bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Historical fire in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests of south Mississippi and its relation to land use and climate
Authors: White C. R. , Harley G. L. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe characterized historical fire regimes in Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) forests of southern Mississippi with regard to global and regional coupled climate systems (e.g., El Niño–Southern Oscillation) and past human activity. The composite fire chronology spanned 1756–2013 with 132 individual scars representing 89 separate fire events. The mean fire interval was 2.9 yr, and mean intervals were significantly different between identified time periods (e.g., settlement period vs. management period). Evidence of biannual fire activity (up to three fires occurring within a 12‐ to 15‐month period) was found coeval with a peak in livestock grazing and logging from the 1850s through the 1880s. Connections were also found between historical fire and Pacific climate variability (e.g., El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation; P < 0.05), yet the fire–climate linkage was likely at least partially masked by substantial human land use activities over the past several centuries. Coupled climate and human land use activity controlled the historical fire regime over the past ca. 240 yr. Although the many fire adaptions of P. palustris yield limitations in tree‐ring‐based fire history studies (e.g., thick bark), we highlight the efficacy of considering the height at which fire scars are analyzed along the bole as a way to glean a more accurate depiction of historical fire occurrence, especially in ecosystems characterized by a frequent, low‐severity fire regime. This study suggests growing‐season fire prescribed at a 2‐ to 3‐yr interval would be the first step toward simulating historical landscape conditions and fire activity, should that be the goal by land managers.
A new paradigm of quantifying ecosystem stress through chemical signatures
Authors: Kravitz Ben , Guenther Alex B. , Gu Lianhong , Karl Thomas , Kaser Lisa , Pallardy Stephen G. , Peñuelas Josep , Potosnak Mark J. , Seco Roger 
Published: November 2016

AbstractStress‐induced emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from terrestrial ecosystems may be one of the dominant sources of VOC emissions worldwide. Understanding the ecosystem stress response could reveal how ecosystems will respond and adapt to climate change and, in turn, quantify changes in the atmospheric burden of VOC oxidants and secondary organic aerosols. Here, we argue, based on preliminary evidence from several opportunistic measurement sources, that chemical signatures of stress can be identified and quantified at the ecosystem scale. We also outline future endeavors that we see as next steps toward uncovering quantitative signatures of stress, including new advances in both VOC data collection and analysis of “big data.”
Influence of fire disturbance and biophysical heterogeneity on pre‐settlement ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests
Authors: Johnston James D. , Bailey John D. , Dunn Christopher J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractFire frequency is assumed to have exerted a strong influence on historical forest communities in the inland Pacific Northwest. This study reconstructs forest structure and composition in the year 1890 and fire frequency from 1760 to 1890 at 10 sites spanning a broad productivity gradient in the southern Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. We tested for the relative influence of fire frequency, climate, soils, and topography by fitting variables to ordinations of forest structural and compositional configurations. We also built formal statistical models using non‐parametric permutational multivariate analysis of variance. Because fire disturbance and biophysical influences on forest structure and composition may vary depending on the scale at which relationships are examined, we tested the influence of variables at the scale of 4‐ to 12‐ha sites and at the scale of three equal‐sized areas within each site. The proportion of fire‐intolerant species basal area reconstructed within sites in the year 1890 ranged from 0% to 43%. The proportion of fire‐intolerant species basal area reconstructed within equal‐sized areas within sites ranged from 0% to 75%. Despite significant differences in historical species composition between and within sites, fire frequencies were relatively similar. Mean fire return intervals (MFRIs) calculated for sites ranged from 10.6 to 21.2 yr.MFRIs calculated for equal‐sized areas within sites ranged from 10.6 to 28.8 yr. Fitting fire frequency and biophysical variables to ordinations and model building with perMANOVAshowed that topographic position index and vapor pressure deficit had stronger influences on site‐scale forest structure and composition than fire frequency metrics. Available soil water was the most important influence on forest structure and composition within equal‐sized areas within sites. Relatively frequent fire across a broad range of forest types in the southern Blues appears to have been a relatively uniform influence on forest dynamics modulated by fine‐scale biophysical heterogeneity. If return to historical conditions is a goal of management, treatments to reduce fuel and restore frequent fire are appropriate across a broad productivity gradient in the southern Blues.
Different correlates but similar prognostic implications for right ventricular dysfunction in heart failure patients with reduced or preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Ghio Stefano , Guazzi Marco , Scardovi Angela Beatrice , Klersy Catherine , Clemenza Francesco , Carluccio Erberto , Temporelli Pier Luigi , Rossi Andrea , Faggiano Pompilio , Traversi Egidio , Vriz Olga , Dini Frank Lloyd ,   on behalf of all investigators
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimsTo evaluate whether the clinical and echocardiographic correlates and the prognostic significance of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are different in heart failure patients with reduced (HFrEF), mid‐range (HFmrEF), or preserved (HFpEF) left ventricular ejection fraction.Methods and resultsThe study included 1663 patients with heart failure caused by ischaemic or hypertensive heart disease or by idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Left ventricular ejection fraction was <40% in 1123 patients (HFrEF), 40–49% in 156 patients (HFmrEF) and ≥50% in 384 patients (HFpEF). Imaging of the right ventricle was performed by echocardiography; RV function was defined on the basis of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and its normalization for pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). All‐cause mortality was the endpoint of survival analysis. Non‐sinus rhythm, high heart rate, ischaemic aetiology and E‐wave deceleration time <140 ms were associated with a reduced TAPSE in HFrEF patients, whereas PASP >40 mmHg was by far the strongest correlate of a reduced TAPSE in HFpEF and HFmrEF patients (interaction analysis, P = 0.0011). TAPSE/PASP proved to be a powerful predictor of prognosis in all patients.ConclusionsThe correlates of RV dysfunction differ in HFrEF compared with HFpEF and HFmrEF patients. Regardless of the extent of LV dysfunction, the TAPSE/PASP ratio is a powerful independent predictor of prognosis in all heart failure patients.
Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of Pb(II) from aqueous solution by modified walnut shell
Authors: Cheng Liping , Sun Li , Xue Weilan , Zeng Zuoxiang , Li Shenmaishang 
Published: November 2016

The adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution by walnut shell modified with acrylic acid (MWNS) were investigated in the temperature range of 288–308 K. Thus, the samples of MWNS with different graft yields (3.65, 10.45, 18.49, and 19.66 wt %) were prepared by reacting walnut shell (WNS) with acrylic acid. The effects of graft yield, adsorbent dose, pH, contact time, and temperature on the adsorption of Pb(II) were studied. Both WNS and MWNS‐4 (19.66 wt %) were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. Adsorption kinetics were examined using pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order model, Elovich kinetic model, intraparticle diffusion model, and Boyd kinetic model. The adsorption isotherm data were better interpreted by Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Pb(II) was 210.14 mg g−1 at 308 K. The energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was applied to verify the adsorption process. The thermodynamic parameters ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS were determined. Recycling property of MWNS‐4 was studied. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1724–1731, 2016
An evaluation of the utilisation of the Medication Action Plan form in a tertiary hospital: what is the impact of the pharmacist?
Authors: Shafiee Hanjani Leila , Apostolidis Anastasia , Winckel Karl , Burrows Judith A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe Medication Action Plan (MAP) form was introduced in Queensland Health to communicate accurate medication histories and interventions between pharmacists and other clinicians. Concerns have been raised about the utilisation of this form at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH).AimTo identify how frequently the MAP form was utilised at PAH for documenting medication histories and pharmacists' interventions, and to evaluate category, clinical appropriateness, wording, outcome and significance of the documented interventions.MethodOne hundred patients were retrospectively audited to identify whether a MAP form was completed. Interventions were categorised according to their significance, wording and clinical appropriateness. Notification and acceptance by the Medical Officer (MO) and their documentation in iPharmacy™ were also evaluated.ResultsSixty‐five patients (65%) had a MAP form and 100 interventions were documented on these forms. ‘Proposing change of dose’ was the most frequent type of intervention. The majority of interventions (59%) were low risk. Eighty‐five per cent of interventions were deemed to be clinically appropriate; however, 65% of interventions were considered to be poorly worded. Fifty‐eight per cent had documentation of notification of the MO and 67% were acted on by clinicians mostly (58%) within 24 hours. Only 17% of interventions were documented in iPharmacy™.ConclusionAlthough the MAP form is used by pharmacists for documenting medication histories and interventions, they are often documented using poor wording, and many are not acted on by clinicians. Standards for documenting recommendations on the MAP form and notifying MOs have subsequently been developed.
Precise Synthesis of Block and Miktoarm Star‐Branched Polymers Containing Polythiophene Segments with Low Dispersity by Combination of Living Anionic Polymerization and Catalyst‐Transfer Polycondensation Systems
Authors: Higashihara Tomoya 
Published: November 2016

In this Talent article, the synthesis of well‐defined block and miktoarm star‐branched polymers is described by the combination of living anionic polymerization (LAP) and Kumada catalyst‐transfer polymerization (KCTP), mostly focusing on poly(3‐alkylthiophene) (P3AT)‐based block copolymers and miktoarm star‐branched polymers. The two synthetic methodologies are introduced as follows: (a) a chain‐extension method using chain‐end‐functional polymers via site transformation reaction, and (b) a linking reaction method between two polymer building blocks. The most promising method (b) can further be divided into four different approaches, (b‐1) direct addition reaction of living anionic polymers with chain‐end‐functional P3HT; (b‐2) “Click” reaction between two chain‐end‐functional polymers; (b‐3) direct coupling reaction of living anionic polymers with chain‐end‐functional P3HT; and (b‐4) ionic bond formation of chain‐end‐functional polymers. Based on the recent progresses in synthetic methodologies, versatile block copolymers and miktoarm star‐branched polymers have been successfully produced, well controlling the molecular weights (MW) and dispersities (ÐM).
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Comb Poly(Oligo(2‐Ethyl‐2‐Oxazoline)Methacrylate)‐Peptide Conjugates Prepared by Aqueous Cu(0)‐Mediated Polymerization and Reductive Amination
Authors: Collins Jennifer , Wallis Sacha J. , Simula Alexandre , Whittaker Michael R. , McIntosh Michelle P. , Wilson Paul , Davis Thomas P. , Haddleton David M. , Kempe Kristian 
Published: November 2016

The controlled synthesis of poly(oligo(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)methacrylate) (P(OEtOxMA)) polymers by Cu(0)‐mediated polymerization in water/methanol mixtures is reported. Utilizing an acetal protected aldehyde initiator for the polymerization, well‐defined polymers are synthesized (>99% conversion, Ð < 1.25) with subsequent postpolymerization deprotection resulting in α‐aldehyde end group containing comb polymers. These P(OEtOxMA) are subsequently site‐specifically conjugated, via reductive amination, to a dipeptide (NH2‐Gly‐Tyr‐COOH) as a model peptide, prior to conjugation to the functional peptide oxytocin. The resulting oxytocin conjugates are evaluated in comparison to poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) combs synthesized in the same manner for potential effects on thermal stability in comparison to the native peptide.
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Experimental‐numerical test strategy for evaluation of curing simulation of complex‐shaped composite structures
Authors: Gude M. , Schirner R. , Müller M. , Weckend N. , Andrich M. , Langkamp A. 
Published: November 2016

Numerical analyses of manufacturing processes become more and more essential, in particular for thick‐walled and complex‐shaped components made of fibre‐reinforced thermosets. One of the main problems is the heat accumulation within those laminates caused by the exothermal reaction while curing the thermoset resin. To enable a precise and efficient prediction of the occurring temperatures within the laminate especially for industrial applications, a reliable and time‐saving numerical analysis of curing processes is desirable.Therefore, a novel experimental‐numerical test strategy for a precise prediction of the curing process is presented including both the analytical and experimental determination of numerous thermal and thermo‐chemical material parameters and models for carbon fibre reinforced thermosets. Numerical validation steps are presented in order to evaluate reliability of experimentally determined material parameters and models. Additionally, the developed finite element model was adopted for the curing simulation of a large complex‐shaped turbine fan blade with a thick‐walled root section. Highlight of this work is the extensive experimental validation of the numerical analysed curing process.
Numerical modelling of multistage caving processes: insights from multi‐seam longwall mining‐induced subsidence
Authors: Ghabraie Behrooz , Ghabraie Kazem , Ren Gang , Smith John V. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryEvaluating the induced subsidence is a critical step in multi‐seam longwall mining. Numerical modelling can be a cost‐effective approach to this problem. Numerical evaluation of longwall mining‐induced subsidence is much more complicated when more than one seam is to be extracted. Only a few research works have dealt with this problem. This paper discusses the essential requirements of a robust numerical modelling approach to simulation of multi‐seam longwall mining‐induced subsidence. In light of these requirements, the previous works on this topic are critically reviewed. A simple yet robust FEM‐based modelling approach is also proposed that is capable of simulating caving process, rock mass deterioration and subsidence around multi‐seam excavations. The effectiveness of this approach in comparison with two other conventional FEM approaches is demonstrated through numerical examples of two different multi‐seam mining configurations. Results show that the proposed numerical modelling approach is the only robust method, which is capable of simulating multi‐seam subsidence in both demonstrated cases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The co‐occurrence of Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder: is it because of additional genetic variations?
Authors: Rachubinski Angela L. , Hepburn Susan , Elias Ellen R. , Gardiner Katheleen , Shaikh Tamim H. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIndividuals with Down syndrome (DS) are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at a significantly higher frequency than the typical population. The differentiation of ASD symptoms from those of severe intellectual disability presents diagnostic challenges, which have led to more refined methods in the clinical evaluation of ASD in DS. These improved phenotypic characterization methods not only provide better diagnosis of ASD in DS, but may also be useful in elucidating the etiology of the increased prevalence of ASD in DS. Because all individuals with the classic presentation of DS have trisomy 21, it is possible that those with co‐occurring DS and ASD may have additional genetic variants which can act as modifiers of the phenotype, leading to the development of ASD. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Older adults with heart failure treated with carvedilol, bisoprolol, or metoprolol tartrate: risk of mortality
Authors: Perreault Sylvie , de Denus Simon , White Michel , White‐Guay Brian , Bouvier Michel , Dorais Marc , Dubé Marie‐Pierre , Rouleau Jean‐Lucien , Tardif Jean‐Claude , Jenna Sarah , Haibe‐Kains Benjamin , Leduc Richard , Deblois Denis 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPurposeThe long‐term use of β‐blockers has been shown to improve clinical outcomes among patients with heart failure (HF). However, a lack of data persists in assessing whether carvedilol or bisoprolol are superior to metoprolol tartrate in clinical practice. We endeavored to compare the effectiveness of β‐blockers among older adults following a primary hospital admission for HF.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study using Quebec administrative databases to identify patients who were using β‐blockers, carvedilol, bisoprolol, or metoprolol tartrate after the diagnosis of HF. We characterized the patients by the type of β‐blocker prescribed at discharge of their first HF hospitalization. An adjusted multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the primary outcome of all‐cause mortality. We also conducted analyses by matching for a propensity score for initiation of β‐blocker therapy and assessed the effect on primary outcome.ResultsAmong 3197 patients with HF with a median follow‐up of 2.8 years, the crude annual mortality rates (per 100 person‐years) were at 16, 14.9, and 17.7 for metoprolol tartrate, carvedilol, and bisoprolol, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios of carvedilol (hazard ratio 0.92; 0.78–1.09) and bisoprolol (hazard ratio 1.04; 0.93–1.16) were not significantly different from that of metoprolol tartrate in improving survival. After matching for propensity score, carvedilol and bisoprolol showed no additional benefit with respect to all‐cause mortality compared with metoprolol tartrate.ConclusionsOur evidence suggests no differential effect of β‐blockers on all‐cause mortality among older adults with HF. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of an intervention on the prescription of aliskiren after new evidence on safety reported
Authors: Rosich Martí Isabel , Allepuz Alejandro , Rodriguez Palomar Gemma , Ortin Font Francesca , Soler Cera Maria 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of an intervention to disseminate safety alerts on the utilization of Aliskiren added to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin‐receptor blocker (ARB).MethodsQuasi‐experimental design (non‐randomized intervention) comparing the utilization of Aliskiren + ACEI or ARB in a primary care area‐intervention (PCA‐I) with a primary care area‐control (PCA‐C) following a safety alert.All physicians were provided with a list of diabetic patients (DM) on Aliskiren + ACEI or ARB. Physicians in the PCA‐I received also a non‐DM patients list, a report with recommendations and information on the utilization of Aliskiren + ACEI or ARB in their area. Information was obtained from electronic medical records, period from May 2010 to December 2012. Interrupted time series analysis were used to assess the effect of the intervention on the number of patients on Aliskiren + ACEI or ARB.ResultsThe number of DM receiving Aliskiren + ACEI or ARB at the time of the alert (23 December 2011) was 106 in the PCA‐I (91 non‐DM) and 45 in the PCA‐C (25 non‐DM). After the alert, a decreased in the number of patients on Aliskiren + ACEI or ARB was noted at both PCAs, although the average of daily treatments ended was significantly higher in the PCA‐I, both in the DM group (slope after alert: −0.81, 95%CI −0.91 to −0.71 vs. −0.30, 95%CI −0.37 to −0.22) as well as in the non‐DM group (−0.56, 95%CI −0.67 to −0.45 vs. −0.10 95%CI −0.17 to −0.04).ConclusionsThe prescription of Aliskiren + ACEI or ARB decreased at both PCAs, albeit such decreased was more significant at the PCA‐I. The intervention led to a more expeditious implementation of the safety alert recommendations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct human breath analysis by secondary nano‐electrospray ionization ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry: Importance of high mass resolution and mass accuracy
Authors: Li Xue , Huang Lei , Zhu Hui , Zhou Zhen 
Published: November 2016

RationaleDirect mass spectrometry (MS)‐based methods make it possible to monitor the molecular compositions of hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled human breath in real time. Mass resolution and mass accuracy play important roles for direct MS analysis, especially for the low‐concentration isobaric compounds in non‐target research.MethodsDirect detection of VOCs in exhaled breath of four healthy subjects (3 males and 1 female aged between 25 to 35 years old) has been performed by using secondary nano‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (Sec‐nanoESI‐UHRMS) at resolutions (R) of 15,000, 30,000, 60,000 and 120,000.ResultsFor some low‐intensity isobaric ions, they could be distinguished only when R ≥ 60,000, e.g., signals at m/z 96.9591 (sulfate/sulfuric acid), m/z 96.9687 (phosphate/phosphoric acid) and m/z 96.9756 ([C4H2O7S]−), m/z 234.1161 ([C10H20O3NS]+) and m/z 234.1338 ([C10H20O5N]+), m/z 119.0686 (isotope of indole) and m/z 119.0705 (an interfering signal), respectively. At R 120,000, the mass errors were obtained from a set of reference ions, and the values were ≤0.6 mDa for ions detected in positive detection mode and in the range of –1.0–1.1 mDa for the negative mode. These mass errors were used to exclusively identify unknown compounds detected in the breath samples. By utilizing the present setup, besides the normal VOCs reported previously, we detected non‐volatile species (sulfate/sulfuric acid, silicate/silicic acid, phosphate/phosphoric acid and nitrate/nitric acid), dichlorobenzene and an ammonium adduct ([(C2H6SiO)6 + NH4]+), which were ascribed to exhaled particles, indoor air pollution and an endogenous source, respectively.ConclusionsFor direct breath analysis, high mass resolution of ≥60,000 and mass errors of 1.0 mDa (absolute value) covering the mass range of interests (e.g., m/z 50−500) are necessary for the exploration and accurate identification of low‐intensity unknown isobaric compounds in non‐target research. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.