bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonadditive effects of biochar amendments on soil phosphorus fractions in two contrasting soils
Authors: Xu Gang , Shao Hongbo , Zhang You , Junna Sun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIncreased soil total phosphorus (P) or available P has been reported in biochar‐amended soils, although the underlying mechanisms need to be fully understood. In the present study, two contrasting soils (acidic Haplic Luvisol and alkaline Calcaric‐Fluvisol) amended with wheat straw biochar were sequentially extracted with modified Hedley method to study the P transformation in the soils. Our results showed that biochar application significantly increased (positive effects) P fractions (except for NaHCO3‐Pi and residual‐P) content in Haplic Luvisol. The increased soil microbial activity and reduced soil acidity or increased cation exchange capacity may be accounted for enhanced P transformation. The reduced NaHCO3‐Pi content may be related to P immobilization with increased soil microbial activity induced by biochar addition because the high C:P ratios of biochar (ranged from 234 to 357) suggested net P immobilization occurred when biochar was incorporated into soil. Biochar application first (4 days) increased soil NaHCO3‐Po content and then decreased it with longer incubation time (30 days). The decrease in NaHCO3‐Po suggested that the labile organic P was converted into nonlabile inorganic or organic P. In comparison with those in Haplic Luvisol, almost all P fractions showed negative effects with biochar addition into Calcaric‐Fluvisol. The results may be caused by the P precipitation or sorption with increased soil pH with biochar application. On the basis of P transformation, biochar is recommended to be used in Haplic Luvisol (acidic soil) and not to Calcaric‐Fluvisol (alkaline soil) because of the positive effects and negative effects observed on P fractions in biochar‐amended soils.
Golden ratio stack of spirals for flexible angiographic imaging: Proof of concept in congenital heart disease
Authors: Kowalik Grzegorz Tomasz , Steeden Jennifer Anne , Atkinson David , Montalt‐Tordera Javier , Mortensen Kristian Havmand , Muthurangu Vivek 
Published: May 2018

PurposeIn this study, a golden ratio stack of spiral (GRASS) sequence that used both golden step and golden angle ordering was implemented. The aim was to demonstrate that GRASS acquisitions could be flexibly reconstructed as both cardiac‐gated and time‐resolved angiograms.MethodsImage quality of time‐resolved and cardiac‐gated reconstructions of the GRASS sequence were compared to 3 conventional stack of spirals (SoS) acquisitions in an in silico model. In 10 patients, the GRASS sequence was compared to conventional breath hold angiography (BH‐MRA) in terms of image quality and for vessel measurement. Vessel measurements were also compared to cine images.ResultsIn the cardiac‐gated in silico model, the image quality of GRASS was superior to regular and golden‐angle with regular step SoS approaches. In the time‐resolved model, GRASS image quality was comparable to the golden‐angle with regular step technique and superior to regular SoS acquisitions. In patients, there was no difference in qualitative image scores between GRASS and BH‐MRA, but SNR was lower. There was good agreement in vessel measurements between the GRASS reconstructions and conventional MR techniques (BH‐MRA: 29.8 ± 5.6 mm, time‐resolved GRASS‐MRA: 29.9 ± 5.4 mm, SSFP diastolic: 29.4 ± 5.8 mm, cardiac‐gated GRASS‐MRA diastolic: 29.5 ± 5.5 mm, P > 0.87).ConclusionWe have demonstrated that the GRASS acquisition enables flexible reconstruction of the same raw data as both time‐resolved and cardiac‐gated volumes. This may enable better interrogation of anatomy in congenital heart disease.
Simultaneous T1 and T2 mapping of the carotid plaque (SIMPLE) with T2 and inversion recovery prepared 3D radial imaging
Authors: Qi Haikun , Sun Jie , Qiao Huiyu , Zhao Xihai , Guo Rui , Balu Niranjan , Yuan Chun , Chen Huijun 
Published: May 2018

PurposeTo propose a technique that can produce different T1 and T2 contrasts in a single scan for simultaneous T1 and T2 mapping of the carotid plaque (SIMPLE).MethodsAn interleaved 3D golden angle radial trajectory was used in conjunction with T2 preparation with variable duration (TEprep) and inversion recovery pulses. Sliding window reconstruction was adopted to reconstruct images at different inversion delay time and TEprep for joint T1 and T2 fitting. In the fitting procedure, a rapid B1 correction method was presented. The accuracy of SIMPLE was investigated in phantom experiments. In vivo scans were performed on 5 healthy volunteers with 2 scans each, and on 5 patients with carotid atherosclerosis.ResultsThe phantom T1 and T2 estimations of SIMPLE agreed well with the standard methods with the percentage difference smaller than 7.1%. In vivo T1 and T2 for normal carotid vessel wall were 1213 ± 48.3 ms and 51.1 ± 1.7 ms, with good interscan repeatability. Alternations of T1 and T2 in plaque regions were in agreement with the conventional multicontrast imaging findings.ConclusionThe proposed SIMPLE allows simultaneous T1 and T2 mapping of the carotid artery in less than 10 minutes, serving as a quantitative tool with good accuracy and reproducibility for plaque characterization.
Reproducibility of 2DGluCEST in healthy human volunteers at 7 T
Authors: Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , DeBrosse Catherine , Kumar Dushyant , Roalf David , McGeehan Brendan , D'Aquilla Kevin , Borthakur Arijitt , Hariharan Hari , Reddy Damodara , Elliott Mark , Detre John A. , Epperson Cynthia Neill , Reddy Ravinder 
Published: May 2018

PurposeTo investigate the reproducibility of gray and white matter glutamate contrast of a brain slice among a small group of healthy volunteers by using the 2D single‐slice glutamate CEST (GluCEST) imaging technique.MethodsSix healthy volunteers were scanned multiple times for within‐day and between‐day reproducibility. One more volunteer was scanned for within‐day reproducibility at 7T MRI. Glutamate CEST contrast measurements were calculated for within subjects and among the subjects and the coefficient of variations are reported.ResultsThe GluCEST measurements were highly reproducible in the gray and white matter area of the brain slice, whether it was within‐day or between‐day with a coefficient of variation of less than 5%.ConclusionThis preliminary study in a small group of healthy volunteers shows a high degree of reproducibility of GluCEST MRI in brain and holds promise for implementation in studying age‐dependent changes in the brain.
Nutrition and Clinical Outcomes of Nutrition Support in Multidisciplinary Team for Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Lee Jeong Shin , Kang Ji Eun , Park So Hyun , Jin Hye Kyung , Jang Soo Min , Kim Sun Ah , Rhie Sandy Jeong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo examine the outcomes of the implementation of a multidisciplinary nutrition support team (NST) that included a pharmacist for critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsData were retrospectively collected from electronic medical records and compared between the pre‐NST group (n = 73) and post‐NST group (n = 75). Patients were included if they received enteral or parenteral nutrition support for at least 72 hours in the ICU of an approximately 900‐bed, top‐tier university medical center. The percentage of goal kcal, the percentage of goal protein, serum albumin level, total lymphocyte count, C‐reactive protein, duration of mechanical ventilation use, hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, and mortality were evaluated.ResultsThere were significant differences in the percentage of goal kcal (66.9% ± 25.9% vs 86.2% ± 27.5%; P < 0.001) and the percentage of goal protein (67.0% ± 29.9% vs 81.7% ± 30.7%; P < 0.05) between the pre‐NST and post‐NST groups. A higher percentage of goal kcal was associated with a significant decrease in the ICU LOS (P < 0.05) and hospital LOS (P < 0.05). The percentage of goal kcal was associated with mortality rate (odd ratio, 0.977; 95% confidential interval, 0.959–0.996; P = 0.016).ConclusionImplementation of a multidisciplinary NST service for critically ill patients was associated with higher percentages of goal kcal and goal protein, as well as a shortened duration of mechanical ventilation use. Higher energy supply was associated with a reduced mortality rate.
Fluorescent thermostable crosslinked poly(dodecylmethacrylate) composites based on porous polyethylene and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Bugakov Miron , Boiko Natalia , Linkov Pavel , Samokhvalov Pavel , Efimov Alexander , Abramchuk Sergey , Shibaev Valery 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHybrid fluorescent polymer–inorganic nanoparticle composites have a broad set of valuable properties that allow them to be considered promising materials for photonics and photovoltaics. The design and methods of preparation of these composites are among the most critical topics of modern materials science. In this work, we have developed an approach to the preparation of composite polymer films with bright fluorescence and high thermostability. These composite films are based on a porous polyethylene (PE) matrix, the pores of which are filled by crosslinked poly(dodecylmethacrylate) and CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs). The composites obtained are transparent in the visible spectral region and are able to withstand heating to high temperature and a considerable mechanical stress without loss of this property. These QD–PE composite films contain QDs in a high concentration and display very bright fluorescence, while they retain the mechanical properties of the initial porous PE film. Thus, the developed approach makes it possible to obtain composite materials combining the advantageous properties of PE and QDs without appreciable loss of individual component characteristics. A novel approach to the preparation of fluorescence composite polymer films, which have transparency, dimensional thermostability and resistance to mechanical stress, has been developed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Using generalized estimating equations and extensions in randomized trials with missing longitudinal patient reported outcome data
Authors: Bell Melanie L. , Horton Nicholas J. , Dhillon Haryana M. , Bray Victoria J. , Vardy Janette 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivePatient reported outcomes (PROs) are important in oncology research; however, missing data can pose a threat to the validity of results. Psycho‐oncology researchers should be aware of the statistical options for handling missing data robustly. One rarely used set of methods, which includes extensions for handling missing data, is generalized estimating equations (GEEs). Our objective was to demonstrate use of GEEs to analyze PROs with missing data in randomized trials with assessments at fixed time points.MethodsWe introduce GEEs and show, with a worked example, how to use GEEs that account for missing data: inverse probability weighted GEEs and multiple imputation with GEE. We use data from an RCT evaluating a web‐based brain training for cancer survivors reporting cognitive symptoms after chemotherapy treatment. The primary outcome for this demonstration is the binary outcome of cognitive impairment. Several methods are used, and results are compared.ResultsWe demonstrate that estimates can vary depending on the choice of analytical approach, with odds ratios for no cognitive impairment ranging from 2.04 to 5.74. While most of these estimates were statistically significant (P < 0.05), a few were not.ConclusionsResearchers using PROs should use statistical methods that handle missing data in a way as to result in unbiased estimates. GEE extensions are analytic options for handling dropouts in longitudinal RCTs, particularly if the outcome is not continuous.
Course and predictors of supportive care needs among Mexican breast cancer patients: A longitudinal study
Authors: Pérez‐Fortis Adriana , Fleer Joke , Schroevers Maya J. , Alanís López Patricia , Sánchez Sosa Juan José , Eulenburg Christine , Ranchor Adelita V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the course and predictors of supportive care needs among Mexican breast cancer patients for different cancer treatment trajectories.MethodsData from 172 (66.4% response rate) patients were considered in this observational longitudinal study. Participants were measured after diagnosis, neoadjuvant treatment, surgery, adjuvant treatment, and the first post‐treatment follow‐up visit. Psychological, Health System and Information, Physical and Daily Living, Patient Care and Support, Sexual, and Additional care needs were measured with the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS‐SF34). Linear mixed models with maximum‐likelihood estimation were computed.ResultsThe course of supportive care needs was similar across the different cancer treatment trajectories. Supportive care needs declined significantly from diagnosis to the first post‐treatment follow‐up visit. Health System and Information care needs were the highest needs over time. Depressive symptoms and time since diagnosis were the most consistent predictors of changes in course of supportive care needs of these patients.ConclusionsHealth system and information care needs of Mexican breast cancer patients need to be addressed with priority because these needs are the least met. Furthermore, patients with high depressive symptoms at the start of the disease trajectory have greater needs for supportive care throughout the disease trajectory.
Help‐seeking behaviour in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients: Assessing the role of perceived stigma
Authors: Rose Shiho , Boyes Allison , Kelly Brian , Cox Martine , Palazzi Kerrin , Paul Christine 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study explored help‐seeking behaviours, group identification, and perceived legitimacy of discrimination, and its potential relationship with perceived lung cancer stigma.MethodsConsecutive consenting adults (n = 274) with a primary diagnosis of lung cancer within the previous 4 months were recruited at 31 outpatient clinics in Australia. A self‐report survey assessed help‐seeking, group identification, perceived legitimacy of discrimination, and perceived lung cancer stigma.ResultsServices providing assistance from health professionals (69.5%) and informational support (68.5%) were more frequently used than emotional‐based support. Only a small proportion (2.6%) of participants were unlikely to seek help from anyone, with the most popular sources of help being the general practitioner (91.0%), and oncologist/treating clinician (81.3%). One‐fifth (21.1%) indicated they identified with being a lung cancer patient, and most did not perceive discrimination against lung cancer patients. Higher perceived lung cancer stigma was significantly associated with greater perceived legitimacy of discrimination (P < 0.001), but not help‐seeking behaviours or group identification.ConclusionsThe relationship between lung cancer stigma and perceived legitimacy of discrimination may guide initiatives to reduce stigma for patients. It is encouraging that perceived stigma did not appear to inhibit help‐seeking behaviours. However, further research in this emerging field is needed to investigate patterns of perceived stigma and help‐seeking over time to identify how and when to offer support services most appropriate to the needs of lung cancer patients.
Natural organic matter contained in clay rock pore water: Direct quantification at the molecular level using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Huclier‐Markai S. , Monteau F. , Fernandez A.M. , Vinsot A. , Grambow B. 
Published: May 2018

RationaleNatural organic matter (NOM) is present in the environment and could influence the migration of heavy metals/radionuclides. The dissolved fraction of NOM (DOM) is usually quantified using total organic carbon analysis or UV–visible spectrometry. Nonetheless, analysis using pattern recognition cannot provide the full spectrum of organic molecules contained in waters, especially low‐molecular‐weight compounds. In the context of nuclear performance assessment studies, ground waters may contain DOM and a key aspect is to quantify different categories of NOM types in order to further evaluate the transport and fate of radionuclides in the environment.MethodsThus, a method for the quantification of DOM at the molecular level was developed, based on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). This method simultaneously gives structural information on DOM and the individual concentrations of these low‐molecular‐weight compounds without pretreatment and/or preconcentration of the samples.ResultsSeveral methods of quantification (internal calibration, calibrated addition of external standard, sequential tandem mass spectrometry) have been optimized and successfully applied to real natural samples. They are discussed in this paper with a focus on acidic compounds, which are the compounds that most probably could influence the migration of heavy metals and radionuclides in the clay rock pore water from the French Callovo‐Oxfordian (COx) nuclear repository site.ConclusionsQuantification of in situ dissolved NOM from the COx has been performed using ESI‐MS. For the first time to our knowledge, it was possible to give a quite exhaustive and quantitative inventory of the small organic compounds present without proceeding to any chemical treatment or sample crushing and for naturally occurring concentrations.
Analysis of ketone‐based neurosteroids by reactive low‐temperature plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Ding Xuelu , Garikapati Vannuruswamy , Spengler Bernhard , Heiles Sven 
Published: May 2018

RationaleNeurosteroids are important signalling molecules that modulate neuronal activity. Their low concentrations and low volatility make neurosteroid detection and quantification by ambient mass spectrometry challenging. Here we develop a reactive low‐temperature plasma mass spectrometry (LTP‐MS) method and demonstrate its potential for fast screening and quantification of neurosteroids in mouse brain.MethodsKetone‐based neurosteroids were analysed with the LTP‐MS method. The plasma of the LTP was heated in order to improve the desorption efficiency of low‐volatility neurosteroids. Methylamine with a concentration of 500 ppbv was employed as the reactive reagent. Neurosteroids in mouse brain tissue extracts were detected in 70 s with mass errors less than ±3 ppm due to coupling of the ion source with a high‐performance mass spectrometer.ResultsReaction between neurosteroids and methylamine, seeded into the LTP gas stream, resulted in the formation of protonated methylamine–neurosteroid adducts with 5‐ to 100‐fold abundances, compared to [M + H]+ ions detected in non‐reactive LTP‐MS. The lowest detectable concentrations of neurosteroid standards were in the range of ng/mL. Concentrations of neurosteroids in male and female mouse brain extracts as determined with reactive LTP‐MS were on the level of ng/g, comparable to results obtained with high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.ConclusionsThe developed reactive LTP‐MS is capable of providing sensitive identification and quantification of ketone‐based neurosteroids in mouse brain extracts with minimal sample treatment, and showcases the potential of reactive LTP‐MS as a tool for fast screening of neurosteroid levels in brain.
Generalised fluxes, Yang-Baxter deformations and the O(d,d) structure of non-abelian T -duality
Authors: Lüst Dieter , Osten David 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Based on the construction of Poisson-Lie T -dual σ-models from a common parent action we study a candidate for the non-abelian respectively Poisson-Lie T -duality group. This group generalises the well-known abelian T -duality group O(d, d) and we explore some of its subgroups, namely factorised dualities, B- and β-shifts. The corresponding duality transformed σ-models are constructed and interpreted as generalised (non-geometric) flux backgrounds.
We also comment on generalisations of results and techniques known from abelian T -duality. This includes the Lie algebra cohomology interpretation of the corresponding non-geometric flux backgrounds, remarks on a double field theory based on non-abelian T -duality and an application to the investigation of Yang-Baxter deformations. This will show that homogeneously Yang-Baxter deformed σ-models are exactly the non-abelian T -duality β-shifts when applied to principal chiral models.
Metabolic engineering of lipid pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and staged bioprocess for enhanced lipid production and cellular physiology
Authors: Peng Huadong , He Lizhong , Haritos Victoria S 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Microbially produced lipids have attracted attention for their environmental benefits and commercial value. We have combined lipid pathway engineering in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast with bioprocess design to improve productivity and explore barriers to enhanced lipid production. Initially, individual gene expression was tested for impact on yeast growth and lipid production. Then, two base strains were prepared for enhanced lipid accumulation and stabilization steps by combining DGAT1, ΔTgl3 with or without Atclo1, which increased lipid content ~ 1.8-fold but reduced cell viability. Next, fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis genes Ald6-SEACSL641P alone or with ACC1** were co-expressed in base strains, which significantly improved lipid content (8.0% DCW, 2.6-fold than control), but severely reduced yeast growth and cell viability. Finally, a designed two-stage process convincingly ameliorated the negative effects, resulting in normal cell growth, very high lipid productivity (307 mg/L, 4.6-fold above control) and improved cell viability.
Ocular Effects of Exposure to 40, 75, and 95 GHz Millimeter Waves
Authors: Kojima Masami , Suzuki Yukihisa , Sasaki Kensuke , Taki Masao , Wake Kanako , Watanabe Soichi , Mizuno Maya , Tasaki Takafumi , Sasaki Hiroshi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to develop a model of ocular damage induced by 40, 75, and 95 GHz continuous millimeter waves (MMW), thereby allowing assessment of the clinical course of ocular damage resulting from exposure to thermal damage-inducing MMW. This study also examined the dependence of ocular damage on incident power density. Pigmented rabbit eyes were exposed to 40, 75, and 95 GHz MMW from a spot-focus-type lens antenna. Slight ocular damage was observed 10 min after MMW exposure, including reduced cornea thickness and reduced transparency. Diffuse fluorescein staining around the pupillary area indicated corneal epithelial injury. Slit-lamp examination 1 day after MMW exposure revealed a round area of opacity, accompanied by fluorescence staining, in the central pupillary zone. Corneal edema, indicative of corneal stromal damage, peaked 1 day after MMW exposure, with thickness gradually subsiding to normal. Three days after exposure, ocular conditions had almost normalized, though corneal thickness was slightly greater than that before exposure. The 50% probability of ocular damage (DD50) was in the order 40 > 95 ≈ 75 GHz at the same incident power densities.