bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diatom community responses to long‐term multiple stressors at Lake Gusinoye, Siberia
Authors: Adams Jennifer K. , Peng Yumei , Rose Neil L. , Shchetnikov Alexander A. , Mackay Anson W.
Published: April 2019

Global freshwater systems are threatened by multiple anthropogenic stressors via impacts on ecological structure and function necessary to maintain their health. In order to properly manage freshwater ecosystems, we must have a better understanding of the ecological response to human‐induced stressors, especially in multiple stressor environments. When long‐term observational records are scarce or non‐existent, paleolimnology provides a means to understanding ecological response to long‐term stress. Lake Gusinoye is a large, deep lake in continental southeast Siberia, and has been subject to multiple human‐induced stressors since the 19th century. Diatom assemblages since the late 17th century were reconstructed from a Lake Gusinoye sediment core to increase our understanding of the response of primary producer communities to centuries of environmental change. Records of anthropogenic contamination of Lake Gusinoye (as indicated by spheroidal carbonaceous particle, trace metal, and element records) indicate increases in regional and local development c. 1920. Diatom assemblages were initially dominated by Aulacoseira granulata, which declined beginning in the 18th century, likely as a response to hydrological change in the Gusinoye basin due to regional climate warming following the termination of the Little Ice Age (LIA). Significant diatom compositional turnover was observed since the 19th century at Lake Gusinoye. Since the early 20th century, Lake Gusinoye diatom assemblages have changed more profoundly as a result of multiple anthropogenic stressors, including nutrient influx, aquaculture, and wastewater discharge from the Gusinoozersk State Regional Power Plant. Recent diatom assemblages are dominated by Lindavia ocellata and nutrient‐rich species, including Fragilaria crotonensis and Asterionella formosa. Evidence of continued nutrient enrichment at Lake Gusinoye is likely due to aquaculture in the lake, and suggests potential interactive effects of warming regional temperatures and increasing nutrients (eutrophication).
Critical analysis of nurses' labour market effectiveness in Canada: The hidden aspects of the shortage
Authors: Ariste Ruolz , Béjaoui Ali , Dauphin Anyck
Published: April 2019

This article proposes a critical analysis of the effectiveness of the nurses' labour market by addressing the classic dimensions of a labour market: supply, demand, and the impact of wages. Specifically, this work aims to (1) clarify the various concepts of labour shortage and present the evidence and (2) provide a critical analysis of the literature in terms of the efficiency of the nurses' labour market, while presenting descriptive statistics relevant on the supply and demand of nurses' labour. Such work elucidating the concepts and bringing a critical retrospective and prospective analysis on the subject at the pan‐Canadian level constitutes an important contribution to the literature on the trends in the nursing labour market. The results suggest that this shortage in Canada was around 2.6% in 2012; it would continue until 2022 but would be reduced to 1.3% on average (corresponding to more than 46 000 nurses). Quebec would be the province with the highest vacancy rate. Besides, the analysis suggests that the postrecession period of 2008 was managed more effectively than that in the early 1990s. Measures particularly related to the provision of health services and adequate management of the workload by the institutions are to be prioritized in order to solve the shortage problem.
Review of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Sediment Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Benthic Life
Authors: McGrath Joy A , Joshua Namita , Bess Amanda S , Parkerton Thomas F
Published: April 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments can pose harm to the benthic community. Numerous sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) for the protection of benthic life are available to assess the risk of individual PAHs and PAH mixtures in sediments. Sediment quality guidelines are derived using empirical or mechanistic approaches. Empirically based guidelines are derived using databases of paired sediment chemistry and biological responses and relating sediment concentration to the frequency of an adverse response. Mechanistically based SQGs are derived by considering the inherent aqueous toxicity of the chemical to different biota coupled with site-specific sediment characteristics (i.e., organic C) known to influence PAH bioavailability. Additionally, SQGs are derived to be either protective or predictive of adverse effects in benthic organisms. The objective of this critical review was to evaluate SQGs for use in screening-level risk assessments to identify sediments that may pose a risk to the benthic community. SQGs for PAHs were compiled and compared, and performance evaluated for predicting the presence and absence of toxicity using an extensive field data set. Furthermore, a 2-carbon equilibrium partitioning model and direct measurement of porewater via passive sampling were evaluated for improved performance in higher tiered risk assessments. Recommendations for the use of SQGs in screening evaluations, enhancements to current approaches, and opportunities to refine site risk estimate assessments using passive sampling measurements are discussed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:505–518. © 2019 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
Assessment of Irrigation Scheduling Systems in Germany: Survey of the Users and Comparative Study
Authors: Baroni Gabriele , Drastig Katrin , Lichtenfeld Anna‐Ulrike , Jost Leonie , Claas Peter
Published: April 2019

In Germany, the irrigation sector accounts for only 1% of water use. In recent years, however, this sector has attracted more attention due to the occurrence of severe drought periods. Irrigation scheduling systems could support adaptation strategies but little is known about current providers, performance and users. In this study we aimed to depict the current situation of the existence and functioning of irrigation scheduling systems available in Germany. Six methods were identified and assessed based on direct interviews with end‐users and a comparative analysis. The results showed a positive feedback from the users. However, the recommendations were rarely implemented, while only the seasonal irrigation requirement was considered to support actual water abstraction. These results were corroborated by the comparative analysis. Five of the six irrigation scheduling systems estimated the seasonal irrigation amount consistently, while wider differences were found by looking at the irrigation season and at the number of irrigations. Overall, it is found that irrigation support systems are valuable tools for supporting adaptation strategies to fast changes in agro‐environmental conditions. However, specific assessments based on real measurements should be considered in order to improve the performance of the systems and provide more consistent support to end‐users. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long noncoding RNA SNHG12 promotes cell proliferation and activates Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in prostate cancer through sponging microRNA‐195
Authors: Song Jiannan , Wu Xuhong , Ma Rong , Miao Ling , Xiong Lei , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve critical roles in multiple human malignant tumors, including prostate cancer (PCa). Currently, the biological role of oncogenic lncRNA SNHG12 in PCa remains largely unclear. In the present study, we found that SNHG12 was highly expressed in human PCa tissues and cell lines. In addition, gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function studies showed that overexpression of SNHG12 promoted, while downregulation suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PCa cells in vitro. Knockdown of SNHG12 also repressed PCa xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Further in‐depth mechanistic studies showed that SNHG12 might serve as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐195 in PCa cells, and miR‐195 expression level was negatively associated with the expression of SNHG12 in PCa tissues. Finally, we found that the activity of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is enhanced by SNHG12 overexpression and rescued by co‐transfection with miR‐195 mimics in PCa cells. Collectively, the present study indicated the oncogenic function of SNHG12 in PCa and our findings might provide a new target in the treatment of PCa.
Molecular alterations of mitochondrial D‐loop in oral leukoplakia
Authors: Elamir Azza , ElRefai Sahar M. , Ghazy Shaimaa E.
Published: April 2019

Background

Over the years, numerous studies proposed a crucial role of mutations of nuclear DNA in the carcinogenesis process. Of late, many researchers suppose that alterations of mitochondrial DNA should not be excepted from this analysis. Mutational analysis of mitochondrial DNA displayed that mitochondrial D‐loop is assessed as a hotspot for molecular alterations in various types of malignant tumors encompassing oral squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is believed to emerge through precancerous stages, which might be merely morphologic aspects of cumulative genetic variations.

Methods

In keeping with this model of molecular tumor progression, this study aimed to investigate the qualitative and quantitative alterations that might occur in mitochondrial D‐loop in oral leukoplakia whether dysplastic or not by semiquantitation of a product of the polymerase chain reaction and sequence analyses of mitochondrial D‐loop gene.

Results

Statistically significant increases in the mean values of D‐loop concentrations were observed across the dysplasia gradient of oral leukoplakia. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of point mutations in both dysplastic and nondysplastic oral leukoplakia but not in normal mucosa.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggested that quantitative and qualitative alterations in mitochondrial D‐loop could be a promising molecular marker for early detection and progression of the malignancy.
Blood cell parameters for screening and diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Liao Lin , Xu Yuchan , Wei Hongying , Qiu Yuling , Chen Wenqiang , Huang Jian , Tao Yifeng , Deng Xuelian , Deng Zengfu , Tao Hui , Lin Faquan
Published: April 2019

Background

There is currently no single index for the diagnostic screening of hereditary spherocytosis (HS). However, hematology analyzers are widely used in hospital laboratories because of their highly automated performance and quality control procedure, and detection of some blood cell parameters may be useful for the early screening of HS.

Methods

We investigated the values of blood cell parameters for the screening and differential diagnosis of HS. We performed a descriptive study of 482 samples (67 cases of HS, 59 cases of G6PD deficiency, 57 cases of AIHA, 199 cases of thalassemia, and 100 cases of healthy controls) that were run on Beckman Coulter LH780 Hematology Analyzer.

Results

HS was characterized by increased MCHC, decreased MRV, MSCV‐MCV < 0, and increased Ret with no concomitant increase in IRF. The areas under the ROC curves were MSCV‐MCV (0.97; 95% CI 0.95‐1.0) > MRV (0.94; 95% CI 0.91‐0.97) > MCHC (0.92; 95% CI 0.88‐0.97) > Ret/IRF (0.77; 95% CI 0.7‐0.84). MSCV‐MCV ≤ 0.6 fl was valuable parameter for the diagnostic screening of HS, with a sensitivity of 95.5% and specificity of 94.9%.

Conclusion

These indices have high reference values for differentiating HS from thalassemia, AIHA, and G6PD deficiency.
Effect of pomegranate seed oil supplementation on the GLUT‐4 gene expression and glycemic control in obese people with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Khajebishak Yaser , Payahoo Laleh , Alivand Mohammadreza , Hamishehkar Hamed , Mobasseri Majid , Ebrahimzadeh Vahide , Alipour Mahdiye , Alipour Beitollah
Published: April 2019

Abnormality in glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT‐4) function and insulin secretion are the main causes of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Due to adverse effects of antidiabetic drugs, nowadays, nutraceuticals have been of much interest to investigators. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) on the GLUT‐4 gene expression and glycemic control in obese people with T2DM. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 52 obese type 2 diabetic patients for 8 weeks in Tabriz, Iran, in 2018. Patients were divided into the intervention group (n = 26; who consumed daily three capsules containing 1 g PSO) and the placebo group (n = 26; the same amounts paraffin). GLUT‐4 gene expression and glycemic indices were evaluated by standard methods. GLUT‐4 gene expression was increased significantly in the PSO group. Within‐group changes in fasting blood sugar (FBS) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index were significant in the PSO group. After adjusting the age, gender, and baseline values, FBS was significantly decreased. Insulin concentration, HbA1C, HOMA‐IR, and HOMA‐β did not manifest significant changes. PSO increased the GLUT‐4 gene expression in diabetic patients without any side effects. However, future clinical studies are needed to confirm the obtained results.
Retracted: CXCL16 protects against oxygen and glucose deprivation‐induced injury in human microvascular endothelial cells‐1: Potential role in ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Min , Liu Ruiting
Published: April 2019

Aim

To explore the protective effect of chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) against cell damage induced by oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) in human microvascular endothelial cells‐1 (HMEC‐1) and its possible mechanism.

Methods

Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and flow cytometry were performed to determine cell viability and apoptosis of HMEC‐1, respectively. qRT‐PCR analysis was applied to display the expression of CXCL16 and miR‐424. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins, CXCL16, cAMP/PKA/CREB, and PI3K–AKT–GSK3β pathway‐related proteins.

Results

OGD significantly inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis. CXCL16 overexpression decreased the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of HMEC‐1 induced by OGD. Furthermore, we found that CXCL16 was a target of miR‐424 and was downregulated by miR‐424. The further study showed that overexpression of miR‐424 significantly increased proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of HMEC‐1 induced by OGD. In addition, we also found that miR‐424 was downregulated by PMS2L2. In the subsequence experiment, overexpression of PMS2L2 significantly decreased the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of HMEC‐1 induced by OGD, which suggested that PMS2L2 decreased cell damage of HMEC‐1 induced by OGD. Simultaneously, CXCL16 treatment markedly increased the phosphorylation of PKA/CREB and PI3K–AKT–GSK3β and these signal pathways were blocked by signal inhibitors.

Conclusion

Our study first demonstrates that oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD)‐induced human microvascular endothelial cells‐1 (HMEC‐1) cell injury was alleviated by CXCL16 targeted by miR‐424 which further targeted by PMS2L2. This process might also be regulated by activating PKA/CREB and PI3K–AKT–GSK3β pathways.
Microstructural morphology of dermal and oral denticles of the sharpnose sevengill shark Heptranchias perlo (Elasmobranchii: Hexanchidae), a deep‐water species
Authors: Rangel Bianca de Sousa , Amorim Alberto F. , Kfoury José R. , Rici Rose E. G.
Published: April 2019

The dermal denticles are among the unique morphological adaptations of sharks, which have been acquired throughout their long evolutionary process of more than 400 million years. Species‐specific morphological characteristics of these structures has been applied specially as tools for functional and taxonomic (family‐level) studies. Nevertheless, few studies have explored the diversity of denticle structure in different around the body and oral cavity. In the present study, we described the morphological differences observed in skin and oral cavity of sharpnose sevengill shark Heptranchias perlo, using scanning electron microscopy. Our findings demonstrate substantial variation in morphological structure of the denticles of the body and oral cavity. Overall, the dermal denticles observed across body surface were overlapped, tricuspid, with the central cuspid being more pronounced, pointed, and triangular in shape compared with lateral ones. Unlike, the denticles on the tip of the nose had a smooth crown, with rounded edges, being compact, and overlapped. The oral denticles were found in the ventral and dorsal region of the oral cavity. They also were tricuspid, but with differences in arrangement and ridges. These results suggest a strict functional relationship with the morphological characteristics observed. Such morphological diversity body‐region‐dependent highlights the need for comparative studies that include oral denticles, since this structure has an important functional role in sharks and can be found in fossil and recent records.
Current genetic counseling practice in the United States following positive non‐invasive prenatal testing for sex chromosome abnormalities
Authors: Fleddermann Lauren , Hashmi Syed Shahrukh , Stevens Blair , Murphy Lauren , Rodriguez‐Buritica David , Friel Lara A. , Singletary Claire
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to describe current genetic counseling practice in the United States following a non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) result positive for a sex chromosome abnormality (SCA). Screening for SCAs can be confounded by confined placental mosaicism, natural loss of the X chromosome from maternal cells during aging, and undiagnosed maternal SCA or copy number variant (CNV). Furthermore, with the exception of 45,X, individuals with SCAs usually have no ultrasound or postnatal findings. This makes follow‐up for unresolved positive NIPT necessary; however, there are currently no clinical guidelines. This study used a cross‐sectional design with an anonymous questionnaire to survey 176 genetic counselors. The majority of prenatal respondents always offered diagnostic testing (>88%) and anatomy ultrasound (~90%), but the percent consistently offering maternal karyotype (22%–52%) and postnatal evaluation (28%–87%) varied. Maternal karyotype was offered more often when NIPT was positive for 45,X or 47,XXX and patients had normal prenatal diagnostic testing (p < 0.02) or declined testing (p < 0.02). Offer of postnatal evaluation was more likely when diagnostic testing was declined (p < 0.001). The majority of pediatric providers always offered a postnatal karyotype for the newborn (>72%) but the percent offering maternal karyotype (6%–46%) varied widely. With the current inconsistencies, many newborns with undiagnosed SCAs who could benefit from growth hormone therapy, early intervention, and/or targeted surveillance may be missed. Therefore, there is a need for professional guidelines to help improve the consistency of clinical care for patients with NIPT results positive for SCAs.
Reaction of 2‐Imino‐2H‐chromene‐3‐carboxamide with Phosphorus Isothiocyanates: First Synthesis of Novel Chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidinyl and Bis(chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidinyl)phosphines and Chromeno[2′,3′:4,5]pyrimido[2,1‐d][1,3,5,2]triazaphosphinine
Authors: Assiri Mohammed A. , Ali Tarik E. , Hassanin Noha M. , Yahia I. S. , Sakr Gamal B.
Published: April 2019

Novel chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidinyl and bis(chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidinyl)phosphines and chromeno[2′,3′:4,5]pyrimido[2,1‐d][1,3,5,2]triazaphosphinine were obtained in a simple one‐pot procedure via treatment of 2‐imino‐2H‐chromene‐3‐carboxamide with phenyl phosphorus isothiocyanates. Possible reaction mechanisms were proposed. The structures of the obtained products were confirmed by elemental analyses and spectral tools.
Location is the key to function: HMGB1 in sepsis and trauma-induced inflammation
Authors: Deng Meihong , Scott Melanie J , Fan Jie , Billiar Timothy R
Published: April 2019

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a multifunctional nuclear protein, probably known best as a prototypical alarmin or damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule when released from cells. However, HMGB1 has multiple functions that depend on its location in the nucleus, in the cytosol, or extracellularly after either active release from cells, or passive release upon lytic cell death. Movement of HMGB1 between cellular compartments is a dynamic process induced by a variety of cell stresses and disease processes, including sepsis, trauma, and hemorrhagic shock. Location of HMGB1 is intricately linked with its function and is regulated by a series of posttranslational modifications. HMGB1 function is also regulated by the redox status of critical cysteine residues within the protein, and is cell-type dependent. This review highlights some of the mechanisms that contribute to location and functions of HMGB1, and focuses on some recent insights on important intracellular effects of HMGB1 during sepsis and trauma.
Comparison of Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging and multiecho dynamic contrast‐based MRI in rectal cancer
Authors: Bakke Kine Mari , Grøvik Endre , Meltzer Sebastian , Negård Anne , Holmedal Stein Harald , Mikalsen Lars Tore G. , Lyckander Lars Gustav , Ree Anne H. , Gjesdal Kjell‐Inge , Redalen Kathrine R. , Bjørnerud Atle
Published: April 2019

Background

Dynamic contrast‐based MRI and intravoxel incoherent motion imaging (IVIM) MRI are both methods showing promise as diagnostic and prognostic tools in rectal cancer. Both methods aim at measuring perfusion‐related parameters, but the relationship between them is unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between perfusion‐ and permeability‐related parameters obtained by IVIM‐MRI, T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI and T2*‐weighted dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)‐MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

In all, 94 patients with histologically confirmed rectal cancer.

Field Strength/Sequence

Subjects underwent pretreatment 1.5T clinical procedure MRI, and in addition a study‐specific diffusion‐weighted sequence (b = 0, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 1300 s/mm2) and a multiecho dynamic contrast‐based echo‐planer imaging sequence.

Assessment

Median tumor values were obtained from IVIM (perfusion fraction [f], pseudodiffusion [D*], diffusion [D]), from the extended Tofts model applied to DCE data (Ktrans, kep, vp, ve) and from model free deconvolution of DSC (blood flow [BF] and area under curve). A subgroup of the excised tumors underwent immunohistochemistry with quantification of microvessel density and vessel size.

Statistical Test

Spearman's rank correlation test.

Results

D* was correlated with BF (rs = 0.47, P < 0.001), and f was negatively correlated with kep (rs = –0.31, P = 0.002). BF was correlated with Ktrans (rs = 0.29, P = 0.004), but this correlation varied extensively when separating tumors into groups of low (rs = 0.62, P < 0.001) and high (rs = –0.06, P = 0.68) BF. Ktrans was negatively correlated with vessel size (rs = –0.82, P = 0.004) in the subgroup of tumors with high BF.

Data Conclusion

We found an association between D* from IVIM and BF estimated from DSC‐MRI. The relationship between IVIM and DCE‐MRI was less clear. Comparing parameters from DSC‐MRI and DCE‐MRI highlights the importance of the underlying biology for the interpretation of these parameters.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1114–1124.
Evaluation of a mobile C‐arm cone‐beam CT in interstitial high‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy treatment planning
Authors: Djukelic Mario , Waterhouse David , Toh Ryan , Tan Hendrick , Rowshanfarzad Pejman , Joseph David , Ebert Martin A.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) obtained with a mobile C‐arm X‐ray fluoroscopy unit as a single modality for planning of high‐dose‐rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy treatments.

Methods

The feasibility of using CBCT images obtained using a Siemens Arcadis Orbic 3D mobile C‐arm was evaluated. A retrospective clinical study was undertaken of six participants undergoing HDR prostate brachytherapy. Plans generated using images from a Toshiba Aquilion One LB CT were compared with those generated using CBCT images. After rigid spatial registration, the plans were compared based on various parameters such as dose‐volume histograms, overlap quantities and metrics, and dose constraints.

Results

Provided they were within the limited field of view, the brachytherapy catheters and fiducial markers were clearly visible in the CBCT images and thus, localisable and identifiable in the treatment planning process. The Siemens CBCT underestimated CT numbers leading to poorer tissue contrast which exacerbated the difficulties in delineation of the target tumour and the surrounding organs at risk. Between CT‐ and CBCT‐based plans, the mean difference of CTV‐D90 was 1.58 Gy, CTV‐V100 was 12.13%, rectum‐V80 was 0.06% and urethra‐V120 was −0.70%.

Conclusion

It was not feasible to solely utilise the Siemens Arcadis Orbic 3D for HDR prostate brachytherapy treatment planning due to suboptimal organ delineation. However, the methods in this study could be used to evaluate other mobile CBCT imaging devices for feasibility in HDR brachytherapy treatment planning since the results indicated that it may not be necessary to have standard quality CT images for treatment planning.
Phosphorus deficiency promotes the lateral root growth of Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings
Authors: Huang Wengong , Zhao Xingtang , Liang Nansong , He Liming , Yu Lei , Zhan Yaguang
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of phosphorus (P) deficiency on the lateral root growth of Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings and to reveal the potential molecular mechanisms involved. F. mandshurica seedlings were treated with various concentrations of P (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mM KH2PO4) for 15 d. The growth of lateral roots was quantified by the number of lateral roots, total root length, total root surface area, and root : shoot ratio. Additionally, the levels of endogenous hormones and acid phosphatase were determined in the lateral roots of F. mandshurica seedlings using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The transcription of 17 FmWRKYs and FmPHR1 was detected in the lateral roots of F. mandshurica seedlings using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). F. mandshurica seedlings under P deficiency (0 mM) exhibited significantly higher number of lateral roots, total root length, total root surface area, and root : shoot ratio than those under P supply. P deficiency significantly decreased the levels of indole‐3‐acetic acid, brassinolide, and ethylene, and increased the levels of gibberellins 3, cytokinin, abscisic acid, and acid phosphatase in the lateral roots of F. mandshurica seedlings when compared to seedlings with P supply. In addition, the transcription of four FmWRKYs, including FmWRKY6, FmWRKY23, FmWRKY44, and FmWRKY71, as well as FmPHR1 were significantly higher in the lateral roots of F. mandshurica seedlings under P deficiency compared to seedlings treated with 1 mM P. Phosphorus deficiency promoted the lateral root growth of F. mandshurica seedlings and this process may be associated with the up‐regulation of FmWRKY6, FmWRKY23, FmWRKY44, FmWRKY71, and FmPHR1.
Fertilizer ammonium : nitrate ratios determine phosphorus uptake by young maize plants
Authors: Pedersen Ingeborg F. , Sørensen Peter , Rasmussen Jim , Withers Paul J. A. , Rubæk Gitte Holton
Published: April 2019

We investigated the interacting effects of inorganic nitrogen and the main inorganic phosphorus form in dairy manure (dicalcium phosphate, CaHPO4) on growth, nutrient uptake, and rhizosphere pH of young maize plants. In a pot experiment, three levels of CaHPO4 (0, 167, and 500 mg P pot−1) were combined with nitrogen (637 mg N pot−1) applied at five NH4‐N : NO3‐N ratios (0 : 100, 25 : 75, 50 : 50, 75 : 25, and 100 : 0) and a nitrification inhibitor in a concentrated layer of a typical acid sandy soil from Denmark. 15N‐labeled NH4‐N was applied to differentiate the role of nitrification and to partition nitrogen uptake derived from NH4‐N. Among treatments including nitrogen, shoot biomass, rooting and phosphorus uptake were significantly higher at the five‐leaf stage when CaHPO4 was applied with NH4‐N : NO3‐N ratios of 50 : 50 and 75 : 25. In these treatments, rhizosphere pH dropped significantly in direct proportion with NH4‐N uptake. The fertilizers in the concentrated layer had a root‐inhibiting effect in treatments without phosphorus supply and in treatments with pure NO3‐N or NH4‐N supply. Increased nitrogen uptake as NH4‐N instead of NO3‐N reduced rhizosphere pH and enhanced acquisition of applied CaHPO4 by young maize plants, which may have positive implications for the enhanced utilization of manure phosphorus.
Using woody organic matter amendments to increase water availability and jump‐start soil restoration of desertified grassland soils of Ningxia, China
Authors: Li Zhigang , Schneider Rebecca L. , Morreale Stephen J. , Xie Yingzhong , Li Jian , Li Changxiao , Ni Xilu
Published: April 2019

Solutions are urgently needed to address the continued degradation of agricultural soils worldwide, which has severely impacted the ability to grow crops and has led to increased irrigation demand from already rapidly depleting freshwater resources. This project evaluated a unique, previously untested, type of soil organic amendment, that is, coarse wood chips, for capturing and storing scarce precipitation and improving desertified, sandy soils. A field plot experiment was conducted in Ningxia, China, from 2011 through 2016, comparing unamended sandy soils with three coarse woody amendments, including (a) surface‐applied mulch, (b) wood chips incorporated into the top 20 cm of soil, and 3) incorporated wood chips combined with a branch lattice shelter over the soil surface—all treatments replicated under both irrigated and nonirrigated conditions. Precipitation patterns and soil moisture content were compared between 2012 and 2015, and related soil physical and chemical properties were monitored continuously, as well as alfalfa yields in 2015 and 2016. Results indicated that amended soils maintained significantly higher soil water contents between rain events, decreased the number of days below the permanent wilting point, and improved soil properties and alfalfa growth. The combination treatment of wood chips and a branch shelter performed the best among treatments, exhibiting increases in average water storage 50% or more above controls. Unlike highly degradable soil amendments, the slow decomposition of the coarse wood chips resulted in continuous benefits for all 5 years. This use of coarse wood chips represents a timely new addition to the toolbox of soil amendments, providing a mechanism for immediate, long‐lasting restoration of the world's degraded and desertified soils that will foster global food and water security.
Roads as drivers of above‐ground biomass loss at tropical forest edges in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China
Authors: Dissanayake Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Naveen Jayalal , Zhai De‐Li , Dossa Gbadamassi Gouvide Olawole , Shi Jipu , Luo Qinghui , Xu Jianchu
Published: April 2019

Roads are an increasingly important anthropogenic disturbance to tropical ecological systems. Although the ecological impacts of roads are now well recognised, there remains a lack of certainty regarding how roads in general and roads with different widths affect vital ecosystem services such as above‐ground biomass (AGB) in tropics. Using a non‐destructive sampling method, we investigated disturbance effects of roads on AGB and related attributes in Xishuangbanna, China. We surveyed woody plants in natural forests, rubber plantations, and tea plantations up to 100 m from the edge of three different road widths and estimated AGB using allometric equations at 10 m intervals. Two sample t‐test results confirmed that natural forests stored more AGB than rubber and tea plantations, and less AGB at edges of wider road than at edges of narrower road. Linear mixed effects models revealed that land use, road width, and distance from edge significantly explained 68% (both fixed and random factors) variation in AGB. We observed two results that indicated wider roads altered more AGB than narrower road types in natural forests. First, AGB declined at road edges; second, the disturbance effects on AGB by wider road types went deeper than narrower roads did in natural forests. Our results suggest that both widening the existing roads and construction of new roads will degrade ecosystem productivity. We recommend that impacts assessments of roads on AGB should be considered and taken serious while planning and designing roads to avoid serious damages to many ecosystem services that AGB provides.
An Advanced Practice Practitioner–Based Program to Reduce 30‐ and 90‐Day Readmissions After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Mahmud Nadim , Halpern Samantha , Farrell Rebecca , Ventura Kate , Thomasson Arwin , Lewis Heidi , Olthoff Kim M. , Levine Matthew H. , Nazarian Susanna , Khungar Vandana
Published: April 2019

Hospital readmissions after liver transplantation (LT) are common and associated with increased morbidity and cost. High readmission rates at our center motivated a change in practice with adoption of a nurse practitioner (NP)–based posttransplant care program. We sought to determine if this program was effective in reducing 30‐ and 90‐day readmissions after LT and to identify variables associated with readmission. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing LT from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2017, at a tertiary LT referral center. A NP‐based posttransplant care program with weekend in‐house nurse coordination providers and increased outpatient NP clinic availability was instituted on January 1, 2016. Postdischarge readmission rates at 30 and 90 days were compared in the pre‐exposure and postexposure groups, adjusting for associated risk factors. A total of 362 patients were included in the analytic cohort. There were no significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, or index hospitalization characteristics between groups. In the adjusted analyses, the risk of readmission in the postexposure group was significantly reduced relative to baseline at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39‐0.90; P = 0.02) and 90 days (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34‐0.71; P < 0.001). Risk factors positively associated with 30‐day readmission included peritransplant dialysis (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.13‐2.58; P = 0.01) and retransplant on index hospitalization (HR, 10.21; 95% CI, 3.39‐30.75; P < 0.001). Male sex was protective against readmission (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45‐0.97; P = 0.03). In conclusion, implementation of expanded NP‐based care after LT was associated with significantly reduced 30‐ and 90‐day readmission rates. LT centers and other service lines using significant postsurgical resources may be able to reduce readmissions through similar programs.
A Novel Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) Dispersant: Polyaryletherketones with Pendent Pyrene Groups
Authors: Xu Da , Gao Yanwei , Sun Yang , Wang Zhaoyang , Jiang Zhenhua , Jiang Xiangyu , Zhang Haibo
Published: April 2019

Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) with pendant pyrene groups are prepared and used to functionalize and disperse graphene nanoplates (GNPs). A variety of polymers with a range of pyrene contents are studied. A monomer with pyrene and two hydroxyl groups is designed and synthesized through the Suzuki reaction and used to prepare a series of pyrene‐functioned PAEKs (Py‐PAEKs) by copolymerization. Experiments demonstrate that Py‐PAEKs have not only excellent solubility, but also excellent mechanical properties and outstanding heat resistance. In the same treatment condition, the concentration of GNPs that are modified by Py‐PAEK with 40 molar percentage of pyrene (Py‐40) increases 88 times of the concentration of pure GNPs in NMP. In addition, adding 0.5% GNPs, which is functionalized by Py‐40 to PEEK resin, improves the flexural strength of polymer composite nearly 12% and while the tensile strength of these composites improves nearly 10% with a doubling of the strain at break.
A new family of discontinuous finite element methods for elliptic problems in the whole space
Authors: Benjemaa Mondher , Nasri Amal
Published: April 2019

We investigate a new hybrid method we call the discontinuous Galerkin‐inverted finite element method (DGIFEM) to approximate the solution of elliptic problems in
, especially when the growth or the decay of the solution is very slow. On the basis of both the discontinuous Galerkin discretization and the inverted finite element method, the DGIFEM keeps part of the domain bounded and maps the other infinite extent into a bounded region via a suitable polygonal inversion. The numerical solution is then constructed in an appropriate subspace of weighted Sobolev spaces, where the weights allow the control of the growth or the decay of functions at infinity. A careful study of the convergence of the DGIFEM is carried out and shows that the optimal order of convergence can always be reached. Finally, some numerical results are given as illustration of the good performance of the proposed method.
On the uniform motion of a relativistic charged particle in a homogeneous electromagnetic field in Minkowski space
Authors: Körpinar Talat , Demirkol Rıdvan Cem
Published: April 2019

We discuss the geometric characterization of the trajectory of a moving charged particle, for the case of a homogeneous electromagnetic field, in Minkowski space
when the motion is governed by the Lorentz equation. We employ a totally relativistic approach during the discussion. It is based on a systematic use of the Faraday antisymmetric tensor properties of the electromagnetic field and of the four‐dimensional Frenet‐Serret formula, which is adapted to the Minkowski 4‐space with index two to determine the worldline geometry of the electromagnetic field acting on the particle. Finally, we present the necessary and sufficient conditions to obtain uniform motion of the relativistic charged particle in a homogeneous electromagnetic field in
Remarks on the global regularity and time decay of the 2D MHD equations with partial dissipation
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyun , Dong Bo‐Qing , Jia Yan
Published: April 2019

This paper focuses on a system of the two‐dimensional (2D) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations with the partial kinematic dissipation (∂yyu1,∂xxu2) and the partial magnetic diffusion (∂yyb1,∂xxb2). Based on the basic energy estimates only, we are able to show that this system always possesses a unique global smooth solution when the initial data are sufficiently smooth. Moreover, we obtain optimal large‐time decay rates of both solutions and their higher order derivatives by developing the classic Fourier splitting methods together with the auxiliary decay estimates of the first derivative of solutions and induction technique.
Low pressure voiding induced by a novel implantable pudendal nerve stimulator
Authors: Cai Haotian , Morgan Tara , Pace Natalie , Shen Bing , Wang Jicheng , Roppolo James R. , Horlen Kyle , Khanwilkar Pratap , de Groat William C. , Tai Changfeng
Published: April 2019

Aim

To validate the functionality of an implantable pudendal nerve stimulator under development for Food and Drug Administration approval to restore bladder function after spinal cord injury.

Methods

In nine cats under anesthesia, two tripolar cuff electrodes were implanted bilaterally on the pudendal nerves and one bipolar cuff electrode was implanted on the right pudendal nerve central to the tripolar cuff electrode. The pudendal nerve stimulator was implanted subcutaneously on the left lower back along the lumbosacral spine and connected to the cuff electrodes. In five cats, a double lumen catheter was inserted into the bladder through the urethra to infuse saline and measure bladder pressure and another catheter was inserted into the distal urethra to perfuse and measure the back pressure caused by urethral contraction. In four cats, a bladder catheter was inserted into the bladder dome and the urethra was left open so that voiding could occur without urethral outlet obstruction.

Results

The implantable pudendal nerve stimulator was controlled wirelessly and successfully provided the required stimulation waveforms to different cuff electrodes. Pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS) at 5 Hz increased bladder capacity to about 200% of control capacity. PNS at 20 to 30 Hz induced large (80‐100 cmH2O) bladder contractions under isovolumetric conditions. When combined with ipsilateral or bilateral pudendal nerve block induced by 6 to 10 kHz stimulation, PNS at 20 to 30 Hz elicited low pressure (<40 cmH
2O) efficient (70%) voiding.

Conclusions

The implantable stimulator generated the required stimulation waveforms and successfully induced low pressure efficient voiding in anesthetized cats.
In Situ tensile tests to analyze the mechanical response, crack initiation, and crack propagation in single polyamide 66 fibers
Authors: Marcellan Alba , Bunsell Anthony , Piques Roland , Laiarinandrasana Lucien
Published: April 2019

Single fiber mechanical testing is challenging to perform, especially when the diameter is as small as tens of micrometers. For this reason, real‐time observations of crack propagation mechanisms have been rarely been investigated experimentally. This article presents experimental and numerical investigations of fracture of monofilamentary high performance polyamide 66 fibers. Their engineering stress–strain curves are compared. The mechanisms of failure starting from crack initiation until the final brittle fracture are studied by in situ tests in Scanning Electron and optical microscopes. Finite element modeling at the individual fiber scale has been performed in three‐dimensional (3D), as a reverse engineering method. The compliance method was used to determine the crack depth that triggers the final failure. The fracture toughness was numerically determined using the J‐integral concept, accounting for the geometry of the crack front (3D) together with plastic deformation. 3D meshes were designed especially from postmortem observations. The average value deduced was about 47 ± 7 kJ m−2, which will be discussed with other estimates using linear elastic fracture mechanics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 680–690
Association between anxiety, depression, and comorbid chronic diseases among cancer survivors
Authors: Yan Rui , Xia Juan , Yang Renren , Lv Binghui , Wu Peng , Chen Wanli , Zhang Yaxuan , Lu Xinyuan , Che Beibei , Wang Jiwei , Yu Jinming
Published: April 2019

Objective

Cancer survivors (CSs) often face the dual physical burden of cancer and other comorbid chronic disease (CCD) and have a great deal of psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression. However, the association between CCD and psychological problems remain less clear in CS. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Chinese CS, and whether CCD have impact on CSs' anxiety and depression.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 1546 CSs in Shanghai, China. All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire containing Zung self‐rating anxiety scale (SAS), Zung self‐rating depression scale (SDS), and questions on sociodemographic characteristics and CCD. Associations between CCDs, and anxiety and depression, were evaluated by using logistic regression, adjusted for confounding factors.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in CSs were 28.2 % and 48.2%, respectively. 74.9% CSs had one or more comorbidities. Almost all CCDs examined showed associations with anxiety, except for CSs with diabetes. CSs with hyperlipidemia, diabetes, heart and cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal diseases had significantly greater depression scores. When compared with those without CCD, CSs with one to two CCDs and greater than or equal to three CCDs had higher risks of anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

Anxiety and depression were more prevalent among CSs who also had CCDs. CCD have significantly negative association with CSs' anxiety and depression. Further cohort research will help deduce the causal relationships between CCDs, and anxiety and depression.
Molten‐Salt‐Assisted Synthesis of Na3Bi(PO4)2:Eu3+ Nanoparticles with Strong Red Emission
Authors: Wang Boyi , Yao Shiyue , Li Weifeng
Published: April 2019

Single phase Eu3+‐doped Na3Bi(PO4)2 (NBPO) nanoparticles with different Eu3+ concentrations are successfully synthesized by a molten‐salten method using Na3PO4 · 12H2O both as reaction medium and as reactant. The influence of synthesis conditions such as the Na3PO4 · 12H2O content, heating temperature, and time on the crystal structure of the final products is investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It reveals that pure phase Na3Bi(PO4)2 nanoparticles with size about 100 nm are successfully achieved when the mixture (molar ratio of 1:4 between Bi(NO3)3 · 5H2O and Na3PO4 · 12H2O) is heated at 180 °C for 12 h. After Eu3+‐doping, NBPO:Eu3+ nanoparticles exhibit bright red emission peaking at 620 nm under the excitation of the near ultraviolet (NUV) light. The luminescence is attributed to the electric dipole transition 5D0 → 7F2 of Eu3+ ions. The luminescent intensity of the NBPO:Eu3+ phosphors is strongly dependent on the Eu3+ content and concentration quenching occurred when the Eu3+ concentration is larger than 8 mol%, which is attributed to dipole–dipole interaction. This work provides a green way for the synthesis of phosphate‐based nanomaterials and suggests that Eu3+‐doped Na3Bi(PO4)2 has a great potential application in the lighting and display fields.
P‐type Sb‐doped Cu2O Hole Injection Layer Integrated on Transparent ITO Electrode for Acidic PEDOT:PSS‐Free Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Seo Hyeong‐Jin , Lee Ji‐Eun , Heo Su Been , Kim Minju , Yi Yeonjin , Kang Seong Jun , Kim Han‐Ki
Published: April 2019

It is developed that transparent p‐type Sb‐doped cuprous oxide (ACO) integrated Sn‐doped In2O3 (ITO) film as hole injection layer (HIL) and anode combined electrodes for quantum dot light emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs) to substitute acidic PEDOT:PSS HIL based electrode. By graded co‐sputtering of ACO and ITO targets, the graded p‐type ACO buffer layer can be integrated on the surface region of the ITO electrodes. P‐type conductivity of the ACO film for acting as effective HIL in QD‐LEDs is confirmed by a positive Hall coefficient (1.74 × 10−3 ohm cm3/C) and a positive Seebeck constant (115 µV K−1). Due to the well‐matched work function of p‐type ACO on the ITO electrodes, the acidic PEDOT:PSS‐free QD‐LEDs exhibited typical current‐voltage‐luminescence of QD‐LEDs. The successful operation of PEDOT:PSS‐free QD‐LED with p‐type ACO integrated ITO electrode indicates that ACO and ITO anode graded sputtering is simpler fabrication steps for cost‐effective QD‐LEDs and elimination of interfacial reactions caused by the acidic PEDOT:PSS layer for reliable QD‐LEDs.