bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the tolerance of chick hip joint development to temporary paralysis and the potential for recovery
Authors: Bridglal Devi L. , Boyle Colin J. , Rolfe Rebecca A. , Nowlan Niamh C. 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundAbnormal fetal movements are implicated in joint pathologies such as arthrogryposis and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Experimentally induced paralysis disrupts joint cavitation and morphogenesis leading to postnatal abnormalities. However, the developmental window(s) most sensitive to immobility—and therefore the best time for intervention—have never been identified. Here, we systematically vary the timing and duration of paralysis during early chick hip joint development. We then test whether external manipulation of immobilized limbs can mitigate the effects of immobility.ResultsTiming of paralysis affected the level of disruption to joints, with paralysis periods between embryonic days 4 and 7 most detrimental. Longer paralysis periods produced greater disruption in terms of failed cavitation and abnormal femoral and acetabular geometry. External manipulation of an immobilized limb led to more normal morphogenesis and cavitation compared to un‐manipulated limbs.ConclusionsTemporary paralysis is detrimental to joint development, particularly during days 4 to 7. Developmental processes in the very early stages of joint development may be critical to DDH, arthrogryposis, and other joint pathologies. The developing limb has the potential to recover from periods of immobility, and external manipulation provides an innovative avenue for prevention and treatment of developmental joint pathologies.
Power of a dual‐use SNP panel for pedigree reconstruction and population assignment
Authors: May Samuel A. , McKinney Garrett J. , Hilborn Ray , Hauser Lorenz , Naish Kerry A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe use of high‐throughput, low‐density sequencing approaches has dramatically increased in recent years in studies of eco‐evolutionary processes in wild populations and domestication in commercial aquaculture. Most of these studies focus on identifying panels of SNP loci for a single downstream application, whereas there have been few studies examining the trade‐offs for selecting panels of markers for use in multiple applications. Here, we detail the use of a bioinformatic workflow for the development of a dual‐purpose SNP panel for parentage and population assignment, which included identifying putative SNP loci, filtering for the most informative loci for the two tasks, designing effective multiplex PCR primers, optimizing the SNP panel for performance, and performing quality control steps for downstream applications. We applied this workflow to two adjacent Alaskan Sockeye Salmon populations and identified a GTseq panel of 142 SNP loci for parentage and 35 SNP loci for population assignment. Only 50–75 panel loci were necessary for >95% accurate parentage, whereas population assignment success, with all 172 panel loci, ranged from 93.9% to 96.2%. Finally, we discuss the trade‐offs and complexities of the decision‐making process that drives SNP panel development, optimization, and testing.
Precipitation contributes to plant height, but not reproductive effort, for western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara Sheviak & Bowles): Evidence from herbarium records
Authors: Biederman Lori A. , Weldon Sydney M. , Anderson Derek S. , Leoschke Mark J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe western fringed prairie orchid (WFPO) is a rare plant found in mesic to wet tallgrass prairies in the Great Plains and Midwest regions of the United States. The size of WFPO populations varies considerably from year to year, and studies have suggested that population size is dependent on precipitation during critical periods in the plant's annual development. We hypothesized that plant height and reproductive effort would also be controlled by precipitation, either during these periods or over a broader period. We acquired available images of WFPO from 21 herbaria, and of these 141 individual plants had information adequate for analysis, although some population/year combinations were represented multiple times. For each specimen, we measured plant height (cm) and reproductive effort (as measured by total flower and bud count). We used bootstrapped linear regression, randomly selecting one individual from each population/year combination, to compare precipitation models, both during critical periods and the various summaries. We found that precipitation during the phenologically critical periods was a poor predictor of plant height and reproductive effort. Of the broader precipitation variables, accumulated precipitation from January 1 to collection date best described plant height. We also used correlations to detect a relationship among the variables WFPO height, reproductive effort, precipitation, latitude, and year of collection. Year of specimen collection was negatively correlated with WFPO plant height and accumulated precipitation, suggesting that both have declined in more recent years. Negative correlations with latitude also suggest height and precipitation decrease in the northern part of WFPO's range. Reproductive effort was not related to tested precipitation variables; however, it was weakly correlated with plant height. Although the results are limited, this study leverages available data and makes inferences on WFPO biology over broad ranges of time (1894–2012) and latitude (37.5°–49.9°).
Simulations of a weakly conducting droplet under the influence of an alternating electric field
Authors: Sahu Kirti Chandra , Tripathi Manoj Kumar , Chaudhari Jay , Chakraborty Suman 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe investigate the electrohydrodynamics of an initially spherical droplet under the influence of an external alternating electric field by conducting axisymmetric numerical simulations using a charge‐conservative volume‐of‐fluid based finite volume flow solver. The mean amplitude of shape oscillations of a droplet subjected to an alternating electric field for leaky dielectric fluids is similar to the steady‐state deformation under an equivalent root mean squared direct electric field for all possible electrical conductivity ratio and permittivity ratio of the droplet to the surrounding fluid. In contrast, our simulations for weakly conducting media show that this equivalence between alternating and direct electric fields does not hold for . Moreover, for a range of parameters, the deformation obtained using the alternating and direct electric fields is qualitatively different, that is, for low and high , the droplet becomes prolate under alternating electric field but deforms to an oblate shape in the case of the equivalent direct electric field. A parametric study is conducted by varying the time period of the applied alternating electric field, the permittivity and the electrical conductivity ratios. It is observed that while increasing has a negligible effect on the deformation dynamics of the droplet for , it enhances the deformation of the droplet when for both alternating and direct electric fields. We believe that our results may be of immense consequence in explaining the morphological evolution of droplets in a plethora of scenarios ranging from nature to biology.
Experimental and analytical fragility assessment of a combined heavy timber–steel‐braced frame through hybrid simulation
Authors: Miller Sean , Woods Joshua E. , Erochko Jeff , Lau David T. , Gilbert Colin F. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryA combined heavy timber–steel structural system has recently been developed for the adaptation of advanced structural braces into tall timber structures. This study investigates the system‐level performance of a seven‐story combined timber–steel friction‐braced frame using hybrid simulation and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). The IDA results from the hybrid simulations are compared with a numerical model to assess its ability to capture the nonlinear seismic performance of the timber–steel friction‐braced frame. Experimental and numerical IDA results are used to derive fragility curves for interstory and residual drift and assess its collapse probability under different earthquake hazard levels. The hybrid test results show that the timber–steel friction‐braced frame demonstrates excellent seismic performance under a range of ground motion intensities. The experimental results from the hybrid simulations and the experimental fragility curves correlate well with the numerical modeling results.
Solar dimming decreased maize yield potential on the North China Plain
Authors: Meng Qingfeng , Liu Baohua , Yang Haishun , Chen Xinping 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSolar dimming has been increasing in rapidly developing regions (China and India) and threatening food security. Although previous studies have summarized the effects of climate change‐associated increases in temperature on agriculture, few have examined the effects due to solar dimming. Here, we analyzed the effects of solar dimming on maize on the North China Plain (NCP). It is reported that solar dimming intensified and maize yield potential decreased since the 1960s. The total decrease in solar radiation for the whole maize growing season of this period was 17%, and solar dimming explained 87% of the decrease in yield potential. Meanwhile, solar dimming was closely related to the level of anthropogenic fine particulate matter such as PM2.5. The PM2.5 concentration in the NCP averaged 56 μg/m3 in 2014 and 2015, which was approximately three times greater than the global mean. Our results suggested that a 10 µg/m3 increase of PM2.5 concentration in this region was together with a 55 MJ/m2 decrease in solar radiation. Solar dimming threatened food security in the NCP and probably in other areas of the world and has profound implications for ongoing and future efforts such as Clean Air Action and other measures.
Forecasting the production side of GDP
Authors: Bäurle Gregor , Steiner Elizabeth , Züllig Gabriel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe evaluate the forecasting performance of time series models for the production side of gross domestic product (GDP)—that is, for the sectoral real value‐added series summing up to aggregate output. We focus on two strategies to model a large number of interdependent time series simultaneously: a Bayesian vector autoregressive model (BVAR) and a factor model structure; and compare them to simple aggregate and disaggregate benchmarks. We evaluate point and density forecasts for aggregate GDP and the cross‐sectional distribution of sectoral real value‐added growth in the euro area and Switzerland. We find that the factor model structure outperforms the benchmarks in most tests, and in many cases also the BVAR. An analysis of the covariance matrix of the sectoral forecast errors suggests that the superiority can be traced back to the ability to capture sectoral comovement more accurately.
Metabolic profiling revealed the organ‐specific distribution differences of tannins and flavonols in pecan
Authors: Xu Mengyang , Liu Pei , Jia Xiaodong , Zhai Min , Zhou Shigang , Wu Baocheng , Guo Zhongren 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCarya illinoinensis is rich in phenolic metabolites such as tannins and flavonols, but both the composition and the distribution of these nutritional constituents in most pecan organs were still unclear. In this experiment, a comprehensive qualification and quantification of phenolic metabolites in eight organs of pecan were conducted for the first time. Ninety‐seven phenolic metabolites were identified, in which twelve were identified for the first time in pecan, including a series of ellagitannins with high molecular weight. Hydrolysable tannin was the dominant kind of phenolic metabolites in pecan. The metabolic profiles of tannins in pecan were extended. Thirty‐three phenolic metabolites were quantified, among them the highest content was ellagic acid pentose in testa. From this experiment, we can see that the distribution of phenolic metabolites in pecan was organ‐specific, tannins tend to accumulate in pecan testa with both diverse structures and high contents, while flavonols tend to accumulate in organs such as branch, bark, or leaf. Among all organs, testa contained the highest content of phenolics, which might play important roles in protecting pecan kernel from diseases and insects. A massive phenolic metabolites' matrix in different pecan organs was built in this experiment, which should be useful for related researches in the future and help provide a theoretical basis for using these organs as functional foods.
Highly conformal reirradiation in patients with prior oropharyngeal radiation: Clinical efficacy and toxicity outcomes
Authors: Bagley Alexander F. , Garden Adam S. , Reddy Jay P. , Moreno Amy C. , Frank Steven J. , Rosenthal David I. , Morrison William H. , Gunn Gary Brandon , Fuller Clifton D. , Shah Shalin J. , Ferrarotto Renata , Sturgis Erich M. , Gross Neil D. , Phan Jack 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundReirradiation of head and neck cancer is associated with high rates of locoregional failure and potentially severe treatment‐related toxicity. We report our institutional experience of reirradiation using modern highly conformal radiotherapy approaches in patients with prior oropharyngeal radiation.MethodsWe reviewed patients receiving curative‐intent reirradiation with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and proton beam radiotherapy at our institution from 1999 to 2019. Disease control, survival, and toxicity rates following reirradiation were determined.ResultsSixty‐nine patients were evaluated. Local control (LC), progression‐free survival, and overall survival at 2 years following reirradiation were 77%, 35%, and 51%, respectively. Grade 3 or greater (G3+) late toxicities occurred in 46% of patients and 41% required feeding tube placement during or after reirradiation.ConclusionsIn select patients with prior oropharyngeal radiation, highly conformal reirradiation offers acceptable LC, but G3+ toxicity and out‐of‐field failure rates remain high. These findings warrant continued evaluation of new multimodality approaches to improve oncologic outcomes.
Management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing therapy with midostaurin: a focus on antifungal prophylaxis
Authors: Cairoli Roberto , Ferrara Felicetto , Girmenia Corrado , Luppi Mario , Pea Federico , Specchia Giorgina , Venditti Adriano 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBoth therapy and prophylaxis for infectious complications during the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have improved, although invasive fungal disease still remains a life‐threatening occurrence. Accordingly, prophylactic strategies with effective and well‐tolerated antifungals remain a cornerstone of management. Herein, the recent literature on antifungal prophylaxis used during the treatment of AML is reviewed, with a focus on the use in combination with midostaurin. The multikinase inhibitor midostaurin targets FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and is approved, in association with 7 + 3, for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed FLT3‐mutated AML. Midostaurin has been shown to extend both overall and event‐free survival in AML patients with an FLT3 mutation and is now the standard of care in FLT3+ AML. Antifungal prophylaxis should be adopted during all phases of treatment in all AML patients, and the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor posaconazole is frequently the preferred agent. As midostaurin is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4, there is a potential for drug–drug interactions that requires further evaluation. At present, the available data suggest that there are no absolute contraindications for coadministration of midostaurin with posaconazole, albeit with cautious monitoring. Considering the survival advantage offered by midostarin, concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should not be ruled out, although such use should be evaluated cautiously and used on a case‐by‐case basis only if there are no suitable alternatives. It should also be kept in mind that patients with invasive fungal infection undergoing therapy for AML with midostaurin may need prolonged antifungal therapy, which must be based on the administration of the appropriate antifungal agent.
Experimental study on the hydrological performance of green roofs in the application of novel biochar
Authors: Huang Shan , Garg Ankit , Mei Guoxiong , Huang Disheng , Chandra Rahul Balaji , Sadasiv Shaji Gayathri 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBiochar has the potential to be a soil amendment in green roofs owing to its water retention, nutrient supply, and carbon sequestration application. The combined effects of biochar and vegetated soil on hydraulic performance (e.g., saturated hydraulic conductivity, retention and detention, and runoff delay) are the crucial factor for the application of the novel biochar in green roofs. Recent studies investigated soil water potential (i.e., suction) either on vegetated soil or on biochar‐amended soil but rarely focused on their integrated application. With the purpose of investigating the hydraulic performance of green roofs in the application of biochar, the combined effect of biochar and vegetated soil on hydrological processes was explored. Artificial rainfall experiments were conducted on the four types of experimental soil columns, including natural soil, biochar‐amended soil, vegetated natural soil, and vegetated biochar‐amended soil. The surface ponding, bottom drainage and the volumetric water content were measured during the rainfall test. Simulation method by using HYDRUS‐1D was adopted for estimating hydraulic parameters and developing modelling analysis. The results indicated that the saturated hydraulic conductivity of vegetated soil columns were higher than bare soil columns. The addition of biochar decreased the saturated hydraulic conductivity, and the magnitude of decrease was much significant in the case of vegetated soil. The influence of vegetation on permeability is more prominent than biochar. The vegetated biochar‐amended soil has the highest retention and detention capacity, and shows a preferable runoff delay effect under heavy rain among the four soil columns. The results from the present study help to understand the hydrological processes in the green roof in the application of biochar, and imply that biochar can be an alternative soil amendment to improve the hydraulic performance.
The role of intellectual property rights in a directed technical change model
Authors: Afonso Oscar , Magalhães Manuela 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe propose a two country, Innovator and Follower, directed technical change model between tradable and nontradable sectors. The Innovator performs innovative R&D and the Follower adopts the available technological knowledge. Substitutability between sectors, scale effects, international IPRs protection and R&D productivity determine the economic growth and the technological‐knowledge bias, which, in turn, affects relative prices and wages. Wages are higher in the Innovator, namely in the nontradable sector under strong substitutability. Technological‐knowledge and intra‐country wage inequality are biassed towards the tradable sector, the effect being reinforced by positive IPRs protection and substitutability. Real exchange rates accommodate the Balassa‐Samuelson proposal and increase with positive IPRs protection and substitutability. The effect of IPRs on the steady‐state growth rate is ambiguous, depending on the substitutability. Theoretical results are also influenced by labor movements and are confirmed by a calibrated exercise for 11 developed/Innovator countries and 11 developing/Follower countries, and by the empirical evidence.
Constructing a financial conditions index for the United Kingdom: A comparative analysis
Authors: Zhu Sheng , Kavanagh Ella , O'Sullivan Niall 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe investigate the optimal constituent variable weighting method for a UK financial conditions index (FCI) using a small number of financial indicators. The criterion for choosing the optimal weighting model concentrates on the index's ability to predict economic activity. We develop a “two‐step” process as a new weighted‐sum method and show that it is superior to other existing weighted‐sum models in creating an FCI. For comparative purposes, we create another FCI using a time‐varying parameter factor‐augmented vector autoregressive (TVP‐FAVAR) with stochastic volatility model as a principal‐component method. The results suggest that the TVP‐FAVAR model is the best variable‐weighting model to create an FCI in relation to its purpose of forecasting developments in the economy.
Are the effects of exchange‐rate volatility on commodity trade between the U.S. and Mexico symmetric or asymmetric?
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Harvey Hanafiah 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRecent advances in nonlinear modeling or asymmetry analysis have revealed that nonlinear models produce more significant results compared to linear models. Only one study has demonstrated this with establishing the link between exchange rate volatility and trade flows. We add to the body of literature by considering the possibility of asymmetric effects of exchange rate volatility on commodity trade between Mexico and the U.S. After considering a total of 95 U.S. exporting industries to Mexico and 89 U.S. importing industries from Mexico, we find evidence of short‐run asymmetric effects in 54 exporting and 46 importing industries. Short‐run asymmetric effects translate into long‐run asymmetric effects in 44 exporting and 47 importing industries. These asymmetric effects were masked by the linear model which assumes the effects to be symmetric and they have different implication for different industries.
The impact of economic policy uncertainty on stock returns: The role of corporate environmental responsibility engagement
Authors: Liao Gaoke , Hou Peng , Shen Xiaoyan , Albitar Khaldoon 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on market‐driven common stock returns and individual‐driven idiosyncratic stock returns as well as explores the role of corporate environmental responsibility (CER) engagement on this impact based on a sample of 175 firms listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 index from 2008 to 2016. The results show that an increase in EPU significantly reduces the market‐driven common stock returns but increases individual‐driven idiosyncratic stock returns. Further, EPU has a lower negative impact on the common stock returns of high‐CER firms comparing with low‐CER firms. EPU has a higher positive impact on idiosyncratic stock returns of high‐CER firms comparing with low‐CER firms. Overall, the findings of this paper extremely relevant for the government, investors and firm's managers and can be utilised for policy and investment decision‐making.