bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of uncalibrated energy balance model (BAITSSS) for estimating evapotranspiration in a semiarid, advective climate
Authors: Dhungel Ramesh , Aiken Robert , Colaizzi Paul D. , Lin Xiaomao , O'Brien Dan , Baumhardt R. Louis , Brauer David K. , Marek Gary W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe backward‐averaged iterative two‐source surface temperature and energy balance solution (BAITSSS) model was developed to calculate evapotranspiration (ET) at point to regional scales. The BAITSSS model is driven by micrometeorological data and vegetation indices and simulates the water and energy balance of the soil and canopy sources separately, using the Jarvis model to calculate canopy resistance. The BAITSSS model has undergone limited testing in Idaho, United States. We conducted a blind test of the BAITSSS model without prior calibration for ET against weighing lysimeter measurements, net radiation, and surface temperature of drought‐tolerant corn (Zea mays L. cv. PIO 1151) in a semiarid, advective climate (Bushland, Texas, United States) in 2016. Later in the season (20 days), BAITSSS consistently overestimated ET by up to 3 mm d−1. For the entire growing season (127 days), simulated versus measured ET resulted in a 7% error in cumulative ET, RMSE = 0.13 mm h−1, and 1.70 mm d−1; r2 = 0.66 (daily) and r2 = 0.84 (hourly); MAE = 0.08 mm h−1 and 1.24 mm d−1; and MBE = 0.02 mm h−1 and 0.58 mm d−1. The results were comparable with thermally driven instantaneous ET models that required some calibration. Next, the initial soil water boundary condition was reduced, and model revisions were made to resistance terms related to incomplete cover and assumption of canopy senescence. The revisions reduced discrepancies between measured and modelled ET resulting in <1% error in cumulative ET, RMSE = 0.1 mm h−1, and 1.09 mm d−1; r2 = 0.86 (daily) and r2 = 0.90 (hourly); MAE = 0.06 mm h−1 and 0.79 mm d−1; and MBE = 0.0 mm h−1 and 0.17 mm d−1 and generally mitigated the previous overestimation. The advancement in ET modelling with BAITSSS assists to minimize uncertainties in crop ET modelling in a time series.
Assessment of Infiltration Rate of Soil Using Empirical and Machine Learning‐Based Models
Authors: Kumar Munish , Sihag Parveen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe application of several infiltration models in evaluating the infiltration rate of soil is subject to the spatial variability of soil. Infiltration plays an important role in designing and evaluating surface irrigation systems as well as subsurface groundwater recharge systems. The main theme of this paper is to compare the empirical equation‐based models which are used to estimate the infiltration rate of various locations in Kurukshetra, India. Infiltration experiments were conducted at 20 different locations using a mini disc infiltrometer. The least square fitting method was used for each location separately to estimate the equation parameters and infiltration rate of three different empirical models, namely Kostiakov, modified Kostiakov and Novel models. The performance of these empirical infiltration models was further compared with the machine learning‐based adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and random forest regression (RF) techniques. Statistical performance evaluation parameters (R2, CC, RMSE and MAE) are used for the performance comparison of various models. The Novel infiltration model was observed to be the most reasonable amongst the empirical models tested. However, for machine‐learning methods, the RF approach is observed to be the most appropriate technique for the estimation of the infiltration data. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agricultural Water Distribution under Drought Conditions Based on Economic Priorities: Case Study of Qazvin Irrigation District
Authors: Hassani Yousef , Hashemy Shahdany Seied Mehdy 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study introduces a practical approach for agricultural water distribution within conveyance and delivery systems based on economic perspectives. To this end, a hydro‐economic approach is used by coupling an economic model, positive mathematical programming (PMP), and a water evaluation and planning system (WEAP) hydrological model. The economic value of water (EVW) is calculated separately for the secondary canals (L1 to L10) by the PMP model, based on simulation of the existing agricultural conditions. The results obtained indicate that under the operational method introduced, the EVW per unit of water (cubic metres) will rise on average by over 28% in comparison to the existing water distribution conditions in the district. Moreover, the results show that the highest and lowest EVW growth took place within farming areas irrigated by the laterals of L10 and L1, respectively. According to the results, the most significant reduction in the cultivation area in the existing cropping pattern was observed in alfalfa and maize compared to other crops under the drought conditions scenario. The results of the study show that the economic benefit (water volume × economic value) will amount to 138 billion IRR (Iranian monetary unit) compared to the primary conditions. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure of low‐concentration arsenic‐initiated inflammation and autophagy in rat lungs
Authors: Zhao Yuhang , Su Xin , Gao Yanrong , Yin Haijing , Wang Li , Qiao Rui , Wang Suhua 
Published: April 2019

AbstractChronic arsenic exposure through water intake is a worldwide issue, which has caused many diseases. Lungs are the first target organ of arsenic and lung inflammation, autophagy, and even the onset of tumors can be induced by arsenic exposure. Here, we tested the outcome of low‐concentration arsenic exposure in rat lungs. Tissue changes, inflammation, autophagy, and other physiological responses were observed in this study. Results showed that low‐concentration exposure of arsenite through water intake could initiate autophagy and inflammation in lungs but high concentration exposure produced a weak autophagy response and accentuated inflammation with the possibility of a chronic inflammation environment emerging followed by tumorigenesis.
Abamectin induces apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting reactive oxygen species‐mediated PI3K/AKT signaling in MGC803 cells
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Zhou Jing , Zhou Zhonglou , Zhu Qiqi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAbamectin (ABA) is one of the most widely used compounds in agriculture and veterinary medicine. However, the cytotoxicity of ABA in human gastric cells is utterly unknown. In this study, ABA suppressed the proliferation of MGC803 cells by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1‐phase. Moreover, ABA induced mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis by inducing the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulation of Bax/Bcl‐2, and activation of caspase‐3. ABA significantly improved the LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and reduced P62 protein expression in a dose‐dependent manner. Through detection of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, we found ABA induced the accumulation of intracellular ROS and then reduced PI3K/AKT signaling activation related to MGC803 cell apoptosis and autophagy. Our results indicate that ABA exerts cytotoxic effects on human MGC803 cells through apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting ROS‐mediated PI3K/AKT signaling. Furthermore, ABA may be a potential risk to human gastric health.
Downregulation of sirtuin 3 by palmitic acid increases the oxidative stress, impairment of mitochondrial function, and apoptosis in liver cells
Authors: Sharma Garima , Parihar Arti , Parihar Priyanka , Parihar Mordhwaj Singh 
Published: April 2019

AbstractElevated levels of saturated fatty acids show a strong cytotoxic effect in liver cells. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrially localized member of NAD+‐dependent deacetylase has been shown to protect hepatocytes against the oxidative stress. The role of SIRT3 on the cytotoxicity caused by fatty acids in liver cells is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression level of SIRT3, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial impairments in human hepatoma HepG2 cells exposed to palmitic acid (PA). Our results showed that PA treatment caused the deposition of lipid droplets and resulted in an increased expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α in a dose‐dependent manner. Excessive accumulation of PA induces the reactive oxygen species formation and apoptosis while dissipating the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The level of SIRT3 expression in both nuclear and mitochondrial fractions in HepG2 cells was decreased with the increase in PA concentrations. However, in the cytosolic fraction, the SIRT3 was undetectable. In conclusion, our results showed that PA caused an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. The exposure of PA also resulted in the decline in transmembrane potential and an increase in apoptosis. The underexpression of nuclear and mitochondrial SIRT3 by PA suggests that the PA target the process that regulates the stress‐related gene expression and mitochondrial functions.
Losartan delays the progression of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic cataracts in albino rats
Authors: Shree Jaya , Choudhary Rajesh , Bodakhe Surendra H 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe ocular renin‐angiotensin system has become an interesting target for ocular diseases because it has been implicated in various ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration, uveitis, and hypertensive cataracts. In the present study, we explored the effect of topically and orally administered losartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker) on streptozotocin‐induced diabetic cataract in albino rats. Topical treatment with losartan modulated neither the blood glucose level nor the polyol content but oral treatment with losartan decreased both. Topical and oral treatment with losartan significantly increased the antioxidants (glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), decreased the lipid peroxidant malondialdehyde, and restored soluble protein, and insoluble protein and various ions (Na+, K+, and Ca2+) in the lens; however, topical treatment had a better effect than oral treatment. These findings demonstrate that topical administration of losartan significantly reduces the risk of cataract formation without affecting either the blood glucose level or polyol contents.
Microbial contributions to bronchial asthma occurrence in children: A metagenomic study
Authors: Tian Man , Chen Meng , Bao Yuling , Xu Changdi , Qin Qiaozhi , Zhang Wenxin , He Yuting , Shao Qi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBronchial asthma, a common chronic respiratory disease in children, is traditionally regarded as a noninfectious disease. Current hypotheses, however, argue that asthma can be caused by microbial infection. We, therefore, hypothesize that a variety of microbes are more commonly found in the sputum of children with asthma, and these microbes may contribute to the occurrence and development of asthma. The present study proposes to use metagenomic approach to explore microbial diversity and to identify the microbial community characteristics of sputum from children with asthma. We found that microbial communities in the sputum of children differed significantly between asthmatics and controls. Kruskal‐Wallis testing showed that 16 phyla, 104 genera, and 159 species were significantly downregulated, whereas two phyla including Platyhelminthes phylum and Chordata phylum, two genera including Spirometra genus and Homo sapiens, and the Spirometra erinaceieuropaei species were significantly upregulated in asthma patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). Among them, H. sapiens and S. erinaceieuropaei exhibited 2.3‐ and 2.0‐fold overabundance in asthmatics vs controls, respectively. Meanwhile, metastats assay demonstrated that 31 phyla, 400 genera, and 813 species were significantly downregulated, whereas two phyla, 10 genera, and 16 species were significantly upregulated in asthma patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). Among them, Tetrahymena thermophila and Candidatus Zinderia insecticola exhibited 4.7‐fold overabundance in asthmatics vs controls. Our study establishes a link between microbial infection and the mechanisms leading to asthma development, which will be useful for developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and aiding in the prevention and control of asthma.
Effects of quercetin on microRNAs: A mechanistic review
Authors: Akbari Kordkheyli Vahid , Khonakdar Tarsi Abbas , Mishan Mohammad A. , Tafazoli Alireza , Bardania Hassan , Zarpou Setareh , Bagheri Abouzar 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMicroRNA (miRNA)‐dependent pathways are one of the newest gene regulation mechanisms in various diseases, particularly in cancers. miRNAs are endogenous noncoding RNAs with about 18 to 25 nucleotide length, which can regulate the expression of at least 60% of human total genome posttranscriptionally. Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoid in a variety of fruits, flowers, and medical herbs, known as a strong free radical scavenger that could show antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Recent studies also reported its strong impact on various miRNA expressions in different abnormalities. In this review, we aimed to summarize the studies focused on the effects of quercetin on different miRNA expressions to more clear the main possible mechanisms of quercetin influences and introduce it as a beneficial agent for regulation of miRNAs in various biological directions.
Identification of consensus sequence from matrix attachment regions and functional analysis of its activity in stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Gao Jian‐Hui , Wang Tian‐Yun , Zhang Mao‐Ying , Shi Fang , Gu Shan‐Zhi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMatrix attachment regions (MARs) can enhance transgene expression levels and maintain stability. However, the consensus sequence from MARs and its functional analysis remains to be examined. Here, we assessed a possible consensus sequence from MARs and assessed its activity in stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. First, we analyzed the effects of 10 MARs on transfected CHO cells and then analyzed the consensus motifs from these MARs using a bioinformatics method. The consensus sequence was synthesized and cloned upstream or downstream of the eukaryotic vector. The constructs were transfected into CHO cells and the expression levels and stability of enhanced green fluorescent protein were detected by flow cytometry. The results indicated that eight of the ten MARs increased transgene expression in transfected CHO cells. Three consensus motifs were found after bioinformatics analyses. The consensus sequence tandemly enhanced transgene expression when it was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector; the effect of the addition upstream was stronger than that downstream. Thus, we found a MAR consensus sequence that may regulate the MAR‐mediated increase in transgene expression.
Implementation of a fast method for the measurement of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 activity in lymphocytes by tandem mass spectrometry as confirmation for newborn screening
Authors: Tucci Sara , Behringer Sidney , Sturm Marga , Grünert Sarah C. , Spiekerkoetter Ute 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCarnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT2) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder affecting mitochondrial β‐oxidation. Confirmation diagnostics are mostly based on molecular sequencing of the CPT2 gene, especially to distinguish CPT2 and carnitine:aclycarnitine translocase deficiencies, which present with identical acylcarnitine profiles on newborn screening (NBS). In the past, different enzyme tests in muscle biopsies have been developed in order to study the functional effect in one of the main target organs. In this study, we implemented a method for measurement of CPT2 enzyme activity in human lymphocytes with detection of the reaction products via liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to enable the simultaneous evaluation of the functional impairment and the clear diagnosis of the disease. CPT2 activity was measured in samples collected from CPT2 patients (n = 11), heterozygous carriers (n = 6), and healthy individuals (n = 52). Seven patients out of 11 were homozygous for the common mutation c.338T>C and showed a residual activity with median values of 19.2 ± 3.7% of healthy controls. Heterozygous carriers showed a residual activity in the range of 42% to 75%. Four individuals carrying the heterozygous mutation c.338T>C showed a 2‐fold higher residual activity as compared to homozygous individuals. Our optimized method for the measurement of CPT2 activity is able to clearly discriminate between patients and healthy individuals and offers the possibility to determine CPT2 activity in human lymphocytes avoiding the need of an invasive muscle biopsy. This method can be successfully used for confirmation diagnosis in case of positive NBS and would markedly reduce the time to define diagnosis.
Head‐to‐head comparison between multiparametric MRI, the partin tables, memorial sloan kettering cancer center nomogram, and CAPRA score in predicting extraprostatic cancer in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Zanelli Elisa , Giannarini Gianluca , Cereser Lorenzo , Zuiani Chiara , Como Giuseppe , Pizzolitto Stefano , Crestani Alessandro , Valotto Claudio , Ficarra Vincenzo , Girometti Rossano 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundIt is unclear whether clinical models including the Partin tables (PT), the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center nomogram (MSKCCn), and the cancer of the prostate risk assessment (CAPRA) can benefit from incorporating multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) when staging prostate cancer (PCa).PurposeTo compare the accuracy of clinical models, mpMRI, and mpMRI plus clinical models in predicting stage ≥pT3 of PCa.Study TypeProspective monocentric cohort study.PopulationSeventy‐three patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2016–2018.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T using turbo spin echo (TSE) imaging, single‐shot echoplanar diffusion‐weighted imaging, and T1‐weighted high‐resolution‐isotropic‐volume‐examination (THRIVE) contrast‐enhanced imaging.AssessmentWe calculated the probability of extraprostatic extension (EPE) using the PT and MSKCC, as well as the CAPRA score. Three readers with 2–8 years of experience in mpMRI independently staged PCa on imaging.Statistical TestsReceiver operating characteristics analysis and logistic regression analysis to investigate the per‐patient accuracy of mpMRI vs. clinical models vs. mpMRI plus clinical models in predicting stage ≥pT3. The alpha level was 0.05.ResultsMedian probability for EPE and MSKCCn was 27.3% and 47.0%, respectively. Median CAPRA score was 3. Stage ≥pT3 occurred in 32.9% of patients. Areas under the curve (AUCs) were 0.62 for PT, 0.62 for MSKCCn, 0.64 for CAPRA, and 0.73–0.75 for mpMRI (readers 1–3) (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). Compared with mpMRI, the combination of mpMRI with PT or MSKCCn provided lower AUCs (P > 0.05 for all the readers), while the combination with CAPRA provided significantly higher (P < 0.05) AUCs in the case of readers 1 and 3. On multivariable analysis, mpMRI by reader 1 was the only independent predictor of stage ≥pT3 (odds ratio 7.40).Data ConclusionmpMRI was more accurate than clinical models and mpMRI plus clinical models in predicting stage ≥pT3, except for the combination of mpMRI and CAPRA in two out of three readers.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1604–1613.
Does supply chain visibility affect operating performance? Evidence from conflict minerals disclosures
Authors: Swift Caroline , Guide V. Daniel R. , Muthulingam Suresh 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFirms are increasingly held accountable for their suppliers' transgressions. Consequently, firms need to develop upstream visibility to exercise control over their supply chains. An emerging body of work has recognized the importance of supply chain visibility and has examined it using analytical models, behavioral methods, and case studies. Still, large‐sample empirical evidence on the benefits of supply chain visibility remains elusive. We seek to bridge this gap by examining conflict minerals disclosures (mandated by the 2010 Dodd‐Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act) and financial reports to evaluate whether firms with greater visibility into their conflict minerals supply chains achieve improved operating and market performance. We use the data from conflict minerals disclosures (Form SD) to distinguish between firms that have high or low visibility into their conflict minerals sources. Then, we use event study methods to analyze differences in operating and market performance between firms with high visibility and firms with low visibility. We find that firms with high visibility into their conflict minerals supply chains achieve higher profitability than comparable firms with less visibility. In addition, we find that firms with high visibility into their conflict minerals supply chains realize improved sales performance and stock market valuations. Our results are relevant to managers because they show that firms can attain operational and market benefits by improving visibility in their supply chains.
A Spin‐Encoded All‐Dielectric Metahologram for Visible Light
Authors: Ansari Muhammad Afnan , Kim Inki , Lee Dasol , Waseem Muhammad Hamza , Zubair Muhammad , Mahmood Nasir , Badloe Trevon , Yerci Selcuk , Tauqeer Tauseef , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Rho Junsuk 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDielectric materials that are low‐loss in the visible spectrum provide a promising platform to realize the pragmatic features of metasurfaces. Here, all‐dielectric, highly efficient, spin‐encoded transmission‐type metaholograms (in the visible domain) are demonstrated by utilizing hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H). In comparison to previously reported visible metaholograms based on TiO2 and other dielectric materials, all‐dielectric metasurfaces provide a cost‐effective more straightforwardly fabricated (aspect ratio 4.7), CMOS compatible, and comparably efficient solution in the visible domain. A unique way of utilizing polarization as an extra degree of freedom in the design to implement transmission‐type helicity‐encoded metaholograms is also proposed. The produced images exhibit high fidelity under both right and left circularly polarized illuminations. The proposed cost‐effective and CMOS‐compatible material and methods open up an avenue for on‐chip development of numerous new phenomena with high efficiency in the visible domain.