bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of nitrogen forms on carbohydrate metabolism and storage‐root formation of sweet potato
Authors: Si Chengcheng , Shi Chunyu , Liu Hongjuan , Zhan Xiangdong , Liu Yongchen 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this study, we examined the effects of different forms of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on carbohydrate metabolism and storage root formation in sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.) cv. Shangshu 19 and cv. Jixu 23] in 2015–2016. Two fertilizer treatments, ammonium nitrogen (AN) and amide nitrogen (XN), were applied at 60 kg ha−1 in a two‐factor split‐plot design. The effects of nitrogen form on the morphology of adventitious roots, carbohydrate metabolism in potential storage roots, and number of storage roots per plant in sweet potato were investigated. The results show that during the early growth phase, the AN treatment significantly increased the number of adventitious roots, root tips, root length density, and fresh weight of roots (in pot trials). This treatment also significantly decreased the sucrose concentration of potential storage roots and increased the activities of cell wall, vacuolar, and cytoplasmic invertases. However, XN‐treated potential storage roots showed a relatively high starch concentration, activities of sucrose synthase and ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase, and transcription of sporamin genes. At the canopy closure period, the AN treatment significantly increased the number of storage roots of 0.5–5.0 cm in diameter and decreased the number of those > 5 cm in diameter compared to the control. The XN treatment induced the opposite effects. In the harvesting period, the AN treatment produced the highest storage root yield and number of storage roots per plant. Thus, in field trials the AN treatment induced a greater increase in production by increasing the number of storage roots.
A novel superchilling storage – ice glazing (SS‐IG) approach using biopolymer‐based composite hydrogel to delay microbiological spoilage and organic oxidation of preserved tilapia
Authors: He Qi , Gong Bin , He Jiapeng , Yang Xiaocui , Xiao Kaijun , Zhu Liang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundMost aquatic products are highly susceptible to deterioration and microbial spoilage during storage. Cold storage is a frequently used method to preserve them. However, products preserved by traditional frozen method are prone to suffer damage. This can significantly impair the quality of the products. To solve the problem, this work established a novel superchilling storage‐ice glazing (SS‐IG) approach using chitosan‐catechin composite material. It can maximize the postmortem quality of preserved products during storage, avoiding damage.ResultsDuring storage at −1.5 ± 0.2 °C for 25 days, the SS‐IG approach using 5 g L−1 chitosan and 1∼3 g L−1 catechin as IG layers can effectively enhance the postmortem quality of preserved tilapia fillets. The sensory qualities of these fillets were effectively maintained. The microbial counts in these fillets were strongly suppressed. Oxidative rancidity in these fillets was observably inhibited. Less biogenic amine was produced in these fillets.ConclusionThe results indicated that the SS‐IG with chitosan‐catechin composite‐ice glazing layers can be effective in maintaining the postmortem quality of tilapia fillets. This will have a wide potential application. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of tetracyclines from milk powder by molecularly imprinted solid‐phase dispersion based on a metal–organic framework followed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Shangshu , Zhang Jianfeng , Li Chenyu , Chen Ligang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA novel molecularly imprinted polymer that could selectively recognize tetracyclines in milk powder was synthesized using a metal–organic framework as a support material, tetracycline as template molecule, and 3‐aminophenylboronic acid as a functional monomer and a cross‐linking agent. The novel molecularly imprinted polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and N2 adsorption/desorption measurements. The adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics, adsorption thermodynamics, and selective adsorption experiments of the novel molecularly imprinted polymer to tetracycline were also studied. The novel molecularly imprinted polymer was used as dispersant of matrix solid‐phase dispersion to extraction tetracyclines. After that, the tetracyclines extracted from milk powder were determined by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limits of tetracyclines were 0.217–0.318 ng/g. The relative standard deviations of intra‐ and interday precision ranged from 3.8 to 6.9% and from 2.8 to 7.4%, respectively. In all three concentration levels (1.0, 10, 50 ng/g), the recoveries of tetracyclines ranged from 84.7 to 93.9%. The method was successfully applied to the determination of tetracyclines in milk powder.
Magnetic solid‐phase extraction or dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for pyrethroid determination in environmental samples
Authors: Pastor‐Belda Marta , Navarro‐Jiménez Tania , Garrido Isabel , Viñas Pilar , Campillo Natalia , Fenoll José , Hernández‐Córdoba Manuel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe determination of 15 pyrethroids in soil and water samples was carried out by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Compounds were extracted from the soil samples (4 g) using solid–liquid extraction and then salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction. The acetonitrile phase obtained (0.8 mL) was used as a dispersant solvent, to which 75 μL of chloroform was added as an extractant solvent, submitting the mixture to dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction. For the analysis of water samples (40 mL), magnetic solid‐phase extraction was performed using nanocomposites of magnetic nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes as sorbent material (10 mg). The mixture was shaken for 45 min at room temperature before separation with a magnet and desorption with 3 mL of acetone using ultrasounds for 5 min. The solvent was evaporated and reconstituted with 100 μL acetonitrile before injection. Matrix‐matched calibration is recommended for quantification of soil samples, while water samples can be quantified by standards calibration. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.03–0.5 ng/g (soil) and 0.09–0.24 ng/mL (water), depending on the analyte. The analyzed environmental samples did not contain the studied pyrethroids, at least above the corresponding limits of detection.
Clinically Significant Change in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Is Associated With Lower Levels of Aggression After Residential Treatment Discharge
Authors: Watkins Laura E. , Sippel Lauren M. , Pietrzak Robert H. , Hoff Rani , Harpaz‐Rotem Ilan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlthough the link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and aggression has been repeatedly demonstrated, to our knowledge no research has examined whether PTSD symptom reductions are linked to less aggression after treatment. The current study aimed to address this gap in the literature by examining the association between reductions in PTSD symptoms and posttreatment aggression among 2,275 veterans in residential treatment for PTSD across 35 Veterans Health Administration sites. We estimated a multilevel model that examined the effect of clinically significant PTSD symptom change on aggression at 4‐month posttreatment follow‐up, and found significant within‐site and between‐site contextual effects of clinically significant changes in PTSD symptoms on follow‐up aggression. Findings revealed that veterans who reported clinically significant changes in their PTSD symptoms had lower levels of aggression at follow‐up than veterans at the same treatment site who did not report clinically significant PTSD change. After we controlled for individual clinically significant PTSD change, participants in treatment sites where the rates of clinically significant PTSD change were higher overall had lower levels of aggression at follow‐up. The model explained over one‐fourth of the variability in aggression, R2 = .26. Findings from the current study extend previous research that has shown associations between PTSD and aggression, by revealing that clinically significant change in PTSD during residential treatment is associated with less aggression at follow‐up. These findings suggest that interventions that effectively reduce PTSD symptoms may also help reduce risk for aggression.
A Clinical Decision Support System Using Ultrasound Textures and Radiologic Features to Distinguish Metastasis From Tumor‐Free Cervical Lymph Nodes in Patients With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Abbasian Ardakani Ali , Reiazi Reza , Mohammadi Afshin 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesThis study investigated the potential of a clinical decision support approach for the classification of metastatic and tumor‐free cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in papillary thyroid carcinoma on the basis of radiologic and textural analysis through ultrasound (US) imaging.MethodsIn this research, 170 metastatic and 170 tumor‐free LNs were examined by the proposed clinical decision support method. To discover the difference between the groups, US imaging was used for the extraction of radiologic and textural features. The radiologic features in the B‐mode scans included the echogenicity, margin, shape, and presence of microcalcification. To extract the textural features, a wavelet transform was applied. A support vector machine classifier was used to classify the LNs.ResultsIn the training set data, a combination of radiologic and textural features represented the best performance with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC) values of 97.14%, 98.57%, 97.86%, and 0.994, respectively, whereas the classification based on radiologic and textural features alone yielded lower performance, with AUCs of 0.964 and 0.922. On testing the data set, the proposed model could classify the tumor‐free and metastatic LNs with an AUC of 0.952, which corresponded to sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 93.33%, 96.66%, and 95.00%.ConclusionsThe clinical decision support method based on textural and radiologic features has the potential to characterize LNs via 2‐dimensional US. Therefore, it can be used as a supplementary technique in daily clinical practice to improve radiologists' understanding of conventional US imaging for characterizing LNs.
Fetal Intelligent Navigation Echocardiography (FINE) Detects 98% of Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Yeo Lami , Luewan Suchaya , Romero Roberto 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveFetal intelligent navigation echocardiography (FINE) is a novel method that automatically generates and displays 9 standard fetal echocardiographic views in normal hearts by applying intelligent navigation technology to spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) volume data sets. The main objective was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of FINE in the prenatal detection of congenital heart disease (CHD).MethodsA case‐control study was conducted in 50 fetuses with a broad spectrum of CHD (cases) and 100 fetuses with normal hearts (controls) in the second and third trimesters. Using 4‐dimensional ultrasound with STIC technology, volume data sets were acquired. After all identifying information was removed, the data sets were randomly distributed to a different investigator for analysis using FINE. The sensitivity and specificity for the prenatal detection of CHD, as well as positive and negative likelihood ratios were determined.ResultsThe diagnostic performance of FINE for the prenatal detection of CHD was: sensitivity of 98% (49 of 50), specificity of 93% (93 of 100), positive likelihood ratio of 14, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.02. Among cases with confirmed CHD, the diagnosis with use of FINE completely matched the final diagnosis in 74% (37 of 50); minor discrepancies were seen in 12% (6 of 50), and major discrepancies were seen in 14% (7 of 50).ConclusionsThis is the first time the sensitivity and specificity of the FINE method in fetuses with normal hearts and CHD in the second and third trimesters has been reported. Because FINE identifies a broad spectrum of CHD with 98% sensitivity, this method could be used prenatally to screen for and diagnose CHD.
Integrated approaches to natural resources management—Theory and practice
Authors: Tengberg Anna , Valencia Sandra 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTo meet multiple environmental objectives, integrated programming is becoming increasingly important for the Global Environmental Facility, the financial mechanism of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements, including the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. However, integration is often not well defined. We therefore focus on identifying key aspects of integration and assessing their implementation in natural resources management projects. To that end, we draw on systems thinking literature and carry out an analysis of a random sample of Global Environmental Facility integrated projects and in‐depth case studies demonstrating lessons learned and good practice. We highlight the need for projects to identify clearer system boundaries and main feedback mechanisms within those boundaries, in order to effectively address drivers of environmental change. We propose a theory of change for integrated natural resources management projects, where short‐term environmental and socioeconomic benefits will first accrue at the local level. Implementation of improved integrated natural resources management technologies and practices at the local level can then be extended through spatial planning and strengthening of innovation systems. Financing and incentive mechanisms at the watershed and/or landscape/seascape level coupled with supporting policies could sustain and enhance ecosystem services at even larger scales and longer time spans. The evolving scientific understanding of factors influencing social, technical, and institutional innovations and transitions towards sustainable management of natural resources should be harnessed and integrated into influencing models and theory of change for complex social‐environmental problems, such as land degradation, and be coupled with up‐to‐date approaches for learning, adaptive management, and scaling up.
Comparison of flexible ureteroscopy damage rates for lower pole renal stones by laser fiber type
Authors: Forbes Connor M. , Rebullar Karla A. , Teichman Joel M.H. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesLaser lithotripsy, often used during ureteronephroscopy (URNS), requires the Ho:YAG optical fiber transmit energy via total internal reflection (TIR). In critical lower pole deflections, energy may refract into the cladding causing fiber failure and scope damage. New optical fiber technology aims to have increased tolerance for high degrees of flexion. We compared two brands of laser fibers with sub‐300 micron cores (Sureflex, Boston Flexiva) to determine failure rates and scope repair costs.MethodsA retrospective cohort study comparing these two fibers for patients at a single academic institution who underwent flexible URNS with laser lithotripsy was performed from September 2013 to October 2015. Preoperative imaging was evaluated for stone burden and location. Intraoperative variables were collected, including energy use, lower pole lasering, laser fiber malfunction, and scope damage. The primary outcome was scope damage caused by laser fiber malfunction. Secondary outcome was scope repair costs. Fisher's exact test and two tailed t‐tests were used.ResultsOf 223 subjects, 143 met inclusion criteria, and 8 had laser fiber failure. All failures occurred with the Sureflex fiber (8 of 63, 13%) vs the Boston Flexiva fiber (0 of 80, 0%) (P < 0.01). Malfunctions occurred in 8 of 79 lower pole stone applications versus 0 of 64 non‐lower pole stone laser applications (P < 0.01). No other risk factor was different between fiber cohorts, except energy setting. Scope repair cost averaged $9155 CDN, yielding an average repair cost per case of $1144 CDN for the Sureflex versus $0 for the Boston fiber (P < 0.01).ConclusionsBoth optical fibers perform well in non‐lower pole locations. However, the challenge for laser fibers in lower pole URNS is to maintain TIR. Fiber failure reflects an inability to maintain reflection and is not based on energy used or stone burden. The Boston Flexiva laser fiber has fewer failures, resulting in $0 repair cost per case, compared to the Sureflex fiber in URNS with an average repair cost of $1144 CDN per case. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:798–801, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of symmetry after smile reconstruction for flaccid facial paralysis with combined fascia lata grafts and functional gracilis transfer for static suspension or gracilis transfer alone
Authors: Kiefer Jurij , Braig David , Thiele Jan R. , Bannasch Holger , Stark G. Björn , Eisenhardt Steffen U. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeFacial paralysis has a profound impact on functionality and esthetics of the oral region. In patients with strong skin laxity and soft tissue ptosis, functional smile reconstruction is challenging due to the accentuated asymmetry at rest. Thus, the purpose of the study was to analyze facial symmetry in this patient clientele following a combination of dynamic reanimation with fascial strips for static suspension compared to functional gracilis transfer alone.MethodsIn 2014, we altered the single‐stage approach for microsurgical smile reconstruction in patients with significant soft tissue ptosis by adding fascia lata grafts for static support. We evaluated 6 patients (mean age 57.8 ± 5.2, group A) who underwent the combined procedure, and compared their results to 6 patients with flaccid facial paralysis who were treated before 2014 and received a functional gracilis transfer alone (mean age 52.5 ± 7.5, group B). To test the efficacy of the technique, we retrospectively analyzed the correction of the oral asymmetry as well as nasal and philtral deviation by computer‐assisted photograph analysis 6 months postoperatively.ResultsThe comparative analysis revealed a significant postoperative improvement of the oral asymmetry (A: 90.0 ± 5.0% relative correction at rest vs. B: 62.6 ± 17.2%, P < .05), nasal (A: 0.4 ± 0.2 vs. B: 0.7 ± 0.4 mm, P < .05), and philtral deviation (A: 0.5 ± 0.6 vs. B: 2.8 ± 1.8 mm, P < .05) in group A.ConclusionsThe combined procedure for dynamic facial reanimation allows for immediate correction of the oral asymmetry and improves overall outcome in patients with advanced soft tissue ptosis and oral asymmetry at rest.
Efficiently train and validate a RapidPlan model through APQM scoring
Authors: Fusella Marco , Scaggion Alessandro , Pivato Nicola , Rossato Marco Andrea , Zorz Alessandra , Paiusco Marta 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe aim of this study was to propose and validate an intuitive method for training and to validate knowledge‐based planning (KBP) systems based on a patient‐specific plan quality scoring.MethodsA sample of 80 clinical plans of prostate cancer patients were ranked on the basis of the Adjusted Plan Quality Metric (APQM%). This quality metric was computed normalizing the Plan Quality Metric (PQM%) score to the best possible OAR sparing estimated by the Feasibility DVH (FDVH) algorithm. Two different plan libraries were created, purging all the plans below the first quartile or below the median the APQM% distribution. These libraries were used to populate and train two RapidPlan models: respectively, the APMQ25% and the APMQ50% models. No further refinements or actions were undertaken on these two models. Their performances were benchmarked against another two RapidPlan models. An Uncleaned model, which was populated and trained with the initial sample of 80 plans, and a Cleaned model, obtained through the standard iterative cleaning and refinement process suggested by the vendor and in literature. The outcomes of a planning test based on 20 patients within the training library (closed loop) and 20 patients outside of the training library (open‐loop) were compared through various DVH metrics and the PQM% score.ResultsThe selection through APQM% thresholding roughly preserves the geometric variety of the Cleaned model; only the APMQ50% model showed a modest broadness reduction. The models generated through APQM% thresholding showed target coverage and OARs sparing equal or superior to the Uncleaned and Cleaned models both for the closed‐ and the open‐loop tests. No significant differences were found between the four models. PQM% analysis ranked the overall plan quality as: 86.5 ± 6.5% APQM50%, 83.1 ± 5.9% APQM25%, 80.39 ± 10.6% Cleaned and 79.4 ± 8.5% Uncleaned in the closed‐loop test; 84.9 ± 7.6% APQM50%, 82.6 ± 7.9% APQM25%, 80.39 ± 10.6% Cleaned and 79.4 ± 8.5% Uncleaned in the open‐loop test.ConclusionsForward feeding a RapidPlan model through a thresholding selection based on APQM% is proven to produce equal or better results than a model based on a manually and iteratively refined population. A tighter APQM% threshold turns approximately into a higher average quality of plans generated with RapidPlan. A trade‐off must be found between the mean quality of the KBP library and its numerosity. The proposed KBP feeding method helps the KBP user, because it makes the model refinement more intuitive and less time consuming.
Cut‐off Serum Zinc Concentration Affecting the Appetite, Growth, and Nutrition Status of Undernourished Children Supplemented With Zinc
Authors: Chao Hsun‐Chin , Chang Yi‐Jung , Huang Wan‐Ling 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundZinc supplementation has varied effects on the linear growth of children who exhibited stunted growth.Materials and MethodsThis observational study involved 761 undernourished children, aged 2–10 years, who received a 24‐week course of 10‐mg elemental zinc per day. The clinical parameters for evaluation included appetite, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Evaluation of the effect of zinc supplementation was stratified by the initial serum zinc concentration.ResultsThe enrolled participants comprised 390 boys and 371 girls. The mean age was 5.63 years. The height‐for‐age, weight‐for‐age, and BMI‐for‐age z scores increased gradually during the study period. When compared with the children with a serum zinc concentration ≥75 μg/dL, the height, weight, weight‐for‐age, and BMI‐for‐age z scores increased significantly in the patients with serum zinc concentrations of <75 μg/dL after 12‐ and 24‐week zinc supplementation (all P < .001). BMI, height‐for‐age z score, and appetite also increased significantly in patients with serum zinc concentrations of <75 μg/dL after 24‐week zinc supplementation (P = .003, .019, and <.001, respectively).ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that undernourished children with serum zinc concentrations of <75 μg/dL experienced greater increments in appetite and growth as a result of zinc supplementation.