bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of slope angle and aspect on plant cover and species richness in a humid Mediterranean badland
Authors: Nadal‐Romero Estela , Petrlic Kristien , Verachtert Els , Bochet Esther , Poesen Jean 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTSoil erosion is one of the most severe land degradation processes in the Mediterranean region. Although badlands occupy a relatively small fraction of the Mediterranean area, their erosion rates are very high. Many studies have investigated to what extent vegetation controls soil erosion rates. This study, however, deals with the impact of erosion on vegetation establishment. In semi‐arid badlands of the Mediterranean, soil water availability constitutes the main limiting factor for vegetation development. As a consequence, south‐facing slopes are typically less vegetated due to a very large water stress. However, these findings do not necessarily apply to humid badlands. The main objective of this paper is to determine the topographic thresholds for plant colonization in relation to slope aspect and to assess the spatial patterns of vegetation cover and species richness. We surveyed 179 plots on highly eroded badland slopes in the Central Pyrenees. We defined four aspect classes subdivided into slope angle classes. Colonization success was expressed in terms of vegetation cover and species richness. Slope angle thresholds for plant colonization were identified for each slope aspect class by means of binary logistic regressions.The results show that a critical slope angle exists below which plants colonize the badland slopes. Below this critical slope angle, plant cover and species richness increase with a decreasing slope angle. The largest critical slope angles in humid badlands are observed on south‐facing slopes, which contrasts with the results obtained in semi‐arid badlands. North‐facing slopes however are characterized by a reduced overall vegetation cover and species richness, and lower topographic threshold values. The possible underlying processes responsible for this slope‐aspect discrepancy in vegetation characteristics are discussed in terms of environmental variables that control regolith development, weathering and erosion processes. Moreover, possible restoration strategies through the use of vegetation in highly degraded environments are highlighted. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WO3 Nanoparticles Synthesized Through Ion Exchange Route as Pt Electrocatalyst Support for Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Yan Z. , Xie J. , Fang Y. , Chen M. , Wei X. , Lü X. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTungsten oxide (WO3) nanocrystals with the diameter <5 nm supported on porous carbonized resin (denoted as C‐WO3) are synthesized. The WO3 precursors are dispersed at ion level through ion exchange route, then reduced to WO3 nanocrystals. Pt nanoparticles are loaded on the porous C‐WO3 matrix (denoted as Pt/C‐WO3) and used as electrocatalyst in fuel cell for alcohol oxidation, in which WO3 is found efficient promotion effect on Pt electrocatalyst in the electrochemical activity and stability. Thereinto, Pt/C‐WO3 gives 1.63 times higher current densities than the commercial Pt/C (TKK) for methanol oxidation at the same Pt loadings. Moreover, Pt/C‐WO3 electrocatalyst shows excellent properties in mass transfer than Pt/C (TKK). The present method can be readily scaled up for the production of other nanomaterials as well as WO3.
Evaluation of a Cu/YSZ and Ni/YSZ Bilayer Anode for the Direct Utilization of Methane in a Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Buccheri M. A. , Hill J. M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCarbon deposition is an issue when operating solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) on fuels other than hydrogen, and so a variety of strategies have been used to prevent carbon accumulation on the anodes. In this paper, we describe a bilayer anode that contains a functional layer consisting of Ni/YSZ and a conduction layer consisting of Cu/YSZ. The anode‐supported button cells were fabricated using a uni‐axially pressing technique to produce the anode, followed by impregnation with Cu. The cells were tested at 1,023 K in dry CH4 and their performance compared to that of a typical Ni/YSZ anode. The Cu does not catalyze the cracking of methane and as such less carbon deposits in the conduction layer resulting in anode stability for over 100 h. The limitation with using Cu in the anode is the temperature of operation.
Development of a Novel Ceramic Support Layer for Planar Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Klemensø T. , Boccaccini D. , Brodersen K. , Frandsen H. L. , Hendriksen P. V. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe conventional solid oxide cell is based on a Ni–YSZ support layer, placed on the fuel side of the cell, also known as the anode supported SOFC. An alternative design, based on a support of porous 3YSZ (3 mol.% Y2O3–doped ZrO2), placed on the oxygen electrode side of the cell, is proposed. Electronic conductivity in the 3YSZ support is obtained post sintering by infiltrating LSC (La0.6Sr0.4Co1.05O3). The potential advantages of the proposed design is a strong cell, due to the base of a strong ceramic material (3YSZ is a partially stabilized zirconia), and that the LSC infiltration of the support can be done simultaneously with forming the oxygen electrode, since some of the best performing oxygen electrodes are based on infiltrated LSC. The potential of the proposed structure was investigated by testing the mechanical and electrical properties of the support layer. Comparable strength properties to the conventional Ni/YSZ support were seen, and sufficient and fairly stable conductivity of LSC infiltrated 3YSZ was observed. The conductivity of 8–15 S cm–1 at 850 °C seen for over 600 h, corresponds to a serial resistance of less than 3.5 m Ω cm2 of a 300 μm thick support layer.
Investigations for the application of EPB shields in difficult grounds / Untersuchungen für den Einsatz von Erddruckschilden in schwierigem Baugrund
Authors: Galli Mario , Thewes Markus 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAs a result of growing urbanisation, subsurface space is developed and has to be expanded. New and bigger tunnels are required to meet the infrastructural needs. The ground is the decisive factor regarding the type of tunnelling method and its efficiency. The bigger such projects the greater the chance to encounter inhomogeneous in situ ground conditions. This makes an adequate and economic choice of the process technology more difficult, especially in mechanised shield tunnelling. A clear differentiation based on the grain‐size distribution between the field of application of an EPB shield and a hydro shield nowadays is hardly possible. An application of a hydro shield machine in fine soils is just as feasible as tunnelling with EPB shields in coarse soils. In this article, the authors explain selected geological conditions, which represent challenging situations for the application of EPB shields. Therefore, it is particularly focused on overconsolidated cohesive soils, highly permeable non‐cohesive soils and sedimentary rock as well as areas of mixed face conditions (rock and soil). Moreover, test methods and tools for the planning and the construction phase are presented.Im Zuge der fortschreitenden Urbanisierung wird der Bau neuer und größerer Tunnel erforderlich. Je größer solche Projekte angelegt sind, desto unwahrscheinlicher ist es, dass die In‐situ‐Bodenverhältnisse homogen und verfahrenstechnisch eindeutig sind. Beim maschinellen Tunnelbau im Schildvortrieb ist der Baugrund der entscheidende Faktor für die Auswahl und die Effizienz des Bauverfahrens. Eine eindeutige Differenzierung zwischen dem Einsatzbereich eines Erddruckschilds und eines Hydroschilds nur auf Grundlage der Kornverteilung des Baugrunds ist heute kaum noch möglich. Eine Verschiebung des Einsatzbereichs von Hydroschilden in den Feinkornbereich ist ebenso möglich wie die Erweiterung des Einsatzbereichs der Erddruckschilde in grobkörniges Lockergestein. In diesem Beitrag erläutern die Autoren ausgewählte geologische Situationen, die für den Einsatz von Erddruckschilden eine besondere Herausforderung darstellen können. Exemplarisch sind dies überkonsolidierte bindige Böden, stark durchlässige nichtbindige Böden sowie Sedimentfestgesteine bzw. Bereiche mit gemischter Ortsbrust aus Fest‐ und Lockergestein. Es werden Untersuchungsmethoden und Hilfsmittel für die Planung und Begleitung von Schildvortrieben vorgestellt.
Innovative hybrid EPB tunnelling in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Maidl Ulrich , Pierri Julio C. D. D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe Line 4 South being constructed in Rio de Janeiro crosses complex geology that includes a long stretch of sand bounded by two stretches of hard, highly abrasive rock. These geological conditions, combined with the fact that the project is located in a distinct urban area, creates a demanding project scenario where special care needs to be taken. After carrying out an evaluation to determine whether to use earth pressure balance or slurry technology, the design of a convertible EPB boring machine that can excavate both rock and soils was developed. This paper outlines the technical difficulties of the project and describes the decision‐making process and the solutions adopted. A technical description of the different operation modes of this hybrid TBM and the conditioning process related to each of them is provided.
The variation in composition of ultramafic rocks and the effect on their suitability for carbon dioxide sequestration by mineralization following acid leaching
Authors: Styles M. T. , Sanna A. , Lacinska A. M. , Naden J. , Maroto‐Valer M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCarbon dioxide capture and storage by mineralization has been proposed as a possible technology to contribute to the reduction of global CO2 levels. A main candidate as a feed material, to supply Mg cations for combination with CO2 to form carbonate, is the family of ultramafic rocks, Mg‐rich silicate rocks with a range of naturally occurring mineralogical compositions. A classification scheme is described and a diagram is proposed to display the full range of both fresh and altered ultramafic rock compositions. This is particularly for the benefit of technologists to raise the awareness of the variation in possible feedstock materials. A systematic set of acid leaching experiments, in the presence of recyclable ammonium bisulphate, has been carried out covering the range of ultramafic rock compositions. The results show that lizardite serpentinite releases the most Mg with 78% removed after 1 h, while an olivine rock (dunite) gave 55% and serpentinized peridotites intermediate values. Antigorite serpentinite only released 40% and pyroxene‐ and amphibole‐rich rocks only 25%, showing they are unsuitable for the acid leaching method used. This wide variation in rock compositions highlights the necessity for accurate mineralogical characterization of potential resources and for technologists to be aware of the impact of feed material variations on process efficiency and development.
Coumarinolignans Isolated from the Seeds of Brucea javanica
Authors: Yang Jianhong , Liu Wenyu , Li Shucai , Ye Haoyu , Tang Huan , Chen Lijuan , Peng Aihua 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA new coumarinolignan, cleomiscosin E (1), together with the known compound cleomiscosin A (2), has been isolated from the seeds of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. Their structures were assigned on the basis of spectral studies. These two compounds exhibited potent anti‐inflammatory activities by inhibiting the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated RAW264.7 macrophages.
Biotransformation of Oleaside A by Cunninghamella echinulata
Authors: Lu Min , Liu Qing‐Xin , Han Zhu‐Zhen , Hu Xian‐Qing , Zhang Wei‐Dong , Wan Ping , Li Hui‐Liang 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBiotransformation of oleaside A (1) by Cunninghamella echinulata (ACCC 30369) was carried out to afford two products, (6R)‐6‐hydroxyoleaside A (2) and (7S)‐7‐hydroxyoleaside A (3). The structures of 2 and 3 were elucidated by extensive NMR analyses and further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. We also report herein the X‐ray diffraction structure of oleaside A (1) for the first time. Compounds 1–3 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against the A549, HCT116, HepG2, and HL‐60 human cancer cell lines.
Enantioselective Access to (−)‐Ambrox®Starting fromβ‐Farnesene
Authors: Chapuis Christian 
Published: February 2014

AbstractStarting from inexpensive (E)‐β‐farnesene (1), an eight‐step enantioselective synthesis of the olfactively preciousAmbrox®((−)‐2a) has been performed. The crucial step is the catalytic asymmetric isomerization of (2E,6E)‐N,N‐diethylfarnesylamine (3) to the corresponding enamine (−)‐(R,E)‐4a, applyingTakasago's well‐known industrial methodology. The resulting dihydrofarnesal ((+)‐(R)‐5) (90% yield, 96% ee), obtained afterin situhydrolysis (AcOH, H2O), was then cyclized under catalytic SnCl4conditions,viaits corresponding unreported enol acetate (−)‐(R)‐4b, to affordtrans‐decalenic aldehyde (+)‐6a. Subsequent transformations furnished bicyclic ketone (−)‐8aand unsaturated nitrile (+)‐11, both reported as intermediates to access to (−)‐2a.
Cytotoxic Amides and Quinolones from Clausena lansium
Authors: Song Wei‐Wu , Zeng Guang‐Zhi , Peng Wen‐Wen , Chen Ke‐Xian , Tan Ning‐Hua 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTwo new amides, claulansamides A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with five known amides, 3–7 and six known quinolones, 8–13, were isolated from the stems and roots of Clausena lansium. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods. Their absolute configurations were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique, CD, and optical rotation. HPLC Chiral separation of 1 afforded two enantiomers, (+)‐ and (−)‐claulansamide A, respectively. Compounds 9, 12, and 13 were isolated from the genus Clausena for the first time. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against A549, BGC‐823, and HeLa cancer cell lines. However, only 9 showed cytotoxic activity against A549 cell line with an IC50 value of 46.3 μM, and 11 against BGC‐823 and HeLa cell lines with the IC50 values of 55.0 and 14.7 μM, respectively.
Ultrasonographic appearance of subungual glomus tumors
Authors: Chiang Yi‐Pin , Hsu Chia‐Yu , Lien Wei‐Chung , Chang Yu‐Ju 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo describe the sonographic (US) features of pathologically confirmed subungual glomus tumors.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed cases of pathologically confirmed subungual glomus tumors in patients presenting between December 1, 2008 and October 31, 2012, selected from cases in the musculoskeletal US database of a single institution.ResultsData on 14 patients with pathologically proven glomus tumors were retrieved from the US database. The tumor size ranged from 1.9 to 10.0 mm (mean ± SD, 5.3 ± 2.3 mm). Well‐circumscribed tumors with clear margins were identified on US in 12 cases (86%): 11 (92%) tumors were hypoechoic and 1 (8%) was isoechoic. On power or color Doppler US, 11 of these 12 tumors (92%) appeared hypervascular. Two of the 14 tumors did not show a clearly circumscribed mass on gray‐scale US, and bony erosion was the only US finding in one of the two cases. Seven of the 14 patients (50%) showed focal bony erosion in the underlying phalangeal bone.ConclusionsA hypervascular mass in the nail bed was the most common US finding associated with subungual glomus tumors. We found that focal hypervascularity supports the diagnosis, and bony erosion is commonly associated with digital glomus tumors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:336–340, 2014
Thermally Cross‐Linkable Hole Transport Polymers for Solution‐Based Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Cha Seung Ji , Cho Se‐Na , Lee Woo‐Hyung , Chung Ha‐Seul , Kang In‐Nam , Suh Min Chul 
Published: February 2014

Two thermally cross‐linkable hole transport polymers that contain phenoxazine and triphenylamine moieties, X‐P1 and X‐P2, are developed for use in solution‐processed multi‐stack organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Both X‐P1 and X‐P2 exhibit satisfactory cross‐linking and optoelectronic properties. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels of X‐P1 and X‐P2 are −5.24 and −5.16 eV, respectively. Solution‐processed super yellow polymer devices (ITO/X‐P1 or X‐P2/PDY‐132/LiF/Al) with X‐P1 or X‐P2 hole transport layers of various thicknesses are fabricated with the aim of optimizing the device characteristics. The fabricated multi‐stack yellow devices containing the newly synthesized hole transport polymers exhibit satisfactory currents and power efficiencies. The optimized X‐P2 device exhibits a device efficiency that is dramatically improved by more than 66% over that of a reference device without an HTL.
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Improved treatment results of children with B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group B‐NHL03 study
Authors: Tsurusawa Masahito , Mori Tetsuya , Kikuchi Akira , Mitsui Tetsuo , Sunami Shosuke , Kobayashi Ryoji , Takimoto Tetsuya , Saito Akiko , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Fujimoto Junichiro , Nakazawa Atsuko , Ohshima Kouichi , Horibe Keizo ,   for the lymphoma committee of the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group
Published: February 2014

BackgroundPrevious Japanese studies of childhood B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) have shown a favorable outcome, though the study size was too small to effectively assess the efficacy and safety of treatment for childhood B‐NHL.ProcedureWe performed a nation‐wide prospective B‐NHL03 study to assess the efficacy and safety of short‐pulse intensive chemotherapy for children with B‐NHL. They were stratified into four treatment groups according to disease stage, tumor resectability and bone marrow/CNS involvement: Group 1 with all resected stage I/II, Group 2 with non‐resected stage I/II, Group 3 with stage III & CNS‐negative stage IV, and Group 4 with CNS‐positive stage IV & Burkitt leukemia. Treatment duration was 2 courses for Group 1, 4 courses for Group 2, and 6 courses for Groups 3 and 4, respectively. CNS irradiation was omitted in all patients.ResultsThe follow‐up time ranged from 0.8 to 88 months, with a median of being 45 months. For 321 patients analyzed in this study, overall survival and event‐free survival (EFS) at 4 years was 92.7% and 87.4%, respectively. The 4‐year EFS according to treatment group were 94% for Group 1 (n = 17), 98% for Group 2 (n = 103), 84% for Group 3 (n = 111), and 78% for Group 4 (n = 90). There was no significant difference in outcome by histology. Therapy‐related death occurred in three patients in remission.ConclusionsOur nationwide large‐scale study resulted in a cure rate above 90% with <1% toxic death in childhood B‐NHL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1215–1221. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extraction for Metabolomics: Access to The Metabolome
Authors: Mushtaq Mian Yahya , Choi Young Hae , Verpoorte Robert , Wilson Erica G. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe value of information obtained from a metabolomic study depends on how much of the metabolome is present in analysed samples. Thus, only a comprehensive and reproducible extraction method will provide reliable data because the metabolites that will be measured are those that were extracted and all conclusions will be built around this information.ObjectiveTo discuss the efficiency and reliability of available sample pre‐treatment methods and their application in different fields of metabolomics.MethodsThe review has three sections: the first deals with pre‐extraction techniques, the second discusses the choice of extraction solvents and their main features and the third includes a brief description of the most used extraction techniques: microwave‐assisted extraction, solid‐phase extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, Soxhlet and a new method developed in our laboratory – the comprehensive extraction method.ResultsExamination of over 200 studies showed that sample collection, homogenisation, grinding and storage could affect the yield and reproducibility of results. They also revealed that apart from the solvent used for extraction, the extraction techniques have a decisive role on the metabolites available for analysis.ConclusionIt is essential to evaluate efficacy and reproducibility of sample pre‐treatment as a first step to ensure the reliability of a metabolomic study. Among the reviewed methods, the comprehensive extraction method appears to provide a promising approach for extracting diverse types of metabolites. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progressive transition from resonant to diffuse reflection in anisotropic colloidal films
Authors: Rotstein Roy , Mitragotri Samir , Moskovits Martin , Morse Daniel E. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe synthesis and characterization of highly ordered three‐dimensional photonic crystals have been the subjects of intense study over the past two decades due to the unique ability of these structures to control light at the nanoscale. Building on that work in recent years, increasing interest is now focused on the unique optical properties of disordered and quasi‐ordered photonic structures. We present a study of the effects of shape anisotropy and disorder on the specular reflection properties of polymer‐based colloidal films comprised of rod‐shaped subunits of varying aspect ratio. We characterize the specular reflectance properties of these films as a function of their increasing levels of disorder, demonstrating progressive transition from resonant reflection to diffuse reflection. The onset of the diffuse reflection is governed by particle size. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys. 2014, 52, 611–617
Delicate polydimethylsiloxane hollow fibre membrane interfaces for condensed phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (CP‐MIMS)
Authors: Willis Megan D. , Duncan Kyle. D. , Krogh Erik T. , Gill Chris G. 
Published: February 2014

RATIONALEOn‐line analytical techniques such as condensed phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (CP‐MIMS) permit direct and rapid analyte measurements in complex samples. Direct, rapid analytical methods are desirable because they eliminate potential contamination and/or dilution from sample workup steps, facilitate rapid sample screening and allow 'real‐time' monitoring applications.METHODSPDMS hollow fibre membrane (HFM) flow cell interfaces (215 µm, 35 µm, and 0.5 µm thick composite) were coupled with an electrospray ionization (ESI) triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. A simultaneous push/pull methanol acceptor phase delivery system and membrane mounting via epoxy potting ensured that the delicate membranes were not ruptured during construction or sample measurements. Both flow cell and direct insertion 'J‐Probe' interfaces using the 0.5 µm thick composite PDMS HFM were utilized for direct naphthenic acid measurements.RESULTSDelicate HFM CP‐MIMS interfaces were used for the rapid screening and continuous, on‐line monitoring of carboxylic acids and hydroxylated compounds directly in complex sample matrices under ambient conditions at pptr – ppb detection limits. Push/pull acceptor phase (methanol) delivery maintained ambient hydrostatic pressures within the HFMs, improving ESI stability and analytical sensitivity, especially with stopped acceptor flow operation. Signal response times less than 2 min were achieved for thin, composite PDMS HFMs at 30°C. The continuous monitoring of naphthenic acid degradation was demonstrated.CONCLUSIONSDelicate PDMS HFM CP‐MIMS interfaces were developed and used for the direct, on‐line detection of low volatility, polar analytes in complex aqueous samples. Composite PDMS HFM interfaces yielded the best overall analytical performance improvements, and were used to demonstrate the direct measurement of naphthenic acids in complex aqueous samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.