bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking weed patterns with soil properties: a long-term case study
Authors: Pätzold Stefan , Hbirkou Christine , Dicke Dominik , Gerhards Roland , Welp Gerhard 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The spatial distribution and density of different weed species were monitored during a long-term survey over a period of 9 years on a 5.8 ha arable field and related to soil properties. Weed seedlings were determined every year in spring on a regular grid with 429 observation points (15 × 7.5 m; net study area = 4 ha). Dominant weed species were Chenopodium album, Polygonum aviculare, Viola arvensis and different grass weeds, clearly dominated by Alopecurus myosuroides. A non-invasive electromagnetic induction survey was conducted to evaluate available water capacity directly in the field at high spatial resolution. Further soil properties were evaluated following the minimum-invasive approach with soil sampling and subsequent mid-infrared spectroscopy. Plant available nutrients were analysed with conventional lab methods. Redundancy analysis served to describe the effect of soil properties, different years and field crops on weed species variability. Seven soil properties together explained 30.7% of the spatial weed species variability, whereas 28.2% was explained by soil texture, available water capacity and soil organic carbon. Maps for site-specific weed management were created based on soil maps. These maps permit several benefits for precision crop protection, such as a better understanding of soil–weed inter-relations, improved sampling strategies and reduction in herbicide use.
Quality of life in nursing home residents with pain: pain interference, depression and multiple pain-related diseases as important determinants
Authors: Brandauer A. , Berger S. , Freywald N. , Gnass I. , Osterbrink J. , Seidenspinner D. , Kutschar P. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Aim
Quality of life is an essential outcome parameter in geriatric research and presents an important indicator for the evaluation of care treatments. The present study analyses potential impact factors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of nursing home residents (NHR) who are in pain.

Methods
Data came from the cRCT ‘PIASMA’. Statistical analyses of 146 respondents were carried out by multiple linear regressions based on the EQ-5D index (Euroquol Quality of Life) as dependent variable. Potential impact factors were applied and categorised in five blocks: pain intensity and interference (according to the Brief Pain Inventory), intervention effect, sex and age, pain-related diagnoses, and scales regarding depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment (based on the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination).

Results
On average, residents showed a pain intensity of 18.49, a pain interference of 29.61, a MMSE score of 22.84, a GDS score of 5.65 and an EQ-5D index of 0.52. Residents with more diagnoses, more depressive symptoms, and a higher pain interference showed a significantly reduced HRQOL.

Conclusion
Findings underline the importance of identifying and applying treatment options for both pain (especially interference) and depressive disorders to maintain HRQOL of NHR.
Microstructure and Properties of Electrodeposited nc-TiO2/Ni–Fe and Ni–Fe Coatings
Authors: Ledwig P. , Ratajski T. , Indyka P. , Kalemba-Rec I. , Kopia A. , Kąc M. , Dubiel B. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this study, nc-TiO2/Ni–Fe composite coatings, and Ni–Fe alloys as equivalents to their matrices, were obtained from citrate-sulphate baths in the electrodeposition process using direct current and pulse current conditions. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of TiO2nanoparticles and current conditions on the chemical composition, surface morphology, microstructure, microhardness and magnetic properties of the electrodeposited coatings. The results show that the concentration of Fe in Ni–Fe alloys is related to the current conditions and is higher in the case of pulse current electrodeposition, while such a relationship was not observed for composites. The reinforcement of composites with TiO2nanoparticles results in a more developed surface topography with many nodule-like structures. Composites and equivalent alloys deposited in pulse current are characterized by a finer grain size than those obtained in direct current. TiO2nanoparticles and their agglomerates, several tens of nanometres in size, are distributed randomly in the Ni–Fe matrix of composites deposited in both current conditions used. Incorporation of a high volume fraction of nc-TiO2, exceeding over a dozen percent, and decreasing the nanograin size in nc-TiO2/Ni–Fe composites electrodeposited under pulse current conditions, allow a higher hardness to be achieved than in their counterparts obtained using direct current. Magnetic measurements showed ferromagnetic ordering of pristine TiO2nanoparticles, however, the introduction of TiO2nanoparticles into the Ni–Fe matrix resulted in a decrease in coercivity and saturation magnetization.Graphic Abstract
2D MXenes as Co-catalysts in Photocatalysis: Synthetic Methods
Authors: Sun Yuliang , Meng Xing , Dall’Agnese Yohan , Dall’Agnese Chunxiang , Duan Shengnan , Gao Yu , Chen Gang , Wang Xiao-Feng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Since their seminal discovery in 2011, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides/nitrides known as MXenes, that constitute a large family of 2D materials, have been targeted toward various applications due to their outstanding electronic properties. MXenes functioning as co-catalyst in combination with certain photocatalysts have been applied in photocatalytic systems to enhance photogenerated charge separation, suppress rapid charge recombination, and convert solar energy into chemical energy or use it in the degradation of organic compounds. The photocatalytic performance greatly depends on the composition and morphology of the photocatalyst, which, in turn, are determined by the method of preparation used. Here, we review the four different synthesis methods (mechanical mixing, self-assembly, in situ decoration, and oxidation) reported for MXenes in view of their application as co-catalyst in photocatalysis. In addition, the working mechanism for MXenes application in photocatalysis is discussed and an outlook for future research is also provided.
The effect of the Suicide Prevention Program (SPP) on the characteristics
of Israeli soldiers who died by suicide after its implementation
Authors: Shelef Leah , Nir Ishai , Tatsa-Laur Lucian , Kedem Ron , Gold Niv , Bader Tarif , Yehuda Ariel Ben 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background:
Suicide is major cause of death in the IDF. The Suicide Prevention
Program (SPP) led to significant reduction in yearly rates of suicide. A
study regarding demographic changes of those who died by suicide was
done to further investigate its affect.

Method:
Nested case control retrospective study based on medical and HR data
gathered between 1992 and 2016. Participants were divided into four
groups: soldiers who died by suicide and non-suicidal soldiers, before
and after SPP implementation.

Results:
Multivariate analysis with suicide as the binary logistic dependent
variable before and after implementation of the SPP among four groups
revealed that before SPP the OR was higher for males (OR, 7.885; 95% CI,
5.071–12.259;p < 0.001) compared to
after (OR, 3.281; 95% CI, 1.600–6.726; p =
0.001). For support unit soldiers the values before SPP were OR, 14.962
and 95% CI, 8.427–26.563 (p < 0.001) while
after SPP they were OR, 6.304 and 95% CI, 3.334–11.919
(p < 0.001). After SPP, OR was higher
for psychiatric diagnosis at recruitment (OR, 5.830; 95% CI,
2.046–16.612; p = 0.001) than before SPP (OR,
2.422; 95% CI, 1.526–3.842; p < 0.001).For
soldiers from Ethiopian ethnicity, after SPP values were higher (OR,
8.130 and 95% CI, 2.868–23.047 (p < 0.001)
compared to before (OR, 3.522; 95% CI, 1.2891–6.650;
p < 0.001). For those of Druse
religion before values (OR, 4.027; 95% CI, 2.211–7.331;
p < 0.001) were significant but not
after.

Conclusions:
While the SPP succeeded in reducing risk of suicide in situational
factors, dispositional risk factors were not affected by the SPP. The OR
decreased in critical masses and rose in unique and smaller
groups.
Electroretinography in psychiatry: A systematic literature review
Authors: Youssef Peter , Nath Siddharth , Chaimowitz Gary A , Prat Sebastien S. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This review aims to consolidate the available information on use of
electroretinography as a diagnostic tool in psychiatry. The
electroretinogram (ERG) has been found to have diagnostic utility in cocaine
withdrawal (reduced light-adapted b-wave response), major depressive
disorder (reduced contrast gain in pattern ERG), and schizophrenia (reduced
a- and b-wave amplitudes). This review examines these findings as well as
the applicability of ERG to substance use disorder, Alzheimer’s disease,
autism spectrum disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders, attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder, and medication use. While there have been
promising results, current research suffers from a lack of specificity.
Further research that quantifies anomalies in ERG present in psychiatric
illness is needed.
High-power biofuel cells based on three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube micro-arrays
Authors: Song Yin , Wang Chunlei 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMiniaturized enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) with high cell performance are promising candidates for powering next-generation implantable medical devices. Here, we report a closed-loop theoretical and experimental study on a micro EBFC system based on three-dimensional (3D) carbon micropillar arrays coated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a biocatalyst composite. The fabrication process of this system combines the top–down carbon microelectromechanical systems (C-MEMS) technique to fabricate the 3D micropillar array platform and bottom–up electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to deposit the reduced rGO/CNTs/enzyme onto the electrode surface. The Michaelis–Menten constant KM of 2.1 mM for glucose oxidase (GOx) on the rGO/CNTs/GOx bioanode was obtained, which is close to the KM for free GOx. Theoretical modelling of the rGO/CNT-based EBFC system via finite element analysis was conducted to predict the cell performance and efficiency. The experimental results from the developed rGO/CNT-based EBFC showed a maximum power density of 196.04 µW cm−2 at 0.61 V, which is approximately twice the maximum power density obtained from the rGO-based EBFC. The experimental power density is noted to be 71.1% of the theoretical value.
Hybrid superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic micro/nanostructures fabricated by femtosecond laser-induced forward transfer for sub-femtomolar Raman detection
Authors: Ma Xiaodan , Jiang Lan , Li Xiaowei , Li Bohong , Huang Ji , Sun Jiaxing , Wang Zhi , Xu Zhijie , Qu Liangti , Lu Yongfeng , Cui Tianhong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRaman spectroscopy plays a crucial role in biochemical analysis. Recently, superhydrophobic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have enhanced detection limits by concentrating target molecules into small areas. However, due to the wet transition phenomenon, further reduction of the droplet contact area is prevented, and the detection limit is restricted. This paper proposes a simple method involving femtosecond laser-induced forward transfer for preparing a hybrid superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic SERS (HS-SERS) substrate by introducing a superhydrophilic pattern to promote the target molecules to concentrate on it for ultratrace detection. Furthermore, the HS-SERS substrate is heated to promote a smaller concentrated area. The water vapor film formed by the contact of the solution with the substrate overcomes droplet collapse, and the target molecules are completely concentrated into the superhydrophilic region without loss during evaporation. Finally, the concentrated region is successfully reduced, and the detection limit is enhanced. The HS-SERS substrate achieved a final contact area of 0.013 mm2, a 12.1-fold decrease from the unheated case. The reduction of the contact area led to a detection limit concentration as low as 10−16 M for a Rhodamine 6G solution. In addition, the HS-SERS substrate accurately controlled the size of the concentrated areas through the superhydrophilic pattern, which can be attributed to the favorable repeatability of the droplet concentration results. In addition, the preparation method is flexible and has the potential for fluid mixing, fluid transport, and biochemical sensors, etc.
A paper-based microfluidic platform with shape-memory-polymer-actuated fluid valves for automated multi-step immunoassays
Authors: Fu Hao , Song Pengfei , Wu Qiyang , Zhao Chen , Pan Peng , Li Xiao , Li-Jessen Nicole Y. K. , Liu Xinyu 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSmart fluid manipulation with automatically controlled paper valves will enable automated and multi-step immunoassays on paper-based microfluidic devices. In this work, we present an integrated paper-based microfluidic platform with shape-memory polymer (SMP)-actuated fluid valves capable of automated colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). A single-layer microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was designed to store all the reagents on the chip, and sequentially transfer reagents to a paper test zone following a specific ELISA protocol through automatic fluidic flow control by the multiple SMP-actuated valves. The actuation of a paper valve was based on the thermally responsive, duel-state shape transformation of a SMP sheet attached to the root of a paper cantilever beam for driving a hydrophilic paper bridge to connect and disconnect two paper channels. A portable colorimetric reader was developed to control the on-chip valve operations, quantify the colorimetric signal output, display the assay result, and wirelessly transmit the data to a smart phone for the application of telemedicine. Reliable operations of the paper valve and the entire μPAD were demonstrated with success rates of 97% and 93%, respectively. A detection mechanism for valve malfunction was designed and confirmed effective to identify any mal-operation of individual valves, thus rendering our platform reliable in real assays. For device calibration, we conducted direct ELISAs of rabbit IgG in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 27 pM (comparable to that of standard and paper-based ELISAs). In order to demonstrate the clinical application of our multi-step immunoassay platform, we also conducted sandwich ELISAs to quantify the protein level of an inflammatory cytokine, namely tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in surgically injured laryngeal tissues of rats. The protein levels of TNF-α were shown similar between the conventional and μPAD ELISAs.
Novel fabrication of soft microactuators with morphological computing using soft lithography
Authors: Tyagi Manav , Pan Jingle , Jager Edwin W. H. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA simple and cost-effective method for the patterning and fabrication of soft polymer microactuators integrated with morphological computation is presented. The microactuators combine conducting polymers to provide the actuation, with spatially designed structures for a morphologically controlled, user-defined actuation. Soft lithography is employed to pattern and fabricate polydimethylsiloxane layers with geometrical pattern, for use as a construction element in the microactuators. These microactuators could obtain multiple bending motions from a single fabrication process depending on the morphological pattern defined in the final step. Instead of fabricating via conventional photolithography route, which involves multiple steps with different chromium photomasks, this new method uses only one single design template to produce geometrically patterned layers, which are then specifically cut to obtain multiple device designs. The desired design of the actuator is decided in the final step of fabrication. The resulting microactuators generate motions such as a spiral, screw, and tube, using a single design template.
Calcium: magnesium intake ratio and colorectal carcinogenesis, results from the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial
Authors: Zhao Jing , Giri Ayush , Zhu Xiangzhu , Shrubsole Martha J. , Jiang Yixing , Guo Xingyi , Ness Reid , Seidner Douglas L. , Giovannucci Edward , Edwards Todd L. , Dai Qi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
We aimed to evaluate the associations between calcium and various stages of colorectal carcinogenesis and whether these associations are modified by the calcium to magnesium (Ca:Mg) ratio.

Methods
We tested our hypotheses in the prostate lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer screening trial.

Results
Calcium intake did not show a dose–response association with incident adenoma of any size/stage (P-trend = 0.17), but followed an inverse trend when restricted to synchronous/advanced adenoma cases (P-trend = 0.05). This inverse trend was mainly in participants with Ca:Mg ratios between 1.7 and 2.5 (P-trend = 0.05). No significant associations were observed for metachronous adenoma. Calcium intake was inversely associated with CRC (P-trend = 0.03); the association was primarily present for distal CRC (P-trend = 0.01). The inverse association between calcium and distal CRC was further modified by the Ca:Mg ratio (P-interaction < 0.01); significant dose–response associations were found only in participants with a Ca:Mg ratio between 1.7 and 2.5 (P-trend = 0.04). No associations for calcium were found in the Ca:Mg ratio above 2.5 or below 1.7.

Conclusion
Higher calcium intake may be related to reduced risks of incident advanced and/or synchronous adenoma and incident distal CRC among subjects with Ca:Mg intake ratios between 1.7 and 2.5.
Protein kinase C inhibitors override ZEB1-induced chemoresistance in HCC
Authors: Sreekumar Rahul , Emaduddin Muhammad , Al-Saihati Hajir , Moutasim Karwan , Chan James , Spampinato Marcello , Bhome Rahul , Yuen Ho Ming , Mescoli Claudia , Vitale Alessandro , Cillo Umberto , Rugge Massimo , Primrose John , Hilal Mohammad Abu , Thirdborough Stephen , Tulchinsky Eugene , Thomas Gareth , Mirnezami Alex , Sayan A. Emre 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process by which tumour cells lose epithelial characteristics, become mesenchymal and highly motile. EMT pathways also induce stem cell features and resistance to apoptosis. Identifying and targeting this pool of tumour cells is a major challenge. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition has been shown to eliminate breast cancer stem cells but has never been assessed in hepatocellular cancer (HCC). We investigated ZEB family of EMT inducer expression as a biomarker for metastatic HCC and evaluated the efficacy of PKC inhibitors for HCC treatment. We showed that ZEB1 positivity predicted patient survival in multiple cohorts and also validated as an independent biomarker of HCC metastasis. ZEB1-expressing HCC cell lines became resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and were enriched in CD44high/CD24low cell population. ZEB1- or TGFβ-induced EMT increased PKCα abundance. Probing public databases ascertained a positive association of ZEB1 and PKCα expression in human HCC tumours. Inhibition of PKCα activity by small molecule inhibitors or by PKCA knockdown reduced viability of mesenchymal HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that ZEB1 expression predicts survival and metastatic potential of HCC. Chemoresistant/mesenchymal HCC cells become addicted to PKC pathway and display sensitivity to PKC inhibitors such as UCN-01. Stratifying patients according to ZEB1 and combining UCN-01 with conventional chemotherapy may be an advantageous chemotherapeutic strategy.
MicroRNA-29a represses osteoclast formation and protects against osteoporosis by regulating PCAF-mediated RANKL and CXCL12
Authors: Lian Wei-Shiung , Ko Jih-Yang , Chen Yu-Shan , Ke Huei-Jing , Hsieh Chin-Kuei , Kuo Chung-Wen , Wang Shao-Yu , Huang Bo-Wun , Tseng Jung-Ge , Wang Feng-Sheng 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOsteoporosis deteriorates bone mass and biomechanical strength, becoming a life-threatening cause to the elderly. MicroRNA is known to regulate tissue remodeling; however, its role in the development of osteoporosis remains elusive. In this study, we uncovered that silencing miR-29a expression decreased mineralized matrix production in osteogenic cells, whereas osteoclast differentiation and pit formation were upregulated in bone marrow macrophages as co-incubated with the osteogenic cells in transwell plates. In vivo, decreased miR-29a expression occurred in ovariectomy-mediated osteoporotic skeletons. Mice overexpressing miR-29a in osteoblasts driven by osteocalcin promoter (miR-29aTg/OCN) displayed higher bone mineral density, trabecular volume and mineral acquisition than wild-type mice. The estrogen deficiency-induced loss of bone mass, trabecular morphometry, mechanical properties, mineral accretion and osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal cells were compromised in miR-29aTg/OCN mice. miR-29a overexpression also attenuated the estrogen loss-mediated excessive osteoclast surface histopathology, osteoclast formation of bone marrow macrophages, receptor activator nuclear factor-κ ligand (RANKL) and C–X–C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) expression. Treatment with miR-29a precursor improved the ovariectomy-mediated skeletal deterioration and biomechanical property loss. Mechanistically, miR-29a inhibited RANKL secretion in osteoblasts through binding to 3′-UTR of RANKL. It also suppressed the histone acetyltransferase PCAF-mediated acetylation of lysine 27 in histone 3 (H3K27ac) and decreased the H3K27ac enrichment in CXCL12 promoters. Taken together, miR-29a signaling in osteogenic cells protects bone tissue from osteoporosis through repressing osteoclast regulators RANKL and CXCL12 to reduce osteoclastogenic differentiation. Arrays of analyses shed new light on the miR-29a regulation of crosstalk between osteogenic and osteoclastogenic cells. We also highlight that increasing miR-29a function in osteoblasts is beneficial for bone anabolism to fend off estrogen deficiency-induced excessive osteoclastic resorption and osteoporosis.