bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The spatial heterogeneity of riverbed saturated permeability coefficient in the lower reaches of the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Xi Haiyang , Zhang Lu , Feng Qi , Si Jianhua , Chang Zongqiang , Yu Tengfei , Li Jianguo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn arid region, direct infiltration from rainfall contributes little to groundwater compared with localized recharge from streams. How to quantify riverbed infiltration to groundwater systems is an important area of research in hydrology. In this study, saturated permeability coefficient of a riverbed in an arid inland river basin located in the northwest of China was obtained by Guelph Permeameter and laboratory analysis methods. The characteristics of riverbed infiltration and its spatial patterns were analysed using geostatistical method and kriging method. The results showed that the saturated permeability coefficient varied from 0.089 to 2.802 m/d, indicating moderate degree of variability. The Guelph Permeameter and laboratory test methods provided consistent estimates of saturated permeability coefficient. There was a strong spatial correlation for Kfs of the riverbed in this study area when Range (A) was less than 0.276°, suggesting that the maximum sampling distance for saturated permeability coefficient of the riverbed was 0.276° under isotropic conditions. The Kfs near the centre of the riverbed was higher than the value near riverbank. The Kfs values decreased in the direction of upstream to downstream in the Heihe River Basin. The riverbed mechanical composition, initial soil water content and bulk density have significant influence up on the riverbed infiltration. Besides, the topographical factors including the width, altitude and distance factors of the riverbed together impacted the riverbed infiltration and the slope of the riverbed and also influenced the riverbed infiltration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Progress on Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Based Counter Electrodes for Cost‐Effective Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Balasingam Suresh Kannan , Jun Yongseok 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are one type of highly efficient low‐cost solar cells among third‐generation photovoltaic devices. Replacing the expensive components of DSSCs with alternative inexpensive and earth‐abundant materials would further reduce their price in the solar cell market. Recently, graphene‐based low‐cost counter electrodes (CEs) have been developed, which could serve as a potential alternative to the expensive platinum‐based CEs. In this review article, we have summarized recent research on various reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐based composite CE materials, methods for their synthesis, their catalytic activity, and the effective utilization of such CEs in DSSCs. The photovoltaic performance of DSSCs made of rGO‐based composite CEs were compared with the reference Pt‐based cells, and the photovoltaic parameters are summarized in tables.
Silver nanoparticles affect the neural development of zebrafish embryos
Authors: Xin Qi , Rotchell Jeanette M. , Cheng Jinping , Yi Jun , Zhang Qiang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used in commercial products. This study aims to understand the impact of AgNPs on the early developmental stages in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Embryos were exposed to two sizes of AgNPs at three dose levels, as well to free Ag+ ions, for a range of 4–96 h post‐fertilization (hpf). The acute exposure study showed that exposure to AgNPs affected the neurological development, and the exposed embryos exhibited anomalies such as small head with hypoplastic hindbrain, small eye and cardiac defects. At the molecular level, AgNPs altered the expression profiles of neural development‐related genes (gfap, huC and ngn1), metal‐sensitive metallothioneins and ABCC genes in exposed embryos. The expression of AhR2 and Cyp1A, which are usually considered to mediate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon toxicity, were also significantly changed. A size‐dependent uptake of AgNPs was observed, whereby 4 nm AgNPs were more efficiently taken up compared with the 10 nm‐sized particles. Importantly, the head area accumulated AgNPs more efficiently than the trunk area of exposed zebrafish embryos. No free Ag+ ions, which can be potentially released from the AgNP solutions, were detected. This study suggests that AgNPs could affect the neural development of zebrafish embryos, and the toxicity of AgNPs may be partially attributed to the comparatively higher uptake in the head area. These results indicate the potential neurotoxicity of AgNPs and could be extended to other aquatic organisms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improper Coloring of Sparse Graphs with a Given Girth, II: Constructions
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Kostochka Alexandr , Zhu Xuding 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA graph G is ‐colorable if can be partitioned into two sets and so that the maximum degree of is at most j and of is at most k. While the problem of verifying whether a graph is (0, 0)‐colorable is easy, the similar problem with in place of (0, 0) is NP‐complete for all nonnegative j and k with . Let denote the supremum of all x such that for some constant every graph G with girth g and for every is ‐colorable. It was proved recently that . In a companion paper, we find the exact value . In this article, we show that increasing g from 5 further on does not increase much. Our constructions show that for every g, . We also find exact values of for all g and all .
Effect of biochar, lime, and compost application on phosphorus adsorption in a Ferralsol
Authors: Qayyum Muhammad Farooq , Ashraf Imran , Abid Muhammad , Steffens Diedrich 
Published: May 2015

AbstractUse of biochar has multiple benefits like C, soil organic matter stabilization, and agricultural productivity. However, there is limited information about the effect of biochar on P dynamics in acidic soils. Hence, we investigated the effects of fresh and aged hydrothermal coal produced from bark (HTC) and low temperature coal synthesized from sewage sludge (LTC) on the kinetics of P adsorption in a Ferralsol. The treatments comprised of a control, compost [7.7 g (kg soil)−1], hydrothermal carbonization coal [HTC, 2 g (kg soil)−1], low temperature conversion coal [LTC, 3.8 g (kg soil)−1], lime [0.3 g CaO (kg soil)−1], compost + HTC [3.8 + 1.0 g (kg soil)−1], compost + LTC [3.8 + 1.9 g (kg soil)−1, respectively], compost + lime [7.6 and 0.4 g (kg soil)−1, respectively]. The soil samples were incubated for a period of 3 months at 60% of the maximum water holding capacity. After 5 d and 3 months of the incubation period soil pH, Ca‐acetate lactate (CAL) extractable soil‐P, and P‐adsorption isotherms were determined. The results show a significant effect of treatments on soil pH just after 5 d, which remained consistent after three months of incubation. All treatments, except HTC increased the soil pH compared with the control treatment. The maximum increase in soil pH was observed with compost + lime (from 4.5 to 6.1). The CAL‐extractable P was significantly increased with application of LTC, compost + LTC, and compost + lime. The sorption parameters were not affected after 5 d of incubation. Due to residence effects, the P sorption capacity (Sm) was significantly reduced in the LTC treatment [from 1182 to 1099 mg (kg soil)−1], and in the combination treatments compost + HTC [from 1182 to1078 mg (kg soil)−1], and compost + LTC [from 1182 to 1099 mg (kg soil)−1] treatments. The P binding energy (K) was significantly increased by the addition of LTC (from 2.18 to 4.26 mg L−1), lime (from 2.18 to 4.53 mg L−1), compost + HTC (from 2.18 to 7.03 mg L−1) and compost + LTC (from 2.18 to 4.68 mg L−1). Based on the results of the present study it is concluded that alone application of biochars do not alter the P bioavailability and sorption in a Ferralsol. However, combined application of biochars along with compost significantly decreases P sorption and increases bioavailability.
Effect of the season on the free phytoprostane content in Cornicabra extra virgin olive oil from deficit‐irrigated olive trees
Authors: Collado‐González Jacinta , Pérez‐López David , Memmi Houssem , Gijón M Carmen , Medina Sonia , Durand Thierry , Guy Alexandre , Galano Jean‐Marie , Fernández Diego José , Carro Fernando , Ferreres Federico , Torrecillas Arturo , Gil‐Izquierdo Angel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe effect of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on the phytoprostane (PhytoP) content in extra virgin olive (Olea europaea L., cv. Cornicabra) oil (EVOO) was studied. During the 2012 and 2013 seasons, T0 plants were irrigated at 100% ETc, while T1 and T2 plants were irrigated avoiding water deficit during phases I and III of fruit growth and saving water during the non‐critical phenological period of pit hardening (phase II), developing a more severe water deficit in T2 plants. In 2013, a fourth treatment (T3) was also performed, which was similar to T2 except that water saving was from the beginning of phase II to 15 days after the end of phase II.RESULTS9‐F1t‐PhytoP, 9‐epi‐9‐F1t‐PhytoP, 9‐epi‐9‐D1t‐PhytoP, 9‐D1t‐PhytoP, 16‐B1‐PhytoP and 9‐L1‐PhytoP were present in Cornicabra EVOO, and their contents increased in the EVOO from RDI plants.CONCLUSIONDeficit irrigation during pit hardening or for a further period of 2 weeks thereafter to increase irrigation water saving is clearly critical for EVOO composition because of the enhancement of free PhytoPs, which have potential beneficial effects on human health. The response of individual free PhytoPs to changes in plant water status was not as perceptible as expected, preventing their use as biomarkers of water stress. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Generation mean analysis of grain quality traits in selected rice populations derived from different amylose characteristics
Authors: Ramli Asfaliza Bt , Rafii Mohd Y , Latif Muhamad A , Saleh Ghizan B , Omar Othman B , Puteh Adam B 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDGenetic analysis using generation mean analysis is a tool for designing the most appropriate breeding approaches to developing varieties of rice. It estimates the gene actions that control quantitative traits, as well as the additive, dominance and epistatic effects. This study was conducted using three rice populations that were derived from parental lines with different amylose content. The aim was to partition the gene actions using generation mean analysis for the selected populations.RESULTSA scaling test was carried out to evaluate the fulfilment of the additive–dominance model. Non‐allelic interaction was observed for milled grain length, length‐to‐width ratio and milled rice recovery of all populations evaluated. An additive–dominance model was not adequate for amylose, gel consistency, grain length, grain width, milled grain width and head rice recovery, thus epistasis was involved in the populations evaluated. The importance of additive gene action was observed for grain length, milled grain length and milled rice recovery for populations of high‐ and low‐amylose parents. However, populations with intermediate‐ and high‐amylose parents and intermediate‐ and low‐amylose parents shared almost similar dominance gene actions for most of the physical grain quality traits.CONCLUSIONThese results suggested that delayed selection is the best approach for traits governed by dominance and epistasis effects. Meanwhile, the traits that were governed by additive effects should undergo thorough selection at an early stage. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Non‐hormonal targets underlying endometriosis: A focus on molecular mechanisms
Authors: Che Xiao‐hang , Chen Yi‐chen , Chen Chun‐lin , Ye Xiao‐lei , Zhu Hong 
Published: May 2015

SUMMARYEndometriosis is regarded as a hormone‐dependent disease. Current therapeutic approaches to treating this common gynecological disorder mainly depend on surgical and hormonal interventions, but the high rate of disease recurrence as well as the side effects related to such therapies make it difficult for patients to recover completely. Molecular evidence has recently suggested that the source of endometriosis can be both hormone‐dependent and influenced by the dysregulation of some signaling cascades. In this review, we focus on the non‐hormonal triggers of endometriosis and the pre‐clinical compounds designed to correct these signaling defects in order to achieve a better understanding of the disease as well as novel approaches to treating it. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 410–431, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Velocity measurement of microvessels using phase‐contrast magnetic resonance angiography at 7 tesla MRI
Authors: Kang Chang‐Ki , Park Chan‐A , Lee David Soobin , Lee Yeong‐Bae , Park Cheol‐Wan , Kim Young‐Bo , Cho Zang‐Hee 
Published: May 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to measure the velocity and direction of blood flow in microvessels, such as lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs), using PC MRA.MethodsEleven healthy subjects were scanned with 7 Tesla (T) MRI. Three velocity encoding (VENC) values of 15, 50, and 100 cm/s were tested for detecting the flow velocity in LSAs. The flow directions in Circle of Willis (CoW) were also examined with images obtained by the proposed method. Three subjects were also scanned with 3T MRI to determine the possibility of velocity measurement in LSAs. Difference between 3T and 7T was quantitatively analyzed in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio and velocities in vessels and static tissues.ResultsIn 7T MRI, use of VENC = 15 cm/s provided great visualization and velocity measurements in small and slow flowing vessels, such as the LSAs. The mean of peak velocities in LSAs was 9.61 ± 1.78 cm/s. The results obtained with low VENC also clearly depicted the directions of flow in CoW, especially in posterior communicating arteries. However, 3T MRI could not detect the velocity of blood flow in LSAs.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the potential for measuring the velocity and direction of blood flow in the targeted microvessels using an appropriate VENC and 7T MRI. Magn Reson Med 75:1640–1646, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variable flip angle T1 mapping in the human brain with reduced t2 sensitivity using fast radiofrequency‐spoiled gradient echo imaging
Authors: Heule Rahel , Ganter Carl , Bieri Oliver 
Published: May 2015

PurposeVariable flip angle (VFA) T1 quantification using three‐dimensional (3D) radiofrequency (RF) spoiled gradient echo imaging offers the acquisition of whole‐brain T1 maps in clinically acceptable times. However, conventional VFA T1 relaxometry is biased by incomplete spoiling (i.e., residual T2 dependency). A new postprocessing approach is proposed to overcome this T2‐related bias.MethodsT1 is quantified from the signal ratio of two spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) images acquired at different flip angles using an analytical solution for the RF‐spoiled steady‐state signal in combination with a global T2 guess. T1 accuracy is evaluated from simulations and in vivo 3D SPGR imaging of the human brain at 3 Tesla.ResultsThe simulations demonstrated that the sensitivity of VFA T1 mapping to T2 can considerably be reduced using a global T2 guess. The method proved to deliver reliable and accurate T1 values in vivo for white and gray matter in good agreement with inversion recovery reference measurements.ConclusionBased on a global T2 estimate, the accuracy of VFA T1 relaxometry in the human brain can substantially be improved compared with conventional approaches which rely on the generally wrong assumption of ideal spoiling. Magn Reson Med 75:1413–1422, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of Timd2 as a reporter gene for MRI
Authors: Patrick P. Stephen , Rodrigues Tiago B. , Kettunen Mikko I. , Lyons Scott K. , Neves André A. , Brindle Kevin M. 
Published: May 2015

PurposeTo assess the potential of an MRI gene reporter based on the ferritin receptor Timd2 (T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing protein 2), using T1‐ and T2‐weighted imaging.MethodsPellets of cells that had been modified to express the Timd2 transgene, and incubated with either iron‐loaded or manganese‐loaded ferritin, were imaged using T1‐ and T2‐weighted MRI. Mice were also implanted subcutaneously with Timd2‐expressing cells and the resulting xenograft tissue imaged following intravenous injection of ferritin using T2‐weighted imaging.ResultsTimd2‐expressing cells, but not control cells, showed a large increase in both R2 and R1 in vitro following incubation with iron‐loaded and manganese‐loaded ferritin, respectively. Expression of Timd2 had no effect on cell viability or proliferation; however, manganese‐loaded ferritin, but not iron‐loaded ferritin, was toxic to Timd2‐expressing cells. Timd2‐expressing xenografts in vivo showed much smaller changes in R2 following injection of iron‐loaded ferritin than the same cells incubated in vitro with iron‐loaded ferritin.ConclusionTimd2 has demonstrated potential as an MRI reporter gene, producing large increases in R2 and R1 with ferritin and manganese‐loaded ferritin respectively in vitro, although more modest changes in R2 in vivo. Manganese‐loaded apoferritin was not used in vivo due to the toxicity observed in vitro. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Magn Reson Med 75:1697–1707, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance.
Frictionless contact formulation for dynamic analysis of nonlinear saturated porous media based on the mortar method
Authors: Sabetamal Hassan , Nazem Majid , Sloan Scott W. , Carter John P. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryA finite element algorithm for frictionless contact problems in a two‐phase saturated porous medium, considering finite deformation and inertia effects, has been formulated and implemented in a finite element programme. The mechanical behaviour of the saturated porous medium is predicted using mixture theory, which models the dynamic advection of fluids through a fully saturated porous solid matrix. The resulting mixed formulation predicts all field variables including the solid displacement, pore fluid pressure and Darcy velocity of the pore fluid. The contact constraints arising from the requirement for continuity of the contact traction, as well as the fluid flow across the contact interface, are enforced using a penalty approach that is regularised with an augmented Lagrangian method. The contact formulation is based on a mortar segment‐to‐segment scheme that allows the interpolation functions of the contact elements to be of order N. The main thrust of this paper is therefore how to deal with contact interfaces in problems that involve both dynamics and consolidation and possibly large deformations of porous media. The numerical algorithm is first verified using several illustrative examples. This algorithm is then employed to solve a pipe‐seabed interaction problem, involving large deformations and dynamic effects, and the results of the analysis are also compared with those obtained using a node‐to‐segment contact algorithm. The results of this study indicate that the proposed method is able to solve the highly nonlinear problem of dynamic soil–structure interaction when coupled with pore water pressures and Darcy velocity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do ultrasound findings of levator ani “avulsion” correlate with anatomical findings: A multicenter cadaveric study
Authors: Da Silva Ana Sofia , Digesu G. Alessandro , Dell'Utri Chiara , Fritsch Helga , Piffarotti Paola , Khullar Vik 
Published: May 2015

AimsThis study aimed to validate the levator “avulsion” injury as seen on ultrasound against anatomical dissection in the same cadaver.MethodsPuboviseral muscle (PVM) anatomy of female cadavers was studied using 3D‐translabial ultrasonography and an “avulsion” confirmed per standard recommendations [Dietz HP. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 53:220–230, 2013]. Cadavers were then dissected to determine the macroscopic attachment or detachment of the PVM and the dimensions including the PVM symphysis gap and PVM attachment depth. Intra and inter‐observer reliability of USS findings and anatomical measurements were assessed using the Cohen's κ and Bland & Altman plots respectively. McNemar's and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare imaging and cadaveric dissection findings.Results“Avulsions” were seen on imaging in 11/30 (36.7%) cadavers; the defect was bilateral in 1/30 (3.3%) and unilateral in 10/30 (33.3%). No “avulsion” was found at dissection (McNemar's χ2 = 60.0, P < 0.001). An additional thirty‐nine cadavers were dissected with no “avulsion” identified. A narrower PVM insertion depth was strongly associated with “avulsion” on ultrasound (mean: 4.79 mm vs. 6.32 mm, Z = −3.191, P = 0.001). Intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement was perfect (K = 1.0 ± 0.0) and good (K = 0.85 ± 0.142) for anatomical “avulsions” and USS, respectively.ConclusionsThere is a clear difference between anatomical and USS findings. The imaged appearance of an “avulsion” does not represent a true anatomical “avulsion” as confirmed on dissection. The term “avulsion” is misrepresentative and should not be used to describe this imaging finding. Moreover, further attempts at surgically repairing this defect should be avoided, at least until there is a better understanding of its pathophysiology. Neurourol. Urodynam 35:683–688, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chance‐constrained multi‐terminal network design problems
Authors: Song Yongjia , Zhang Minjiao 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe consider a reliable network design problem under uncertain edge failures. Our goal is to select a minimum‐cost subset of edges in the network to connect multiple terminals together with high probability. This problem can be seen as a stochastic variant of the Steiner tree problem. We propose two scenario‐based Steiner cut formulations, study the strength of the proposed valid inequalities, and develop a branch‐and‐cut solution method. We also propose an LP‐based separation for the scenario‐based directed Steiner cut inequalities using Benders feasibility cuts, leveraging the success of the directed Steiner cuts for the deterministic Steiner tree problem. In our computational study, we test our branch‐and‐cut method on instances adapted from graphs in SteinLib Testdata Library with up to 100 nodes, 200 edges, and 17 terminals. The performance of our branch‐and‐cut method demonstrates the strength of the scenario‐based formulations and the benefit from adding the additional valid inequalities that we propose. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 321–334, 2015
A new reduced integration solid‐shell element based on EAS and ANS with hourglass stabilization
Authors: Li Qiaomin , Liu Yuqi , Zhang Zhibing , Zhong Wen 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn this paper, a novel reduced integration eight‐node solid‐shell finite element formulation with hourglass stabilization is proposed. The enhanced assumed strain method is adopted to eliminate the well‐known volumetric and Poisson thickness locking phenomena with only one internal variable required. In order to alleviate the transverse shear and trapezoidal locking and correct rank deficiency simultaneously, the assumed natural strain method is implemented in conjunction with the Taylor expansion of the inverse Jacobian matrix. The projection of the hourglass strain‐displacement matrix and reconstruction of its transverse shear components are further employed to avoid excessive hourglass stiffness. The proposed solid‐shell element formulation successfully passes both the membrane and bending patch tests. Several typical examples are presented to demonstrate the excellent performance and extensive applicability of the proposed element. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.