Generally, crystals of synthetic porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are commonly made up from one kind of repeating pore structure which predominates the whole material. Surprisingly, little is known about how to introduce heterogeneously arranged pores within a crystal of homogeneous pores without losing the crystalline nature of the material. Here, we outline a strategy ...

Methods for evaluating soil conditions as influenced by tillage are often limited to analysis of bulk samples. The application of medical computed tomography (CT) to the characterization of tillage effects on soil provides an alternative tool for measurement since it is at a more detailed scale. The objective of this study was to compare soils under conventional and notillage (NT) systems using...

Bone Marrow mesenchymal stem cells can be induced to differentiate into osteoblasts to regenerate damaged bone tissue using tissue engineering techniques. In this study, we examine the use of chitosan scaffolds with double pore structure prepared by an innovative method that combines freeze gelation (that produces micropores) and particle leaching out technique (that produces interconnected sph...

As the increase of nitrate concentration in groundwater has often been ascribed to an inappropriate use of liquid manure, the main purpose of this study was to better understand the factors controlling nitrate dynamics in the unsaturated zone of soils subjected to characteristic agronomic practices, and to contribute to improving Action Programmes, with reference to EU Directive 91/676, for nit...

The Cover Feature shows an artistic interpretation of a supported polymerization catalyst particle that is fragmenting during ethylene polymerization. In their Research Article, F. Meirer, B. M. Weckhuysen and co-workers used high resolution X-ray electron microscopy to elucidate the origins sectioning fragmentation mechanism in two different silica-supported olefin catalysts at single level. o...

Soil structure plays a central role in many soil processes that are environmentally relevant. Intermittent freezing of the over winter is an important abiotic disturbance temperate climates and its effects on depend soil’s preexistent structural strength cohesion. Management choices such as tillage plant cover after harvest strongly influence structure, therefore response to freeze-thaw. We exa...

Cover crop use is a well-established soil conservation technique and has been proven effective for erosion control remediation in many arable systems. Whereas the obvious protection mechanism of cover crops occurs through canopy, plant roots perform multiple functions. It important to consider functions delivered by different root systems order increase uptake sustainable water management. A cl...