bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combine organic and inorganic fertilizer increases yield of cucumber (Cucumissativus L.)
Authors: Marliah A , Anhar A , Hayati E , Nura  
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the effect of combine organic fertilizer (manure) and inorganic fertilizer (NPK and Micro fertilizer) on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumissativus L.). This study was conducted in the Experimental station, Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Aceh from February to April2018. This experiment was arranged in a factorial randomized completely block design with two factors and three replications. The first factor was the provision of organic fertilizer (manure) with 3 levels: 10 t ha−1(K1), 20 t ha−1 (K2), and 30 t ha−1 (K3). The second factor was the provision of inorganic NPK fertilizer with 3 treatments: Without NPK fertilizer (control - N0), NPK Fertilizer(N 50 kg ha−1 P2O5 50 kg ha−1 and K2O 50 kg ha−1 (280 kg ha−1Phonska 16-16-16 - N1), and NPK + Micro Fertilizer (N 50 kg ha−1 P2O5 50 kg ha−1 and K2O 50 kg ha−1 (280 kg ha−1Phonska 16-16-16 + 2% Micro fertilizer – N2)). Results show that organic fertilizers (20 and 30 ton ha−1) increase fruit weight of each sample and fruit weight of each plant. The application of NPK + Micro Fertilizer produces in the best fruit weight of each sample and fruit weight of each plant. The combination of organic fertilizer (20 ton ha−1) and inorganic NPK + Micro Fertilizer results in the best fruit weight each plant of cucumber.
The Power of Comparative Law: What Types of Units Can Comparative Law Compare?
Authors: Siems Mathias 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
What can comparative law compare? It is relatively uncontroversial that certain topics are included in its scope. For example, there is little doubt that any comparison between legal rules of different countries belongs to the field of comparative law. Beyond this traditional scope, some comparatists include further topics, for example, suggesting that legal systems of the past, subnational laws, and informal forms of dispute resolution can also be possible units of comparative law. But why stop here? As many legal topics involve elements of comparison, it may only be logical to make any comparison in law part of the field of comparative law. However, such a suggestion about the broadening of comparative law also needs to assess whether the methods and concepts of comparative law can be made suitable for non-conventional units. Therefore, this Article will discuss both the possible extensions to the scope of comparative law and the corresponding power of comparative law to deal with these new units of comparison.
Predictors of Heterogeneity in Cognitive Function: APOE-e4, Sex, Education, Depression, and Vascular Risk
Authors: MacAulay Rebecca K , Halpin Amy , Cohen Alex S , Calamia Matthew , Boeve Angelica , Zhang Le , Brouillette Robert M , Foil Heather C , Bruce-Keller Annadora , Keller Jeffrey N 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveMild cognitive impairment and dementia are clinically heterogeneous disorders influenced by diverse risk factors. Improved characterization of the effect of multiple risk factors influence on specific cognitive functions may improve understanding of mechanisms in early cognitive change and lead to more effective interventions.MethodsStructural equation modeling (SEM) simultaneously examined the effects of modifiable (education, depression, and metabolic/vascular risk) and nonmodifiable risk factors (age, sex, and apolipoprotein E-ɛ4 allele [APOE-e4] status) on specific cognitive domains in 461 cognitively normal older adults.ResultsThe hypothesized model(s) provided an adequate fit for the data. Sex differences in cognition, depression, and vascular risk were found. On average, men were higher in vascular risk with generally lower cognitive performance than women; women were more likely to have depression. APOE-e4 associated with depression but not age, sex, or metabolic/vascular risk. Depression associated with lower executive attention, memory, and language performance, whereas metabolic/vascular risk associated with lower executive attention, memory, and working memory. Older age and lower education are associated with worse performance across the cognitive domains. The combined risk factors accounted for 16%–47% of the variance in the cognitive domains.ConclusionsResults highlight the combined effect of risk factors on cognitive function. Future research is needed to determine whether the multifactorial risk effects on cognition vary by sex. Precision medicine approaches that integrate neuropsychological services may improve diagnostic accuracy and earlier identification of those at risk of cognitive decline.
Eliminating primer dimers and improving SNP detection using self-avoiding molecular recognition systems
Authors: Yang Zunyi , Le Jennifer T , Hutter Daniel , Bradley Kevin M , Overton Benjamin R , McLendon Chris , Benner Steven A 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Despite its widespread value to molecular biology, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) encounters modes that unproductively consume PCR resources and prevent clean signals, especially when high sensitivity, high SNP discrimination, and high multiplexing are sought. Here, we show how “self-avoiding molecular recognition systems” (SAMRS) manage such difficulties. SAMRS nucleobases pair with complementary nucleotides with strengths comparable to the A:T pair, but do not pair with other SAMRS nucleobases. This should allow primers holding SAMRS components to avoid primer–primer interactions, preventing primer dimers, allowing more sensitive SNP detection, and supporting higher levels of multiplex PCR. The experiments here examine the PCR performances of primers containing different numbers of SAMRS components placed strategically at different positions, and put these performances in the context of estimates of SAMRS:standard pairing strengths. The impact of these variables on primer dimer formation, the overall efficiency and sensitivity of SAMRS-based PCR, and the value of SAMRS primers when detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are also evaluated. With appropriately chosen polymerases, SNP discrimination can be greater than the conventional allele-specific PCR, with the further benefit of avoiding primer dimer artifacts. General rules guiding the design of SAMRS-modified primers are offered to support medical research and clinical diagnostics products.
Genetic variants in m6A modification genes are associated with esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma in the Chinese population
Authors: Yang Nan , Ying Pingting , Tian Jianbo , Wang Xiaoyang , Mei Shufang , Zou Danyi , Peng Xiating , Gong Yajie , Yang Yang , Zhu Ying , Ke Juntao , Zhong Rong , Chang Jiang , Miao Xiaoping 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant modification in RNAs that affects RNA metabolism, and it is reported to be closely related to cancer occurrence and metastasis. In this study, we focused on evaluating the associations between genetic variants in m6A modification genes and the risk of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC). By integrating data of our previous genome-wide association studies and the predictions of several annotation tools, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs2416282 in the promoter of YTHDC2, that was significantly associated with the susceptibility of ESCC (odds ratio = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77–0.92, P = 2.81 × 10−4). Through further functional experiments in vitro, we demonstrated that rs2416282 regulated YTHDC2 expression. Knockdown of YTHDC2 substantially promoted the proliferation rate of ESCC cells by affecting several cancer-related signaling pathways. Our results suggested that rs2416282 contributed to ESCC risk by regulating YTHDC2 expression. This study provided us a valuable insight into the roles of genetic variants in m6A modification genes for ESCC susceptibility and may contribute to the prevention of this disease in the future.
Evolving Epidemiology of Reported Giardiasis Cases in the United States, 1995–2016
Authors: Coffey Cushla M , Collier Sarah A , Gleason Michelle E , Yoder Jonathan S , Kirk Martyn D , Richardson Alice M , Fullerton Kathleen E , Benedict Katharine M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Giardiasis is the most common intestinal parasitic disease of humans identified in the United States (US) and an important waterborne disease. In the United States, giardiasis has been variably reportable since 1992 and was made a nationally notifiable disease in 2002. Our objective was to describe the epidemiology of US giardiasis cases from 1995 through 2016 using National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System data.

Methods
Negative binomial regression models were used to compare incidence rates by age group (0–4, 5–9, 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–64, and ≥ 65 years) during 3 time periods (1995–2001, 2002–2010, and 2011–2016).

Results
During 1995–2016, the average number of reported cases was 19 781 per year (range, 14 623–27 778 cases). The annual incidence of reported giardiasis in the United States decreased across all age groups. This decrease differs by age group and sex and may reflect either changes in surveillance methods (eg, changes to case definitions or reporting practices) or changes in exposure. Incidence rates in males and older age groups did not decrease to the same extent as rates in females and children.

Conclusions
Trends suggest that differences in exposures by sex and age group are important to the epidemiology of giardiasis. Further investigation into the risk factors of populations with higher rates of giardiasis will support prevention and control efforts.
Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Potential Biological Control Agents of Subterranean Termite, Microcerotermes diversus (Blattodea: Termitidae) in Iraq
Authors: Al-Zaidawi Jawad B , Karimi Javad , Mahdikhani Moghadam Esmat 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe infectivity of three species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) such as Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), and H. bacteriophora Poinar (IRQ.1 strain) were examined against subterranean termite Microcerotermes diversus (Silvestri) (Blattodea: Termitidae) that is the most economically destructive termite in Iraq. Laboratory and field efficacy of these strains were evaluated to test the feasibility of indigenous EPNs to be used in a biological control program. The biological traits examined included pathogenicity, penetration, and reproduction of EPN species. Filter paper and wood bioassays were conducted using six concentrations: 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 IJs/termite. In both tests, all strains were virulent against M. diversus workers. The LC50 of S. carpocapsae in both petri dishes and in containers with sawdust was (57.9 and 15.7 IJs/termite) less than both indigenous (274.2 and 60.8 IJs/termite) and commercial (139.6 and 52.6 IJs/termite) Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, respectively. In the field, the percent mortality of the tested workers ranged from 22.5–80 ± 8.3%, 37.5–96.2 ± 8.9%, and 28.7–67.5 ± 6.8% for commercial H. bacteriophora and S. carpocapsae and native H. bacteriophora, respectively. All EPN strains successfully penetrated the M. diversus workers under field conditions, while the results showed that there was a significant difference between the three EPN strains. The percent mortality caused by native H. bacteriophora against termites was higher (43.6 ± 2.7%) than both commercial strains of S. carpocapsae (36.9 ± 1.6%) and H. bacteriophora (29.9 ± 1.4 %). These results highlight the efficiency of EPNs for the control of M. diversus workers.
Atrial fibrillation surgery with a focus on patients with reduced left ventricular function and heart failure
Authors: Petersen Johannes , Reichenspurner Hermann , Pecha Simon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis review article aims to give an overview on the different surgical treatment options for atrial fibrillation It includes concomitant- as well as stand-alone surgical ablation therapy and outlines the main issues in patients with heart failure and reduced LVEF.
Meta-analysis of Virtual-based Chromoendoscopy Compared With Dye-spraying Chromoendoscopy Standard and High-definition White Light Endoscopy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Increased Risk of Colon Cancer
Authors: El-Dallal Mohammed , Chen Ye , Lin Qianyun , Rakowsky Shana , Sattler Lindsey , Foromera Joshua , Grossberg Laurie , Cheifetz Adam S , Feuerstein Joseph D 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. We sought to assess the comparative efficacy of virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE) vs high definition white light endoscopy (HDWLE) or dye-spraying chromoendoscopy (DCE) through a meta-analysis and rating the quality of evidence.

Methods
A systematic review of the literature was performed through February 15, 2019. Primary outcomes were number of patients in whom dysplasia was identified and number of dysplastic lesions identified in these patients. We included only randomized control trials (RCTs) and performed meta-analysis using RevMan5.3.

Results
Of the 3205 studies identified, 11 RCTs were included, with a total of 1328 patients. Per patient analysis, VCE was not statistically different compared with DCE (risk ratio [RR] 0.77; 95% CI, 0.55–1.08) or HDWLE (RR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.45–1.15). However, per dysplasia analysis, VCE was not statistically different compared with DCE (RR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.47–1.11) and inferior compared with HDWLE (RR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44–0.88). The quality of evidence was moderate in the HDWLE and low to moderate in the DCE studies.

Conclusion
Based on this meta-analysis, VCE was as good as HDWLE and DCE in identifying dysplasia per patient analysis. However, per dysplasia analysis, VCE was inferior compared with HDWLE and no different from DCE. Further studies need to examine the efficacy of each individual VCE technique.
Outcomes of aortic coarctation surgical repair in adolescents and adults
Authors: Cho Sungkyu , Lee Chang-Ha , Kim Eung Re , Lim Jae Hong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in adolescents and adults is relatively rare. Several operative techniques have been reported, but there is no consensus.

METHODS
From November 1994 to July 2018, a total of 24 adolescents and adults underwent CoA repair. The mean age at operation was 29.9 ± 15.1; 19 (79%) patients were older than 18. Sixteen (67%) patients had arterial hypertension, 5 (21%) patients had bicuspid aortic valve, 4 (17%) patients had descending aneurysm, 2 (8%) patients had ascending aneurysm, 2 (8%) patients had patent ductus arteriosus and 1 (4%) patient had atrial septal defect. Three patients had prior surgery (2 CoA repair, 1 ventricular septal defect repair).

RESULTS
Surgical corrections included extra-anatomical bypasses in 12 (50%) patients (9: left subclavian artery to descending aorta bypass, 2 proximal-to-distal coarctation bypasses, 1 ascending-to-descending aortic bypass), end-to-end anastomosis in 6 (25%) patients, resections and interpositions of a tube graft in 5 (21%) patients and arch augmentation with a tube graft in 1 (4%) patient. The mean follow-up duration was 6.2 ± 5.1 years. No mortality was observed. No patient required reoperation or reintervention. The mean upper extremity systolic pressure significantly decreased from 142.4 ± 30.3 mmHg preoperatively to 121.1 ± 15.9 mmHg postoperatively (P = 0.002). Arterial pressure gradient between upper and lower extremities significantly decreased from 50.0 ± 21.8 mmHg preoperatively to 9.7 ± 13.5 mmHg postoperatively (P &lt; 0.001). Among patients undergoing left subclavian artery to descending aorta bypass, 8 patients underwent ankle brachial pressure index evaluation. Postoperative mean right- and left-sided ankle brachial pressure index were 0.96 ± 0.16 and 0.94 ± 0.11, respectively. All grafts were patent at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
CoA repair in adolescents and adults showed good outcomes. Left subclavian artery to descending aorta bypass grafting is safe and effective for managing CoA in adolescents and adults.
Positive observers for linear positive systems in a Hilbert lattice space
Authors: Binid Abdellaziz , Elarbi Achhab Mohammed , Laabissi Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In this work, we investigate the question of designing a positive observer for a class of infinite dimensional linear positive systems. We present a new observer design based on a classical Luenberger-like observer. The proposed observer is positive. That is, it ensures that the state estimates are nonnegative at any time. The existence of such positive observers is proven by a specific choice of the observer gain and using positive bounded perturbation results. We show in particular that the error of the state estimation converges exponentially to zero. Finally, the main result is applied to an isothermal tubular (bio) reactor model, namely the plug-flow (bio) reactor model. The approach is illustrated by some numerical simulations.
Twelve-Year Trend in the Prevalence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Rwandan Women Living With HIV
Authors: Murenzi Gad , Kanyabwisha Faustin , Murangwa Anthere , Kubwimana Gallican , Mutesa Leon , Burk Robert D , Anastos Kathryn , Castle Philip E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
We examined the trend in prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) cervical infection among Rwandan women living with HIV (WLWH) over 12 years.

Methods
Prevalence of cervical hrHPV DNA was measured in 3 studies at 3 different time periods in 3 different groups of WLWH using 3 different but comparable hrHPV tests: a MY09/MY11 PCR test in 2005 (RWISA; n = 497), careHPV in 2009–2010 (HPV Demonstration; n = 1242), and Xpert HPV test in 2016–2018 (U54; n = 4734). Prevalences were adjusted for age and CD4 cell count.

Results
HrHPV prevalence decreased over time from 42.5% to 32.2% to 26.5% (P &lt; .001). CD4 cell counts improved over time (Ptrend &lt;.001) so that the percentage of WLWH with CD4 counts of ≥500 cells/μL increased from 7.7% in 2005 to 42.2% in 2009–2010 and 61.1% in 2016–2018. Thus, after adjustment for differences in CD4 counts and age, hrHPV prevalences were more similar over time: 32.6% for RWISA, 30.6% for HPV Demonstration, and 27.1% for U54 (P = .007).

Conclusions
Prevalence of hrHPV among WLWH has decreased over the past decade, most likely the result of improved immune reconstitution due to better HIV care and management in Rwanda.
Upregulation of cyclase-associated actin cytoskeleton regulatory protein 2 in epithelial ovarian cancer correlates with aggressive histologic types and worse outcomes
Authors: Adachi Masataka , Masugi Yohei , Yamazaki Ken , Emoto Katsura , Kobayashi Yusuke , Tominaga Eiichiro , Banno Kouji , Aoki Daisuke , Sakamoto Michiie 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objective
Cyclase-associated actin cytoskeleton regulatory protein 2 (CAP2) regulates actin dynamics to control cell cycles and cell migration. CAP2 overexpression contributes to cancer progression in several tumor types; however, the role of CAP2 expression in ovarian cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the significance of CAP2 expression in epithelial ovarian tumor.

Methods
We evaluated CAP2 expression in ovarian cancer cell lines using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunocytochemistry and examined the effect of CAP2 silencing in migration and proliferation assays. CAP2 immunohistochemistry was conducted using tissue specimens from 432 ovarian carcinoma patients; a further 55 borderline and benign 65 lesions were analyzed. CAP2 expression levels were defined as low, intermediate or high, for correlation analysis with clinicopathological factors.

Results
CAP2 expression was significantly higher in cell lines from Type II ovarian cancer than in those in Type I, and knockdown of CAP2 showed decreased migration and proliferation. Higher levels of CAP2 expression in human tissues were associated with Type II histology, residual lesion, lymph node metastasis, ascites cytology and higher clinical stage. High CAP2 expression levels were observed in 26 (23.4%) of 111 Type II ovarian cancers and in 16 (5.0%) of 321 Type I cancers but not in any borderline or benign lesions. Multivariate analyses showed that CAP2 expression in ovarian cancer is an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (P = 0.019).

Conclusion
CAP2 expression is upregulated in aggressive histologic types of epithelial ovarian cancer and serves as a novel prognostic biomarker for patient survival.
A multidisciplinary approach to carotid body tumors surgical management
Authors: Fan David , Luster Stephanie , Eid Ibrahim G , Saied Calvino Abdul 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare and usually require complex surgical resection. We present a case of a large 7-cm CBT successfully treated in a community cancer center using a multidisciplinary team approach.
A 32-year-old male referred for surgical evaluation of an asymptomatic right neck mass. CT angiography showed a 7-cm tumor encasing the carotid vessels, including the bifurcation (Shamblin III). Preoperative angiography and embolization were performed by interventional radiology. The patient underwent surgical removal of the CBTs and required surgical reconstruction with a common carotid to internal carotid bypass using a polytetrafluoroethylene interposition graft. The hypoglossal nerve, vagus nerve and glossopharyngeal nerve were identified, meticulously dissected and preserved. The patient did well after surgery and recovered with no complications. This report examines the diagnosis, preoperative workup and surgical management of CBTs using a multidisciplinary team approach.
Constraining churning and blurring in the Milky Way using large spectroscopic surveys – an exploratory study
Authors: Feltzing Sofia , Bowers J Bradley , Agertz Oscar 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
We have investigated the possibilities to quantify how much stars move in the Milky Way disc due to diffuse processes (blurring) and due to influences from spiral arms and the bar (churning). We assume that the formation radius of a star can be inferred if we know its elemental abundances and age and the metallicity profile of the interstellar medium at the time of the star’s formation. We use data for red giant branch stars from APOGEE DR14, parallaxes from Gaia, and stellar ages based on the C and N abundances. In our sample, we find that half of the stars have experienced some sort of radial migration, 10 per cent likely have suffered only from churning, and a modest 5–7 per cent have never experienced either churning or blurring making them ideal tracers of the original properties of the cool stellar disc. To arrive at these numbers, we imposed the requirement that the stars that are considered to be churned have highly circular orbits. If instead we require that the star has moved away from its formation position and at the same time that its Galactocentric radius at formation did not fall between the apo- and pericentre of its orbit today, we find that about half of the stars have undergone a radial migration. We have thus shown that it is possible to put up a framework to quantify churning and blurring. Future work includes investigations of how selection effects influence the results.