bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen preference and genetic variation of cotton genotypes for nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Dong Qiang , Wang Xiangru , Gui Hui‐Ping , Zhang Hengheng , Pang Nianchang , Zhang Xiling , Song Meizhen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlthough nitrogen (N) availability is a major determinant of cotton production, little is known about the importance of plants' preference for ammoniumversusnitrate for better growth and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). We aimed to assess the growth, physiology, and NUE of contrasting N‐efficient cotton genotypes (Z‐1017, N‐efficient and GD‐89, N‐inefficient) supplied with low and high concentrations of ammonium‐ and nitrate‐N.RESULTSThe results revealed that ammonium fed plants showed poor root growth, lower dry biomass, N content, leaf chlorophyll and gas exchange than those under nitrate irrespective of the concentration. However, the highest N uptake and utilization efficiency were obtained with nitrate fed plants, which also resulted in the highest dry biomass, N content, leaf chlorophyll and gas exchange as well as root growth. The results further confirmed that N‐efficient (Z‐1017) genotype performed better under both N sources, showing more flexibility to contrasting N condition by increasing growth and NUE in either source of N. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed a strong relationship of root morphological traits with N utilization efficiency, suggesting the physiological importance of roots over shoots in response to low nitrate concentration.CONCLUSIONThus, it was confirmed that nitrate‐N is superior to ammonium‐N and the use of nitrate and N‐efficient genotype is the best option for optimum cotton growth and NUE. Further, field evaluation is required to confirm the hypothesis that nitrate is a preferred N source for better cotton production and NUE. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Improving oxidative stability and release behavior of docosahexaenoic acid algae oil by microencapsulation
Authors: Fu Jingjing , Song Liang , Liu Yunhang , Bai Changjun , Zhou Dayong , Zhu Beiwei , Wang Tong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpray‐dried docosahexaenoic acid algae oil (DHA AO) microcapsules were prepared using whey protein isolate and glucose syrup (WPI + GS), or sodium starch octenylsuccinate and glucose syrup (SSOS + GS), or whey protein isolate and lactose (WPI + L). The effect of the formulations on encapsulation properties, oxidative protection and in vitro oil release pattern of the resulting microencapsulates was investigated.RESULTSA high encapsulation efficiency of over 98% of DHA AO was obtained for microcapsules with all three wall materials. Among the wall materials, SSOS + GS exhibited a better micro‐particulation ability reflected by more uniform size and smoother surface of the formed microcapsules and no agglomerates. DHA AO microcapsules with all the wall materials showed good protection of the oil from oxidation during storage with an increasing order of WPI + GS, SSOS + GS and WPI + L. Moreover, microencapsulation significantly increased the release of DHA AO in the intestinal phase of the in vitro digestion process with an increasing order of SSOS + GS, WPI + GS and WPI + L, indicating the increased stability of the oil in the highly acidic gastric environment and the enhanced lipid digestibility in the small intestine.CONCLUSIONSThe results suggest that it is possible to transform a highly oxidizable liquid functional food ingredient such as DHA AO into a stable and easy‐to‐handle solid powder through spray drying with properly selected wall materials. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Conservation tillage and residue management improves soil properties under a upland rice–rapeseed system in the subtropical eastern Himalayas
Authors: Das Anup , Layek Jayanta , Idapuganti Ramkrushna Gandhiji , Basavaraj Savita , Lal Rattan , Rangappa Krishnappa , Yadav Gulab Singh , Babu Subhash , Ngachan Shishomvanao 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPoor soil properties and low soil moisture content (SMC) are major limitations for cultivating a second crop after the rainy season rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the uplands of the Eastern Himalayas. Information on impact of conservation tillage and residue management (RM) to alleviate soil constraints is limited in the region. Thus, a field study was conducted in a rice–rapeseed (Brassica campestris Var. Toria) system under rainfed conditions with two tillage systems (CsT—conservation and CT—conventional) and five RM practices (100% NPK fertilizer, 50% NPK; 50% NPK + in‐situ rice residue retention [ISRR, 5 Mg ha−1], 50% NPK + weed biomass [WB, 10 Mg ha−1] fresh weight basis (FW)]; 50% NPK + green manuring [GM, 10 Mg ha−1 FW]), and their impact on soil quality parameters were assessed after 3 years. Significantly lower bulk density and penetration resistance (0–15 cm) and higher water infiltration rate were recorded under CsT than CT. The soil water holding capacity (WHC) and SMC in rapeseed were significantly higher under CsT than those under CT at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths. The WHC and SMC were the maximum under 50% NPK + GM/WB and the minimum under sole application of 50% NPK. After 3 years, there were 5.7% higher available nitrogen (N), 7.3% phosphorus (P), and 3% potassium (K) (kg ha−1) in 0–15 cm depth under CsT than those under CT, respectively. Similarly, SOC stock (0–30 cm), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) under CsT were significantly higher than CT. Application of 50% NPK + WB/GM/ISRR registered significantly higher available NPK, SMBC, and DHA in soil than those under 50% and 100% NPK. Thus, CsT along with 50% NPK + WB/GM/ISRR are recommended for improving soil properties under the rice–rapeseed system of the region.
THE EIGHT PILLARS FOR CREATING HUMANIZED HIGH PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Hlupic Vlatka 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCreating humanized, high performing organizations is essential but a not well understood concept. Studies and surveys on engagement show that a majority of the global workforce is disengaged and dissatisfied with their work, resulting in challenges to creating high performing organizations. This article presents findings from qualitative research conducted with 58 leaders worldwide on how to create high performing organizations that leverage the potential and power of their employees. Based on qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts using NVivo software, eight key pillars for leveraging ‘humane capital’ are identified and presented using examples from interviews. Material is adapted from the author's books Humane Capital: How to Create a Management Shift to Transform Performance and Profit, and The Management Shift – How to Harness the Power of People and Transform Your Organization for Sustainable Success. Factors are explored for how individuals and organizations can move within five levels of leadership in the emergent leadership model. For instance, individuals in Level 4 are enthusiastic, and organizations at the same level are collaborative. Implications for research and practice are discussed and conclusions are drawn, including that organizations that become more people–centric outperform those that are more focused on numbers and processes.
THE CUSTOMER OF THE FUTURE: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL, TECHNICAL, AND EXPERIENTIAL STRATEGIES
Authors: Morgan Blake 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis article examines how the most successful companies have become increasingly customer‐centric, especially as the evolve to better serve the customer of the future. It is based on my research for a new book, The Customer of The Future: 10 Guiding Principles For Winning Tomorrow's Business, as well as research studies from such organizations as Temkin Group, Gartner, Forrester Research, and McKinsey. The approach used by the profiled companies can be applied to the work of leaders in all sectors of society's organizations.The article divides the customer experience into three categories: psychological, technical, and experiential. Within psychological, examples are drawn from Amazon, Capital One, and Pixar; within technical, from Sephora, Best Buy, and Macy's; and within experiential, from Hasbro, Lyft, and Allstate. The impact of artificial intelligence is noted, with examples from The North Face and Macy's; and the use of predictive analytics by ride‐sharing firm Lyft is explained. Particular importance in the article is given to the strategic and ethical use of customer data. For instance, Allstate's CEO Tom Wilson mentions that customer data is the new currency, and his company is building ways that people can be better aware of their personal data and accounts online.
Polycaprolactone Electrospun Fiber Mats Prepared Using Benign Solvents: Blending with Copper(II)‐Chitosan Increases the Secretion of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in a Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Line
Authors: Gritsch Lukas , Liverani Liliana , Lovell Christopher , Boccaccini Aldo R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInducing the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) is an essential requirement for successful tissue engineering. Approaches have been proposed to enhance angiogenesis using growth factors and other biomolecules; however, this approaches present drawbacks in terms of high cost and patient safety. Copper is known to effectively regulate angiogenesis and can offer a more cost‐effective alternative than the direct use of growth factors. With this study, a strategy to incorporate copper in electrospun fibrous scaffolds with pro‐angiogenic properties is presented. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and copper(II)‐chitosan are electrospun using benign solvents. The morphological and physicochemical properties of the fiber mats are investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), static contact angle measurements, energy dispersive X‐ray, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopies. Scaffold stability in phosphate buffered saline at 37 °C is monitored over 1 week. A bone marrow stromal cell line (ST‐2) is cultured for 7 days and its behavior is evaluated using SEM, fluorescence microscopy and a tetrazolium salt‐based colorimetric assay. Results confirm that PCL/copper(II)‐chitosan is suitable for electrospinning. The fiber mats are biocompatible and favor cell colonization and infiltration. Most notably, the angiogenic potential of PCL/copper(II)‐chitosan blends is confirmed by a three‐fold increase in VEGF secretion by ST‐2 cells in the presence of copper(II)‐chitosan.
Visible Light Catalyzed Step‐Growth Polymerization through Mizoroki–Heck Coupling Reaction
Authors: He Liting , Jia Chunbo , Zhang Yunjia , He Junpo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe results of polymer synthesis via visible light (blue light λ = 465 nm) and a Pd‐catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction at ambient temperature are reported. The kinetic study demonstrates that the polymerization rate is faster under light irradiation than that in the dark, affording larger molecular weight of polymer product in the former. A mechanistic study using 19F NMR indicates that light can activate the oxidative addition step, increasing the rate of formation of the oxidative addition intermediate. The present work not only reveals a new mechanism of light's effect on Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction in the absence of sensitizer, but also represents the first example of its application in step‐growth polymerization.
Free tibia and fibula‐fillet‐of‐leg flap for pelvic ring reconstruction: A case report
Authors: Sawyer Justin , Van Boerum Melody Scheefer , Groundland John , Lorimer Shannon , Agarwal Jayant 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPelvic sarcoma resections present large and complex defects, which are a challenge to reconstruct. At times, these cancers are treated with external hemipelvectomy, and both the soft tissue and bony framework of the pelvic ring must be addressed. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of a free tibia and fibula‐fillet‐of‐leg flap for pelvic ring reconstruction, performed to enhance the quality of life of a patient following hemipelvectomy. A 50‐year‐old female with advanced stage undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the left thigh and pelvis underwent free vascularized tibia and fibula‐fillet‐of‐leg flap, including 21 cm of bone length and 21 cm long and full circumferential soft tissues of the leg, accompanying the bone, for the reconstruction of the bony pelvis and soft tissue. Postoperatively, the patient had no surgical complications, was followed for 6 months and went on to have bony healing, and was able to sit prior to disease progression and eventual death from metastatic disease. In the reported case, we have shown that composite tibia–fibula free flap with lower leg soft tissues may be a viable option for the reconstruction of massive external hemipelvectomy defects.
Feature‐shared adaptive‐boost deep learning for invasiveness classification of pulmonary subsolid nodules in CT images
Authors: Wang Jun , Chen Xiaorong , Lu Hongbing , Zhang Lichi , Pan Jianfeng , Bao Yong , Su Jiner , Qian Dahong 
Published: February 2020

PurposeIn clinical practice, invasiveness is an important reference indicator for differentiating the malignant degree of subsolid pulmonary nodules. These nodules can be classified as atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), or invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC). The automatic determination of a nodule's invasiveness based on chest CT scans can guide treatment planning. However, it is challenging, owing to the insufficiency of training data and their interclass similarity and intraclass variation. To address these challenges, we propose a two‐stage deep learning strategy for this task: prior‐feature learning followed by adaptive‐boost deep learning.MethodsThe adaptive‐boost deep learning is proposed to train a strong classifier for invasiveness classification of subsolid nodules in chest CT images, using multiple 3D convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based weak classifiers. Because ensembles of multiple deep 3D CNN models have a huge number of parameters and require large computing resources along with more training and testing time, the prior‐feature learning is proposed to reduce the computations by sharing the CNN layers between all weak classifiers. Using this strategy, all weak classifiers can be integrated into a single network.ResultsTenfold cross validation of binary classification was conducted on a total of 1357 nodules, including 765 noninvasive (AAH and AIS) and 592 invasive nodules (MIA and IAC). Ablation experimental results indicated that the proposed binary classifier achieved an accuracy of with an AUC of 81.3. These results are superior compared to those achieved by three experienced chest imaging specialists who achieved an accuracy of , , and , respectively. About 200 additional nodules were also collected. These nodules covered 50 cases for each category (AAH, AIS, MIA, and IAC, respectively). Both binary and multiple classifications were performed on these data and the results demonstrated that the proposed method definitely achieves better performance than the performance achieved by nonensemble deep learning methods.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that the proposed adaptive‐boost deep learning can significantly improve the performance of invasiveness classification of pulmonary subsolid nodules in CT images, while the prior‐feature learning can significantly reduce the total size of deep models. The promising results on clinical data show that the trained models can be used as an effective lung cancer screening tool in hospitals. Moreover, the proposed strategy can be easily extended to other similar classification tasks in 3D medical images.
Online dose delivery verification in small animal image‐guided radiotherapy
Authors: Anvari Akbar , Modiri Arezoo , Pandita Ravina , Mahmood Javed , Sawant Amit 
Published: February 2020

PurposeTo accomplish novel radiation treatment techniques in preclinical radiation research, small animal image‐guided radiotherapy systems have been increasingly integrated into preclinical radiation research over the last decade. Although such systems have sophisticated tools (such as cone‐beam computed tomography–based image guidance, robotic couch, treatment planning system (TPS), and electronic portal imaging devices [EPIDs]). To our knowledge, no established technique can perform independent and online verification of the delivered dose during radiotherapy. In this study, we implement an online EPID dosimetry for each administered SA‐IGRT fraction in a rat orthotopic model of prostate cancer.MethodsTo verify the accuracy of delivered dose to rat, we compared the two‐dimensional (2D) calculated dose distribution by TPS as the planned dose, with online dose distribution estimated using an EPID as the delivered dose. Since image acquisition software was not capable of acquiring integrated images over a long period of time, we used the EPID to estimate dose rate rather than dose. The central axis (CAX) dose rate values at the beam’s exit surface were compared. In addition, 2D dose distributions were also compared under different gamma criteria. To verify the accuracy of our EPID dosimetry technique, we measured transit and exit doses with film during animal treatment. In this study, 20‐mm cone was used to collimate beam. We previously observed that the EPID response was independent of collimator size for collimator size ≥15‐mm, we did not apply for additional correction factor.ResultsComparison of exit CAX dose rate values of TPS‐calculated and EPID‐estimated showed that the average difference was 3.1%, with a maximum of 9.3%. Results of gamma analysis for 2D comparison indicated an average of 90% passing rate with global gamma criterion of 2 mm/5%. We observed that TPS could not calculate dose accurately in peripheral regions in which the penumbra effect was dominant. Dose rate values estimated by EPID were within 2.1% agreement with film at both the imager plane and the beam’s exit surface for 4 randomly selected animals for which film measurement verification was performed.ConclusionsThe small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) system’s built‐in EPID was utilized to estimate dose delivered to rats at kilovoltage energy x‐rays. The results of this study suggest that the EPID is an invaluable tool for verifying delivered dose to small animal to help validate conclusions made from preclinical radiation research.
Regulation of Gdnf expression by retinoic acid in Sertoli cells
Authors: Saracino Rossana , Capponi Chiara , Di Persio Sara , Boitani Carla , Masciarelli Silvia , Fazi Francesco , Fera Stefania , Vicini Elena 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGlial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and retinoic acid (RA) are two molecules crucial for the regulation of the spermatogonial compartment of the testis. During the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, their relative concentration oscillates with lower GDNF levels in stages where RA levels are high. It has been recently shown that RA negatively regulates Gdnf expression but the mechanisms behind are so far unknown. Here, we show that RA directly downregulates Gdnf mRNA levels in primary murine Sertoli cells through binding of RARα to a novel DR5‐RARE on Gdnf promoter. Pharmacological inhibition and chromatin immunoprecipitation–quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis suggested that the underlying mechanism involved histone deacetylase activity and epigenetic repression of Gdnf promoter upon RA treatment.
Intravoxel B0 inhomogeneity corrected reconstruction using a low‐rank encoding operator
Authors: Lam Fan , Sutton Bradley P. 
Published: February 2020

PurposeTo present a general and efficient method for macroscopic intravoxel inhomogeneity corrected reconstruction from multi‐TE acquisitions.Theory and MethodsA signal encoding model for multi‐TE gradient echo (GRE) acquisitions that incorporates 3D intravoxel field variations is derived, and a low‐rank approximation to the encoding operator is introduced under piecewise linear assumption. The low‐rank approximation enables very efficient computation and memory usage, and allows the proposed signal model to be integrated into general inverse problem formulations that are compatible with multi‐coil and undersampling acquisitions as well as different regularization functions.ResultsExperimental multi‐echo GRE data were acquired to evaluate the proposed method. Effective reduction of macroscopic intravoxel inhomogeneity induced artifacts was demonstrated. Improved estimation from the corrected reconstruction over standard Fourier reconstruction has also been obtained.ConclusionsThe proposed method can effectively correct the effects of intravoxel inhomogeneity, and can be useful for various imaging applications involving GRE‐based acquisitions, including fMRI, quantitative and susceptibility mapping, and MR spectroscopic imaging.
Multiphoton magnetic resonance in imaging: A classical description and implementation
Authors: Han Victor , Liu Chunlei 
Published: February 2020

PurposeTo develop a classical geometric interpretation of multiphoton excitation and apply it to MRI. To investigate ways in which multiphoton excitation can enable novel imaging techniques.Theory and MethodsWe present a fully geometric view of multiphoton excitation by taking a particular rotating frame transformation. In this rotating frame, we find that multiphoton excitations appear just like single‐photon excitations again, and therefore, we can readily generalize concepts already explored in standard single‐photon excitation. With a homebuilt low frequency coil, we execute a standard slice selective pulse sequence with all of its excitations replaced by their equivalent two‐photon versions. In the case of no extra hardware, we use oscillating gradients as a source of extra photons for excitation. Finally, with the multiphoton interpretation of oscillating gradients, we present a novel way to transform a standard slice selective adiabatic inversion pulse into a multiband version without modifying the RF pulse itself. The addition of oscillating gradients creates multiphoton resonances at multiple spatial locations and allows for adiabatic inversions at each location.ResultsWith Bloch‐Siegert shift corrections, analytical multiphoton excitation expressions match with Bloch equation simulations. Two‐photon gradient‐echo images of a lemon and a pork rib match with their single‐photon counterparts. Frequency‐offset RF combined with oscillating gradients generate excitation where the RF alone does not.ConclusionThe multiphoton interpretation presents new flexibilities for imaging. Excitation needs not be bound to the Larmor frequency, which opens doors to RF pulse design beyond the usual filter design and the potential for further imaging innovations.