bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response of Drought Tolerant Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties under Various Methods of Establishment in Drought-prone Condition of Bihar
Authors: Singh Rajeev , Kumar Ravi Ranjan , . Nityanand , Sohane R. K. , Singh Anjani Kumar , Singh R. N. , Mandal Devendra 
Published: October 2019

A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Aurangabad and in farmers’ field during rainy seasons of 2013, 2014 and 2015, to Performance of drought tolerant rice varieties under various methods of stand establishment in rainfed drought-prone condition of Bihar. Experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 methods of establishment i.e. broad coasting, direct seeded rice (DSR), and transplanted rice (TPR), and two varieties viz. Sahbhagiedhan, SushkeSamrat in a total of 5 replications including four at KVK, Aurangabad and one at farmers’ field during three years. Direct seeding of rice (DSR) with ZTD machine produced significantly higher plant height, number of tillers/m2, panicles/m2, grains/panicle, filled grains/panicle. However panicle length and Panicle weight were recorded maximum with to transplanting method over Direct seeded rice with ZTD machine and broad coasting. 1000grain weight was recorded significantly maximum with Direct seeded rice with ZTD machine and transplantinh over broad coasting. Direct seed produced 7.60% and 30.95% more yield in 2014, 7.88% and 32.10% more yield in 2014 and 12.00% and 30.23% more yield in 2016 over transplanted and broad coasting rice, respectively. Net return and benefit-cost ratio were also significantly higher in direct seeded rice with ZTD machine than transplanted rice and broad coasting of rice. Amongst the varieties of rice, Sushk Samrat produced significantly higher yield attributes viz., tillers/m2, panicles/m2, grains/panicle, filled grains/panicle and 1000-grain weight, and subsequently produced grain yield higher by 13.42 in 2014, 10.10% in 2015 and by 7.03% in 2016 over Sahbhagie dhan. Net return and benefit-cost ratio were also recorded significantly higher with Sushk Samrat than Sahbhagiedhan.
Improving the flame retardancy of polypropylene foam with piperazine pyrophosphate via multilayering coextrusion of film/foam composites
Authors: Lee Sangjin , Morgan Alexander B. , Schiraldi David A. , Maia João 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTA series of 16‐layer polypropylene/flame retardant (PP/FR) film/foam composite structures were produced by microlayer coextrusion. A highly branched PP was used in the foam layers to increase strain hardening and cell stability, while the PP used in the film layers was a high shear viscosity grade to confine bubble growth. In addition to improved tensile properties, the PP/FR composite film/foams exhibited five times the compression modulus of PP/FR composite foams at each FR loading level. The thermal stabilities of the composites were investigated, exhibiting three step decompositions. The FR particles were effective in decreasing flammability by forming intumescent char. The PP/FR‐film/foam‐20 showed self‐extinguishing behavior in a modified vertical burn test, while the PP/FR‐foam‐20 sample continued to burn. Cone calorimetry demonstrated that PP/FR film/foams had lower heat release than PP/FR foams due to the unique alternating film/foam structure of PP/FR film/foams. Scanning electron microscopy imaging of the residual chars from fire testing that the PP/FR composite film/foams showed a more continuous protective char surface when compared with PP/FR composite foams at each FR concentration. The combined data indicate that the formation of a surface film on top of a foam ensures a robust intumescent fire protective barrier for partly foamed materials and shows a new way toward lightweight materials with improved fire safety performance. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48552.
Variation in energy metabolism arising from the effect of the tumor microenvironment on cell biological behaviors of bladder cancer cells and endothelial cells
Authors: Li Dan , Jiao Wei , Liang Zhijuan , Wang Liping , Chen Yuanbin , Wang Yonghua , Liang Ye , Niu Haitao 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTumor energy metabolism and angiogenesis play significant roles in tumor genesis and development, while the effect of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which tumors rely on, is always ignored. In this research, we cocultured bladder cancer (BC) T24 cells with tumor‐associated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions and detected proliferation, migration, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis to reveal the energy metabolism characteristics and their effect on cell biological behaviors (CBBs) in the TME. Compared with single‐cultured cells, both cocultured T24 cells and HUVECs showed poor proliferation and migration in hypoxic environment, and OXPHOS was activated in cocultured T24 cells but weakened in cocultured HUVECs. However, in normoxic environment, cocultured T24 cells grew much faster while cocultured HUVECs grew slower compared with single‐cultured cells. Additionally, glycolysis played a crucial role in energy metabolism and was inhibited in cocultured T24 cells but activated in cocultured HUVECs. In normoxic TME, OXPHOS take main responsibility of energy metabolism. T24 cells exhibited increased proliferation and migration with HUVECs support. In hypoxic TME, glycolysis may be the primary energy supply pathway. T24 cells then exhibit suppressed proliferation and migration, while HUVECs tend to promote angiogenesis to adapt to the harsh TME.
A novel larynx‐preserving pharyngectomy technique using a thyroid gland flap after chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Ogawa Tetsuya , Okamoto Hiroki , Inukai Daisuke , Sano Rui , Katahira Nobuyuki , Yamanaka Syunpei , Yo Kinga , Kan Taichi , Ueda Hiromi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis case report describes larynx‐preserving pharyngectomy after chemoradiotherapy using a thyroid gland flap. A thyroid gland flap has good blood supply and reconstruction can be done in the same surgical field. The thyroid gland flap has potential as a novel appropriate flap for use in head and neck surgery.
Low‐temperature synthesis of graphitic carbon‐coated silicon anode materials
Authors: Yan Zheng , Jin Huile , Guo Juchen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe report the synthesis of a high‐performance graphitic carbon‐coated silicon (Si@GC) composite material for lithium‐ion batteries via a scalable production route. Porous Si is produced from the magnesiothermic reduction of commercial silica (SiO2) precursor followed by low‐temperature graphitic carbon coating using glucose as the precursor. The obtained Si@GC composite achieves an excellent reversible specific capacity of 1195 mAh g−1 and outstanding cycle stability. The thick Si@GC anode (3.4 mg cm−2) in full cells with commercial lithium iron phosphate cathode delivers a remarkable performance of 800 mAh g−1 specific capacity and 2.7 mAh cm−2 areal capacity as well as 93.6% capacity retention after 200 cycles.
Nanodiamonds for energy
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Cui Yi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCarbon materials have been playing important roles in advancing energy‐related technologies and offering great promise to addressing the rising global energy demands and environmental issues. Nanodiamonds, an exciting class of carbon materials, with excellent mechanical, chemical, electronic, and optical properties, have great potentials in energy‐related applications. In this contribution, we summarized some of the recent progress on nanodiamonds for energy storage, conversion, and other related applications in sustainable energy research. We discussed the promising opportunities and outlooks for nanodiamonds in energy‐related fields.
Compliance to treatment guidelines and survival in women undergoing interval debulking surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Shylasree Thumkur S. , Kattepur Abhay K. , Gupta Monisha , Ghosh Jaya , Maheshwari Amita , Bajpai Jyoti , Hawaldar Rohini , Gulia Seema , Deodhar Kedar , Popat Palak , Gupta Sudeep , Kerkar Rajendra A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundOne of the primary treatment strategies for advanced epithelial ovarian cancers includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) and adjuvant chemotherapy. Compliance to treatment is important to possibly improve outcomes.AimTo audit treatment compliance and its effect on overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) in women undergoing IDS.Methods and ResultsWomen diagnosed with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing IDS were included. Details of compliance to chemotherapy and surgery as per standard guidelines were assessed, and correlation with survival was studied. Reasons for protocol deviation at various levels were documented and analysed.A total of 182 patients were included. The total number of deviations was 134 with deviation at any level being 89 (48.9%) and at all levels 5%. Both patient‐ and treatment‐related factors contributed towards deviation. Deviation or noncompliance towards treatment resulted in a significantly reduced 5‐year OS (34.4% vs 58.2%; P = .001) compared with compliant patients, which retained its significance on multivariate analysis (P = .024) as well.ConclusionDeviation from treatment guidelines resulted in a significantly lower 5‐year OS compared with those who remained treatment compliant. Both patient‐ and treatment‐related factors contributed towards noncompliance and hence towards lower survival.
Is timing of reproduction according to temperature sums an optimal strategy?
Authors: Johansson Jacob , Bolmgren Kjell 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTemperature sums are widely used to predict the seasonal timing of yearly recurring biological events, such as flowering, budburst, and hatching. We use a classic energy allocation model for annual plants to compare a strategy for reproductive timing that follows a temperature sum rule (TSR) with a strategy that follows an optimal control rule (OCR) maximizing reproductive output. We show that the OCR corresponds to a certain TSR regardless of how temperature is distributed over the growing season as long as the total temperature sum over the whole growing season is constant between years. We discuss such scenarios, thus outlining under which type of variable growth conditions TSR maximizes reproductive output and should be favored by natural selection. By providing an ultimate explanation for a well‐documented empirical pattern this finding enhances the credibility of temperature sums as predictors of the timing of biological events. However, TSR and OCR respond in opposite directions when the total yearly temperature sum changes between years, representing, for example, variation in the length of the growing season. Our findings have implications for predicting optimal responses of organisms to climatic changes and suggest under which conditions natural selection should favor photoperiod versus temperature control.
A simplified method on estimation of forest roughness by use of aerial LIDAR data
Authors: Bingöl Ferhat 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn the last decade, satellite‐based measurements combined with local land cover information have produced datasets with a very detailed land cover description. CORINE Land Cover (CLC) dataset is owned and maintained by the European Environmental Agency (EEA) and published at the agency's website. Another remote sensing tool, developed in the same period, is the terrain LIDAR scanners with very high resolution and porosity information. In the current study, LIDAR scans of mainland Denmark with 0.4 m resolution were used to estimate the aerodynamic roughness of large forests, the borders of which were defined with the help of the CLC dataset. The results are compared with available in situ measurement results from the scientific literature. There was a generally good agreement between calculated and measured displacement height values but less so for aerodynamic roughness values due to the employed spatial averaging process. The results reveal a promising application that can be used for forest parameterization within modeling tools.
Synthesis and evaluation of a novel nanoparticle carrying urokinase used in targeted thrombolysis
Authors: Zhong Yan , Gong Wen J. , Gao Xue H. , Li Yan N. , Liu Kun , Hu Yong G. , Qi Jin S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAcute thrombosis, which can lead to vessel occlusion and ischemic complication, is a major cause of death and disability from myocardial infarction and stroke in recent years. Traditional drugs used in clinical thrombolytic therapy have many disadvantages, such as, higher drug dosage, shorter halftime. Thus, an efficient, safe, noninvasive, and easy thrombolysis method is urgently needed. A novel nanometer targeted carrier of a thrombolytic drug was developed in this study to improve the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy. To prepare the carrier, the carbodiimide‐mediated amide was adopted to link urokinase (UK) and Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser tetrapeptide (RGDS) to the surface of the treated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens spores (BA) to synthesize UK‐BA‐RGDS nanoparticles. The thrombolysis rate of UK‐BA‐RGDS was 87%, which was nearly fivefold higher than that of commercial UK. Additionally, the tail bleeding time of UK‐BA‐RGDS was decreased compared with commercial UK (601 vs. 1,145 s). Furthermore, the blood flow velocity at the thrombus was recovered to ~80% of the initial state in 80 min after injection of UK‐BA‐RGDS. These results might indicate that the UK‐BA‐RGDS nanoparticles may be an effective targeted drug for the treatment of thromboembolism without hemorrhagic complication. Besides, the BA nanoparticle is a potential carrier of other drugs a wide range of possible applications.
Hip Structure Analyses in Acromegaly: Decrease of Cortical Bone Thickness After Treatment: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Godang Kristin , Lekva Tove , Normann Kjersti Ringvoll , Olarescu Nicoleta Cristina , Øystese Kristin Astrid Berland , Kolnes Anders , Ueland Thor , Bollerslev Jens , Heck Ansgar 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTLong‐standing growth hormone (GH) excess causes the skeletal clinical signs of acromegaly with typical changes in bone geometry, including increased cortical bone thickness (CBT). However, a high prevalence and incidence of vertebral fractures has been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the course of cortical bone dimensions in the hip by comparing patients with acromegaly and clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) at baseline and 1 year after pituitary surgery (1‐year PO) in a longitudinal cohort study. DXA was performed in patients with acromegaly (n = 56) and NFPA (n = 47). CBT in the femoral neck (CBTneck), calcar (CBTcalcar), and shaft (CBTshaft) were determined by hip structural analysis (HSA). CBT at baseline and the change to 1‐year PO were compared. Test results were adjusted for differences in gender distribution, age, and gonadal status. Cortical thickness analyses showed higher values [mm] at baseline in patients with acromegaly compared with NFPA: CBTneck median [25th; 75th] 6.2 [4.7; 8.0] versus 5.1 [4.1; 6.4] (p = 0.006), CBTcalcar 4.8 [4.2, 5.7] versus 4.0 [3.2, 4.5] (p < 0.001), CBTshaft 6.2 [5.1, 7.2] versus 5.2 [4.6, 6.0], (p = 0.003). In acromegaly, GH was correlated with CBTneck (r = 0.31, p = 0.020), whereas IGF‐1 was correlated with CBTcalcar (r = 0.39, p = 0.003) at baseline. In acromegaly, CBTneck decreased by 11.2%, p = 0.002 during follow‐up. Finally, the decrease in CBTneck and CBTcalcar in acromegaly was significant compared with NFPA (p = 0.023 and p = 0.017, respectively). Previous observations of increased CBT in acromegaly were confirmed with DXA‐derived HSA in a large, well‐defined cohort. The decline in CBT in acromegaly could contribute to the increased fracture risk in acromegaly despite increased bone dimensions and disease control. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comparison of Photochemical Crosslinking Versus Sutures for Bonding Conjunctival Grafts
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhu Lu , Zhu Jingyin , Shen Nianci , Yao Min , Yu Yan 
Published: October 2019

Background and ObjectivesTo explore whether Rose Bengal‐induced photochemical crosslinking (RB‐PCL) can be a replacement for sutures in conjunctival autograft bonding, we compared the safety, operating time, postoperative ocular signs, and inflammatory responses of RB‐PCL versus nylon suturing for sealing conjunctival autografts in rabbits.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThirty‐six New Zealand White rabbits underwent limbal conjunctival autografting using either sutures or RB‐PCL to attach conjunctival autografts to the bare sclera. Animals were randomized to one of two groups (18 per group): the suture group or RB‐PCL group. Photochemical crosslinking with a wavelength of 532 nm green light with an illumination intensity of 0.6 W/cm2 for 250 seconds (150 J/cm2) or suturing was performed followed by light examination at 3, 7, 28 days after surgery to evaluate the healing condition. Rabbits in each group were euthanized on day 3 (n = 6), 7 (n = 6), or 28 (n = 6) postoperatively, and the graft tissues from the surgical site were processed to evaluate inflammatory response by assessing protein levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) as well as histological examination. Cell viability was evaluated by counting both total and dead cells on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained tissue samples from both groups at 3 and 7 days after surgery. The surgery procedure time was recorded and the graft surface temperatures were measured before and after illumination.ResultsPhotochemical crosslinking effectively secured the limbal conjunctival autograft over an ocular conjunctival defect with no significant difference from the suture group. The time required for this light activated bonding method was ~550 seconds in comparison with the suture method of half hour. The differences of measured temperature on the graft surface before and after RB‐PCL treatment were 2.98 ± 0.11°C. The induction of IL‐6 and TNF‐α protein was remarkably reduced in the RB‐PCL group compared with the suture group at 3 and 7 days after surgery. Histology revealed less infiltrated neutrophils were observed in the RB‐PCL group than in the suture group at 3 and 7 days postoperatively. Furthermore, the RB‐PCL group showed a better healing process with less eye discharge and mild conjunctival congestion. No significant difference in percent dead cells was observed between RB‐PCL and suture groups at 3 and 7 days after surgery.ConclusionsRB‐PCL is a promising alternative for bonding the conjunctival autograft with shorter operation time, less inflammation and better healing outcomes compared to conventional suture. Thermal damage and phototoxicity were not observed using the RB‐PCL method in bonding conjunctival grafts. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deep Brain Stimulation in Movement Disorders: From Experimental Surgery to Evidence‐Based Therapy
Authors: Krack Paul , Volkmann Jens , Tinkhauser Gerd , Deuschl Günther 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTDeep brain stimulation (DBS) of 3 different targets is the most important therapeutic innovation of the past 30 years for patients with fluctuating Parkinson's disease (PD), disabling dystonia, tremors, and refractory Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. When compared with medical treatment alone, controlled studies have shown better motor, nonmotor, and particularly quality‐of‐life outcomes with large effect sizes for advanced complicated PD that cannot be improved with medication, and also for PD patients with only early fluctuations. Class 1 studies have also shown superiority over medical treatment for generalized, segmental, and botulinum‐toxin refractory focal cervical dystonia. Long‐term efficacy is established for all indications with open studies. For tremors, open studies have shown that DBS is remarkably effective on PD and essential tremor, but efficacy on severe essential tremor and cerebellar tremors is limited by a tendency for tolerance/habituation, including concerns about long‐term efficacy. Open studies of disabling Gilles de la Tourette syndrome show an improvement in tics. New developments hold a promise for further improvement. New hardware with directional stimulation and new stimulation paradigms are further areas of research. The targets of DBS are refined with new imaging processing that will help to diversify the surgical targets. New indications are being explored. Closed‐loop DBS using brain or peripheral sensor signals have shown favorable clinical short‐term results. Long‐term data are lacking, and it is hoped that similar approaches for other movement or behavioral disorders may be developed. Exciting new developments carry the hope for a more pathophysiology‐based approach for DBS for various brain circuit disorders. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Technical Note: Accuracy of MTF measurements with an edge phantom at megavoltage x‐ray energies
Authors: Loot Katharina , Block Andreas 
Published: October 2019

PurposeMeasurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) is performed by evaluating the response of an imaging system to a predefined input. To obtain accurate results when using an edge phantom, the detector input signal must resemble an ideal step function. The MTF of megavoltage (MV) imagers used in radiotherapy has been measured with highly absorbing edge phantoms fabricated from thick metal blocks. This study investigates the influence of the edge phantom design on the accuracy of the resulting MTF.MethodsThe MTF of an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) was measured at 6 MV beam quality with four edge phantoms made of lead with 1.3, 3.3, 5.0, and 10.0 cm thickness. Monte Carlo simulations were carried out for these and a selection of tungsten phantoms to determine the photon fluence at the imaging plane and quantify the systematic error in the MTF introduced by the edge phantom design.ResultsThe measured MTF depends on the design of the edge phantom. The detector input signal of a thin phantom is affected by secondary radiation from the phantom itself, causing an overestimation of the MTF. The amount of secondary radiation can be reduced by increasing the phantom thickness or introducing an air gap between the phantom and the detector. Both methods introduce geometric unsharpness, which can result in an underestimation of the true MTF. Edge phantoms made from 4.0 cm thick tungsten or 5.0 cm thick lead induce comparatively small systematic errors of below 3% or 5%, respectively.ConclusionsWhen MTF measurements are conducted at MV energies, even a highly absorbing edge phantom will introduce a systematic error of several percent. Direct comparison of MTFs obtained with different edge phantoms should therefore be treated with caution.