links between the 2 narrative dimensions and child narrative competence were tested, and differences in autonomy support and verbal synchrony across attachment groups (child story‐stem measure) were examined. Child independent narratives and mother–child narrative conversations were coded and analysed at the turn‐by‐turn level. Principal components analysis revealed the verbal behaviours that composed autonomy support and verbal synchrony reflected the extent to which mothers supported their children's independent competence and the degree to which interactions were mutually reciprocal and constructive, respectively. As predicted, avoidant and ambivalent dyads differed in terms of autonomy support but were comparable on verbal synchrony, revealing the differential influence of insecure attachment on mother–child narrative coconstruction. As hypothesized, autonomy support was related to child independent narrative competence when narrating collaboratively and alone, and verbal synchrony was related to more child engagement during narrative conversations. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.Highlights

This study examines autonomy support and verbal synchrony during narrative coconstruction, links to child narrative competence, and differences across attachment groups.
With a microanalytic approach, findings reveal the first empirical evidence of the relation between child attachment representations and maternal autonomy support in narrative conversations.
Results underscore the importance of microanalysis in revealing unique and separate dimensions contributing to the conversation in which the story is constructed and to the story itself.
Systematic Review of Rehabilitation in Focal Dystonias: Classification and Recommendations
Authors: Prudente Cecília N. , Zetterberg Lena , Bring Annika , Bradnam Lynley , Kimberley Teresa J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundRehabilitation interventions are rarely utilized as an alternative or adjunct therapy for focal dystonias. Reasons for limited utilization are unknown, but lack of conclusive evidence of effectiveness is likely a crucial factor.Methods and FindingsThe purpose of this systematic review was to determine the level of evidence for rehabilitation interventions in focal dystonias. Rehabilitation interventions were classified based upon the underlying theoretical basis of different approaches, and the strength of evidence for each category was evaluated to identify gaps in the field. Prospective studies using rehabilitation methods in cervical, hand, and foot dystonia were reviewed. The key elements of treatments tested were identified and studies were grouped into six categories based on the theoretical basis of the intervention: (1) movement practice, (2) training with constraint, (3) sensory reorganization, (4) normalization of muscle activity with external techniques, (5) neuromodulation with training, and (6) compensatory strategies. Quality of the body of evidence ranged from very low‐to‐low according to the grades of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE). Despite inconclusive evidence for these rehabilitation approaches, data suggest that intensive movement practice and neuromodulation combined with motor training should be further explored.ConclusionsThis systematic review presents a novel approach to classify studies of rehabilitation in focal dystonias based on the theoretical basis of intervention. The proposed classification system will move toward a unified theoretical understanding of rehabilitation interventions in dystonia. Moreover, it will help provide recommendations for clinical applications and future investigations.
Effect of the Pyridine Substituent on the Role of the Phenol Functional Group in [Cu(pOHBz)2(dPy)2] Complexes (pOHBz: p‐Hydroxybenzoate, dPy= 4‐Phenylpyridine, 4‐Benzylpyridine, 3‐Phenylpyridine).
Authors: Sanchez‐Sala Marta , Pons Josefina , Álvarez‐Larena Ángel , Domingo Concepción , Ayllón José A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe crystal structure of three new complexes of stoichiometry [Cu(pOHBz)2(dPy)2] (pOHBz: p‐hydroxybenzoate, dPy= 4‐phenylpyridine, 4‐benzylpyridine, 3‐phenylpyridine) and its comparison with the previously reported [Cu(pOHBz)2(Py)2] (1) indicate that the nature and position of the pyridine substituent determines different roles for the phenol group from the pOHBz ligand and, consequently, the coordination number and geometry of Cu(II) centers. Results herein reported show the versatility of the pOHBz ligand towards the coordination of Cu(II). Different carboxylate bonding modes are also observed: monodentate, bidentate chelating or bidentate bridge. Besides, this governs the different roles of the phenol group of the pOHBz ligand: founding of supramolecular hydrogen‐bond based network or direct bonding to the copper cation, yielding 2D coordination polymers.
Optical coherence tomography indices of structural retinal pathology in schizophrenia
Authors: Silverstein Steven M. , Paterno Danielle , Cherneski Lindsay , Green Stuart 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundPrior optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies of schizophrenia have identified thinning of retinal layers. However, findings have varied across reports, and most studies have had serious methodological limitations. To address unresolved issues, we determined whether: (1) retinal thinning in schizophrenia occurs independently of comorbid medical conditions that affect the retina; (2) thinning is independent of antipsychotic medication dose; (3) optic nerve parameters are abnormal in schizophrenia; and (4) OCT indices are related to visual and cognitive impairments common in schizophrenia.MethodsA total of 32 people with schizophrenia and 32 matched controls participated. Spectral domain OCT generated data on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), macula, and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness, in addition to cup volume and the cup-to-disc ratio at the optic nerve head. Subjects with schizophrenia also completed measures of symptoms, visual processing, and IQ.ResultsThe groups did not differ on RNFL, macula, or GCL-IPL thickness. However, thinning of these layers was related to the presence of diabetes or hypertension across the sample as a whole. The schizophrenia group demonstrated enlarged cup volume and an enlarged cup-to-disc ratio in both eyes, which were unrelated to medical comorbidity, but were related to increased cognitive symptoms.ConclusionsPast reports of retinal thinning may be artifacts of medical comorbidity that is over-represented in schizophrenia, or other confounds. However, optic nerve head abnormalities may hold promise as biomarkers of central nervous system abnormality, including cognitive decline, in schizophrenia.
Annual prevalence and economic burden of genital warts in Korea: Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) service data from 2007 to 2015
Authors: PARK Y. J. , KIM J. M. , LEE B. R. , KIM T. H. , LEE E. G. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYThis study evaluated the annual prevalence of anogenital warts (AGW) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and analysed the trend in annual per cent changes (APC) by using national claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment of Korea, 2007–2015. We also estimated the socio-economic burden and co-morbidities of AGW. All analyses were performed based on data for primary A63.0, the specific diagnosis code for AGW. The socio-economic cost of AGW was calculated based on the direct medical cost, direct non-medical cost and indirect cost. The overall AGW prevalence and socio-economic burden has increased during the last 9 years. However, the prevalence of AGW differed significantly by sex. The female prevalence increased until 2012, and decreased thereafter (APC + 3·6%). It would fall after the introduction of routine HPV vaccination, principally for females, in Korea. The male prevalence increased continuously over time (APC + 11·6%), especially in those aged 20–49 years. Referring to the increasing AGW prevalence and its disease burden, active HPV infection control surveillance and prevention in males are worth consideration.
Hypoplastic left heart in Turner’s syndrome: a primary indication for transplant?
Authors: Philip Joseph , Gupta Dipankar , Bleiweis Mark S. , Pietra Biagio A. , Vyas Himesh V. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSurvival for hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients following the Norwood procedure is 71–90%. Mortality in patients with Turner’s syndrome and hypoplastic left heart syndrome after conventional palliation (Norwood operation) has been reported as high as 80%. This questions the approach of traditional staged palliation. Here, we report a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Turner’s syndrome bridged to orthotopic heart transplantation following a hybrid procedure.
Percutaneous closure of a large patent ductus arteriosus in a preterm newborn weighing 1400 g without using arterial sheath: an innovative technique
Authors: Garg Gaurav , Garg Vishal , Prakash Amit 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPercutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus is well established in infants weighing >5 kg, but data regarding outcome of preterm especially very low birth weight infants is minimal. Although surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus is the preferred and well-accepted modality of treatment after failure of drug therapy in preterm infants, it has also got its own demerits in such a small and fragile subset. Device closure in infants weighing <1.5 kg is rarely attempted because of high chances of complications, especially acute arterial injury due to the arterial sheath. We received a 1.4-kg ventilator-dependent infant for closure of large patent ductus arteriosus. Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus was done successfully and the infant was discharged on room air with a weight of 1.8 kg. We present here an innovative technique in which successful patent ductus arteriosus device closure was done in a 1.4-kg infant without using arterial sheath.