Straightforward Methodologies Research Articles

Biogeography, macroecology and species' traits mediate competitive interactions in the orderLagomorpha

AbstractIn addition to abiotic determinants, biotic factors, including competitive, interspecific interactions, limit species' distributions. Environmental changes in human disturbance, land use and climate are predicted to have widespread impacts on interactions between species, especially in the orderLagomorpha due to the higher latitudes and more extreme environmental conditions they occupy.We reviewed the published literature on interspecific interactions in the orderLagomorpha and compared the biogeography, macroecology, phylogeny and traits of species known to interact with those of species with no reported interactions, to investigate how projected future environmental change may affect interactions and potentially alter species' distributions.Thirty‐three lagomorph species have competitive interactions reported in the literature; the majority involve hares (Lepussp.) or the eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus). Key regions for interactions are located between 30–50°Nof theEquator, and include easternAsia (southernRussia on the border ofMongolia) andNorthAmerica (north‐westernUSA).Closely related, large‐bodied, similarly sized species occurring in regions of human‐modified, typically agricultural landscapes, or at high elevations, are significantly more likely to have reported competitive interactions than other lagomorph species.We identify species' traits associated with competitive interactions, and highlight some potential impacts that future environmental change may have on interspecific interactions. Our approach using bibliometric and biological data is widely applicable, and with relatively straightforward methodologies, can provide insights into interactions between species.Our results have implications for predicting species' responses to global change, and we advise that capturing, parameterizing and incorporating interspecific interactions into analyses (e.g. species distribution modelling) may be more important than suggested by the literature.

Cationic release behaviour of antimicrobial cellulose/silver nanocomposites

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) have received great attention, mainly due to their application as antimicrobial agents in diverse products, including textile- and paper-based materials. In this context, straightforward methodologies to monitor their cationic silver release capacity in diverse environments are required due to the rise of manufactured products containing silver NPs. Here, we describe the application of a potentiometric method based on a silver-selective electrode to monitor the kinetics of cationic release from cellulose/silver nanocomposites. We designed a set of experiments to apply this method to nanocomposites with several distinct types of cellulose matrices: vegetable, bacterial and nanofibrillated. The morphological features of the cellulose had a great influence on the distribution of silver NPs within the matrix as well as on the Ag+ release profiles. The cationic release profiles were interpreted based on common models, showing that, for the vegetal and bacterial cellulose nanocomposites, the kinetics is pseudo-first order, while for the nanofibrillated cellulose materials a model based on Fick’s power law provided the best fit.

ChemInform Abstract: Heterostructured Approaches to Efficient Thermoelectric Materials

AbstractReview: 92 refs.

Heterostructured Approaches to Efficient Thermoelectric Materials

A key challenge for the materials chemist is the development of controllable and straightforward synthetic methodologies that will integrate multiple phases/compositions with scalar designed physical properties. The intent of this Perspective is to give a brief summary of some of the current bulk-scaled approaches that might help guide researchers in the design of optimal heterostructures in large quantity for the further improvement of thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Examples of two-phase combinations on different length scales will be discussed with a focus on the hot carrier filtering effect that results from the selective scattering of carriers with different energies. On the basis of this strategy, heterostructures fabricated by both the bottom-up solution approaches at low temperature and top-down solid-state deposition routes that show promise in improving the thermoelectric figure of merit are highlighted.

Sono-Transition-Metal Catalysis of One-Pot Three-Step Synthesis of Glycosyl-1,2,3-triazoles

As a continuation of our studies directed at the development of straightforward and sustainable methodologies, we describe herein an original example of a combined effect of ultrasonic activation and iron–copper dual catalysis that allows an efficient and ecofriendly one-pot, three-step route to a new series of nucleoside-substituted triazoles. The reactions were carried out under both conventional and ultrasonic irradiation conditions. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications® to view the free supplemental file.

Purification of Olefin Metathesis Reaction Products via Straightforward and Low-Cost Protocols

From the point of view of an organic chemist, the discovery of novel and efficient carbon-carbon bond forming reactions is a continuous scientific quest. Olefin metathesis, a metal-catalyzed reaction, can be considered as one of the most robust tools in this respect. As a result, metathesis has been widely used over various chemistry and materials science fields. The increased popularity of this powerful transformation is mostly due to the development of highly efficient, functional group tolerant, and air- and moisture-stable ruthenium catalysts. However, the complete removal of ruthenium from the reaction products, in order to avoid undesired side-reactions, isomerization, or even the decomposition of products, is very often a highly challenging task. The present article focuses on the most straightforward and efficient methodologies for the removal of ruthenium residues from olefin metathesis post reaction mixtures. These purification protocols can be easily carried out in any common organic synthesis laboratory, needless of specialized reagents and experimental setup.

Design, characterization and magnetic properties of Fe3O4-nanoparticle arrays coated with PEGylated-dendrimers

Stable magnetic magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) were synthesized using the chemical co-precipitation method of ferrous (Fe2+)/ferric (Fe3+) mixed aqueous salt solutions in presence of well-defined biocompatible low generation (poly)amidoamine (PAMAM)-based dendrimers with end-grafted n ethylene glycol ether (n=1, 2, 9) moieties, accessible by means of straightforward consecutive divergent synthesis methodologies including addition and amidation cycles. Addition of NH4OH to the respective dendritic nanoreagent containing iron salt solution produced dendritic stabilized uniform shaped magnetite nanoparticles. The structural and magnetic properties of Fe3O4 NPs were analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The coherence of affecting the average magnetite particle diameter in range of 5.6 (±1.4)–10.1 (±1.9)nm by the dendritic scaffold, the number and length of the attached ethylene glycol ether termini, as well as the adjusted stabilizer-to-Fe3O4 ratio is discussed along with their magnetic peculiarities.

Simple and Efficient: Ethylene Glycol Isonitrile Gold(I) Chlorides for the Formation and Stabilization of Gold Nanoparticles

AbstractEthylene glycol isonitriles C≡N(CH2CH2O)nCH3 (5a, n = 1; 5b, n = 3; 5c, n = 4) with different chain lengths were prepared by using straightforward synthesis methodologies including the Gabriel synthesis and an Appel‐type reaction protocol. Upon treatment with [AuCl(SMe)2], compounds 5a–c gave the corresponding isocyanide gold(I) chlorides [AuCl{C≡N(CH2CH2O)nCH3}] (7a, n = 1; 7b, n = 3; 7c, n = 4). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies reveal a polymeric (7a) or dimeric (7c) structure with aurophilic interactions. Gold(I) complexes 7a–c were applied in the formation and stabilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The isonitriles with their ethylene glycol functionalities, which provide multiple donating capabilities, are able to stabilize the encapsulated gold colloids. The reduction of 7a–c by the addition of Na[BH4] in tetrahydrofuran or methanol produces AuNPs without the further addition of any stabilizer, since metal‐organic 7a–c combine the stabilizing component and gold source in one molecule. The dependency of different solvents, concentrations, and varying ethylene glycol chain lengths on the NP size and size distribution is reported. Characterization by TEM, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and XRPD revealed that AuNPs are formed with a size between 6.4(±1.4) to 9.5(±2.3) nm in methanol and 18.2(±2.3) to 27.2(±3.5) nm in tetrahydrofuran.

Current trends in the evolutionary ecology of plant defence

Summary1. In this essay I summarize current trends in the evolutionary ecology of plant defence, while advocating for approaches that integrate community ecology with specific tests of classic evolutionary hypotheses. Several conclusions emerge.2. The microevolution of defence is perhaps best studied by reciprocal transplant experiments of differentiated plant populations while simultaneously manipulating the presence of the herbivore(s) hypothesized to be the agent(s) of natural selection.3.Although there is continued interest in the costs of defence, I argue that some empirical approaches to estimating costs (e.g. genetic engineering) may provide limited insight into evolutionary processes.4. Essentially all plants employ several different lines of defence against herbivory. It is thus time to abandon searching for single silver bullet traits and the simple trade‐off model (where traits are arbitrarily expected to negatively covary across genotypes or species). We still know very little about which trait combinations are most effective and have repeatedly evolved together. Thus, some of our prominent theories (e.g. a predicted trade‐off between direct and indirect defence) need to be revised.5. Studies of the macroevolution of plant defence are enjoying renewed interest due to available phylogenies and analytical methods. Although general trends are not currently surmisable, we will soon have strong case studies evaluating both biotic and abiotic drivers of convergent evolution in defence strategies and the role of defence evolution in the adaptive radiation of plant lineages.6. The evolution of specificity is proposed as a final frontier in understanding complexity in plant–herbivore interactions. Although it is abundantly clear that plants can deploy highly specific defensive responses that are differentially perceived by herbivore species, how such responses evolve and are physiologically regulated remains an important gap. Relatively straightforward methodologies are now available to close the loop between plant perception of herbivory, hormonal responses, and production of defensive end‐products across genotype or species.

Measurement of systolic and diastolic arterial wall shear stress in the ascending aorta

Purpose Wall shear stress (WSS) appears to contribute significantly in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic disease. The purpose of this work is to present in vivo systolic and diastolic WSS calculations in the human ascending aorta by the application of three straightforward methodologies based on Poiseuille's theory of flow. Materials and methods Blood flow measurements were performed retrospectively in the ascending aorta of 20 non-atherosclerotic patients using phase-contrast MRI. WSS calculations were performed assuming Poiseuille's theory of flow based on average flow volume, average flow velocity and maximum flow velocity. Systolic and diastolic WSS values were calculated and compared with the calculated maximum and minimum values of WSS throughout the cardiac cycle. Results Systolic WSS values calculated by average flow volume, average flow velocity and maximum flow velocity were similar (0.4 ± 0.2 N/m 2, 0.4 ± 0.3 N/m 2and 0.4 ± 0.2 N/m 2, respectively). Diastolic WSS values calculated by maximum flow velocity were significantly higher (11.6 ± 7.0 × 10 −2 N/m 2) compared to values calculated by average flow volume (0.3 ± 0.9 × 10 −2 N/m 2) and average flow velocity (0.3 ± 1.0 × 10 −2 N/m 2). Comparison of systolic and diastolic WSS values with maximum and minimum WSS values showed that time instances of maximum and minimum blood flow velocities do not coincide with time instances of maximum and minimum blood flow volume. Conclusion In vivo calculation of WSS in the ascending aorta is feasible by phase-contrast MRI flow measurements and straightforward methodologies based on Poiseuille's theory of flow. However, measurements based on maximum flow velocity show larger deviations compared to measurements based on mean flow volume or mean flow velocity.

Enhanced Photovoltaic Response in Hydrogen-Bonded All-Organic Devices

Straightforward synthetic methodologies are reported for the functionalization of oligothiophenes with hydrogen-bonding motifs. Codeposition from a solution of symmetric melamine-terminated electron-donor oligomers with a complementary barbiturate-labeled electron-acceptor fullerene resulted in homogeneous films. Incorporation into photovoltaic devices gave a 2.5-fold enhancement in light energy to electrical energy conversion when compared to analogous systems with the non-hydrogen-bonding parent C(60). [reaction: see text]

A Convenient Enantioselective Synthesis of (S)-α-Trifluoromethylisoserine

[reaction: see text] This report describes two straightforward synthetic methodologies to obtain alpha-CF3-isoserine, a new alpha,alpha-disubstituted beta-amino acid, from alpha-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid. The routes involve the synthesis of five-membered cyclic sulfates (using sulfuryl chloride) or sulfamidates (using the Burgess reagent) from the corresponding chiral diols, which are obtained by a catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) reaction.

Direct measurement of alpha emitters in liquids using passivated ion implanted planar silicon (PIPS) diode detectors

The present study evaluated the feasibility of direct measurement of alpha emitting radionuclides in liquids using passivated ion implanted planar silicon (PIPS) diode detectors. The performance characteristics and durability of PIPS diode detectors enabled direct detection of alpha particles from liquid samples by placing the diode detector in close proximity to the liquid sample. Factors affecting the sensitivity and accuracy of direct detection of alpha-emitters in solution and interferences of beta/gamma emitters have been examined. Direct assay of liquid samples using PIPS diode detectors can enable rapid and straightforward detection methodologies suitable for process control applications.

Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis and Erb's palsy in the newborn.

<h3>Abstract</h3> <h3>Summary</h3> The Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) are essential to determine the genetic bases of either ecological or economic phenotypic variation across individuals within populations of the model and non-model organisms. For this research question, the GWAS replication testing different parameters and models to validate the results’ reproducibility is common. However, straightforward methodologies that manage both replication and tetraploid data are still missing. To solve this problem, we designed the MultiGWAS, a tool that does GWAS for diploid and tetraploid organisms by executing in parallel four software, two designed for polyploid data (GWASpoly and SHEsis) and two for diploids data (GAPIT and TASSEL). MultiGWAS has several advantages. It runs either in the command line or in a graphical interface; it manages different genotype formats, including VCF. Moreover, it allows control for population structure, relatedness, and several quality control checks on genotype data. Besides, MultiGWAS can test for additive and dominant gene action models, and through a proprietary scoring function, select the best model to report its associations. Finally, it generates several reports that facilitate identifying false associations from both the significant and the best-ranked association SNP among the four software. We tested MultiGWAS with public tetraploid potato data for tuber shape and several simulated data under both additive and dominant models. These tests demonstrated that MultiGWAS is better at detecting reliable associations than using each of the four software individually. Moreover, the parallel analysis of polyploid and diploid software that only offers Multi-GWAS demonstrates its utility in understanding the best genetic model behind the SNP association in tetraploid organisms. Therefore, MultiG-WAS probed to be an excellent alternative for wrapping GWAS replication in diploid and tetraploid organisms in a single analysis environment.