bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The roles and controls of GATA factors in blood and cardiac development
Authors: Dobrzycki Tomasz , Lalwani Mukesh , Telfer Caroline , Monteiro Rui , Patient Roger 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGATA factors play central roles in the programming of blood and cardiac cells during embryonic development. Using the experimentally accessible Xenopus and zebrafish models, we report observations regarding the roles of GATA‐2 in the development of blood stem cells and GATA‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 in cardiac development. We show that blood stem cells develop from the dorsal lateral plate mesoderm and GATA‐2 is required at multiple stages. Firstly, GATA‐2 is required to make the cells responsive to VEGF‐A signalling by driving the synthesis of its receptor, FLK‐1/KDR. This leads to differentiation into the endothelial cells that form the dorsal aorta. GATA‐2 is again required for the endothelial‐to‐haematopoietic transition that takes place later in the floor of the dorsal aorta. GATA‐2 expression is dependent on BMP signalling for each of these inputs into blood stem cell programming. GATA‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 work together to ensure the specification of cardiac cells during development. We have demonstrated redundancy within the family and also some evolution of the functions of the different family members. Interestingly, one of the features that varies in evolution is the timing of expression relative to other key regulators such as Nkx2.5 and BMP. We show that the GATA factors, Nkx2.5 and BMP regulate each other and it would appear that what is critical is the mutually supportive network of expression rather than the order of expression of each of the component genes. In Xenopus and zebrafish, the cardiac mesoderm is adjacent to an anterior population of cells giving rise to blood and endothelium. This population is not present in mammals and we have shown that, like the cardiac population, the blood and endothelial precursors require GATA‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 for their development. Later, blood‐specific or cardiac‐specific regulators determine the ultimate fate of the cells, and we show that these regulators act cross‐antagonistically. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling drives the cardiac fate, and we propose that the anterior extension of the FGF signalling field during evolution led to the recruitment of the blood and endothelial precursors into the heart field ultimately resulting in a larger four chambered heart. Zebrafish are able to successfully regenerate their hearts after injury. To understand the pathways involved, with a view to determining why humans cannot do this, we profiled gene expression in the cardiomyocytes before and after injury, and compared those proximal to the injury with those more distal. We were able to identify an enhancement of the expression of regulators of the canonical Wnt pathway proximal to the injury, suggesting that changes in Wnt signalling are responsible for the repair response to injury.
An assessment of global satellite‐based precipitation datasets in capturing precipitation extremes: A comparison with observed precipitation dataset in India
Authors: Gupta Vivek , Jain Manoj K. , Singh Pushpendra K. , Singh Vishal 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe availability of global satellite‐based precipitation datasets provides an asset to accomplish precipitation dependent analysis where gauge based precipitation datasets are not available or limited. In this study, we have taken three most popular and globally accepted satellite‐based daily gridded (0.25° × 0.25°) precipitation datasets such as Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS), Satellite Soil Moisture to Rain (SM2RAIN‐ASCAT) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM now available as Global Precipitation Measurement [GPM]) for 10 years (2007–2016) time‐series durations to test their reliability across India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) observed daily gridded (0.25° × 0.25°) precipitation data have been taken as reference data to compare the other three satellite‐based gridded precipitation datasets by developing standard extreme precipitation indices (SEPIs). The precipitation extremity has been tested in the wet season (June–July–August–September) and throughout the year. We have also analysed the extreme behaviour of precipitation (in both upper and lower tails) using quantile‐quantile (Q–Q) regression analysis after selecting 33 random precipitation grids across India. The overall analysis results showed that all satellite‐based datasets have significant spatial heterogeneity in estimating precipitation extremes accurately which varies across India. Among all satellite‐precipitation datasets, TRMM found closer to IMD than SM2RAIN‐ASCAT and CHIRPS. The frequency based SEPIs showed that CHIRPS, TRMM and SM2RAIN‐ASCAT have similarities to IMD precipitations. The intensity‐based SEPIs show that TRMM and CHIRPS have significant similarities with IMD precipitations. The wet season‐based analysis results showed that TRMM and CHIRPS are closer to IMD precipitations than SM2RAIN‐ASCAT satellite‐precipitations. Overall TRMM and CHIRPS datasets performed well across most regions in India, while SM2RAIN‐ASCAT dataset has performed poorly in India, especially for extreme precipitation cases. Q–Q plots show that each satellite‐based precipitation dataset captured most of extreme cases in different quantile intervals with respect to IMD precipitation; however, SM2RAIN‐ASCAT has slightly under‐performed at many regions in India.
Spatial and seasonal variation of rainfall contribution by the height spectrum of precipitation systems and associated cloud bulk properties over the South Asia
Authors: Roy Partha , Biswasharma Rupraj , Deshamukhya Atri , Sharma Sanjay 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe spatial‐seasonal variation of rainfall contribution by the height spectrum of precipitation systems in terms of maximum echo top height of 20 and 40 dBZ (ETH20 dBZ (max)and ETH40 dBZ (max)) is investigated. The study is carried out during the pre‐monsoon (March–May) and monsoon (June–September) over the continental, coastal and oceanic regions of South‐Asia. For this purpose, 17 years (1998–2014) of TRMM‐PR and 4 years (2007–2010) of CloudSat‐CPR observations are considered. Over the continental (coastal/oceanic) regions, the maximum rainfall contribution is by relatively deeper ETH20 dBZ (max)during the monsoon (pre‐monsoon). During the pre‐monsoon (monsoon), the maximum rainfall contribution by Deep Convective Systems (DCSs) is over the Northern‐Myanmar‐Coast; 55% (Western‐Himalaya‐Indentation; 39%). Over the central Arabian‐Sea and central Bay‐of‐Bengal, rainfall contributions by DCSs are predominantly associated with Tropical Cyclonic Disturbances (TCDs) in the pre‐monsoon season. In terms of ETH40 dBZ (max), the maximum rainfall contribution over the continental region during the pre‐monsoon is by relatively stronger Precipitation Features (PFs) compared to the monsoon. Unlike the other regions, during the pre‐monsoon, over the Western‐Himalaya‐Indentation and Central‐Himalaya‐Foothills, rainfall contribution by Intense Convective Systems (ICSs) is significantly higher compared to DCSs. During the pre‐monsoon (monsoon), the maximum rainfall contribution by ICSs is over the Eastern‐India‐Coast; 35% (Western‐Himalaya‐Indentation; 18%). The rainfall contribution by ICSs during TCDs is insignificant. During both the seasons, the regions of high rainfall contribution by ICSs, DCSs, and shallow PFs are associated with relatively higher (≥400 mg‐m−3), moderate (300–350 mg‐m−3), and low (<150 mg‐m−3) Cloud Ice Water Content (CIWC) in the mixed‐phase region, respectively, suggesting a strong, moderate and weak mixed‐phase processes involved in the respective PFs. TCDs enhance the occurrence of DCSs with moderate CIWC in mixed‐phase region and leading to enhanced rainfall contribution by them over the active cyclone regions.
Spatiotemporal variation in reference evapotranspiration and its contributing climatic factors in China under future scenarios
Authors: Zhao Jincai , Xia Haibin , Yue Qun , Wang Zheng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGlobal climate change is likely to affect reference evapotranspiration (ET0), which is important for agricultural water resources and food security. Analysis of ET0 changes is also important for understanding climate change and its impacts on hydrology. In this study, ET0 was calculated from 2020 to 2099 in nine agricultural regions and the entire country of China utilizing the Penman–Monteith method based on bias‐corrected climate data from the global climate models MIROC‐ESM‐CHEM, NorES1‐M, IPSL‐CM5A‐LR, GFDL‐ESM 2M and HadGEM2‐ES under future climate change scenarios. The spatiotemporal characteristics of seasonal and annual ET0 and climatic variables were analysed based on the Mann–Kendall test with trend‐free prewhitening (TFPW‐MK) and Sen's slope estimator. Sensitivity coefficient and multivariate regression were used to identify factors controlling the change in ET0. The results showed that seasonal and annual air temperature and precipitation both increased under all climate scenarios, and the majority of relative humidity and wind speed values showed downward trends during 2020–2099. The lowest annual ET0 values were found in the NECR and QTR, and the SCR had the maximum ET0. Both the TFPW‐MK and slope statistics showed an upward trend of seasonal ET0 during 2020–2059 under all scenarios. During 2060–2099, seasonal ET0 values showed a slight and nonsignificant downward trend under RCP 2.6, while upward trends were produced in other scenarios. Areas with high ET0 values were located in the SCR, GXR and HHHR, while low ET0 values mainly occurred in the NECR and QTR. The ET0 for the four seasons in the SCR was higher than that in the other regions, and the summer ET0 was the highest compared with that in the other seasons overall. For the attribution assessment, Tavg is the main controlling variables to ET0 trends under the interaction of multiple climatic factors though RH is the most sensitive.
Functionalized Polycaprolactone/Hydroxyapatite Composite Microspheres for Promoting Bone Consolidation in a Rat Distraction Osteogenesis Model
Authors: Wen Gen , Xu Jia , Wu Tianyi , Zhang Shengmin , Chai Yimin , Kang Qinglin , Li Gang 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTDistraction osteogenesis (DO) is an ideal model to study bone regeneration. The major limitation is the relatively long period required for new bone consolidation. Here, we investigated whether the application of polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite microspheres could enhance bone formation in DO. Pure PCL microspheres and composite PCL and 10% HA microspheres were synthesized. Bone mesenchymal stem cells isolated from green fluorescent protein rats (GFP‐rBMSCs) were cultured with microspheres in a rotary bioreactor system. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the microstructures. Osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs was confirmed. Moreover, PCL/HA (20 mg) and PCL (20 mg) were locally administered into the distraction gap in the rat DO model toward the end of the distraction period. Imaging detection, mechanical and histological examinations were performed to assess the quality of the 4‐week regenerates. Results showed that the microspheres were of uniform size and monodisperse. After incubation with rBMSCs in culture, PCL/HA microspheres showed a better ability for cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation compared with PCL microspheres. In vivo, bone volume/total tissue volume, bone mineral density, and mechanical properties of the new callus were significantly higher in the PCL/HA group compared with the PCL group. Histological analyses confirmed improved bone formation and vascularization in PCL/HA group. We presented an effective protocol for the generation of functionalized microspheres and demonstrated implantation of PCL/HA microspheres into the distraction regenerate could significantly enhance bone consolidation. Thus, the application of PCL/HA composite microspheres may be a novel approach for promoting bone regeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:961‐971, 2020
Analyses of optical radiation safety standards for laser illuminated products
Authors: Wang Feixia , Li Xiaohua , Tu Yan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe high energy density of optical radiation from laser illuminated products may cause eye injury, so it is necessary to study the optical radiation safety standards for these products. The relations of related international and Chinese organizations, such as IEC/TC76, IEC/TC108, IEC/TC110, Chinese technical committee SAC/TC284, and so on, are introduced. The related standards and the relations are surveyed, especially the safety of laser products (IEC 60825) series, the photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems (IEC 62741) series, and audio/video, information and communication technology equipment—part 1: safety requirements (IEC 62368‐1:2018). As application examples of standards, some specific laser illuminated products, including the laser projector, the laser headlamp and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) used in the vehicle, as well as the evaluation methods for the blue light effect of the display are discussed and analyzed. On the basis of the analyses of the optical radiation safety standards, it is necessary to select or develop appropriate standards for different types of laser illuminated products.
Improving thyroid function monitoring in head and neck cancer patients: A quality improvement study
Authors: Bhatt Nupur , Taufique Zahrah , Kamen Emily , Wang Binhuan , Concert Catherine , Li Zujun , Hu Kenneth , Givi Babak 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveTo investigate and improve compliance of thyroid function monitoring in head and neck cancer patients who received radiotherapy to the cervical region before and after instituting quality improvement interventions.MethodsUsing the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) methodology, patients with head and neck malignancies who received radiotherapy to the cervical region from 2013–2015 were identified at a tertiary medical center. The status of the patients’ thyroid monitoring and related characteristics were recorded. A quality improvement project was subsequently implemented by data sharing and providing feedback to practitioners involved in head and neck cancer care and creating a tracking database for all patients who received radiotherapy to the neck. After implementation of these interventions, data was collected on patients meeting the inclusion criteria from 2015–2017.ResultsOne hundred fifty‐six patients met criteria pre‐intervention and ninety‐eight patients met criteria post‐intervention. Compliance of thyroid monitoring went up from 34% to 80% after interventions (P < .0001). There was a significant increase in thyroid testing performed by radiation oncologists after interventions from 2% to 21%, while medical oncologists and otolaryngologists remained consistent in their compliance rates.ConclusionIt is possible to improve compliance with evidence‐based recommendations and improve the quality‐of‐care for head and neck cancer survivors through simple, cost effective interventions.Level of Evidence2 Laryngoscope, 130:E573–E579, 2020
Persistence of soil microbial function at the rock‐soil interface in degraded karst topsoils
Authors: Wang Ying , Dungait Jennifer A.J. , Xing Kaixiong , Green Sophie M. , Hartley Iain , Tu Chenglong , Quine Timothy A. , Tian Jing , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: December 2019

AbstractExtensive and progressive rock emergence in karst ecosystems may cause localized variations in soil biogeochemical and microbial properties, and thus produce nutrient cycling 'hot spots' that could alter functional responses to perturbation. Here, we investigated the differences between microbial compositions and functions in topsoils at the rock‐soil interface (RSI) compared with adjacent bulk soil along a gradient of increasing human perturbation in the Chinese Karst Critical Zone Observatory. Microbial abundance decreased with increasing perturbation and was higher at the RSI compared to bulk soil. Compared with the bulk soil, C‐cycling and N cycling enzyme activities at the RSI were 72–427% higher, respectively, and those related to N cycling were 72–98% higher, and were greatest in primary forest and abandoned land. Mineral contents explained the large variances in enzyme activities suggesting that mineral availability modified microbial functions for nutrients acquisition in nutrient‐poor karst system. The significantly larger nutrient contents of RSI soil in the primary forest suggest that weathering of the karst rocks in unperturbed environments is the primary source of nutrients, which is driven by microbial enzyme production. The enzyme activities related to C and N cycling were highest in abandoned land, which suggests a rapid switch in microbial function caused by nutrient limitation when cultivation ceased. In conclusion, soil microbial abundance and function next to karst rocks is higher than bulk soils and persists after recovery. This suggests that the potential for long‐term recovery of very degraded karst landscapes is possible after abandonment because microbial functions for C and nutrient cycling persist in RSI 'hot spots'.
High frequency arbitrary waveform generator using a nonlinear transmission line
Authors: Kim Chanwoo , Bae Jaemin , Han Heeje , Park Soonwoo , Kim Hongjoon 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this article, a high‐frequency arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) based on Fourier synthesis theory is presented. A key element consists of a nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) that acts as a harmonic generator for large signals and as a phase shifter for small signals. The harmonics generated by the NLTL are separated into four channels using power dividers and each harmonic is bandpass filtered in each channel. The phase and the amplitude are then modulated in each channel by an NLTL phase shifter and a voltage variable attenuator. Finally, vector modulated signals from each channel are combined in Wilkinson power combiners to form any waveform shape. We used 0.5 GHz as a master signal and synthesized waveforms using all four channels.
Metabolomic Profiles Associated with BMI, Waist Circumference, and Diabetes and Inflammation Biomarkers in Women
Authors: Stevens Victoria L. , Carter Brian D. , McCullough Marjorie L. , Campbell Peter T. , Wang Ying 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to identify metabolites associated with BMI and waist circumference (WC) in women and to determine whether these metabolites are associated with biomarkers of metabolic health.MethodsUntargeted metabolomic analysis was done on serum from 1,534 women. Metabolites associated with BMI and WC were identified using linear regression with a Bonferroni‐corrected P value. Clustered blocks of these metabolites were then defined whose association with the anthropometric measures could be represented by a single metabolite. The association of these representative metabolites with biomarkers for diabetes and inflammation was then determined.ResultsAbout one‐third of 781 metabolites included in the analyses were associated with BMI and/or WC. Associations were found for some novel metabolites, including several sphingolipids, nucleotides, and modified fatty acids. Among metabolites most strongly inversely associated with BMI, the choline‐containing plasmalogen (O‐16:0/18:1) (β = −0.30, P = 6.62 × 10−32) was also inversely associated with c‐peptide and positively associated with adiponectin. Adjustment for BMI attenuated the metabolite‐biomarker associations more for hemoglobin A1c (> 100%) and c‐peptide (58.8% to > 100%) than for C‐reactive protein (10.5%‐40.0%) and adiponectin (7.0%‐30.4%).ConclusionsThese results add to the list of metabolites associated with adiposity and indicate that some may influence processes that contribute to the development of obesity‐related diseases.
On linear quadratic optimal control of discrete‐time complex‐valued linear systems
Authors: Zhou Bin 
Published: December 2019

SummaryWe study in this paper the linear quadratic optimal control (linear quadratic regulation, LQR for short) for discrete‐time complex‐valued linear systems, which have several potential applications in control theory. Firstly, an iterative algorithm was proposed to solve the discrete‐time bimatrix Riccati equation associated with the LQR problem. It is shown that the proposed algorithm converges to the unique positive definite solution (bimatrix) to the bimatrix Riccati equation with appropriate initial conditions. With the help of this iterative algorithm, the LQR problem for the antilinear system, which is a special case of complex‐valued linear system, was carefully examined and three different Riccati equations–based approaches were provided, namely, bimatrix Riccati equation, anti‐Riccati equation, and normal Riccati equation. The established approach is then used to solve the LQR problem for a discrete‐time time‐delay system with one‐step state delay, and a numerical example was used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Investigation on mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties of particulate SiO2 reinforced cardanol based composites
Authors: Thenmozhi Sivalingam , Murugavel Salem Chandrasekaran 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCardanol based epoxy thermosets and particulate SiO2 incorporated composite systems were developed by blending various ratios of commercial diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) with epoxidized cardanol (EPC) using melt mixing method followed by sonication. Physico chemical properties of the prepared resins were studied. Various percentage of SiO2 was incorporated in to the resin system [15% EPC + 85% DGEBA] (BEPC1)] to improve their thermo mechanical properties. The effect of loading content on the curing behavior, mechanical, and thermal properties were investigated by FT‐IR, mechanical tests, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Particle size and dispersion probability of SiO2 in the composites were studied by field emission scanning electron microscope. These studies showed that 1% SiO2 reinforced BEPC1 matrix system were effective in enhancing mechanical strength and thermal stability of composites. The prominent char residue value obtained in the TGA analysis predicted the good flame retardant property of the developed composite. This was evidenced in UL‐94 test and limited oxygen index (LOI) determination.