bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of leaf properties and plant phenotype through yield‐based genetic improvement of rice over a period of seventy years in the Yangtze River Basin of China
Authors: Zhu Guanglong , Ren Zhen , Liu Yuqian , Lu Faguang , Gu Lifeng , Shi Yu , Liu Jiawei , Zhou Guisheng , Nimir Nimir Eltyb Ahmed , Mohapatra Pravat Kumar 
Published: June 2020

AbstractKnowledge of changes associated with the progression of growth‐related characteristics in rice plant is essential to make strategies for future breeding and crop management. However, thus far, little attention has been given to the identification of temporal changes of the traits concomitant with the year of release in rice genetic breeding. The objective of this study was to explore genetic gain for yield accrued in association with evolution of the growth phenotypes in a 2‐year field experiment conducted on the Yangtze River Basin of China. Fifteen rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, including 5 super high‐yielding rice, bred or widely cultivated from 1936 to 2005, were grown in irrigated field conditions with appropriate doses of commercial fertilizers during the rice‐growing season from May to October in 2013 and 2014. In both years, SPAD reading was high during vegetative and early grain filling stages, but it declined sharply at maturity. In general, SPAD reading increased with the progression in year of release of the cultivars and it correlated with yield benefit accrued. Similar to SPAD, the evolutionary trend also accounted for significant increases in LAI (leaf area index) and SLW (specific leaf weight), CGR (crop growth rate), LAD (leaf area duration), S/LA (spikelets/leaf area), and NAR (net assimilation rate). All growth parameters, except NAR, correlated positively with grain yield. Conversely, K (extinction coefficient) exhibited significant decline along with year of release, meaning more erect canopies. Gain of SLW in the newer cultivars enabled better light energy interception probably with higher RUE, which associated with increased SPAD amounting to low K values. It was opined that the reduced K improved light distribution across the leaves, which contributed to a grain yield advantage through increase of sink size (S/LA) over the 70‐year period.
The micromorphology of loess‐paleosol sequences in central Alaska: A new perspective on soil formation and landscape evolution since the Late Glacial period (c. 16,000 cal yr BP to present)
Authors: Kielhofer Jennifer , Miller Christopher , Reuther Joshua , Holmes Charles , Potter Ben , Lanoë François , Esdale Julie , Crass Barbara 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe middle Tanana Valley of central Alaska contains a well‐preserved record of human occupation and paleoenvironmental change since the Late Glacial period (c. 16,000 cal yr BP) and is a critical region for understanding human dispersal into the Americas. Micromorphology analysis of soils and sediments from six archaeological sites yields valuable information about soil formation processes and landscape evolution during the Late Glacial and into the Holocene. At the macroscale, site stratigraphies are very similar, and thin organic‐rich layers (locally known as “stringers”) are commonly interpreted as buried soils. However, at the microscale, these layers exhibit significant differences in the degree of bioturbation, organic matter humification, and boundary abruptness, indicating that pedogenesis was not the sole process at every site. In this way, our microscale analysis addresses issues of equifinality related to site formation interpretations, a persistent problem with subarctic and high‐latitude stratigraphy. Additionally, this study reveals a certain level of landform and landscape instability within a broader trend of regional increases in pedogenesis and vegetation coverage, adding to the existing model of heterogeneity across this subarctic landscape. Here we demonstrate the utility of micromorphology to test field interpretations and improve models of Late Glacial landscape evolution in high‐latitude contexts.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Increases the Risk of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Labenz Christian , Huber Yvonne , Michel Maurice , Nagel Michael , Galle Peter R. , Kostev Karel , Schattenberg Jörn M. 
Published: June 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), depression, and anxiety disorders are frequent diseases, and data on mutual influence are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore the incidence of depression and anxiety in a large primary care cohort in Germany and to study the impact of NAFLD over a 10‐year time frame. Patients with NAFLD diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were matched to a cohort without NAFLD controlling for age, sex, physician, index year, and Charlson comorbidity index. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of depression, anxiety, and first prescription of antidepressant drugs. We compared 19,871 patients with NAFLD to 19,871 matched controls. Within 10 years of the index date, 21.2% of patients with NAFLD and 18.2% of controls were diagnosed with depression (P < 0.001). On regression analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) for incidence of depression was 1.21 (P < 0.001). This association was similar for the endpoint of the first prescription of antidepressant drugs (HR, 1.21; P < 0.001). Anxiety disorders were diagnosed in 7.9% of patients with NAFLD and 6.5% of controls during the observation time (P = 0.003). The HR for incidence of anxiety was 1.23 (P < 0.001). This association remained significant in women (P < 0.001), while there was only a trend in men (HR, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.99‐1.34; P < 0.067). The risk of developing anxiety disorders was higher in younger patients. Conclusion: NAFLD constitutes an independent risk factor for emerging depression and anxiety even after controlling for confounding comorbidities.
The coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic's impact on mental health
Authors: Javed Bilal , Sarwer Abdullah , Soto Erik B. , Mashwani Zia‐ur‐Rehman 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThroughout the world, the public is being informed about the physical effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and steps to take to prevent exposure to the coronavirus and manage symptoms of COVID‐19 if they appear. However, the effects of this pandemic on one's mental health have not been studied at length and are still not known. As all efforts are focused on understanding the epidemiology, clinical features, transmission patterns, and management of the COVID‐19 outbreak, there has been very little concern expressed over the effects on one's mental health and on strategies to prevent stigmatization. People's behavior may greatly affect the pandemic's dynamic by altering the severity, transmission, disease flow, and repercussions. The present situation requires raising awareness in public, which can be helpful to deal with this calamity. This perspective article provides a detailed overview of the effects of the COVID‐19 outbreak on the mental health of people.
Quantitative assessment of distant recurrence risk in early stage breast cancer using a nonlinear combination of pathological, clinical and imaging variables
Authors: Nichols Brandon S. , Chelales Erika , Wang Roujia , Schulman Amanda , Gallagher Jennifer , Greenup Rachel A. , Geradts Joseph , Harter Josephine , Marcom Paul K. , Wilke Lee G. , Ramanujam Nirmala 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUse of genomic assays to determine distant recurrence risk in patients with early stage breast cancer has expanded and is now included in the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual. Algorithmic alternatives using standard clinical and pathology information may provide equivalent benefit in settings where genomic tests, such as OncotypeDx, are unavailable. We developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model to nonlinearly estimate risk of distant cancer recurrence. In addition to clinical and pathological variables, we enhanced our model using intraoperatively determined global mammographic breast density (MBD) and local breast density (LBD). LBD was measured with optical spectral imaging capable of sensing regional concentrations of tissue constituents. A cohort of 56 ER+ patients with an OncotypeDx score was evaluated. We demonstrated that combining MBD/LBD measurements with clinical and pathological variables improves distant recurrence risk prediction accuracy, with high correlation (r = 0.98) to the OncotypeDx recurrence score.
Exploring the Pathophysiology of Reinke's Edema: The Cellular Impact of Cigarette Smoke and Vibration
Authors: Grossmann Tanja , Steffan Barbara , Kirsch Andrijana , Grill Magdalena , Gerstenberger Claus , Gugatschka Markus 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesTo explore the isolated or combined effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and vibration on human vocal fold fibroblasts (hVFF) in an in vitro setting in order to elucidate their influence in the pathophysiology of Reinke's edema (RE).Study designImmortalized hVFF were exposed to CSE or control medium under static or vibrational conditions. A phonomimetic bioreactor was used to deliver vibrational patterns to hVFF over a period of 5 days.MethodsCytotoxicity was quantified using a lactate dehydrogenase assay. We employed reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and Magnetic Luminex(R) assays (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN) to assess the influence on extracellular matrix production, fibrogenesis, inflammation, and angiogenesis.ResultsWe observed significant changes induced by CSE alone (hyaluronic acid, matrix metalloproteinase 1, Interleukin‐8, cyclooxygenase [COX]1, COX2, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]D), as well as settings in which only the combination of CSE and vibration led to significant changes (transforming growth factor beta 1, VEGFA, VEGFC). Also, CSE‐induced levels of COX2 were only significantly reduced when vibration was applied.ConclusionWe were able to explore the cellular effects of CSE and vibration on hVFF by employing a phonomimetic bioreactor. Whereas cigarette smoke is generally accepted as a risk factor for RE, the role of vibration remained unclear as it is difficult to study in humans. Our data showed that some genes and proteins in the pathophysiological context of RE were only affected when CSE in combination with vibration was applied.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:E547–E554, 2021
Safety and Efficacy of Blue Light Laser Treatment in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Bertlich Mattis , Kashani Fatemeh , Weiss Bernhard G. , Wiebringhaus Robert , Ihler Friedrich , Freytag Saskia , Gires Olivier , Kühnel Thomas , Haubner Frank 
Published: June 2020

Background and ObjectivesHereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a hereditary condition that is associated with arteriovenous malformations. A common site for these malformations is the nasal mucosa, which is associated with severe epistaxis and debilitation for affected patients. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of blue light laser technology in treating these endonasal manifestations in a retrospective chart analysis. Additionally, we compared blue light laser technology to bipolar coagulation in an animal model.Study Design/Materials and MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart analysis of all patients that were diagnosed with HHT and received endonasal blue light laser treatment between 10/2017 and 04/2019. In addition, we performed bipolar or blue light laser coagulation of all macroscopically visible vessels on thyroid gland lobes (n = 4) from Dunkin–Hartley Guinea Pigs. Hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining was then used to visualize depth and area of coagulation surrounding these vessels.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐one treatments in 23 patients were analyzed. Under regular blue light laser treatment, quality of life (QOL), indicated on a visual analog scale from 1 to 10, gradually increased significantly from 5.6 ± 0.5 (before the first treatment) to 7.5 ± 0.9 (after the second treatment). Following this, QOL remained steady throughout additional treatments. Adverse effects were not recorded. HE staining showed that coagulation depth (162 ± 56 vs. 586 ± 192 µm) and area (74 ± 35 vs. 1015 ± 449 µm2) were significantly lower after laser treatment.ConclusionBlue light laser therapy is safe and efficient in treating HHT. Damage to the surrounding tissue is significantly lower compared with bipolar coagulation. © 2020 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC
Low Health Literacy Is Associated With Frailty and Reduced Likelihood of Liver Transplant Listing: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bittermann Therese , Dwinnells Kristen , Chadha Sakshum , Wolf Michael S. , Olthoff Kim M. , Serper Marina 
Published: June 2020

The effect of low health literacy (HL) on outcomes in end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) is largely unknown. The association of low HL on clinical outcomes was investigated in a prospective cohort of outpatients with ESLD undergoing liver transplantation (LT) evaluation. From 2014 to 2017, 276 patients underwent LT evaluation with assessments of liver disease severity, medical and psychosocial comorbidities, physical frailty, and malnutrition. Literacy was measured with the Newest Vital Sign, a brief validated assessment. Multivariate models assessed relationships between HL and clinical outcomes adjusting for clinical and psychosocial variables. The median Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–sodium score of the study sample was 15 (interquartile range, 11‐19), 71 (25.7%) of candidates were frail, 117 (42.4%) had malnutrition, 151 (54.7%) had hepatic encephalopathy, 104 (37.7%) had low HL, and 85 (39.2%) had marginal or poor social support. Adjusting for education level, socioeconomic factors, and severity of illness, low HL was independently associated with physical frailty (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50‐8.59; P = 0.004) and not being wait‐listed (aOR 1.96; 95% CI, 1.03‐3.75; P = 0.04). Strong social support attenuated the relationship between low HL and not being wait‐listed (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.74‐3.36; P = 0.24). Low HL is common and a largely unrecognized risk factor for poor health outcomes among patients with ESLD. Patient‐oriented infrastructure and support are needed at the health system level to ensure all patients can successfully navigate the complex process of LT evaluation and wait‐listing.
Nature‐Inspired Bacterial Cellulose/Methylglyoxal (BC/MGO) Nanocomposite for Broad‐Spectrum Antimicrobial Wound Dressing
Authors: Yang Manni , Ward John , Choy Kwang‐Leong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural material produced by Acetobacter xylinum, widely used in wound dressings due to the high water‐holding capacity and great mechanical strength. In this paper, a novel antimicrobial dressing made from BC/methylglyoxal (MGO) composite with a dip‐coating method inspired by naturally antimicrobial Manuka honey is proposed, which to our best knowledge, has not yet to be reported. Characterizations by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy show the interconnected nanostructure of BC and MGO and increase surface roughness of the BC/MGO composite. Thermal analysis indicates high temperature stability of both BC and BC/MGO, while compared with BC, BC/MGO exhibits slightly weaker thermal stability possibly due to reduction of hydrogen bonding and increase of crystallinity. Mechanical test confirms the strong mechanical property of BC and BC/MGO nanocomposite. From the disk diffusion antimicrobial test, the BC/MGO nanocomposite with highest MGO concentration (4%) shows great zone inhibition diameter (around 14.3, 12.3, 17.1, and 15.5 mm against Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli). Compared with other antimicrobial wound dressing composite materials, the proposed BC/MGO nanocomposite has among the greatest antimicrobial property against broad‐spectrum bacteria, making it a promising antimicrobial dressing in chronic wounds care.
Nef‐partitions arising from unimodular configurations
Authors: Ohsugi Hidefumi , Tsuchiya Akiyoshi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractReflexive polytopes have been studied from viewpoints of combinatorics, commutative algebra and algebraic geometry. A nef‐partition of a reflexive polytope is a decomposition such that each is a lattice polytope containing the origin. Batyrev and van Straten gave a combinatorial method for explicit constructions of mirror pairs of Calabi–Yau complete intersections obtained from nef‐partitions. In the present paper, by means of Gröbner basis techniques, we give a large family of nef‐partitions arising from unimodular configurations.
Mechanical and Dynamical Properties of Natural Rubber‐Montmorillonite Nanocomposites by Using In Situ Organomodified and Latex Compounding Method
Authors: Fathurrohman Mohamad Irfan , Hayeemasae Nabil , Sahakaro Kannika 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNatural rubber (NR)‐montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites with different organomodified MMT contents prepared by in situ organomodified and latex compounding method, followed by melt compounding technique are reported in this work. The morphology as well as the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, are investigated. By means of SAXS and FESEM analysis, MMT is found to have partly intercalated and exfoliated structure in NR matrix. The modulus, tensile strength, and storage modulus at low strain of NR‐MMT are enhanced compared to unfilled NR but hysteresis loss tended to increase with raising organomodified MMT content. The overall results showed that the presence of 5 phr of organomodified MMT filled NR gave the best balance between mechanical and dynamical properties.
Effect of Lignin Content as Bio‐Chain Extender in Polyurethane Foam
Authors: KUstiyah Elvi , Putra Dwiki Syahbana , Gerry David , Firdaus Dick Ferieno , Chalid Mochamad 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPolyurethane is a polymer compound that consists of a hard segment and a soft segment. Further modifications of polyurethane make it possible to make foam products with a variety of properties. Polyurethane foam has a tendency to be rigid and flexible by adjusting the segment ratio and adding chain extenders during the synthesis process. The basic precursors used in this research on bio‐polyurethane foam are Polypropylene Glycol 2000, Toluene Diisocyanate 80, Amine catalyst, Tin catalyst, surfactant, and the addition of lignin biomass as a chain extender and as independent variables of this study with 1, 2, and 3 wt% variations with the synthesis method used is a one‐shot method. In attempt to investigate the effect of lignin chain extender addition to the macromolecular structures and morphology, FTIR and SEM are used, while the mechanical properties are analyzed using tensile machine. From the synthesis carried out, bio‐polyurethane foam with open pore shape is obtained. It has increased tensile strength, but the elongation tends to decrease with increasing lignin biomass addition.
Enhanced Hydrophobicity and Elasticity of Bacterial Cellulose Films by Addition of Beeswax
Authors: Indriyati  , Frecilla Nicky , Nuryadin Beben Wahid , Irmawati Yuyun , Srikandace Yoice 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper, bacterial cellulose (BC) based films incorporated with beeswax (BW) are investigated to study their potential application as packaging material. The films are prepared from 200 g BC suspension, which has a dry weight of about 1 g. Different concentrations (10–40 wt% based on dry weight of BC suspension) of BW are added to enhance hydrophobicity and elasticity of BC‐based films. Carboxymethyl cellulose at 20 wt% and Tween 80 at 30 wt% based on dry weight of BC suspension are also added as the homogenizer and the surfactant, respectively. All components are mixed, degassed, casted, and dried in oven at 45 °C for 16–20 h. Contact angle measurements confirm significant enhancement of hydrophobicity of BC films from 53° without BW to 124° for addition of 40 wt% BW. Tensile testing reveals that elasticity of the films also increases according to percentage of elongation at break for about 38% by addition of 40 wt% BW, whereas tensile strength decreases for about a quarter. Scanning electron microscopy images show that BW covers the surface of BC network and penetrates the membrane pores. Moreover, addition of BW has no significant changes in total color difference and whiteness index of the films.
Development of Rubberized Asphalt Technology Based on Asphalt Cement (AC Pen 60) and Fresh Natural Rubber in Indonesia
Authors: Ramadhan Arief , Puspitasari Santi , Prastanto Henry , Falaah Asron Ferdian , Maspanger Dadi Rusadi , Andriani Woro , Faturrohman Muhammad Irfan , Sofyan Teddi Santo , Firdaus Yusep 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTechnology of rubberized asphalt is significantly increased for the last five years among three highest natural rubber producing countries. Fresh natural rubber which is used as asphalt cement additive, consists of pre‐vulcanized natural rubber latex (NRL), solid rubber compound, and master‐batch. Selection of fresh natural rubber types are strongly influenced by process‐ability, while dosage of fresh natural rubber determine rubberized asphalt properties. Mixing of pre‐vulcanized NRL with hot melted asphalt is run at stirred mixer, while addition of solid rubber compound and master‐batch into asphalt is conducted by using high shear mixer at 150 °C. Observation during rubberized asphalt production shows that mixing of solid rubber based asphalt additive was longer (12 h) than pre‐vulcanized NRL (4 h). Longer mixing time due to solid rubber tend to swell in the hot melted asphalt since there is polarity difference between rubber particles and asphalt. Analysis of rubberized asphalt physical property shows that pre‐vulcanized NRL produces highest elastic recovery value (40–70%) compared to rubberized asphalt based on solid rubber (25.8%). High elastic recovery indicates better resistance of rubberized asphalt against high traffic load and harsh environment. It can be concluded that during field trial test, usage of pre‐vulcanized NRL is more beneficial.
Bactericidal and virucidal activity of ethanol and povidone‐iodine
Authors: Sauerbrei Andreas 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEthanol and povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) are important microbicides that inactivate bacteria and viruses. The present study provides a review of literature data on the concentration‐dependent bactericidal and virucidal activity of ethanol and PVP‐I in vitro. A systematic search was performed using the meta‐database for biomedicine PubMed. Eventually, 74 studies with original data on the reduction of bacterial and viral infectivity using in vitro tests were analyzed. A safe bactericidal effect of ethanol can be expected at concentrations between 60% and 85%, and the exposure times vary between ≤0.5 and ≥5 min. Within an exposure of up to 5 min, 80%–90% ethanol also exerts virucidal/low‐level activity, which includes its action against enveloped viruses plus adeno‐, noro‐, and rotaviruses. For PVP‐I, the best bactericidal and virucidal/high‐level effect is present at a concentration range of approx. 0.08%–0.9% depending on the free iodine concentration. The maximum exposure times are 5 min for bacteria and 60 min for viruses. The available data may help optimize the significant inactivation of bacteria and viruses in various areas. However, as the conditions in application practice can vary, concrete recommendations for the application can only be derived to a limited extent.