bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of in‐service quality of experience for peer‐to‐peer live video streaming systems using a user‐centric and context‐aware approach based on Bayesian networks
Authors: Mian Ahmad Umair , Hu Zheng , Tian Hui 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a modified and improved quality of experience (QoE) estimation approach has been presented on the basis of the user‐behavior modelling and context‐aware modelling. We have implemented this proposed approach for peer‐to‐peer live video streaming systems because of the dynamically adaptive and distributed nature of these systems. The problem of estimating QoE is formulated as a Bayesian network model using user‐behavior and context‐related variables as nodes. The relationship between these nodes are established to find out estimated QoE, which is based on the user‐behavior data and context data, and dynamically adapt to any change in their values. This relationship is further explored to provide the basis for more user‐centric, context‐aware and dynamically adaptive services and network systems as this in‐service QoE is important for network optimization and service provisioning. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The chronology and the hydrometeorology of catastrophic floods on Dartmoor, South West England
Authors: Foulds S. A. , Macklin M. G. , Brewer P. A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractExtreme floods are the most widespread and often the most fatal type of natural hazard experienced in Europe, particularly in upland and mountainous areas. These ‘flash flood’ type events are particularly dangerous because extreme rainfall totals in a short space of time can lead to very high flow velocities and little or no time for flood warning. Given the danger posed by extreme floods, there are concerns that catastrophic hydrometeorological events could become more frequent in a warming world. However, analysis of longer term flood frequency is often limited by the use of short instrumental flow records (last 30–40 years) that do not adequately cover alternating flood‐rich and flood‐poor periods over the last 2 to 3 centuries. In contrast, this research extends the upland flood series of South West England (Dartmoor) back to ca AD 1800 using lichenometry. Results show that the period 1820 to mid‐1940s was characterized by widespread flooding, with particularly large and frequent events in the mid‐to‐late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since ca 1850 to 1900, there has been a general decline in flood magnitude that was particularly marked after the 1930s/mid‐1940s. Local meteorological records show that: (1) historical flood‐rich periods on Dartmoor were associated with high annual, seasonal and daily rainfall totals in the last quarter of the 19th century and between 1910 and 1946, related to sub‐decadal variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation and receipt of cyclonic and southerly weather types over the southwest peninsula; and (2) the incidence of heavy daily rainfall declined notably after 1946, similar to sedimentary archives of flooding. The peak period of flooding on Dartmoor predates the beginning of gauged flow records, which has practical implications for understanding and managing flood risk on rivers that drain Dartmoor. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Activity‐Based Probes Carrying a 5′‐Fluorosulfonylbenzoyl Adenosine Moiety for Protein Kinases
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Ling , Yang Chun‐Chieh , Lan Chao‐Ying , Lin Jing‐Jer , Lo Lee‐Chiang 
Published: April 2013

AbstractProtein kinases are involved in many important cellular signaling pathways. Development of activitybased probes targeting this enzyme family would be of great contemporary values. In this study, we established a synthetic route that allows parallel synthesis for the preparation of a 2 × 2 probe library. The probes feature a reactive fluorosulfonylbenzoyl moiety on an adenosine framework to investigate the effect of two structural variables on the labeling performance toward kinases. Preliminary labeling results indicated that probe 3, which is the best candidate in the probe library, is indeed an activity‐based probe for kinases. The results also revealed that the ester linkage between the fluorosulfonylbenzoyl moiety and the sugar plays an important role in the labeling ability of the probes, and the meta‐substituted sulfonyl fluoride could help improving the target specificity. The valuable information obtained in this study could be applied for probe improvement in the future.
Riparian hydraulic gradient and stream‐groundwater exchange dynamics in steep headwater valleys
Authors: Voltz Thomas , Gooseff Michael , Ward Adam S. , Singha Kamini , Fitzgerald Michael , Wagener Thorsten 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPatterns of riparian hydraulic gradients and stream‐groundwater exchange in headwater catchments provide the hydrologic context for important ecological processes. Although the controls are relatively well understood, their dynamics during periods of hydrologic change is not. We investigate riparian hydraulic gradients over three different time scales in two steep, forested, headwater catchments in Oregon (WS01 and WS03) to determine the potential controls of reach‐scale valley slope and cross‐sectional valley geometry. Groundwater and stream stage data collected at high spatial and temporal resolutions over a period encompassing a 1.25 year storm and subsequent seasonal baseflow recession indicate that hydraulic gradients in both riparian aquifers exhibit strong persistence of down‐valley dominance. Responses to rainfall do not support the simple conceptual models of increased riparian hydraulic gradient toward streams. Hydraulic gradient response in WS01 to both the seasonal baseflow recession and the storm suggested the potential for increased stream‐groundwater exchange, but there was less evidence for this in WS03. Results from four constant‐rate tracer injections in each stream showed a high baseline level of exchange overall, and both a slight seasonal increase (WS01) and slight decrease (WS03) in the riparian intrusion of tracer‐labeled stream water as stream discharge receded. These results indicate that steep headwater valley floors host extensive stream water exchange and very little change in the water table gradients over 3 orders of magnitude of stream discharge.
Suspension of bed material over sand bars in the Lower Mississippi River and its implications for Mississippi delta environmental restoration
Authors: Ramirez Michael T. , Allison Mead A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUnderstanding specific pathways for sand transport in the lower reaches of large rivers, including the Mississippi, is a key for addressing multiple significant geologic problems, such as delta building and discharge to the oceans, and for environmental restoration efforts in deltaic environments threatened by rising sea levels. Field studies were performed in the Mississippi River 75–100 km upstream of the Gulf of Mexico outlet in 2010–2011 to examine sand transport phenomena in the tidally affected river channel over a range of discharges. Methods included mapping bottom morphology (multibeam sonar), cross‐sectional and longitudinal measurements of water column velocity and acoustic backscatter, suspended sediment sampling, and channel‐bed sampling. Substantial interaction was observed between the flow conditions in the river (boundary shear stress), channel‐bed morphology (size and extent of sandy bedforms), and bed material sand transport (quantity, transport mode, and spatial distribution). A lateral shift was observed in the region of maximum bed material transport from deep to shallow areas of subaqueous sand bars with increasing water discharge. Bed material was transported both in traction and in suspension at these water discharges, and we posit that the downriver flux of sand grains is composed of both locally‐ and drainage basin‐sourced material, with distinct transport pathways and relations to flow conditions. We provide suggestions for the optimal design and operation of planned river diversion projects.
Synthetic strategies for radioligands for in vivo imaging of brain cannabinoid type‐1 receptors
Authors: Ahamed Muneer , Verbruggen Alfons , Bormans Guy 
Published: April 2013

Despite its abundant expression in the brain, the cannabinoid type‐1 (CB1) receptor was discovered only in 1988. During the last decade, efforts from several research groups have made it possible to visualize the CB1 receptor in vivo to unravel its role in the brain physiology and pathology.This review discusses strategies for (radio)synthesis of radioligands for in vivo imaging of CB1 receptors.
Year patterns of climate impact on wheat yields
Authors: Yu Qiang , Li Longhui , Luo Qunying , Eamus Derek , Xu Shouhua , Chen Chao , Wang Enli , Liu Jiandong , Nielsen David C. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTRainfall, temperature, and solar radiation are important climate factors, which determine crop growth, development and yield from instantaneous to decadal scales. We propose to identify year patterns of climate impact on yield on the basis of rain and non‐rain weather. There are inter‐related impacts of climatic factors on crop production within a specific pattern. Historical wheat yield data in Queensland during 1889–2004 were used. The influence of meteorological conditions on wheat yields was derived from statistical yield data which were detrended by 9‐year‐smoothing averages to remove the effects of technological improvements on wheat yields over time. Climate affects crop growth and development differently over different growth stages. Therefore, we considered the climate effects at both vegetative and reproductive stages (before and after flowering date, respectively) on yield. Cluster analysis was employed to identify the year patterns of climate impact. Five patterns were significantly classified. Precipitation during the vegetative stage was the dominant and beneficial factor for wheat yields while increasing maximum temperature had a negative influence. Crop yields were strongly dependent on solar radiation under normal rainfall conditions. As the effect of rainfall on soil water is relatively long‐lasting, its beneficial effect in vegetative stage was higher than its effect during the reproductive stage. The Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) was evaluated using long‐term historical data to determine whether the model could reasonably simulate effects of climate factors for each year pattern. The model provided good estimates of wheat yield when conditions resulted in medium yield levels, however, in extremely low or high yield years, corresponding to extremely low or high precipitation in the vegetative stage, the model tended to underestimate or overestimate. Under high growing season precipitation, simulations responded more favourably to reproductive stage rainfall than measured yields.
Fast onset of action of sublingual immunotherapy in house dust mite‐induced allergic rhinitis: A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Wang De‐Hui , Chen Lei , Cheng Lei , Li Ke‐Nan , Yuan Hu , Lu Ji‐Hong , Li Han 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate how quickly an allergic rhinitis (AR) patients' symptoms will improve with sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).Study DesignDouble‐blind placebo study.MethodsThis is a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of SLIT used to treat house dust mite‐induced AR. A total of 120 AR patients, aged 4 to 60 years, were treated for 6 months and randomized into two groups: 1) SLIT with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D.p.) and Dermatophagoides farina (D.f.) extract (n = 60) ; and 2) matched placebo controls (n = 60). Symptom, medications received, and a visual analog scale score were recorded during the whole study. Serum‐specific IgE and IgG4 to D. p. and D. f. were assessed before and after the treatment.ResultsEighty‐five patients (70.8%) completed the study. Twelve patients (20%) chose to withdraw from the SLIT group, but none because of serious adverse effects. The total symptom and visual analog scores VAS in the SLIT group decreased significantly when compared to the placebo controls (P <0.05) after week 14, as well as for the significant (P <0.05) improvement of all individual AR symptoms in the SLIT group (e.g., sneezing, nasal discharge, itching, and nasal obstruction) after week 22. There was a significant (P <0.05) increase of IgG4 to both D.f. and D.p. in the SLIT, but not in the placebo group after treatment.ConclusionSLIT with a mixture of D.f. and D.p. extract is an effective and safe treatment for patients with house dust mite‐induced AR. Its onset of action can be observed as early as 14 weeks after treatment.Level of Evidence1B.
Auditory maturation in premature infants
Authors: Hof Janny R. , Stokroos Robert J. , Wix Eduard , Chenault Mickey , Gelders Els , Brokx Jan 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe spontaneous hearing improvement in the first years of life of a number of preterm neonates relative to cochlear implant candidacy.Study DesignRetrospective case study.MethodsHearing levels of 14 preterm neonates (mean gestational age at birth = 29 weeks) referred after newborn hearing screening were evaluated. Initial hearing thresholds ranged from 40 to 105 dBHL (mean = 85 dBHL).ResultsHearing level improved to normal levels for four neonates and to moderate levels for five, whereas for five neonates, no improvement in hearing thresholds was observed and cochlear implantation was recommended. Three of the four neonates in whom the hearing improved to normal levels were born prior to 28 weeks gestational age. Hearing improvement was mainly observed prior to a gestational age of 80 weeks.ConclusionsDelayed maturation of an immature auditory pathway might be an important reason for referral after newborn hearing screening in premature infants. Caution is advised regarding early cochlear implantation in preterm born infants. Audiological follow‐ups until at least 80 weeks gestational age are therefore recommended.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 123:2013–2018, 2013
Ubiquitination dynamics in the early‐branching eukaryote Giardia intestinalis
Authors: Niño Carlos A. , Chaparro Jenny , Soffientini Paolo , Polo Simona , Wasserman Moises 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUbiquitination is a highly dynamic and versatile posttranslational modification that regulates protein function, stability, and interactions. To investigate the roles of ubiquitination in a primitive eukaryotic lineage, we utilized the early‐branching eukaryote Giardia intestinalis. Using a combination of biochemical, immunofluorescence‐based, and proteomics approaches, we assessed the ubiquitination status during the process of differentiation in Giardia. We observed that different types of ubiquitin modifications present specific cellular and temporal distribution throughout the Giardia life cycle from trophozoites to cyst maturation. Ubiquitin signal was detected in the wall of mature cysts, and enzymes implicated in cyst wall biogenesis were identified as substrates for ubiquitination. Interestingly, inhibition of proteasome activity did not affect trophozoite replication and differentiation, while it caused a decrease in cyst viability, arguing for proteasome involvement in cyst wall maturation. Using a proteomics approach, we identified around 200 high‐confidence ubiquitinated candidates that vary their ubiquitination status during differentiation. Our results indicate that ubiquitination is critical for several cellular processes in this primitive eukaryote.
Administration of imatinib mesylate in rats impairs the neonatal development of intramuscular interstitial cells in bladder and results in altered contractile properties
Authors: Gevaert Thomas , Hutchings Graham , Everaerts Wouter , Prenen Hans , Roskams Tania , Nilius Bernd , De Ridder Dirk 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimsThe KIT receptor is considered as a reliable marker for a subpopulation of interstitial cells (IC), and by persistent neonatal inhibition of KIT we have investigated the role of this receptor in the development of IC‐networks in bladder and we have observed the functional consequences of this inhibition.MethodsNewborn rat pups were treated daily with the KIT inhibitor imatinib mesylate (IM). After 7 days animals were sacrificed and bladder samples were dissected for morphological and functional studies. Morphological research consisted of immunohistochemistry with IC specific antigens (KIT and vimentin) and electron microscopy. The functional studies were based on isolated bladder strips in organ baths, in which spontaneous bladder contractility and the response to a non‐subtype selective muscarinic agonist was evaluated.ResultsSuburothelial and intramuscular IC were found and characterized in neonatal rat bladder. IM‐treatment induced a significant decrease in numbers of IC based on specific immunohistochemical markers, and electron microscopy revealed evidence of IC cell injury. These morphological alterations were observed on intramuscular IC only and not on IC in the suburothelium. Isolated muscle strips from IM‐treated animals had a lower contractile frequency and an altered response to muscarinic agonists.ConclusionsThe present study shows the presence of regional subpopulations of IC in neonatal rat bladder, provides evidence for a dependence on KIT of the development of intramuscular IC and supports the hypothesis that a poor development of networks of intramuscular IC might have repercussions on spontaneous and muscarinic‐induced bladder contractility. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:461–468, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weight control practices of severely obese patients who are not seeking bariatric surgery
Authors: Arterburn David , Westbrook Emily O. , Terrell Andrew 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveWe sought to better understand why so few severely obese patients undergo bariatric surgery in the United States.Design and MethodsWe conducted a telephone survey to assess the weight control practices of severely obese patients who were not actively seeking bariatric surgery in Group Health, a health system in Washington State.ResultsAmong 295 severely obese participants surveyed (63% response rate), most reported actively working on weight loss (58%), although current use of commercial weight loss programs (10%) and obesity pharmacotherapy (0.1%) was low. Household income and white race were strongly associated with lifetime use of commercial programs, suggesting a possible disparity in use of effective treatment for obesity. Many were interested in learning more about bariatric surgery (49%) and pharmacotherapy (53%), but few had ever discussed surgery (26%) or pharmacotherapy (33%) with their physician. Finally, although only 29% had coverage for bariatric surgery, those with coverage were not more likely to have discussed bariatric surgery with their physician.ConclusionsOverall, our survey of severely obese patients who are not currently seeking bariatric surgery suggests that interest in obesity treatments is high, coverage and receipt of treatment is low, and that there is a potential socioeconomic disparity related to the use of commercial programs.
Grape Colour Phenotyping: Development of a Method Based on the Reflectance Spectrum
Authors: Rustioni Laura , Basilico Roberto , Fiori Simone , Leoni Alessandra , Maghradze David , Failla Osvaldo 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe colour of fruit is an important quality factor for cultivar classification and phenotyping techniques. Besides the subjective visual evaluation, new instruments and techniques can be used.ObjectivesThis work aims at developping an objective, fast, easy and non‐destructive method as a useful support for evaluating grapes' colour under different cultural and environmental conditions, as well as for breeding process and germplasm evaluation, supporting the plant characterization and the biodiversity preservation.Materials and MethodsColours of 120 grape varieties were studied using reflectance spectra. The classification was realized using cluster and discriminant analysis. Reflectance of the whole berries surface was also compared with absorption properties of single skin extracts.ResultsA phenotyping method based on the reflectance spectra was developed, producing reliable colour classifications. A cultivar‐independent index for pigment content evaluation has also been obtained.ConclusionsThis work allowed the classification of the berry colour using an objective method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of targeted sequencing of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms for non‐invasive prenatal detection of aneuploidy of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y
Authors: Nicolaides K. H. , Syngelaki A. , Gil M. , Atanasova V. , Markova D. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the performance of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) testing in maternal blood for detection of fetal aneuploidy of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y using targeted sequencing of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms.MethodsProspective study in 242 singleton pregnancies undergoing chorionic villus sampling at 11 to 13 weeks. Maternal blood was collected before chorionic villus sampling and sent to Natera (San Carlos, CA, USA). cfDNA was isolated from maternal plasma, and targeted multiplex PCR amplification followed by sequencing of 19 488 polymorphic loci covering chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y was performed. Sequencing data were analyzed using the NATUS algorithm that determines the copy number and calculates a sample‐specific accuracy for each of the five chromosomes tested. Laboratory personnel were blinded to fetal karyotype.ResultsResults were provided for 229 (94.6%) of the 242 cases. Thirty‐two cases were correctly identified as aneuploid, including trisomy 21 [n = 25; sensitivity = 100% (CI: 86.3–100%), specificity = 100% (CI: 98.2–100%)], trisomy 18 (n = 3), trisomy 13 (n = 1), Turner syndrome (n = 2), and triploidy (n = 1), with no false positive or false negative results. Median accuracy was 99.9% (range: 96.0–100%).ConclusionscfDNA testing in maternal blood using targeted sequencing of polymorphic loci at chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y holds promise for accurate detection of fetal autosomal trisomies, sex chromosome aneuploidies, and triploidy. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing responsive microgels for drug delivery applications
Authors: Smeets Niels M. B. , Hoare Todd 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTMicrogels based on thermally responsive polymers have been widely investigated in the context of controlled release applications, with increasing recent interest on developing a clearer understanding of what physical, chemical, and biological parameters must be considered to rationally design a microgel to deliver a specific drug at a specific rate in a specific physiological context. In this contribution, we outline these key design parameters associated with engineering responsive microgels for drug delivery and discuss several recent examples of how these principles have been applied to the synthesis of microgels or microgel‐based composites. Overall, we suggest that in vivo assessment of these materials is essential to bridge the existing gap between the fascinating properties observed in the lab and the practical use of microgels in the clinic. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3027–3043