bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of residents’ assessments of their postgraduate medical education learning environment: an observational study
Authors: Brand Paul L P , Rosingh H Jeroen , Meijssen Maarten A C , Nijholt Ingrid M , Dünnwald Saskia , Prins Jelle , Schönrock-Adema Johanna
Published: October 2019

Background. Even in anonymous evaluations of a postgraduate medical education (PGME) program, residents may be reluctant to provide an honest evaluation of their PGME program, because they fear embarrassment or repercussions from their supervisors if their anonymity as a respondent is endangered. This study was set up to test the hypothesis that current residents in a PGME program provide more positive evaluations of their PGME program than residents having completed it. We therefore compared PGME learning environment evaluations of current residents in the program to leaving residents having completed it.Methods. This observational study used data gathered routinely in the quality cycle of PGME programs at two Dutch teaching hospitals to test our hypothesis. At both hospitals, all current PGME residents are requested to complete the Scan of Postgraduate Education Environment Domains (SPEED) annually. Residents leaving the hospital after completion of the PGME program are also asked to complete the SPEED after an exit interview with the hospital’s independent residency coordinator. All SPEED evaluations are collected and analysed anonymously. We compared the residents’ grades (on a 1-10 scale) on the three SPEED domains (content, atmosphere, and organization of the program) and their mean (overall department grade) between current and leaving residents. Results. Mean (SD) overall SPEED department grades were 8.00 (0.52) for 287 current residents in 39 PGME programs and 8.07 (0.48) for 170 leaving residents in 39 programs. Neither the overall SPEED department grades (t test, p=0.53, 95% CI for difference -0.16 to 0.31) nor the department SPEED domain grades (MANOVA, F(3, 62)=0.79, p=0.51) were significantly different between current and leaving residents. Conclusions. Residents leaving the program did not provide more critical evaluations of their PGME learning environment than current residents in the program. This suggests that current residents’ evaluations of their postgraduate learning environment were not affected by social desirability bias or fear of repercussions from faculty.
Association of Vitamin D Receptor TaqI and ApaI Genetic Polymorphisms with Nephrolithiasis and End Stage Renal Disease: A Meta-Analysis and an Investigation into Latitudinal Effect on Disease Penetrance
Authors: Hussain Tajamul , Naushad Shaik M. , Ahmed Anwar , Alamery Salman , Mohammed Arif A. , Abdelkader Mohamed O.
Published: October 2019

Background: The deficiency of vitamin D receptor (VDR) or its ligand, vitamin D3, is linked to the development of renal diseases. The TaqI (rs731236) and ApaI (rs7975232) polymorphisms of VDR gene are widely studied for their association with renal disease risk. However, studies have largely been ambiguous. Objectives: Here, a meta-analysis comprising 2669 renal disease cases and 3342 controls was carried out to clarify the association of TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms with nephrolithiasis (NL), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and end stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods and Results: The VDR TaqI C-allele under allele contrast and fixed effect models was significantly associated with NL and ESRD, and Apal T-allele with ESRD only under fixed effect model. Cochrane Q-test showed no evidence of heterogeneity for TaqI polymorphism and a significant heterogeneity for Apa I polymorphism. No publication bias was observed for both the polymorphisms. Interestingly, increased disease penetrance with an increase in latitude from south to north across the globe was found only in the case of Taql polymorphism but not with Apal. Conclusions and Implications: The present meta-analysis identifies TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms of VDR gene as significant risk factors for renal diseases. Besides, increased disease penetrance with Taql polymorphism from south to north may corroborate with combined effect of defective VDR expression and decreased vitamin D synthesis due shorter durations of sun exposure with increasing latitude. On the other hand, possibility of Apal polymorphism in linkage disequilibrium with an adjacent functional polymorphism and lack of their co-segregation may have resulted in reduced disease penetrance. Present findings may have implications in understanding the role of gene-environmental interaction in renal disease risk.
Comprehensive network analysis of integrin α11 expressed in human breast cancer
Authors: Fu Yun , Sun Xiaoyin , Zhuang Zhigang
Published: October 2019

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, but few genes have been reported to be involved in breast cancer development.
Methods: We constructed a co-expression network to expand upon the knowledge of the various molecular biomarkers in breast cancer development. Transcriptome data for the tissues of all breast cancer and para-carcinoma types were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We performed a co-expression analysis of breast cancer transcriptome data using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC) for inter-sequence mutual rank (MR)-based cutoffs using 11 guide genes and employed Kaplan-Meier survival analyses to assess the prognostic values of hub genes.
Results: A co-expression network centered on the Integrin α 11 (ITGA11) of the extracellular matrix (including 11 guide genes and 72 edge genes) was extracted for breast cancer. The gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that various genes may also be included in the breast cancer network. Among them, CEMIP, COL11A1, CTHRC1, ITGA11, LUM and P4HA3 were negatively associated with the overall survival, and ADAMTS12 and LOXL1 were positively associated with the overall survival at early stage. However, there was no significant difference between the eight gene expressions and Disease-free survival.
Conclusions: Our co-expression analysis includes the isolated transcriptome of breast cancer, which is a useful resource for breast cancer researchers, as it enables them to elucidate important and complex biological events to prevent and predict cancer.
Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in goats: repeatability, variability, and validation of the technique using an exercise test and an experimentally induced acute ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Authors: Leroux Aurelia A , Moonen Marie , Farnir Frédéric , Deleuze Stefan , Sandersen Charlotte , Amory Hélène
Published: October 2019

Background : Two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) technique has been validated in numerous animal species, but neither studies of repeatability, nor measurements after exercise or in animals with cardiac disease have been reported in goats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate this technique in goats for further clinical and experimental applications in this species. This study was divided into several steps. First, a standardized echocardiographic protocol including several right parasternal short-axis views at papillary muscles level was performed three times at one-day intervals in ten healthy adult unsedated Saanen goats to test repeatability and variability of 2DST measurements. Then, the same measurements were performed immediately before and after a standardized exercise on treadmill in seven of the goats, and at 24h after induction of an experimental ischemic cardiomyopathy in five of the goats, to test the reliability of the technique to assess physiological and pathological changes.
Results: Global and regional measurements of radial and circumferential strain and strain rate, radial displacement, rotation and rotation rate were obtained. Comparisons were performed using ANOVA II (p<0.05). Caprine 2DST measurements demonstrated a good repeatability for global measurements except for the late diastolic peak of the circumferential and radial strain rate. Segmental 2DST measurements were also repeatable except for the anteroseptal segment diastolic peaks and several rotation and rotation rate measurements. Overall variability was moderate to high. Segmental and global peak values obtained after exercise and after myocardial ischemia were significantly different than curves obtained at baseline.
Conclusions: The results of this study are consistent with those previously described in other animal species and humans. 2DST echocardiography is a valid technique to evaluate physiological and pathological changes in myocardial function in goats, despite the technical limitations observed in this species.
A 2x2 factorial, randomised, open-label trial to determine the clinical and cost- effectiveness of hypertonic saline (HTS 6%) and carbocisteine for airway clearance versus usual care over 52 weeks in adults with bronchiectasis: A protocol for the CLEAR clinical trial
Authors: Bradley Judy , Anand Rohan , O'Neill Brenda , Ferguson Kathryn , Clarke Mike , Carroll Mary , Chalmers James , de-Soyza Anthony , Duckers Jamie , Hill Adam T , Loebinger Michael R , Copeland Fiona , Gardner Evie , Campbell Christina , Agus Ashley , Maguire Alistair , Boyle Roisin , McKinney Fionnuala , Dickson Naomi , McAuley Danny , Elborn Stuart
Published: October 2019

Background Current guidelines for the management of bronchiectasis (BE) highlight the lack of evidence to recommend mucoactive agents, such as hypertonic saline (HTS) and carbocisteine, to aid sputum-removal as part of standard care. We hypothesise that mucoactive agents (HTS or cabocisteine, or a combination) are effective in reducing exacerbations over a 52-week period, compared to usual care. Methods A 52-week, 2x2 factorial randomised open label trial to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of HTS 6% and carbocisteine for airway clearance versus usual care: CLEAR (clinical and cost-effectiveness of hypertonic saline (HTS 6%) and carbocisteine for airway clearance versus usual care). Patients will be randomised to either (i) Standard care and twice daily nebulised HTS (6%), (ii) Standard care and carbocisteine (750mg three times per day until visit 3 reducing to 750mg twice per day), (iii) Standard care and combination of twice-daily nebulised HTS and carbocisteine, or (iv) Standard care. The primary outcome is the mean number of exacerbations over 52 weeks. Key inclusion criteria: adults with a diagnosis of BE on computed tomography scans, BE as the primary respiratory diagnosis, two or more pulmonary exacerbations in the last year requiring antibiotics and production of daily sputum. Discussion This trial’s pragmatic research design avoids the significant costs associated with double-blind trials whilst optimising rigor in other areas of trial-delivery. CLEAR will provide evidence as to whether HTS, carbocisteine or both are effective and cost-effective for BE patients.
Farmer Participatory Research Advances Sustainable Agriculture: Lessons from Michigan and Malawi
Authors: Snapp Sieglinde S. , DeDecker James , Davis Adam S.
Published: October 2019

Sustainable production for field crops has proved to be a challenging proposition. Farmer participatory research (FPR) is an important approach to help ensure relevance and define locally adapted solutions for enhanced adoption of sustainable agriculture (SA) technologies. The mother and baby trial (MBT) design has proved effective as a FPR approach to address challenges on smallholder farms. The MBT systematically links long‐term “mother” trials, where slow and erratic processes can be monitored, to “baby” trials led by farmers to capture a wide range of farm practices and environmental contexts. Communication and learning is facilitated through MBTs as well. This distributed FPR approach documents the performance of technologies in diverse contexts and provides multiple opportunities for joint planning, observation, and reflection. We describe two MBT case studies, one within a developing country context (Malawi) and the other representing a novel application of MBT within an intensive agriculture context (Michigan). To explore tradeoffs in SA performance, multiple domains (productivity, environmental, and economic) are presented via radar charts as a visualization tool. In both FPR experiences, farmer perspectives and a wide range of practices were revealed. In Malawi, a mesic site was associated with steep SA tradeoffs compared with a marginal site. In Michigan, diversity in tillage practices, field crop performance, and soil health were found to be conditioned by the environment. Overall, the MBT approach supported the development of SA technologies adapted to local conditions.

Core Ideas

Sustainable agricultural technologies are needed for environmental services.

Agricultural learning communities support joint learning and on‐farm adoption.

Case studies from Michigan and Malawi illustrate the mother and baby trial approach.

Farmer participatory research enhances stakeholder communication and adaptations.
Early Growth of Breadfruit in a Variety × Environment Trial
Authors: Lincoln Noa Kekuewa , Cho Alyssa , Dow Graham , Radovich Theodore
Published: October 2019

Breadfruit [Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg] is growing in agronomic importance throughout the global tropics as a result of its potentially high yield and nutritious, carbohydrate‐rich fruit. A bottleneck to expanded production of breadfruit is the lack of agronomic performance metrics and growth parameters, including an understanding of variety × environment interactions among commonly grown varieties. To address this knowledge gap, four varieties of breadfruit (‘Otea, Fiti, Pua‘a, Ma‘afala) available at the commercial scale were established in a randomized complete block design at five diverse sites in Hawai'i. Soil, architectural, physiological, and climate data were collected on 18‐mo‐old trees in 2018. Growth rates varied considerably for height (0.44–2.78 m yr−1), diameter at breast height (0.85–5.19 cm yr−1), and canopy width (0.14–1.35 m yr−1). Diameter was significantly correlated to tree height (r2 = 0.88), canopy width (r2 = 0.83), and canopy volume (r2 = 0.94). Growth was significantly different between sites, and some variety × site interactions were significant. Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were used to explore relationships between growth and climate, soils, and architecture. Future work will focus on the continued evaluation of variety × environmental influence on fruit production and fruit quality and on promoting this network of sites as a valuable resource for the study of an underutilized crop species with substantial potential to be a major crop in the tropics.

Core Ideas

Breadfruit, while rapidly growing in importance globally, suffers from a lack of agronomic study.

To our knowledge, the first variety × environment trial network of breadfruit was established in Hawai'i.

Examination of initial growth rates show considerably higher rates than represented in the literature.

Multiple climate and soil parameters significantly correlate to early growth.
An Economic and Biophysical Model of Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Trout Thomas J. , Manning Dale T.
Published: October 2019

Competition for scarce water resources may lead to high water prices. Agricultural producers can adapt to increasing water price by adjusting irrigation management strategies. When water prices are high, deficit irrigation, the purposeful reduction of irrigation to reduce water use while accepting reduced yield, may increase net income. Deficit irrigation decisions depend on economic, biological, and physical conditions. A model based on relationships among the amount and cost of irrigation water applied, water productivity, and the value of water saved and crop yield was developed to assist farmers making deficit irrigation decisions. A model application for irrigated maize (Zia mays L.) production in northeast Colorado illustrates conditions under which deficit irrigation increases net income. High water costs and low crop prices favor deficit irrigation. When water has value for leasing, the combination of deficit irrigation production to reduce water use and water leasing may increase net income. Sufficiently high lease prices and low commodity prices favor rainfed production or fallowing.

Core Ideas

Deficit irrigation may increase net farm income.

Expensive water, low crop prices, and high elasticity of water productivity favor deficit irrigation.

Combining economic with biophysical models improves applicability.
Response of Maize Productivity and Resource Use Efficiency to Combined Application of Controlled‐Release Urea and Normal Urea under Plastic Film Mulching in Semiarid Farmland
Authors: Tang Liang , Zhou Junxi , Zhai Xiaofang , Sun Haoran , Yue Shanchao , Guo Ning , Li Shiqing , Shen Yufang
Published: October 2019

Controlled‐release urea is considered to enhance crop yields while reducing labor costs from fertilizer dressing, but the impacts can range widely depending on water availability in soil. Therefore, we conducted a 3‐yr field study to evaluate the potential role of controlled‐release urea in improving productivity and resource use efficiency of maize in semiarid areas in China. Treatments were established as two mulching modes (plastic film mulching [FM] and no mulching [NM]) and three nitrogen application modes (no nitrogen fertilizer [CK], a 1:2 ratio of controlled‐release urea to common urea [CRU], and common urea only [U]). Higher temperature and soil water content under FM treatments significantly accelerated maize growth and development, as indicated in terms of a larger leaf area index before silking, greater biomass accumulation, and greater grain yield. More robust plants with controlled‐release urea under mulching can better absorb and utilize deep soil water to increase water use efficiency (WUE). Mean shoot biomass, grain yield, and WUE during the three experimental years were 35.3, 19.0, and 12.4% higher in mulching with CRU treatments than in NM with controlled‐release urea treatments, respectively. Significant interactions existed for yield and WUE among surface mulching (SM), nitrogen fertilizer (NF), and sampling year (Y) in the three experimental years, except for SM × NF for WUE. These results demonstrate that a mixture of controlled‐release urea and U at an appropriate ratio under SM can provide a better water/temperature/nitrogen conditions for maize growth to realize relatively high yield with labor and time savings in semiarid farmland.

Core Ideas

Film mulching benefits topsoil temperature, soil moisture, and utilization of deeper soil water.

Combining controlled‐release urea (CRU) and urea increased yield and resource use.

Combing CRU and urea under plastic film increased yield and WUE.

One‐time application of CRU + urea at an appropriate ratio will satisfy spring maize in dryland farming systems.
Effects of Cultivation Practices and Products on Bermudagrass Fairways in a Semiarid Region
Authors: Li Li , Young Joseph , Deb Sanjit
Published: October 2019

High evapotranspirational demand combined with poor quality irrigation water increases salinity concerns in semiarid regions. Accumulated salts in the root zone may negatively affect bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) growth and quality. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of cultivation practices combined with products to enhance fairway conditions without applying leaching water levels. Two golf courses in Lubbock, TX, were selected for this research. Cultivation practices, including noncultivated control, core aerification, and slicing, were conducted in mid‐June of 2015 and 2016. Nine products recommended to enhance water movement or to disassociate sodium were applied within each cultivation treatment at label rates. Soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were determined from samples obtained in June, August, and October each year. Volumetric water content, visual turf quality, digital image analysis, normalized difference vegetation index, and ratio vegetation index were assessed from June to October in 2015 and 2016. Soil EC fluctuated with rainfall events. However, no treatment reduced soil EC. Gypsum‐based products increased soil EC but reduced pH at the conclusion of the research. Core aerification reduced aboveground parameters at Golf Course A because aerified holes remained visible throughout summer, whereas slicing and core aerification improved turf quality and ratio vegetation index at Golf Course B. These results emphasize the need to test irrigation water for the salinity hazard before implementing management strategies and the importance of leaching by rainfall or additional irrigation. Lastly, high surface disruption cultivation practices may inhibit bermudagrass recovery on higher clay content soils.

Core Ideas

Rainfall and high ET fluctuated soil EC of bermudagrass golf fairways.

Gypsum products increased soil EC and reduced soil pH after 2 yr of applications.

Bermudagrass recovery from core aerification was slowed with higher clay content.

Cultivation practices improved parameters on high sand content soil after recovery.
Evaluation of the Simple Algorithm for Yield Estimate Model in Winter Wheat Simulation under Different Irrigation Scenarios
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Jiangui , Dong Taifeng , Shang Jiali , Tang Min , Zhao Lili , Cai Huanjie
Published: October 2019

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the major grain crops grown in Guanzhong Plain, China. Rapid and accurate crop growth and yield estimation are important for agricultural monitoring and policy decision‐making. Crop model simulation is an effective way to provide objective growth and yield forecast. In this study, we investigated the applicability of the Simple Algorithm for Yield Estimate (SAFY) model for estimating winter wheat dry shoot biomass (MS,d) and grain yield, using two growing seasons field data from different irrigation scenarios. Results showed that the leaf area index (LAI) could be reasonably well simulated, with a minimum root mean square estimate (RMSE) of 0.11. The water stress intensity of each irrigation scenario was well accounted for through stress factor of effective radiation use efficiency. Good accuracy were achieved for MS,d simulation in both calibration (RMSE = 0.054–0.183 kg m−2) and validation (RMSE = 0.146 kg m−2) datasets, but showed a general overestimation during later growth stages. The grain yield was well estimated with a relative error of 1.9% to 16.7% in 2013 to 2014 and 0.1% to 16.7% in 2014 to 2015. The comparison between estimated and measured yield of all irrigation scenarios were robust in both seasons, with the minimum RMSE and MRE of 35.0 g m−2 and 4.7%, respectively. This work demonstrates the potential of a simple crop model for estimating biomass and yield only by calibrate the LAI without further in situ data, and prefigures assimilation application with remote sensing data in future.

Core Ideas

The SAFY model was evaluated in different irrigation scenarios.

The variation of LAI was highly sensitive to leaf partition parameters.

SAFY effectively simulated wheat biomass and yield under various irrigation scenarios.

A general overestimation on biomass was noted during later growth stages.
How 4R nutrient stewardship research helps us interpret sustainability science
Authors: Flis Sally , Jones John
Published: October 2019

Interest continues to grow from agricultural stakeholders, academia, and the public about the environmental impacts from agriculture. Papers published to inform policy or position advocacy efforts garner media attention, but the media coverage often boils the topic down to a single headline and can lead the public and policymakers down an incomplete path. It may take more work, but going back to the original research paper can lead to better understanding. This article provides a few tips and items to look for to better interpret the science. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/728.
Farmers’ networks for farmer‐centric collaborative research and extension
Authors: Tao Haiying , Boll Jan , Morris Thomas F. , Bullock David S. , Maxwell Bruce D.
Published: October 2019

Farmers need to collect, manage, communicate, and analyze many forms of data. This process presents a dynamic decision loop, ever‐improving performance and learning through seasons and years of the farming enterprise. Farmers indicate that completing these decision loops by themselves is practically impossible due to lack of time and knowledge. A farmers’ network would give farmers access to the researchers who could help them navigate this process. Earn 1 CEU in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/675.
Growing carinata in the Southeastern U.S.
Authors: Lawton Kurt
Published: October 2019

Brassica carinata is a non‐food oilseed crop that is currently being grown in the U.S. Southeast as a low‐input, sustainably certified winter crop. This article looks at its biology, management (nutrient, weed, and harvest), and economics. Earn 1 CEU in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/702.
Using indirect methods to assess soil health
Authors: Young Kelly Murray , Thomson Allison
Published: October 2019

This is Part 4 of a five‐part series on sustainability brought to you by the SPARC Initiative created in partnership between the American Society for Agronomy, the Agricultural Retailers Association, Environmental Defense Fund, and Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture to empower trusted advisers to deliver services that drive continuous improvement in the productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes of farmers’ operations. Learn more about the SPARC Initiative and access additional resources, including the six‐module series on sustainability, at www.fieldtomarket.org/SPARC. Earn 1 CEU in Sustainability by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/724.
Soil phosphorus testing on alkaline calcareous soils
Authors: Rogers Christopher W. , Dari Biswanath , Leytem April
Published: October 2019

Soil phosphorus testing made great strides with multiple chemical tests proposed and implemented for crop fertilizer management programs during the previous century. In the latter part of the previous century, the environmental impact of excess nonpoint phosphorus loading from the landscape (e.g., agricultural lands) to waterbodies became an issue of increased concern, and soil phosphorus testing came to the forefront of management and monitoring. This article will provide a general overview of the usage of phosphorus testing for agronomic purposes in the United States Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/725.
Combination of Humic Substances and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Affecting Corn Plant Growth
Authors: Pinos Nadia Quevedo , Louro Berbara Ricardo Luis , Elias Sael Sanchez , van Tol de Castro Tadeu Augusto , García Andrés Calderín
Published: October 2019

This study evaluates the interaction effects on corn (Zea mays L.) growth between intact humic substances (HS) extracted in an alkaline medium from three different origins (an Organosol [HS‐Org], an Andisol [HS‐And], and vermicompost [HS‐Vc]) and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Dentiscutata heterogama. The HS were characterized by spectroscopic techniques, and different biochemical, morphological, nutritional, and AMF colonization parameters were evaluated in corn plants. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, and low‐fertility soils sterilized after solarization were used as the substrate. Hybrid corn BR‐3025 was planted, and the HS concentrations used were 5, 10, and 20 mg carbon L−1 for HS‐And, HS‐Vc, and HS‐Org, respectively, applied 15, 25, and 45 d after emergence close to the roots. The results show that HS application and D. heterogama inoculation significantly stimulated the biomass in relation to the treatments without AMF. Carbohydrate and protein content were stimulated by HS–AMF interaction. A higher leaf content of nutrients was observed in the AMF‐ and HS‐inoculated plants. The HS‐Vc application and AMF inoculation resulted in intense stimulation, which was confirmed with a high mycorrhizal efficiency. The spore density and glomalin content were also stimulated by the three different HS applications independently of their source. The HS‐Vc has intermediate structural chemical characteristics in terms of polarity and aromaticity compared with HS‐Org and HS‐And. The HS‐Vc more strongly stimulated the plant physiological parameters when combined with the AMF inoculation. These results may indicate that the HS formed in soil and characterized by structures that are more balanced may function more effectively.

Core Ideas

Balanced structural in humic substances (HS) exert greater bioactivity in plants.

HS and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can stimulate plant growth and development.

Application of HS and AMF increase nutrient absorption and biomass production.

Spore density and glomalin were stimulated by HS applications independently of the source.
Heterogeneity of Variances in the Bayesian AMMI Model for Multienvironment Trial Studies
Authors: da Silva Carlos Pereira , de Oliveira Luciano Antonio , Nuvunga Joel Jorge , Pamplona Andrezza Kellen Alves , Balestre Marcio
Published: October 2019

In analyses of multienvironment trials, it is common to assume homogeneity of variances in additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models for further inferences about the genotypes × environment interaction (GEI). However, it is not always reasonable to adopt such an assumption because it could mislead the evaluation and selection of the best genotypes. In this context, modeling the heterogeneity of variance jointly with GEI models has been of particular interest in plant breeding, since the experimental accuracy may float across the trial network. In this study, we used the Bayesian AMMI model in real and simulated frameworks to study GEI effects in the presence of heterogeneous variances (BAMMI‐H) across environments, highlighting the differences that can arise when this scenario is neglected. The findings indicate that neglecting the differences among the experimental variances across environments can influence the biplot precision and the conclusions regarding adaptability and stability. The main differences observed between the naive AMMI (assuming homogeneity) and BAMMI‐H biplots were related to the biplot precision for the genotypic and environment scores and the ability to recover information about experimental differences among the trials in the biplot. The results observed in this study suggest the importance of taking the heterogeneity of variance into account in the AMMI analysis to select genotypes for stability and adaptability.
Serine Endopeptidase Activities of Cowpea Seeds: A Time Course during Development and Germination
Authors: Lima Nathália B. , Lima Rodrigo M. , Botelho Alanna M. , Pontes Érica S. , Pinto Márcio S. T. , Oliveira Antônia E. A. , Fernandes Kátia V. S.
Published: October 2019

Proteases in plants carry out an essential role in protein turnover during seed development and germination. Cysteine proteases (EC 3.4.22) are well‐known participants of such processes. Serine proteases (EC 3.4.21), however, are far less reported as protagonists during these events. Here, we investigate this protease class acting in different cowpea seed tissues along their life cycle. In vitro enzymatic assays were performed against N‐CBZ‐Gly‐Gly‐Arg‐MCA, N‐CBZ‐Gly‐Pro‐Arg‐MCA, Z‐Arg‐Arg‐MCA, and Ile‐His‐Pro‐Phe‐MCA fluorimetric substrates, under specific assay conditions. Proteins and proteases were visualized by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and SDS‐PAGE‐gelatin, respectively. The proteolytic apparatus operating in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] seeds includes serine endopeptidases in both cotyledons and embryo axes during the whole seed life cycle, mainly from the 12th to the 16th day after pollination and after 12 h of imbibition. The proteolytic activities appeared as bands of molecular masses between 68 and 200 kDa. Studies related to substrate specificity and pattern of inhibition showed that some activities are aprotinin‐sensitive serine endopeptidases, with optimum pH ranging from 8.0 to 9.0 towards N‐CBZ‐Gly‐Gly‐Arg‐MCA and Z‐Arg‐Arg‐MCA, while others are phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) sensitive, with an optimum pH 7.0, towards Ile‐His‐Pro‐Phe‐MCA. Serine proteases acting in developing and germinating cowpea seeds are both trypsin‐like (EC 3.4.21.4) and chymotrypsin‐like (EC 3.4.21.1) activities.
Sulfur Mineralization: A Key Process for Diagnosing Its Deficiency in Wheat
Authors: Carciochi Walter D. , Mateos Julián , Divito Guillermo A. , Inchauspe Facundo Mateos , Sainz Rozas Hernán R.
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas

A simplified balance was used to calculate apparent S mineralization in wheat.

Apparent S mineralization predicted relative wheat grain yield.

Sulfate‐S before sowing combined with particulate organic C diagnosed S status.

Sulfur mineralization in soil should be considered in diagnostic methods based on soil analysis.

Consideration of S mineralization could aid the development of S diagnostic methods in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) but this process has not been investigated under field conditions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate: (i) the use of a simplified S balance to quantify apparent S mineralization (Smin‐app) during the wheat growing cycle, (ii) the relationship between Smin‐appand S mineralization indicators [N mineralized in anaerobic incubation (Nan) and total and particulate organic C (TOC and POC)], and (iii) the reliability of the proposed S mineralization indicators (Nan, TOC, and POC) for diagnosing S availability alone or combined with SO42−–S content at sowing (Sini). Fourteen field experiments were conducted to evaluate grain yield in response to S fertilization. Soil samples were taken before sowing and Sini, Nan, TOC, and POC were determined. Additionally, Smin‐appwas calculated in 7 out of 14 experiments through a simplified S balance. The main outcomes were: (i) Smin‐appallowed us to compare S mineralization capacity among soils and was closely related to relative wheat grain yield (R2= 0.92), (ii) Smin‐appwas related to Sini, Nan, TOC, and POC, (iii) POC was the S mineralization indicator that had the best performance for diagnosing S deficiency and its use in combination with Siniallowed for satisfactory diagnosis of S status in wheat via the equation: relative grain yield = 81.5 + (0.19 × Sini) + (1.56 × POC) (Ra2= 0.66). Sulfur mineralization proved to be an important process for wheat S nutrition.
Local Solute Sinks and Sources Cause Erroneous Dispersion Fluxes in Transport Simulations with the Convection–Dispersion Equation
Authors: Peters Andre , Iden Sascha C. , Durner Wolfgang
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas

The CDE predicts non‐physical dispersive solute flux against water flow direction.

This wrongly directed dispersive solute flux can be as high as the convective flux.

This problem occurs around zones with an increase or decrease in concentration.

Particular cases are vaporization of water, root water uptake, and biodegradation.

The convection–dispersion equation (CDE) is the most widely used model for simulating the transport of dissolved substances in porous media. The dispersion term in the CDE lumps molecular diffusion and hydromechanical dispersion into an effective diffusive solute flux. This is possible by describing hydrodynamic dispersion with Fick's first law of diffusion. We critically analyzed this concept for specific water flow situations where the solute concentration is locally increased by processes like root water uptake or water evaporation. The local accumulation of solutes in these situations leads to high concentration gradients and a dispersive solute flux component opposite to the direction of the water flux. This is physically wrong because it assumes that molecules or ions are moving against the flow direction by dispersion. The aim of this study was to investigate the magnitude of the resulting error by means of numerical modeling. We simulated solute transport from a groundwater table to a bare soil surface during steady‐state evaporation using the HYDRUS‐1D code. The simulations showed that in the region where dissolved substances accumulate due to the transition from liquid water to vapor, the resulting incorrect dispersive flux against the mean transport direction can reach the same order of magnitude as the convective solute flux. Under such conditions, application of the CDE is questionable.
The tetrahedrite group: Nomenclature and classification
Authors: Biagioni Cristian , George Luke L. , Cook Nigel J. , Makovicky Emil , Moëlo Yves , Pasero Marco , Sejkora Jiří , Stanley Chris J. , Welch Mark D. , Bosi Ferdinando
Published: October 2019

The classification of the tetrahedrite group minerals in keeping with the current IMA-accepted nomenclature rules is discussed. Tetrahedrite isotypes are cubic, with space group symmetry I43m. The general structural formula of minerals belonging to this group can be written as M(2)A6M(1)(B4C2)X(3) D4S(1)Y12S(2)Z, where A = Cu+, Ag+, ☐ (vacancy), and (Ag6)4+ clusters; B = Cu+, and Ag+; C = Zn2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Cu+, and Fe3+; D = Sb3+, As3+, Bi3+, and Te4+; Y = S2– and Se2–; and Z = S 2–, Se2–, and ☐. The occurrence of both Me+ and Me2+ cations at the M(1) site, in a 4:2 atomic ratio, is a case of valency-imposed double site-occupancy. Consequently, different combinations of B and C constituents should be regarded as separate mineral species. The tetrahedrite group is divided into five different series on the basis of the A, B, D, and Y constituents, i.e., the tetrahedrite, tennantite, freibergite, hakite, and giraudite series. The nature of the dominant C constituent (the so-called “charge-compensating constituent”) is made explicit using a hyphenated suffix between parentheses. Rozhdestvenskayaite, arsenofreibergite, and goldfieldite could be the names of three other series. Eleven minerals belonging to the tetrahedrite group are considered as valid species: argentotennantite-(Zn), argentotetrahedrite-(Fe), kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe), giraudite-(Zn), goldfieldite, hakite-(Hg), rozhdestvenskayaite-(Zn), tennantite-(Fe), tennantite-(Zn), tetrahedrite-(Fe), and tetrahedrite-(Zn). Furthermore, annivite is formally discredited. Minerals corresponding to different end-member compositions should be approved as new mineral species by the IMA-CNMNC following the submission of regular proposals. The nomenclature and classification system of the tetrahedrite group, approved by the IMA-CNMNC, allows the full description of the chemical variability of the tetrahedrite minerals and it is able to convey important chemical information not only to mineralogists but also to ore geologists and industry professionals.
Caseyite, a new mineral containing a variant of the flat-Al13 polyoxometalate cation
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Cooper Mark A. , Hughes John M. , Nash Barbara P. , Hawthorne Frank C. , Marty Joe
Published: October 2019

Caseyite, [(V5+O2)Al10–x(OH)20–2x(H2O)18–2x]2[H2V4+V95+O28][V105+O28]2[(Na,K,Ca)2–y(SO4)2–z⋅(60+8x+y+4z) H2O], where x = 0–2.5, y = 0–2, z = 0–2, is a new mineral (IMA 2019-002) occurring in low-temperature, post-mining, secondary mineral assemblages at the Burro, Packrat, and West Sunday mines in the Uravan Mineral Belt of Colorado, U.S.A. Crystals of caseyite are yellow tapering needles or blades, with a pale yellow streak, vitreous luster, brittle tenacity, curved fracture, no cleavage, Mohs hardness between 2 and 3, and 2.151 g/cm3 calculated density. Caseyite is optically biaxial (+) with α = 1.659(3), β = 1.670(3), γ = 1.720(3) (white light), 2V = 52.6(5)°, has strong r < ν dispersion, optical orientation Z ≈ a (elongation of needles), and no pleochroism. Electron-probe microanalysis provided the empirical formula [(V5+O2)Al8.94(OH)17.88(H2O)15.88]2[H2V4+V95+O28][V105+O28]2[(Na0.82Ca0.35K0.27)Σ1.44 (SO4)1.33⋅70.24H2O] (+0.94 H). Caseyite is monoclinic, P21/n, a = 14.123(8), b = 30.998(15), c = 21.949(11) Å, β = 97.961(8)°, V = 9516(9) Å3, and Z = 2. The crystal structure (R1 = 0.0654 for 9162 Io>2σI reflections) contains both normal [V10O28]6– and doubly protonated mixed-valence [H2V14+V95+O28]5– decavanadate isopolyanions, and a novel vanadoaluminate heteropolycation (“flat-Al10V☐2”), ideally [(V5+O2)Al10(OH)20(H2O)18]11+, closely related to the technologically important flat-Al13 polyoxocation.
Using very high resolution (VHR) imagery within a GEOBIA framework for gully mapping: an application to the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Francipane A. , Cipolla G. , Maltese A. , La Loggia G. , Noto L. V.
Published: October 2019

Gully erosion is a form of accelerated erosion that may affect soil productivity, restrict land use, and lead to an increase of risk to infrastructure. An accurate mapping of these landforms can be difficult because of the presence of dense canopy and/or the wide spatial extent of some gullies. Even where possible, mapping of gullies through conventional field surveying can be an intensive and expensive activity. The recent widespread availability of very high resolution (VHR) imagery has led to a remarkable growth in the availability of terrain information, thus providing a basis for the development of new methodologies for analyzing Earth's surfaces. This work aims to develop a geographic object-based image analysis to detect and map gullies based on VHR imagery. A 1-meter resolution LIDAR DEM is used to identify gullies. The tool has been calibrated for two relatively large gullies surveyed in the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory (CCZO) area in the southeastern United States. The developed procedure has been applied and tested on a greater area, corresponding to the Holcombe's Branch watershed within the CCZO. Results have been compared to previous works conducted over the same area, demonstrating the consistency of the developed procedure.
Epigenetic Marks in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Motta Alicia Beatriz
Published: October 2019

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder that
affects women in their reproductive age. Recent studies have shown that genes have an important
role in the etiology of PCOS. However, the precise way in which these genes are transcriptionally
and post-transcriptionally regulated is poorly understood.

The aim of the present review is to provide updated information on miRNAs and DNA methylation
as epigenetic marks of PCOS.

The data presented here allow concluding that both microRNAs and DNA methylation can be considered
as possible useful biomarkers when choosing the treatment for a specific PCOS phenotype
and thus represent two important tools for the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS patients.
Fluorine-Containing Inhalation Anesthetics: Chemistry, Properties and Pharmacology
Authors: Wang Yuzhong , Ming Xiao-Xia , Zhang Cheng-Pan
Published: October 2019

Studies on fluorinated inhalation anesthetics, including synthesis, physical chemistry and
pharmacology, have been summarized in this review. Retrospecting the history of inhalation anesthetics
revealed their increasing reliance on fluorine and ether structures. Halothane causes a rare but
severe immune-based hepatotoxicity, which was replaced by enflurane in the 1970s. Isoflurane replaced
enflurane in the 1980s, showing modest advantages (e.g. lower solubility, better metabolic
stability, and without convulsive predisposition). Desflurane and sevoflurane came into use in the
1990s, which are better anesthetics than isoflurane (less hepatotoxicity, lower solubility, and/or
markedly decreased pungency). However, they are still less than perfect. To gain more ideal inhalation
anesthetics, a large number of fluorinated halocarbons, polyfluorocycloalkanes, polyfluorocycloalkenes,
fluoroarenes, and polyfluorooxetanes, were prepared and their potency and toxicity were
evaluated. Although the pharmacology studies suggested that some of these agents produced anesthesia,
no further studies were continued on these compounds because they showed obvious lacking
as anesthetics. Moreover, the anesthetic activity cannot be simply predicted from the molecular
structures but has to be inferred from the experiments. Several regularities were found by experimental
studies: 1) the potency and toxicity of the saturated linear chain halogenated ether are enhanced
when its molecular weight is increased; 2) the margin of safety decreases and the recovery
time is prolonged when the boiling point of the candidate increases; and 3) compounds with an
asymmetric carbon terminal exhibit good anesthesia. Nevertheless, the development of new inhalation
anesthetics, better than desflurane and sevoflurane, is still challenging not only because of the
poor structure/activity relationship known so far but also due to synthetic issues.
Emerging Strategies in Stimuli-Responsive Nanocarriers as the Drug Delivery System for Enhanced Cancer Therapy
Authors: Saravanakumar Kandasamy , Hu Xiaowen , Ali Davoodbasha M. , Wang Myeong-Hyeon
Published: October 2019

The conventional Drug Delivery System (DDS) has limitations such as leakage of the drug, toxicity to
normal cells and loss of drug efficiency, while the stimuli-responsive DDS is non-toxic to cells, avoiding the
leakage and degradation of the drug because of its targeted drug delivery to the pathological site. Thus nanomaterial
chemistry enables - the development of smart stimuli-responsive DDS over the conventional DDS. Stimuliresponsive
DDS ensures spatial or temporal, on-demand drug delivery to the targeted cancer cells. The DDS is
engineered by using the organic (synthetic polymers, liposomes, peptides, aptamer, micelles, dendrimers) and
inorganic (zinc oxide, gold, magnetic, quantum dots, metal oxides) materials. Principally, these nanocarriers
release the drug at the targeted cells in response to external and internal stimuli such as temperature, light, ultrasound
and magnetic field, pH value, redox potential (glutathione), and enzyme. The multi-stimuli responsive
DDS is more promising than the single stimuli-responsive DDS in cancer therapy, and it extensively increases
drug release and accumulation in the targeted cancer cells, resulting in better tumor cell ablation. In this regard, a
handful of multi-stimuli responsive DDS is in clinical trials for further approval. A comprehensive review is
crucial for addressing the existing knowledge about multi-stimuli responsive DDS, and hence, we summarized the
emerging strategies in tailored ligand functionalized stimuli-responsive nanocarriers as the DDS for cancer therapies.