bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for automated snow avalanche debris detection through use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging
Authors: Vickers H. , Eckerstorfer M. , Malnes E. , Larsen Y. , Hindberg H.
Published: September 2016

Avalanches are a natural hazard that occur in mountainous regions of Troms County in northern Norway during winter and can cause loss of human life and damage to infrastructure. Knowledge of when and where they occur especially in remote, high mountain areas is often lacking due to difficult access. However, complete, spatiotemporal avalanche activity data sets are important for accurate avalanche forecasting, as well as for deeper understanding of the link between avalanche occurrences and the triggering snowpack and meteorological factors. It is therefore desirable to develop a technique that enables active mapping and monitoring of avalanches over an entire winter. Avalanche debris can be observed remotely over large spatial areas, under all weather and light conditions by synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. The recently launched Sentinel‐1A satellite acquires SAR images covering the entire Troms County with frequent updates. By focusing on a case study from New Year 2015 we use Sentinel‐1A images to develop an automated avalanche debris detection algorithm that utilizes change detection and unsupervised object classification methods. We compare our results with manually identified avalanche debris and field‐based images to quantify the algorithm accuracy. Our results indicate that a correct detection rate of over 60% can be achieved, which is sensitive to several algorithm parameters that may need revising. With further development and refinement of the algorithm, we believe that this method could play an effective role in future operational monitoring of avalanches within Troms and has potential application in avalanche forecasting areas worldwide.
Influence of microscale weak zones on bulk strength
Authors: Gerbi Christopher , Johnson Scott E. , Shulman Deborah , Klepeis Keith
Published: September 2016

Shear zones have different rheological properties than the surrounding rocks, indicating that the bulk strength of regions containing shear zone networks cannot be determined by considering the host rock rheology alone. We demonstrate the value of this concept at the microscale. We first consider the phase arrangements in naturally deformed rocks and document that weak phases exhibit little interconnection within a microstructure. Rather, three‐dimensional weak zones, analogous to viscous shear zones, can interconnect or bridge weak phases. These zones typically form at high stress sites, comprise multiple minerals, and deform by mechanisms independent of those in the surrounding minerals. The presence of weak zones strongly affects the bulk strength of the rock, disproportionate to the mode of the weak zones. For example, the development of 1% mode of a weak zone at a high stress site can reduce the bulk strength of the rock nearly an order of magnitude. Calculation of the bulk strength of the rock by some averaging algorithm of the deformation mechanisms operating outside the weak zones will overestimate strength. Instead, accurate calculations and predictions of bulk strength require accounting for the presence and geometry of weak zones. For this reason, we advocate use of the scale‐independent conceptual rheological model of interconnected weak zones or layers rather than that of interconnected weak phases. More generally, the way forward in improving quantification of the mechanical properties of the lithosphere requires recognizing and explicitly accounting for the spatial and temporal distribution of deformation mechanisms operating throughout a rock.
Assimilation of surface velocities acquired between 1996 and 2010 to constrain the form of the basal friction law under Pine Island Glacier
Authors: Gillet‐Chaulet F. , Durand G. , Gagliardini O. , Mosbeux C. , Mouginot J. , Rémy F. , Ritz C.
Published: September 2016

In ice‐sheet models, slip conditions at the base between the ice and the bed are parameterized by a friction law. The most common relation has two poorly constrained parameters, C and m. The basal slipperiness coefficient, C, depends on local unobserved quantities and is routinely inferred using inverse methods. While model results have shown that transient responses to external forcing are highly sensitive to the stress exponent m, no consensus value has emerged, with values commonly used ranging from 1 to
depending on the slip processes. By assimilation of Pine Island Glacier surface velocities from 1996 to 2010, we show that observed accelerations are best reproduced with m≥5. We conclude that basal motion, in much of the fast flowing region, is governed by plastic deformation of the underlying sediments. This implies that the glacier bed in this area cannot deliver resistive stresses higher than today, making the drainage basin potentially more sensitive to dynamical perturbations than predicted with models using standard values m = 1 or 3.
Impact of the natural variability in snowflake diameter, aspect ratio, and orientation on modeled snowfall radar reflectivity
Authors: Gergely Mathias , Garrett Timothy J.
Published: September 2016

Significant progress has been made in approximating snowflakes with increasingly realistic shape models and then simulating their microwave scattering properties for snowfall remote sensing. This study aims to complement prior findings by analyzing the natural variability within snowstorms. The approach consists of (i) deriving the variability of snowflake diameters, aspect ratios, and orientation angles from automated snowflake observations during individual snowstorms, (ii) calculating the corresponding variability of snowflake backscatter cross sections at 24, 35, 94, and 183 GHz, and (iii) evaluating the impact of the analyzed snowflake variability on modeled snowfall equivalent radar reflectivity factors (Ze). For seven snowstorms, the observed natural variability in snowflake diameter, aspect ratio, and orientation leads to distributions of snowflake backscatter cross sections that span up to 6 orders of magnitude. The impact on modeled radar reflectivity is smaller with distributions of Ze values spanning less than 1 order of magnitude and with median absolute deviations and standard deviations of up to 25%, depending on the analyzed frequency and the applied snowflake parameterization. An assessment of different characterizations of snowflake aspect ratio and orientation indicates that a simplistic description of aspect ratios and orientation angles through constant values which do not correspond with the observed snowflake distributions for the analyzed snowstorm can lead to relative differences in modeled Ze of |ΔZe|≥60%. These differences in Ze are generally smaller than uncertainties in Ze associated with the parameterization of snowflake mass but still translate into significant uncertainties for the retrieval of snowfall rates from radar reflectivity measurements.
Global climate impacts of stochastic deep convection parameterization in the NCARCAM5
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Guang J.
Published: September 2016

In this study, the stochastic deep convection parameterization of Plant and Craig (PC) is implemented in the Community Atmospheric Model version 5 (CAM5) to incorporate the stochastic processes of convection into the Zhang‐McFarlane (ZM) deterministic deep convective scheme. Its impacts on deep convection, shallow convection, large‐scale precipitation and associated dynamic and thermodynamic fields are investigated. Results show that with the introduction of the PC stochastic parameterization, deep convection is decreased while shallow convection is enhanced. The decrease in deep convection is mainly caused by the stochastic process and the spatial averaging of input quantities for the PC scheme. More detrained liquid water associated with more shallow convection leads to significant increase in liquid water and ice water paths, which increases large‐scale precipitation in tropical regions. Specific humidity, relative humidity, zonal wind in the tropics, and precipitable water are all improved. The simulation of shortwave cloud forcing (SWCF) is also improved. The PC stochastic parameterization decreases the global mean SWCF from −52.25 W/m2 in the standard CAM5 to −48.86 W/m2, close to −47.16 W/m2 in observations. The improvement in SWCF over the tropics is due to decreased low cloud fraction simulated by the stochastic scheme. Sensitivity tests of tuning parameters are also performed to investigate the sensitivity of simulated climatology to uncertain parameters in the stochastic deep convection scheme.
Architectural Discourse in Rome: Academies, Ruins, and Books
Authors: Minor Heather Hyde
Published: September 2016

Rome was a capital of the arts in the eighteenth century. While the Academy of St. Luke seems lackluster in comparison to the Academy of Architecture in Paris, it was not at the center of architectural discourse in Rome. For the architects who came to the city to study, their experiences of ruins, Renaissance buildings, and contemporary architecture were much richer than the offerings at the Accademia. The wide range of books about architecture printed in Rome exerted a great force on European‐wide discourse. These were the Eternal City's great contributions to architecture in eighteenth‐century Europe.
Iterative learning control for non‐repetitive trajectory tracking of robot manipulators with joint position constraints and actuator faults
Authors: Jin Xu
Published: September 2016

In this work, we present a novel iterative learning control (ILC) scheme for a class of joint position constrained robot manipulator systems with both multiplicative and additive actuator faults. Unlike most ILC literature that requires identical reference trajectory from trail to trail, in this work the reference trajectory can be non‐repetitive over the iteration domain without assuming the identical initial condition. A tan‐type Barrier Lyapunov Function is proposed to deal with the constraint requirements which can be both time and iteration varying, with ILC update laws adopted to learn the iteration‐invariant system uncertainties, and robust methods used to compensate the iteration and time varying actuator faults and disturbances. We show that under the proposed ILC scheme, uniform convergence of the full state tracking error beyond a small time interval in each iteration can be guaranteed over the iteration domain, while the constraint requirements on the joint position vector will not be violated during operation. An illustrative example on a two degree‐of‐freedom robotic manipulator is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Deposit of Highly Reactive Bi(IO3)3‐ Polyvinylidene Fluoride Biocidal Energetic Composite and its Reactive Properties
Authors: Hu Xiuli , DeLisio Jeffery B. , Li Xiangyu , Zhou Wenbo , Zachariah Michael R.
Published: September 2016

Metal iodate oxidizers are synthesized and evaluated as oxidizers in thermite reactions to generate both heat and a biocidal reaction product for bioagent defeat. TGA/DSC/MS and T‐jump TOFMS analysis show gas‐phase iodine release from metal iodate decomposition at both low and high heating rates. In constant volume combustion tests, Bi(IO3)3/Al thermite outperforms other metal iodate/Al and traditional thermites. Mechanically sound composites with high mass loadings of particulates are formed by direct electrospray of synthesized metal iodates, nanoaluminum fuel, and polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) binder/oxidizer, and burn speeds are measured in both air and argon atmospheres.
Effects of an Aromatic Fluoro‐Diol and Polycaprolactone on the Properties of the Resultant Polyurethanes
Authors: Su Shuenn‐Kung , Gu Jia‐Hao , Lee Hsun‐Tsing , Yu Shu‐Huei , Wu Cheng‐Lung , Suen Maw‐Cherng
Published: September 2016

In this study, we used 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), polycaprolactone diol (PCL), and 4‐(1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propan‐2‐yl)phenol (HFP) to synthesize novel biodegradable F‐containing polyurethanes (HFP/PUs). Among which PCL is a biodegradable soft segment and HFP is a fluoro chain extender. According to FT‐IR and XPS spectroscopies, there is a strong hydrogen bonding interaction between F‐ (in CF3) and –NH groups in the HFP/PUs. For the HFP/PUs, the initial decomposition temperature, glass transition temperature (Tg), dynamic Tg, tensile strength, Young's modulus, and chemical resistance increase with the content of HFP unit or hard segment. This behavior is due to the increase of rigid hard segment and the interaction between CF3 and ‐NH groups in the HFP/PUs. On the contrary, HFP/PU containing more HFP has lower value of elongation at break. In addition, the AFM images show that the HFP/PU containing higher HFP content exhibits more humpy protrusions and is more rugged. The results of in vitro erythrocyte adhesion tests indicate that the average quantity of erythrocytes adhered on HFP/PU surface decreases with increasing HFP or fluorine content. So fluorine element with low surface free energy is helpful for HFP/PUs to be used as biomedical materials.
Minimum pickup velocity: The transition between nano‐scale and micro‐scale
Authors: Anantharaman Aditya , van Ommen J. Ruud , Chew Jia Wei
Published: September 2016

The transport of nano‐scale particles has become increasingly important, but the knowledge base available is limited. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap between the nano‐ and micro‐scales for pneumatic conveying. A key parameter is the minimum pickup velocity (Upu), which is the minimum fluid velocity required to initiate motion in a particle originally at rest. The Upu values of nine alumina particles with particle diameters (dp) ranging from 5 to 110,000 nm were determined using the weight loss method, then compared against the established pickup Zones (analogous to the Geldart Groups). Results indicated that: (1) Upu varied non‐monotonically with increasing dp, thus revealing the missing link between the nano‐ and micro‐scales; (2) the intermediate particle diameters surprisingly did not agree with any pickup Zone; (3) Zone III (analogous to Geldart Group C) is inadequate for all the nano‐scale particles, so new boundaries and a new Zone are proposed. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1512–1519, 2017
Synthesis Of Biologically Active Bis(Indolyl)Methane Derivatives by Bisindole Alkylation of Tetrahydroisoquinolines with Visible‐Light Induced Ring‐Opening Fragmentation.
Authors: Chen Chia‐Chueng , Hong Bor‐Cherng , Li Wen‐Shan , Chang Tzu‐Ting , Lee Gene‐Hsiang
Published: September 2016

A visible‐light photoredox catalyzed ring‐opening functionalization of tetrahydroisoquinolines with bisindole alkylation has been developed, which expedites a new vista for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methane derivatives. The transformation comprises a series of cascade reactions, photoredox catalysis, amine oxidation, fragmentation and Friedel–Craft alkylation. Five of the prepared bis(indolyl)methane derivatives containing the para substitution group on the side chain of benzene suppressed cancer cell growth in human breast adenocarcinoma MDA‐MB‐231 cells, and one candidate demonstrated a significant effect on cell migration.
Cyclometallierte AuIII‐Komplexe: Synthese, Reaktivität und physikalisch‐chemische Eigenschaften
Authors: Kumar Roopender , Nevado Cristina
Published: September 2016

Dieser Aufsatz befasst sich mit der Fähigkeit zwei‐ und dreifach koordinierender Liganden, Gold in hohen Oxidationszuständen durch Bildung mono‐ und biscyclometallierter Gold(III)‐Komplexe zu stabilisieren. Es wurden umfassende Studien zur Synthese, zur intrinsischen Reaktivität, zur katalytischen Relevanz und zu den photophysikalischen Eigenschaften stabilisierter Gold(III)‐Spezies durchgeführt. Diese Studien werden eine Grundlage für hochinteressante Entwicklungen auf verschiedenen Forschungsgebieten wie der Katalyse, der anorganischen und bioanorganischen Chemie, dem Ligandendesign und den Materialwissenschaften bilden.
Cyclometalated Gold(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Reactivity, and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Kumar Roopender , Nevado Cristina
Published: September 2016

This Review showcases the ability of bi‐ and tridentate ligands to stabilize gold in high oxidation states through the formation of mono‐ and biscyclometalated gold(III) complexes. In‐depth studies on the synthesis, intrinsic reactivity, catalytic relevance, and photophysical properties of stabilized gold(III) species have been carried out, setting the stage for exciting developments in various research areas, such as catalysis, inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry, ligand design, and materials science.
Fish conservation in freshwater and marine realms: status, threats and management
Authors: Arthington Angela H. , Dulvy Nicholas K. , Gladstone William , Winfield Ian J.
Published: September 2016

Despite the disparities in size and volume of marine and freshwater realms, a strikingly similar number of species is found in each – with 15 150 Actinopterygian fishes in fresh water and 14 740 in the marine realm. Their ecological and societal values are widely recognized yet many marine and freshwater fishes increasingly risk local, regional or global extinction.

The prevailing threats in aquatic systems are habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, pollution, over‐exploitation and climate change. Unpredictable synergies with climate change greatly complicate the impacts of other stressors that threaten many marine and freshwater fishes.

Isolated and fragmented habitats typically present the most challenging environments for small, specialized freshwater and marine fishes, whereas overfishing is by far the greatest threat to larger marine and freshwater species. Species that migrate within or between freshwater and marine realms may face high catchability in predictable migration bottlenecks, and degradation of breeding habitat, feeding habitat or the intervening migration corridors.

Conservation reserves are vital to protect species‐rich habitats, important radiations, and threatened endemic species. Integration of processes that connect terrestrial, freshwater and marine protected areas promises more effective conservation outcomes than disconnected reserves. Diadromous species in particular require more attention in aquatic restoration and conservation planning across disparate government agencies.

Human activities and stressors that increasingly threaten freshwater and marine fishes must be curbed to avoid a wave of extinctions. Freshwater recovery programmes range from plans for individual species to recovery of entire basin faunas. Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Most of the world's larger economically important fisheries are relatively well‐monitored and well‐managed but there are urgent needs to curb fishing mortality and minimize catch of the most endangered species in both realms.

Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Charge‐Transfer‐Induced Self‐Healing Supramolecular Hydrogel
Authors: Gao Lei , Gao Yuxia , Lin Yuan , Ju Yong , Yang Song , Hu Jun
Published: September 2016

In this study, a dual‐component charge‐transfer (CT)‐induced supramolecular hydrogel was fabricated using pyrene‐tailored pyridinium (PYP) and 2,4,7‐trinitrofluorenone (TNF) as the electron donor and acceptor, respectively. Its thermal stability and mechanical property have been modulated effectively by altering the concentration or molar ratio of PYP and TNF. Moreover, this CT hydrogel exhibited a distinct injectable self‐healing property that could be utilized to create desired patterns on substrates. Such property holds potential for this CT hydrogel in fields like three‐dimensional printing and surface coating.
Photoreduction of Shewanella oneidensis Extracellular Cytochromes by Organic Chromophores and Dye‐Sensitized TiO2
Authors: Ainsworth Emma V. , Lockwood Colin W. J. , White Gaye F. , Hwang Ee Taek , Sakai Tsubasa , Gross Manuela A. , Richardson David J. , Clarke Thomas A. , Jeuken Lars J. C. , Reisner Erwin , Butt Julea N.
Published: September 2016

The transfer of photoenergized electrons from extracellular photosensitizers across a bacterial cell envelope to drive intracellular chemical transformations represents an attractive way to harness nature's catalytic machinery for solar‐assisted chemical synthesis. In Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 (MR‐1), trans‐outer‐membrane electron transfer is performed by the extracellular cytochromes MtrC and OmcA acting together with the outer‐membrane‐spanning porin⋅cytochrome complex (MtrAB). Here we demonstrate photoreduction of solutions of MtrC, OmcA, and the MtrCAB complex by soluble photosensitizers: namely, eosin Y, fluorescein, proflavine, flavin, and adenine dinucleotide, as well as by riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide, two compounds secreted by MR‐1. We show photoreduction of MtrC and OmcA adsorbed on RuII‐dye‐sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles and that these protein‐coated particles perform photocatalytic reduction of solutions of MtrC, OmcA, and MtrCAB. These findings provide a framework for informed development of strategies for using the outer‐membrane‐associated cytochromes of MR‐1 for solar‐driven microbial synthesis in natural and engineered bacteria.
Expression and Purification of EPHA2 Tyrosine Kinase Domain for Crystallographic and NMR Studies
Authors: Gande Santosh L. , Saxena Krishna , Sreeramulu Sridhar , Linhard Verena , Kudlinzki Denis , Heinzlmeir Stephanie , Reichert Andreas J. , Skerra Arne , Kuster Bernhard , Schwalbe Harald
Published: September 2016

The receptor tyrosine kinase EPHA2 is overexpressed in several cancers (breast, head and neck, non‐small‐cell lung cancer). Small‐molecule‐based inhibition of the EPHA2 kinase domain (KD) is seen as an important strategy for therapeutic intervention. However, obtaining structural information by crystallography or NMR spectroscopy for drug discovery is severely hampered by the lack of pure, homogeneous protein. Here, different fragments of the EPHA2 KD were expressed and purified from both bacterial (Escherichia coli, BL21(DE3) cells) and insect cells (Spodoptera frugiperda, Sf9 cells).1H,15N HSQC was used to determine the proper folding and homogeneity of all the constructs. Protein from E. coli was well‐folded but unstable, and it did not crystallize. However, a construct (D596–G900) produced in Sf9 cells yielded homogenous, well‐folded protein that crystallized readily, thereby resulting in eleven new EPHA2–ligand crystal structures. We have also established a strategy for selective and uniform 15N‐amino acid labeling of EPHA2 KD in Sf9 cells for investigating dynamics and EPHA2–drug interactions by NMR.
Effect of Co‐catalyst on the Selective Electrooxidation of Glycerol over Ruthenium‐based Nanomaterials
Authors: Palma Livia M. , Almeida Thiago S. , Morais Claudia , Napporn Teko W. , Kokoh K. Boniface , de Andrade Adalgisa R.
Published: September 2016

Ruthenium‐based Pd and Pt nanoparticles were prepared by mild microwave‐assisted heating and were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The activities of these catalysts during the oxidation of glycerol in alkaline media were studied by electrochemical, analytical, and in situ spectroscopy techniques. Changing the noble metal (Pd or Pt) allowed the selectivity of the catalysts to be tailored during the electrooxidation of glycerol. This introduces the possibility of utilizing the catalysts in cogeneration processes for renewable energy sources and also of employing the catalysts to produce value‐added molecules selectively. High‐performance liquid chromatography evidenced that the PtRu material had excellent catalytic activity in the selective oxidation of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone, whereas the PdRu anode favored the production of glycerate.
Quantitative analysis of total hydrocarbons and water in oil‐contaminated soils with attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Guryanova Alena , Ermakov Vasiliy , Galyanin Vladislav , Artyushenko Viacheslav , Sakharova Tatiana , Usenov Iskander , Bykov Dmitriy , Bogomolov Andrey
Published: September 2016

The feasibility of direct (ie, without sample preparation) quantitative analysis of total hydrocarbons and water in oil‐contaminated soils using mid‐infrared spectroscopy and an attenuated total reflection (ATR) probe has been investigated. Spectral characteristics of unpolluted and oil‐contaminated soils composed of sand, clay, dolomite, and humus have been studied over the full mid‐infrared range (4000‐400 cm−1). Spectra of 25 typical soil samples containing varying levels of oil and water have been analyzed using a chalcogenide infrared fiber–based probe with a ZrO2 crystal as an ATR element. The spectral data were used to build calibration models for the analysis of hydrocarbon contamination as well as moisture content of soil samples. The low quality of ATR spectra of drier samples and variable spectral intensity inherent in the ATR measurement of solids has been overcome by suitable data processing. Further improvement of the model performance has been achieved using a variable selection based on the modified genetic algorithm. Our proposed method allows the determination of oil and moisture content in soils with accuracies of 1.1% and 0.6%, respectively, which is sufficient for a number of practical applications. The reported results may be used to develop portable devices for measuring petroleum and water content of soils.
Remarkable Anion‐Dependent Spin‐State Switching in Diiron(III) μ‐Hydroxo Bisporphyrins: What Role Do Counterions Play?
Authors: Khan Firoz Shah Tuglak , Pandey Anjani Kumar , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: September 2016

Addition of 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (HTNP) to an ethene‐bridged diiron(III) μ‐oxo bisporphyrin (1) in CH2Cl2 initially leads to the formation of diiron(III) μ‐hydroxo bisporphyrin (2⋅TNP) with a phenolate counterion that, after further addition of HTNP or dissolution in a nonpolar solvent, converts to a diiron(III) complex with axial phenoxide coordination (3⋅(TNP)2). The progress of the reaction from μ‐oxo to μ‐hydroxo to axially ligated complex has been monitored in solution by using 1H NMR spectroscopy because their signals appear in three different and distinct spectral regions. The X‐ray structure of 2⋅TNP revealed that the nearly planar TNP counterion fits perfectly within the bisporphyrin cavity to form a strong hydrogen bond with the μ‐hydroxo group, which thus stabilizes the two equivalent iron centers. In contrast, such counterions as I5, I3, BF4, SbF6, and PF6 are found to be tightly associated with one of the porphyrin rings and, therefore, stabilize two different spin states of iron in one molecule. A spectroscopic investigation of 2⋅TNP has revealed the presence of two equivalent iron centers with a high‐spin state (S=5/2) in the solid state that converts to intermediate spin (S=3/2) in solution. An extensive computational study by using a range of DFT methods was performed on 2⋅TNP and 2+, and clearly supports the experimentally observed spin flip triggered by hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The counterion is shown to perturb the spin‐state ordering through, for example, hydrogen‐bonding interactions, switched positions between counterion and axial ligand, ion‐pair interactions, and charge polarization. The present investigation thus provides a clear rationalization of the unusual counterion‐specific spin states observed in the μ‐hydroxo bisporphyrins that have so far remained the most outstanding issue.
Uncatalyzed Hydrogenation of First‐Row Main Group Multiple Bonds
Authors: Arrowsmith Merle , Böhnke Julian , Braunschweig Holger , Celik Mehmet Ali , Dellermann Theresa , Hammond Kai
Published: September 2016

Room temperature hydrogenation of an SIDep‐stabilized diboryne (SIDep=1,3‐bis(diethylphenyl)‐4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐ylidene) and a cAAC‐supported diboracumulene (cAAC=1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidin‐2‐ylidene) provided the first selective route to the corresponding 1,2‐dihydrodiborenes. DFT calculations showed an overall exothermic (ΔG=19.4 kcal mol−1) two‐step asynchronous H2 addition mechanism proceeding via a bridging hydride.
Polycationic‐Shelled Capsular and Tubular Nanostructures and Their Anionic–Guest Binding Properties
Authors: Yazaki Kohei , Sei Yoshihisa , Akita Munetaka , Yoshizawa Michito
Published: September 2016

For the development of novel nanospace with unique electrostatic character, we prepared new capsular and tubular nanostructures by the quantitative assembly of metal ions and bent bisacridinium ligands. The capsule and tube have closed spherical and open cylindrical cavities, respectively, with diameters of around 1 nm surrounded by cationic polyaromatic panels. Thanks to the facile synthetic protocol (three steps), another polycationic capsule with an elliptical nanocavity was also prepared by using an elongated ligand. In spite of the absence of pendant hydrophilic groups, the spherical polyaromatic capsule shows sufficient water solubility due to the polycationic shell. Moreover, the highly cationic cavity (12+) can selectively encapsulate anionic organic compounds in water.
Extraction of bisphenol F three isomers from water with 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid
Authors: Pan Langsheng , Pan Lifang , Wang Tiantian , Wang Zhi , Wu Zhimin , Li Yongfei , Zuo Cuncun , Liu Yuejin
Published: September 2016

The extraction for three isomers of bisphenol F (BPF) was studied in a hydrophobic ionic liquid/water biphasic extraction system. The influences of some factors, such as ionic liquid structure, phase ratio, temperature, pH value, and NaCl concentration on the extraction of BPF three isomers were investigated, and excellent efficiency with more than 99.0 % extraction efficiency was obtained using 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Omim][BF4]) as an extractant. The extraction mechanism of the hydrogen bonds interaction between [Omim][BF4] and BPF three isomers were proven by 1H‐NMR spectrum and the density functional theory (DFT). From the 1H‐NMR spectrum, the immediate disappearance of the BPF isomer hydroxyl protons upon addition of [Omim][BF4] was found, which indicated the existence of hydrogen bond interaction between BPF isomer and [Omim][BF4]. Through the computer simulation, the hydrogen bonds strength decreased in the order of 2,2′‐BPF > 2,4′‐BPF > 4,4′‐BPF, which is consistent with the descending order of distribution coefficients obtained through the experiments. These results are promising for the liquid‐liquid extraction and enrichment of phenols in related industrial processes.
Image analysis of neutrophil nuclear morphology: Learning about phenotypic range and its reliable analysis from patients with pelger‐Huët‐anomaly and treated with colchicine
Authors: Schnipper Nele , Stassen Hans H. , Kallinich Tilmann , Sperling Karl , Hoffmann Katrin
Published: September 2016

The nuclear morphology of neutrophils depends on different endogenous and exogenous factors, which can lead to hypo‐ or hypersegmentation of the normally 2–4 segmented nucleus. Hyposegmentation can be due to mutations in the LBR‐gene (Pelger‐Huët‐Anomaly) or can be induced, for example, by colchicine treatment. The range of this phenotypic variation is known as “norm of reaction,” which can be of major relevance for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. In this project, we studied the norm of reaction in 26 subjects with 0–3 wild type LBR alleles. In addition, the phenotypic variation was analyzed in 3 patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), before and after colchicine treatment. We measured the phenotype nuclear segmentation of neutrophils based on two conventional qualitative methods, the “rule of threads” and the “rule of thirds.” In addition, we tested a morphometric quantitative approach, the “circularity index.” The circularity index was superior in cases with hyposegmentation; the rule of thirds with respect to hypersegmentation. Approximately 65% of the observed phenotypic variance was explainable by the number of LBR wild type alleles. The gene‐dosage effect followed a non‐additive, hysteresis‐like characteristic with lower and upper plateaus. Colchicine treatment had a clear, although minor phenotypic effect compared to the number of LBR wild type genes or the mutation type. Thus, the nuclear morphology of granulocytes and its norm of reaction can be regarded as an excellent model both for detailing the interplay between endogenous and exogenous factors and for clinical diagnostic purposes. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society
How do relatives cope with eating disorders? Results from an Italian multicentre study
Authors: Fiorillo Andrea , Sampogna Gaia , Luciano Mario , Del Vecchio Valeria , Volpe Umberto , Monteleone Alessio Maria , Bruni Antonella , Segura‐Garcìa Cristina , Catapano Francesco , Monteleone Palmiero , Maj Mario
Published: September 2016

Objective

This paper aims to: (1) describe coping strategies in relatives of patients with eating disorders (EDs); (2) analyze coping strategies according to the different EDs; (3) identify correlations between patients' clinical characteristics, relatives' socio‐demographic characteristics and coping strategies.

Methods

Patients and their relatives consecutively attending three outpatient units for EDs at the Universities of Naples SUN, Salerno and Catanzaro were recruited. Coping strategies were assessed through the Family Coping Questionnaire for Eating Disorders (FCQ‐ED). It consists of 32 items, grouped into two factors: problem‐oriented (“seek for information”, “positive communication”) and emotion‐focused (“avoidance,” “collusion,” “coercion”) strategies, plus one item on seeking for spiritual help.

Results

Seventy‐two patients and 127 relatives were recruited. The most frequently reported coping strategies by relatives were seeking for information, positive communication, seeking for spiritual help; the first two coping strategies were positively correlated with the level of education of both patients and relatives. Mothers reported avoidance less frequently than other relatives. Relatives of patients with BN reported collusion and coercion more frequently compared to relatives of patients with AN.

Discussion

This report represents an initial attempt to understand the complex relationship among clinical, social and personal variables involved in the development of coping strategies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:587–592)
SNPs across time and space: population genomic signatures of founder events and epizootics in the House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Authors: Shultz Allison J. , Baker Allan J. , Hill Geoffrey E. , Nolan Paul M. , Edwards Scott V.
Published: September 2016

Identifying genomic signatures of natural selection can be challenging against a background of demographic changes such as bottlenecks and population expansions. Here, we disentangle the effects of demography from selection in the House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) using samples collected before and after a pathogen‐induced selection event. Using ddRADseq, we genotyped over 18,000 SNPs across the genome in native pre‐epizootic western US birds, introduced birds from Hawaii and the eastern United States, post‐epizootic eastern birds, and western birds sampled across a similar time span. We found 14% and 7% reductions in nucleotide diversity, respectively, in Hawaiian and pre‐epizootic eastern birds relative to pre‐epizootic western birds, as well as elevated levels of linkage disequilibrium and other signatures of founder events. Despite finding numerous significant frequency shifts (outlier loci) between pre‐epizootic native and introduced populations, we found no signal of reduced genetic diversity, elevated linkage disequilibrium, or outlier loci as a result of the epizootic. Simulations demonstrate that the proportion of outliers associated with founder events could be explained by genetic drift. This rare view of genetic evolution across time in an invasive species provides direct evidence that demographic shifts like founder events have genetic consequences more widespread across the genome than natural selection.
The dual synchronizing influences of precipitation and land use on stream properties in a rapidly urbanizing watershed
Authors: Vogt Richard J. , Frost Paul C. , Nienhuis Sarah , Woolnough Daelyn A. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A.
Published: September 2016

Conversion of natural ecosystems to urbanized land cover dominated by impervious surfaces can alter hydrologic delivery of terrestrially derived materials to aquatic ecosystems. By changing hydrologic regimes, urbanization has important ramifications for water quality, particularly when considering how land use change might interact with other potential environmental stressors. Here, we analyzed a suite of physical, chemical, and biological time series (2007–2008) in 11 streams in a rapidly urbanizing watershed to determine how spatiotemporal synchrony is structured in urban vs. rural stream ecosystems. We further assessed how a doubling of seasonal precipitation influenced the landscape‐level stream synchrony patterns between years via changes to the local hydrologic regime. Consistent with existing theory and observations, physical variables (i.e., water temperature, flow rate) regulated by external climate features operating at broad spatial scales were more synchronous than the variables associated with fluxes of dissolved solutes (i.e., conductivity, salinity, dissolved nutrients), which are typically controlled by local and internal ecosystem processes. Both urbanization and increased precipitation modified synchrony patterns by increasing the temporal coherence of water flow and the concentration of certain dissolved solutes (i.e., conductivity, salinity). Urban streams exposed to more precipitation exhibited the greatest similarity in physicochemical conditions, suggesting an interaction among the dual stressors of precipitation and urbanization to instill ecosystem synchrony. These results suggest that taking a spatially explicit perspective in understanding urbanization and its interactions with a changing climate is critical for the future management of aquatic resources in highly developed landscapes.
Nitrogen loading leads to increased carbon accretion in both invaded and uninvaded coastal wetlands
Authors: Martina Jason P. , Currie William S. , Goldberg Deborah E. , Elgersma Kenneth J.
Published: September 2016

Gaining a better understanding of carbon (C) dynamics across the terrestrial and aquatic landscapes has become a major research initiative in ecosystem ecology. Wetlands store a large portion of the global soil C, but are also highly dynamic ecosystems in terms of hydrology and N cycling, and are one of the most invaded habitats worldwide. The interactions between these factors are likely to determine wetland C cycling, and specifically C accretion rates. We investigated these interactions using Mondrian, an individual‐based model simulating plant growth and competition and linking these processes to N and C cycling. We simulated the effects of different levels of (1) N loading, (2) hydroperiod, and (3) plant community (natives only vs. invasion scenarios) and their interactions on C accretion outcomes in freshwater coastal wetlands of the Great Lakes region of North America. Results showed that N loading contributed to substantial rates of C accretion by increasing NPP (net primary productivity). By mediating anaerobic conditions and slowing decomposition, hydroperiod also exerted considerable control on C accretion. Invasion success occurred with higher N loading and contributed to higher NPP, while also interacting with hydroperiod via ecosystem‐internal N cycling. Invasion success by both Typha × glauca and Phragmites australis showed a strong nonlinear relationship with N loading in which an invasion threshold occurred at moderate N inputs. This threshold was in turn influenced by duration of flooding, which reduced invasion success for P. australis but not for T. × glauca. The greatest simulated C accretion rates occurred in wetlands invaded by P. australis at the highest N loading in constant anaerobic conditions. These model results suggest that while plant invasion may increase C storage in freshwater coastal wetlands, increased plant productivity (both native and invasive) due to increased N loading is the main driver of increased C accretion.
Linking science and decision making to promote an ecology for the city: practices and opportunities
Authors: Grove J. Morgan , Childers Daniel L. , Galvin Michael , Hines Sarah , Muñoz‐erickson Tischa , Svendsen Erika S.
Published: September 2016

To promote urban sustainability and resilience, there is an increasing demand for actionable science that links science and decision making based on social–ecological knowledge. Approaches, frameworks, and practices for such actionable science are needed and have only begun to emerge. We propose that approaches based on the co‐design and co‐production of knowledge can play an essential role to meet this demand. Although the antecedents for approaches to the co‐design and co‐production of knowledge are decades old, the integration of science and practice to advance urban sustainability and resilience that we present is different in several ways. These differences include the disciplines needed, diversity and number of actors involved, and the technological infrastructures that facilitate local‐to‐global connections. In this article, we discuss how the new requirements and possibilities for co‐design, co‐production, and practical use of social–ecological research can be used as
an ecology for the city
to promote urban sustainability and resilience. While new technologies are part of the solution, traditional approaches also remain important. Using our urban experiences with long‐term, place‐based research from several U.S. Long‐Term Ecological Research sites and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Urban Field Stations, we describe a dynamic framework for linking research with decisions. We posit that this framework, coupled with a user‐defined, theory‐based approach to science, is instrumental to advance both practice and science. Ultimately, cities are ideal places for integrating basic science and decision making, facilitating flows of information through networks, and developing sustainable and resilient solutions and futures.
Future wet grasslands: ecological implications of climate change
Authors: Joyce Chris B. , Simpson Matthew , Casanova Michelle
Published: September 2016

Wet grasslands are threatened by future climate change, yet these are vital ecosystems for both conservation and agriculture, providing livelihoods for millions of people. These biologically diverse, transitional wetlands are defined by an abundance of grasses and periodic flooding, and maintained by regular disturbances such as grazing or cutting. This study summarizes relevant climate change scenarios projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and identifies implications for wet grasslands globally and regionally. Climate change is predicted to alter wet grassland hydrology, especially through warming, seasonal precipitation variability, and the severity of extreme events such as droughts and floods. Changes in the diversity, composition, and productivity of vegetation will affect functional and competitive relations between species. Extreme storm or flood events will favor ruderal plant species able to respond rapidly to environmental change. In some regions, wet grasslands may dry out during heatwaves and drought. C
4
grasses and invasive species could benefit from warming scenarios, the latter facilitated by disturbances such as droughts, floods, and possibly wildfires. Agriculture will be affected as forage available for livestock will likely become less reliable, necessitating adaptations to cutting and grazing regimes by farmers and conservation managers, and possibly leading to land abandonment. It is recommended that agri‐environment schemes, and other policies and practices, are adapted to mitigate climate change, with greater emphasis on water maintenance, flexible management, monitoring, and restoration of resilient wet grasslands.
A New Type of Chiral Cyclic Sulfinamide–Olefin Ligands for Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Addition
Authors: Wen Quan , Zhang Li , Xiong Jing , Zeng Qingle
Published: September 2016

A new type of chiral cyclic sulfinamide–olefin ligands, N‐allylic 2,3‐dihydro‐1,2‐benzoisothiazole 1‐oxides, with 2,3‐dihydro‐1,2‐benzoisothiazole 1‐oxide as a unique chiral skeleton, is developed for the highly enantioselective rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric 1,4‐addition of α,β‐unsaturated cyclic carbonyl compounds and the 1,2‐addition of benzil. Both enantiomers of the chiral cyclic sulfinamide–olefin ligand with 99 % ee were easily prepared from inexpensive and commercially available starting materials and were directly used in asymmetric catalysis, and thus, both enantiomers of the addition products could be obtained in high yields (up to 98 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee).
Semiparametric single index multi change points model with an application of environmental health study on mortality and temperature
Authors: Mahmoud Hamdy F. F. , Kim Inyoung , Kim Ho
Published: September 2016

Many studies have considered the effect of temperature and a change point in association with increased mortality. However, the relationship between temperature and mortality cannot be described using a parametric model and is highly dependent on the number of change points. Knowing the change points of temperature may prevent further mortality associated with the weather. The current available methods consist of two steps: they first estimate the models and then detect change points without testing. However, the methods for simultaneously identifying the nonlinear relationship and detecting the number of change points are quite limited. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a unified approach simultaneously estimates the nonlinear relationship and detects multichange points. We propose a semiparametric single index multichange points model as our unified approach by adjusting for several other covariates. We also provide a permutation‐based testing procedure to detect multichange points. A criterion for predetermining the maximum possible number of change points is introduced, which is required by the permutation test procedure. Our approach is unaffected by the degree of smoothing of the nonparametric function. Our proposed model is compared to the generalized linear model and generalized additive model using simulation and a real application. Our approach outperforms these models in both model fitting and detection of change point(s). We also show the asymptotic properties of the permutation test for semiparametric single index multichange points model, suggesting that the number of change points is consistent. The advantage of our approach is demonstrated using the mortality data of Seoul, South Korea.