bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimum Leaf Area Index to Reach Soybean Yield Potential in Subtropical Environment
Authors: Tagliapietra Eduardo Lago , Streck Nereu Augusto , da Rocha Thiago Schmitz Marques , Richter Gean Leonardo , da Silva Michel Rocha , Cera Jossana Ceolin , Guedes Jerson Vanderlei Carús , Zanon Alencar Junior 
Published: March 2018

Core Ideas
The optimum leaf area index (LAI) at beginning bloom to reach the yield potential is between 3.6 (indeterminate stem termination) and 4.5 (determinate stem termination).The optimum LAI maximum to reach the yield potential is between 6.0 and 6.5 for indeterminate and determined cultivars.The optimum LAI for high yield potential should be adjusted according to the maturity group, stem termination and sowing date.The increase in yield was observed with the increase of LAI for experiments and farms with a high technological level (soybean yield more than 4.5 Mg ha−1).
The interactive influence of climate and management factors on leaf area index (LAI) of soybean yield potential has not been investigated in subtropical environments. Such information can help in optimizing current soybean management practices to increase seed yield and efficiency of resource use. The objective of this study was to identify the optimum leaf area index for attaining yield potential in modern soybean cultivars grown in a subtropical environment. A large soybean yield, LAI, and phenology database collected from a combination of on‐farm and research‐station experiments conducted during four soybean growing seasons (2011–2015) in southern Brazil was used. The database represented a wide range of weather conditions, soil types, sowing dates, and cultivar maturity groups (MGs). A boundary function was derived for the relationship between soybean yield and LAI at R1 and R5 developmental stages for cultivars of determinate and indeterminate growth habit, and for both types combined. An increase in yield was in line with the increase of LAI for experiments with a small yield gap (soybean yield more than 4.5 Mg ha−1). In this case, optimum LAI at R1 growth stage (LAIR1, opt) to reach the soybean yield potential was between 3.4 (indeterminate) and 4.5 (determinate) whereas the optimal maximum LAI (LAImax,opt) is between 6.0 and 6.5 for indeterminate and determinate cultivars, respectively. These results suggested that management practices for soybean crops that involve the LAI and high yield potential must be adjusted according to the maturity group, growth habit and sowing date in a subtropical environment.
Evaluating Changes in Soil Organic Matter with Climate Using CENTURY in England and Wales
Authors: Sakrabani Ruben , Hollis John 
Published: March 2018

Soil organic C (SOC) dynamics are complex, and models have been developed for predicting future changes, validated using only individual site data. In this study, we used the CENTURY model to predict changes in SOC between 1978 and 2000 using input weather data for 1978 to 2000 from the UK Meteorological Office and soil property input data derived from the National Soil Inventory (NSI). The predicted changes in SOC from the model simulation were validated using the resampled NSI data for the period 1994 to 2000. The modeling results indicate that CENTURY gave unacceptable predictions of change for three specific soil types. When these were omitted from the accuracy assessment, model predictions were statistically acceptable for all ecosystem types with model efficiency (ME) decreasing in the order: seminatural grassland (ME = 0.63) > woodland (ME = 0.27) > arable (ME = 0.08) > managed grassland (ME = 0.02). When comparing the overall measured rates of change, CENTURY correctly predicted the direction but underpredicted the magnitude of change. Once this utility was established, CENTURY was used to predict nation‐level climate change‐induced changes in SOC with the UKCIP02 (UK Climate Impacts Program of 2002) scenarios for the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, each of which comprise four emissions scenarios. The modeling predictions suggest that the predicted changes between scenarios were small. However, within that, the greatest decrease (of 1.54% SOC) will be in seminatural grassland under the high emissions scenario. The future predicted pattern of change in SOC is greater in managed grassland (reduction of 0.27–0.39% SOC) than arable land (reduction of 0.03–0.05% SOC).Core Ideas
CENTURY SOC predictions are most acceptable for seminatural grassland (SNG).
High emissions scenario predictions show a decline of 1.54% SOC in SNG.
Model prediction of SOC for C‐rich soil and water logged is poor.
The greater the initial mean ecosystem SOC, greater the reduction in topsoil.
TopCap: A Tool to Quantify Soil Surface Topology and Subsurface Structure
Authors: Garbout Amin , Sturrock Craig J. , Armenise Elena , Ahn Sujung , Simmons Robert W. , Doerr Stefan , Ritz Karl , Mooney Sacha J. 
Published: March 2018

Core Ideas
A new ImageJ plugin, TopCap, automatically captures soil surface complexity from CT images.
TopCap can quantify the immediate subsurface structure, highlighting soil crusting and sealing.
Crust thickness varies under different soil textures following similar rainfall.
The surface of a material such as soil, as characterized by its topology and roughness, typically has a profound effect on its functional behavior. While nondestructive imaging techniques such as X‐ray computed tomography (CT) have been used extensively in recent years to characterize the internal architecture of soil, less attention has been paid to the morphology of the soil surface, possibly because other techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy are viewed as more appropriate. However, X‐ray CT exploration of the surface of a soil also permits analyses immediately below its surface and beyond into the sample, contingent on its thickness. This provides important information such as how a connected structure might permit solute infiltration or gaseous diffusion through the surface and beyond into the subsurface matrix. A previous limitation to this approach had been the inability to segment and quantify the actual three‐dimensional structural complexity at the surface, rather than a predefined geometrically simplistic volume immediately below it. To overcome this, we formulated TopCap, a novel algorithm that operates with ImageJ as a plugin and automatically captures the actual three‐dimensional surface morphology, segments the pore structure within the acquired volume, and provides a series of incisive morphological measurements of the associated porous architecture. TopCap provides rapid, automated analysis of the immediate surface of materials and beyond, and while developed in the context of soil, is applicable to any three‐dimensional image volume.
Characterizing Redox Potential Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Induced by Water‐Level Changes
Authors: Wang Jihuan , Bogena Heye R. , Vereecken Harry , Brüggemann Nicolas 
Published: March 2018

Core Ideas
Dynamics of redox potential were induced by water‐table changes in a lysimeter.
The redox potential measurements well reflected the different GHG emission sources.
Redox potential monitoring is a viable tool for better understanding of GHG emissions.
Soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contribute to global warming. To support mitigation measures against global warming, it is important to understand the controlling processes of GHG emissions. Previous studies focusing mainly on paddy rice fields or wetlands showed a strong relationship between soil redox potential and GHG emission (e.g., N2O). However, the interpretation of redox potentials for the understanding of the controlling factors of GHG emission is limited due to the low number of continuous redox measurements in most ecosystems. Recent sensor developments open the possibility for the long‐term monitoring of field‐scale soil redox potential changes. We performed laboratory lysimeter experiments to investigate how changes in the redox potential, induced by changes in the water level, affect GHG emissions from agricultural soil. Under our experimental conditions, we found that N2O emissions followed closely the changes in redox potential. The dynamics of redox potential were induced by changing the water‐table depth in a laboratory lysimeter. Before fertilization during saturated conditions, we found a clear negative correlation between redox potentials and N2O emission rates. After switching from saturated to unsaturated conditions, N2O emission quickly decreased, indicating denitrification as the main source of N2O. In contrast, the emissions of CO2 increased with increasing soil redox potentials. After fertilization, N2O emission peaked at high redox potential, suggesting nitrification as the main production pathway, which was confirmed by isotope analysis of N2O. We propose that redox potential measurements are a viable method for better understanding of the controlling factors of GHG emissions, for the differentiation between different source processes, and for the improvement of process‐based GHG models.
Application of dielectric constant measurement in microwave sludge disintegration and wastewater purification processes
Authors: Kovács Petra Veszelovszki , Lemmer Balázs , Keszthelyi-Szabó Gábor , Hodúr Cecilia , Beszédes Sándor 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
It has been numerously verified that microwave radiation could be advantageous as a pre-treatment for enhanced disintegration of sludge. Very few data related to the dielectric parameters of wastewater of different origins are available; therefore, the objective of our work was to measure the dielectric constant of municipal and meat industrial wastewater during a continuous flow operating microwave process. Determination of the dielectric constant and its change during wastewater and sludge processing make it possible to decide on the applicability of dielectric measurements for detecting the organic matter removal efficiency of wastewater purification process or disintegration degree of sludge. With the measurement of dielectric constant as a function of temperature, total solids (TS) content and microwave specific process parameters regression models were developed. Our results verified that in the case of municipal wastewater sludge, the TS content has a significant effect on the dielectric constant and disintegration degree (DD), as does the temperature. The dielectric constant has a decreasing tendency with increasing temperature for wastewater sludge of low TS content, but an adverse effect was found for samples with high TS and organic matter contents. DD of meat processing wastewater sludge was influenced significantly by the volumetric flow rate and power level, as process parameters of continuously flow microwave pre-treatments. It can be concluded that the disintegration process of food industry sludge can be detected by dielectric constant measurements. From technical purposes the applicability of dielectric measurements was tested in the purification process of municipal wastewater, as well. Determination of dielectric behaviour was a sensitive method to detect the purification degree of municipal wastewater.
Orthopedic Aspects of the Diabetic Foot
Authors: Tijdens-Creusen Elvira J.A. , Jutte Paul C. , Schoumakers Wim M.H.H. , Van der Klauw Melanie M. , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a common medical condition affecting more than 6% of the
world population. Besides well-known pathology like diabetic retinopathy and renal insufficiency, it carries important
orthopedic implications, especially around the foot and ankle (diabetic foot).

Focus:
This article focusses on the three major areas confronting the orthopedist: 1) changes in foot statics and
biology leading to ulceration with or without osteomyelitis, 2) ankle fractures, particularly complications after a
fracture and 3) Charcot foot.

Their pathophysiology, clinical features, classification, diagnostic dilemmas and treatment options are discussed.

Conclusion:
DM is very common and is often associated with foot problems. Diabetic foot is a special condition
that needs special attention. This article aims to provide the necessary knowledge to a better understanding and
treatment of the diabetic foot.
Effectiveness of Surface Cleaning and Disinfection in a Brazilian Healthcare Facility
Authors: Santos-Junior Aires G. , Ferreira Adriano M. , Frota Oleci P. , Rigotti Marcelo A. , Barcelos Larissa da S. , Lopes de Sousa Alvaro Francisco , de Andrade Denise , Guerra Odanir G. , R. Furlan Mara C. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Failures in the processes of cleaning and disinfecting health service surfaces may result in the spread and transfer of pathogens that are often associated with healthcare-related infections and outbreaks.

Aims:
To assess the effectiveness of environmental surface cleaning and disinfection in a hospital clinic.

Method:
The study was conducted in a nursing ward with 45 beds. A total of 80 samples from five high-touch surfaces were evaluated before and after cleaning and disinfection, using the following methods: visual inspection, adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay, aerobic colony count, Staphylococcus aureus colony count, and evaluation of resistance to methicillin. The data analysis used nonparametric comparative and correlative tests to observe any differences in the pre- and post- cleaning and disinfection results for the surfaces assessed.

Results:
Effective cleaning and disinfection had a significant effect on only two surfaces when measured for the presence of adenosine triphosphate, the inner bathroom door handle (p=0.007) and the toilet bowl (p=0.01). When evaluated for Staphylococcus aureus colony count, the toilet flush handle also demonstrated a significant effect (p=0.04).

Conclusion:
The effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection of the surfaces tested was not satisfactory. An educational intervention is recommended for the cleaning and disinfection staff and the nursing team at the healthcare facility.

Relevance to Clinical Practice:
The data in the study revealed that daily hospital cleaning and disinfection in the sampled sites are not sufficient in medical and surgical wards. Hospital cleanliness must be reevaluated from the point of view of materials, such as an adequate supply of clean cloths, in addition to establishing more precise cleanliness protocols and accurate monitoring systems.
Nano-formulations for Diagnostics and Therapeutics of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Animals
Authors: Sironmani T. Anitha 
Published: March 2018

Background:Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is caused by a virus of the genus Aphthovirus, family Picornaviridae which includes several members of medical importance, Multiple subtypes or antigenic variants within each serotype, which make the vaccine from one serotype does not confer protection against the other serotype.Methods:Green synthesized silver nanoparticles were functionalized with FMDV antigen /antibody. The functionalized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV -Visible spectrophotometer, Fluorescence Spectrophotometer etc. Immunomodulation study, efficacy and toxicity tests on the final product were carried out.Results:The protein profile after immunoprecipitation with AntiFMD antibody analysed on a 12.5% SDS-PAGE which corresponded to the viral proteins. The western blot analysis confirmed the same pattern. When the infected mice were treated with functionalised silver nanoparticles, all mice were recovered from the disease within 12 hrs. The field trial of these nanoformulations showed 100% recovery of the animals with minimum neutralizing antibody without any other physiological problems.Conclusion:Surface modification of silver nanoparticles can create multifunctional materials with potential applications. Nanoformulations developed by functionalizing whole FMD viral protein /antibody with that of silver nanoparticles, elicite an optimal immuno-protective response and as diagnostic agent against foot and mouth disease causing virus The easy method of preparation of nanoparticle, the flexibility of functionalization techniques, long shelf life without cold chain protection and minimum single low dosage reveals the feasibility of this nanoformulation applications ranging from prophylactic vaccines, diagnostics, therapy for all infections leading to autoimmune diseases.
Identification of Patients Expected to Benefit from Electronic Alerts for Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Biswas Aditya , Parikh Chirag R. , Feldman Harold I. , Garg Amit X. , Latham Stephen , Lin Haiqun , Palevsky Paul M. , Ugwuowo Ugochukwu , Wilson F. Perry 
Published: March 2018

Background and objectives
Electronic alerts for heterogenous conditions such as AKI may not provide benefit for all eligible patients and can lead to alert fatigue, suggesting that personalized alert targeting may be useful. Uplift-based alert targeting may be superior to purely prognostic-targeting of interventions because uplift models assess marginal treatment effect rather than likelihood of outcome.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This is a secondary analysis of a clinical trial of 2278 adult patients with AKI randomized to an automated, electronic alert system versus usual care. We used three uplift algorithms and one purely prognostic algorithm, trained in 70% of the data, and evaluated the effect of targeting alerts to patients with higher scores in the held-out 30% of the data. The performance of the targeting strategy was assessed as the interaction between the model prediction of likelihood to benefit from alerts and randomization status. The outcome of interest was maximum relative change in creatinine from the time of randomization to 3 days after randomization.

Results
The three uplift score algorithms all gave rise to a significant interaction term, suggesting that a strategy of targeting individuals with higher uplift scores would lead to a beneficial effect of AKI alerting, in contrast to the null effect seen in the overall study. The prognostic model did not successfully stratify patients with regards to benefit of the intervention. Among individuals in the high uplift group, alerting was associated with a median reduction in change in creatinine of −5.3% (P=0.03). In the low uplift group, alerting was associated with a median increase in change in creatinine of +5.3% (P=0.005). Older individuals, women, and those with a lower randomization creatinine were more likely to receive high uplift scores, suggesting that alerts may benefit those with more slowly developing AKI.

Conclusions
Uplift modeling, which accounts for treatment effect, can successfully target electronic alerts for AKI to those most likely to benefit, whereas purely prognostic targeting cannot.
Big N Auditors and Audit Quality: New Evidence from Quasi-Experiments
Authors: Jiang John (Xuefeng) , Wang Isabel Yanyan , Wang K. Philip 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
Whether Big N auditors provide higher audit quality than non-Big N auditors remains a debate. We add new evidence to this debate by utilizing the setting of Big N auditors' acquisitions of non-Big N auditors. We identify 331 treatment firms that switched to Big N auditors due to the exogenous shocks imposed by Big N acquisitions. Our difference-in-differences analyses show that treatment firms' audit quality improves after switching to Big N auditors. In comparison, mergers or acquisitions among non-Big Ns have little impact on audit quality. Our cross-sectional analyses suggest the audit quality improvement among treatment firms is more likely due to Big N auditors' general competence rather than their industry-specific expertise. Finally, we find that treatment firms experience no significant market reactions around the announcements of Big N acquisitions, indicating that the capital markets may not attach any premium to the improved audit quality associated with Big N auditors.
JEL Classifications: M41; M49.
The Revolving Door of Sell-Side Analysts
Authors: Lourie Ben 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
Equity analysts are often hired by firms they cover. I document the extent to which this revolving door phenomenon impairs analysts' independence. I do this by examining the presence of biased research reports issued during the year before analysts are employed by a firm they cover. I find that during their final year, revolving door analysts bias their EPS forecasts, their target prices, and their recommendations in a direction that suggests that they are attempting to gain favor from their prospective employers. Specifically, relative to other analysts, revolving door analysts issue more optimistic reports on the firms that hire them, and they issue more pessimistic reports on firms that do not hire them. These results suggest the presence of strategic bias, although more innocuous interpretations cannot be completely ruled out.
JEL Classifications: G14; G17; G24; G28; M41.
Data Availability: Data are available from public sources identified in the text.
Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome, Alanine Aminotransferase Levels, and Liver Disease Severity in a Multiethnic North American Cohort With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Khalili Mandana , Shuhart Margaret C. , Lombardero Manuel , Feld Jordan J. , Kleiner David E. , Chung Raymond T. , Terrault Norah A. , Lisker-Melman Mauricio , Sanyal Arun , Lok Anna S. ,   for the Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN)
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is prevalent and is associated with adverse outcomes of liver disease. We evaluated the prevalence of MS and its influence on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and fibrosis, as estimated by the aspartate aminotransferase–to–platelet ratio index (APRI), in a large, multiethnic North American cohort with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Adults with chronic HBV from 21 centers within the U.S. and Canada were evaluated at baseline and for up to 5 years (median 3.7 years) of follow-up. MS was defined as the presence of at least three of five criteria including waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, triglyceride, and HDL levels.

RESULTS
Analysis included 777 participants, of whom 171 (22%) had MS. Participants with MS (vs. those without MS) were older (median age 54.4 vs. 40.2 years), more often male (61% vs. 51%), and born in the U.S./Canada or had immigrated &gt;20 years ago (60% vs. 43%). MS was not associated with ALT or APRI at baseline. Upon adjusted multivariable analysis of serial ALT values, ALT was significantly higher (mean 12%; P = 0.02) among those with MS at baseline and even higher (mean 19%; P = 0.003) among those with persistent MS compared with those with persistent absence of MS. MS was not associated with serial APRI on follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
MS was prevalent in this HBV cohort and was independently associated with higher ALT levels longitudinally. These findings highlight the importance of screening for MS and the potential for MS to influence ALT and its interpretation in the context of HBV treatment decisions.