bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of a lake system in a megacity: The impact of urban expansion on seasonal meteorology in Mexico City
Authors: Benson‐Lira V. , Georgescu M. , Kaplan S. , Vivoni E. R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) has undergone significant urban expansion in a closed basin that once supported a large lacustrine system. While urbanization has been mentioned as a factor in observed meteorological trends, a systematic study of the effects of land use‐land cover change (LULCC) on seasonal meteorology is lacking. In this study, we utilize the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) system to determine the spatiotemporal changes in near‐surface air temperature, precipitation, and boundary layer conditions induced by the modern‐day urban landscape relative to presettlement conditions. We capture the MCMA extent through an improved Landsat‐based multicategory urban classification and therefore account for intraurban spatial heterogeneity and further conduct additional experiments to examine the sensitivity to anthropogenic heating within WRF. We find that accounting for these factors produced the best simulations of thermal conditions, with RMSE values less than 1.5°C at all measurement stations, and an improved diurnal cycle of air temperature and precipitation. We then assessed the impacts of LULCC in the MCMA, finding that thermal changes were largest during daytime hours, with temperature increasing, on average, by more than 4°C. Furthermore, we utilize these simulations to mechanistically link the built environment‐induced increase in air temperature to simulated increases in rainfall during the evening hours. To our knowledge, this study provides the first dynamical and thermodynamical evidence to support the rainfall enhancements documented through observations in the MCMA and link it quantitatively to the warming effects associated with urbanization. These results have important implications for understanding the meteorological conditions leading to widespread urban flooding in the MCMA.
ICESat‐derived inland water surface spot heights
Authors: O'Loughlin Fiachra E. , Neal Jeffrey , Yamazaki Dai , Bates Paul D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAccurate measurement of water surface height is key to many fields in hydrology and limnology. Satellite radar and laser altimetry have been shown to be useful means of obtaining such data where no ground gauging stations exist, and the accuracy of different satellite instruments is now reasonably well understood. Past validation studies have shown water surface height data from the ICESat instrument to have the highest vertical accuracy (mean absolute errors of ∼10 cm for ICESat, compared, for example, with ∼28 cm from Envisat), yet no freely available source of processed ICESat data currently exists for inland water bodies. Here we present a database of processed and quality checked ICESat‐derived inland water surface heights (IWSH) for water bodies greater than 3 arc sec (∼92 m at the equator) in width. Four automated methods for removing spurious observations or outliers were investigated, along with the impact of using different water masks. We find that the best performing method ensures that observations used are completely surrounded by water in the SRTM Water Body data. Using this method for removing spurious observations, we estimate transect‐averaged water surface heights at 587,292 unique locations from 2003 to 2009, with the number of locations proportional to the size of the river.
Ethics: Codes of Conduct for Expert Witnesses
Authors: Moenssens Andre A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
What constitutes unethical conduct of experts is difficult to define. To attempt to do so requires an exploration of the ethical codes of the various professional societies to which the expert belongs, as well as a study of the enforcement mechanisms enacted by these organizations. This article explores the various issues that go into examining the broader principles upon which a determination is made that a person has violated the ethical principles of a society to which he belongs.
Transfer:DNA
Authors: Meakin Georgina E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTouch DNA, better referred to astraceDNA, can be transferred to a surface in a multitude of ways, both directly and indirectly. Although promising methods are on the horizon, it is currently not possible to reliably identify the biological source of trace DNA, be it from skin cells, other tissues or body fluids. This makes it particularly difficult for forensic experts to assess how trace DNA might have been transferred to the surface of interest. The detection of such transferred trace DNA is dependent on a plethora of factors, including those affecting its initial deposition, persistence, availability for onward transfer, and analytical recovery and availability for DNA profiling. Routine DNA profiling is now being conducted by extremely sensitive techniques making the recovery of trace DNA from a crime scene far more likely. As such, forensic experts must consider issues of DNA transfer, and any potential risks of contamination, when evaluating findings of trace DNA in casework.
Extraction
Authors: Ruddock Campbell A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe extraction of DNA from forensic samples is a crucial step in the DNA analysis process. There are many different ways to extract DNA in a manner that results in DNA that is relatively free of inhibitors and concentrated enough for further processing. In this article, the most common methods in use in forensic science are described. These include organic extraction using proteinase K and phenol/chloroform, the differential extraction of semen, Chelex®methods, solid phase methods such as DNA IQ™, and Charge Switch™ extraction. In addition, methods appropriate for specific, more difficult sample types such as feces, bones, and teeth are described. Recent advances in forensic science require new methods to be developed such as those for the coextraction of DNA and RNA and for the extraction of DNA from plant material. These methods are also briefly discussed.
RNA Imaging with Dimeric Broccoli in Live Bacterial and Mammalian Cells
Authors: Filonov Grigory S. , Jaffrey Samie R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRNA spatial dynamics play a crucial role in cell physiology, and thus the ability to monitor RNA localization in live cells can provide insight into important biological problems. This unit focuses on imaging RNAs using an RNA mimic of GFP. This approach relies on an RNA aptamer called dimeric Broccoli, which binds to and switches on the fluorescence of DFHBI, a small molecule mimicking the fluorophore in GFP. Dimeric Broccoli is tagged to heterologously expressed RNAs and, upon DFHBI binding, the fluorescent signal of dimeric Broccoli reports the transcript's localization in cells. This protocol describes the process of validating the fluorescence of dimeric Broccoli−labeled transcripts in vitro and in cells, flow cytometry analysis to determine overall fluorescence levels in cells, and fluorescence imaging in bacterial and mammalian cells. Overall, the protocol should be useful for researchers seeking to image high‐abundance RNAs, such as those transcribed off the T7 promoter in bacteria or off Pol III−dependent promoters in mammalian cells. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Temporary Sales Prices and Asymmetric Price Transmission
Authors: Tifaoui Said , von Cramon‐Taubadel Stephan 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTWe hypothesize that temporary sales might bias the results of vertical price transmission analysis towards findings of asymmetric price transmission. We test this hypothesis using a scanner dataset of retail butter prices in Germany. To this end we first use filters to identify underlying reference retail prices and thus remove temporary sales prices. We then compare estimates of vertical price transmission from the wholesale to the retail level that are generated with raw and with filtered retail prices. Our results confirm that temporary sales prices increase the speed and asymmetry of vertical price transmission. These results add a potential cause of asymmetry to those, such as market power, that have already been identified in the literature. [EconLit citations: C22; L10; Q11].
Improvement of the thermal transport performance of a poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite film including silver nanowire
Authors: Li Zhao , Zhang Li , Qi Rong , Xie Fan , Qi Shuhua 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThe miniaturization trend of electronic devices requires that components have a high heat dissipation in industrial applications and in daily life. In this context, a highly thermally conductive film was fabricated with silver nanowire (AgNW) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with a bar‐coating method. The thermal transport performance and mechanism of the AgNW/PVDF composite film were investigated. The through‐plane and in‐plane thermal conductivity of the AgNW/PVDF composite film reached 0.31 and 1.61 W m−1 K−1, respectively; these values far exceeded those of the pristine PVDF film. The experiment illustrated that the thermally conductive pathways formed successfully in the PVDF substrate with the addition of AgNW, and the heat tended to transfer along the thermally conductive pathway rather than along the PVDF substrate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43554.
Liquid‐type nucleating agent for improving thermal insulating properties of rigid polyurethane foams by HFC‐365mfc as a blowing agent
Authors: Lee Yeongbeom , Geun Jang Myung , Hyung Choi Kun , Han Chonghun , Nyon Kim Woo 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThe effects of liquid‐type additives on the morphology, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength of polyurethane (PUR) foams were investigated. The PUR foams synthesized with perfluoroalkane showed a smaller average cell diameter and a lower thermal conductivity than PUR foams prepared with propylenecarbonate or acetone. The average cell diameter of the PUR foams decreased from 228 to 155 μm and the thermal conductivity decreased from 0.0227 to 0.0196 kcal/mh °C when the perfluoroalkane content was 0.0 to 2.0 php (parts per hundred polyol by weight). The perfluoroalkane likely acted as a nucleating agent during the formation of the PUR foams. The addition of perfluoroalkane induced the smaller cells size of the PUR foams probably due to lower surface tension of the polyol and perfluoroalkane mixture, resulting in high nucleation rate. The smaller cell size appears to be the main reason for the improvement in the thermal insulating and the mechanical properties of these PUR foams. The compressive strength of the PUR foams prepared with perfluoroalkane was higher than the PUR foams prepared with the propylenecarbonate and acetone. Based on the morphology, thermal conductivity, and compressive strength, it is suggested that the perfluoroalkane is an efficient liquid‐type additive for the improving the thermal insulation of PUR foams. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43557.
Nanostructured Conjugated Polymers for Energy‐Related Applications beyond Solar Cells
Authors: Xie Jian , Zhao Cui‐e , Lin Zong‐qiong , Gu Pei‐yang , Zhang Qichun 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTo meet the ever‐increasing requirements for the next generation of sustainable and versatile energy‐related devices, conjugated polymers, which have potential advantages over small molecules and inorganic materials, are among the most promising types of green candidates. The properties of conjugated polymers can be tuned through modification of the structure and incorporation of different functional moieties. In addition, superior performances can be achieved as a result of the advantages of nanostructures, such as their large surface areas and the shortened pathways for charge transfer. Therefore, nanostructured conjugated polymers with different properties can be obtained to be applied in different energy‐related organic devices. This review focuses on the application and performance of the recently reported nanostructured conjugated polymers for high‐performance devices, including rechargeable lithium batteries, microbial fuel cells (MFCs), thermoelectric generators, and photocatalytic systems. The design strategies, reaction mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of nanostructured conjugated polymers are further discussed in each section. Finally, possible routes to improve the performances of the current systems are also included in the conclusion.
Branch‐PCR Constructed Stable shRNA Transcription Nanoparticles Have Long‐Lasting RNAi Effect
Authors: Liu Jianbing , Wang Runyu , Ma Dejun , Li Yanyan , Wei Chao , Xi Zhen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular process for gene silencing. Because of poor serum stability, transferring dsRNA directly into the target cells is a challenge. We report a facile and universal strategy to construct short hairpin RNA (shRNA) transcription nanoparticles with multiple shRNA transcription templates by PCR with flexible branched primers (branch‐PCR). Compared with conventional linear shRNA transcription templates, these shRNA transcription nanoparticles show excellent stability against digestion by exonuclease III. Importantly, we found that our highly stable shRNA transcription nanoparticles can also be transcribed and thus induce efficient and long‐lasting RNAi with picomolar activity in living mammalian cells. These chemically well‐defined branch‐PCR‐generated stable shRNA transcription nanoparticles might facilitate RNAi delivery with a long‐lasting RNAi effects.
A Versatile One‐Pot Access to Cyanoarenes from ortho‐ and para‐Quinones: Paving the Way for Cyanated Functional Materials
Authors: Glöcklhofer Florian , Lunzer Markus , Stöger Berthold , Fröhlich Johannes 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the team of Florian Glöcklhofer at the TU Wien. The cover reflects the ups and downs they experienced during the investigation of the novel synthesis of cyanoarenes from quinones, which is highlighted by the magnifying glass. The sometimes exhausting experiments were finally rewarded by the versatile new one‐pot reaction presented in the accompanying full paper. The significance for the field of material chemistry is illustrated by the blueprint showing the crystal structure of 6,13‐dicyanopentacene. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201600004.
Synaptic organization of striate cortex projections in the tree shrew: A comparison of the claustrum and dorsal thalamus
Authors: Day‐Brown Jonathan D. , Slusarczyk Arkadiusz S. , Zhou Na , Quiggins Ranida , Petry Heywood M. , Bickford Martha E. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThe tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) striate cortex is reciprocally connected with the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), the ventral pulvinar nucleus (Pv), and the claustrum. In the Pv or the dLGN, striate cortex projections are thought to either strongly “drive”, or more subtly “modulate” activity patterns respectively. To provide clues to the function of the claustrum, we compare the synaptic arrangements of striate cortex projections to the dLGN, Pv, and claustrum, using anterograde tracing and electron microscopy. Tissue was additionally stained with antibodies against γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) to identify GABAergic interneurons and non‐GABAergic projection cells. The striate cortex terminals were largest in the Pv (0.94 ± 0.08 μm2), intermediate in the claustrum (0.34 ± 0.02 μm2), and smallest in the dLGN (0.24 ± 0.01 μm2). Contacts on interneurons were most common in the Pv (39%), intermediate in the claustrum (15%), and least common in the dLGN (12%). In the claustrum, non‐GABAergic terminals (0.34 ± 0.01 μm2) and striate cortex terminals were not significantly different in size. The largest terminals in the claustrum were GABAergic (0.51 ± 0.02 μm2), and these terminals contacted dendrites and somata that were significantly larger (1.90 ± 0.30 μm2) than those contacted by cortex or non‐GABAergic terminals (0.28 ± 0.02 μm2 and 0.25 ± 0.02 μm2, respectively). Our results indicate that the synaptic organization of the claustrum does not correspond to a driver/modulator framework. Instead, the circuitry of the claustrum suggests an integration of convergent cortical inputs, gated by GABAergic circuits. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1403–1420, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploiting Metallophilicity for the Assembly of Inorganic Nanocrystals and Conjugated Organic Molecules
Authors: Dalmases Mariona , Aguiló Elisabet , Llorca Jordi , Rodríguez Laura , Figuerola Albert 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe accurate engineering of interfaces between inorganic nanocrystals and semiconducting organic molecules is currently viewed as key for further developments in critical fields such as photovoltaics and photocatalysis. In this work, a new and unconventional source of interface interaction based on metal–metal bonds is presented. With this aim, an AuI organometallic gelator was exploited for the formation of hydrogel‐like nanocomposites containing inorganic nanoparticles and conjugated organic molecules. Noteworthy, the establishment of metallophilic interactions at the interface between the two moieties greatly enhances interparticle coupling in the composites. Thus, we believe that this new hybrid system might represent a promising alternative in several fields, such as in the fabrication of improved light‐harvesting devices.
Integrative Physiology of Fasting
Authors: Secor Stephen M. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTExtended bouts of fasting are ingrained in the ecology of many organisms, characterizing aspects of reproduction, development, hibernation, estivation, migration, and infrequent feeding habits. The challenge of long fasting episodes is the need to maintain physiological homeostasis while relying solely on endogenous resources. To meet that challenge, animals utilize an integrated repertoire of behavioral, physiological, and biochemical responses that reduce metabolic rates, maintain tissue structure and function, and thus enhance survival. We have synthesized in this review the integrative physiological, morphological, and biochemical responses, and their stages, that characterize natural fasting bouts. Underlying the capacity to survive extended fasts are behaviors and mechanisms that reduce metabolic expenditure and shift the dependency to lipid utilization. Hormonal regulation and immune capacity are altered by fasting; hormones that trigger digestion, elevate metabolism, and support immune performance become depressed, whereas hormones that enhance the utilization of endogenous substrates are elevated. The negative energy budget that accompanies fasting leads to the loss of body mass as fat stores are depleted and tissues undergo atrophy (i.e., loss of mass). Absolute rates of body mass loss scale allometrically among vertebrates. Tissues and organs vary in the degree of atrophy and downregulation of function, depending on the degree to which they are used during the fast. Fasting affects the population dynamics and activities of the gut microbiota, an interplay that impacts the host's fasting biology. Fasting‐induced gene expression programs underlie the broad spectrum of integrated physiological mechanisms responsible for an animal's ability to survive long episodes of natural fasting. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:773‐825, 2016.
Propensity score analysis of endoscopic and open approaches to malignant paranasal and anterior skull base tumor outcomes
Authors: Farquhar Douglas , Kim Luke , Worrall Douglas , Chiu Alexander , Lee John Y. K. , Khalili Sammy , Grady Sean , O'Malley Bert W. , Kennedy David W. , Newman Jason G. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D. 
Published: March 2016

Objectives/HypothesisMalignant sinonasal and skull base tumors are now being resected using an endoscopic technique, but there has been controversy regarding the oncologic safety of this approach. Various studies have compared the outcomes from endoscopic surgery to those from open techniques; however, all have been limited by substantial differences in the patient populations receiving each approach. In this study we compare outcomes of open and endoscopic techniques and use propensity score matching to control for these differences in the patient populations.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study including all patients > 18 years old receiving primary surgery for malignant sinonasal or skull base tumors at our institution from 2002 to 2013.ResultsOne hundred twenty‐four patients met criteria; 82 received endoscopic‐only surgery, and 42 had an open component to their approach. There was an 86% 3‐year overall survival and a 74% disease‐free survival. Without controlling for differences in the groups, the endoscopic patients fared significantly better in survival, recurrence rates, wound infections, and length of hospital stay. When using propensity score matching to account for patient comorbidities and tumor size, there were no significant differences in any outcomes except length of the hospital stay. A multivariate regression analysis yielded the same results.ConclusionIn this study, endoscopic surgery was shown to be a safe alternative to the open technique, even when controlling for the favorable patient and tumor characteristics in endoscopic patients. This is the first study to account for these differences with a rigorous statistical methodology.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:1724–1729, 2016
First results of a novel adjustable‐length ossicular reconstruction prosthesis in temporal bones
Authors: Gottlieb Peter K. , Li Xiping , Monfared Ashkan , Blevins Nikolas , Puria Sunil 
Published: March 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThe performance of an ossicular replacement prosthesis (ORP) is influenced by its alignment and appropriate tension between the tympanic membrane and the stapes footplate. A novel ORP with a flexible element that potentially allows for length adjustment in situ is presented and tested for acoustic performance.Study DesignLaser Doppler vibrometry in fresh human cadaveric temporal bones was used to test the acoustic performance of the adjustable ORP relative to standard prostheses used for ossiculoplasty.MethodsThe three‐dimensional (3D) velocity of the stapes posterior crus was measured in the 0.2‐ to 20‐kHz range using a Polytec CLV‐3D laser Doppler vibrometer. The middle ear cavity was accessed through a facial recess approach. After measuring the normal response, the incus was removed and stapes velocity was measured in the disarticulated case, then after insertion of the new prosthesis, a conventional prosthesis (Kurz BELL Dusseldorf type), and a sculpted autologous incus prosthesis in each temporal bone. The 3D stapes velocity transfer function (SVTF) was calculated for each case and compared.ResultsThe novel ORP design restored stapes velocity to within 6 dB (on average) of the intact response. No significant differences in 3D‐SVTF were found between the new, conventional, or autologous ORPs.ConclusionsThe inclusion of an in situ adjustable element into the ORP design did not adversely affect its acoustic performance. The adjustable element may increase the ease of achieving optimal ORP placement, especially through a facial recess approach.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 126:2559–2564, 2016