bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in drinking water samples using automated solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xin , Qiu Changling , Ullah Rahmat , Pohl Chris , Liu Yan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA new analytical method was developed to extract and determine 25 perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances from aqueous samples using an automated solid phase extraction system and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Full method validation including assessment of background signal, lowest concentration minimum reporting level, calibration, limit of quantitation, precision, and accuracy was performed. The analysis of drinking water samples was performed for all target analytes. This method also incorporates the use of isotope dilution in which isotopically labeled analogs of the target analytes are added to the sample prior to extraction in a known amount to correct for sample matrix interference and improve data quality. We demonstrated that the automated solid‐phase extraction system provided reliable extraction of the target perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances analytes from large‐ of use, reduced human errors, avoidance of massive lab contaminations and saving up to 50% operational time to manual operation while ensuring high reproducibility and productivity for analytical testing laboratories.
Importance of the Daily Light Cycle in Population–Habitat Relations: A Simulation Study
Authors: Railsback Steven F. , Harvey Bret C. , Ayllón Daniel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSalmonids adaptively select when in the daily light cycle to feed, and they use different habitat at different times of day; however, the data and methods used to evaluate management actions like instream flows and restoration projects typically consider daytime only. Our new model, inSTREAM 7, lets us investigate how management decisions might change if we consider the full daily light cycle. The model explicitly represents the effects of light intensity on feeding efficiency, predation risk, and, therefore, foraging behavior. We simulated trout population response to a range of flows at restored and unrestored sites by using model versions that represented one (daytime only), two (day and night), and four (dawn, day, dusk, and night) light phases per day. Inclusion of night and crepuscular phases in the model produced important changes in results: it allowed model trout to convert improved growth conditions to increased survival by feeding less often during the day. This adaptive ability produced sharper population responses to habitat improvements. Crepuscular phases can be important because they let trout feed in the same higher‐velocity habitat used in daylight but with reduced predation risk. Analyses of parameter uncertainty and circadian cycles in food availability indicated that simulated population responses of management importance are not sensitive to details of how light affects feeding and predation risk. We suggest ways to consider night and crepuscular periods in management decision making and monitoring even without complex simulations.
Women Participation in Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration for Climate Resilience: Laisamis, Marsabit County, Kenya
Authors: Ojuok Irene , Ndayizigiye Tharcisse 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDespite the fact that land degradation is both natural and human-induced, it is proven that human activities pose greatest threat and these include unsustainable land management practices such as destruction of natural vegetation, overcultivation, overgrazing, poor land husbandry, and excessive forest conversion. Other than reduced productivity, land degradation also leads to socioeconomic problems such as food insecurity, insufficient water, and regular loss of livestock which exacerbate poverty, conflicts, and gender inequalities that negatively impact mostly women and children especially the rural population. Increased efforts by governments, donors, and partners toward reversing land degradation through community-led, innovative, and effective approaches therefore remain to be crucial today than never before!Farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR) is a proven sustainable land management technology to restore degraded wasteland and improve depleted farmland. This approach has been tested across Africa with high success rates. In spite of the huge local, regional, and global efforts plus investments put on promoting FMNR across different landscapes among vulnerable communities for climate resilience, the implementation of such projects has not been as successful as intended due to slow women uptake and participation in the approach. In order of ensuring women who are mostly at highest risk to impacts of climate change enjoy the multiple benefits that come along with FMNR, the success rate for uptake of FMNR especially among women need to be enhanced.This chapter seeks to explore drivers and barriers of women participation in uptake of FMNR for climate resilience. Findings will be shared from a 3-year project dubbed Integrated Management of Natural Resources for Resilience in ASALs and a Food and Nutrition project both in Laisamis, Marsabit County, Kenya. The program interventions on natural resource management for livelihoods seek to integrate gender and conflict prevention and prioritize sustainable, market-based solutions to address the persistent challenges. The chapter discusses findings, successes, and lessons learned from the actions and the requirement to position women as vulnerable groups at the center of initiatives designed to address the climate change crisis. The outcome of this chapter will enhance gender-responsive FMNR programing through awareness creation, effective organization/project designs, strategies, and plans together with advocacy and policy influence. Limitations of the study and main recommendations for future programing in similar contexts are also shared.
Comments on the stability of the KPV state
Authors: Nguyen Nam 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Using the blackfold approach, we study the classical stability of the KPV (Kachru-Pearson-Verlinde) state of anti-D3 branes at the tip of the Klebanov-Strassler throat. With regards to generic long-wavelength deformations considered, we found no instabilities. We comment on the relation of our results to existing results on the stability of the KPV state.
Global and segmental absolute stress myocardial blood flow in prediction of cardiac events: [15O] water positron emission tomography study
Authors: Harjulahti Esa , Maaniitty Teemu , Nammas Wail , Stenström Iida , Biancari Fausto , Bax Jeroen J. , Knuuti Juhani , Saraste Antti 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose
We evaluated the value of reduced global and segmental absolute stress myocardial blood flow (sMBF) quantified by [15O] water positron emission tomography (PET) for predicting cardiac events in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods
Global and segmental sMBF during adenosine stress were retrospectively quantified in 530 symptomatic patients who underwent [15O] water PET for evaluation of coronary stenosis detected by coronary computed tomography angiography.

Results
Cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina occurred in 28 (5.3%) patients at a 4-year follow-up. Reduced global sMBF was associated with events (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.622, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.538–0.707, p = 0.006). Reduced global sMBF (< 2.2 ml/g/min) was found in 22.8%, preserved global sMBF despite segmentally reduced sMBF in 35.3%, and normal sMBF in 41.9% of patients. Compared with normal sMBF, reduced global sMBF was associated with the highest risk of events (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 6.970, 95% CI 2.271–21.396, p = 0.001), whereas segmentally reduced sMBF combined with preserved global MBF predicted an intermediate risk (adjusted HR 3.251, 95% CI 1.030–10.257, p = 0.044). The addition of global or segmental reduction of sMBF to clinical risk factors improved risk prediction (net reclassification index 0.498, 95% CI 0.118–0.879, p = 0.010, and 0.583, 95% CI 0.203–0.963, p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion
In symptomatic patients evaluated for suspected obstructive CAD, reduced global sMBF by [15O] water PET identifies those at the highest risk of adverse cardiac events, whereas segmental reduction of sMBF with preserved global sMBF is associated with an intermediate event risk.
Changes in the characteristics of ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ Red Sea Trough over the Eastern Mediterranean in CMIP5 climate projections
Authors: Hochman Assaf , Rostkier-Edelstein Dorita , Kunin Pavel , Pinto Joaquim G. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Eastern Mediterranean resides on the border between the temperate and semi-arid and arid climate zones, and is thus influenced by both mid-latitude and sub-tropical weather systems. Precipitation and extreme weather in this region are mainly associated with either Cyprus Lows or the “wet” Red Sea Troughs. Current regional climate projections indicate that the region may become warmer and drier in future decades. Here, we analyze the influence of enhanced greenhouse gas forcing on the climatological properties of the ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ Red Sea Trough (WRST & DRST, respectively). With this aim, a regional synoptic classification and a downscaling algorithm based on past analogs are applied to eighteen rain stations over the main ground water basins in Israel. The algorithms are applied to the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data for 1986–2005 and to eight CMIP5 model simulations for the historical (1986–2005) and end of the century (2081–2100) climate conditions according to the RCP8.5 scenario. For the historical period, the CMIP5 models are largely able to represent the characteristics of the Red Sea Trough. Based on the multi-model mean, significant changes are found for WRST and DRST for the late XXI Century. First, an increase in the meridional pressure gradient is found for both the WRST and the DRST, implying stronger horizontal winds. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the occurrence of the WRST (− 20%) and a significant increase in the frequency of the DRST (+ 19%) are identified. Accordingly, the persistence of the WRST decreases (− 9%), while for DRST increases (+ 9%). The decline in the frequency of WRST occurs primarily in the transition seasons, while the increase for DRST is found throughout the wet season. In total, the daily rainfall associated with the WRST system is projected to significantly decline (− 37%) by the end of the XXI century. These results document the projected changes in a dominant synoptic system in this area, which can facilitate a better estimation of the arising challenges, e.g., related to shortage of water resources and associated political unrest, reduced agricultural potential, and increased air pollution and forest fires. Such a pathway can ultimately foster novel mitigation strategies for water resources management and regional climate change adaptation.
Efficacy of interleukin-1 blockade in Schnitzler’s syndrome without detectable monoclonal gammopathy: a case-based review
Authors: Bixio Riccardo , Rossini Maurizio , Giollo Alessandro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSchnitzler’s syndrome (SchS) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder characterized by urticarial rash and monoclonal gammopathy which is currently regarded as IL-1 mediated disease. We present the case of a 21-year-old woman presenting with urticarial rash, arthralgias, and elevated inflammatory markers. She has been suffering these symptoms for 2 years and was treated with antihistamines, omalizumab, steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without success. After an extensive diagnostic workout, we suspected SchS even without monoclonal gammopathy, and started Anakinra 100 mg daily with a dramatic response and achieving complete remission after 48 h of the beginning of the treatment, so we decided to confirm SchS diagnosis. We performed a search of the literature and found seven more cases of patients diagnosed with SchS without monoclonal gammopathy at the presentation. Five were treated with IL-1 blocking therapies and all achieved remission. We, therefore, prompt the possible role of IL-1 blockade therapy remission as support in diagnosing SchS without monoclonal gammopathy.
Approximation of PDE eigenvalue problems involving parameter dependent matrices
Authors: Boffi Daniele , Gardini Francesca , Gastaldi Lucia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe discuss the solution of eigenvalue problems associated with partial differential equations that can be written in the generalized form $${\mathsf {A}}x=\lambda {\mathsf {B}}x$$

A
x
=
λ
B
x

, where the matrices $${\mathsf {A}}$$
A
and/or $${\mathsf {B}}$$
B
may depend on a scalar parameter. Parameter dependent matrices occur frequently when stabilized formulations are used for the numerical approximation of partial differential equations. With the help of classical numerical examples we show that the presence of one (or both) parameters can produce unexpected results.
Returning to periscope depth in a circular control room configuration
Authors: Stanton Neville A. , Roberts Aaron P. J. , Pope Kiome A. , Fay Daniel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPrevious research has shown that co-location of operators dependent on each other for task-relevant information can relieve the previously identified bottleneck of information between the Sonar Control (SOC) and Operations Officer (OPSO) in submarine sound and control rooms. This research aimed to examine the impact of a novel inwards facing circular configuration on communications and tasks within a co-located control room. Ten teams participated in high and low demand Return to Periscope Depth scenarios in a simulated submarine control room. All communications between operators were recorded and compared with a baseline study of contemporary operation. The findings show that the novel circular configuration led to a reduction in communications, but an increase in information shared. Indicating that the teams had become more efficient at passing relevant information. Furthermore, teams were able to complete a greater number of tasks.
Dynamics of river plumes in the South Brazilian Bight and South Brazil
Authors: Marta-Almeida Martinho , Dalbosco Anna , Franco David , Ruiz-Villarreal Manuel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe plumes from the rivers of the South Brazilian Bight (SBB) and South Brazil (SB) were studied using a realistic model configuration. River plume variability on continental shelves is driven by the input of river runoff into the shelf, by wind variability, and also by ambient currents and its seasonal variability, especially the Brazil Current, which are realistically modelled in this study. It is presented a simulation of 4 years using a nested configuration, which allows resolving the region around Florianópolis with very high resolution (∼150 m). The dispersion of river plumes was assessed not only with the hydrodynamical model results but also by using passive tracers whose dynamics was analyzed seasonally. Several dyes were released together with the river discharges. This approach allowed calculating the depths of the riverine freshwater, and the resulting regions affected by the plumes. Northward intrusions of waters from the southern region, under the potential influence of the distant La Plata river plume, were evaluated with a Lagrangian approach. The local river plumes are confined to the inner shelf, except south of 30°S where discharges from Lagoa dos Patos disperse over the shelf in the spring and summer. The Brazil Current flowing southward over the slope prevents the river plumes from interaction with oceanic mesoscale dynamics. The river plumes are, thus, mainly controlled by the wind forcing. The plumes from SBB are able to disperse until SB following the southward wind regime typical of the summer. And both the SB and La Plata river plumes are also able to reach SBB, forced by the northward wind typical of the winter season, until the latitude of 25.5°S. A low salinity belt (below 35) is present along the coastal region of SB and SBB year-round, supported by contributions from both the large and small rivers. The interaction between the different plumes influences the dispersion patterns, shielding the Florianṕolis coastal region from plumes of distant rivers, and dispersing the plume of SBB rivers away from Santa Catarina Island as it disperses southward during the summer months.
Rapid CT-based Estimation of Articular Cartilage Biomechanics in the Knee Joint Without Cartilage Segmentation
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Myller Katariina A. H. , Tanska Petri , Hirvasniemi Jukka , Saarakkala Simo , Töyräs Juha , Korhonen Rami K. , Mononen Mika E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful joint disease, causing disabilities in daily activities. However, there is no known cure for OA, and the best treatment strategy might be prevention. Finite element (FE) modeling has demonstrated potential for evaluating personalized risks for the progression of OA. Current FE modeling approaches use primarily magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to construct personalized knee joint models. However, MRI is expensive and has lower resolution than computed tomography (CT). In this study, we extend a previously presented atlas-based FE modeling framework for automatic model generation and simulation of knee joint tissue responses using contrast agent-free CT. In this method, based on certain anatomical dimensions measured from bone surfaces, an optimal template is selected and scaled to generate a personalized FE model. We compared the simulated tissue responses of the CT-based models with those of the MRI-based models. We show that the CT-based models are capable of producing similar tensile stresses, fibril strains, and fluid pressures of knee joint cartilage compared to those of the MRI-based models. This study provides a new methodology for the analysis of knee joint and cartilage mechanics based on measurement of bone dimensions from native CT scans.
Analytical solution for the stress field of hierarchical defects: multiscale framework and applications
Authors: Wu Baijian , Zhou Sheng , Li Zhaoxia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHierarchical defects are defined as adjacent defects at different length scales. Involved are the two scales where the stress field distribution is interrelated. Based on the complex variable method and conformal mapping, a multiscale framework for solving the problems of hierarchical defects is formulated. The separated representations of mapping function, the governing equations of potentials, and the stress field are subsequently obtained. The proposed multiscale framework can be used to solve a variety of simplified engineering problems. The case in point is the analytical solution of a macroscopic elliptic hole with a microscopic circular edge defect. The results indicate that the microscopic defect aggregates the stress concentration on the macroscopic defect and likely leads to global propagation and rupture. Multiple micro-defects have interactive effects on the distribution of the stress field. The level of stress concentration may be reduced by the coalescence of micro-defects. This work provides a unified method to analytically investigate the influence of edge micro-defects within the scope of multiscale hierarchy. The formulated multiscale approach can also be potentially applied to materials with hierarchical defects, such as additive manufacturing and bio-inspired materials.
Transferrin improved the generation of cardiomyocyte from human pluripotent stem cells for myocardial infarction repair
Authors: Zhang Fengzhi , Qiu Hui , Dong Xiaohui , Wang Chunlan , Na Jie , Zhou Jin , Wang Changyong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHuman pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) hold great promise for the repair of the injured heart, but optimal cell production in a fully chemically defined and cost-effective system is essential for the efficacy and safety of cell transplantation therapies. In this study, we provided a simple and efficient strategy for cardiac differentiation from hPSCs and performed functional evaluation in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Using a chemically defined medium including four components, recombinant human albumin, ascorbic acid, human transferrin, and RPMI 1640, we developed a manageable and cost-effective protocol for robust generation of CMs from hPSCs. Interestingly, the addition of transferrin helped hPSCs to transit from TeSR-E8 medium to the simple cardiac differentiation medium and successfully initiated mesoderm differentiation without significant cell death. The CM generation efficiency was up to 85% based on cTnT expression. We performed transcriptome profiling from differentiation day 0 to 35, and characterized interesting dynamic change of cardiac genes. CMs derived from transferrin-supplemented simple medium have similar transcriptome and the maturation level compared to those generated in B27 minus insulin medium as well as their in vivo counterparts. Importantly, after transplantation, hPSC-derived CMs survived in the infarcted rat heart, significantly improved the physiological function and reduced fibrosis. Our study offers an easy-to-use and cost-effective method for cardiac differentiation and facilitates the translational application of hPSC-derived CMs for heart repair.
Closing the gap in linear bilevel optimization: a new valid primal-dual inequality
Authors: Kleinert Thomas , Labbé Martine , Plein Fränk , Schmidt Martin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLinear bilevel optimization problems are often tackled by replacing the linear lower-level problem with its Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions. The resulting single-level problem can be solved in a branch-and-bound fashion by branching on the complementarity constraints of the lower-level problem’s optimality conditions. While in mixed-integer single-level optimization branch-and-cut has proven to be a powerful extension of branch-and-bound, in linear bilevel optimization not too many bilevel-tailored valid inequalities exist. In this paper, we briefly review existing cuts for linear bilevel problems and introduce a new valid inequality that exploits the strong duality condition of the lower level. We further discuss strengthened variants of the inequality that can be derived from McCormick envelopes. In a computational study, we show that the new valid inequalities can help to close the optimality gap very effectively on a large test set of linear bilevel instances.