bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating hourly rainfall characteristics over the U.S. Great Plains in dynamically downscaled climate model simulations using NASA‐Unified WRF
Authors: Lee Huikyo , Waliser Duane E. , Ferraro Robert , Iguchi Takamichi , Peters‐Lidard Christa D. , Tian Baijun , Loikith Paul C. , Wright Daniel B. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAccurate simulation of extreme precipitation events remains a challenge in climate models. This study utilizes hourly precipitation data from ground stations and satellite instruments to evaluate rainfall characteristics simulated by the NASA‐Unified Weather Research and Forecasting (NU‐WRF) regional climate model at horizontal resolutions of 4, 12, and 24 km over the Great Plains of the United States. We also examined the sensitivity of the simulated precipitation to different spectral nudging approaches and the cumulus parameterizations. The rainfall characteristics in the observations and simulations were defined as an hourly diurnal cycle of precipitation and a joint probability distribution function (JPDF) between duration and peak intensity of precipitation events over the Great Plains in summer. We calculated a JPDF for each data set and the overlapping area between observed and simulated JPDFs to measure the similarity between the two JPDFs. Comparison of the diurnal precipitation cycles between observations and simulations does not reveal the added value of high‐resolution simulations. However, the performance of NU‐WRF simulations measured by the JPDF metric strongly depends on horizontal resolution. The simulation with the highest resolution of 4 km shows the best agreement with the observations in simulating duration and intensity of wet spells. Spectral nudging does not affect the JPDF significantly. The effect of cumulus parameterizations on the JPDFs is considerable but smaller than that of horizontal resolution. The simulations with lower resolutions of 12 and 24 km show reasonable agreement but only with the high‐resolution observational data that are aggregated into coarse resolution and spatially averaged.
Significant inconsistency of vegetation carbon density in CMIP5 Earth system models against observational data
Authors: Song Xia , Hoffman Forrest M. , Iversen Colleen M. , Yin Yunhe , Kumar Jitendra , Ma Chun , Xu Xiaofeng 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEarth system models (ESMs) have been widely used for projecting global vegetation carbon dynamics, yet how well ESMs performed for simulating vegetation carbon density remains untested. We compiled observational data of vegetation carbon density from literature and existing data sets to evaluate nine ESMs at site, biome, latitude, and global scales. Three variables—root (including fine and coarse roots), total vegetation carbon density, and the root:total vegetation carbon ratios (R/T ratios), were chosen for ESM evaluation. ESM models performed well in simulating the spatial distribution of carbon densities in root (r = 0.71) and total vegetation (r = 0.62). However, ESM models had significant biases in simulating absolute carbon densities in root and total vegetation biomass across the majority of land ecosystems, especially in tropical and arctic ecosystems. Particularly, ESMs significantly overestimated carbon density in root (183%) and total vegetation biomass (167%) in climate zones of 10°S–10°N. Substantial discrepancies between modeled and observed R/T ratios were found: the R/T ratios from ESMs were relatively constant, approximately 0.2 across all ecosystems, along latitudinal gradients, and in tropic, temperate, and arctic climatic zones, which was significantly different from the observed large variations in the R/T ratios (0.1–0.8). There were substantial inconsistencies between ESM‐derived carbon density in root and total vegetation biomass and the R/T ratio at multiple scales, indicating urgent needs for model improvements on carbon allocation algorithms and more intensive field campaigns targeting carbon density in all key vegetation components.
A Copper‐Catalyzed Cascade Approach for the Synthesis of Dibenzo[b,f]1,8‐naphthyridine Derivatives
Authors: Villuri Bharath Kumar , Konala Ashok , Kavala Veerababurao , Kotipalli Trimurtulu , Kuo Chun‐Wei , Yao Ching‐Fa 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe synthesis of some dibenzo[b,f]‐[1,8]naphthyridine derivatives in a cascade manner is reported. The reaction includes a Knovenagel condensation, the insertion of a nitrile and an alkyne into an N–H bond and an oxidation/oxidative C–C bond cleavage sequence in the presence of copper iodide. The key 1,8‐naphthyridine core was constructed in a cascade manner during the course of the reaction itself which allows diverse dibenzo[b,f]‐[1,8]naphthyridine derivatives to be readily prepared.magnified image
Simultaneous endo and exo Complex Formation of Pyridine[4]arene Dimers with Neutral and Anionic Guests
Authors: Kiesilä Anniina , Kivijärvi Lauri , Beyeh Ngong Kodiah , Moilanen Jani O. , Groessl Michael , Rothe Tatiana , Götz Sven , Topić Filip , Rissanen Kari , Lützen Arne , Kalenius Elina 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe formation of complexes between hexafluorophosphate (PF6−) and tetraisobutyloctahydroxypyridine[4]arene has been thoroughly studied in the gas phase (ESI‐QTOF‐MS, IM‐MS, DFT calculations), in the solid state (X‐ray crystallography), and in chloroform solution (1H, 19F, and DOSY NMR spectroscopy). In all states of matter, simultaneous endo complexation of solvent molecules and exo complexation of a PF6− anion within a pyridine[4]arene dimer was observed. While similar ternary complexes are often observed in the solid state, this is a unique example of such behavior in the gas phase.
Life‐cycle assessment of torrefied coppice willow co‐firing with lignite coal in an existing pulverized coal boiler
Authors: Woytiuk Kurt , Sanscartier David , Amichev Beyhan Y. , Campbell William , Van Rees Ken 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCoal‐fired electricity generation is a major emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in Canada and the Federal Government has taken steps toward mandated reduction in GHG emissions. One pathway to reduced emissions is via co‐firing of coal with short‐rotation coppice (SRC) willow grown on marginal land in Saskatchewan. This study uses a life‐cycle inventory model to investigate the GHG emissions from nine scenarios for electricity generation with willow pellets at a retrofitted generating station in Saskatchewan. Torrefied and non‐torrefied willow pellets from SRC plantations in the Prairie and Boreal Plains ecozones are considered. Direct co‐firing of pellets and indirect co‐firing via a circulating fluidized bed gasifier are modeled. The model output shows cumulative, levelized, and disaggregated GHG emissions. The scenarios account for the plantation establishment period required to reach a co‐firing ratio of 40% by energy input. Torrefied and non‐torrefied willow pellets grown in the Prairie ecozone indirectly co‐fired with lignite coal result in 43% and 47% net cumulative GHG emissions reduction compared to the existing coal fired pathway. Direct co‐firing of the same feedstocks results in a 34% and 31% reduction in GHG emissions, respectively. The biomass‐based portion of all scenarios was found to produce negative net cumulative GHG emissions on a life‐cycle basis with willow grown in the Prairies ecozone (i.e., GHG emissions from the willow plantation to the combustion of the pellet with coal). Co‐firing is therefore a viable option for reducing GHG emissions from electricity generation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Sciatic nerve repair using poly(ε‐caprolactone) tubular prosthesis associated with nanoparticles of carbon and graphene
Authors: Assaf Kyl , Leal Claudenete Vieira , Derami Mariana Silveira , de Rezende Duek Eliana Aparecida , Ceragioli Helder Jose , de Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroductionInjuries to peripheral nerves generate disconnection between spinal neurons and the target organ. Due to retraction of the nerve stumps, end‐to‐end neurorrhaphy is usually unfeasible. In such cases, autologous grafts are widely used, nonetheless with some disadvantages, such as mismatching of donor nerve dimensions and formation of painful neuromas at the donor area. Tubulization, using bioresorbable polymers, can potentially replace nerve grafting, although improvements are still necessary. Among promising bioresorbable synthetic polymers, poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) are the most studied. Carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets have been proposed, however, as adjuvants to improve mechanical and regenerative properties of tubular prostheses. Thus, the present work evaluated nerve tubulization repair following association ofPCLwith nanoparticles of carbon (NPC) and graphene (NPG).MethodsFor that, adult Lewis rats were subjected to unilateral sciatic nerve tubulization and allowed to survive for up to 8 and 12 weeks postsurgery.ResultsNanocomposites mechanical/chemical evaluation showed that nanoparticles do not alterPCLcrystallinity, yet providing reinforcement of polymer matrix. Thus, there was a decrease in the enthalpy of melting when the mixture ofPCL + NPC + NPGwas used. Nanocomposites displayed positive changes in molecular mobility in the amorphous phase of the polymer. Also, the loss modulus (E”) and the glass transition exhibited highest values forPCL + NPC + NPG. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed thatPCL + NPC + NPGprostheses showed improved cell adhesion as compared toPCLalone. Surgical procedures withPCL + NPC + NPGwere facilitated due to improved flexibility of the prosthesis, resulting in better stump positioning accuracy. In turn, a twofold increased number of myelinated axons was found in such repaired nerves. Consistent with that, target muscle atrophy protection has been observed.ConclusionOverall, the present data show that nanocompositePCLtubes facilitate nerve repair and result in a better regenerative outcome, what may, in turn, represent a new alternative to purePCLorPLLAprostheses.
Double jeopardy: long QT3 and Brugada syndromes
Authors: Sandhu Amneet , Borne Ryan T. , Mam Chandara , Bunch T. Jared , Aleong Ryan G. 
Published: June 2017

Key Clinical MessageMutations in the SCN5A gene are linked to both the long QT syndrome 3 and Brugada syndrome with few reports describing an overlapping phenotype. We present a unique case and discuss clinical considerations of a patient concurrently exhibiting such conditions with genetic analysis confirming an SCN5A mutation.
Rational Design of Three‐Dimensional Hierarchical Nanomaterials for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Libin , Yang Huiling , Shu Ting , Chen Xue , Huang Yunhui , Hu Xianluo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe low energy density of supercapacitors has become a distinct barrier, restricting their practical applications. To overcome it, rational design of three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical materials for asymmetric supercapacitors is considered to be an effective strategy from the view of both materials and device design. Through rational design, desirable supercapacitive electrode materials with enlarged specific surface areas, shortened ion‐diffusion distances, and improved electrical conductivity can be achieved, which exhibit potential prospects in constructing high‐performance supercapacitors. This Review presents the state‐of‐the‐art progress upon rational design of 3D hierarchical structures in the last five years. The typical 3D hierarchical nanomaterials in the forms of homogeneous and heterogeneous nanostructures are highlighted and classified into primary structures, secondary structures, and multiple structures. Besides, the realization and growth mechanism have been discussed. At the end of this Review, some possible future tendencies are proposed as well.
Disentangling the genetic and morphological structure of Patella candei complex in Macaronesia (NE Atlantic)
Authors: Faria Joao , Martins Gustavo M. , Pita Alfonso , Ribeiro Pedro A. , Hawkins Stephen J. , Presa Pablo , Neto Ana I. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe uptake of natural living resources for human consumption has triggered serious changes in the balance of ecosystems. In the archipelagos of Macaronesia (NE Atlantic), limpets have been extensively exploited probably since islands were first colonized. This has led to profound consequences in the dynamics of rocky shore communities. The Patella candei complex includes various subspecies of limpets that are ascribed to a particular archipelago and has been the focus of several taxonomic surveys without much agreement. Under a conservational perspective, we apply morphometric and genetic analyses to test subspecies boundaries in P. candei and to evaluate its current population connectivity throughout Macaronesia (Azores, Madeira, and Canaries). A highly significant genetic break between archipelagos following isolation by distance was detected (FST = 0.369, p < .001). Contrastingly, significant genetic differentiation among islands (i.e., Azores) was absent possibly indicating ongoing gene flow via larval exchange between populations. Significant shell‐shape differences among archipelagos were also detected using both distance‐based and geometric morphometric analyses. Adaptive processes associated with niche differentiation and strong barriers to gene flow among archipelagos may be the mechanisms underlying P. candei diversification in Macaronesia. Under the very probable assumption that populations of P. candei from each archipelago are geographically and/or ecologically isolated populations, the various subspecies within the P. candei complex may be best thought of as true species using the denomination: P. candei in Selvagens, Patella gomesii in Azores, Patella ordinaria in Madeira, and Patella crenata for Canaries. This would be in agreement with stock delimitation and units of conservation of P. candei sensu latu along Macaronesia.
Effect of harvest seasonal and gamma irradiation on the physicochemical changes in pineapple fruit cv. Pattavia during stimulated sea shipment
Authors: Jenjob Apichai , Uthairatanakij Apiradee , Jitareerat Pongphen , Wongs‐Aree Chalermchai , Aiamla‐Or Sukanya 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGamma irradiation is used as a phytosanitary treatment for tropical fresh fruit from some producing countries. An experiment was carried out to study the effect of gamma irradiation and season of harvest on the quality ‘Pattavia’ pineapple fruit. Fruit harvested in the summer and the rainy cool (winter) seasons were exposed to gamma radiation at dose levels of 0 and 400–600 Gy from a 60 Cobalt source and the fruit stored at 13°C and 90% RH for up to 21 days. Gamma irradiation did not affect the ratio of TSS/TA, antioxidant content, or ascorbic acid concentration. However, gamma irradiation did delay color development and also induced internal browning over 50% of flesh discolored in fruit stored for 14 days, especially harvested winter fruit. Moreover, harvesting fruit in different seasons had a significant effect on fruit quality after harvest and during stimulated sea shipment storage. The result showed that gamma irradiation can be used as a phytosanitary treatment with minor changes in eating quality. However, the internal browning was greater if fruit were stored longer than 1 week at 13°C.
Environmental dynamics and formation processes at the pampean archaeological locality Zanjón Seco, Argentina
Authors: Favier Dubois Cristián M. , Politis Gustavo G. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractZanjón Seco is an important late Holocene archaeological locality in the Argentine Pampas, producing the oldest traces of pottery in the region as well as significant evidence for ancient hunter‐gatherer lifestyles. Despite its importance, the formation processes resulting in the subsurface concentration of artifacts and bones have not been studied. Here, we present geoarchaeological studies carried out from a pedostratigraphic perspective that link the dynamics of sedimentation in the area (pulses of loess) with particular pedological processes associated with the biomechanical action of soil biota, mainly earthworms. We suggest that these explain both the burial and vertical distribution of archaeological materials at this locality.
Environmentally sensitive hydrogel functionalized with electroactive and complexing‐iron(III) catechol groups
Authors: Marcisz Kamil , Romanski Jan , Stojek Zbigniew , Karbarz Marcin 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThermoresponsive pNIPA (poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide)) gels modified with dopamine methacrylamide were synthesized using free‐radical polymerization. In this way, the catechol groups were introduced into the polymer network. The presence of dopamine in the gel led to a significant shift in the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT). It was found that hydrogels were electroactive and that oxidation of catechol groups also led to a strong shift in the VPTT. The temperature window, that is, the range of temperature where volume of the gel could be substantially changed by oxidation of the catechol groups, for the gel formed from the polymerization solution containing 5% of the dopamine derivative, was 30–40 °C. Additionally, the influence of Fe3+ ions, which form the most stable complexes with dopamine, on swelling behavior of the gels was investigated at various pH. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3236–3242
Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of diisopropyl fumarate using various dithiobenzoates as chain transfer agents
Authors: Takada Kohei , Matsumoto Akikazu 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTDialkyl fumarates as 1,2‐disubstituted ethylenes exhibit unique features of radical polymerization kinetics due to their significant steric hindrance in propagation and termination processes and provide polymers with a rigid chain structure different from conventional vinyl polymers. In this study, we carried out reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of diisopropyl fumarate (DiPF) in bulk at 80 °C using various dithiobenzoates with different leaving R groups as chain transfer agents to reveal their performance for control of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and chain end functionality of the resulting poly(DiPF) (PDiPF). 2‐(Ethoxycarbonyl)‐2‐propyl dithiobenzoate (DB1) and 2,4,4‐trimethyl‐2‐pentyl dithiobenzoate (DB2) underwent fragmentation and reinitiation at a moderate rate and consequently led to the formation of PDiPF with well‐controlled chain structures. It was confirmed that molecular weight of PDiPF produced by controlled polymerization with DB1 and DB2 agreed with theoretical one and molecular weight distribution was narrow. Dithiobenzoate and R fragments were introduced into the polymer chain ends with high functionality as 95% by the use of DB1. In contrast, polymerizations using 1‐(ethoxycarbonyl)benzyl dithiobenzoate (DB3), 1‐phenylethyl dithiobenzoate (DB4), and 2‐phenyl‐2‐propyl dithiobenzoate (DB5) resulted in poor control of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and chain end structures of PDiPF. Fragmentation and reinitiation rates of the used benzoates as chain transfer agents significantly varied depending on the R structures in an opposite fashion; that is, introduction of bulky and conjugating substituents accelerated fragmentation, but it retarded initiation of DiPF polymerization. It was revealed that balance of fragmentation and reinitiation was important for controlled polymerization of DiPF. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3266–3275
Effect of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in ADH1B,ADH4,ADH1C,OPRM1,DRD2,BDNF, and ALDH2 genes on alcohol dependence in a Caucasian population
Authors: Katsarou Martha‐Spyridoula , Karakonstantis Konstantinos , Demertzis Nikolaos , Vourakis Emmanouil , Skarpathioti Aspasia , Nosyrev Aleksandr E. , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Kalogridis Theodoris , Drakoulis Nikolaos 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAlcohol is a frequently used addictive substance worldwide. Aim of this study is to determine the frequency distribution of SNPs within ADH1B, ADH4, ADH1C, ALDH2, BDNF, OPRM1, and DRD2 genes in a southeastern European Caucasian population from Greece. For this purpose samples of 1276 volunteers were analyzed after deidentification and anonymization. The allele distribution of the examined polymorphisms in the present Greek population cohort was as follows: rs1229984 (ADH1B): GG(wt) = 64.14%, GA = 29.86%, AA = 4.00%; rs1693482 (ADH1C): CC(wt) = 57.45%, CT = 36.76%, TT = 5.80%; rs1799971 (OPRM1): AA(wt) = 72.43%, AG = 28.72%, GG = 1.89%; rs1800497 (DRD2): CC(wt) = 70.84%, CT = 27.18%, TT = 1.98%; rs1800759 (ADH4): CC(wt) = 34.25%, CA = 48.12%, AA = 17.63%; rs6265 (BDNF): GG(wt) = 65.99%, GA = 31.02%, AA = 2.99%; and rs671 (ALDH2): GG(wt) = 99.84% GA = 0.16%, AA = 0.00%. Mutant rs1229984 allele A was ~6.5× more frequent in the Greek than in the European population. Mutant rs1693482 allele T was ~1.7× more frequent in the European than in the Greek population. Mutant alleles for polymorphisms rs1800759 and rs1799971 show similar frequencies in both northern and southern Europeans. One rs671 mutant A allele was detected in the Greek population (0.08%). The mutant rs1800497 allele T was ~1.2× more frequent in the European than in the Greek population and the mutant rs6265 allele A was ~1.1× more frequent in the European than in the Greek population. An alcohol addiction‐specific algorithm was generated (TGS) that may predict alcohol addiction prevalence in a population. According to our findings, the analyzed Southeastern population may differ genetically from north Europeans due to influences from neighboring Asian and African populations and a calculated TGS score >50 indicates individuals with low susceptibility to develop alcohol addiction.
Awareness and mitigation measures on highly pathogenic avian influenza in pastoral poultry flocks of North‐central Nigeria: any challenging gap?
Authors: Alhaji Nma B. , Yatswako Suleiman 
Published: June 2017

AbstractVillage poultry closely interact with wild birds and other livestock in extensively managed poultry flocks, a practice common in pastoral communities of Nigeria. This practice provides sustained dissemination of avian viruses, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. The objectives of this study were to assess their knowledge/awareness, risks identification and biosecurity measures on HPAI H5N1 in pastoral poultry flocks. A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in systematically selected pastoral households of North‐central Nigeria between May 2015 and June 2016. A total of 422 pastoralists participated in the study. Mean age of the respondents was 54.7 ± 11.4 SD years and 36.0% of them were in age group 50–59 years. The majority (81.3%) of respondents were of the Fulani tribe. Also, 64.9% of the respondents had no formal education and only 6.9% had tertiary education. About 30.8% of the nomadic and 81.0% of sedentary pastoralists significantly mentioned avian influenza to be a zoonotic disease. Very few nomadic (10.9%) and sedentary (26.1%) pastoralists significantly reported restriction of birds’ movement to nearby water bodies as biosecurity measure. Only 7.6% of the nomadic and 16.1% of sedentary pastoralists practiced keeping of birds according to species. Sedentary pastoralists were more likely to have significant knowledge about HPAI H5N1 than the nomadic (OR: 1.76; 94% CI: 1.19–2.61). Female pastoralists were more likely to practice significant biosecurity measures against HPAI H5N1 than the males (OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.28–3.09). The majority of pastoralists neither possessed adequate knowledge about avian influenza nor applied adequate biosecurity measures against it, which are the most challenging gaps. Education of pastoralists on HPAI virus infection, specifically on information about clinical signs of avian influenza in birds, transmission dynamics among different species of birds, flyways of migrating wild birds and adequate mitigation measures are recommended.