bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drivers of Variability in Public‐Supply Water Use Across the Contiguous United States
Authors: Worland Scott C. , Steinschneider Scott , Hornberger George M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between municipal water use and an array of climate, economic, behavioral, and policy variables across the contiguous U.S. The relationship is explored using Bayesian‐hierarchical regression models for over 2,500 counties, 18 covariates, and three higher‐level grouping variables. Additionally, a second analysis is included for 83 cities where water price and water conservation policy information is available. A hierarchical model using the nine climate regions (product of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) as the higher‐level groups results in the best out‐of‐sample performance, as estimated by the Widely Available Information Criterion, compared to counties grouped by urban continuum classification or primary economic activity. The regression coefficients indicate that the controls on water use are not uniform across the nation: e.g., counties in the Northeast and Northwest climate regions are more sensitive to social variables, whereas counties in the Southwest and East North Central climate regions are more sensitive to environmental variables. For the national city‐level model, it appears that arid cities with a high cost of living and relatively low water bills sell more water per customer, but as with the county‐level model, the effect of each variable depends heavily on where a city is located.
Testing the Hydrological Coherence of High‐Resolution Gridded Precipitation and Temperature Data Sets
Authors: Laiti L. , Mallucci S. , Piccolroaz S. , Bellin A. , Zardi D. , Fiori A. , Nikulin G. , Majone B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAssessing the accuracy of gridded climate data sets is highly relevant to climate change impact studies, since evaluation, bias correction, and statistical downscaling of climate models commonly use these products as reference. Among all impact studies those addressing hydrological fluxes are the most affected by errors and biases plaguing these data. This paper introduces a framework, coined Hydrological Coherence Test (HyCoT), for assessing the hydrological coherence of gridded data sets with hydrological observations. HyCoT provides a framework for excluding meteorological forcing data sets not complying with observations, as function of the particular goal at hand. The proposed methodology allows falsifying the hypothesis that a given data set is coherent with hydrological observations on the basis of the performance of hydrological modeling measured by a metric selected by the modeler. HyCoT is demonstrated in the Adige catchment (southeastern Alps, Italy) for streamflow analysis, using a distributed hydrological model. The comparison covers the period 1989–2008 and includes five gridded daily meteorological data sets: E‐OBS, MSWEP, MESAN, APGD, and ADIGE. The analysis highlights that APGD and ADIGE, the data sets with highest effective resolution, display similar spatiotemporal precipitation patterns and produce the largest hydrological efficiency indices. Lower performances are observed for E‐OBS, MESAN, and MSWEP, especially in small catchments. HyCoT reveals deficiencies in the representation of spatiotemporal patterns of gridded climate data sets, which cannot be corrected by simply rescaling the meteorological forcing fields, as often done in bias correction of climate model outputs. We recommend this framework to assess the hydrological coherence of gridded data sets to be used in large‐scale hydroclimatic studies.
Distribution of Large Wood Within River Corridors in Relation to Flow Regime in the Semiarid Western US
Authors: Wohl Ellen , Cadol Daniel , Pfeiffer Andrew , Jackson Karen , Laurel DeAnna 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe cumulative volume and spatial distribution of large wood (LW) along river corridors (channels and floodplains) reflect interactions between rates and volumes of LW recruitment and channel transport capacity through time. Rivers of the semiarid interior western US can have relatively low‐magnitude disturbances associated with annual snowmelt or relatively high‐magnitude disturbances associated with episodic rainfall runoff, especially following wildfires. We use characteristics of LW from 25 river segments in four regions of New Mexico and Colorado to analyze wood loads and spatial patterns of wood distribution in relation to disturbance regime. High‐magnitude disturbances move LW onto floodplains and create longitudinally nonuniform LW distributions with aggregated (closer together than random) LW pieces and abundant LW jams in the floodplain. Sites with low‐magnitude disturbances have a greater proportion of LW in the channel and much of this wood is within segregated (farther apart than random) jams. These results imply that river management, which typically focuses on LW within channels, should focus on floodplain as well as in‐channel LW in rivers with high‐magnitude disturbances. The results also indicate that the proportions of LW loads in channels versus floodplains can differ significantly among rivers with different disturbance regimes that are otherwise similar in terms of forest type or drainage area. This is particularly relevant to mountainous regions with elevation‐related changes in flow and disturbance regime. River management that reintroduces LW to river corridors will be most effective if it incorporates the mobility and spatial distribution of LW.
Addressing Passivation in Lithium–Sulfur Battery Under Lean Electrolyte Condition
Authors: Pan Huilin , Han Kee Sung , Engelhard Mark H. , Cao Ruiguo , Chen Junzheng , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Mueller Karl T. , Shao Yuyan , Liu Jun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractReducing the electrolyte amount is critical for the high specific energy of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries in practice. The reduced electrolyte condition (a so‐called “lean electrolyte”) raises a complex situation for sulfur redox reactions since the reactions rely on the electrolyte mediation. The insulating nature of discharge product Li2S and its uncontrollable accumulation (passivation) at the cathode interface is one of the major challenges for stable cycling of a Li–S battery under lean electrolyte condition. In this study, it is presented that the NH4TFSI additive in electrolyte solution greatly alleviates the passivation issue in Li–S batteries under lean electrolyte conditions. The ammonium additive enhances the dissociation of Li2S and largely reduces the insoluble and large Li2S particles in the sulfur cathodes, which facilitate the reversible and sustainable redox reactions of sulfur. Therefore, the cycle life of Li–S batteries under lean electrolyte conditions is significantly improved. In addition, it is found that the morphology of Li anodes is dependent on the cathode structures. An ammonium additive enables homogeneous surface of cathode and Li anode and extended cycle life.
Contribution of dental tissues to sex determination in modern human populations
Authors: García‐Campos Cecilia , Martinón‐Torres María , Martín‐Francés Laura , Martínez de Pinillos Marina , Modesto‐Mata Mario , Perea‐Pérez Bernardo , Zanolli Clément , Labajo González Elena , Sánchez Sánchez José Antonio , Ruiz Mediavilla Elena , Tuniz Claudio , Bermúdez de Castro José María 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesAccurate sex estimation is an essential step for the reconstruction of the biological profile of human remains. Earlier studies have shown that elements of the human permanent dentition are sexually dimorphic. The aims of this study are to determine the degree of sexual dimorphism in the dental tissue volumes and surface areas of mandibular canines and to explore its potential for reliable sex determination.MethodThe teeth included in this study (n = 69) were selected from anthropological collections from Spain, South Africa and Sudan. In all cases, the sex of the individuals was known. The teeth were scanned and three‐dimensional (3D) measurements (volumes and surfaces areas) were obtained. Finally, a dsicriminant function analysis was applied.ResultsOur results showed that sexual dimorphism in canine size is due to males having greater amounts of dentine, whereas enamel volume does not contribute significantly to overall tooth size dimorphism. Classification accuracy of the multivariable equations tested on slightly worn teeth ranged from 78 to 90.2% for the crossvalidation, and from 71.43 to 84.62% for the hold‐out sample validation. When all functions were applied together, the sex was correctly assigned 92.30% of the time.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the 3D variables from mandibular canine dental tissues are useful for sex determination as they present a high degree of dimorphism. The results obtained show the importance of 3D dental tissue measurements as a methodology in sex determination, which application should be considered as a supplemental method to others.
New insights into the viscosity features of cationic polyacrylamide microgels in aqueous solutions
Authors: Li Guanghui , Zhao Xiaoyun , Chu Qingzhong 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIncreasing attention has recently been paid to the rheological behavior of microgel colloids and to the physical forces that control their behavior. Here, based on a series of cationic microgels that were synthesized by inverse microemulsion polymerization, the physical forces were explored by viscosity analysis of swollen microgels with different crosslinking densities and cationic contents. The results indicate that within a wide concentration range, the viscosity curves for these cationic microgels perfectly correspond to the Krieger–Dougherty model as modified by Tan et al. In particular, the specific volume in this model decreases at the critical overlapping concentration and reveals the interaction intensity between neighboring microgels. Furthermore, the viscosity index in the Herschel–Bulkley equation indicates that the interaction domain among microgels undergoes a transfer from an electroviscous effect to osmotic deswelling with increasing concentrations. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46297.
Acrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesives with nanodiamonds and acid–base dependence of the pressure‐sensitive adhesive properties
Authors: Mizutani Kota , Hongo Chizuru , Matsumoto Takuya , Nishino Takashi 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTA high performance and functional properties in pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are attractive in fundamental and industrial fields. To control the performance of PSAs, nanofillers have been loaded into them. In this study, we focused on composites of acrylic PSAs and nanodiamonds (NDs). The loaded NDs reinforced the mechanical properties and increased the performance of the PSAs. NDs in a PSA formed a network structure. In this study, we revealed that the acidic–basic state was a key factor in the control of the dispersion of the NDs. When a PSA emulsions and ND aqueous dispersion was mixed under basic conditions, the composites demonstrated higher PSA properties (tack, holding, and peeling strength). We investigated the effect of the ND loading on the PSA properties from the viewpoints of the nanostructure and acid–base interactions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46349.
Macroporous temperature‐sensitive gels with fast response: Comparison of preparation methods
Authors: Drozdov Aleksey D. , deClaville Christiansen Jesper 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTApplication of thermo‐responsive gels as soft actuators for microfluidic devices with repeating “open–close” cycles requires high rates of water transport driven by changes in temperature. These rates are conventionally evaluated by comparison of water retention curves in T‐jump tests with fixed initial and final temperatures. A shortcoming of this method is that it does not allow changes in diffusivity with temperature to be assessed quantitatively. To characterize cooperative diffusivity of water molecules, we propose a novel approach based on modeling the responses of temperature‐sensitive gels in equilibrium swelling tests and T‐jump experiments. Analysis of observations on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) gels synthesized in aqueous solutions of pore‐forming agents reveals that formation of a macroporous structure in a gel is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for acceleration of water transport. The effect of cosolvents used under preparation (phenol, ethanol, methanol, diethyl ether, dioxane, sucrose, and dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide) on water diffusivity is studied in detail. It is shown that the most pronounced enhancement of diffusivities under deswelling and reswelling is reached when the gels are synthesized in aqueous solutions of the surfactant at subzero temperatures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46353.
Design of robust and photoluminescence‐responsive materials based on poly(methacrylic acid‐co‐m‐phenylenediamine) with graphene oxide composite hydrogels and its adsorption
Authors: Chen Bing , Li Tingting , Zhang Zheng , Wang Sui , Guo Zhiyong , Hu Yufang 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTA promising strategy to design crosslinked photoluminescent hydrogel (PL hydrogel) is to synthesize the covalently bonded polymer chains by thermal polymerization. A proper ratio of methacrylic acid and m‐phenylenediamine was used to prepare the PL hydrogel, and doping with graphene oxide and carboxymethyl chitosan improves the structure of the gel. The green and efficient hydrothermal synthesis realized a high polymerization and a short reaction time. Meanwhile, a series of properties were investigated for several combinations of hydrogels. Ultraviolet spectra, fluorescence spectra, and particle size distributions were used to characterize the PL composites. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, rheological studies, and stress–strain tests were conducted to characterize the morphology, structure, and performance of the compound hydrogel. The adsorption properties of the PL hydrogel were characterized in adsorption tests. The results indicated that the PL hydrogel exhibited a favorable luminescence property, a certain degree of mechanical strength, and good adsorption performance. The prepared PL hydrogel has potential applications in adsorption and visual detection. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46354.
Property improvements of thermoplastic copolyester with a multifunctional mixture/nanofiller by reactive extrusion
Authors: Alosime Eid M. , Edwards Grant A. , Martin Darren J. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThe approach of processing reactive functional nanofillers into thermoplastic copolyester (TPE‐E) using reactive extrusion (REX) has been explored. The mixing of a hydroxyl‐bearing organo‐fluoromica combined in toluene with a tetraglycidyl‐4,4‐diamino‐diphenylmethane (TGDDM) led to the intercalation of the TGDDM molecule into the interlayer space. Subsequent REX work involved processing TPE‐E with 0.3% (w/w) TGDDM and 2% (w/w) organoclay in a twin‐screw extruder. It is demonstrated that the effects of the modification route to control morphology on the nanoscale could be systematically investigated. The hard segment acted as a physical crosslink, imparting elastomeric properties on the soft segment. Increases seen in creep resistance and reduction in the water vapor transmission rate of TPE‐E proved that the reactive organo‐fluoromica was able to promote enhanced dimensional stability and barrier properties of TPE‐E. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46369.
Photophysics and Photocatalysis of Melem: A Spectroscopic Reinvestigation
Authors: Wen Jing , Li Ruiyu , Lu Rong , Yu Anchi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGraphitic carbon nitride (g‐CN) is one potential metal‐free photocatalyst. The photocatalytic mechanism of g‐CN is related to the heptazine ring building unit. Melem is the simplest heptazine‐based compound and g‐CN is its polymeric product. Thus, studies on the photophysical properties of melem will help to understand the photocatalytic mechanism of heptazine‐based materials. Herein, the spectroscopic features of melem were systematically explored through measuring its absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum, and fluorescence decay. Both fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence decay measurements show that the condensation of melamine to melem causes stronger photoluminescence, whereas the condensation of melem to g‐CN causes weaker photoluminescence. In addition, all observations reveal that a mixture of monomer melem and its higher condensates is more easily obtained during the preparation of melem, and that the higher condensates of melem affect the photophysical properties of melem dominantly. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of melem has also been measured and the monomer melem has negligible photoinduced water‐splitting activity.
Evaluation of the metabolic capability of primary human hepatocytes in three‐dimensional cultures on microstructural plates
Authors: Koyama Satoshi , Arakawa Hiroshi , Itoh Manabu , Masuda Norio , Yano Kentaro , Kojima Hajime , Ogihara Takuo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe NanoCulture Plate (NCP) is a novel microstructural plate designed as a base for the three‐dimensional culture of cells/tissues. This study examined whether or not the metabolic capability of human primary hepatocytes is well maintained during culture on NCPs. The hepatocytes formed aggregates after seeding and their ATP content was well maintained during culture for 21 days. Expression of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4 mRNAs was detected throughout the 21‐day culture period. Addition of CYP substrate drugs (midazolam, diclofenac, lamotrigine and acetaminophen) resulted in the formation of multiple metabolites with a corresponding decrease in the amounts of the unchanged compounds. The inducers omeprazole, phenobarbital and rifampicin increased the levels of CYP1A2, 2B6 and 3A4 mRNAs by 110‐fold, 12.5‐fold and 5.4‐fold, respectively, at day 2, compared with control human hepatocytes. CYP activities were also increased at 2 days after inducer treatment (CYP1A2, 2.2‐fold; CYP2B6, 20.6‐fold; CYP3A4, 3.3‐fold). The results indicate that the hepatocyte spheroids on NCP have detectable and inducible metabolic abilities during the 7‐day culture period.
Binding efficiency of recombinant collagen‐binding basic fibroblast growth factors (CBD‐bFGFs) and their promotion for NIH‐3T3 cell proliferation
Authors: Wu Zhenxu , Zhou Yulai , Chen Li , Hu Mingxin , Wang Yu , Li Linlong , Wang Zongliang , Zhang Peibiao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) containing collagen‐binding domain (CBD) has been found to be a potential therapeutic factor in tissue regeneration. However, its binding efficiency and quantification remain uncertain. In this research, massive recombinant bFGFs with good bioactivity for enhancing the proliferation of NIH‐3T3 cells were achieved. An ELISA‐based quantitative method was set up to investigate the binding efficiency of CBD‐bFGFs on collagen films. It indicated that the CBDs significantly increased the collagen‐binding ability of bFGF (P < .05), with the optimum binding condition first determined to be in the pH range of 7.5‐9.5 (P < .05). Then, the relevant equations to calculate the binding density of bFGF, C‐bFGF, and V‐bFGF were acquired. Analysis confirmed that the bioactivity of immobilized bFGFs was well correlated with the density of growth factor on collagen films. Based on this research, the density of growth factor is a logical and applicable dosage unit for quantification of binding efficiency of growth factors, rather than traditional concentration of soluble growth factors in tissue engineering applications.
Comparative analysis of the outcomes of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in England and Sweden
Authors: Karthikesalingam A , Grima M J , Holt P J , Vidal-Diez A , Thompson M M , Wanhainen A , Bjorck M , Mani K 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background
There is substantial international variation in mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair; many non-operative factors influence risk-adjusted outcomes. This study compared 90-day and 5-year mortality for patients undergoing elective AAA repair in England and Sweden.

Methods
Patients were identified from English Hospital Episode Statistics and the Swedish Vascular Registry between 2003 and 2012. Ninety-day mortality and 5-year survival were compared after adjustment for age and sex. Separate within-country analyses were performed to examine the impact of co-morbidity, hospital teaching status and hospital annual caseload.

Results
The study included 36 249 patients who had AAA treatment in England, with a median age of 74 (i.q.r. 69–79) years, of whom 87·2 per cent were men. There were 7806 patients treated for AAA in Sweden, with a median of age 73 (68–78) years, of whom 82·9 per cent were men. Ninety-day mortality rates were poorer in England than in Sweden (5·0 versus 3·9 per cent respectively; P &lt; 0·001), but were not significantly different after 2007. Five-year survival was poorer in England (70·5 versus 72·8 per cent; P &lt; 0·001). Use of EVAR was initially lower in England, but surpassed that in Sweden after 2010. In both countries, poor outcome was associated with increased age. In England, institutions with higher operative annual volume had lower mortality rates.

Conclusion
Mortality for elective AAA repair was initially poorer in England than Sweden, but improved over time alongside greater uptake of EVAR, and now there is no difference. Centres performing a greater proportion of EVAR procedures achieved better results in England.
Multicentre randomized clinical trial of the effect of chewing gum after abdominal surgery
Authors: de Leede E M , van Leersum N J , Kroon H M , van Weel V , van der Sijp J R M , Bonsing B A , Woltz S , Tromp M , Neijenhuis P A , Maaijen R C L A , Steup W H , Schepers A , Guicherit O R , Huurman V A L , Karsten T M , van de Pool A , Boerma D , Deroose J P , Beek M , Wijsman J H , Derksen W J M , Festen S , de Nes L C F 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative ileus is a common complication of abdominal surgery, leading to patient discomfort, morbidity and prolonged postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS). Previous studies suggested that chewing gum stimulates bowel function after abdominal surgery, but were underpowered to evaluate its effect on LOS and did not include enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)-based perioperative care. This study evaluated whether chewing gum after elective abdominal surgery reduces LOS and time to bowel recovery in the setting of ERAS-based perioperative care.MethodsA multicentre RCT was performed of patients over 18 years of age undergoing abdominal surgery in 12 hospitals. Standard postoperative care (control group) was compared with chewing gum three times a day for 30 min in addition to standard postoperative care. Randomization was computer-generated; allocation was concealed. The primary outcome was postoperative LOS. Secondary outcomes were time to bowel recovery and 30-day complications.ResultsBetween 2011 to 2015, 1000 patients were assigned to chewing gum and 1000 to the control arm. Median LOS did not differ: 7 days in both arms (P = 0·364). Neither was any difference found in time to flatus (24 h in control group versus 23 h with chewing gum; P = 0·873) or time to defaecation (60 versus 52 h respectively; P = 0·562). The rate of 30-day complications was not significantly different either.ConclusionThe addition of chewing gum to an ERAS postoperative care pathway after elective abdominal surgery does not reduce the LOS, time to bowel recovery or the rate of postoperative complications. Registration number: NTR2594 (Netherlands Trial Register).