bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using observed river flow data to improve the hydrological functioning of the JULES land surface model (vn4.3) used for regional coupled modelling in Great Britain (UKC2)
Authors: Martínez-de la Torre Alberto , Blyth Eleanor M. , Weedon Graham P. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Land surface models (LSMs) represent terrestrial hydrology in weather and
climate modelling operational systems and research studies. We aim to improve
hydrological performance in the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES)
LSM that is used for distributed hydrological modelling within the new
land–atmosphere–ocean coupled prediction system UKC2 (UK regional Coupled environmental
prediction system 2). Using river flow observations from gauge stations, we
study the capability of JULES to simulate river flow at 1 km2 spatial
resolution within 13 catchments in Great Britain that exhibit a variety of
climatic and topographic characteristics. Tests designed to identify where
the model results are sensitive to the scheme and parameters chosen for
runoff production indicate that different catchments require different
parameters and even different runoff schemes for optimal results. We
introduce a new parameterisation of topographic variation that produces the
best daily river flow results (in terms of Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency and
mean bias) for all 13 catchments. The new parameterisation introduces a
dependency on terrain slope, constraining surface runoff production to wet
soil conditions over flatter regions, whereas over steeper regions the model
produces surface runoff for every rainfall event regardless of the soil
wetness state. This new parameterisation improves the model performance
across Great Britain. As an example, in the Thames catchment, which has
extensive areas of flat terrain, the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency exceeds 0.8
using the new parameterisation. We use cross-spectral analysis to evaluate
the amplitude and phase of the modelled versus observed river flows over
timescales of 2 days to 10 years. This demonstrates that the model
performance is modified by changing the parameterisation by different amounts
over annual, weekly-to-monthly and multi-day timescales in different
catchments, providing insights into model deficiencies on particular
timescales, but it reinforces the newly developed parameterisation.
The Biospecimen Preanalytical Variables Program: A Multiassay Comparison of Effects of Delay to Fixation and Fixation Duration on Nucleic Acid Quality
Authors: Carithers Latarsha J. , Agarwal Rachana , Guan Ping , Odeh Hana , Sachs Michael C. , Engel Kelly B. , Greytak Sarah R. , Barcus Mary , Soria Conrado , Lih Chih-Jian (Jason) , Williams P. Mickey , Branton Philip A. , Sobin Leslie , Fombonne Benjamin , Bocklage Therese , Andry Chris , Duffy Elizabeth R. , Sica Gabriel , Dhir Rajiv , Jewell Scott , Roche Nancy , Moore Helen M. ,   for the National Cancer Institute Biospecimen Preanalytical Variables Research Program
Published: February 2019

Context.—Despite widespread use of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue in clinical and research settings, potential effects of variable tissue processing remain largely unknown.Objective.—To elucidate molecular effects associated with clinically relevant preanalytical variability, the National Cancer Institute initiated the Biospecimen Preanalytical Variables (BPV) program.Design.—The BPV program, a well-controlled series of systematic, blind and randomized studies, investigated whether a delay to fixation (DTF) or time in fixative (TIF) affects the quantity and quality of DNA and RNA isolated from FFPE colon, kidney, and ovarian tumors in comparison to case-matched snap-frozen controls.Results.—DNA and RNA yields were comparable among FFPE biospecimens subjected to different DTF and TIF time points. DNA and RNA quality metrics revealed assay- and time point–specific effects of DTF and TIF. A quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was superior when assessing RNA quality, consistently detecting differences between FFPE and snap-frozen biospecimens and among DTF and TIF time points. RNA Integrity Number and DV200 (representing the percentage of RNA fragments longer than 200 nucleotides) displayed more limited sensitivity. Differences in DNA quality (Q-ratio) between FFPE and snap-frozen biospecimens and among DTF and TIF time points were detected with a qPCR-based assay.Conclusions.—DNA and RNA quality may be adversely affected in some tumor types by a 12-hour DTF or a TIF of 72 hours. Results presented here as well as those of additional BPV molecular analyses underway will aid in the identification of acceptable delays and optimal fixation times, and quality assays that are suitable predictors of an FFPE biospecimen's fit-for-purpose.
ADSORPTION DEFORMATION OF MICROPOROUS CARBON ADSORBENT FAS AT ADSORPTION OF WATER AND ACETONE VAPORS
Authors: Zaytsev Dmitriy S. , Tvardovskiy Andrey V. , Shkolin Andrey V. , Fomkin Anatoliy A. 
Published: February 2019

For the first time, complex studies were carried out on adsorption deformation – sorbostriction of microporous carbon adsorbent FAS at adsorption of water and acetone vapors from the flow of carrier gas – nitrogen in non-equilibrium conditions. The results of this phenomenon were analyzed. In work a microporous carbon adsorbent FAS, obtained on the basis of furfural was used. Active coals on the basis of thermosetting plastics grades of FAS are significantly better than commercially-produced carbon adsorbents based on coal and peat on their mechanical properties and low ash content at a much greater development of the volume of the adsorbent micropores. We used the facility for studies of adsorption deformation of a solid adsorbent, manufactured in the Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry of RAS. For the measurements we used a flow dilatometer, allowing measuring the adsorption deformation of the adsorbent while passing through it portions of the test substance or mixture in the carrier gas flow. It is shown that exit time curves of barbastelle to the maximum is individually for each of the studied substances, which enables you to use the effect of barbastelle to detect the presence of certain substances in the mixture. The results of the wave sorbostriction of microporous carbon adsorbent FAS at adsorption of water and acetone vapors from the flow of carrier gas - nitrogen allow to conclude on the high selectivity of adsorption and the possibility of using the adsorbent as a sensor to control the content of these substances in a flow of nitrogen.
Study on the adsorption of fluoride ion onto Vietnamese red mud activated with sulfuric acid
Authors: Vu Xuan Minh , Nguyen Tan Dung , Nguyen Vu Giang , Bui Cong Trinh , Le Thi Mai Huong 
Published: February 2019

The work is devoted to the study of adsorption of F- ions on red mud, which is a waste of Vietnam's alumina plant. The red mud was previously activated with a solution of H2SO4 (2M) with a solid / liquid ratio of 1: 2. Investigation of adsorption at pH = 6.8; room temperature and adsorption time of 120 minutes showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of F- ions reached 9.4 mg / g. The kinetic regularities of the process are described by a second-order equation, the isotherm of the adsorption of F- ions is characterized by the equations of Langmuir and Freundlich. The test of the activated red mud on real samples of wastewater containing fluoride ions showed that the quality of the water after treatment satisfies the permissible standard of Vietnam for industrial wastewater.
Coffee Production Challenges and Opportunities in Tanzania: The Case Study of Coffee Farmers in Iwindi, Msia and Lwati Villages in Mbeya Region
Authors: Otieno Hillary M. O. , Alwenge Beryle A. , Okumu Oliver Otieno 
Published: February 2019

Coffee is one of the most popular cash crops grown in Tanzania. However, its productivity has remained low due to various biotic, abiotic and socio-economic factors prevailing in Mbeya Region. These production challenges have never been properly and intensively documented for better decision making. Therefore, this study was set to assess and provide a better understanding of the current production situation and available technologies and practices for enhancing coffee production in the region.
The research was carried out in Iwindi, Msia and Lwati villages located in Mbeya Region. Two sources of data were used; (a) primary data collected through focus group discussion; and (b) secondary data collected through a systematic and intensive process that involved searching and collecting relevant publications.
From the research, farmers were found to grow very old trees that were more than 20 years. The soils were found to have low levels of nutrients and organic matter. Soils are also acidic, a pH below 5.5. High prevalence of pests such as coffee berry and stem borers and diseases like coffee leaf rust, Fusarium spp., bacterial blight, and red blister were reported in the region. Poor agronomic practices involving intensive intercropping of coffee with trees, other food crops like banana, beans and using generally low tree densities per hectare was observed. Poor extension services due to unbalanced extension agent to farmer ratio (about 1:1800) were found to be one of the causes for poor adoption of best coffee agronomy. Lack of market information and low coffee prices were found to demoralize farmers as it leads to a low return on investment. When asked about their ‘priority training and input support requirements’, all farmers mentioned best coffee agronomy and fertilizer use training. They also mentioned fertilizers (especially Urea or Yara Mila Java blend products) and pesticides (for berry borer, stem borer, Coffee berry disease, and coffee leaf rust) inputs as key for better yields. All these inputs and training require money and service provider. Bundling of training and inputs together could make it easier for any service provider to help farmers increase their yields.
The Epidemiology of Dengue Fever with Special Reference to Malaysia- Emphasizing Prevention and Control
Authors: Ahmad A. M. Meer , Koay C. A. 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Dengue is the most prevalent viral mosquito-borne disease, with over 2.5 billion humans at risk given its endemicity in not less than 100 countries.
Globally, 50-100 million cases of dengue is seen annually, with approximately 0.7% resulting in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), and 22,000 deaths.
In 2017, there were 83,849 reported cases of dengue fever in endemic under-reported Malaysia, with 177 deaths.
Method: The Authors here narrate from their own personal-experiences, besides reviewing existing-literature.
Results and Conclusion: Prevention and Control methods have been desiring of greater achievements, but also show greater promise with Newer Insecticides, Innovative Methods and Vaccines. Dengue Fever would very likely become near-eradicated just like all other vaccine-preventable diseases, once comprehensive mass-vaccination programs are available globally, using safe and very-effective tetravalent-vaccines soon to be available.
Multi-Drug Resistant and Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone-Resistant Salmonella enterica isolated from Shellfish in Iko Creek, Nigeria
Authors: S. Udoekong, Nsikan , D. Akan, Otobong , I. James, Iniobong , E. Agbo, Bassey , Anthony Umoh, 
Published: February 2019

Aim: This study investigated the occurrence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistant (PMQR) genes in Salmonella enterica isolated from shellfish in Iko Creek, Nigeria.
Study Design: This is an experimental research that studied Salmonella enterica isolated from shellfish to determine its association with MDR and PMQR using standard microbiological and molecular methods.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried within Iko Creek, South-South Nigeria for a period of one year (March-July and August to February 2017).
Methodology: A total of 160 shellfish samples (80 clams and 80 oysters) were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella enterica using standard bacteriological methods. In all, 22(52.4%) were positive for clams while 20(47.6%) for oysters. The bacterium was identified using phenotypic methods. The antibiotics used for the antibiotic susceptibility profiles were amoxicillin, quinolones, aminoglycosides, macrolide and sulfonamide. Confirmation of the isolates was done by DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA gene; results obtained were then compared with that in the gene bank. The isolate was identified as Salmonella enterica.
Results: The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts (THBC) in clams ranged from 5.25 x 106 to 3.71 x 107 (Cfu/g) in the dry season and 3.05 x 106 to 2.33 x106 (Cfu/g) in the rainy season. The mean THB counts in oyster was 3.27 x 108 to 1.59 x 108(Cfu/g) in the dry season and 2.54 x 107 to 4.39 x 106 (Cfu/g) in the rainy season. Salmonella enterica showed resistance to all the antibiotics tested except gentamicin. Seventy-one (71) percent of the isolates in this study expressed the qnrB genes.
Conclusion: The presence of qnr B genes and multi-drug resistance (MDR) in the isolate’s gene according to this study is an indicator of treatment failure with antibiotics.
Transverse Spin and Transverse Momentum in Structured Optical Fields
Authors: Saha Sudipta , Ghosh Nirmalya , Dutta Gupta Subhasish 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIt has been recently recognized that in addition to the conventional longitudinal angular momentum, structured (inhomogeneous) optical fields exhibit helicity‐independent transverse spin angular momentum (SAM) and an unusual spin (circular polarization)‐dependent transverse momentum, the so‐called Belinfante's spin momentum. Such highly nontrivial structure of the momentum and the spin densities in the structured optical fields (e.g. evanescent fields) has led to a number of fundamentally interesting and intricate phenomena, e.g. the quantum spin Hall effect of light and the optical spin‐momentum locking in surface optical modes similar to that observed for electrons in topological insulators. In this article, we introduce the basic concepts and look into the genesis of transverse SAM and transverse spin–momentum in structured light. We then discuss few illustrative examples of micro‐ and nano‐optical systems where these illusive entities can be observed. The studied systems include planar and spherical micro‐ and nanostructures. We also investigate the ways and means of enhancing the elusive extraordinary spin. In particular, we show that dispersion management leading to avoided crossing along with perfect absorption mediated by recently discovered coherent perfect absorption can positively influence the resonant enhancement of the transverse spin and spin momentum. The role of mode mixing and interference of neighboring transverse electric and transverse magnetic scattering modes of diverse micro‐ and nano‐optical systems are illustrated with the selected examples. The results demonstrate possibilities for the enhancement of not only the magnitudes but also the spatial extent of transverse SAM and the transverse momentum components, which opens up interesting avenues for experimental detection of these illusive fundamental entities and may enhance the ensuing spin‐based photonic applications.
Single‐Photon Sources
Authors: Inam Faraz A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPhotons' “light quantas” are considered as the central tool of the “second quantum revolution.” The “second quantum revolution” refers to the application of the discovered quantum mechanical laws toward the development of quantum information technologies that are aimed to completely outperform their classical counterparts. For practical applications, these emerging quantum technologies including all‐optical quantum information processing, communications, and metrology largely rely on the development of a novel optical tool – a bright, controllable, on‐demand source of single photons. Such a device is termed as a single‐photon source (SPS). In this article, we describe in detail the concept of a SPS and explore the various potential candidates in this regard.
Crop Biotechnology for Improving Drought Tolerance: Targets, Approaches, and Outcomes
Authors: Chater Caspar C.C. , Covarrubias Alejandra A. , Acosta‐Maspons Alexis 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHuman population growth and climate change threaten our food and water security. The increasing frequency of extreme drought events will cause major crop yield losses. To mitigate this threat to global food security, we need to rapidly select and/or develop new ‘climate‐ready’ crop varieties that can withstand and flourish under water deficit, enabling the sustained and sustainable production of higher yields to support human life on Earth. In this article, we identify the current targets for crop plant improvement under drought, working from the ground up, with modifications in rooting, shoot, stomatal, and photosynthetic systems, and finally nutrient transport and sink strength. We argue that by using a holistic approach to crop development, prudently incorporating the natural variation available in crop wild relatives and cultivars with cutting‐edge tools, such as molecular breeding and transgenics, we may be able to produce high‐yielding crops under a range of conditions to meet our needs in a changing world.
Opportunities for Developing Salt‐tolerant Wheat and Barley Varieties
Authors: Asif Muhammad A. , Pearson Allison S. , Schilling Rhiannon K. , Roy Stuart J. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Salinity is a major constraint limiting crop yields around the world. While considerable research to understand and enhance the salinity tolerance of plants has occurred, few commercially available salt‐tolerant bread wheat (
Triticum aestivum
), durum wheat (
Triticum durum
), or barley (
Hordeum vulgare
) varieties have been developed for farmers. This lack of salt‐tolerant varieties is despite all publications highlighting issues around global food security, the need to increase crop production to feed an increasing human population, the effects of more variable climate and farmland being degraded by abiotic stresses. We explore the progress to date in using forward and reverse genetic approaches to identify loci and candidate genes linked to plant salinity‐tolerance sub‐traits, and why, despite substantial research in understanding salt tolerance mechanisms, very few genes or loci have been introduced into commercially available varieties. We propose the need for a greater focus on validating glasshouse‐based findings of salt tolerance in saline fields, the fine mapping of quantitative trait loci linked to salt‐tolerance sub‐traits to underlying genes, and the use of marker‐assisted selection and speed breeding to pyramid beneficial salinity‐tolerance sub‐traits to develop high‐yielding bread wheat, durum wheat, and barley varieties.
The Rhizosphere: Measuring the Zone of Interaction
Authors: Lettice Eoin P. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The term ‘rhizosphere’ has historically been vaguely defined. In particular, the extent of the rhizosphere: the zone of interaction between root and soil has been difficult to measure or has been measured differently by workers depending on their discipline. This is to be expected given the range of possible interactions that occur at the root–soil interface and the varying effects of rhizodeposits on soil flora and fauna. This article outlines challenges to defining the spatial extent of the rhizosphere and demonstrates that it may not be possible to generalise about the extent of the rhizosphere across a range of different plants and measured based on a range of interactions. The case is made that the rhizosphere is typically more extensive than the few millimetres often described in the literature. In the case of a plant–nematode relationship presented here as a case study, the effect of root exudates (i.e. the rhizosphere effect) can be measured, at least, in centimetres rather than millimetres from the plant. Given the interest in utilising the rhizosphere and the rhizobiome for sustainable crop production, this article will clarify the terminology used and propose basic principles on how the spatial extent of the rhizosphere should be considered.
A multi‐institutional evaluation of machine performance check system on treatment beam output and symmetry using statistical process control
Authors: Binny Diana , Aland Trent , Archibald‐Heeren Ben R. , Trapp Jamie V. , Kairn Tanya , Crowe Scott B. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe automated and integrated machine performance check (MPC) tool was verified against independent detectors to evaluate its beam uniformity and output detection abilities to consider it suitable for daily quality assurance (QA).MethodsMeasurements were carried out on six linear accelerators (each located at six individual sites) using clinically available photon and electron energies for a period up to 12 months (n = 350). Daily constancy checks on beam symmetry and output were compared against independent devices such as the SNC Daily QA 3, PTW Farmer ionization chamber, and SNC field size QA phantom. MPC uniformity detection of beam symmetry adjustments was also assessed. Sensitivity of symmetry and output measurements were assessed using statistical process control (SPC) methods to derive tolerances for daily machine QA and baseline resets to account for drifts in output readings. I‐charts were used to evaluate systematic and nonsystematic trends to improve error detection capabilities based on calculated upper and lower control levels (UCL/LCL) derived using standard deviations from the mean dataset.ResultsThis study investigated the vendor's method of uniformity detection. Calculated mean uniformity variations were within ± 0.5% of Daily QA 3 vertical symmetry measurements. Mean MPC output variations were within ± 1.5% of Daily QA 3 and ±0.5% of Farmer ionization chamber detected variations. SPC calculated UCL values were a measure of change observed in the output detected for both MPC and Daily QA 3.ConclusionsMachine performance check was verified as a daily quality assurance tool to check machine output and symmetry while assessing against an independent detector on a weekly basis. MPC output detection can be improved by regular SPC‐based trend analysis to measure drifts in the inherent device and control systematic and random variations thereby increasing confidence in its capabilities as a QA device. A 3‐monthly MPC calibration assessment was recommended based on SPC capability and acceptability calculations.
Bioinspired Superhydrophobic Papillae with Tunable Adhesive Force and Ultralarge Liquid Capacity for Microdroplet Manipulation
Authors: Tan Yinlong , Hu Biru , Chu Zengyong , Wu Wenjian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTemplate‐free, highly efficient, and large‐area construction of complex multiscale architectures is still a great challenge for microfabrications. Inspired by the hierarchical micropapillae on the superhydrophobic surface of natural rose petals, here, a facile 3D shrinking method is reported to build a graphene oxide (GO) papillae array. Circular GO speckles with a gradient of thickness are deposited on an inflated latex balloon through the water‐evaporation‐driven assembly of GO nanosheets, which then shrink into hierarchical papillae under compressive stresses upon deflation. The fluoroalkylsilane modified GO papillae array exhibits a combined performance of strong superhydrophobicity (CA > 170°), tunable adhesive force (39.2–129.4 µN), and ultralarge liquid capacity (25 µL). The wetting states (Wenzel, Cassie‐I, and Cassie‐Baxter), the adhesive forces, and the liquid capacities all can be tuned by varying the buckling topography (microwrinkle or microfold), the papillae number (3, 4, 6, or 7), and the array arrangement (triangle, square, or hexagon). For one single papillae, the highest adhesive force and the highest liquid capacity incresed to a record breaking value of 26.5 µN and 4.2 µL, respectively, which are promising for programmable manipulations of microdroplets and relevant for multistep microreactions.