Monolithic Cells for Solar Fuels.

A tutorial review explaining the many processes occurring in photoelectrochemical cells for solar fuel production, and prospects for future developments

The conservation status of a poorly known range-restricted mammal, the Nimba otter-shrew Micropotamogale lamottei

We have a poor understanding of the ecology of many African small mammals due to a lack of basic research. This has important conservation implications, particularly for range-restricted species in tropical regions. In this study, we provide new insight into the distribution and ecology of one such species, the Nimba otter-shrew (Micropotamogale lamottei Heim de Balsac 1954). We apply niche and occupancy modeling to inform on the range and habitat use of this semi-aquatic species. We estimate that its global range [extent of occurrence (EOO)] is 14,725 km2. Using occupancy modeling, we show that mining has a direct impact on the occurrence of this species. We also provide preliminary observations of its movements through radio-tracking. Using maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling, we identify the North Lorma National Forest and the Wonegizi range (northern Liberia) that appear suitable for this species, but where it has not yet been recorded. We suggest that the Nimba otter-shrew has a global distribution centered on the Mount Nimba region, straddling the borders of Liberia, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, and that it requires urgent conservation attention to ensure its long-term persistence. Finally, we provide evidence to support an uplisting of its IUCN Red List conservation status to Vulnerable.ArcelorMittal Liberiahttp://www.degruyter.com/view/j/mammpm2020Mammal Research InstituteZoology and Entomolog

Metabarcoding dietary analysis in the insectivorous bat Nyctalus leisleri and implications for conservation

In this study, we aim to uncover diet preferences for the insectivorous bat Nyctalus leisleri (Leisler's bat, the lesser noctule) and to provide recommendations for conservation of the species, based on the analysis of prey source habitats. Using a novel guano trap, we sampled bat faeces at selected roosts in a forest in Germany and tested two mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S) and three primer pairs for the metabarcoding of bat faecal pellets.We found a total of 17 arthropod prey orders comprising 358 species in N. leisleri guano. The most diverse orders were Lepidoptera (126 species), Diptera (86 species) and Coleoptera (48 species), followed by Hemiptera (28 species), Trichoptera (16 species), Neuroptera (15 species) and Ephemeroptera (10 species), with Lepidoptera species dominating in spring and Diptera in summer. Based on the ecological requirements of the most abundant arthropod species found in the bat guano, we propose some recommendations for the conservation of N. leisleri that are relevant for other insectivorous bat species

Distribution locale et estimation des densités des primates dans la réserve transfrontalière du fleuve Mono, Togo (Afrique de l’Ouest)

La réserve de biosphère de Mono est située dans le « Dahomey Gap » qui sépare la ceinture des forêts denses humides ouest-africaines en deux blocs forestiers : guinéen (occidental) et congolais (oriental). Cette discontinuité climatique dahoméenne est caractérisée par des mosaïques de forêts denses semi-décidues, des savanes guinéennes, des prairies marécageuses, des marais, des mangroves et des plans d’eau, des mosaïques d’agroforêts, champs et jachères. Dans cette réserve centrée sur la vallée du Mono entre le Togo et le Bénin, d’une surperficie de 2042,18 km2, nous nous évalué le statut des populations des espèces de primates. Au total, 9 espèces ont été recensées : Galago senegalensis, Galagoides demidoff, Perodicticus potto, Papio anubis, Colobus vellerosus, Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster, Cercopithecus mona, Erythrocebus patas et Chlorocebus tantalus. Les populations de ces espèces sont distribuées dans quatre unités fondamentales de la réserve : la forêt d’Asrama, le complexe d’aires protégées de Togodo, la forêt sacrée de Godjé-Godjin et la forêt sacrée d’Akissa. Les travaux ont clairement établi un déplacement saisonnier et régulier des populations de ces espèces de primates dans ces différentes unités écologiques. Le complexe d’aires protégées de Togodo constitue le sanctuaire pour les populations de primates dans le Sud du Togo et du Bénin et principalement celle du Hocheur à ventre roux (Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster) considéré comme espèce en danger critique sur la liste rouge de l’UICN.The reserve of biosphere of Mono river is located in the Dahomey Gap, which is the relatively arid interruption in the West African forest belt that stretches from the Accra Plains in Ghana across the Volta River through Togo to the eastern border of Benin. This West African climate discontinuity is characterized by mosaics of dense semi-deciduous forests, Guinean savannahs, swampy meadows, marshes, mangroves and bodies of water, mosaics of agroforest, farms and fallow land. In this reserve, centered on the Mono valley between Togo and Benin, with 2042.18 km2 area, we assessed the status of populations of primate species. Overall, 9 species were recorded: Galago senegalensis, Galagoides demidoff, Perodicticus potto, Papio anubis, Colobus vellerosus, Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster, Cercopithecus mona, Erythrocebus patas and Chlorocebus tantalus. The populations of these species are distributed in four basic units of the reserve: the Asmara forest, the Togodo protected area complex, the Godjé-Godjin sacred forest and the Akissa sacred forest. Our works clearly established a seasonal and regular displacement of primate species populations among different ecological units. The Togodo protected areas complex is the sanctuary for primate populations in southern Togo and Benin, and mainly for the Red-bellied Monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster), which is considered a Critically Endangered species on the IUCN Red List

Dynamic Coupling of Voltage Sensor and Gate Involved in Closed-State Inactivation of Kv4.2 Channels

Voltage-gated potassium channels related to the Shal gene of Drosophila (Kv4 channels) mediate a subthreshold-activating current (ISA) that controls dendritic excitation and the backpropagation of action potentials in neurons. Kv4 channels also exhibit a prominent low voltage–induced closed-state inactivation, but the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we examined a structural model in which dynamic coupling between the voltage sensors and the cytoplasmic gate underlies inactivation in Kv4.2 channels. We performed an alanine-scanning mutagenesis in the S4-S5 linker, the initial part of S5, and the distal part of S6 and functionally characterized the mutants under two-electrode voltage clamp in Xenopus oocytes. In a large fraction of the mutants (>80%) normal channel function was preserved, but the mutations influenced the likelihood of the channel to enter the closed-inactivated state. Depending on the site of mutation, low-voltage inactivation kinetics were slowed or accelerated, and the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation was shifted positive or negative. Still, in some mutants these inactivation parameters remained unaffected. Double mutant cycle analysis based on kinetic and steady-state parameters of low-voltage inactivation revealed that residues known to be critical for voltage-dependent gate opening, including Glu 323 and Val 404, are also critical for Kv4.2 closed-state inactivation. Selective redox modulation of corresponding double-cysteine mutants supported the idea that these residues are involved in a dynamic coupling, which mediates both transient activation and closed-state inactivation in Kv4.2 channels

Layer-by-layer deposition of open-pore mesoporous TiO 2- Nafion® film electrodes

The formation of variable thickness TiO2 nanoparticle-Nafion® composite films with open pores is demonstrated via a layer-by-layer deposition process. Films of about 6 nm diameter TiO2 nanoparticles grow in the presence of Nafion® by “clustering” of nanoparticles into bigger aggregates, and the resulting hierarchical structure thickens with about 25 nm per deposition cycle. Film growth is characterized by electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance techniques. Simultaneous small-angle X-ray scattering and wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements for films before and after calcination demonstrate the effect of Nafion® binder causing aggregation. Electrochemical methods are employed to characterize the electrical conductivity and diffusivity of charge through the TiO2-Nafion® composite films. Characteristic electrochemical responses are observed for cationic redox systems (diheptylviologen2+/+, Ru(NH3)3+/2+6, and ferrocenylmethyl-trimethylammonium2+/+) immobilized into the TiO2-Nafion® nanocomposite material. Charge conduction is dependent on the type of redox system and is proposed to occur either via direct conduction through the TiO2 backbone (at sufficiently negative potentials) or via redox-center-based diffusion/electron hopping (at more positive potentials)

High Strength Conductive Composites with Plasmonic Nanoparticles Aligned on Aramid Nanofibers

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135653/1/adfm201603230.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135653/2/adfm201603230-sup-0001-S1.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/135653/3/adfm201603230_am.pd

Nanomaterials for Neural Interfaces

This review focuses on the application of nanomaterials for neural interfacing. The junction between nanotechnology and neural tissues can be particularly worthy of scientific attention for several reasons: (i) Neural cells are electroactive, and the electronic properties of nanostructures can be tailored to match the charge transport requirements of electrical cellular interfacing. (ii) The unique mechanical and chemical properties of nanomaterials are critical for integration with neural tissue as long-term implants. (iii) Solutions to many critical problems in neural biology/medicine are limited by the availability of specialized materials. (iv) Neuronal stimulation is needed for a variety of common and severe health problems. This confluence of need, accumulated expertise, and potential impact on the well-being of people suggests the potential of nanomaterials to revolutionize the field of neural interfacing. In this review, we begin with foundational topics, such as the current status of neural electrode (NE) technology, the key challenges facing the practical utilization of NEs, and the potential advantages of nanostructures as components of chronic implants. After that the detailed account of toxicology and biocompatibility of nanomaterials in respect to neural tissues is given. Next, we cover a variety of specific applications of nanoengineered devices, including drug delivery, imaging, topographic patterning, electrode design, nanoscale transistors for high-resolution neural interfacing, and photoactivated interfaces. We also critically evaluate the specific properties of particular nanomaterials—including nanoparticles, nanowires, and carbon nanotubes—that can be taken advantage of in neuroprosthetic devices. The most promising future areas of research and practical device engineering are discussed as a conclusion to the review.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/64336/1/3970_ftp.pd

Photography-based taxonomy is inadequate, unnecessary, and potentially harmful for biological sciences

The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) deposited in collections should be accepted for publication by scientific journals and allowed by the Code has already been discussed in Zootaxa (Dubois & Nemésio 2007; Donegan 2008, 2009; Nemésio 2009a–b; Dubois 2009; Gentile & Snell 2009; Minelli 2009; Cianferoni & Bartolozzi 2016; Amorim et al. 2016). This question was again raised in a letter supported by 35 signatories published in the journal Nature (Pape et al. 2016) on 15 September 2016. On 25 September 2016, the following rebuttal (strictly limited to 300 words as per the editorial rules of Nature) was submitted to Nature, which on 18 October 2016 refused to publish it. As we think this problem is a very important one for zoological taxonomy, this text is published here exactly as submitted to Nature, followed by the list of the 493 taxonomists and collection-based researchers who signed it in the short time span from 20 September to 6 October 2016