bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural network topology correlates to cognitive impairment and iPTH level in End-stage renal disease patients with peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Wang Longsheng , Zou Liwei , Wu Hanqiu , Shan Yanqi , Zhao Ru , Liu Guiling , Tao Fangbiao , Zheng Suisheng , Gong Xijun 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Objective: The burden of cognitive impairment in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing peritoneal dialysis has received more attention lately. It is associated with hospitalization, mortality and poorer quality of life. We aimed to assess the topological alterations of the brain white matter structural network in ESRD and the correlation between network metrics with Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and clinical data.
Methods: The study included 25 ESRD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT group), 25 patients without SHPT (Non-SHPT group) and 25 healthy controls (HC group) of comparable age and sex. Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to assess the cognitive function. The WM structural network was constructed by DTI technique, and then we used graph theoretical approaches to detect changes in the global and regional properties of the WM networks in these participants through deterministic tractography method.
Results: ESRD patients showed cognitive impairment compared to HC, and the SHPT patients had lower cognitive scores than the Non-SHPT patients. The global topological organization and local efficiency of the WM network was significantly disrupted in the SHPT but not in the Non-SHPT patients compared with the HC group. Moreover, lower regional efficiency was found in the ESRD patients, mainly distributed in the frontal and parietal cortices. In addition, an association was found between iPTH, shortest path length and cognitive impairment, and the iPTH level was negatively correlated with small-worldness by two indexes, the normalized clustering coefficient and the normalized shortest path length.
Conclusion: The present study indicated that the brain structural connectome in ESRD patients with high iPTH levels was disrupted in association with cognitive impairment and it is a potential connectome-based biomarker for early detection.
Dissipation of DvSnf7 Double‐Stranded RNA in Brazilian Soils
Authors: Joaquim Marcela Emanuele Scarso , Belchior Gustavo Gross , José Marcia Ometto de Mello Alves , Zapata Fatima , Jiang Changjian , Fischer Joshua , Berger Geraldo Ubirajara 
Published: July 2019

Core Ideas
Approval of biotech crops in Brazil requires an exposure assessment.
Double‐stranded RNA produced by maize MON 87411 is unlikely to persist in tropical soil.
Soil dissipation results with dsRNA can be generalized across diverse geographies.
Characterizing the environmental fate of DvSnf7 double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced by MON 87411 maize (Zea mays L.) in Brazilian soils is a critical component to a comprehensive environmental risk assessment. This study shows that DvSnf7 dsRNA dissipated rapidly in tropical soils, with results comparable to those previously reported in soils from North America. These results suggest that dsRNA produced by maize MON 87411 is unlikely to persist in soil following cultivation in tropical environments.
Soil Water Dynamics and Winter Wheat Performance under Precipitation Change in the Loess Tableland Region, China
Authors: Zhu Yuanjun , Cui Yaqiang 
Published: July 2019

The responses of soil water and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to changes in precipitation are crucial for stability of wheat yield and soil water conservation in the Chinese Loess Tableland Region (LTR). A 2‐yr (2014‐2016) experiment was conducted in the LTR to investigate soil water dynamics and winter wheat performance under three precipitation levels: Rc (normal), R+ (increased by one‐third of normal), and R− (decreased by one‐third of normal) by a real‐time precipitation allocation system. Soil water storage (SWS) at a depth of 0–3.8 m showed positive (R+) or negative (R−) responses to precipitation. The mean SWS in different soil layers followed an order of R+ > Rc > R−. During the experiment, the 0–3.8 m SWS decreased by 34.5 mm (R+), 183.8 mm (Rc), and 218.9 mm (R−). The shoot biomass and grain yield varied little among three precipitation levels in 2014–2015, but was reduced by 50% in R− compared with Rc in 2015–2016. The R− and Rc treatments had higher water use efficiency (WUE) than R+ in 2014–2015, and Rc was the highest in 2015–2016. The proportions of soil water to water consumption in R+ and Rc increased from 22.5% in 2014–2015 to 42.5% in 2015–2016 on average, and for R− was stable over 2‐yr (average 44.5%). Soil water plays a critical role in winter wheat performance under changes in precipitation, which should guide winter wheat production and soil water management in the future.Core Ideas

Precipitation changes soil water storage but does not change the regime of soil water changing with time.
Response of winter wheat yield to precipitation change has hysteresis effect.
Supplementary effect of soil water compensates for the negative effect of decreased precipitation.
Performance of supplementary effect is determined by precipitation pattern.
Dry Heat and Exposure Time Influence Divine Nightshade and Itchgrass Seed Emergence
Authors: Spaunhorst Douglas J. , Orgeron Albert J. 
Published: July 2019

In Louisiana, growers remove sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) residue following green‐cane harvesting by prescribed burning. Divine nightshade [Solanum nigrescens (Mart. & Gal)] and itchgrass [Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) Clayton] are problematic weeds in Louisiana sugarcane production. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dry heat and exposure duration on divine nightshade and itchgrass emergence. Divine nightshade and itchgrass seeds were exposed to three temperature levels (100, 150, and 200°C) for seven exposure timings (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 s). Exposure to 150 and 200°C for 5 to 20 s reduced divine nightshade emergence 6 to 29%. Divine nightshade emergence was not completely inhibited at 200°C for 160 s. However, itchgrass exposed to 150°C for 40 s or longer or to 200°C for 20 s or longer failed to emerge. Results from this study showed itchgrass seed could be controlled with dry heat, but prescribed burns that produced temperatures below 100°C or temperatures greater than 150°C for short durations may not control all divine nightshade seeds. The aforementioned temperature and exposure duration that allowed divine nightshade to survive introduced the potential for divine nightshade to become more abundant.Core Ideas

Itchgrass seed exposed to 150°C dry heat for 40 s or more did not emerge.
Divine nightshade seed was more tolerant to 150 and 200°C than itchgrass.
Dry heat was an effective control strategy for surface deposited weed seeds.
Inheritance Study for Popping Expansion in Popcorn vs. Flint Corn Genotypes
Authors: Coan Marlon Mathias Dacal , Pinto Ronald José Barth , Kuki Maurício Carlos , do Amaral Júnior Antônio Teixeira , Figueiredo Alex Sandro Torre , Scapim Carlos Alberto , Warburton Marilyn 
Published: July 2019

Popcorn is a popular snack food with higher economic value compared to field corn varieties of maize (Zea mays L.), but displays less favorable agronomic performance and greater susceptibility to diseases. The objective of the present work was to study the mode of inheritance of popping expansion (PE) from three different crosses of popcorn × flint corn with a classical model and a mixed model using inbred lines derived from tropical germplasm. The study will investigate if PE is encoded by one or two major genes, a few genes with large effect, or multiple genes of small effect. Four generations (P1 and P2, F1, F2, BC1‐Popcorn and BC1‐Flint) from each cross were evaluated in field experiments in the main growing season of 2013/2014, in two environments. A randomized complete block design was used, with a nested split‐plot arrangement of treatments with four replicates. Means of the four generations were determined for PE. A weighted least squares analysis of variance based on the generation means method was used to perform joint scaling tests on the data from each generation. Maximum likelihood estimators were used to test the effect of major genes and/or the presence of polygenic loci affecting the trait. Although inheritance studies with plot means can be used to estimate genetic effects, the effect numbers can be overestimated. In the current study, PE in popcorn vs. flint crosses was controlled by a major additive gene in conjunction with polygenic modifiers acting in both additive and dominant fashions.Core Ideas

Popping expansion is a trait that exhibits quantitative inheritance.
Knowledge about the genetic control will aid in breeding programs.
We used contrasting crosses and a maximum likelihood approach for inheritance study.
Popping expansion is controlled by additive gene with different modifiers.
Checks and Mass Balances for In Situ Quantification of Mineral Composition using Proximal Soil Sensors
Authors: Jones Edward J. , Singh Balwant , McBratney Alex. B. 
Published: July 2019

Soil mineral composition affects soil behavior, but field estimation of mineral composition has proved difficult. To investigate the potential of predicting soil mineral composition in situ, 15 soils representing diverse mineral composition from New South Wales, Australia, were scanned with visible near‐infrared (VisNIR) and portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometers to a depth of 1 m at 2.5‐cm scanning increments. The presence of phyllosilicate and Fe oxides was assessed using a pattern‐matching algorithm with VisNIR spectra from mineral end‐member libraries. Rule‐based iterative partitioning was then applied on pXRF elemental compositions based on mineral stoichiometry to determine the abundance of kaolinite, smectite, illite, hematite, goethite, calcite, gypsum, and quartz. This fusion model correctly identified the most abundant mineral in a sample with 72% accuracy. Mineral predictions were stable under variable moisture and surface conditions, as experienced when scanning samples in situ and under air‐dry and ground conditions in the laboratory. Relative changes in mineral composition within a profile and across horizon boundaries were accurately expressed. The fusion model accurately quantified the abundance of quartz (Cohen's kappa coefficient, 0.67), and CaCO3 (Cohen's kappa coefficient, 0.76; Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, 0.96; RMSE, 20.9 g kg−1). The dominant phyllosilicate mineral was identified correctly with 86% accuracy, although accurate quantification of phyllosilicates and Fe oxides was not achieved. Conjoint use of VisNIR and pXRF spectroscopy as part of a fusion model approach showed great potential to provide comprehensive estimation of soil mineral composition in situ.Core Ideas
VisNIR and pXRF were used to quantify soil mineral composition in situ.
The fusion model approach leveraged the complementary strengths of VisNIR and pXRF.
The most abundant mineral of a sample was predicted with 78% accuracy.
Quantitative predictions were achieved for quartz, CaCO3, and gypsum.
This is the most comprehensive investigation of its kind to date.
Origin of Monte Rosa whiteschist from in-situ tourmaline and quartz oxygen isotope analysis by SIMS using new tourmaline reference materials
Authors: Marger Katharina , Luisier Cindy , Baumgartner Lukas P. , Putlitz Benita , Dutrow Barbara L. , Bouvier Anne-Sophie , Dini Andrea 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
A series of tourmaline reference materials are developed for in situ oxygen isotope analysis by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), which allow study of the tourmaline compositions found in most igneous and metamorphic rocks. The new reference material was applied to measure oxygen isotope composition of tourmaline from metagranite, meta-leucogranite, and whiteschist from the Monte Rosa nappe (Western Alps). The protolith and genesis of whiteschist are highly debated in the literature. Whiteschists occur as 10 to 50 m tube-like bodies within the Permian Monte Rosa granite. They consist of chloritoid, talc, phengite, and quartz, with local kyanite, garnet, tourmaline, and carbonates.
Whiteschist tourmaline is characterized by an igneous core and a dravitic overgrowth (XMg > 0.9). The core reveals similar chemical composition and zonation as meta-leucogranitic tourmaline (XMg = 0.25, δ18O = 11.3–11.5‰), proving their common origin. Dravitic overgrowths in whiteschists have lower oxygen isotope compositions (8.9–9.5‰). Tourmaline in metagranite is an intermediate schorl-dravite with XMg of 0.50. Oxygen isotope data reveal homogeneous composition for metagranite and meta-leucogranite tourmalines of 10.4–11.3‰ and 11.0–11.9‰, respectively. Quartz inclusions in both meta-igneous rocks show the same oxygen isotopic composition as the quartz in the matrix (13.6–13.9‰). In whiteschist the oxygen isotope composition of quartz included in tourmaline cores lost their igneous signature, having the same values as quartz in the matrix (11.4–11.7‰). A network of small fractures filled with dravitic tourmaline can be observed in the igneous core and suggested to serve as a connection between included quartz and matrix, and lead to recrystallization of the inclusion. In contrast, the igneous core of the whiteschist tourmaline fully retained its magmatic oxygen isotope signature, indicating oxygen diffusion is extremely slow in tourmaline. Tourmaline included in high-pressure chloritoid shows the characteristic dravitic overgrowth, demonstrating that chloritoid grew after the metasomatism responsible for the whiteschist formation, but continued to grow during the Alpine metamorphism. Our data on tourmaline and quartz show that tourmaline-bearing white-schists originated from the related meta-leucogranites, which were locally altered by late magmatic hydrothermal fluids prior to Alpine high-pressure metamorphism.
Single-crystal elasticity of iron-bearing phase E and seismic detection of water in Earth's upper mantle
Authors: Satta Niccolò , Marquardt Hauke , Kurnosov Alexander , Buchen Johannes , Kawazoe Takaaki , McCammon Catherine , Ballaran Tiziana Boffa 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe elastic properties of Mg2.12(2)Fe0.21(2)Ni0.01Si1.15(1)O6H2.67(8) phase E single crystals with Fe3+/ΣFe = 0.25(3) have been determined by Brillouin spectroscopy at ambient conditions. We find that that the elasticity of iron-bearing phase E is described by the six independent stiffness tensor components (all in units of GPa): C11 = 192.2(6), C12 = 56.4(8), C13 = 43.5(8), C14 = –4.3(3), C33 = 192.1(7), C44 = 46.4(3). The Voigt-Reuss-Hill averages of bulk and shear moduli are 95.9(4) and 59.6(2) GPa, respectively. The aggregate velocities of iron-bearing phase E are νP = 7.60(2) and νS = 4.43(1) km/s, markedly lower than those of major mantle minerals at ambient conditions. Modeling based on our results suggests that the presence of iron-bearing phase E may reduce the sound wave velocities in upper mantle and transition zone rocks, making it a possible target for future seismological investigations aiming to map hydration in subducting slabs.
Promoting Higher Order Thinking Skills in Literature Class via Critical Thinking Module (CTM)
Authors: Che Teh Norhezan , Isa Nor Hashimah , Omar Ainon 
Published: July 2019

Advancement in the innovation world, robotics and artificial intelligence as well as heavily globally-connected world among others has led to the impetus of Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). Hence, work opportunities that exist today might not be available in the future as there is a huge possibility that they might be taken over by machines. This could result in job scarcity. Therefore, the challenge now is to prepare our students with the necessary skills to stay relevant and needed in the job market of the future. The ability to think on the higher level is amplified with IR 4.0. So, it is only wise to teach, train and prepare the students with this skill now. This paper shares the findings of a larger study on how the Critical Thinking Module (CTM) is able to assist higher order thinking (HOTs) among the students in Literature Classes. This research employs case study method and the subjects were selected using purposive sampling. The CTM focuses on the students’ ability to analyse, synthesise and evaluate. The activities included in CTM are everyday activities that will be able to be carried out in an hour and ten minutes period. All of the activities are student-centered and highlight on the importance of group work whereby discussion, collaboration and cooperation are vital. Data were gathered through test scripts and class observation. The participants were 9 students from a cluster school in Ipoh. They were observed for 18 weeks and the result of the study revealed that the students were better at HOTs verbally compared to written. The case study suggests the CTM is capable of aiding the students to think on the higher level.
Using Rubrics in A University EFL Process Writing Program: An Exploratory Case Study
Authors: Qian Yamin 
Published: July 2019

While rubrics have been widely recognized as an effective instructional tool for teachers to evaluate students’ writing products, fewer studies explored how students use it for their writing process in an EFL university academic writing classes. This study explores the application of process-oriented rubrics in two EFL writing programs, and investigates whether English language proficiency, motivation to writing, and their previous experiences with writing programs would significantly affect the use of the rubrics. The participants (N=190) were from two student cohorts, each of which had 95 participants. The data set includes students’ self-, peer- use and the instructor’s use of the rubrics, and students’ written reflection upon peer feedbacks. The data showed that the rubrics can guide students to practice a writing process, and that the 20-item rubric was statistically reliable. The data of rubrics also showed that the participants were more critical on their peers’ writing, and the reflection data showed students’ awareness of revision strategies. The qualitative data seemed to suggest that peer reviews and reflections upon such reviews could enhance students' revision strategies. This article will conclude itself by providing some pedagogical suggestions in EFL contexts
Features and causes of catastrophic floods in the Nemunas River basin
Authors: Akstinas Vytautas , Meilutytė-Lukauskienė Diana , Kriaučiūnienė Jūratė , Šarauskienė Diana 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The Nemunas River basin falls within the territories of five different countries – Belarus, Lithuania, Russia, Poland and Latvia. In general, the beginning of spring floods highly depends on rapid rise of air temperature, heavy precipitation and sudden snow melting in the analysed basin. In this paper, the conditions of formation and consequences of two catastrophic floods in 1958 and 1979 in the Nemunas River basin were studied regarding the hydrometeorological parameters (maximum snow water equivalent before the beginning of flood and precipitation amount during the flood) as well as runoff coefficients for each selected catastrophic flood. Differences between the main drivers and evolution of these floods were analysed. Spatial distribution of maximum snow water equivalent and precipitation, as well as runoff coefficient in different parts of the river basin, were identified as having the most significant impact on the formation of the studied catastrophic floods.
Decision tree techniques to assess the role of daily DO variation in classifying shallow eutrophicated lakes in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Thu-Huong T. , Nguyen Viet D. , Van Anh D. , Nguyen Hien T. T. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEutrophication is a serious phenomenon in shallow lakes in Hanoi. The most important effect is the change of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water column. The value of DO in water changed over time, and the variation of DO proved to be more important than the absolute value. The research aimed to assess the role of daily DO variation in classifying the eutrophication status of shallow lakes in Hanoi. Data were collected in eight shallow eutrophicated lakes in Hanoi during 2015–2017 in relation to water quality parameters. A large variation of DO was observed with the maximum value achieved at 15–17 h (180% saturation DO) and the minimum value at 4–6 h (20% saturation DO). The lowest DO value reached 1.5 mg/L, which was much lower than the threshold of survival of some aquatic animals. The daily DO fluctuations correlated with phytoplankton density, the Trophic State Index (TSI), chlorophyll-a concentration and density, and the proportion of DIN:PO4, showing the close relationship between DO variation and eutrophication in the lakes. The decision trees were developed and also selected the ΔDO as the driving variable in classifying the eutrophication status in lakes. The daily DO variation could be an important indicator for eutrophication.
Study on the preparation of granular alum sludge adsorbent for phosphorus removal
Authors: Wu H. F. , Wang J. P. , Duan E. G. , Feng Y. F. , Wan Z. Y. , Wu Y. X. , Lu Y. Q. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Alum sludge is the sludge discharged from a sedimentation tank in a drinking water treatment plant when polymerized with poly-aluminum chloride (PAC). In this paper, granular alum sludge adsorbent (GASA) was manufactured using powdery alum sludge (PAS) as the raw material and methods such as gluing and pore-forming. The effects of different binders, pore-forming agents, roasting temperatures, and roasting times on the formation of GASA and its dephosphorization performance were investigated. Results showed that the optimum binder was AlCl3 at a mass ratio of 8%, and the best pore-forming agent was starch at a 4% dosage ratio. Meanwhile, the optimum roasting temperature and time were 500 °C and 2 hours, respectively. The specific surface area of GASA was 23.124 m2/g. Scanning electron microscopy suggested that GASA's surface became rough, particles became tight, and average pore size increased, with additional pore channels. P adsorption by GASA reached 0.90 mg/g. The effluent phosphorus concentration of actual tail water decreased to 0.49 mg/L and the removal rate reached 73.5% when the GASA dosage was 20 g/L. The findings of this study are important for the further development of a low-cost adsorbent material for P removal in the future.