Enhanced Rate Capability of Ion‐Accessible Ti3C2Tx‐NbN Hybrid Electrodes

Although 2D Ti₃C₂T_x is a good candidate for supercapacitors, the restacking of nanosheets hinders the ion transport significantly at high scan rates, especially under practical mass loading (>10 mg cm^?2) and thickness (tens of microns). Here, Ti₃C₂T_x‐NbN hybrid film is designed by self‐assembling Ti₃C₂T_x with 2D arrays of NbN nanocrystals. Working as an interlayer spacer of Ti₃C₂T_x, NbN facilitates the ion penetration through its 2D porous structure; even at extremely high scan rates. The hybrid film shows a thickness‐independent rate performance (almost the same rate capabilities from 2 to 20 000 mV s^?1) for 3 and 50 µm thick electrodes. Even a 109 µm thick Ti₃C₂T_x‐NbN electrode shows a better rate performance than 25 µm thick pure Ti₃C₂T_x electrodes. This method may pave a way to controlling ion transport in electrodes composed of 2D conductive materials, which have potential applications in high‐rate energy storage and beyond.     

A New Hand‐Held Indirect Calorimeter to Measure Postprandial Energy Expenditure

Objective: To verify the accuracy of a new hand‐held metabolic rate measuring device (MedGem) in quantifying postprandial energy expenditure (PP EE). MedGem measurements were compared to measurements obtained with a conventional indirect calorimeter (Delta‐Trac). Research Methods and Procedures: The resting metabolic rate of 15 healthy subjects was measured for 20 minutes using Delta‐Trac followed by a 10‐minute measurement period using MedGem. EE was again measured for 7 hours after consumption of a 2510‐kJ breakfast. Measurements were read from the Delta‐Trac for the initial 50 minutes of each hour followed by a single reading from the MedGem after 5 to 10 minutes of measurement. Measured EE was calculated as the average of the total measurement period for Delta‐Trac and for eight readings using MedGem; PP EE was calculated as the average of all measurements obtained after breakfast consumption. Results: There was no difference in resting metabolic rate between the two methods (6455.1 ± 417.6 vs. 6468.5 ± 337.2 kJ/d for Delta‐Trac and MedGem, respectively). Measured EE and PP EE values with Delta‐Trac (7019.1 ± 400.8 and 7099.8 ± 399.2 kJ/d, respectively) and MedGem (6775.6 ± 372.0 and 6819.5 ± 379.9 kJ/d, respectively) were not significantly different. There was no bias detected in any of the measurements made with MedGem compared with those of Delta‐Trac. Discussion: The new hand‐held EE measuring device can accurately track PP EE relative to a conventional indirect calorimetry system and, therefore, provides a new opportunity to assess PP EE in research settings and large‐scale trials.     

Seasonal abundance and adult survival of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a community that cooperatively forages with fishermen in southern Brazil

A subgroup of a population of Tursiops truncatus in southern Brazil is known for a cooperative behavior with artisanal fishermen whereby the dolphins shoal fish towards net‐casting fishermen. Combining photo‐identification data collected between September 2007 and 2009 with mark‐recapture and Pollock's robust design models, we assessed abundance within seasons and survival and temporary emigration rates of dolphins between seasons. We also reanalyzed a previous data set collected during 1989–1991, and Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber models were applied to estimate survival rates for each of the study periods. The abundance of marked “cooperative” dolphins varied between seasons from 18 (CI: 17–24) to 21 (CI: 20–24). The total abundance varied from 59 in the winter of 2008 (CI: 49–72) to 50 in the autumn of 2009 (CI: 40–62). The annual adult survival was estimated to be 0.917 (CI: 0.876–0.961), close to that estimated from data collected in the 1990s (0.941; CI: 0.888–0.998). The emigration probability was low (0.031; CI: 0.011–0.084) and different capture probabilities between the “cooperative” and “noncooperative” dolphins indicated a degree of behavioral segregation. The precision of our estimates is likely to provide sufficient power to detect population change, but we recommend a precautionary management approach to protect this vulnerable dolphin community and its unique cooperative feeding tradition.     

Mesoporous TiO2 Beads Offer Improved Mass Transport for Cobalt‐Based Redox Couples Leading to High Efficiency Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Overcoming ionic diffusion limitations is essential for the development of high‐efficiency dye‐sensitized solar cells based on cobalt redox mediators. Here, improved mass transport is reported for photoanodes composed of mesoporous TiO₂ beads of varying pore sizes and porosities in combination with the high extinction YD2‐o‐C8 porphyrin dye. Compared to a photoanode made of 20 nm‐sized TiO₂ particles, electrolyte diffusion through these films is greatly improved due to the large interstitial pores between the TiO₂ beads, resulting in up to 70% increase in diffusion‐limited current. Simultaneously, transient photocurrent measurements reveal no mass transport limitations for films of up to 10 μm thickness. In contrast, standard photoanodes made of 20 nm‐sized TiO₂ particles show non‐linear behavior in photocurrent under 1 sun illumination for a film thickness as low as 7 μm. By including a transparent thin mesoporous TiO₂ underlayer in order to reduce optical losses at the fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)‐TiO₂ interface, an efficiency of 11.4% under AM1.5G 1 sun illumination is achieved. The combination of high surface area, strong scattering behavior, and high porosity makes these mesoporous TiO₂ beads particularly suitable for dye‐sensitized solar cells using bulky redox couples and/or viscous electrolytes.     

Comparison of Methods for Achieving 24‐Hour Energy Balance in a Whole‐Room Indirect Calorimeter

Objective: To evaluate and compare methods for achieving 24‐hour energy balance in a whole‐room indirect calorimeter. Research Methods and Procedures: Twenty‐four‐hour energy expenditure (EE) for 34 healthy adults (16 women, 18 men) was measured in a calorimeter during a prestudy day and on a subsequent nonconsecutive assessment day (AD). Several methods for estimating EE on the AD using activity factors or regression equations with data available before the AD [anthropometrics, body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) on prestudy day, 24‐hour EE on prestudy day] were compared for predictive accuracy. Results: Use of a 24‐hour calorimeter stay gave the smallest mean absolute error (119 ± 16 kcal/d) and smallest single maximum error (361 kcal/d). However, several other methods were only slightly, and not significantly, less accurate (e.g., mean absolute error = 131 ± 17, 140 ± 20, and 141 ± 22 kcal/d and greatest error = 384, 370, and 593 kcal/d for anthropometric, RMR, and SMR regression equations, respectively). Fat‐free mass alone and SMR with a simple activity factor were seen to be less accurate. Discussion: Our results indicate that there may be some improvement in achieving 24‐hour energy balance in a metabolic chamber by using a preceding 24‐hour calorimeter stay; that only slightly less accurate predictions can be obtained using a combination of anthropometric, body composition, and/or RMR measurements; and that there is little or no advantage in using SMR from a previous overnight calorimeter stay.     

In vitro anti‐enterovirus 71 activity of gallic acid from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers

Aims: The anti‐enterovirus 71 (EV71) activity of six Nepalese plants’ extracts and gallic acid (GA) isolated from Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz (family; Lythaceae) flowers were evaluated in Vero cells. Methods and Results: The anti‐EV71 activity of tested compounds was evaluated by a cytopathic effect reduction method. Our results demonstrated that flowers’ extracts of W. fruticosa exerted strong anti‐EV71 activity, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 1·2 μg ml^?1 and no cytotoxicity at a concentration of 100 μg ml^?1, and the derived therapeutic index (TI) was more than 83·33. Rivabirin showed no antiviral activity against EV71. Furthermore, GA isolated from W. fruticosa flowers exhibited a higher anti‐EV71 activity than the extract of W. fruticosa flowers, with an IC₅₀ of 0·76 μg ml^?1 and no cytotoxicity at a concentration of 100 μg ml^?1, and the derived TI was 99·57. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that flower extracts of W. fruticosa possessed anti‐EV71 activity and GA isolated from these flowers showed stronger anti‐EV71 activity than that the extracts. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our results suggest that the GA from W. fruticosa flowers may be used as a potential antiviral agent.     

Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Wood: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study

A proof‐of‐concept study to evaluate the biological removal of hydrocarbons (naphthalene, n‐hexadecane, and fuel oil #2) from contaminated wood (Southern yellow pine) was conducted using ¹⁴C‐labeled tracers and gas chromatography. Contaminated wood was brought in contact with n‐hexadecane‐degrading Pseudomonas aeruginosa PG201 or naphthalene degrading environmental isolates by the application either on mineral medium agar or filter paper containing a previously grown biomass (“overlay” technique). The experiments showed a significant acceleration of naphthalene removal by biomass. Due to biodegradation combined with evaporation, naphthalene was nearly completely removed (up to 90–98 %) in 4–8 days from freshly contaminated 6 mm‐ and 17 mm‐thick wood samples. The removal of a less volatile hydrocarbon, n‐hexadecane, was less efficient, at 40–60% in 20–40 days, with the only variable significantly affecting this pollutant's removal rate being the moisture content of the medium. Biodegradation experiments with standard heating fuel oil #2 (a representative real‐world contaminant) resulted in significant removal of light hydrocarbons (C₁₀–C₁₆), i.e., more mobile/volatile substrates, in 3 weeks (up to 70 %) whereas heavier hydrocarbons (C₁₇–C₁₉) were less affected. Pollutant mobility in both wood and aqueous media was shown to be the crucial factor affecting the removal efficiency. These results point toward a promising technique to reclaim wooden structures contaminated with volatile and semi‐volatile chemicals.     

Used cot mattresses as potential reservoirs of bacterial infection: nutrient availability within polyurethane foam

Aim: To evaluate possible source of nutrients for bacterial growth within polyurethane (PU) foam of used cot mattresses as determinants of bacterial population density. Methods and Results: Used infant mattresses (n = 30) were analysed for bacteria capable of degrading colloidal PU and for aqueous soluble chemical components (aromatic amines, ammonium ions, phosphates and protein). Mattress type (waterproof cover vs exposed PU foam at the infant‐head region), mattress age and previous use by another child were evaluated as factors that could influence the measured parameters. The levels of protein extracted from PU foam were (i) significantly (P = 0·0019) higher for mattresses lacking a waterproof cover at the infant‐head region and (ii) positively correlated with both culturable bacterial population densities of the PU foams and extent of growth of Staphylococcus aureus on aqueous leachates. No statistically significant (P > 0·05) associations between other measured parameters and mattress type/use factors were identified. Conclusions: Infant use of cot mattresses with exposed PU foam leads to accumulation of proteins within the PU, which can promote bacterial growth. Significance and Impact of the Study: The study provides a mechanistic explanation for increased levels of bacteria associated with exposed PU of cot mattresses. In the context of the common bacterial toxins hypothesis for the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), this could explain the lowered risk of SIDS associated with use of a waterproof cover above the mattress.     

Solvent‐dependent conformation of a regioselective amylose carbamate: Amylose‐2‐acetyl‐3,6‐bis(phenylcarbamate)

Six amylose‐2‐acetyl‐3,6‐bis(phenylcarbamate) (AAPC) samples ranging in weight‐average molar mass M_w from 1.8 × 10⁴ g mol^?1 to 1.1 × 10⁶ g mol^?1 have been prepared from enzymatically synthesized amylose samples. Static light scattering, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, sedimentation equilibrium, and viscosity measurements were made for the samples in 1,4‐dioxane (DIOX), 2‐ethoxyethanol (2EE), and 2‐butanone (MEK) all at 25°C to determine particle scattering functions, z‐average radii of gyration, intrinsic viscosities, as well as M_w. The data were analyzed in terms of the wormlike cylinder model mainly to yield the helix pitch per residue h and the Kuhn segment length λ^?1, which corresponds to twice of the persistence length. The latter parameters (λ^?1) in 2EE (11 nm) and MEK (12 nm) are quite smaller than those for amylose tris(phenylcarbamate) (ATPC) in the same solvent (16 nm in 2EE and 18 nm in MEK) whereas those for AAPC (21 nm) and ATPC (22 nm) in DIOX are essentially the same as each other. This indicates that the chain stiffness of AAPC is more strongly influenced by the solvents since the number of intramolecular H‐bonds of AAPC is more changeable than that for ATPC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97:1010–1017, 2012.     

Population structure of island‐associated dolphins: Evidence from mitochondrial and microsatellite markers for common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) around the main Hawaiian Islands

We used mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers to investigate population structure of common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, around the main Hawaiian Islands. Though broadly distributed throughout the world's oceans, bottlenose dolphins are known to form small populations in coastal waters. Recent photo‐identification data suggest the same is true in Hawaiian waters. We found genetic differentiation among (mtDNA Φ_ST= 0.014–0.141, microsatellite F’_ST= 0.019–0.050) and low dispersal rates between (0.17–5.77 dispersers per generation) the main Hawaiian Island groups. Our results are consistent with movement rates estimated from photo‐identification data and suggest that each island group supports a demographically independent population. Inclusion in our analyses of samples collected near Palmyra Atoll provided evidence that the Hawaiian Islands are also occasionally visited by members of a genetically distinct, pelagic population. Two of our samples exhibited evidence of partial ancestry from Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (T. aduncus), a species not known to inhabit the Hawaiian Archipelago. Our findings have important implications for the management of Hawaiian bottlenose dolphins and raise concerns about the vulnerability to human impacts of pelagic species in island ecosystems.     

COPPER‐UPTAKE KINETICS OF COASTAL AND OCEANIC DIATOMS1

We investigated copper (Cu) acquisition mechanisms and uptake kinetics of the marine diatoms Thalassiosira oceanica Hasle, an oceanic strain, and Thalassiosira pseudonana Hasle et Heimdal, a coastal strain, grown under replete and limiting iron (Fe) and Cu availabilities. The Cu‐uptake kinetics of these two diatoms followed classical Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Biphasic uptake kinetics as a function of Cu concentration were observed, suggesting the presence of both high‐ and low‐affinity Cu‐transport systems. The half‐saturation constants (K_m) and the maximum Cu‐uptake rates (V_max) of the high‐affinity Cu‐transport systems (～7–350 nM and 1.5–17 zmol · μm^?2 · h^?1, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the low‐affinity systems (>800 nM and 30–250 zmol · μm^?2 · h^?1, respectively). The two Cu‐transport systems were controlled differently by low Fe and/or Cu. The high‐affinity Cu‐transport system of both diatoms was down‐regulated under Fe limitation. Under optimal‐Fe and low‐Cu growth conditions, the K_m of the high‐affinity transport system of T. oceanica was lower (7.3 nM) than that of T. pseudonana (373 nM), indicating that T. oceanica had a better ability to acquire Cu at subsaturating concentrations. When Fe was sufficient, the low‐affinity Cu‐transport system of T. oceanica saturated at 2,000 nM Cu, while that of T. pseudonana did not saturate, indicating different Cu‐transport regulation by these two diatoms. Using CuEDTA as a model organic complex, our results also suggest that diatoms might be able to access Cu bound within organic Cu complexes.     

Fabrication of Low‐Tortuosity Ultrahigh‐Area‐Capacity Battery Electrodes through Magnetic Alignment of Emulsion‐Based Slurries

High energy‐density, low‐cost batteries are critically important to a variety of applications ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles (EVs) and grid‐scale storage. While tremendous research effort has been focused on new materials or chemistries with high energy‐density potential, design innovations such as low‐tortuosity thick electrodes are another promising path toward higher energy density and lower cost. Growing demand for fast‐charging batteries has also highlighted the need for negative electrodes that can accept high rate charging without metal deposition; low tortuosity can be a benefit in this regard. However, a general and scalable fabrication method for low‐tortuosity electrodes is currently lacking. Here an emulsion‐based, magnetic‐alignment approach to producing thick electrodes (>400 µm thickness) with ultrahigh areal capacity (up to ≈14 mAh cm^?2 vs 2–4 mAh cm^?2 for conventional lithium ion) is reported. The process is demonstrated for LiCoO₂ and meso‐carbon microbead graphite. The LiCoO₂ cathodes are confirmed to have low tortuosity via DC‐depolarization experiments and deliver high areal capacity (>10 mAh cm^?2) in galvanostatic discharge tests at practical C‐rates and model EV drive‐cycle tests. This simple fabrication method can potentially be applied to many other active materials to enable thick, low‐tortuosity electrodes.     

Common trade‐offs between xylem resistance to cavitation and other physiological traits do not hold among unrelated Populus deltoides ×Populus nigra hybrids

We examined the relationships between xylem resistance to cavitation and 16 structural and functional traits across eight unrelated Populus deltoides×Populus nigra genotypes grown under two contrasting water regimes. The xylem water potential inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductance (Ψ₅₀) varied from ?1.60 to ?2.40 MPa. Drought‐acclimated trees displayed a safer xylem, although the extent of the response was largely genotype dependant, with Ψ₅₀ being decreased by as far as 0.60 MPa. At the tissue level, there was no clear relationship between xylem safety and either xylem water transport efficiency or xylem biomechanics; the only structural trait to be strongly associated with Ψ₅₀ was the double vessel wall thickness, genotypes exhibiting a thicker double wall being more resistant. At the leaf level, increased cavitation resistance was associated with decreased stomatal conductance, while no relationship could be identified with traits associated with carbon uptake or bulk leaf carbon isotope discrimination, a surrogate of intrinsic water‐use efficiency. At the whole‐plant level, increased safety was associated with higher shoot growth potential under well‐irrigated regime only. We conclude that common trade‐offs between xylem resistance to cavitation and other physiological traits that are observed across species may not necessarily hold true at narrower scales.     

Sea‐run migratory behaviour in the Japan Sea form of three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in the tidal pool of eastern Hokkaido Island,Japan

Juveniles in the Japan Sea form of three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus collected from a tidal pool in eastern Hokkaido Island, Japan, had a unimodal standard length (L_S) frequency distribution in each period, ranging from 11·9 to 31·6 mm, and those of sea‐run migrating individuals collected from the outlet of this tidal pool ranged from 17·0 to 36·0 mm, suggesting juveniles of this form would migrate towards the sea when they reached >17·0 mm. In general linear models (GLM) for testing the best model, there was a relationship between the number of sea‐run migratory individual and precipitation, which suggests that precipitation may trigger migration.     

A Weight Reduction Program Preserves Fat‐Free Mass but Not Metabolic Rate in Obese Adolescents

Objective: To determine the effects of a multidisciplinary weight reduction program on body composition and energy expenditure (EE) in severely obese adolescents. Research Methods and Procedures: Twenty‐six severely obese adolescents, 12 to 16 years old [mean BMI: 33.9 kg/m²; 41.5% fat mass (FM)] followed a 9‐month weight reduction program including moderate energy restriction and progressive endurance and resistance training. Body composition was assessed by DXA, basal metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry, and EE by whole‐body indirect calorimetry with the same activity program over 36‐hour periods before starting and 9 months after the weight reduction period. Results: Adolescents gained (least‐square mean ± SE) 2.9 ± 0.2 cm in height, lost 16.9 ± 1.3 kg body weight (BW), 15.2 ± 0.9 kg FM, and 1.8 ± 0.5 kg fat‐free mass (FFM) (p < 0.001). Basal metabolic rate, sleeping, sedentary, and daily EE were 8% to 14% lower 9 months after starting (p < 0.001) and still 6% to 12% lower after adjustment for FFM (p < 0.05). Energy cost of walking decreased by 22% (p < 0.001). The reduction in heart rate during sleep and sedentary activities (?10 to ?13 beats/min), and walking (?20 to ?25 beats/min) (p < 0.001) resulted from both the decrease in BW and physical training. Discussion: A weight reduction program combining moderate energy restriction and physical training in severely obese adolescents resulted in great BW and FM losses and improvement of cardiovascular fitness but did not prevent the decline in EE even after adjustment for FFM.     

Synthesis and Fungicidal Activities of New 1,2,4‐Triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines

A series of new acetohydrazone‐containing 1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives were designed and synthesized for the purpose of searching for novel agrochemicals with higher fungicidal activity. Their in vitro fungicidal activities against Rhizoctonia solani were evaluated, and the most promising compound, 2‐[(5,7‐dimethyl[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin‐2‐yl)sulfanyl]‐2′‐[(2‐hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]acetohydrazide ( 2‐17 ), showed a lower EC₅₀ value (5.34 μg ml^?1) than that of commercial carbendazim (EC₅₀=7.62 μg ml^?1). Additionally, compound 2‐17 was also found to display broad‐spectrum fungicidal activities, and its EC₅₀ value (4.56 μg ml^?1) against Botrytis cinereapers was very similar to that of carbendazim. Qualitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) of the synthesized compounds were also discussed.     

Geographical variability in life‐history traits of a midslope dogfish: the brier shark Deania calcea

Deania calcea (n = 420) were collected from the catch of deep‐water trawlers in the southern and eastern scalefish and shark fishery in southern Australia during the years 2008–2011. The total length (L_T) range varied between sexes, females being larger (n = 264; 280–1530 mm) than males (n = 156; 310–921 mm). The reproductive cycle in this population is non‐continuous and asynchronous. The estimated L_T at which 50% of males are mature is 807 mm and is 914 mm for females. Populations of D. calcea in higher latitudes appear to mature at a larger size than conspecifics in lower latitudes, in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Litters ranged from three to 10 embryos with a 1:1 sex ratio, but litter size does not increase with maternal L_T. Deania calcea shows geographical variability in its biological parameters and gathering information on life‐history traits of populations is vital to understand the trade‐offs made by this species in response to environmental conditions and to predict intraspecific spatial differences. Such information is a basis for specific spatial management to protect populations from excessive fishing.