bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying sediment transport mechanisms from grain size-shape distributions
Authors: van Hateren Johannes Albert , van Buuren Unze , Arens Sebastiaan Martinus , van Balen Ronald Theodorus , Prins Maarten Arnoud
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The way in which sediment is transported (creep, saltation, suspension), is traditionally interpreted from grain size distribution characteristics. However, the grain size range associated with transitions from one transport mode to the other is highly variable because it depends on the amount of transport energy available. In this study we present a novel methodology for determination of the sediment transport mode based on grain size and shape data from dynamic image analysis. The data are integrated into grain size-shape distributions and primary components are determined using end-member modelling. In real-world datasets, primary components can be interpreted in terms of different transport mechanisms and/or sediment sources. Accuracy of the method is assessed using artificial datasets with known primary components that are mixed in known proportions. The results show that the proposed technique accurately identifies primary components with the exception of those primary components that only form minor contributions to the samples (highly mixed components). The new method is also tested on sediment samples from an active aeolian system in the Dutch coastal dunes. Aeolian transport processes and geomorphology of these type of systems are well known and can therefore be linked to the spatial distribution of end members to assess the physical significance of the method's output. The grain size-shape distributions of the dune dataset are unmixed into three primary components. The spatial distribution of these components is constrained by geomorphology and reflects the three dominant aeolian transport processes known to occur along a beach-dune transect: bedload on the beach and in notches that were dug by man through the shore-parallel foredune ridge, modified saltation on the windward and leeward slope of the intact foredune, and suspension in the vegetated hinterland. The three transport modes are characterised by distinctly different trends in grain shape with grain size: with increasing size, bedload shows a constant grain regularity, modified saltation a minor decrease in grain regularity and suspension a strong decrease in grain regularity. These trends, or in other words, the shape of the grain size-shape distributions, can be used to determine the transport mode responsible for a sediment deposit. Results of the method are therefore less ambiguous than those of traditional grain-size distribution end-member modelling, especially if multiple transport modes occur or if primary components overlap in terms of grain size but differ in grain shape.
Complementary principle of evaporation: From original linear relationship to generalized nonlinear functions
Authors: Han Songjun , Tian Fuqiang
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The complementary principle is an important methodology for estimating evaporation. Throughout the 56-year development, related studies have shifted from adopting a symmetric linear complementary relationship (CR) to employing generalized nonlinear functions. Studies based on the linear CR have been maintained for a long time by rationally formulating the potential (Epo) and apparent potential evaporation (Ep) and/or employing an asymmetric parameter. These works have also advanced two types of generalized nonlinear complementary functions by invoking the boundary conditions. The first type inherits the concepts of three types of evaporation yet still requires the prognostic modelling of Epo. Polynomial functions are derived and tested for this type of function. Meanwhile, the second type does not involve Epo, yet requires a diagnostic modelling of actual evaporation by using the radiation and aerodynamic components of the Penman (1948) equation as inputs. A sigmoid function is derived by satisfying the boundary conditions based on physical considerations. The generalized nonlinear functional approach has improved the understandings on the complementary principle, and shows potential in advancing the evaporation research. Further studies may cover several topics including boundary conditions, analytical forms, parameterization, and application.
A virtual hydrological framework for evaluation of stochastic rainfall models
Authors: Bennett Bree , Thyer Mark , Leonard Michael , Lambert Martin , Bates Bryson
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Stochastic rainfall modelling is a commonly used
technique for evaluating the impact of flooding, drought, or climate change
in a catchment. While considerable attention has been given to the
development of stochastic rainfall models (SRMs), significantly less
attention has been paid to developing methods to evaluate their performance.
Typical evaluation methods employ a wide range of rainfall statistics.
However, they give limited understanding about which rainfall statistical
characteristics are most important for reliable streamflow prediction. To
address this issue a formal evaluation framework is introduced, with three
key features: (i) streamflow-based, to give a direct evaluation of
modelled streamflow performance, (ii) virtual, to avoid the issue of
confounding errors in hydrological models or data, and (iii) targeted, to
isolate the source of errors according to specific sites and seasons. The
virtual hydrological evaluation framework uses two types of tests,
integrated tests and unit tests, to attribute deficiencies that impact on
streamflow to their original source in the SRM according to site and season.
The framework is applied to a case study of 22 sites in South Australia with
a strong seasonal cycle. In this case study, the framework demonstrated the
surprising result that apparently “good” modelled rainfall can produce
“poor” streamflow predictions, whilst “poor” modelled rainfall may lead to
“good” streamflow predictions. This is due to the representation of highly
seasonal catchment processes within the hydrological model that can dampen
or amplify rainfall errors when converted to streamflow. The framework
identified the importance of rainfall in the “wetting-up” months (months
where the rainfall is high but streamflow low) of the annual hydrologic
cycle (May and June in this case study) for providing reliable predictions
of streamflow over the entire year despite their low monthly flow volume.
This insight would not have been found using existing methods and highlights
the importance of the virtual hydrological evaluation framework for SRM
evaluation.
Meteorological conditions leading to the 2015 Salgar flash flood: lessons for vulnerable regions in tropical complex terrain
Authors: Hoyos Carlos D. , Ceballos Lina I. , Pérez-Carrasquilla Jhayron S. , Sepúlveda Julián , López-Zapata Silvana M. , Zuluaga Manuel D. , Velásquez Nicolás , Herrera-Mejía Laura , Hernández Olver , Guzmán-Echavarría Gisel , Zapata Mauricio
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Flash floods are a recurrent hazard for many developing Latin American regions due to their complex mountainous terrain and the rainfall characteristics in the tropics. These regions often lack the timely and high-quality information needed to assess, in real time, the threats to the vulnerable communities due to extreme hydrometeorological events. The systematic assessment of past extreme events allows us to improve our prediction capabilities of flash floods. In May 2015, a flash flood in the La Liboriana basin, municipality of Salgar, Colombia, caused more than 100 casualties and significant infrastructure damage. Despite the data scarcity, the climatological aspects, meteorological conditions, and first-order hydrometeorological mechanisms associated with the La Liboriana flash flood, including orographic intensification and the spatial distribution of the rainfall intensity relative to the basin's geomorphological features, are studied using precipitation information obtained using a weather radar quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) technique, as well as from satellite products, in situ rain gauges from neighboring basins, quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) from an operational Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) application, and data from reanalysis products. The La Liboriana flash flood took place during a period with negative precipitation anomalies over most of the country as a result of an El Niño event. However, during May 2015, moist easterly flow towards the upper part of La Liboriana caused significant orographic rainfall enhancement. The overall evidence shows an important role of successive precipitation events in a relatively short period and of orography in the spatial distribution of rainfall and its intensification as convective cores approached the steepest topography. There were three consecutive events generating significant rainfall within the La Liboriana basin, and no single precipitation event was exceptionally large enough to generate the flash flood, but rather the combined role of precedent rainfall and the extreme hourly precipitation triggered the event. The results point to key lessons for improving local risk reduction strategies in vulnerable regions with complex terrain.
Two typical merging events of oceanic mesoscale anticyclonic eddies
Authors: Wang Zi-Fei , Sun Liang , Li Qiu-Yang , Cheng Hao
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The long-term theoretical “energy paradox” of whether
the final state of two merging anticyclones contains more energy than the
initial state is studied by considering two typical merging events of ocean
mesoscale eddies. The results demonstrate that the total mass (volume),
total circulation (area integration of vorticity), and total angular
momentum (AM) are conserved if the orbital AM relative to the center of mass
is taken into account as the eddies rotate around the center of mass before
merging. For subsurface merging, the mass trapped by the Taylor–Proudman
effect above the subsurface eddies should also be included. Both
conservation laws of circulation and orbital AM have been overlooked in
previous theoretical studies. As a result of fusion during merging, the
total eddy kinetic energy decreases slightly. In contrast, the total
eddy potential energy (EPE) increases after merging. The increase in EPE is
mostly supported by the loss of gravitational potential energy (PE) via eddy
sinking below the original level prior to merging. This implies that the
merging of eddies requires background gravitational PE to be converted to
EPE. In contrast, the vorticity and enstrophy consequently decrease after
merging. Thus, the eddy merging effect behaves as a “large-scale energy
pump” in an inverse energy cascade. It is noted that eddy conservation and
conversion laws depend on the laws of physical dynamics, even if additional
degrees of freedom can be provided in a mathematical model.
Rethinking templates: A syntactic analysis of verbal morphology in Emirati Arabic
Authors: Al Kaabi Meera , Ntelitheos Dimitrios
Published: November 2019

This paper presents an analysis of the morphosyntax and lexical semantics of the system of verbal forms of Emirati Arabic (EA, the variety of Gulf Arabic spoken in the United Arab Emirates) in terms of syntactic decomposition of argument structure. We argue that verbal meaning is a function of at least two syntactic functional heads: Voice and little v; and a lexical head: the consonantal root. We will further show that the unified syntactic structure, resulting from the interaction of the semantics and argument structure of the root with little v and Voice, captures the regularities as well as the exceptions in the interpretation of the verb forms of EA.
The effectiveness of an educational project using older adult volunteers for training primary care nurse practitioners in geriatric assessment
Authors: Hackel Jennifer M. , Eliot Roberts Teresa M.
Published: November 2019

This article reports on the effectiveness of a pilot project, where older adult volunteers attending college campus programs were recruited to act as mock patients (MP) in a two-hour clinical simulation experience for primary care nurse practitioner (NP) students learning about geriatric assessment. Primary care providers, such as NPs, study variable content on geriatrics and see older adults in their primary care clinical practica yet report they desire more time in their training to practice geriatric assessment techniques, apply clinical practice recommendations, and discuss broader aspects of cases being managed by NPs within the interdisciplinary team. Utilization of live models acting as MPs with small groups of students acting as one provider is one way in which health care trainees can take more time to learn from each other as well as the models in the simulated clinical setting. The professor wrote a hypothetical case study based on clinical practice experience that either a male or female volunteer retiree could play as the MP. The case was a 75-year-old retiree with multiple other chronic conditions, on multiple medications, presenting with acute on chronic fatigue. Of the 48 students who participated, 47 returned surveys. Aggregate scores indicated an overall effectiveness of 88% across multiple aspects of geriatric primary care. Qualitative data indicated that the NP students would like more such cases in which they get more lead time with the case information to consider the myriad factors at play and have smaller groups of students per MP. The older adults who volunteered as MPs reported overwhelmingly that they found participating in the students’ education to be rewarding and a chance to offer input about improvement in the care of older adults in the current health system in our aging society. There was consistent feedback that the program should be continued and enhanced. The case content is offered in this article for use by other health care professionals who educate trainees in primary care.
Experiences of midwives and community health workers using mHealth to improve services to pregnant women in rural Burkina Faso, Africa
Authors: Arnaert Antonia LDC , Ponzoni Norma , Debe Zoumanan , Marc Meda Mouoboum , Gustave Nana Noufou , Arnaert Stijn
Published: November 2019

Objective: This qualitative, descriptive study explored the experiences of midwives and community health workers (CHWs) using mhealth to improve the care provided to pregnant women living in the rural Diapangou region of Burkina Faso, Africa.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 4 CHWs and 4 community health center staff. Transcripts were content analyzed.Results: Despite internet connectivity challenges all participants agreed that mhealth allowed them to provide better maternal care. The service enhanced their practice collectively, through facilitating better follow-up care, promoting communication and collaboration, and facilitated management while simplifying administrative tasks. From a managerial perspective, having access to productivity information allowed for effective oversight and supervision of work-related activities. CHWs perceived additional work responsibilities and an opportunity for growth; however, both CHWs and staff recognized that the exposure to technology allowed them to achieve mastery of basic computer skills.Conclusions: The ‘digital divide’ remains a challenge in low resource settings, thus while findings are promising, Burkina Faso will have to wait to reap the full benefits of digital technology until a supportive infrastructure can be put in place.
A Research Review of College English Audio-Visual Speaking Teaching in China in Multi-Modality Symbol Framework
Authors: Yang Dan
Published: November 2019

In the past ten years, on the background of multi-modality symbols, researches of college English audio-visual speaking teaching in China have transitioned gradually from theoretical researches to practical researches in the aspect of research methods and research priorities. Five pairs of relationships between multi-modality symbols and college English audio-visual speaking teaching have been concerned about. When applying multi-modality symbols into college English audio-visual speaking teaching, teachers should choose different modals and teaching content appropriately, should use multi-modal languages comprehensively, should stress students’ self-study management, should speed up multi-modal teaching platform construction and use, should apply dynamic teaching and management mechanisms, and should construct a comprehensive teaching and evaluation mechanism.
Introducing Investment Promotion: A Marketing Approach to Attracting Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Abamu Bamituni E.
Published: November 2019

This paper introduces the concept of investment promotion, a form of marketing used by national governments to attract foreign investments into their country. While it is not a new concept, it barely makes it to academic literature. The paper brings investment promotion to the forefront for the purpose of creating a research interest in this topic and also contributes to the development of literature. It attempts to integrate investment promotion activities into already established marketing models and frameworks and set a marketing research agenda on the topic. Since attracting foreign investment is a policy and country situation issue, this paper will support and serve as a reference for governments as they design foreign investment policies and improve the attractiveness of their country as an investment destination using marketing tools. The paper first discusses the influence of marketing on investment promotion and how investors should be viewed as consumers who have needs to be satisfied. Various frameworks and concepts like the consumer decision-making process, market segmentation and marketing communications mix are discussed to show how they can be applied in investment promotion. The application of marketing concepts and theories has been beneficial in the business world, and this paper argues that there are potential benefits for countries who decide to apply the same concept and theories to attract investors.
Supramolecular Architecture of Chloranilate Salts with Organic Cations
Authors: Molčanov Krešimir , Jurić Marijana , Androš Dubraja Lidija
Published: November 2019

Four novel salts of chloranilic acid (H2CA; 3,6-dichloro-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-quinone) with organic cations pyridinium (Hpy+), piperazinediium (H2ppz2+), 4,4'-bipyridinediium (H2bpy2+) and 1,10-phenanthrolinium (Hphen+) were prepared and structurally characterised: (Hpy)2CA (1), (H2ppz)CA (2), (H2bpy)CA·4H2O (3) and (Hphen)HCA·MeOH (4). Supramolecular architecture is based on extensive hydrogen bonding and π-stacking. The central motive is chloranilate dianion which acts as an acceptor of two bifurcated hydrogen bonds. Topology and dimensionality of hydrogen bonded networks can be tuned by use of different cations: thus discrete motives, 1D chains and 2D layers were observed. Three different types of π-stacks are present: aromatic stacks, quinoid stacks and stacks of alternating quinoid and aromatic rings.
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Molecular Identification- a Review on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Localised Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) in Optical Nanobiosensing
Authors: Bousiakou Leda G. , Gebavi Hrvoje , Mikac Lara , Karapetis Stefanos , Ivanda Mile
Published: November 2019

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) allows for real-time, label-free optical detection of many chemical and biological substances. Having emerged in the last two decades, it is a widely used technique due to its non-invasive nature, allowing for the ultra-sensitive detection of a number of analytes. This review article discusses the principles, providing examples and illustrating the utility of SPR within the frame of plasmonic nanobiosensing, while making comparisons with its successor, namely localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). In particular LSPR utilizes both metal nanoparticle arrays and single nanoparticles, as compared to a continuous film of gold as used in traditional SPR. LSPR, utilizes metal nanoparticle arrays or single nanoparticles that have smaller sizes than the wavelength of the incident light, measuring small changes in the wavelength of the absorbance position, rather than the angle as in SPR. We introduce LSPR nanobiosensing by describing the initial experiments performed, shift-enhancement methods, exploitation of the short electromagnetic ﬁeld decay length, and single nanoparticle sensors are as pathways to further exploit the strengths of LSPR nanobiosensing. Coupling molecular identiﬁcation to LSPR spectroscopy is also explored and thus examples from surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy are provided. The unique characteristics of LSPR nanobiosensing are emphasized and the challenges using LSPR nanobiosensors for detection of biomolecules as a biomarker are discussed.
Mezinárodní právo soukromé – včera, dnes a zítra
Authors: Rozehnalová Naděžda , Sedláková Salibová Kristina
Published: November 2019

Příspěvek se zabývá vývojem mezinárodního práva soukromého, jako vědecké a pedagogické disciplíny, za uplynulých sto let od vzniku Právnické fakulty Masarykovy univerzity v Brně. Jsou nastíněny zlomové okamžiky, které vedly k významnému rozvoji této vědní disciplíny. Příspěvek je rozdělen do tří částí, kde autoři popisují pedagogické a vědecké uchopení mezinárodního práva soukromého a procesního na pozadí obecného vývoje této disciplíny.
Úvahy nad českým rodinným právem ve světle stého výročí tzv. manželské novely
Authors: Králíčková Zdeňka
Published: November 2019

Článek je věnován vývoji manželského práva ve světle tzv. manželské novely přijaté před sto lety. Lze říci, že tento zákon z počátku dvacátého století představuje významný počin, který české rodinné právo ovlivnil na dlouhá léta. Byl nastolen správný směr svobodné volby civilní či církevní formy uzavření manželství, došlo k omezení překážek manželství a rozvod manželství se významně zjednodušil. Klade se otázka, jaké jsou potřeby současné české společnosti? Je na místě de lege ferenda zakotvit v rámci legislativního „prorodinného balíčku“ tzv. rozvod u notáře?
Vzpomínka na hospodářské právo
Authors: Pokorná Jarmila
Published: November 2019

Příspěvek představuje osobní vzpomínku na studium na právnické fakultě na přelomu sedmdesátých a osmdesátých let 20. století. Zabývá se hospodářským právem jako speciálním předmětem, který byl na fakultě vyučován, a vzpomíná na učitele, kteří se mu věnovali.
Management of Recurrent Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With T-Cell Engagement: CAR T, BiTEs, and Beyond
Authors: Park Jae
Published: November 2019

Immunotherapies targeting CD19 (blinatumomab) and CD22 (inotuzumab ozogamicin) have demonstrated higher complete response rates and improved survival compared with chemotherapy in relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and are now standard of care in the relapsed setting. However, most adult patients still die of ALL despite these therapies, with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplant. At the NCCN 2019 Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies, Dr. Jae Park summarized clinical data from key trials of novel immunotherapies in ALL and reviewed evidence-based treatment approaches for adults with relapsed/refractory B‐cell ALL.
Advances in Personalized Therapeutic Approaches in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Bejar Rafael
Published: November 2019

Often unrecognized and underdiagnosed, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a rare group of cancers in which the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient healthy blood cells. Although patients with lower-risk MDS can live for >5 years, those with high-risk disease that evolves into acute myeloid leukemia is associated with significantly lower overall survival. At the NCCN 2019 Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies, Dr. Rafael Bejar summarized current standard treatment options for patients with MDS and discussed the importance of genetic testing to identify mutations that may impact treatment. Finally, Dr. Bejar described emerging personalized treatment strategies for the management of this disease.
Diagnosis and Management of Castleman Disease
Authors: Abramson Jeremy S.
Published: November 2019

Castleman disease is a heterogeneous nonmalignant lymphoproliferative disorder. Major distinctions include unicentric versus multicentric presentation; hyaline vascular, plasmacytic, or mixed pathology; and HHV8-associated (typically HIV-positive) versus idiopathic disease. At the NCCN 2019 Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies, Dr. Jeremy S. Abramson stated that rituximab is preferred as initial therapy for HHV8-positive disease, and chemotherapy can be added for patients with fulminant disease (antiretrovirals should always be used as well for those who are HIV-positive). Siltuximab is the preferred frontline therapy for idiopathic disease.
Temporaliser la photographie : Marker, Varda, Wenders–Salgado
Authors: Caille Antoine Constantin
Published: November 2019

À travers trois films qui reposent sur des photographies — Si j’avais quatre dromadaires de Chris Marker (1966), Ulysse d’Agnès Varda (1982) et Le sel de la Terre de Wim Wenders et Juliano Ribeiro Salgado (2014) —, cette contribution interroge la valeur et le sens de la restitution du temps. Nous considérons la part que joue dans le film la restitution du contexte bio-historiographique de la photographie, mais aussi la capacité de l’oeuvre photocinématographique à rendre sensible le temps. De quel temps s’agit-il alors ? Celui du réel photographié ou celui inventé par l’oeuvre ? Peut-on restituer ce temps réel et singulier de l’instant photographié, et est-ce cette restitution qui donnera tout son sens à la photographie ? Quelle importance faut-il donner à la singularité du moment ? L’enjeu de la restitution du temps ne dépasse-t-il pas celui de la restitution de cette singularité ?
Anarchival Images: The Labour of Chronic Collage
Authors: Thain Alanna
Published: November 2019

This essay develops the concept of “chronic collage” through an analysis of two recent works of media reperformance: Tanya Tagaq’s Nanook of the North (2012–) and Guy Maddin and Galen and Evan Johnson’s The Green Fog (2017). Both are remixes commissioned as live performances by film festivals. Tagaq created a resurgent and resistant new soundtrack to Robert Flaherty’s 1922 ethnographic film Nanook of the North and Maddin sampled media works shot in San Francisco to assemble a remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958), with a live soundtrack by Kronos Quartet. Taking an ecosophical approach, this essay describes chronic collage as an anti-extractivist critical technique that plays on lived archives of moving image memory across sites of expropriation, exclusion, and contested history. A dynamic form, chronic collage names the attempt to animate the affective agency of temporal objects.
(De)compositions: Time and Technology in William Basinski’s The Disintegration Loops (2002)
Authors: Kemper Jakko
Published: November 2019

This paper analyzes William Basinski’s album The Disintegration Loops (2002) and argues that its aesthetic rendition of temporality and finitude is relevant in view of the relation between technology and the human perception of time for three reasons. First, the technological apparatus responsible for its creation mirrors the Derridean concepts of the spacing of time and autoimmunity. Second, the album’s affective appeal illustrates Martin Hägglund’s notion of chronolibido. Third, the music gives rise to a temporal media experience that exists at odds with the media experience afforded by what Mark B.N. Hansen has described as twenty-first-century media. Together, these three dimensions make The Disintegrations Loops an object that allows for an empirical grounding of the discussed theorizations of time and media.
Novel charged sodium and calcium channel inhibitor active against neurogenic inflammation
Authors: Lee Seungkyu , Jo Sooyeon , Talbot Sébastien , Zhang Han-Xiong Bear , Kotoda Masakazu , Andrews Nick A , Puopolo Michelino , Liu Pin W , Jacquemont Thomas , Pascal Maud , Heckman Laurel M , Jain Aakanksha , Lee Jinbo , Woolf Clifford J , Bean Bruce P
Published: November 2019

Voltage-dependent sodium and calcium channels in pain-initiating nociceptor neurons are attractive targets for new analgesics. We made a permanently charged cationic derivative of an N-type calcium channel-inhibitor. Unlike cationic derivatives of local anesthetic sodium channel blockers like QX-314, this cationic compound inhibited N-type calcium channels more effectively with extracellular than intracellular application. Surprisingly, the compound is also a highly effective sodium channel inhibitor when applied extracellularly, producing more potent inhibition than lidocaine or bupivacaine. The charged inhibitor produced potent and long-lasting analgesia in mouse models of incisional wound and inflammatory pain, inhibited release of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from dorsal root ganglion neurons, and reduced inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma, which has a strong neurogenic component. The results show that some cationic molecules applied extracellularly can powerfully inhibit both sodium channels and calcium channels, thereby blocking both nociceptor excitability and pro-inflammatory peptide release.
Apolipoprotein M-bound sphingosine-1-phosphate regulates blood–brain barrier paracellular permeability and transcytosis
Authors: Mathiesen Janiurek Mette , Soylu-Kucharz Rana , Christoffersen Christina , Kucharz Krzysztof , Lauritzen Martin
Published: November 2019

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by the endothelial cells lining cerebral microvessels, but how blood-borne signaling molecules influence permeability is incompletely understood. We here examined how the apolipoprotein M (apoM)-bound sphingosine 1–phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway affects the BBB in different categories of cerebral microvessels using ApoM deficient mice (Apom-/-). We used two-photon microscopy to monitor BBB permeability of sodium fluorescein (376 Da), Alexa Fluor (643 Da), and fluorescent albumin (45 kDA). We show that BBB permeability to small molecules increases in Apom-/- mice. Vesicle-mediated transfer of albumin in arterioles increased 3 to 10-fold in Apom-/- mice, whereas transcytosis in capillaries and venules remained unchanged. The S1P receptor 1 agonist SEW2871 rapidly normalized paracellular BBB permeability in Apom-/- mice, and inhibited transcytosis in penetrating arterioles, but not in pial arterioles. Thus, apoM-bound S1P maintains low paracellular BBB permeability in all cerebral microvessels and low levels of vesicle-mediated transport in penetrating arterioles.
Using demographics toward efficient data classification in citizen science: a Bayesian approach
Authors: De Lellis Pietro , Nakayama Shinnosuke , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: November 2019

Public participation in scientific activities, often called citizen science, offers a possibility to collect and analyze an unprecedentedly large amount of data. However, diversity of volunteers poses a challenge to obtain accurate information when these data are aggregated. To overcome this problem, we propose a classification algorithm using Bayesian inference that harnesses diversity of volunteers to improve data accuracy. In the algorithm, each volunteer is grouped into a distinct class based on a survey regarding either their level of education or motivation to citizen science. We obtained the behavior of each class through a training set, which was then used as a prior information to estimate performance of new volunteers. By applying this approach to an existing citizen science dataset to classify images into categories, we demonstrate improvement in data accuracy, compared to the traditional majority voting. Our algorithm offers a simple, yet powerful, way to improve data accuracy under limited effort of volunteers by predicting the behavior of a class of individuals, rather than attempting at a granular description of each of them.
Thermosensitive Hydrogel Based on PEO–PPO–PEO Poloxamers for a Controlled In Situ Release of Recombinant Adeno‐Associated Viral Vectors for Effective Gene Therapy of Cartilage Defects
Authors: Madry Henning , Gao Liang , Rey‐Rico Ana , Venkatesan Jagadeesh K. , Müller‐Brandt Kathrin , Cai Xiaoyu , Goebel Lars , Schmitt Gertrud , Speicher‐Mentges Susanne , Zurakowski David , Menger Michael D. , Laschke Matthias W. , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: November 2019

Advanced biomaterial‐guided delivery of gene vectors is an emerging and highly attractive therapeutic solution for targeted articular cartilage repair, allowing for a controlled and minimally invasive delivery of gene vectors in a spatiotemporally precise manner, reducing intra‐articular vector spread and possible loss of the therapeutic gene product. As far as it is known, the very first successful in vivo application of such a biomaterial‐guided delivery of a potent gene vector in an orthotopic large animal model of cartilage damage is reported here. In detail, an injectable and thermosensitive hydrogel based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)–poly(propylene oxide) (PPO)–PEO poloxamers, capable of controlled release of a therapeutic recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) vector overexpressing the chondrogenic sox9 transcription factor in full‐thickness chondral defects, is applied in a clinically relevant minipig model in vivo. These comprehensive analyses of the entire osteochondral unit with multiple standardized evaluation methods indicate that rAAV‐FLAG‐hsox9/PEO–PPO–PEO hydrogel‐augmented microfracture significantly improves cartilage repair with a collagen fiber orientation more similar to the normal cartilage and protects the subchondral bone plate from early bone loss.
Boosting Ethylene/Ethane Separation within Copper(I)‐Chelated Metal–Organic Frameworks through Tailor‐Made Aperture and Specific π‐Complexation
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Libo , Hu Enlai , Yang Ling , Shao Kai , Yao Lijia , Jiang Ke , Cui Yuanjing , Yang Yu , Li Bin , Chen Banglin , Qian Guodong
Published: November 2019

The development of new materials for separating ethylene (C2H4) from ethane (C2H6) by adsorption is of great importance in the petrochemical industry, but remains very challenging owing to their close molecular sizes and physical properties. Using isoreticular chemistry in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) enables the precise design and construction of target materials with suitable aperture sizes and functional sites for gas separations. Herein, it is described that fine‐tuning of pore size and π‐complexation simultaneously in microporous copper(I)‐chelated MOFs can remarkably boost the C2H4/C2H6 adsorption selectivity. The judicious choice of organic linkers with a different number of carboxyl groups in the UiO‐66 framework not only allows the fine tuning of the pore size but also immobilizes copper(I) ions onto the framework. The tailor‐made adsorbent, CuI@UiO‐66‐(COOH)2, thus possesses the optimal pore window size and chelated Cu(I) ions to form π‐complexation with C2H4 molecules. It can rapidly adsorb C2H4 driven by the strong π‐complexation interactions, while effectively reducing C2H6 uptake due to the selective size‐sieving. Therefore, this material exhibits an ultrahigh C2H4/C2H6 selectivity (80.8), outperforming most previously described benchmark materials. The exceptional separation performance of CuI@UiO‐66‐(COOH)2 is validated by breakthrough experiments for 50/50 v/v C2H4/C2H6 mixtures under ambient conditions.
Accessing multidimensional mixing via 3D printing and showerhead micromixer design
Authors: Zhang Haomiao , Kopfmüller Thomas , Achermann Ramona , Zhang Jisong , Teixeira Andrew , Shen Yi , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: November 2019

We present a 3D metal printing showerhead mixer to blend effectively two reagent streams into a confined mixing volume. Each stream is predistributed to multiple channels to increase the contact area in the mixing zone, which enables high mixing performance with smaller pressure drop. The showerhead mixer shows excellent mixing performance owing to its ability to intersperse rapidly the two streams as characterized by the diazo coupling reactions and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Experimental results demonstrate superior performance of the showerhead mixer compared to two common commercial micro T‐mixers, especially in low Reynolds number regime. CFD results are employed to (a) help understand the mixing mechanism, (b) reproduce the experimental observations, and (c) inform the design specifications for optimal performance. Good agreement between experiments and simulations is achieved. The final design includes multiple side‐fed inlets for improved mixing performance of the showerhead mixer, as suggested by the validated CFD models.
Genetic and physiological mechanisms of freezing tolerance in locally adapted populations of a winter annual
Authors: Sanderson Brian J. , Park Sunchung , Jameel M. Inam , Kraft Joshua C. , Thomashow Michael F. , Schemske Douglas W. , Oakley Christopher G.
Published: November 2019

Premise

Despite myriad examples of local adaptation, the phenotypes and genetic variants underlying such adaptive differentiation are seldom known. Recent work on freezing tolerance and local adaptation in ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana from Italy and Sweden provides an essential foundation for uncovering the genotype–phenotype–fitness map for an adaptive response to a key environmental stress.

Methods

We examined the consequences of a naturally occurring loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutation in an Italian allele of the gene that encodes the transcription factor CBF2, which underlies a major freezing‐tolerance locus. We used four lines with a Swedish genetic background, each containing a LOF CBF2 allele. Two lines had introgression segments containing the Italian CBF2 allele, and two contained deletions created using CRISPR‐Cas9. We used a growth chamber experiment to quantify freezing tolerance and gene expression before and after cold acclimation.

Results

Freezing tolerance was lower in the Italian (11%) compared to the Swedish (72%) ecotype, and all four experimental CBF2 LOF lines had reduced freezing tolerance compared to the Swedish ecotype. Differential expression analyses identified 10 genes for which all CBF2 LOF lines, and the IT ecotype had similar patterns of reduced cold responsive expression compared to the SW ecotype.

Conclusions

We identified 10 genes that are at least partially regulated by CBF2 that may contribute to the differences in cold‐acclimated freezing tolerance between the Italian and Swedish ecotypes. These results provide novel insight into the molecular and physiological mechanisms connecting a naturally occurring sequence polymorphism to an adaptive response to freezing conditions.
Characterization of two rat models of cystic fibrosis—KO and F508del CFTR—Generated by Crispr‐Cas9
Authors: Dreano Elise , Bacchetta Marc , Simonin Juliette , Galmiche Louise , Usal Claire , Slimani Lotfi , Sadoine Jérémy , Tesson Laurent , Anegon Ignacio , Concordet Jean‐Paul , Hatton Aurélie , Vignaud Lucile , Tondelier Danielle , Sermet‐Gaudelus Isabelle , Chanson Marc , Cottart Charles‐Henry
Published: November 2019

Background

Genetically engineered animals are essential for gaining a proper understanding of the disease mechanisms of cystic fibrosis (CF). The rat is a relevant laboratory model for CF because of its zootechnical capacity, size, and airway characteristics, including the presence of submucosal glands.

Methods

We describe the generation of a CF rat model (F508del) homozygous for the p.Phe508del mutation in the transmembrane conductance regulator (Cftr) gene. This model was compared to new Cftr−/− rats (CFTR KO). Target organs in CF were examined by histological staining of tissue sections and tooth enamel was quantified by micro‐computed tomography. The activity of CFTR was evaluated by nasal potential difference (NPD) and short‐circuit current measurements. The effect of VX‐809 and VX‐770 was analyzed on nasal epithelial primary cell cultures from F508del rats.

Results

Both newborn F508del and Knock out (KO) animals developed intestinal obstruction that could be partly compensated by special diet combined with an osmotic laxative. The two rat models exhibited CF phenotypic anomalies such as vas deferens agenesis and tooth enamel defects. Histology of the intestine, pancreas, liver, and lungs was normal. Absence of CFTR function in KO rats was confirmed ex vivo by short‐circuit current measurements on colon mucosae and in vivo by NPD, whereas residual CFTR activity was observed in F508del rats. Exposure of F508del CFTR nasal primary cultures to a combination of VX‐809 and VX‐770 improved CFTR‐mediated Cl− transport.

Conclusions

The F508del rats reproduce the phenotypes observed in CFTR KO animals and represent a novel resource to advance the development of CF therapeutics.
Organothiol Monolayer Formation Directly on Muscovite Mica
Authors: de Poel Wester , Brugman Sander J. T. , van de Ven Kim H. A. , Gasseling Anouk , de Lange Jordi , Townsend Eleanor R. , Engwerda Anthonius H. J. , Jankowski Maciej , Blijlevens Melian A. R. , Werkhoven Ben L. , Drnec Jakub , Carlà Francesco , Felici Roberto , Tuladhar Aashish , Adhikari Narendra M. , De Yoreo James J. , Elemans Johannes A. A. W. , van Enckevort Willem J. P. , Rowan Alan E. , Vlieg Elias
Published: November 2019

Organothiol monolayers on metal substrates (Au, Ag, Cu) and their use in a wide variety of applications have been extensively studied. Here, the growth of layers of organothiols directly onto muscovite mica is demonstrated using a simple procedure. Atomic force microscopy, surface X‐ray diffraction, and vibrational sum‐frequency generation IR spectroscopy studies revealed that organothiols with various functional endgroups could be self‐assembled into (water) stable and adaptable ultra‐flat organothiol monolayers over homogenous areas as large as 1 cm2. The strength of the mica–organothiol interactions could be tuned by exchanging the potassium surface ions for copper ions. Several of these organothiol monolayers were subsequently used as a template for calcite growth.
Effects of fishing practice changes on pelagic shark longline captures in the Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia
Authors: Saidi Bechir , Karaa Sami , Enajjar Samira , Bradaï Mohamed. N.
Published: November 2019

In order to increase their catches, longliners targeting sharks in the Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia, have increased the number of hooks per basket and have included new bait types instead of mackerel (Scomber scombrus). This paper reports the effects of these changes on catch composition, catch rates, size distribution, life‐stage captures, and mortality at haulback.

Data from 48 and 96 longline sets, carried out during the shark fishing seasons of 2007 and 2008, with two hooks per basket, and 2016 and 2017, with five hooks per basket, respectively, were examined to assess the effect of gear change. Moreover, the effects of bait types were inspected based on 33 fishing sets using whole mackerel, 19 using salema (Sarpa salpa) halves, and 27 using pieces of stingray (Dasyatis spp.), sampled during 2016 and 2017.

The species composition indicated that longliners expand the vertical distribution of their hooks to operate from the surface to the bottom. The catches with both longline designs were dominated by sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus). Despite gear changes, the catch rate of C. plumbeus decreased by 42.21%, suggesting population decline. The size composition indicated a shift towards larger specimens, mainly adult females, which could jeopardize the shark population. Moreover, the mortality of the main species at haulback seems to be affected by the design of the longline.

The bait used, mainly pieces of stingray, significantly increased the catch rate of sandbar shark, which suggests a greater attractiveness of the new bait; however, fish size and mortality rates at haulback were unchanged in response to bait variation.

The fishery operates in shark nursery grounds, which exposes these fish (principally C. plumbeus) to considerable exploitation pressure. The new fishing practices intensified the pressure and thus the risk of a rapid depletion of populations. To preserve the shark species in the area, the use of new gear and attractive bait should be banned.
New ventures in Cleantech: Opportunities, capabilities and innovation outcomes
Authors: Jensen Febi , Lööf Hans , Stephan Andreas
Published: November 2019

Facing the challenge of climate change, innovations that imply environmental benefits create business opportunities for entrepreneurs. This paper analyzes innovation capabilities of startups in Cleantech and how the innovation outcomes of those startups develop over time. Based on the Mannheim Foundation Panel and applying propensity score matching, a cohort of 567 Cleantech startups is analyzed and compared with a control cohort of non‐Cleantech startups. We find that startups in Cleantech have, on average, higher technological capabilities compared with all other startups. Our econometric evidence shows that Cleantech startups are more likely to combine existing technology in a novel way. Finally, we find that Cleantech startups develop more market novelties in subsequent years when compared with their control group peers.
Is environmental innovation conducive to corporate financing? The moderating role of advertising expenditures
Authors: Liao Zhongju
Published: November 2019

Environmental innovation is an important way for firms to achieve sustainable development and acquire resources. Based on the stakeholder, resource dependence, and signal transmission theories, this study divided environmental innovation into substantive and strategic eco‐innovation and constructed a relationship model among environmental innovation, advertising expenditures, and corporate financing. Selecting 162 Chinese manufacturing listed companies from 2012 to 2017 as the research sample and adopting the multiple regression analysis method, the study found that substantive eco‐innovation had a positive effect on corporate financing, but strategic eco‐innovation had a significant negative effect on corporate financing. Further, advertising expenditures played a positive moderating role between substantive eco‐innovation, strategic eco‐innovation, and corporate financing. The robustness test further confirmed these results.
A reversible case of rapidly progressive dementia—Hypercalcemia due to hyperparathyroidism
Authors: de Oliveira Martins Duarte Josiana , Pereira Paula Maria Lobato Pestana , Lopes João Nuno Gamito , Goes Ana Teresa Loução , Durán David Campoamor , Sobral Ana Sofia Gonçalves Nunes , Rita Henrique José Barrelas , de Sousa e Costa José António
Published: November 2019

With an increasingly aging population, it is of extreme importance to exclude potentially reversible dementias, such as hyperparathyroidism with hypercalcemia, in the differential diagnosis of a rapidly progressive dementia. According to literature, this entity is undervalued and it is highly relevant to be aware of it.