bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Doping or Deposition of NiS on Cd0.3Zn0.7S Photocatalysts: Optimising Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Markovskaya Dina V. , Kozlova Ekaterina A. , Cherepanova Svetlana V. , Kolinko Pavel A. , Gerasimov Eugeny Yu. , Parmon Valentin N. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe photocatalytic properties of a Cd0.3Zn0.7S photocatalyst modified either by NiS doping or by supporting NiS on the catalyst surface were studied. The obtained samples were investigated by different characterization techniques, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activity was measured in hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions of Na2S/Na2SO3 under visible‐light irradiation (λ=450 nm). Nickel modifications on the surface and in bulk led to improvements in the photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine sample. The samples modified in bulk underwent changes in composition and an increase of the catalytic activity during illumination was measured. In contrast, the rate of hydrogen photoproduction for the photocatalysts modified by NiS on the surface did not change appreciably. The highest photocatalytic activity values were 11.2 mmol h−1 g−1 and 12.8 mmol h−1 g−1 for the 0.3 % NiS/Cd0.3Zn0.7S and Ni0.001Cd0.3Zn0.7S1.001 photocatalysts, respectively.
Iridium Complexes with Proton‐Responsive Azole‐Type Ligands as Effective Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Suna Yuki , Himeda Yuichiro , Fujita Etsuko , Muckerman James T. , Ertem Mehmed Z. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPentamethylcyclopentadienyl iridium (Cp*Ir) complexes with bidentate ligands consisting of a pyridine ring and an electron‐rich diazole ring were prepared. Their catalytic activity toward CO2 hydrogenation in 2.0 m KHCO3 aqueous solutions (pH 8.5) at 50 °C, under 1.0 MPa CO2/H2 (1:1) have been reported as an alternative to photo‐ and electrochemical CO2 reduction. Bidentate ligands incorporating an electron‐rich diazole ring improved the catalytic performance of the Ir complexes compared to the bipyridine ligand. Complexes 2, 4, and 6, possessing both a hydroxy group and an uncoordinated NH group, which are proton‐responsive and capable of generating pendent bases in basic media, recorded high initial turnover frequency values of 1300, 1550, and 2000 h−1, respectively. Spectroscopic and computational investigations revealed that the reversible deprotonation changes the electronic properties of the complexes and causes interactions between pendent base and substrate and/or solvent water molecules, resulting in high catalytic performance in basic media.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Macroalgae‐Derived Alginic Acid into Sugar Alcohols
Authors: Ban Chunghyeon , Jeon Wonjin , Woo Hee Chul , Kim Do Heui 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAlginic acid, a major constituent of macroalgae, iss hydrogenated into sugar alcohols over carbon‐supported noble metals for the first time. Mannitol and sorbitol are the major products of the catalytic hydrogenation of alginic acid, which consists of two epimeric uronic acids. The main reaction pathway is the consecutive hydrogenations of the aldehyde and carboxyl ends of alginic acid dimers, followed by the cleavage of the C−O−C linkage into monomeric units by hydrolysis. The highest yield of C6 sugar alcohols is 61 % (sorbitol: 29 %; mannitol: 28 %; galactitol: 4 %). The low sorbitol/mannitol ratio is in contrast to that from cellulose hydrogenation, owing to the composition of alginic acid and isomerization between sugar alcohols under the catalytic system. This new green route to producing sugar alcohols from alginic acid might provide opportunities to diversify biomass resources.
Plant diversity has contrasting effects on herbivore and parasitoid abundance in Centaurea jacea flower heads
Authors: Nitschke Norma , Allan Eric , Zwölfer Helmut , Wagner Lysett , Creutzburg Sylvia , Baur Hannes , Schmidt Stefan , Weisser Wolfgang W. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHigh biodiversity is known to increase many ecosystem functions, but studies investigating biodiversity effects have more rarely looked at multi‐trophic interactions. We studied a tri‐trophic system composed of Centaurea jacea (brown knapweed), its flower head‐infesting tephritid fruit flies and their hymenopteran parasitoids, in a grassland biodiversity experiment. We aimed to disentangle the importance of direct effects of plant diversity (through changes in apparency and resource availability) from indirect effects (mediated by host plant quality and performance). To do this, we compared insect communities in C. jacea transplants, whose growth was influenced by the surrounding plant communities (and where direct and indirect effects can occur), with potted C. jacea plants, which do not compete with the surrounding plant community (and where only direct effects are possible). Tephritid infestation rate and insect load, mainly of the dominant species Chaetorellia jaceae, decreased with increasing plant species and functional group richness. These effects were not seen in the potted plants and are therefore likely to be mediated by changes in host plant performance and quality. Parasitism rates, mainly of the abundant chalcid wasps Eurytoma compressa and Pteromalus albipennis, increased with plant species or functional group richness in both transplants and potted plants, suggesting that direct effects of plant diversity are most important. The differential effects in transplants and potted plants emphasize the importance of plant‐mediated direct and indirect effects for trophic interactions at the community level. The findings also show how plant–plant interactions critically affect results obtained using transplants. More generally, our results indicate that plant biodiversity affects the abundance of higher trophic levels through a variety of different mechanisms.
Multiple dimensions of intraspecific diversity affect biomass of eelgrass and its associated community
Authors: Abbott Jessica M. , Grosberg Richard K. , Williams Susan L. , Stachowicz John J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractGenetic diversity within key species can play an important role in the functioning of entire communities. However, the extent to which different dimensions of diversity (e.g., the number of genotypes vs. the extent of genetic differentiation among those genotypes) best predicts functioning is unknown and may yield clues into the different mechanisms underlying diversity effects. We explicitly test the relative influence of genotypic richness and genetic relatedness on eelgrass productivity, biomass, and the diversity of associated invertebrate grazers in a factorial field experiment using the seagrass species,Zostera marina(eelgrass). Genotypic richness had the strongest effect on eelgrass biomass accumulation, such that plots with more genotypes at the end of the experiment attained a higher biomass. Genotypic diversity (richness + evenness) was a stronger predictor of biomass than richness alone, and both genotype richness and diversity were positively correlated with trait diversity. The relatedness of genotypes in a plot reduced eelgrass biomass independently of richness. Plots containing eelgrass with greater trait diversity also had a higher abundance of invertebrate grazers, while the diversity and relatedness of eelgrass genotypes had little effect on invertebrate abundance or richness. Our work extends previous findings by explicitly relating genotypic diversity to trait diversity, thus mechanistically connecting genotypic diversity to plot‐level yields. We also show that other dimensions of diversity, namely relatedness, influence eelgrass performance independent of trait differentiation. Ultimately, richness and relatedness captured fundamentally different components of intraspecific variation and should be treated as complementary rather than competing dimensions of biodiversity affecting ecosystem functioning.
Is rocking motion predictable?
Authors: Bachmann J. A. , Strand M. , Vassiliou M. F. , Broccardo M. , Stojadinović B. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryAn argument of engineers and researchers against the use of rocking as a seismic response modification technique is that the rocking motion of a structure is chaotic and the existing models are incapable of predicting it well. This argument is supported by the documented inability of rocking models to predict the motion of a specimen excited by a single ground motion. A statistical comparison of the experimental and the numerical responses of a rigid rocking oscillator not to a specific ground motion, but to ensembles of ground motions that have the same statistical properties, is presented. It is shown that the simple analytical model proposed by Housner in 1963 is capable of predicting the statistics of seismic response of a rigid rocking oscillator.
Seismic behaviour of steel plate shear wall systems with staggered web configurations
Authors: Verma Abhishek , Sahoo Dipti Ranjan 
Published: October 2017

SummaryUnstiffened steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) are used as lateral load‐resisting systems in building structures. The energy dissipation mechanism of SPSWs consists of the tension yielding of web plates and the formation of plastic hinges at the ends of horizontal boundary elements. However, vertical boundary elements (VBEs) of high‐rise SPSWs may experience high axial forces under lateral loading. This study explores the effectiveness of staggering of web plates on the reduction of VBE forces and drift response of SPSWs during an earthquake event. An analytical study has been conducted to determine the base shear reduction factor so as to match the overstrength of staggered systems with conventional SPSWs. A design methodology has been proposed for staggered SPSWs. Six‐, 9‐, and 20‐storey staggered and conventional SPSWs with varying aspect ratios are considered in this study to compare their seismic response. These study frames are modelled and analysed inOpenSEESplatform. Nonlinear static and dynamic analyses are performed to compare the drift response, hinge mechanisms, and steel tonnage. Staggered SPSWs showed uniform drift distribution and reduction in interstorey drift and axial force demand on the VBEs.
Use of polychlorinated biphenyl and toxic equivalent concentrations in scat from mink(Neovison vison) fed fish from the upper Hudson River to predict dietary and hepatic concentrations and health effects
Authors: Bursian Steven J. , Kern John , Remington Richard E. , Link Jane E. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

To evaluate health effects associated with consumption of fish contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from the upper Hudson River, farm-raised mink were fed diets containing fish collected from the river. Endpoints assessed included adult reproductive performance, offspring growth and mortality, and organ mass and pathology of adults and their offspring. Scat samples were collected from adult males at the time of necropsy and from adult females just prior to whelping. Scat samples were analyzed for PCBs, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The present study provides the results of these analyses and compares ∑PCB and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations in scat with dietary and hepatic concentrations associated with effects reported previously. Dry weight concentrations of ∑PCBs and ∑TEQs in scat generally increased with dietary concentration and reflected corresponding increases in hepatic concentrations of ∑PCBs and ∑TEQs. Maternal concentrations of ∑PCBs in scat expressed on a dry, wet, and lipid weight basis predicted to result in 50% kit mortality (LC50) were 1.0, 0.30, and 12 μg ∑PCBs/g. Concentrations of ∑PCBs in scat expressed on a dry, wet, and lipid weight basis predicted to result in 50% incidence of a previously reported jaw lesion (EC50) were 1.7, 0.48, and 24 μg ∑PCBs/g in adult females and 2.5, 0.87, and 19 μg ∑PCBs/g in adult males. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:563–575. © 2017 SETAC
Binding of trace elements (Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Tl) to cytosolic biomolecules in livers of juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected from lakes representing metal contamination gradients
Authors: Caron Antoine , Rosabal Maikel , Drevet Ophélie , Couture Patrice , Campbell Peter G.C. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Biomolecules involved in handling cytosolic metals in the liver of the yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were characterized in juvenile fish collected from 4 lakes constituting metal contamination gradients. Using size-exclusion liquid chromatography coupled to an inductively coupled mass spectrometer, we determined metal distributions among ligands of different molecular weights in the cytosol, before and after a heat denaturation step designed to isolate metallothionein-like peptides and proteins. Silver, Cd, and Cu found in the heat-stable protein supernatants were indeed largely present as metallothionein-like peptide complexes; but Co, Ni, and Tl, also present in the heat-stable protein supernatants, did not coelute with metallothionein-like peptides and proteins. This difference in metal partitioning is consistent with the known preference of “soft” metals such as Ag, Cd, and Cu(I) for thiolated ligands and the contrasting tendency of Co and Ni to bind to ligands with oxygen and nitrogen as donor atoms. Metal handling in the whole cytosol also reflected these differences in metal-binding behavior. For Cd and Cu, the importance of the molecular weight pool that includes metallothionein-like peptides and proteins increased relative to the other pools as the total cytosolic metal concentration ([M]cytosol) increased, consistent with a concentration-dependent detoxification response. In contrast, for Ni and Tl the increase in [M]cytosol was accompanied by a marked increase in the high–molecular weight (670–33 kDa) pool, suggesting that hepatic Ni and Tl are not effectively detoxified. Overall, the results suggest that metal detoxification is less effective for Ni, Tl, and Co than for Ag, Cd, and Cu. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:576–586. © 2017 SETAC
Abstract
Effects of caffeinated alcoholic beverages with low alcohol and high caffeine content on cognitive and motor functions
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Ju , Lin Chun‐Cheng , Cheng Yawen , Huang Ming‐Chyi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveIn Taiwan, caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs), with high caffeine but low alcohol concentrations compared to those sold in Western countries, are commonly consumed at work and have been associated with work‐related injuries. However, the effects on cognitive and motor functions and self‐perception have not been examined.MethodsTwenty‐eight healthy male volunteers (mean age: 32.6 ± 2.7) participated in the study. Each participant visited our laboratory 4 times at intervals of at least 1 week and was assigned to one of 4 trials in a counterbalanced order at each visit: placebo, alcohol, caffeinated energy drink, and CAB. They completed the subjective perception ratings, go/no‐go tasks, Stroop color‐word tests, Purdue pegboard tests, and the standardized field sobriety test. We used analysis of variance to examine the intraindividual differences in the performance.ResultsConsuming alcohol of 0.23 g/kg typically consumed by Taiwanese CAB drinkers caused significant impairments in fine and crude motor functions; caffeine (1.5 mg/kg) did not antagonize these effects but led to an improvement in response speed in the go/no‐go task. The subjective perceptions produced by alcohol were not masked by caffeine.ConclusionsCABs that contains a higher ratio of caffeine to alcohol did not counteract the motor function impairments induced by alcohol.
Modeling sediment transport in Qatar: Application for coastal development planning
Authors: Yousif Ruqaiya , Warren Christopher , Ben-Hamadou Radhouan , Husrevoglu Sinan 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Hydrodynamics and sediment transport are key physical processes contributing to habitat structure within the marine environment. Coastal development that results in the alteration of these processes (e.g., changing water flushing and/or sedimentation rates) can have detrimental impacts on sensitive systems. This is a current, relevant issue in Qatar as its coastal regions continue to be developed, not only around the capital of Doha, but in many areas around this Arabian Gulf peninsula. The northeastern Qatari coast is comprised of diverse and sensitive flora and fauna such as seagrass and macroalgae meadows, coral reefs and patches, turtles, and dugongs that tolerate harsh environmental conditions. In the near future, this area may see a rise in anthropogenic activity in the form of coastal development projects. These projects will add to existing natural stresses, such as high temperature, high salinity, and low rates of precipitation. Consequently, there is a need to characterize this area and assess the potential impacts that these anthropogenic activities may have on the region. In the present study, a novel sediment transport model is described and used to demonstrate the potential impact of altering hydrodynamics and subsequent sediment transport along the northeastern Qatar nearshore marine environment. The developed models will be tested using potential scenarios of future anthropogenic activities forecasted to take place in the area. The results will show the effects on water and sediment behavior and provide a scientific approach for key stakeholders to make decisions with respect to the management of the considered coastal zone. Furthermore, it provides a tool and framework that can be utilized in environmental impact assessment and associated hydrodynamic studies along other areas of the Qatari coastal zone. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:240–251. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points
Study introduces development of a sediment transport model for Qatar. Environmental impact assessment framework incorporates mass balance hydrodynamic and sediment transport models, and habitat mapping. Case study for remote pristine nearshore marine system in northeastern Qatar is included. Tool for development planners and decision makers aims to address future sustainable coastal development.
Novel Sulfonated CNN Pincer Ligands for Facile C−H Activation at a Pt(II) Center
Authors: Watts David , Wang Daoyong , Zavalij Peter Y. , Vedernikov Andrei N. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTwo novel sulfonated CNN‐pincer ligands 1b and 1c and the corresponding chloro and aqua complexes K[CNNLPtCl] and CNNLPt(H2O), 3b–3c and 2b–2c, were prepared and fully characterized including single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Along with the previously described complexes 2a and 3a, the derivatives of a CNN pincer ligand 1a, these complexes form a family of structurally similar compounds where the pincer core rigidity increases in the series 2a (3a)<2b (3b)<2c (3c), as deduced from their XRD data. The increased ligand rigidity affects the aqua ligand dissociation energy of the CNNLPt(H2O) complexes, as it follows from DFT calculations and as is reflected in the increased reactivity of the aqua complexes 2a, 2b and 2c in processes that involve aqua ligand loss. Among these processes the formation of the presumed dinuclear complexes CNNL2Pt2 and, importantly, catalytic C−D bond cleavage in C6D6 were studied in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol solutions. The C−D bond cleavage reactivity was quantified as the rate of H/D exchange between C6D6 and CF3CH2OH at 80 °C.
Meta‐analysis of bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation versus thermal balloon endometrial ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding
Authors: Zhai Yan , Zhang Zihan , Wang Wei , Zheng Tingping , Zhang Huili 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundHeavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem that can severely affect quality of life.ObjectivesTo compare bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation and thermal balloon ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding in terms of efficacy and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).Search strategyOnline registries were systematically searched using relevant terms without language restriction from inception to November 24, 2016.Selection criteriaRandomized control trials or cohort studies of women with heavy menstrual bleeding comparing the efficacy of two treatments were eligible.Data collection and analysisData were extracted. Results were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Main resultsSix studies involving 901 patients were included. Amenorrhea rate at 12 months was significantly higher after bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation than after thermal balloon ablation (RR 2.73, 95% CI 2.00–3.73). However, no difference at 12 months was noted for dysmenorrhea (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.68–1.58) or treatment failure (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.38–1.60). The only significant difference for HRQoL outcomes was for change in SAQ pleasure score (12 months: WMD −3.51, 95% CI −5.42 to −1.60).ConclusionsBipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation and thermal balloon ablation reduce menstrual loss and improve quality of life. However, bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation is more effective in terms of amenorrhea rate and SAQ pleasure.
A COMPLETE SET OF SYSTEMS THINKING SKILLS
Authors: Arnold Ross D. , Wade Jon P. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a complete set of systems thinking skills for use across many different disciplines. The paper places particular emphasis on the ability to assess each of the skills quantitatively, a comprehensible description of the skills, and the completeness of the set. The proposed skills derive from a review of the literature, the application of systems thinking experience, and the application of systems thinking to itself. Several different sets of systems thinking skills exist throughout the systems community, but common key concepts distill from these sets. When we consider combinations of these concepts separately, holistically, and together as a system, a single, cohesive set of skills emerges.Systems thinking is widely believed to be of critical importance across many different fields; some say that skillful use of systems thinking skills could have prevented such disasters as World War II, the Great Depression, and the Challenger space shuttle disaster, as well as lessened or avoided the effects of many major environmental disasters. At the opposite send of the spectrum, systems thinking can enhance health care, improve the economy, improve technology, laws, international and interpersonal relationships, schools, organizations, and so much more. However, this very useful skill set still lingers outside mainstream education. To address this problem requires a set of assessable, comprehensible systems thinking skills. This paper defines, describes, and details such skills.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SIMULATION EXPERIENCE DESIGN: INFRASTRUCTURE, PROCESS, AND APPLICATION
Authors: Turner Richard , Bodner Douglas , Kemp Duncan , Rodriguez Yvette , Wade Jon , Zhang Peizhu 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThe Systems Engineering Experience Accelerator (SEEA) is a new approach to developing the systems engineering and technical leadership workforce. The project aims at accelerating experience assimilation through immersive, simulated learning situations where learners solve realistic problems. A prototype of the technology infrastructure and experience content has been developed, piloted, and evaluated. While the prototype proved useful, its ability to support a community of educators and developers has limits with challenges in creating or changing experiences. This paper proposes an initial taxonomy of experience archetypes to help development and reuse of experiences and describes the experience design and development process using the SEEA tool suite. We follow this by an application case study: an experience developed by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence to accelerate the maturity of reliability engineers and their role in identifying and resolving safety issues.