bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photogrammetric discharge monitoring of small tropical mountain rivers: A case study at Rivière des Pluies, Réunion Island
Authors: Stumpf André , Augereau Emmanuel , Delacourt Christophe , Bonnier Julien
Published: May 2016

Reliable discharge measurements are indispensable for an effective management of natural water resources and floods. Limitations of classical current meter profiling and stage‐discharge ratings have stimulated the development of more accurate and efficient gauging techniques such as nonintrusive photogrammetric techniques. Despite many successful applications of large‐scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) for short‐term measurements during flood events, there are still very few studies that address its use for long‐term monitoring of small mountain rivers. To fill this gap, this study targets the development and testing of largely autonomous photogrammetric discharge measurement system with a special focus on the application to small mountain river with high discharge variability in the tropics. It proposes several enhancements concerning camera calibration, more efficient processing in image geometry, the automatic detection of the water level as well as the statistical calibration and estimation of the discharge from multiple profiles. A case study which comprises the analysis of several thousand videos spanning over 2.5 year is carried out to test the robustness and accuracy of different processing steps. Comparisons against classical current meter profiling show a mean absolute percentage error of 9.0% after the statistical calibration of the system. The study suggests that LSPIV can already be considered as a valuable tool for the monitoring of torrential flows, whereas further research is still needed to fully integrate nighttime observation and stereophotogrammetric capabilities.
An intercomparison of remote sensing river discharge estimation algorithms from measurements of river height, width, and slope
Authors: Durand M. , Gleason C. J. , Garambois P. A. , Bjerklie D. , Smith L. C. , Roux H. , Rodriguez E. , Bates P. D. , Pavelsky T. M. , Monnier J. , Chen X. , Di Baldassarre G. , Fiset J.‐M. , Flipo N. , Frasson R. P. d. M. , Fulton J. , Goutal N. , Hossain F. , Humphries E. , Minear J. T. , Mukolwe M. M. , Neal J. C. , Ricci S. , Sanders B. F. , Schumann G. , Schubert J. E. , Vilmin L.
Published: May 2016

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission planned for launch in 2020 will map river elevations and inundated area globally for rivers >100 m wide. In advance of this launch, we here evaluated the possibility of estimating discharge in ungauged rivers using synthetic, daily “remote sensing” measurements derived from hydraulic models corrupted with minimal observational errors. Five discharge algorithms were evaluated, as well as the median of the five, for 19 rivers spanning a range of hydraulic and geomorphic conditions. Reliance upon a priori information, and thus applicability to truly ungauged reaches, varied among algorithms: one algorithm employed only global limits on velocity and depth, while the other algorithms relied on globally available prior estimates of discharge. We found at least one algorithm able to estimate instantaneous discharge to within 35% relative root‐mean‐squared error (RRMSE) on 14/16 nonbraided rivers despite out‐of‐bank flows, multichannel planforms, and backwater effects. Moreover, we found RRMSE was often dominated by bias; the median standard deviation of relative residuals across the 16 nonbraided rivers was only 12.5%. SWOT discharge algorithm progress is therefore encouraging, yet future efforts should consider incorporating ancillary data or multialgorithm synergy to improve results.
Importance of coarse‐mode nitrate produced via sea salt as atmospheric input to East Asian oceans
Authors: Itahashi Syuichi , Hayami Hiroshi , Uno Itsushi , Pan Xiaole , Uematsu Mitsuo
Published: May 2016

The atmospheric input of anthropogenic total reactive oxygenated nitrogen (NOy) to ocean regions in East Asia during 2002–2004 was revisited with an updated regional chemical transport model and the latest emissions inventory. The updated model treats both fine‐ and coarse‐mode nitrate (NO3−). Coarse‐mode NO3− is produced by the reaction of nitric acid (HNO3) and sea salt particles. The modeling system reproduced the atmospheric concentration and wet deposition amount of NO3− quantitatively compared with observations. The fraction of coarse‐mode NO3− was also well captured. NOy deposition amounts over marginal seas and open oceans were 733 and 730 Gg N/yr, which are increases of 1.6‐ and 2.2‐fold, respectively, by including coarse‐mode NO3−. Anthropogenic NOx emissions from China were 5377 Gg N/yr, and 3060 Gg N/yr was exported from China; therefore, the NOy deposition amount over ocean regions in East Asia (1463 Gg N/yr) corresponded to almost half (48%) of the export amounts.
The 2015 Mw 7.1 earthquake on the Charlie‐Gibbs transform fault: Repeating earthquakes and multimodal slip on a slow oceanic transform
Authors: Aderhold K. , Abercrombie R. E.
Published: May 2016

The 2015 Mw 7.1 earthquake on the Charlie‐Gibbs transform fault along the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge is the latest in a series of seven large earthquakes since 1923. We propose that these earthquakes form a pair of quasi‐repeating sequences with the largest magnitudes and longest repeat times for such sequences observed to date. We model teleseismic body waves and find that the 2015 earthquake ruptured a distinct segment of the transform from the previous 1998 earthquake. The two events display similarities to earthquakes in 1974 and 1967, respectively. We observe large oceanic transform earthquakes to exhibit characteristic slip behavior, initiating with small slip near the ridge, and propagating unilaterally to significant slip asperities nearer the center of the transform. These slip distributions combined with apparent segmentation support multimode slip behavior with fault slip accommodated both seismically during large earthquakes and aseismically in between.
The importance of earthquake interactions for injection‐induced seismicity: Retrospective modeling of the Basel Enhanced Geothermal System
Authors: Catalli Flaminia , Rinaldi Antonio P. , Gischig Valentin , Nespoli Massimo , Wiemer Stefan
Published: May 2016

We explore the role of earthquake interactions during an injection‐induced seismic sequence. We propose a model, which considers both a transient pressure and static stress redistribution due to event interactions as triggering mechanisms. By calibrating the model against observations at the Enhanced Geothermal System of Basel, Switzerland, we are able to reproduce the time behavior of the seismicity rate. We observe that considering earthquake interactions in the modeling leads to a larger number of expected seismic events (24% more) if compared to a pressure‐induced seismicity only. The increase of the number of events is particularly evident after the end of the injection. We conclude that implementing a model for estimating the static stress changes due to mutual event interactions increases significantly the understanding of the process and the behavior of induced seismicity.
Impacts of recent climate change on trends in baseflow and stormflow in United States watersheds
Authors: Ficklin Darren L. , Robeson Scott M. , Knouft Jason H.
Published: May 2016

Characterizing the impacts of climatic change on hydrologic processes is critical for managing freshwater systems. Specifically, there is a need to evaluate how the two major components of streamflow, baseflow and stormflow, have responded to recent trends in climate. We derive baseflow and stormflow for 674 sites throughout the United States from 1980 to 2010 to examine their associations with precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, and maximum/minimum temperature. The northeastern (NE) and southwestern (SW) United States display consistent trends in baseflow and stormflow: increasing during fall and winter in the NE and decreasing during all seasons in the SW. Trends elsewhere and at other times of the year are more variable but still associated with changes in climate. Counter to expectations, baseflow and stormflow trends throughout the United States tend to change concurrently. These trends are primarily associated with precipitation trends, but increases in PET are influential and likely to become important in the future.
A new method for high‐resolution event relocation and application to the aftershocks of Lushan Earthquake, China
Authors: Sun Li , Zhang Miao , Wen Lianxing
Published: May 2016

We develop a new method (named hypoRelocate) to determine high‐resolution earthquake location, utilizing traditional constraints of absolute travel time and differential travel time, and one new constraint of coda cross‐correlogram between the events. The relocation is performed by using a simulated annealing method to search for the best fitting locations and origin times of the events that minimize the total residual of the all above three constraints of the events. HypoRelocate expands the advantage of using differential constraints to better determine high‐resolution relative locations between the events by constructing constraint of coda cross‐correlograms on interevent distance and reduces the dependence of relocation results on the accuracy of the initial catalog by incorporating the absolute time into the joint inversion. The method is applied to relocate the aftershocks of Lushan Earthquake. The comparisons of the relocation results between hypoRelocate and hypoDD indicate that the additional constraints of coda cross‐correlogram and absolute travel time place better constraints on relative location between the events and absolute location of the events.
Optical Mirrors
Authors: Lemaitre Gerard R. , Grange Robert
Published: May 2016

An optical mirror is a sufficiently smooth surface that reflects light – in some wavelength range – to provide an image from given original object. From early plane mirrors, as quiet water, polished obsidian stone, or brass substrates, subsequent mirror fabrication mainly evolved towards use of glass substrates coated with high a reflectivity metal that may receive a protective layer deposit to prevent from tarnishing. Plane and curved – concave or convex – mirrors are commonly used as domestic devices, safety devices and decorative panels. Mirrors are key components of many scientific instruments, such as telescopes, microscopes, lasers, and cameras. Present state of the art of making and testing a mirror optical surface allows reaching the ultimate theoretical limit of diffraction – then called a diffraction‐limited mirror – where the reflected wavefront does not deviate more than a visible quarter‐wave length from a required shape.
On the Deformation Analysis during RCSR Process Aided by Finite Element Modeling and Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Mirab Saeideh , Nili‐Ahmadabadi Mahmoud , Khajezade Ali , Abshirini Mohamad , Parsa Mohammad Habibi , Soltani Naser
Published: May 2016

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) methods are developed to produce highly strained materials while experiencing no dimensional changes. Several parameters have to be considered to develop a SPD process such as industrial applicability. In this study, the repetitive corrugation and straightening by rolling (RCSR) method, is used. Process parameters, sample thickness, and rollers design and gap, are optimized according to deformation mode simulated by Abaqus software. The results are veriﬁed using DIC (digital image correlation) experiments, which are in good agreement with the simulations. Analytical modeling is also used to estimate accumulated strain after one cycle and the results show a similar trend. Microhardness tests show that deformation homogeneity and hardness are increased after each step of RCSR.
Ebstein anomaly, left ventricular non‐compaction, and early onset heart failure associated with a de novo α‐tropomyosin gene mutation
Authors: Kelle Angela M. , Bentley S. Jared , Rohena Luis O. , Cabalka Allison K. , Olson Timothy M.
Published: May 2016

Ebstein anomaly of the tricuspid valve (EA) can be associated with left ventricular non‐compaction (LVNC), a rare congenital cardiomyopathy. We report a 2 year‐old female with EA and severe tricuspid regurgitation, LVNC, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic biventricular systolic heart failure, who died during evaluation for cardiac transplantation. Gene panel testing revealed a heterozygous de novo missense mutation in TPM1, which encodes the cardiac sarcomeric thin filament protein α‐tropomyosin. The c.475G>A variant results in a p.Asp159Asn substitution, altering a highly conserved residue predicted to be damaging to protein structure and function. TPM1 is the second gene linked to EA with LVNC in humans, implicating overlap in the molecular basis of structural and myopathic heart disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preliminary examination of microRNA expression profiling in bipolar disorder I patients during antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Lim Chor Hong , Zainal Nor Zuraida , Kanagasundram Sharmilla , Zain Shamsul Mohd , Mohamed Zahurin
Published: May 2016

Although major progress has been achieved in research and development of antipsychotic medications for bipolar disorder (BPD), knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder and the action of atypical antipsychotics remains incomplete. The levels of microRNAs (miRNAs)—small non‐coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, including genes involved in neuronal function and plasticity—are frequently altered in psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to examine changes in miRNA expression in bipolar mania patients after treatment with asenapine and risperidone. Using a miRNA microarray, we analyzed miRNA expression in the blood of 10 bipolar mania patients following 12 weeks of treatment with asenapine or risperidone. Selected miRNAs were validated by using real‐time PCR. A total of 16 miRNAs were differentially expressed after treatment in the asenapine group, 14 of which were significantly upregulated and the other two significantly downregulated. However, all three differentially expressed miRNAs in the risperidone group were downregulated. MiRNA target gene prediction and gene ontology analysis revealed significant enrichment for pathways associated with immune system response and regulation of programmed cell death and transcription. Our results suggest that candidate miRNAs may be involved in the mechanism of action of both antipsychotics in bipolar mania. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Host age, social group, and habitat type influence the gut microbiota of wild ring‐tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)
Authors: Bennett Genevieve , Malone Matthew , Sauther Michelle L. , Cuozzo Frank P. , White Bryan , Nelson Karen E. , Stumpf Rebecca M. , Knight Rob , Leigh Steven R. , Amato Katherine R.
Published: May 2016

The gut microbiota contributes to host health by maintaining homeostasis, increasing digestive efficiency, and facilitating the development of the immune system. The composition of the gut microbiota can change dramatically within and between individuals of a species as a result of diet, age, or habitat. Therefore, understanding the factors determining gut microbiota diversity and composition can contribute to our knowledge of host ecology as well as to conservation efforts. Here we use high‐throughput sequencing to describe variation in the gut microbiota of the endangered ring‐tailed lemur (Lemur catta) at the Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve (BMSR) in southwestern Madagascar. Specifically, we measured the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota in relation to social group, age, sex, tooth wear and loss, and habitat disturbance. While we found no significant variation in the diversity of the ring‐tailed lemur gut microbiota in response to any variable tested, the taxonomic composition of the gut microbiota was influenced by social group, age, and habitat disturbance. However, effect sizes were small and appear to be driven by the presence or absence of relatively low abundance taxa. These results suggest that habitat disturbance may not impact the lemur gut microbiota as strongly as it impacts the gut microbiota of other primate species, highlighting the importance of distinct host ecological and physiological factors on host‐gut microbe relationships. Am. J. Primatol. 78:883–892, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency that developed at the age of 19 years with acute brain edema
Authors: Mitani Hidenori , Mochizuki Toshiaki , Otani Norio , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Ishimatsu Shinichi
Published: May 2016

Case

A 19‐year‐old man had nausea, diarrhea, and general malaise the day before requesting emergency transport to his former primary physician. The patient became restless and had tonic seizures after admission. The patient was transferred to our hospital as there had been no improvement in his level of consciousness. On arrival, cranial computed tomography showed generalized swelling, and blood ammonia concentration was ≥500 μg/dL. After admission, seizures recurred continually despite careful monitoring and increased doses of sedatives and antiseizure drugs. Dilated pupils and a flat electroencephalogram were evident on day 4 of admission, and the patient died on day 11. Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency was diagnosed at postmortem based on fractionation of blood and urine amino acids and orotic acid.

Outcome

Urea cycle disorders need to be treated urgently to prevent irreversible neurological damage when accompanied by hyperammonemia.

Conclusion

In cases of hyperammonemia, early dialysis should be considered to reduce the ammonia level.
Monitoring the Glutathione Redox Reaction in Living Human Cells by Combining Metabolic Labeling with Heteronuclear NMR
Authors: Jin Xing , Kang Soeun , Tanaka Shinya , Park Sunghyouk
Published: May 2016

The glutathione (GSH) redox reaction is critical for defense against cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, direct and real‐time monitoring of this reaction in living mammalian cells has been hindered by the lack of a facile method. Herein, we describe a new approach that exploits the GSH biosynthetic pathway and heteronuclear NMR. [U‐13C]‐labeled cysteine was incorporated into GSH in U87 glioblastoma cells, and the oxidation of GSH to GSSG by a ROS‐producing agent could be monitored in living cells. Further application of the approach to cells resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), an anti‐glioblastoma drug, suggested a possible new resistance mechanism involving neutralization of ROS. This result was corroborated by the observation of up‐regulation of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3). This new approach could be easily applied to redox‐dependent signaling pathways and drug resistance involving ROS.
Microstructural characterization of short glass fibre reinforced polyethersulfone composites
Authors: Munirathnamma L. M. , Ravikumar H. B.
Published: May 2016

To explore the effect of short glass fiber reinforcement (SGFR) on the mechanical properties of polyethersulfone (PES), microstructural characterization has been performed by positron lifetime technique. The free volume distribution of SGFR‐PES composites derived from CONTIN‐PALS2 program exhibits the narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) indicates the strong interaction between polymeric chains of PES matrix and SGF. The positron lifetime parameters of SGFR‐PES composites are correlated with the mechanical properties viz., Tensile strength (TS), Young's modulus (YM) and elongation at break (EB). The decreased positron lifetime parameters, improved mechanical properties and reduced crystallinity of SGFR‐PES composites are attributed to the improved chemical and physical interaction between the functional groups of both SGF and PES matrix. This is clearly evident from the FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry) studies. The hydrodynamic interaction parameter (h) show negative values, suggest the improved interaction in SGFR‐PES composites by the generation of excess friction at the interface. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43647.
Modeling and analysis of a warranty policy using new and reconditioned parts
Authors: Chari Navin , Diallo Claver , Venkatadri Uday , Khatab Abdelhakim
Published: May 2016

Remanufacturing processes such as refurbishing and reconditioning can extend the life of a product returned from the field. This provides financial opportunities and allows manufacturers to engage in sustainable practices. However, the inability to access a sufficient quantity of reconditioned components from end‐of‐life products can force the concurrent utilization of new components. This paper deals with the determination of an optimal warranty policy where a mixture of new and reconditioned components are used to carry out replacements upon failure for products under warranty. A mathematical optimization model is developed to maximize the manufacturer's expected total profit based on four decision variables: the warranty length, the sale price, the age of reconditioned components, and the proportion of reconditioned components to be used. A numerical procedure is used to compute the optimal solution. Numerical results are provided and discussed to demonstrate the validity and the added value of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retinoic Acid and Pitx2 Regulate Early Neural Crest Survival and Migration in Craniofacial and Ocular Development
Authors: Chawla Bahaar , Schley Elisa , Williams Antionette L. , Bohnsack Brenda L.
Published: May 2016

Congenital eye and craniofacial anomalies are associated with the dysregulation of retinoic acid (RA) levels during embryogenesis. In the present study, we observed that RA and pitx2a cooperatively regulate early cranial neural crest migration from the rhombencephalon to the pharyngeal arches and from the mesencephalon and prosencephalon to the periocular mesenchyme and frontonasal processes. The cranial neural crest tracked toward areas of high RA activity (i.e., developing eye) and circumvented areas of low RA activity (i.e., mesencephalon). Although previous studies have shown that RA increased pitx2a expression at later stages of cranial neural crest development, in these studies we found that RA inhibited pitx2a expression in the early migrating ventral cranial neural crest. Increased RA or decreased Pitx2a expression decreased cell survival and inhibited ventral neural crest migration. Decreased RA or increased pitx2a expression markedly disrupted both dorsal and ventral neural crest migration. The tight control of RA and subsequent regulation of pitx2 were required for precise cranial neural crest survival and migration. These alterations in the neural crest in the periocular mesenchyme and frontonasal processes may reflect the craniofacial dysmorphism and microphthalmia observed in cases of increased (i.e., as resulting from isoretinoin exposure) or decreased (i.e., as may occur in fetal alcohol syndrome) RA signaling during pregnancy
How and why multiple MCMs are loaded at origins of DNA replication
Authors: Das Shankar P. , Rhind Nicholas
Published: May 2016

Recent work suggests that DNA replication origins are regulated by the number of multiple mini‐chromosome maintenance (MCM) complexes loaded. Origins are defined by the loading of MCM – the replicative helicase which initiates DNA replication and replication kinetics determined by origin's location and firing times. However, activation of MCM is heterogeneous; different origins firing at different times in different cells. Also, more MCMs are loaded in G1 than are used in S phase. These aspects of MCM biology are explained by the observation that multiple MCMs are loaded at origins. Having more MCMs at early origins makes them more likely to fire, effecting differences in origin efficiency that define replication timing. Nonetheless, multiple MCM loading raises new questions, such as how they are loaded, where these MCMs reside at origins, and how their presence affects replication timing. In this review, we address these questions and discuss future avenues of research.
Multiple CO Oxidation Promoted by Au2 Dimers in Au2TiO4− Cluster Anions
Authors: Li Xiao‐Na , Li Zi‐Yu , Li Hai‐Fang , He Sheng‐Gui
Published: May 2016

Time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry experiments demonstrated that laser ablation generated and mass selected Au2TiO4− cluster anions can unexpectedly oxidize three CO molecules in an ion trap reactor. This is an improvement on the more commonly observed oxidation of at most two CO molecules by a doped cluster. Quantum chemistry calculations were performed to rationalize the reactions. The lowest energy isomer of Au2TiO4− contains a superoxide unit, the participation of which in CO oxidation can be promoted by the Au2 dimer. The Au2 dimer functions as a rather flexible electron reservoir in each CO oxidation step in terms of the release and storage of electrons to drive the dissociation of superoxide to peroxide and then to lattice oxygen atoms, which can be removed by reaction with CO molecules. This gas‐phase study enriches our understanding toward the nature of reactive oxygen species involved in gold‐catalyzed oxidation reactions.
Toward the development of a mathematical model for the bulk in situ radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of nano‐additives
Authors: Verros George D. , Achilias Dimitris S.
Published: May 2016

The effect of nano‐additives on the radical polymerization kinetics of methyl methacrylate is investigated through a simulation model. The mathematical model developed is based on the elementary chemical reactions that take place and the detailed mass balance equations. To account for the effect of diffusion‐controlled phenomena on the initiation, propagation, and termination reaction, appropriate theoretical equations based on sound principles such as the free volume theory were developed. The model predictions were found to be in satisfactory agreement with literature data for both monomer conversion as a function of time, and final product average molecular masses and molecular mass distribution of the produced polymer. It is believed that this work could be used to further investigate radical polymerization in the presence of nano‐additives.
Cardiovascular Disease, Mortality Risk, and Healthcare Costs by Lipoprotein(a) Levels According to Low‐density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Older High‐risk Adults
Authors: Zhao Yanglu , Delaney Joseph A. , Quek Ruben G.W. , Gardin Julius M. , Hirsch Calvin H. , Gandra Shravanthi R. , Wong Nathan D.
Published: May 2016

Background

The value of lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) for predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) across low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) is uncertain.

Hypothesis

In older high‐risk adults, higher LDL and Lp(a) combined would be associated with higher CVD risk and more healthcare costs.

Methods

We included 3251 high‐risk subjects (prior CVD, diabetes, or 10‐year Framingham CVD risk >20%) age ≥65 years from the Cardiovascular Health Study and examined the relation of Lp(a) tertiles with incident CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and all‐cause mortality within LDL‐C strata (spanning <70 mg/dL to ≥160 mg/dL). We also examined 1‐year all‐cause and CVD healthcare costs from Medicare claims.

Results

Over a 22.5‐year follow‐up, higher Lp(a) levels predicted CVD and total mortality (both standardized hazard ratio [HR]: 1.06, P < 0.01), whereas higher LDL‐C levels predicted higher CHD (standardized HR: 1.09, P < 0.01) but lower total mortality (standardized HR: 0.94, P < 0.001). Adjusted HRs in the highest (vs lowest) tertile of Lp(a) level were 1.95 (P = 0.06) for CVD events and 2.68 (P = 0.03) for CHD events when LDL‐C was <70 mg/dL. One‐year all‐cause healthcare costs were increased for Lp(a) ($771 per SD of 56 µg/mL [P = 0.03], $1976 for Lp(a) 25–64 µg/mL vs <25 µg/mL [P = 0.02], and $1648 for Lp(a) ≥65 µg/mL vs <25 µg/mL [P = 0.054]) but not LDL‐C.

Conclusions

In older high‐risk adults, increased Lp(a) levels were associated with higher CVD risk, especially in those with LDL‐C <70 mg/dL, and with higher healthcare costs.
Nuclear grade based on transbronchial cytology is an independent prognostic factor in patients with advanced, unresectable non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kadota Kyuichi , Miyai Yumi , Katsuki Naomi , Kushida Yoshio , Matsunaga Toru , Okuda Masaya , Yokomise Hiroyasu , Kanaji Nobuhiro , Bandoh Shuji , Haba Reiji
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

In patients with resected non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the prognostic value of nuclear grade has been demonstrated. However, among patients with advanced, unresectable NSCLC, the prognostic usefulness of cytological nuclear grade to the authors' knowledge remains unknown. In the current study, the authors used transbronchial cytology to investigate whether nuclear morphometry correlated with clinical outcomes in patients with advanced NSCLC.

METHODS

The authors reviewed patients with advanced, unresectable NSCLC who were diagnosed on transbronchial cytology and were treated at the study institution from 2007 through 2015 (97 patients). Nuclear morphometry (including major diameter) was assessed by an image analysis system and small lymphocytes were used as a reference. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method, and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

In the multivariate analysis, according to the nuclear major diameter as assessed by an image analysis system, a nuclear major diameter >15 μm was an independent prognostic factor of worse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; P = .003) and PFS (HR, 1.04; P = 0.011). According to the nuclear major diameter as assessed by small lymphocytes, a major diameter of >5 small lymphocytes was an independent prognostic factor of worse OS (HR, 1.32; P<.001) and PFS (HR, 1.20; P = 0.001). A moderately significant correlation between nuclear diameter measurements by an image analysis system and small lymphocytes was observed (P<.001; correlation coefficient, 0.662).

CONCLUSIONS

Nuclear grade based on nuclear diameter was found to be independently associated with prognosis in patients with advanced, unresectable NSCLC. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:630–40. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
In Pursuit of Sustainable Hydrogen Storage with Boron‐Nitride Fullerene as the Storage Medium
Authors: Ganguly Gaurab , Malakar Tanmay , Paul Ankan
Published: May 2016

Using well calibrated DFT studies we predict that experimentally synthesized B24N24 fullerene can serve as a potential reversible chemical hydrogen storage material with hydrogen‐gas storage capacity up to 5.13 wt %. Our theoretical studies show that hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of the fullerene framework can be achieved at reasonable rates using existing metal‐free hydrogenating agents and base metal‐containing dehydrogenation catalysts.
Factors related to building loss due to wildfires in the conterminous United States
Authors: Alexandre Patricia M. , Stewart Susan I. , Keuler Nicholas S. , Clayton Murray K. , Mockrin Miranda H. , Bar‐Massada Avi , Syphard Alexandra D. , Radeloff Volker C.
Published: May 2016

Wildfire is globally an important ecological disturbance affecting biochemical cycles and vegetation composition, but also puts people and their homes at risk. Suppressing wildfires has detrimental ecological effects and can promote larger and more intense wildfires when fuels accumulate, which increases the threat to buildings in the wildland–urban interface (WUI). Yet, when wildfires occur, typically only a small proportion of the buildings within the fire perimeter are lost, and the question is what determines which buildings burn. Our goal was to examine which factors are related to building loss when a wildfire occurs throughout the United States. We were particularly interested in the relative roles of vegetation, topography, and the spatial arrangement of buildings, and how their respective roles vary among ecoregions. We analyzed all fires that occurred within the conterminous United States from 2000 to 2010 and digitized which buildings were lost and which survived according to Google Earth historical imagery. We modeled the occurrence as well as the percentage of buildings lost within clusters using logistic and linear regression. Overall, variables related to topography and the spatial arrangement of buildings were more frequently present in the best 20 regression models than vegetation‐related variables. In other words, specific locations in the landscape have a higher fire risk, and certain development patterns can exacerbate that risk. Fire policies and prevention efforts focused on vegetation management are important, but insufficient to solve current wildfire problems. Furthermore, the factors associated with building loss varied considerably among ecoregions suggesting that fire policy applied uniformly across theUnited Stateswill not work equally well in all regions and that efforts to adapt communities to wildfires must be regionally tailored.
Burn me twice, shame on who? Interactions between successive forest fires across a temperate mountain region
Authors: Harvey Brian J. , Donato Daniel C. , Turner Monica G.
Published: May 2016

Increasing rates of natural disturbances under a warming climate raise important questions about how multiple disturbances interact. Escalating wildfire activity in recent decades has resulted in some forests re‐burning in short succession, but how the severity of one wildfire affects that of a subsequent wildfire is not fully understood. We used a field‐validated, satellite‐derived, burn‐severity atlas to assess interactions between successive wildfires across theUSNorthern Rocky Mountains a 300,000‐km2region dominated by fire‐prone forests. In areas that experienced two wildfires between 1984 and 2010, we asked: (1) How do overall frequency distributions of burn‐severity classes compare between first and second fires? (2) In a given location, how does burn severity of the second fire relate to that of the first? (3) Do interactions between successive fires vary by forest zone or the interval between fires? (4) What factors increase the probability of burning twice as stand‐replacing fire? Within the study area, 138,061 ha burned twice between 1984 and 2010. Overall, frequency distributions of burn severity classes (low, moderate, high; quantified using relativized remote sensing indices) were similar between the first and second fires; however burn severity was 5–13% lower in second fires on average. Negative interactions between fires were most pronounced in lower‐elevation forests and woodlands, when fire intervals were <10 yr, and when burn severity was low in the first fire. When the first fire burned as high severity and fire intervals exceeded 10–12 yr, burn‐severity interactions switched from negative to positive, with high‐severity fire begetting subsequent high‐severity fire. Locations most likely to experience successive stand‐replacing fires were high‐elevation forests, which are adapted to high‐severity fire, and areas conducive to abundant post‐fire tree regeneration. Broadly similar severities among short‐interval “re‐burns” and other wildfires indicate that positive severity feedbacks, an oft‐posited agent of ecosystem decline or state shift, are not an inevitable outcome of re‐burning. Nonetheless, context‐dependent shifts in both the magnitude and direction of wildfire interactions (associated with forest zone, initial burn‐severity, and disturbance interval) illustrate complexities in disturbance interactions and can inform management and predictions of future system dynamics.
Density dependence in an age‐structured population of great tits: identifying the critical age classes
Authors: Gamelon Marlène , Grøtan Vidar , Engen Steinar , Bjørkvoll Eirin , Visser Marcel E. , Sæther Bernt‐Erik
Published: May 2016

Classical approaches for the analyses of density dependence assume that all the individuals in a population equally respond and equally contribute to density dependence. However, in age‐structured populations, individuals of different ages may differ in their responses to changes in population size and how they contribute to density dependence affecting the growth rate of the whole population. Here we apply the concept of critical age classes, i.e., a specific scalar function that describes how one or a combination of several age classes affect the demographic rates negatively, in order to examine how total density dependence acting on the population growth rate depends on the age‐specific population sizes. In a 38‐yr dataset of an age‐structured great tit (Parus major) population, we find that the age classes, including the youngest breeding females, were the critical age classes for density regulation. These age classes correspond to new breeders that attempt to take a territory and that have the strongest competitive effect on other breeding females. They strongly affected population growth rate and reduced recruitment and survival rates of all breeding females. We also show that depending on their age class, females may differently respond to varying density. In particular, the negative effect of the number of breeding females was stronger on recruitment rate of the youngest breeding females. These findings question the classical assumptions that all the individuals of a population can be treated as having an equal contribution to density regulation and that the effect of the number of individuals is age independent. Our results improve our understanding of density regulation in natural populations.
A broadleaf species enhances an autotoxic conifers growth through belowground chemical interactions
Authors: Xia Zhi‐Chao , Kong Chui‐Hua , Chen Long‐Chi , Wang Peng , Wang Si‐Long
Published: May 2016

Plants may affect the performance of neighboring plants either positively or negatively through interspecific and intraspecific interactions. Productivity of mixed‐species systems is ultimately the net result of positive and negative interactions among the component species. Despite increasing knowledge of positive interactions occurring in mixed‐species tree systems, relatively little is known about the mechanisms underlying such interactions. Based on data from 25‐year‐old experimental stands in situ and a series of controlled experiments, we test the hypothesis that a broadleaf, non‐N fixing species, Michelia macclurei, facilitates the performance of an autotoxic conifer Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) through belowground chemical interactions. Chinese fir roots released the allelochemical cyclic dipeptide (6‐hydroxy‐1,3‐dimethyl‐8‐nonadecyl‐[1,4]‐diazocane‐ 2,5‐diketone) into the soil environment, resulting in self‐growth inhibition, and deterioration of soil microorganisms that improve P availability. However, when grown with M. macclurei the growth of Chinese fir was consistently enhanced. In particular, Chinese fir enhanced root growth and distribution in deep soil layers. When compared with monocultures of Chinese fir, the presence of M. macclurei reduced release and increased degradation of cyclic dipeptide in the soil, resulting in a shift from self‐inhibition to chemical facilitation. This association also improved the soil microbial community by increasing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and induced the production of Chinese fir roots. We conclude that interspecific interactions are less negative than intraspecific ones between non‐N fixing broadleaf and autotoxic conifer species. The impacts are generated by reducing allelochemical levels, enhancing belowground mutualisms, improving soil properties, and changing root distributions as well as the net effects of all the processes within the soil. In particular, allelochemical context alters the consequences of the belowground ecological interactions with a novel mechanism: reduction of self‐inhibition through reduced release and increased degradation of an autotoxic compound in the mixed‐species plantations. Such a mechanism would be useful in reforestation programs undertaken to rehabilitate forest plantations that suffer from problems associated with autotoxicity.
Disentangling fragmentation effects on herbivory in understory plants of longleaf pine savanna
Authors: Levey Douglas J. , Caughlin T. Trevor , Brudvig Lars A. , Haddad Nick M. , Damschen Ellen I. , Tewksbury Joshua J. , Evans Daniel M.
Published: May 2016

Habitat fragmentation affects species and their interactions through intertwined mechanisms that include changes to fragment area, shape, connectivity and distance to edge. Disentangling these pathways is a fundamental challenge of landscape ecology and will help identify ecological processes important for management of rare species or restoration of fragmented habitats. In a landscape experiment that manipulated connectivity, fragment shape, and distance to edge while holding fragment area constant, we examined how fragmentation impacts herbivory and growth of nine plant species in longleaf pine savanna. Probability of herbivory in open habitat was strongly dependent on proximity to forest edge for every species, increasing with distance to edge in six species (primarily grasses and annual forbs) and decreasing in three species (perennial forbs and a shrub). In the two species of perennial forbs, these edge effects were dependent on fragment shape; herbivory strongly decreased with distance to edge in fragments of two shapes, but not in a third shape. For most species, however, probability of herbivory was unrelated to connectivity or fragment shape. Growth was generally determined more strongly by leaf herbivory than by distance to edge, fragment shape, or connectivity. Taken together, these results demonstrate consistently strong edge effects on herbivory, one of the most important biotic factors determining plant growth and demography. Our results contrast with the generally inconsistent results of observational studies, likely because our experimental approach enabled us to tease apart landscape processes that are typically confounded.
Secondary Interactions versus Intramolecular π–π Interactions in CuII–Diradical Complexes
Authors: Rakshit Richa , Mukherjee Chandan
Published: May 2016

Two new non‐innocent ligands, H2LOPh and H2LSPh, were synthesized. Both ligands reacted with 0.5 equiv. of CuCl2·2H2O to provide the corresponding mononuclear diradical‐containing CuII complexes [Cu(LOPh(SQ))2] (1) and [Cu(LSPh(SQ))2] (2). Both complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements. Molecular structure analyses indicated that, in complex 1, the two –OPh groups of two [LOPh(SQ)]– ligands are situated trans to each other, while in complex 2, the two –SPh groups of two [LSPh(SQ)]– ligands were found to maintain a cis relationship. In complex 1, Cu–CPh interactions as well as two π–π interactions were observed between –OPh‐group‐containing C6 phenyl rings and the radical‐containing coordinated chelate rings. In complex 2, Cu–CPh interactions were absent, although intramolecular π–π interactions within one of the two coordinating ligands were present. The π–π interactions were between the C6 phenyl ring of an –SPh group and the 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐amidophenolate unit. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated that both complexes acquire an S = 1/2 ground state. X‐band EPR measurements confirmed that the unpaired electron is on the CuII center in both complexes. This implies that the expected CuII–S secondary interactions in complex 2 are suppressed by the dominating π–π stacking interactions, and the ground‐state electronic configuration was found to be (↑↑↓) instead of the expected (↑↓↑).
Synthesis, Structure, and Characterization of Emissive Neutral Dinuclear CuI Complexes with a Tetraphosphane Bridging Ligand
Authors: Chen Jin , Teng Teng , Wang Jin‐Yun , Kang Liju , Chen Xu‐Lin , Xu Liang‐Jin , Yu Rongmin , Lu Can‐Zhong
Published: May 2016

A series of new dinuclear copper complexes with a tetraphosphane bridging ligand, [{(pz4B)Cu}2(µ‐tpbz)] (1), [{(pz2BH2)Cu}2(µ‐tpbz)] (2), and [{(tz2BH2)Cu}2(µ‐tpbz)] (3) [tpbz = 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis(diphenylphosphanyl)benzene, pz4B = tetrakis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate, pz2BH2 = bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borohydrate, and tz2BH2 = bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)borohydrate], have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The CuI atoms in these complexes are four‐coordinate and adopt a tetrahedral coordination geometry. In each complex, the copper centers are bridged by a tpbz ligand and each CuI is further terminally chelated by a borate diimine anion. The central phenylene ring and the phosphine atoms of the tpbz ligand are essentially planar. The two CuI atoms in each molecule are located above and below the (P2C6H2P2) mean plane, respectively, leading to a chair‐like conformation for the [Cu](P2C6H2P2)[Cu] fragment. The distances between the CuI atoms in each complex are about 8.7 Å. In the solid state, these complexes are emissive and exhibit yellow–orange photoluminescence [emission peaks, λmax = 580 nm (1), 569 nm (2), 540 nm (3)] with lifetimes of 7.4–20.5 µs and quantum yields Φ = 0.07–0.45 at room temperature. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that these complexes have the lowest singlet (S1) state and the lowest triplet (T1) state with very close energy levels, and display thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) at ambient temperature.
Structure‐Property Relationships in Tricyanoferrate(III) Building Blocks and Trinuclear Cyanide‐Bridged Complexes
Authors: Zhang Yuanzhu , Malik Uma P. , Quiggins Benjamin , Nguyen Hung , Beedle Christopher C. , Kovalev Alexey E. , Clérac Rodolphe , Hill Stephen , Bythell Benjamin J. , Holmes Stephen M.
Published: May 2016

The preparation, structures, and magnetic properties of two tricyanoferrates, [NEt4]2[(Tp*Me)FeII(CN)3]·MeCN (1) and [NEt4][(Tp*Me)FeIII(CN)3]·H2O (2), and three trinuclear derivatives, {[(Tp*Me)FeIII(CN)3]2[NiII(L)2]}·n(solvent) (L = bpy, 3; tren, 4; DETA, 5) are described. Magnetic measurements show that 2 is an S = 1/2 complex [g = 2.65(1)], while 3–5 display ST = 2 spin ground states, owing to cyanide‐mediated ferromagnetic exchange between FeIIILS (S = 1/2) and NiII (S = 1) ions. The χT vs. T data for 3–5 were modelled using an isotropic Heisenberg model and give J/kB and gavg values of +11.1(1) K and 2.48(1) for 3, 9.1(1) K and 2.6(1) for 4, and +11.2(1) K and 2.41(5) for 5 (with zJ′ = –0.28 K). High‐field/frequency EPR data indicates significant g‐anisotropy in 2 (gz = 3.6, gy = 2.2, gx = 2.0) and [NEt4][(Tp*)FeIII(CN)3]·H2O (6) (gz = 3.5, gy = 2.0, gx = 1.3), while 5 shows D = –2.09 cm–1, E = 0.08 cm–1, and B40 = –2.3 × 10–3 cm–1 with gz = 2.4 and gx = gy = 1.95. Despite significant magnetic anisotropy in 3–5, frequency‐dependent behavior is only seen for 5 above 1.8 K, suggesting that rapid quantum tunnelling of the magnetization is operative.