bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural drivers of biomass dynamics in two temperate forests in China
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Cheng Yanxia , He Huaijiang , Gao Lushuang , Liang Jingjing , Zhao Xiuhai 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of forest attributes on the dynamics of aboveground coarse woody biomass (AWB) and belowground coarse root biomass (BRB) based on two large stem‐mapped field plots: a secondary conifer and broadleaved mixed forest (near‐mature forest) and an old‐growth Korean pine and broadleaved mixed forest. In 2015, the kernel densities of bothAWBandBRBhad a lower mass in the left tail and a greater mass in the right tail than those in 2010. BothAWBandBRBchanged especially at the right end of the biomass distribution and less at the left end. The counterfactual decomposition approach, used to identify the sources of kernel density changes in the biomass distributions from 2010 to 2015, revealed that forest attributes contributed jointly to the observed biomass dynamics. The change in species richness (SR), accounting for less than 10% of overall changes in biomass at all estimated quantiles, has only a minor effect on theAWBandBRBdynamics in two studied forests. But the decrease in tree density (TD) and the increase in stand density (SD) from 2010 to 2015 contributed positively toward the observed density changes inAWBandBRB. Therefore, the changes in TD (measured in terms of the number of trees per ha) and SD (measured in terms of the basal area per ha) were identified as important drivers of biomass dynamics in the two studied forests. Overall, diameter skewness and diameter inequality exert greater influence at the highest quantiles of biomass distribution than at the lowest. It indicates that the changes in diameter structures will further increase biomass dispersion. The results support the assumption that specific methods of selective thinning may be effective to improve the biomass production in the natural forests. Further studies are needed to explore relevant details.
Minimum‐cost optimization of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers and their supporting members for seismic retrofitting
Authors: Pollini Nicolò , Lavan Oren , Amir Oded 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThis paper presents an effective approach for achieving minimum‐cost designs for seismic retrofitting using nonlinear fluid viscous dampers. The damping coefficients of the dampers and the stiffness coefficients of the supporting braces are designed by an optimization algorithm. A realistic retrofitting cost function is minimized subject to constraints on inter‐story drifts at the peripheries of frame structures. The cost function accounts for costs related to both the topology and the sizes of the dampers. The behavior of each damper‐brace element is defined by the Maxwell model, where the force–velocity relation of the nonlinear dampers is formulated with a fractional power law. The optimization problem is first posed and solved as a mixed integer problem. For the reduction of the computational effort required in the optimization, the problem is then reformulated with continuous variables only and solved with a gradient‐based algorithm. Material interpolation techniques, which have been successfully applied in topology optimization and in multi‐material optimization, play a key role in achieving practical final design solutions with a reasonable computational effort. Promising results attained for 3‐D irregular frames are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variants in BAK1, SPRY4, and GAB2 are associated with pediatric germ cell tumors: A report from the children's oncology group
Authors: Marcotte Erin L. , Pankratz Nathan , Amatruda James F. , Frazier A. Lindsay , Krailo Mark , Davies Stella , Starr Jacqueline R. , Lau Ching C. , Roesler Michelle , Langer Erica , Hallstrom Caroline , Hooten Anthony J. , Poynter Jenny N. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGerm cell tumors (GCT) are a rare form of childhood cancer that originate from the primordial germ cell. Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified susceptibility alleles for adult testicular GCT (TGCT). We test whether these SNPs are associated with GCT in pediatric and adolescent populations. This case‐parent triad study includes individuals with GCT diagnosed between ages 0 and 19. We evaluated 26 SNPs from GWAS of adult TGCT and estimated main effects for pediatric GCT within complete trios (N = 366) using the transmission disequilibrium test. We used Estimation of Maternal, Imprinting and interaction effects using Multinomial modelling to evaluate maternal effects in non‐Hispanic white trios and dyads (N = 244). We accounted for multiple comparisons using a Bonferroni correction. A variant in SPRY4 (rs4624820) was associated with reduced risk of GCT (OR [95% CI]: 0.70 [0.57, 0.86]). A variant in BAK1 (rs210138) was positively associated with GCT (OR [95% CI]: 1.70 [1.32, 2.18]), with a strong estimated effect for testis tumors (OR [95% CI]: 3.31 [1.89, 5.79]). Finally, a SNP in GAB2 (rs948662) was associated with increased risk for GCT (OR [95% CI]: 1.56 [1.20, 2.03]). Nominal associations (P < 0.05) were noted for eight additional loci. A maternal effect was observed for KITLG SNP rs4474514 (OR [95% CI]: 1.66 [1.21, 2.28]) and a paternal parent‐of‐origin effect was observed for rs7221274 (P = 0.00007), near TEX14, RAD51C, and PPM1E. We observed associations between SNPs in SPRY4, BAK1, and GAB2 and GCTs. This analysis suggests there may be common genetic risk factors for GCT in all age groups.
Entrepreneurial and parental love—are they the same?
Authors: Halko Marja‐Liisa , Lahti Tom , Hytönen Kaisa , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHere we tested the hypothesis that entrepreneurs' emotional experience and brain responses toward their own firm resemble those of parents toward their own children. Using fMRI, we measured the brain activity while male entrepreneurs viewed pictures of their own and of a familiar firm, and while fathers viewed pictures of their own and of a familiar child. The entrepreneurs who self‐rated as being very closely attached with their venture showed a similar suppression of activity in the posterior cingulate cortex, temporoparietal junction, and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex as fathers during viewing pictures of their own children versus familiar children. In addition, individual differences in the confidence trait influenced the neural encoding of both paternal and entrepreneurial processing. For underconfident fathers, a picture of one's own child was associated with stronger activation and for overconfident fathers with weaker activation in the amygdala and in caudate nucleus, a brain structure associated with processing of rewards. Similar association with activation, yet more widespread in the emotional processing network, was observed in entrepreneurs suggesting a similar neural basis for increased sensitivity to threats and potential risks concerning one's venture and child. In conclusion, both entrepreneurial and parental love seem to be supported by brain structures associated with reward and emotional processing as well as social understanding. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2923–2938, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Demonstration of transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy and total laryngectomy in cadaveric specimens using the Medrobotics Flex System
Authors: Funk Emily , Goldenberg David , Goyal Neerav 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundCurrent management of laryngeal malignancies is associated with significant morbidity. Application of minimally invasive transoral techniques may reduce the morbidity associated with traditional procedures. The purpose of this study was to present our investigation of the utility of a novel flexible robotic system for transoral supraglottic laryngectomy and total laryngectomy.MethodsTransoral total laryngectomy and transoral supraglottic laryngectomy were performed in cadaveric specimens using the Flex Robotic System (Medrobotics, Raynham, MA).ResultsAll procedures were completed successfully in the cadaveric models. The articulated endoscope allowed for access to the desired surgical site. Flexible instruments enabled an atraumatic approach and allowed for precise surgical technique.ConclusionAccess to deep anatomic structures remains problematic using current minimally invasive robotic approaches. Improvements in visualization and access to the laryngopharyngeal complex offered by this system may improve surgical applications to the larynx. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility using the Flex Robotic System for transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy and total laryngectomy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1218–1225, 2017
Performance Evaluation of Constant Versus Variable Rate Irrigation
Authors: Yari Aghil , Madramootoo Chandra A. , Woods Shelley A. , Adamchuk Viacheslav I. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractVariable rate irrigation (VRI) can increase water use efficiency and productivity by applying water based on site‐specific needs. In this study, the performance of a five‐span centre‐pivot irrigation system (CPIS) retrofitted with a commercial variable‐rate irrigation package was evaluated at constant and variable application depths at the Alberta Irrigation Technology Centre (AITC) in southern Alberta, Canada. Two sets of experiments were designed to investigate the uniformity of application of the system during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons. The first set of catch‐can trials were carried out with three irrigation rates in the direction of pivot travel. Three different wind regimes were observed during the catch‐can trials. Catch‐cans were arranged in grid configurations within the experimental plots located under one irrigation zone in span 4. The Christiansen coefficient of uniformity (CU) ranged from 90.4 to 94.4%. Wind speeds of 3.3 and 6.5 m s‐1 negatively and significantly impacted the CU values. The second set of catch‐can trials were performed with used and new sprinklers in a transect along the pivot lateral during the 2014 growing season. The Heermann and Hein coefficient of uniformity (CUHH) ranged from 89.0 to 93.5% and from 81.7 to 94.4% with constant and variable application depths, respectively. The greatest (94.4%) and least (81.7%) CUHH values were observed where water applications were 100 and 40% of the set point, respectively. Overall, the uniformity of application of CPIS retrofitted with the commercial VRI package both along the system's lateral and in the travel direction were above 90% for the majority of the trials under the different wind speeds and water application depths. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Writings on the Wall: Nurturing Critical Literacy Through a Community‐Based Design Project
Authors: Sanders‐Bustle Lynn , Lalik Rosary 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to explore the potential of artistic design to promote critical literacy among adult learners. Conducted by a university literacy educator and a university art educator, this qualitative study examined adults’ divergent perspectives in the design of a mosaic at a center for the homeless. Participants included a university art educator, undergraduates, and outreach center clients. Data included transcribed interviews, written reflections, and field notes. Data were coded and themes identified and reexamined to accurately describe the project's potential for promoting critical literacy. Findings demonstrate how design, a contested literacy space, disrupted social habits, challenged stereotypes, negotiated texts, and transformed perceptions. Yet, time, institutional constraints, missed opportunities for critical dialogue, and other coercive elements limited the project's transformative potential. This suggests that such projects can be an important step toward adults’ critical literacy but are insufficient for garnering long‐term consequences.
Developing Enhanced Morphological Awareness in Adolescent Learners
Authors: Hendrix Rebecca A. , Griffin Robert A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMorphological awareness—knowledge of roots and affixes within language and their interactions with one another to create multitudes of words—is arguably a skill requiring extended study beyond the elementary grades. With the rigors of contemporary curriculum that gradually guide students into college and career readiness—and, essentially, into literate citizenship—enhanced morphological awareness derived from specific study within a secondary curriculum is imperative for adolescents and, by extension, adult learners. This article outlines various facets of enhanced morphological awareness among adolescent learners, arguing its place as a necessary skill set to be included within a developmentally appropriate secondary curriculum. Theoretical bases for such skill development can be found in the aspects of both schema theory and psycholinguistic theory, and its development has also been justified in other related literature. These foundations manifest themselves in relevant classroom strategies that can enhance adolescents’ literacy.
Sanguinarine exhibits antitumor activity via up‐regulation of Fas‐associated factor 1 in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wei Guangxia , Xu Yahuan , Peng Tao , Yan Jie , Wang Zhengjun , Sun Zhanwen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLung cancer is the most common type of malignancy and one of the leading causes of cancer‐related deaths in the world. Non‐small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) account for 85% cases of lung cancer. Sanguinarine (SNG) is a benzophenanthridine alkaloid isolated from plants of the Papaveraceae family that possess diverse biological activities. SNG exhibits antitumor effects in several cancer cells. However, the effects of SAN on NSCLC proliferation, invasion, and migration and the mechanisms remain to be clarified. We showed that SNG concentration‐ and time‐dependently decreased the cell proliferation, viability, and induced a marked increase in cell death in A549 cells. SNG inhibited invasion and migration and induced S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. SNG resulted in a significant increase of E‐cadherin expression and a marked decrease of the expression of N‐cadherin, Vimentin, Smad2/3, and Snail and the phosphorylation of Smad2. SNG increased Fas‐associated factor 1 (FAF1) expression and upregulation of FAF1 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Knockdown of FAF1 suppressed SNG‐induced inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in NSCLC cells. SNG also inhibited implanted tumor growth and increased FAF1 expression in tumors in vivo. Our findings highlight FAF1 as a novel therapeutic target and provide a new insight in the potential use of SNG for the inhibition of NSCLC.
Hydrodeoxygenation of glycerol with in situH2 formation over Pt catalysts supported on Fe modified Al2O3: effect of Fe loading
Authors: Yfanti Vasileia‐Loukia , Vasiliadou Efterpi S , Sklari Styliani , Lemonidou Angeliki A 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDGlycerol hydrodeoxygenation to 1,2‐propanediol is a reaction of commercial and environmental significance. However, the need for hydrogen supply is a main drawback of the process. This study aims at the development of effective catalysts for glycerol hydrodeoxygenation with in situ H2 formed. Pt/Al2O3 and Pt/Fe2O3‐Al2O3 catalysts with different Fe/Pt ratios were synthesized and evaluated. N2 physisorption, XRD, TPR‐H2, TGA and DRIFTS‐CO characterization techniques were used. Main focus was given on catalyst reusability, while a parametric study was also performed.RESULTSFe addition promotes catalysts activity. Characterization showed that there is an electron interaction between Pt and Fe which is responsible for this enhancement. However, Fe/Pt ratio and reduction temperature affect catalyst performance. The increase of Fe loading leads to lower H2 formation rates but also to more stable catalyst performance. The most promising results were achieved over the Fe richer catalyst which exhibited 51.5% 1,2‐propanediol selectivity, 93.8% glycerol conversion, under 3.5 MPa N2, at 250 °C, 1 h and pre‐reduction at 200 °C.CONCLUSIONThe presence of Fe in Pt/Al2O3 catalysts was proved decisive for the combined cycle of glycerol hydrodeoxygenation–aqueous phase reforming. The high activity and the stable performance in aqueous medium may render these materials as suitable catalysts for various liquid phase hydrodeoxygenation reactions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The role of topography and the north Indian monsoon on mean monthly climate interpolation within the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
Authors: Stewart Stephen B. , Choden Kunzang , Fedrigo Melissa , Roxburgh Stephen H. , Keenan Rodney J. , Nitschke Craig R. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTSpatial climate datasets currently available for Bhutan are limited by weather station data availability, spatial resolution or interpolation methodology. This article presents new datasets for monthly maximum temperature, minimum temperature, precipitation and vapour pressure climate normals interpolated for the 1986–2015 reference period using trivariate smoothing splines. The inclusion of standardized day time Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface temperature (LST) values as partial spline dependencies reduced cross validated root mean square error (RMSE) for maximum temperature by up to 16.0% and was most effective between March and September. Using both a topographic index of relative elevation and standardized night time MODIS LST values as partial spline dependencies reduced monthly mean minimum temperature RMSE by up to 23.4%. Neither variable was effective for minimum temperature interpolation between June and September. High humidity, extensive cloud cover and heavy precipitation occur during these months, which are likely to suppress the formation of temperature inversions that typically form under clear, calm conditions. These new temperature and precipitation surfaces show distinct differences from the WorldClim and CRU CL 2.0 datasets, which do not use weather stations within Bhutan for calibration. New precipitation surfaces better describe the heavy rainfall experienced in the southern foothills while retaining the effect of orography throughout the central valleys and ranges. The development of vapour pressure surfaces also allow for the calculation of ecologically important variables such as vapour pressure deficit, and may also be useful for solar radiation modelling in the region. The different datasets presented in this article will facilitate ecological and agricultural research in Bhutan and provide high quality surfaces needed for future climate change scenarios.
Rapid 3D chemical‐specific imaging of minerals using stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Houle Marie‐Andrée , Burruss Robert C. , Ridsdale Andrew , Moffatt Douglas J. , Légaré François , Stolow Albert 
Published: March 2017

Raman microscopy, which offers chemical‐specific imaging, has important applications in geological sciences. Conventional Raman imaging, however, is challenged by long acquisition times and can be overwhelmed by sample fluorescence. Here, we present the first applications of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, a nonlinear optical Raman technique, to samples of mineralogical interest. Combined with second harmonic generation microscopy, SRS offers a multimodal tool for rapid imaging of mineral samples with chemical specificity, structural sensitivity, and excellent three‐dimensional resolution. Our spectral focusing implementation allows for very rapid scanning of Raman spectral lineshapes, with an adjustable spectral resolution (set here to 25 cm−1) and an overall tuning range of 400–4500 cm−1. In mineralogical applications, this wide‐tuning range offers hyperspectral imaging of both trapped organics, via the CH region (~2900 cm−1), and the lower frequency (<1000 cm−1) ‘fingerprint’ modes important for mineral identification. The simultaneously acquired second harmonic generation image reveals details of the local crystallinity of non‐centrosymmetric minerals such as quartz. As opposed to single‐spectral‐point imaging, we emphasize the importance of tuning over the Raman lineshape while imaging, to unambiguously distinguish the resonant Raman response from nonresonant background signals. Based on the range of samples studied here, we believe that multimodal SRS microscopy will become a valuable imaging tool in the earth sciences, particularly in mineralogy, petroleum, and mineral resources research. ©2017 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Journal of Raman Spectroscopy ©2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proximate, amino acid and lipid compositions in Sinonovacula constricta (Lamarck) reared at different salinities
Authors: Ran Zhaoshou , Li Shuang , Zhang Runtao , Xu Jilin , Liao Kai , Yu Xuejun , Zhong Yingying , Ye Mengwei , Yu Shanshan , Ran Yun , Huang Wei , Yan Xiaojun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSinonovacula constricta is an economically and nutritionally important bivalve native to the estuaries and mudflats of China, Japan and Korea. In the present study, S. constricta, cultured either under experimental conditions or collected directly from natural coastal areas with different seawater salinities, was investigated for changes in proximates, amino acids and lipids.RESULTSWhen culture salinity was increased, levels of moisture, carbohydrate, crude protein and crude lipid were significantly decreased, whereas the level of ash was significantly increased. The level of Ala was increased by 1.5‐ to 2‐fold, whereas the contents of most lipids were significantly decreased, and the proportion of phosphatidylethanolamine was significantly increased. Notably, a high proportion of ceramide aminoethylphosphonates was detected in S. constricta reared at all salinities. The energy content appears to be higher in S. constricta reared at higher salinity. In experimental S. constricta, when the salinity was enhanced, the changes of compositions were very close to those reared at constant high salinity.CONCLUSIONSinonovacula constricta reared at higher salinities possesses a superior quality. A short period of exposure to a higher salinity for farmed S. constricta reared at a lower salinity before harvest would be useful with respect to improving its nutritive value. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Applications of natural zeolites on agriculture and food production
Authors: Eroglu Nazife , Emekci Mevlut , Athanassiou Christos G 
Published: March 2017

AbstractZeolites are crystalline hydrated aluminosilicates with remarkable physical and chemical properties, which include losing and receiving water in a reverse way, adsorbing molecules that act as molecular sieves, and replacing their constituent cations without structural change. The commercial production of natural zeolites has accelerated during the last 50 years. The Structure Commission of the International Zeolite Association recorded more than 200 zeolites, which currently include more than 40 naturally occurring zeolites. Recent findings have supported their role in stored‐pest management as inert dust applications, pesticide and fertilizer carriers, soil amendments, animal feed additives, mycotoxin binders and food packaging materials. There are many advantages of inert dust application, including low cost, non‐neurotoxic action, low mammalian toxicity and safety for human consumption. The latest consumer trends and government protocols have shifted toward organic origin materials to replace synthetic chemical products. In the present review, we summarize most of the main uses of zeolites in food and agruculture, along with the with specific paradigms that illustrate their important role. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry