bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empirical rainfall‐based model for defining baseflow and dynamical water use rights
Authors: Gómez Derly , Wendland Edson , de Carvalho Diniz Melo Davi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWater managers and stakeholders usually face uncertainty in water availability due to the challenge of incorporating the dynamic nature of precipitation into the water management system. Surface water rights are commonly related to the baseflow component, which is part of the precipitation incident on a watershed. This study proposes an empirical linear model to predict baseflow in perennial streams based on a moving average of antecedent rainfall data and the basin time response. The short‐term responses of three nested basins were estimated using cross Fourier spectral analysis, and the proposed model was applied to two nested basin scales (1,867 and 3,519 km2), located in southeastern Brazil. Results indicate that the aquifer stores the rainfall water with regulation times of approximately 60 days for the fast‐subsurface flow and approximately 2–3 years for the slow groundwater flow in both basins. Differences between our model results and monthly 95% exceedance discharge (Q95) were as high as 10 m3 s−1 between September and November in the largest basin, revealing how conservative Q95 can be as a criterion for water allocation purposes. Despite the simplicity, our empirical rainfall‐based model is structurally consistent and robust in representing the hydrological processes involving precipitation, groundwater storage and baseflow interactions at multiple scales by using few inputs and calibration parameters. Because it considers a range of rainfall periods, from past to present, our model contributes to a dynamic, predictive, and integrated water rights management.
Biodegradable Nanocarriers Resembling Extracellular Vesicles Deliver Genetic Material with the Highest Efficiency to Various Cell Types
Authors: Tarakanchikova Yana , Alzubi Jamal , Pennucci Valentina , Follo Marie , Kochergin Boris , Muslimov Albert , Skovorodkin Ilya , Vainio Seppo , Antipina Maria N. , Atkin Vsevolod , Popov Alexey , Meglinski Igor , Cathomen Toni , Cornu Tatjana I. , Gorin Dmitry A. , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Nazarenko Irina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEfficient delivery of genetic material to primary cells remains challenging. Here, efficient transfer of genetic material is presented using synthetic biodegradable nanocarriers, resembling extracellular vesicles in their biomechanical properties. This is based on two main technological achievements: generation of soft biodegradable polyelectrolyte capsules in nanosize and efficient application of the nanocapsules for co‐transfer of different RNAs to tumor cell lines and primary cells, including hematopoietic progenitor cells and primary T cells. Near to 100% efficiency is reached using only 2.5 × 10−4 pmol of siRNA, and 1 × 10−3 nmol of mRNA per cell, which is several magnitude orders below the amounts reported for any of methods published so far. The data show that biodegradable nanocapsules represent a universal and highly efficient biomimetic platform for the transfer of genetic material with the utmost potential to revolutionize gene transfer technology in vitro and in vivo.
Eco‐Friendly Synthesis of Hydrogels from Starch, Citric Acid, and Itaconic Acid: Swelling Capacity and Metal Chelation Properties
Authors: Duquette Daniel , Nzediegwu Christopher , Portillo‐Perez Guillermo , Dumont Marie‐Josée , Prasher Shiv 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this study, eco‐friendly superabsorbent hydrogels are prepared by the grafting and crosslinking reactions of itaconic acid and citric acid with starch, using potassium persulfate as the free radical initiator. The structure and morphology of the hydrogels are studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of the citric acid to starch ratio on the swelling properties is evaluated, and it is found that equal parts of citric acid and starch produced the highest swelling ratio of 188 g distilled water per g hydrogel. The hydrogels also exhibit pH‐dependent behavior, such that the maximum swelling ratio of 232 g/g is obtained at pH 8. Finally, the metal chelation properties of the hydrogel are tested in solutions of copper, nickel, and zinc, and the adsorption capacity followed the trend Cu > Ni > Zn based on the Freundlich parameter KF.
Testing microservice architectures for operational reliability
Authors: Pietrantuono Roberto , Russo Stefano , Guerriero Antonio 
Published: December 2019

SummaryMicroservice architectures (MSA) is an emerging software architectural paradigm for service‐oriented applications, well‐suited for dynamic contexts requiring loosely coupled independent services, frequent software releases and decentralized governance. A key problem in the engineering of MSA applications is the estimate of their reliability, which is difficult to perform prior to release due frequent releases/service upgrades, dynamic service interactions, and changes in the way customers use the applications. This paper presents an in vivo testing method, named EMART, to faithfully assess the reliability of an MSA application in operation. EMART is based on an adaptive sampling strategy, leveraging monitoring data about microservices usage and failure/success of user demands. We present results of evaluation of estimation accuracy, confidence and efficiency, through a set of controlled experiments with publicly available subjects. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absence of heterozygosity detected by single‐nucleotide polymorphism array in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Liu J. , He Z. , Lin S. , Wang Y. , Huang L. , Huang X. , Luo Y. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo investigate the general occurrence and clinical significance of absence of heterozygosity (AOH), detected by single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array on prenatal diagnosis.MethodsWe recruited pregnancies undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis at our fetal medicine center over a 6‐year period. All fetuses underwent SNP array using the Affymetrix CytoScan HD array platform. AOH was defined as a chromosomal homozygosity segment with neutral copy number. Cases with AOH over 10 Mb in size or with suspected pathogenicity were further analyzed, and the clinical features and outcome were reviewed.ResultsOf 10 294 recruited fetuses, 100 (0.97%) with AOH were identified; in 81 (81.0%) of these, AOH occurred in a single chromosome, while 19 (19.0%) patients had multiple AOHs in different chromosomes. AOH was observed in all chromosomes, chromosomes X, 2 and 16 being the most frequently involved. The length of AOH ranged from partial chromosome (9.002–80.222 Mb) to the entire chromosome. Similar AOH regions displayed varied clinical manifestations. In total, 55 patients presented with concomitant ultrasound abnormalities, the most common being multiple abnormalities (14/55 (25.5%)), genitourinary malformations (8/55 (14.5%)), skeletal malformations (5/55 (9.1%)) and small‐for‐gestational age (5/55 (9.1%)). Notably, the rate of adverse perinatal outcome (including termination of pregnancy, neonatal death, fetal death, selective reduction and miscarriage) in fetuses with AOH and ultrasound abnormalities (30/48 (62.5%)) was higher than in those without ultrasound abnormalities (6/40 (15.0%)) (P < 0.001). Further non‐invasive prenatal testing using cell‐free fetal DNA from maternal blood indicated chromosomal copy number abnormalities in 11 patients; however, they were confirmed as AOH by SNP array of the amniotic fluid.ConclusionsGenetic counseling regarding a prenatal diagnosis of AOH remains challenging. To evaluate comprehensively its significance, we propose a management strategy involving further serial ultrasound examinations, parental verification, whole‐exome sequencing, placental study and effective follow‐up. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
LiDAR measurements for an onshore wind farm: Wake variability for different incoming wind speeds and atmospheric stability regimes
Authors: Zhan Lu , Letizia Stefano , Valerio Iungo Giacomo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWind measurements were performed with the UTD mobile LiDAR station for an onshore wind farm located in Texas with the aim of characterizing evolution of wind‐turbine wakes for different hub‐height wind speeds and regimes of the static atmospheric stability. The wind velocity field was measured by means of a scanning Doppler wind LiDAR, while atmospheric boundary layer and turbine parameters were monitored through a met‐tower and SCADA, respectively. The wake measurements are clustered and their ensemble statistics retrieved as functions of the hub‐height wind speed and the atmospheric stability regime, which is characterized either with the Bulk Richardson number or wind turbulence intensity at hub height. The cluster analysis of the LiDAR measurements has singled out that the turbine thrust coefficient is the main parameter driving the variability of the velocity deficit in the near wake. In contrast, atmospheric stability has negligible influence on the near‐wake velocity field, while it affects noticeably the far‐wake evolution and recovery. A secondary effect on wake‐recovery rate is observed as a function of the rotor thrust coefficient. For higher thrust coefficients, the enhanced wake‐generated turbulence fosters wake recovery. A semi‐empirical model is formulated to predict the maximum wake velocity deficit as a function of the downstream distance using the rotor thrust coefficient and the incoming turbulence intensity at hub height as input. The cluster analysis of the LiDAR measurements and the ensemble statistics calculated through the Barnes scheme have enabled to generate a valuable dataset for development and assessment of wind farm models.
Advances in imaging strategies for in vivo tracking of exosomes
Authors: Betzer Oshra , Barnoy Eran , Sadan Tamar , Elbaz Idan , Braverman Cara , Liu Zhuang , Popovtzer Rachela 
Published: December 2019

AbstractExosomes have many biological functions as short‐ and long distance nanocarriers for cell‐to‐cell communication. They allow the exchange of complex information between cells, and thereby modulate various processes such as homeostasis, immune response and angiogenesis, in both physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, due to their unique abilities of migration, targeting, and selective internalization into specific cells, they are promising delivery vectors. As such, they provide a potentially new field in diagnostics and treatment, and may serve as an alternative to cell‐based therapeutic approaches. However, a major drawback for translating exosome treatment to the clinic is that current understanding of these endogenous vesicles is insufficient, especially in regards to their in vivo behavior. Tracking exosomes in vivo can provide important knowledge regarding their biodistribution, migration abilities, toxicity, biological role, communication capabilities, and mechanism of action. Therefore, the development of efficient, sensitive and biocompatible exosome labeling and imaging techniques is highly desired. Recent studies have developed different methods for exosome labeling and imaging, which have allowed for in vivo investigation of their bio‐distribution, physiological functions, migration, and targeting mechanisms. These improved imaging capabilities are expected to greatly advance exosome‐based nanomedicine applications.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
From Hand-Counting to GIS: Richardson in the Information Age
Authors: Gleditsch Kristian Skrede , Weidmann Nils B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRichardson made pioneering contributions to the study of geography and its influence on social and political dynamics. We use the research of Richardson as a point of departure to examine how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and spatial data provide opportunities to answer old and new questions in conflict research. There is an enduring interest in how geographical features influence political interactions and outcomes and increasing attention to how key factors highlighted vary spatially both within countries and beyond national boundaries. We focus on key motivations for using spatially disaggregated data and show how such data can help advance core research questions, drawing on examples from the study of violent conflict.
The wage curve and local monopsony power
Authors: Jokinen Juho 
Published: December 2019

AbstractUsing longitudinal micro-data from Finland, a country with a geographically dispersed population and relatively long distances between local labor markets, this paper examines the responsiveness of the pay level to local unemployment conditions. In particular, this study tests the hypothesis that the pay level is more responsive to the unemployment level in less agglomerated and more remote regions as might be expected if employers have a higher degree of monopsony power in such regions. The results consistently suggest that the pay level is lower in localities with a higher unemployment level and, hence, provide strong support for the so-called wage curve hypothesis, which predicts that a negative relationship exists between local unemployment and the pay level. Although the results provide some evidence that the magnitude of the regional pay–unemployment relationship varies across different regions of the country, the findings do not provide consistent support for the monopsony power hypothesis. In particular, after controlling for unobserved worker heterogeneity, the responsiveness of the pay level to the local unemployment conditions is similar across regions with different degrees of economic agglomeration.
Nondestructive quantitative characterisation of material phases in metal additive manufacturing using multi-energy synchrotron X-rays microtomography
Authors: Xavier Matheus S. , Yang Sam , Comte Christophe , Bab-Hadiashar Alireza , Wilson Neil , Cole Ivan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMetal additive manufacturing (MAM) has found emerging application in the aerospace, biomedical and defence industries. However, the lack of reproducibility and quality issues are regarded as the two main drawbacks to AM. Both of these aspects are affected by the distribution of defects (e.g. pores) in the AM part. Computed tomography (CT) allows the determination of defect sizes, shapes and locations, which are all important aspects for the mechanical properties of the final part. In this paper, data-constrained modelling (DCM) with multi-energy synchrotron X-rays is employed to characterise the distribution of defects in 316L stainless steel specimens manufactured with laser metal deposition (LMD). It is shown that DCM offers a more reliable method to the determination of defect levels when compared to traditional segmentation techniques through the calculation of multiple volume fractions inside a voxel, i.e. by providing sub-voxel information. The results indicate that the samples are dominated by a high number of small light constituents (including pores) that would not be detected under the voxel size in the majority of studies reported in the literature using conventional thresholding methods.
Magnetic Spiderman, a New Surgical Training Device: Study of Safety and Educational Value in a Liver Transplantation Surgical Training Program
Authors: Wang Yue , Chen Huan , Tang Bo , Ma Tao , Li Qingshan , Zhu Haoyang , Zhang Xiaogang , Lv Yi , Dong Dinghui 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionDifficulties with liver transplantation (LT)‐related surgical techniques are great challenges for young surgeons. Thus, young surgeons need to undergo systematic preclinical training. However, an optimal training system for LT is still lacking. This study aims to evaluate the safety and educational value of the Magnetic Spiderman (MS) during LT‐related surgical techniques training, particularly during training for the preparation of the donor's liver and vascular reconstruction.MethodsFor the donor liver preparation training, the pulling force of the MS was measured using 16 porcine livers. Another 40 porcine livers were divided into two groups: MS group (used MS in the preparation of the liver) (n = 25) and manual group (took manual assistance in the preparation of the liver) (MA group, n = 15). In vascular reconstruction training, 25 pairs of porcine iliac veins were used to practice reconstruction. Five LT experts evaluated the MS for its use in LT‐related surgical techniques training.ResultsDuring the donor liver preparation training, the number of assistants required in the MS group was significantly less than the number required in the MA group (0 vs. 1.8 ± 0.1; P < 0.001). However, the number of vasculature leaking points was similar between the two groups (0.2 ± 0.1 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2; P = 0.51). In vascular reconstruction training, the trainee alone could complete the vascular reconstruction training, with a reconstruction success rate of 80% (20/25). All five experts considered the MS a viable alternative to assistants, with the ability to facilitate single surgeon training for LT. Four out of five (80%) experts considered MS quite safe for surgery and effective at keeping the surgical field clear.ConclusionMS can reduce the number of assistants to zero in LT‐related techniques training without increasing the risk of the operation, thus facilitating training for LT.
Nectar- and stigma exudate-specific expression of an acidic chitinase could partially protect certain apple cultivars against fire blight disease
Authors: Kurilla Anita , Toth Timea , Dorgai Laszlo , Darula Zsuzsanna , Lakatos Tamas , Silhavy Daniel , Kerenyi Zoltan , Dallmann Geza 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMain conclusionCertain apple cultivars accumulate to high levels in their nectar and stigma exudate an acidic chitinase III protein that can protect against pathogens including fire blight disease causingErwinia amylovora.AbstractTo prevent microbial infections, flower nectars and stigma exudates contain various antimicrobial compounds.Erwinia amylovora, the causing bacterium of the devastating fire blight apple disease, is the model pathogen that multiplies in flower secretions and infects through the nectaries. AlthoughErwinia-resistant apples are not available, certain cultivars are tolerant. It was reported that in flower infection assay, the ‘Freedom’ cultivar wasErwiniatolerant, while the ‘Jonagold’ cultivar was susceptible. We hypothesized that differences in the nectar protein compositions lead to different susceptibility. Indeed, we found that an acidic chitinase III protein (Machi3-1) selectively accumulates to very high levels in the nectar and the stigma exudate of the ‘Freedom’ cultivar. We show that three differentMachi3-1alleles exist in apple cultivars and that only the5B-Machi3-1allele expresses the Machi3-1 protein in the nectar and the stigma exudate. We demonstrate that the5B-Machi3-1allele was introgressed from theMalus floribunda821 clone into different apple cultivars including the ‘Freedom’. Our data suggest that MYB-binding site containing repeats of the 5B-Machi3-1promoter is responsible for the strong nectar- and stigma exudate-specific expression. As we found that in vitro, the Machi3-1 protein impairs growth and biofilm formation ofErwiniaat physiological concentration, we propose that the Machi3-1 protein could partially protect5B-Machi3-1allele containing cultivars againstErwiniaby inhibiting the multiplication and biofilm formation of the pathogen in the stigma exudate and in the nectar.
Sex-specific effects of the in ovo environment on early-life phenotypes in eiders
Authors: Öst Markus , Noreikiene Kristina , Angelier Frederic , Jaatinen Kim 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMaternal effects affect offspring phenotype and fitness. However, the roles of offspring sex-specific sensitivity to maternal glucocorticoids and sex-biased maternal investment remain unclear. It is also uncertain whether telomere length (a marker associated with lifespan) depends on early growth in a sex-specific manner. We assessed whether maternal traits including corticosterone (CORT; the main avian glucocorticoid) and in ovo growth rate are sex-specifically related to offspring CORT exposure, relative telomere length (RTL) and body condition in eiders (Somateria mollissima). We measured feather CORT (fCORT), RTL and body condition of newly hatched ducklings, and growth rate in ovo was expressed as tarsus length at hatching per incubation duration. Maternal traits included baseline plasma CORT, RTL, body condition and breeding experience. We found that fCORT was negatively associated with growth rate in daughters, while it showed a positive association in sons. Lower offspring fCORT was associated with higher maternal baseline plasma CORT, and fCORT was higher in larger clutches and in those hatching later. The RTL of daughters was negatively associated with maternal RTL, whereas that of males was nearly independent of maternal RTL. Higher fCORT in ovo was associated with longer RTL at hatching in both sexes. Duckling body condition was mainly explained by egg weight, and sons had a slightly lower body condition. Our correlational results suggest that maternal effects may have heterogeneous and even diametrically opposed effects between the sexes during early development. Our findings also challenge the view that prenatal CORT exposure is invariably associated with shorter telomeres.
Surgical strategy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas
Authors: Hirono Seiko , Yamaue Hiroki 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe current treatment strategy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), based on the international consensus guideline, has been accepted widely. However, reported outcomes after surgical resection for IPMN show that once the tumor progresses to invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC), recurrence is not uncommon. The surgical treatment for IPMN is invasive and sometimes followed by complications. Therefore, the best timing for resection might be at the point when high-grade dysplasia (HGD) is evident. According to previous reports, main duct type IPMN has a high malignant potential and its surgical resection is universally accepted, whereas, the incidence of HGD/invasive IPMC in branch duct and mixed type IPMNs is thought to be lower. In addition to mural nodules and a dilated main pancreatic duct, cytology and measurement of the carcinoembryonic antigen level in the pancreatic juice might be useful to differentiate HGD/invasive IPMC from low-grade dysplasia. The nomogram proposed recently to predict the risk of HGD/invasive IPMC in IPMN patients might help surgeons decide on the best treatment strategy, depending on the patient’s age and general condition. Second resection for high-risk lesions in the remnant pancreas might improve the survival of IPMN patients.