bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Case for Citizen Duty
Authors: Mazor Joseph ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: January 2020

This article defends a novel type of institutionalized mass deliberation: Citizen Duty. Citizen Duty would legally require every citizen to engage in one day of diverse, moderated political deliberation prior to major elections. This deliberation would realize a variety of benefits, including wiser electoral decisions and a more respectful electoral process, while avoiding the dangers of citizen deliberation. A comparison with jury duty and with non-deliberative alternatives suggests that Citizen Duty’s substantial economic and liberty costs are justified. Finally, an examination of citizen attitudes towards politics and deliberation suggests that Citizen Duty is not as quixotic as it first appears.
Electrocardiographic changes during therapeutic hypothermia: observational data from a single centre
Authors: Jančauskaitė Dovilė , Samalavičius Robertas , Glaveckaitė Sigita , Semėnienė Palmyra , Šerpytis Pranas
Published: January 2020

Background. Therapeutic hypothermia is recommended to reduce the risk of hypoxic brain damage and improve short-term survival after cardiac arrest. It also temporarily affects the cardiac conduction system. The aim of this study was to evaluate electrocardiographic changes during therapeutic hypothermia and their impact on the outcome. Materials and methods. This retrospective analysis involved 26 patients who underwent therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos from 2011 to 2015. Results. During cooling, a significant reduction in the heart rate (p = 0.013), shortening of QRS complex duration (p = 0.041), and prolongation of the QTc interval (p < 0.001) were observed. During the cooling period, five patients had subtle Osborn waves, which disappeared after rewarming. The association between electrocardiographic changes during cooling and unfavourable neurological outcome or in-hospital mortality was non-significant. Conclusions. Therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest causes reversible electrocardiographic changes that do not increase the risk of in-hospital mortality or unfavourable neurological outcomes.
Thrombosis of the brachial artery – a rare and devastating complication after a simple closed posterolateral elbow dislocation
Authors: Masionis Povilas , Bobina Rokas , Uvarovas Valentinas , Porvaneckas Narūnas , Šatkauskas Igoris
Published: January 2020

Dislocation of the elbow joint is the second most common dislocation after the shoulder joint. Although this pathology is relatively common, concomitant vascular injuries are rare. We present a case of a patient who sustained a fall on his arm with an outstretched elbow that resulted in a closed simple posterolateral elbow dislocation and delayed thrombosis of the brachial artery followed by two revascularisation surgeries. The physician must always maintain a high index of suspicion for a concomitant vascular injury before and after closed reduction of the elbow joint and have in mind that complete ischemia without any pulsations could be absent because the elbow is surrounded by rich collateral anastomoses. Suspicion should be even stronger in the presence of bony lesions or open injuries. A team of trauma and vascular surgeons has to work hand in hand as surgical treatment with a saphenous graft or direct suture is the first method of choice with the prior requirement of a stable elbow joint.
Grau de satisfação térmica da população idosa do conjunto habitacional Jardim do Éden, Marabá/PA
Authors: Costa Stefane Mireles da Silva , Sousa Flaviany Luise Nogueira de , Gallardo Nuria Pérez , Oliveira Antonio Carlos Nascimento-Passos de , Souza Tamara Daiane de
Published: January 2020

As características climáticas do local onde são erguidas as edificações, influenciam diretamente no comportamento térmico das mesmas, e ao combinar estes elementos aos mecanismos fisiológicos do corpo, o ser humano sente uma satisfação ou insatisfação térmica em função de vários parâmetros, como por exemplo, idade, sexo, vestimenta, atividade, etc.. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o grau de satisfação térmica dos moradores idosos do Conjunto Habitacional de Interesse Social, Jardim do Éden, localizado no distrito de Morada Nova, no município de Marabá/PA (Brasil). A pesquisa foi baseada na aplicação de questionários, para a faixa etária de idosos, os quais abrangem diversos aspectos relacionados a percepção térmica do usuário, com respostas que variam entre 'satisfeito' a 'insatisfeito'. A pesquisa apontou a insatisfação dos moradores idosos, demonstrando a latente demanda por soluções que adequem o ambiente térmico a realidade do local, e consequentemente, melhore a qualidade de vida de seus ocupantes, principalmente daqueles mais vulneráveis ao desconforto térmico.
Benefits and Risks of Using Blockchain in Smart Energy: A Literature Review
Authors: Erturk Emre , Lopez Dobrila , Yu Wei Yang
Published: January 2020

Being a decentralized system makes Blockchain a suitable technology solution in many cases. The Smart Energy domain has the potential to benefit from the use of Blockchain, by improving data and transaction management, through applications such as peer-to-peer energy trading, grid enhancement, and electric vehicle support. Many researchers have proposed models and prototypes of blockchain-based applications, which are expected to improve the performance of smart energy systems. In this report, a qualitative literature review was performed to look into a sample of these application proposals and to try to identify the impacts of blockchain technology in Smart Energy. This resulted in the discovery of both positive and negative factors. The beneficial factors include increased security, improved data privacy, data transparency and immutability, removal of third-party control and trust, ubiquitous solution, and greater data accessibility. The list of challenges includes limited scalability and speed, off-chain support requirement, high establishment and maintenance cost, and requiring further practical tests. One of the interesting findings is that the impact of Blockchain technology as to whether it may increase or decrease transaction costs is still unclear. Finally, the paper recommends that a future study may focus on economic feasibility and transaction costs, and ascertain which Smart Energy cases and application designs are more appropriate for Blockchain technology.
Emotional Exhaustion in Ministry as Predictor of Sexual Attitudes of Nigerian Christian Clergy
Authors: E. Nwaka Promisen , E. Akinnawo Olutope , Awaritefe Alfred , Akpunne Bede C.
Published: January 2020

The study aimed to examine Emotional Exhaustion (EE) of the minister as predictor of the Christian clergy sexual attitudes in an era of “#ChurchToo” crusade and sexual crisis facing the church globally yet, there are not sufficient empirical data on the Christian clergy regarding dynamics that are responsible for permissive sexual attitudes and behaviours.  Five hundred and sixty-two (562) Christian clergy (410 male, 152 female), mean age 34.7± 0.1 were purposively selected from Protestant, Pentecostal and White garment churches in south-western Nigeria who responded to Emotional Exhaustion in Ministry (SEEM) and Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale (BSAS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses.  The observed prevalence of high burnout was 14.0%.  Emotional exhaustion in ministry significantly predicted Birth control (sexual responsibility) Birth control (sexual responsibility) (Sexual responsibility) attitude, communion attitude, instrumentality attitude and permissiveness attitude. There were statistically significant sex differences in the mean (± SD) scores of Birth control (sexual responsibility) attitude, Communion attitude and permissiveness attitude.  Male and female clergy had similar mean (± SD) score on instrumentality.  Findings demonstrate that emotional exhaustion in ministry is strongly linked with several dimensions of sexual attitudes in unique ways, and that gender deference in sexual attitude exists among the clerics.
FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis of Mentha spicata L. (Garden Mint)
Authors: Aslam Tahir Muhammad , S. A. Abbasi Muhammad
Published: January 2020

The purpose of present research work is to investigate number and types of bioactive compounds present in Mentha spicata L. grown in north east Punjab suburban region. Most suitable technique used for this study is FTIR which is nondestructive, cost effective, user and environment friendly. Mentha spicata L. or garden mint cultivated under normal atmospheric conditions. The flowers and remaining non-flowering part were plucked and kept in under shade for 40 days to avoid photochemical changes. Flowers and non-flowering parts were grinded to fine powder and were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopic technique. The FTIR spectral lines have shown different characteristic peaks of functional groups. As a result, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, phenols, and aromatics etc. have been investigated.
Improving the Quality of Locally Produced Vegetable Oils in Ghana Using Zeolite ZSM-11
Authors: Akrofi Anang Michael , Dodoo Daniel , Ntiri Baah-Sefa , Zugle Ruphino , Ellen Fynn Gertrude
Published: January 2020

The local vegetable oils (Coconut and Palm Kernel Oils) are usually faced with short shelf-life which has been associated with the presence of some unwanted materials present in them. This study explores the potential of using locally manufactures Zeolites in removing these impurities to improve the shelf life of these oils. The Zeolite used in this study was synthesized using locally available raw materials such as bauxite and kaolin through the hydrothermal process X-ray diffraction studies of the synthesized Zeolite were found to be part of the ZSM-11 Zeolite type group. FTIR analysis of the sample showed a weak vibrational peak at 1642cm-1 and a strong band at 987cm-1. Batch process for the removal of these unwanted materials was performed. Percentage reduction of 85.71%, 89.22%, 89.36% and 83.81% was recorded for impurities, moisture content, free fatty acid and peroxide value reduction in Palm Kernel Oil and 85.71%, 83.33%, 93.26%, 90.57% for Coconut Oil. Kinetic studies showed the process favored the Pseudo-first order with R2 of 0.956 and 0.971 for Coconut and Palm Kernel Oil respectively for impurities The plot of (t / qe) vs. t exhibits a very high linearity and can be concluded that the adsorption rate of the moisture content, impurities, FFA and peroxide value is dependent on the adsorbate used and contact time. The final oils had very good physicochemical parameters with improved qualities. It can be concluded that the synthesized Zeolite was effective for the refining of locally produced Coconut and Palm Kernel Oils and can be accessed for commercial applications.
Phytochemical Investigation of Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam Ethyl Acetate Extract and Its Ability to Reduce Intracellular Antioxidant Levels in THP-I Cells
Authors: Kamalarajan P. , Muthuraman S. , Ganesh M. R. , Valan M. F.
Published: January 2020

Aims: Nilavembu kudineer chooranam is one of the best polyherbal formulations in Siddha tradition of medicinal practice. This formulation has nine herbs as ingredients. This research article explores the scientific analysis of the therapeutic and phytochemical potential of this herbal formulation.

Methodology: In this study, Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam is extracted with hot ethyl acetate using a Soxhlet apparatus. This study focuses on the pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, physico-chemistry TLC analysis and antioxidant ability of Nilavembu Kudineer chooranam. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) is used to analyze the extract of Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam to screen for active principles. Antioxidant activity of Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam was determined using DPPH assay. Gas Chromatogram Mass Spectrometric method (GCMS) was carried out in the ethyl acetate extract of NKC for phytochemical analysis.

Results: The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam reveals the presence of phytochemicals. The quantitative phytochemical estimations show the presence of 0.082 mg of alkaloid, 5.81 mg of flavanoid, 4.32 mg of tannin and 0.736 mg of phenolics in ethyl acetate extract. The HPTLC analysis confirmed the presence of such phytochemicals that are well known for their medicinal properties. The percentage of moisture content, total Ash, acid-soluble ash, and a water-soluble ash content of NKC were found to be 3.7%, 9.07%,1.66%, and 0.75% respectively. The fluorescence analysis of NKC powder with different chemical reagents revealed the presence of several active principles in the extract. The antioxidant ability of NKC extract was also assessed by FACS analysis using DCFDA assay in THP-I (human monocyte) cells.

Conclusion: In this in-vitro assay NKC extract significantly reduced the intracellular antioxidant levels in THP-I cells.  Thus the in-vitro assay further confirmed the antioxidant potential of NKC extract. It is apparent from the above results and discoveries that NKC makes a perfect health drink.
Influence of Solar Energy on the Physicochemical Parameters of Effluent Sludge and the Receiving Stream of an Oxidation Pond
Authors: Omoya F. O. , O. Olalemi A.
Published: January 2020

Aim: This study was aimed at determining the physicochemical characteristics (such as pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, nitrogen, phosphorus, chloride, iron, lead, magnesium etc.) of the effluent sludge from a sewage oxidation pond and the receiving stream before and after exposure to solar energy. This is to gain a better understanding on how ultraviolet radiations from sunlight alters the physicochemical parameters inherent in the sludge and the stream.

Methods and Results: Effluent sludge samples and water samples from the receiving stream were collected and exposed to solar energy over a twenty-day period. Physicochemical parameters were measured using standard methods. Results revealed that mean values of dissolved oxygen and pH increased whereas those of biological oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, chloride, phosphorus, iron, lead zinc and magnesium reduced over the period study.

Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that the addition of solar energy to the chains of processes in sewage treatment will produce effluents with minimal content of nutrients from organic matter and heavy metals and these will ultimately protect the receiving stream from contamination, thus contributing to human health protection.
Adopting Tolerance Regions in Environmental Economics
Authors: Kitsos Christos P. , Toulias Thomas L.
Published: January 2020

Uncertainty often lies when there is limited knowledge about the process one has to follow regarding the investigation of a real-world problem. In practice, uncertainty is related with the assumed estimation model of the physical problem, and mainly concerns the involved parameters. A typical examplecan be an Environmental Economics system. There are many model specifications that estimate the so-called Benefit Area of such system. For the evaluation of the optimal level of pollution, we can adopt the corresponding tolerance region, and hence we can refer to this optimal level via future observations rather than some parameters estimation. Tolerance regions can be either classical or expected tolerance regions. The associated (four) Benefit Areas can be evaluated through a proposed tolerance region procedure, and not through the usual confidence interval/region approach. Therefore, four possible optimal levels of pollution can be obtained, as well as the corresponding tolerance region for the reduction pollution point.
Effect of Hot Water Exposure Duration, Storage and Hot Water Temperature on Chilling Injury, Incidence and Quality of Keitt Mango (Mangifera indica L.)
Authors: Pholoma Senewa Bobby , Emongor Vallentino , Tshwenyane Seoleseng
Published: January 2020

Low temperature storage is the most effective method of extending postharvest life and maintain fruit quality because it delays physiological processes such as ethylene production and senescence. Unfortunately, fruit such as mangoes are sensitive to low temperature storage and may be detrimental due to chilling injury, which reduces fruit quality. Effects of storage temperature, hot water at various temperatures and durations on alleviation of mango chilling injury and quality were evaluated on Keitt mango for the growing season in Botswana. The treatments were fruits dipped in distilled water at room temperature (25±2ºC- control), dipped in hot water at 50 and 55ºC for duration of 3, 5 and 10 minutes and storage temperatures at 4, 7, 10, 13 and 25±2ºC, plus 95% RH. The results showed that as storage temperature at below 13ºC, chilling injury incidence and severity significantly (P ≤ 0.0001) increased. Atwater temperature from 25ºC to 50 and 55ºC and duration in which mango fruit was held in hot water, increased from 3 to 5 and 10 minutes, chilling injury incidence and severity significantly (P ≤ 0.0001) decreased.
Rooting Induction in Allium cepa for the Study of Mitosis in a Hydroponics System
Authors: Silva Geovanio Alves da , Arriel Eder Ferreira , Luz Mellina Nicácio da , Martins Valeska Regina Silva , Oliveira Elisabeth de , Júnior José Aminthas de Farias , Leite Maria José de Holanda , Arriel Leonardo Castro
Published: January 2020

The study of cell division processes is important for the understanding of how genetic information is transmitted from cell to cell and to descendants. To observe the phases of mitosis in meristematic cells of the onion root (Allium cepa), it is necessary to induce the rooting of this bulb that can be influenced by some factors like the type of water and the preparation form of the bulb of the onion for the success of rhizogenesis. In view of the above, the objective was to evaluate the influence of the water source and the opening of holes in the stem of the propagule to induce rooting in a hydroponic system. Two experiments were installed. In the first, one of the treatments was used distilled water and treated water. In the other experiment, three treatments were evaluated (without holes, few holes and a lot of holes in the stem of the bulb). Five days after installation of the first experiment, data were collected on the number of bulbs that gave off roots and this variable was analyzed using the X2 test. In the other test, also at five days, root number and fresh root mass data were obtained and the data were submitted for analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Scott-Knott test. For the induction of rooting in onion bulbs (Allium cepa) in a hydroponic system, water should be used, preferably treated, cleaned and decontaminated. The stem of the onion bulb should receive many perforations to facilitate the absorption of water with the essential nutrients for rooting.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for Treatment of Acute Illnesses in Children Living in Yenagoa Nigeria
Authors: Duru Chika , Nduka Ijeoma , Obikeze Obioma
Published: January 2020

Background: The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is on the rise globally. This study investigated the use of CAM among mothers for treating acute illnesses in their children. It provides information on the prevalence and types of CAM and reasons for their use.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted with the use of interviewer administered questionnaires using multi-stage sampling technique to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of CAM and the patterns of its use. All consenting mothers were used for the study.

Results: A total of 415 women were interviewed; their ages ranged from 18-42 years. Majority, 94.7% had heard of CAM but only 72.5% had ever used it. Of the CAM users, 63.2% used CAM only when the child was ill while 36.8% used it routinely. Sources of information about CAM was primarily from family members in 74.5% of cases with massage (62.8%) spiritual healing (41.9%) and biological products (33.2%) being the most common forms of CAM used. The symptoms which made the mothers use CAM on their children was the presence of fever (80.7%), vomiting (47.8%) and diarrhoea (37.9%). Majority (66%) of the mothers believed that CAM works and 71.8% were likely to recommend it to their friends and family. The reasons given for the use of CAM included the fact that they felt that it was more effective and cheaper than western medicine in 38.2% and 33.9% of cases respectively. The use of CAM in children by caregivers was significantly associated with age (p=0.000), religious beliefs (p=0.007), marital status (p=0.001) and socioeconomic status (p=0.000).

Conclusion: The use of CAM in children is high in Yenagoa. There is a need for appropriate public policy formulation and regulation to ensure safety of use of CAM products in children.
SMAD3/SP1 complex‐mediated constitutive active loop between lncRNA PCAT7 and TGF‐β signaling promotes prostate cancer bone metastasis
Authors: Lang Chuandong , Dai Yuhu , Wu Zhengquan , Yang Qing , He Shaofu , Zhang Xin , Guo Wei , Lai Yingrong , Du Hong , Wang Hehe , Ren Dong , Peng Xinsheng
Published: January 2020

Bone metastasis is associated with cancer‐related death in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in tumor progression of PCa. Nevertheless, the biological function of lncRNAs in PCa bone metastasis remains unclear. PCAT7 was identified as a bone metastasis‐related lncRNA via analyzing TCGA dataset. Meanwhile, PCAT7 was found to be elevated in primary PCa tissues with bone metastasis and associated with bone metastasis status and poor prognosis of patients with PCa. Functionally, our results reveal that PCAT7 overexpression promotes PCa bone metastasis in vivo, as well as migration, invasion, and EMT of PCa cells in vitro; on the contrary, PCAT7 knockdown has an inverse effect. Mechanistically, PCAT7 activates TGF‐β/SMAD signaling by upregulating TGFBR1 expression via sponging miR‐324‐5p. In turn, TGF‐β signaling forms a positive feedback loop with PCAT7 via SMAD3/SP1 complex‐induced PCAT7 upregulation. Finally, the clinical positive correlation between PCAT7 and TGFBR1 and TGF‐β signaling activity, and the negative association with miR‐324‐5p are further demonstrated in PCa tissues and clinical primary PCa cells. This study reveals a novel mechanism that is responsible for the constitutive activation of TGF‐β signaling in PCa bone metastasis, implying that PCAT7 can act as a potential therapeutic target against bone metastasis of PCa via disrupting the constitutive active loop between PCAT7 and TGF‐β signaling.
The N‐terminal domains of the paralogous HycE and NuoCD govern assembly of the respective formate hydrogenlyase and NADH dehydrogenase complexes
Authors: Skorupa Philipp , Lindenstrauß Ute , Burschel Sabrina , Blumenscheit Christian , Friedrich Thorsten , Pinske Constanze
Published: January 2020

Formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) is the main hydrogen‐producing enzyme complex in enterobacteria. It converts formate to CO2 and H2 via a formate dehydrogenase and a [NiFe]‐hydrogenase. FHL and complex I are evolutionarily related and share a common core architecture. However, complex I catalyses the fundamentally different electron transfer from NADH to quinone and pumps protons. The catalytic FHL subunit, HycE, resembles NuoCD of Escherichia coli complex I; a fusion of NuoC and NuoD present in other organisms. The C‐terminal domain of HycE harbours the [NiFe]‐active site and is similar to other hydrogenases, while this domain in NuoCD is involved in quinone binding. The N‐terminal domains of these proteins do not bind cofactors and are not involved in electron transfer. As these N‐terminal domains are separate proteins in some organisms, we removed them in E. coli and observed that both FHL and complex I activities were essentially absent. This was due to either a disturbed assembly or to complex instability. Replacing the N‐terminal domain of HycE with a 180 amino acid E. coli NuoC protein fusion did not restore activity, indicating that the domains have complex‐specific functions. A FHL complex in which the N‐ and C‐terminal domains of HycE were physically separated still retained most of its FHL activity, while the separation of NuoCD abolished complex I activity completely. Only the FHL complex tolerates physical separation of the HycE domains. Together, the findings strongly suggest that the N‐terminal domains of these proteins are key determinants in complex assembly.
Synthesis of Chiral 5‐Aryl‐2‐oxazolidinones via Halohydrin Dehalogenase‐Catalyzed Enantio‐ and Regioselective Ring‐Opening of Styrene Oxides
Authors: Wan Nanwei , Zhou Xiaoying , Ma Ran , Tian Jiawei , Wang Huihui , Cui Baodong , Han Wenyong , Chen Yongzheng
Published: January 2020

An efficient biocatalytic approach for enantio‐ and regioselective ring‐opening of styrene oxides with cyanate was developed by using the halohydrin dehalogenase HheC from Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1, generating the corresponding chiral 5‐aryl‐2‐oxazolidinones in up to 47% yield and 90% ee. Additionally, the origin of enantioselectivity and regioselectivity of the HheC‐catalyzed cyanate‐mediated ring‐opening process was uncovered by single enantiomer bioconversions and molecular docking study.

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Tandem Access to Acridones and their Fused Derivatives: [1+2+3] Annulation of Isocyanides with Unsaturated Carbonyls
Authors: Zhang Ling‐Juan , Yang Wenhui , Hu Zhongyan , Zhang Xian‐Ming , Xu Xianxiu
Published: January 2020

A wide range of acridones and their cyclo[b]‐fused derivatives are efficiently constructed by a double annulation of o‐enoyl arylisocyanides with α, β‐unsaturated carbonyls under simple metal‐free condition. This protocol is general, efficient and practical, featuring the successive formation of two rings by a one‐pot domino transformation. A tandem process involing an isocyanide‐based [1+4] cycloaddition, an aminofuran‐based intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition, ring opening and aromatization is proposed for the transformation.

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Do cover crops improve the productivity and industrial quality of upland rice?
Authors: Portugal José R. , Arf Orivaldo , Buzetti Salatiér , Portugal Amanda R.P. , Garcia Nayara F.S. , Meirelles Flávia C. , Garé Lucas M. , Abrantes Fábio L. , Rodrigues Ricardo A.F.
Published: January 2020

Global rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation is expected to increase, especially in upland no‐tillage systems (NTS). The difficulty in producing and maintaining straw in NTS in the Brazilian Cerrado and comparative regions worldwide can be overcome by using cover crops in irrigated areas. The potential of straw accumulation, soil cover maintenance, and nutrient cycling is considered while choosing cover crop species, because these characteristics may interfere with subsequent crop cultivation. This study was conducted to determine whether cover crops could benefit the development, productivity, and industrial quality of upland rice grains irrigated by sprinklers and cultivated in succession. The experiment was conducted in the Cerrado, with a summer rainy season and a dry winter. The treatments consisted of six cover crops (millet [Pennisetum glaucum], sunn hemp [Crotalaria juncea], pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan], millet + sunn hemp, millet + pigeonpea, and fallow) sowed in winter or spring. Compared to fallow, the cover crops cultivated in winter or spring led to increased straw production, accumulation of approximately 150% more nitrogen in straw, and possibly improved rice nutritional value because of the higher N content. Rice plants cultivated after sunn hemp developed a greater dry mass than rice cultivated after the fallow treatment. Grain yield was not influenced by the cover crops. However, sunn hemp cultivation increased the milling yield, head rice yield, and the milled rice productivity (MRP), compared to cultivation following the fallow treatment. Cultivation of sunn hemp before the upland rice crop improved MRP compared to that following the fallow treatment.
Chlorophyll meter–based nitrogen fertilizer optimization algorithm and nitrogen nutrition index for in‐season fertilization of paddy rice
Authors: Zhang Ke , Yuan Zhaofeng , Yang Tiancheng , Lu Zhenzhou , Cao Qiang , Tian Yongchao , Zhu Yan , Cao Weixing , Liu Xiaojun
Published: January 2020

Nitrogen fertilizer optimization algorithm (NFOA) and nitrogen nutrition index (NNI) have been developed to achieve higher yield and N use efficiency. This study was to improve NFOA and NNI strategies for managing rice N nutrition based on portable Soil and Plant Analyzer Development (SPAD) meter. Four field experiments were conducted in 2013–2014 to generate diverse N fertilizer rates in rice cultivars at three eco‐sites. Nitrogen indicators SPAD readings were measured to establish SPAD‐based management strategies. Two experiments were conducted to assess the effectiveness of developed NFOA and NNI algorithm for upward and downward adjustment of N‐fertilizer doses twice within the growing season in 2015. New N‐adjustment strategies optimized N topdressing by upward‐, fine‐, and downward‐ adjustment with an average N‐application rate of 264–272 kg N ha−1 in eastern China. Maximum grain yield (10.5 t ha−1) was obtained when 264 kg N ha−1 was applied. The recovery efficiency of N fertilizer was higher for NFOA and NNI (51–57%) than fixed‐time application of 270 kg N ha−1 (48%). The comparable high net profit (>$1080 ha−1) was achieved with lower N‐adjustment fertilizer input in 270 and 360 kg N ha−1 treatments. SPAD‐based NFOA and NNI methods are practical approaches for reducing excessive use of N fertilizer, achieving slight increase in yield, and net profit was decreased (360 kg N ha−1). More refinements are necessary to ensure that these strategies can be used for yield‐ and income‐enhancing production for farmers.
Dense subsoils limit winter wheat rooting depth and soil water depletion
Authors: Breslauer Rachel , Brown David J. , Pan William L. , Huggins David R. , Madsen Isaac J. , Tao Haiying
Published: January 2020

Dense subsoils pose a challenge to dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the Palouse region of the semiarid northwestern United States. Subsoils, commonly fragipans and argillic horizons, may restrict root growth and limit crop access to critical stored soil water, but this phenomenon is not well characterized in the Palouse. During the 2017–2018 growing season, an on‐farm study of soil profiles in two commercial winter wheat fields in eastern Washington and northern Idaho was established to observe the effects of soil bulk density on winter wheat root system depth and subsoil water depletion. At harvest, grain yield, root density, soil bulk density, and postharvest soil water and nitrogen content were measured to 120 cm at 15‐cm segments in the profile. Root‐restrictive depth (RRD) was defined as the depth where root density was less than or equal to 0.25 intersections cm−2 cross‐sectional area. Soil bulk density negatively affected root density and consequently increased the probability of shallow RRD. Shallow RRD was common, with 38% of profiles having RRD less than or equal to 105 cm. Postharvest soil‐water content at the bottom of the measured profile (105–120 cm) was 41% higher in profiles with RRD of 90 cm than nonrestricted profiles. Yield declined with increase in postharvest soil water content at 105–120 cm depth. Findings indicate that dense subsoils can reduce stored soil water depletion by limiting root density and root system depth that, in turn, limits yield.
Selection indexes based on linear‐bilinear models applied to soybean breeding
Authors: Woyann Leomar Guilherme , Meira Daniela , Matei Gilvani , Zdziarski Andrei Daniel , Dallacorte Lucas Vinicius , Madella Laura Alexandra , Benin Giovani
Published: January 2020

Recently developed selection indexes provide solutions for plant breeding, using linear‐bilinear models that consider factors as fixed or random. This work aimed to compare the multitrait selection indexes based on factor analysis and ideotype‐design (FAI‐BLUP), GGE biplot, and grain yield × trait index (GYT), and proposes the use of predicted genetic values together with the GYT index (best linear unbiased prediction used in grain yield*trait index, GYT‐BLUP). In addition, this work indicates the best index to select superior soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genotypes, closer to the ideotype. Data from 35 homozygous soybean lines and four checks, were obtained from trials conducted in six locations in the southern region of Brazil in the 2014/2015 crop season. The grain yield, yield components, morphological and grain composition were evaluated. Phenotypic data were used for GGE biplot and GYT analysis, using the software GGE biplot. Genetic values were predicted with mixed models considering genotype and location as random and fixed effects, respectively. Thus, genetic values were used in GYT‐BLUP and FAI‐BLUP indexes. These methods were compared by Spearman's rank correlation. Genetic gains obtained by indexes and traits were estimated. Soybean lines L1 and L22, and cultivars C3 and C4 were selected based on their performance for multiple traits, for indexes used. Thus, we suggest to combined FAI‐BLUP and GYT‐BLUP indexes. The GYT‐BLUP has a high importance for grain yield, which was related to all other traits. FAI‐BLUP gave similar weights for all traits. So, combining different approaches can provide better answers to breeders.
Soybean yield and crop stage response to planting date and cultivar maturity in Iowa, USA
Authors: Kessler A. , Archontoulis S.V. , Licht M.A.
Published: January 2020

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planting date and maturity group are important agronomic decisions. This study quantified how maturity group selection and later than optimal planting dates affected grain yield and crop development across Iowa, USA. Field experiments were conducted in seven locations between 2014 and 2016. Cultivar maturities ranged from 2.2 to 3.7 maturity group and planting dates targeted for 20‐d intervals from early May to early July. Soybean grain yield ranged from 0.27 to 7.54 Mg ha−1. Cultivar maturity had little to no effect on grain yield at four of seven sites while planting date was significant at all sites (p < .001) and the planting date and cultivar maturity interaction was not significant. As planting date was delayed, the VE‐R3 and R3‐R7 periods were each shortened by up to 15–20 d. The shorter growing period resulted in less radiation and growing degree day accumulation. An exponential‐plateau relationship between relative yield and GDD was evident for the VE‐R3 phase, with a plateau at 700°C‐d. A linear relationship between yield and GDD was evident from R3‐R7, suggesting greater yield with more accumulated GDD. The opposite relationships were found for photoperiod which had a linear relationship for the VE‐R3 and curvilinear for the R3‐R7 phases. These results showed that yield potential would be maximized by planting before 20 May. We concluded that planting earlier in the spring was a better management practice than maturity selection to maximize yield and the R3‐R7 period duration was critical in determining potential yield.
Amylose content and RVA profile characteristics of noodle rice under different conditions
Authors: Xuan Ying , Yi Yang , Liang He , Wei Shanqing , Chen Nianping , Jiang Ligeng , Ali Izhar , Ullah Saif , Wu Xiuchan , Cao Tianyi , Zhao Quan , Li Tianyuan
Published: January 2020

Few studies have been conducted on changes in the amylose content and rapid visco‐analyzer (RVA) profile characteristics of noodle rice cultivars under different ecological conditions. This research was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate changes in amylose content and RVA profile characteristics of ten noodle rice cultivars at three test sites. The cultivars were planted in Nanning, Hengyang, and Nanchang in 2017. Four cultivars were planted at each site on seven sowing dates with an interval of 15 d in 2018. Grain amylose content and RVA profile characteristics were determined after the rice had been stored for three months. The results showed that there were significant differences between the cultivars in the amylose content and RVA profile characteristics. The RVA profile characteristics of the 10 rice cultivars did not exhibit a similar trend for the three test sites. The average coefficient of variation was 8.6% for the amylose content, greater than 25% for the breakdown (BD) and setback (SB); 10 to 20% for the consistency (CSV) and peak viscosity (PV); and less than 10% for the trough viscosity (TV), final viscosity (FV), peak time (PT), and pasting temperature (PaT). The correlation analysis showed that the amylose content was significantly correlated with the PT, TV, BD, PaT, SB, and FV. It was concluded that there were significant differences in the amylose content and RVA profile characteristics between the rice cultivars and significant genetic‐environment interaction effects. The amylose content of the special noodle rice cultivars was significantly correlated with the RVA profile characteristics.
Nitrogen increased aboveground biomass of Leymus chinensis grown in semi‐arid grasslands of inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Bai Yuting , Yan Ruirui , Schellenberg Michael P. , Wang Hong , Han Guodong , Zhang Ruiyang , Zhang Jun , Wei Zhijun
Published: January 2020

There is controversy over whether the addition of nitrogen (N) is the key to the rapid growth of Chinese rye grass Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. in natural, semiarid grasslands. We investigated yearly impact of various N additions (0, 91, 183, and 274 kg N ha−1) on the relationships between nutrient traits (plant carbon [C], N, and phosphorous [P]), morphological traits (plant height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, stem length and stem diameter) and aboveground biomass in L. chinensis. Results showed that most of the growth characteristics of L. chinensis increased with N rate except for leaf number and stem length. Nitrogen addition increased aboveground biomass, plant height, leaf length and stem length of L. chinensis, which was related to high precipitation during the critical period for the growth of L. chinensis. Nitrogen addition increased the N concentration and N to P ratio of L. chinensis tissue, but decreased the C to N ratio in the leaf and stem of L. chinensis. Compared to the control, N addition increased C and N concentrations and the N to P ratio, but decreased P concentration and the C to N ratio.
π‐Conjugated Triazenes and Nitriles: Simple Photoinduced Synthesis of Anilides Using Mild and Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Barragan Enrique , Noonikara‐Poyil Anurag , Bugarin Alejandro
Published: January 2020

A simple, clean, direct, photochemical, and metal‐free approach to produce structurally diverse anilides in good to excellent yields (up to 99%), by utilizing π‐conjugated triazene reactivity and simple nitriles is presented. Interestingly, natural sunlight is also shown to provide effective delivery of amides, with yields up to 99%.
Antisense Oligonucleotide Reverses Leukodystrophy in Canavan Disease Mice
Authors: Hull Vanessa , Wang Yan , Burns Travis , Zhang Sheng , Sternbach Sarah , McDonough Jennifer , Guo Fuzheng , Pleasure David
Published: January 2020

Marked elevation in the brain concentration of N‐acetyl‐L‐aspartate (NAA) is a characteristic feature of Canavan disease, a vacuolar leukodystrophy resulting from deficiency of the oligodendroglial NAA‐cleaving enzyme aspartoacylase. We now demonstrate that inhibiting NAA synthesis by intracisternal administration of a locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotide to young‐adult aspartoacylase‐deficient mice reverses their pre‐existing ataxia and diminishes cerebellar and thalamic vacuolation and Purkinje cell dendritic atrophy. Ann Neurol 2020;87:480–485
Intravenous Immunomodulatory Nanoparticle Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Sharma Sripadh , Ifergan Igal , Kurz Jonathan E. , Linsenmeier Robert A. , Xu Dan , Cooper John G. , Miller Stephen D. , Kessler John A.
Published: January 2020

Objective

There are currently no definitive disease‐modifying therapies for traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, we present a strong therapeutic candidate for TBI, immunomodulatory nanoparticles (IMPs), which ablate a specific subset of hematogenous monocytes (hMos). We hypothesized that prevention of infiltration of these cells into brain acutely after TBI would attenuate secondary damage and preserve anatomic and neurologic function.

Methods

IMPs, composed of US Food and Drug Administration–approved 500nm carboxylated‐poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid, were infused intravenously into wild‐type C57BL/6 mice following 2 different models of experimental TBI, controlled cortical impact (CCI), and closed head injury (CHI).

Results

IMP administration resulted in remarkable preservation of both tissue and neurological function in both CCI and CHI TBI models in mice. After acute treatment, there was a reduction in the number of immune cells infiltrating into the brain, mitigation of the inflammatory status of the infiltrating cells, improved electrophysiologic visual function, improved long‐term motor behavior, reduced edema formation as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and reduced lesion volumes on anatomic examination.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that IMPs are a clinically translatable acute intervention for TBI with a well‐defined mechanism of action and beneficial anatomic and physiologic preservation and recovery. Ann Neurol 2020;87:442–455
Classification Accuracy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Dementias
Authors: Benussi Alberto , Grassi Mario , Palluzzi Fernando , Koch Giacomo , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Nardone Raffaele , Cantoni Valentina , Dell'Era Valentina , Premi Enrico , Martorana Alessandro , di Lorenzo Francesco , Bonnì Sonia , Ranieri Federico , Capone Fioravante , Musumeci Gabriella , Cotelli Maria Sofia , Padovani Alessandro , Borroni Barbara
Published: January 2020

Objective

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been suggested as a reliable, noninvasive, and inexpensive tool for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative dementias. In this study, we assessed the classification performance of TMS parameters in the differential diagnosis of common neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Methods

We performed a multicenter study enrolling patients referred to 4 dementia centers in Italy, in accordance with the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy. All patients underwent TMS assessment at recruitment (index test), with application of reference clinical criteria, to predict different neurodegenerative disorders. The investigators who performed the index test were masked to the results of the reference test and all other investigations. We trained and tested a random forest classifier using 5‐fold cross‐validation. The primary outcome measures were the classification accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score of TMS in differentiating each neurodegenerative disorder.

Results

A total of 694 participants were included, namely 273 patients diagnosed as AD, 67 as DLB, and 207 as FTD, and 147 healthy controls (HC). A series of 3 binary classifiers was employed, and the prediction model exhibited high classification accuracy (ranging from 0.89 to 0.92), high precision (0.86–0.92), high recall (0.93–0.98), and high F1 scores (0.89–0.95) in differentiating each neurodegenerative disorder.

Interpretation

TMS is a noninvasive procedure that reliably and selectively distinguishes AD, DLB, FTD, and HC, representing a useful additional screening tool to be used in clinical practice. Ann Neurol 2020;87:394–404
Formation of an Alkynyl‐Protected Ag112 Silver Nanocluster as Promoted by Chloride Released In Situ from CH2Cl2
Authors: Hu Feng , Li Jiao‐Jiao , Guan Zong‐Jie , Yuan Shang‐Fu , Wang Quan‐Ming
Published: January 2020

By directly reducing alkynyl–silver precursors, we successfully obtained a large alkynyl‐protected silver nanocluster, (C7H17ClN)3[Ag112Cl6(C≡CAr)51], which is hitherto the largest structurally characterized silver nanocluster in the alkynyl family. The cluster exhibits four concentric core–shell structures (Ag13@Ag42@Ag48@Ag9), and four types of alkynyl–silver binding modes are observed. Chloride was found to be critical for the stabilization and formation of the silver nanocluster. The release of chloride ions in situ from CH2Cl2 solvent has been confirmed by mass spectrometry. This study suggests that the combination of alkynyl and halide ligands will pave a new way for the synthesis of large silver nanoclusters.
“On–off–on” pyrene‐based fluorescent chemosensor for the selective recognition of Cu2+ and S2− ions and its utilization in live cell imaging
Authors: Rajasekaran Dhivya , Venkatachalam Kavitha , Periasamy Viswanathamurthi
Published: January 2020

A new “on–off–on” fluorescence chemosensor (DPD) was designed, synthesized, and characterized based on pyrene and benzothiozole hydrazide. The probe DPD shows high affinity towards Cu2+ ions and the DPD‐Cu2+ ensemble shows high sensitivity towards S2− ions through the displacement method in the presence of other interfering ions. The detection limits of DPD for Cu2+ and S2− ions were found to be 0.73 and 0.87 nM, respectively. Furthermore, the receptor was effectively applied to recognize Cu2+ and S2− ions in real samples and live A549 cells through imaging studies.
Facile synthesis, characterization, and decolorization activity of Mn2+ and Al3+ co‐doped hexagonal‐like ZnO nanostructures as photocatalysts
Authors: Shahbazkhany Saeedeh , Salehi Mehdi , Mousavi‐Kamazani Mehdi
Published: January 2020

A good photocatalyst with high efficiency can be synthesized easily using eco‐friendly materials and processes. Our synthesized samples exhibit all of the aforementioned features. In this work, manganese co‐doped ZnO at different weight percentages (3, 6, 9, and 15 wt.%) with and without 1.5 wt.% aluminum was synthesized by hydrothermal method, and their photocatalytic activity in aqueous solutions of methyl orange (MO) was investigated under visible light. The structural and optical properties of the samples were characterized using X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In this work, Mn2+ ions in the 9%Mn/ZnO sample and Mn2+, Al3+ ions in the (9%Mn, 1.5%Al)/ZnO sample calcined at 800 °C were replaced instead with some Zn2+ ions in hexagonal wurtzite structures of ZnO. These structures were found next to each other in the form of a hexagonal shape that created 3D‐hexagonal‐like ZnO nanostructures. Finally, nanoparticles (NPs) and nano hexagonal‐like ZnO nanostructures were, respectively, dispersed on the surface of 3D‐hexagonal‐like structure of 9%Mn/ZnO and (9%Mn, 1.5%Al)/ZnO. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analysis showed that the (9%Mn, 1.5%Al)/ZnO sample had more light absorption than 9%Mn/ZnO. However, contrary to our expectations, the 9%Mn/ZnO sample had better decolorization efficiency (94%) after 60 min under visible light, which could be attributed to a significant increase in the level of recombination by the aluminum ions.