bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential responses of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities to mineral and organic fertilization
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Jie , Li Daming , Xu Changxu , Xiang Xingjia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAgricultural fertilization is used extensively to increase soil fertility and maximize crop yield. Despite numerous studies on how fertilization influences plant and bacterial communities, little is known about the roles of long‐term application of different fertilizers in shaping arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) community structures in a comparative manner. The response of AMF community to 28 years of chemical and organic fertilization was investigated using the Illumina Mi‐Seq platform. Soil AMF community composition showed significant and differential responses to long‐term fertilization. Changes in available phosphorus (AP) content were the primary driver shaping AMF community composition. Chemical fertilization significantly decreased AMF alpha‐diversity, whereas the alpha‐diversity remained equally high in organic fertilization treatment as in the control. In addition, soil AMF alpha‐diversity was negatively and positively correlated with elevated soil nutrient level following chemical and organic fertilization, respectively. Plants could directly acquire sufficient nutrients without their AMF partners after chemical fertilization, while plants might rely on AMF to facilitate the transformation of organic matter following organic fertilization, indicating that chemical fertilization might reduce the reliance of plants on AMF symbioses while organic fertilization strengthened the symbiotic relationship between plants and their AMF partners in agricultural ecosystems. This study demonstrated that AMF communities responded differently to long‐term chemical and organic fertilization, indicating that organic fertilization might activate belowground AMF function to maintain soil nutrients and benefit the sustainable development of agriculture.
The efficacy of electrical stimulation in treating children with nocturnal enuresis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cui Huanqin , Yu Wentao , Yan Huilei , Zhou Zhongbao , Wu Jitao , Cui Yuanshan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimWe performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of electrical stimulation (ES) in treating children with nocturnal enuresis (NE).MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the use of ES for the treatment of NE in children were searched using EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The references of related articles were also searched. The systematic review was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses.ResultsFour RCTs involving 171 patients were studied. We found that there was statistically significant difference in the wet nights per week (mean difference [MD], −0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.89 to −0.51; P < .00001), the number of patients with clinical response (MD, 26.88; 95% CI, 11.16 to 64.74; P < .00001), and bladder capacity (MD, −0.70; 95% CI −0.89 to −0.51; P < .00001) in the ES group compared with the placebo group with the exception of maximum voided volume (MVV) (MD, 19.48; 95% CI, −9.18 to 48.14; P = .18).ConclusionsThe study provides a significant improvement in statistics in the wet nights per week, the number of patients with clinical response and bladder capacity for children with NE compared with the placebo group with the exception of MVV.
Adaptive backstepping‐based control design for uncertain nonlinear active suspension system with input delay
Authors: Pang Hui , Zhang Xu , Yang Junjie , Shang Yuting 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThis paper addresses the control problem of adaptive backstepping control for a class of nonlinear active suspension systems considering the model uncertainties and actuator input delays and presents a novel adaptive backstepping‐based controller design method. Based on the established nonlinear active suspension model, a projector operator–based adaptive control law is first developed to estimate the uncertain sprung‐mass online, and then the desirable controller design and stability analysis are conducted by combining backstepping technique and Lyapunov stability theory, which can not only deal with the actuator input delay but also achieve better dynamics performances and safety constraints requirements of the closed‐loop control system. Furthermore, the relationship between the input delay and the state variables of this vehicle suspension system is derived to present a simple and effective method of calculating the critical input delay. Finally, a numerical simulation investigation is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
A comparative study of fruit detection and counting methods for yield mapping in apple orchards
Authors: Häni Nicolai , Roy Pravakar , Isler Volkan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe present a modular end‐to‐end system for yield estimation in apple orchards. Our goal is to identify fruit detection and counting methods with the best performance for this task. We propose a novel semantic segmentation‐based approach for fruit detection and counting and perform extensive comparative analysis against other state‐of‐the‐art techniques. This is the first work comparing multiple fruit detection and counting methods head‐to‐head on the same data sets. Fruit detection results indicate that the semisupervised method, based on Gaussian Mixture Models, outperforms the deep learning‐based methods in the majority of the data sets. For fruit counting though, the deep learning‐based approach performs better for all of the data sets. Combining these two methods, we achieve yield estimation accuracies ranging from 95.56% to 97.83%.
Evaluation of sulfate and salt resistance of ferrochrome slag and blast furnace slag‐based geopolymer concretes
Authors: Özcan Ahmet , Karakoç Mehmet B. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this study, mechanical, visual, and microstructure changes of geopolymer concrete exposed to sulfate and salt effects were investigated. Elazığ ferrochrome slag (EFS) and blast furnace slag (BFS)‐based geopolymer concretes which completed curing time were immersed in 5% sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) solutions for 12 weeks. The compressive strength values, ultrasonic pulse velocities, visual inspections, weight, and length changes of the samples were determined in this investigation. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was performed for the microstructure analysis of the samples removed from the solutions. Sulfate solutions had a more negative effect on the samples than salt solutions. As the EFS ratio in the mixture increases, the loss rate in the strength of the samples exposed to sulfate and salt solutions decreased. While samples exposed to sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate solutions occurred weight gain, samples exposed to magnesium chloride occurred weight loss. The samples in salt solutions shrank, while the samples in sulfate solutions expanded. No deterioration occurred on the surfaces of the samples exposed to the solutions for 12 weeks.
Comparison of Training Efficacy Between Custom‐Made Skills Simulator (CMSS) and da Vinci Skills Simulators: A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Lee Cho Rok , Rho Seoung Yoon , Han Sang Hyup , Moon Young , Hwang Sun Young , Kim Young Joo , Kang Chang Moo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo compare the effectiveness of a custom‐made skills simulator (CMSS) with the commercially available da Vinci® skills simulator (DVSS) that help improving surgical skills for effective and safe robotic surgical interventions.MethodsA randomized control study was conducted to determine the performance of participants after undergoing robotic surgical training. Total 64 students who had no previous experience with robotic surgery enrolled this study. After 5 min—introduction of robotic surgical system, the participants got random‐assignment into two groups to perform either CMSS‐or DVSS‐exercises. After 15 min‐practicing the corresponding simulator, task‐execution performance and individual questionnaires were compared between participants trained with the CMSS and those trained with the DVSS.ResultsRegardless of simulator the participants used, the system understanding and manipulation ability of the participants was found to be higher than after completing the simulation‐based robotic surgical training (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in terms of the required time to complete the tasks, and improvement of understanding the concept of robotic surgery, or surgical skill capacity between two groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe training effectiveness of CMSS was not significantly different to DVSS. It can be synergetic tool to DVSS for novice trainees of robotic surgery to get accustomed to the robotic surgical system and to improve their basic robotic surgical skills.
Mono- and multi-nucleated ventricular cardiomyocytes constitute a transcriptionally homogenous cell population
Authors: Yekelchyk Michail , Guenther Stefan , Preussner Jens , Braun Thomas 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIndividual adult ventricular cardiomyocytes are either mono- or multi-nucleated and undergo morphological changes during cardiac hypertrophy. However, corresponding transcriptional signatures, reflecting potentially different functions or the ability for cell-cycle entry, are not known. The aim of this study was to determine the transcriptional profile of mono- and multi-nucleated adult cardiomyocytes by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and to investigate heterogeneity among cardiomyocytes under baseline conditions and in pressure-induced cardiac hypertrophy. We developed an array-based approach for scRNA-seq of rod-shaped multi-nucleated cardiomyocytes from both healthy and hypertrophic hearts. Single-cell transcriptomes of mono- or multi-nucleated cardiomyocytes were highly similar, although a certain degree of variation was noted across both populations. Non-image-based quality control allowing inclusion of damaged cardiomyocytes generated artificial cell clusters demonstrating the need for strict exclusion criteria. In contrast, cardiomyocytes isolated from hypertrophic heart after transverse aortic constriction showed heterogeneous transcriptional signatures, characteristic for hypoxia-induced responses. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed an inverse correlation between HIF1α+ cells and CD31-stained vessels, suggesting that imbalanced vascular growth in the hypertrophied heart induces cellular heterogeneity. Our study demonstrates that individual mono- and multi-nucleated cardiomyocytes express nearly identical sets of genes. Homogeneity among cardiomyocytes was lost after induction of hypertrophy due to differential HIF1α-dependent responses most likely caused by none-homogenous vessel growth.
18F‐FDG PET, the early phases and the delivery rate of 18F‐AV45 PET as proxies of cerebral blood flow in Alzheimer's disease: Validation against 15O‐H2O PET
Authors: Ottoy Julie , Verhaeghe Jeroen , Niemantsverdriet Ellis , De Roeck Ellen , Wyffels Leonie , Ceyssens Sarah , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Stroobants Sigrid , Staelens Steven 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionDual‐biomarker positron emission tomography (PET), providing complementary information on cerebral blood flow and amyloid‐β deposition, is of clinical interest for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to validate the perfusion components of early‐phase 18F‐florbetapir (eAV45), the 18F‐AV45 delivery rate (R1), and 18F‐FDG against 15O‐H2O PET and assess how they change with disease severity.MethodsThis study included ten controls, 19 amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and 10 AD dementia subjects. Within‐subject regional correlations between modalities, between‐group regional and voxel‐wise analyses of covariance per modality, and receiver operating characteristic analyses for discrimination between groups were performed.ResultsFDG standardized uptake value ratio, eAV45 (0–2 min) standardized uptake value ratio, and AV45‐R1 were significantly associated with H2O PET (regional Pearson r = 0.54–0.82, 0.70–0.94, and 0.65–0.92, respectively; P < .001). All modalities confirmed reduced cerebral blood flow in the posterior cingulate of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and AD dementia, which was associated with lower cognition (r = 0.36–0.65, P < .025) and could discriminate between patient and control groups (area under the curve > 0.80). However, eAV45 was less sensitive to reflect the disease severity than AV45‐R1 or FDG.DiscussionR1 is preferable over eAV45 for accurate representation of brain perfusion in dual‐biomarker PET for AD.
Association Between Post-Ejaculatory Refractory Time (PERT) and Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Authors: Bhat Gajanan S. , Shastry Anuradha 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionPatients with premature ejaculation (PE) often complain of difficulty in having second erection, which is not yet investigated using scientific methodology.AimEvaluation of the association between post-ejaculation refractory time (PERT) with PE by comparing PERT in premature ejaculators with their age-matched control subjects.MethodsAfter ethical committee approval and written informed consent from the participants were obtained, men in a monogamous stable sexual relationship and reporting PE were recruited into the study. Sexually active, matched control subjects were recruited for comparison. Exclusion criteria were erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, hypogonadism, psychiatric conditions, instrumentation of the genitourinary tract, genitourinary anomalies, and genitourinary infections. Both the premature ejaculators and their control subjects were evaluated with the PE diagnostic tool before initiation of the study. They were asked to record their IELT and PERT over 4 weeks. The statistical analysis was done to obtain descriptive statistics, namely, mean and SD, paired t-tests, and logistic regression analysis. P &lt; .001 was considered significant.Main Outcome MeasureThere was a statistically significant association between prolonged PERT and PE in patients with PE compared with their age-matched control subjects.Results102 premature ejaculators and an equal number of matched control subjects were evaluated from January 2016–December 2017. The average PERT in premature ejaculators and control subjects was 330 ± 296.63 minutes and 105.64 ± 98.59 minutes, respectively (P &lt; .0001). Increasing age was associated with increasing PERT. PE was more common in patients when PERT exceeded a threshold of 590 minutes.Clinical ImplicationsUntil now, the association between PE and PERT with matched-pair analysis was not reported. Our study addresses this association, which can add a new paradigm in the evaluation and management of PE.Strength & LimitationsThe association between PE and prolonged PERT using a statistically appropriate, adequately powered methodology is the strength of the study. The inability to address the causal association between prolonged PERT and PE because of the paucity of evidence at present is the limitation of the study. We believe that the results of this study could trigger further research into such an association, so the mystery of such an association can be unraveled.ConclusionsThe association between prolonged PERT and PE, as seen in our study, is a finding, that needs further research to establish a causal association. However, reporting such an association is necessary because it is contrary to the present understanding.
Is There a Point to Performing a Penile Duplex Ultrasound?
Authors: Morgado Afonso , Diniz Paulo , Silva Carlos Martins 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Specialized diagnostic evaluation of erectile dysfunction (ED) may require an intracavernous injection test (IIT) or penile duplex ultrasound (PDU).

Aim
Our primary objective was to compare the prognostic value of IIT and PDU for treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction with first-line sildenafil citrate.

Methods
After 200 patients were screened, a total of 77 patients with ED had a standardized PDU by a blinded third party, and peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic flow (EDF), and resistive index (RI) in timely intervals were recorded. The erection hardness score (EHS) was used to score erection rigidity during the test and was also noted. Patients also completed a briefed International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire and were started on open-label 100 mg sildenafil citrate at baseline. The IIEF-5 and erectile dysfunction inventory of treatment satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaires were repeated and completed at 6 months’ follow-up. Improvement, cure, and satisfaction were defined as an increase of 4 points in IIEF-5 with an IIEF-5 score higher than 21 points and EDITS score higher than 50, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated and compared.

Main Outcome Measure
EHS did not have a different or larger AUC than PSV, EDF, and RI for improvement, cure, and satisfaction with sildenafil citrate.

Results
The patient’s mean age was 58.76 ± 10.27 years and almost half of the patients had moderate ED according to the IIEF-5 (42.8%). Improvement, cure, and satisfaction were high among participants (77.9%, 64.9%, and 67.5%, respectively). The erection rigidity EHS also showed an excellent-to-good ability to predict improvement, cure, and patient satisfaction (AUC = 0.921, 0.873, and 0.898, respectively) with sildenafil citrate.

Clinical Implications
There is no point in performing more than an IIT when a specialized diagnostic evaluation is required for diagnostic or medico-legal reasons because PDU is time-consuming and requires both hardware and ultrasound skills with no added prognostic value.

Strengths and Limitations
This is the first prospective study to directly compare IIT with PDU, and validated disease-specific questionnaires were used to assess both clinical efficacy and satisfaction. Moreover, the PDU was performed by a blinded third party. However, this was a single-center study and the population included was small.

Conclusion
PDU parameters add no prognostic value to determining erection rigidity during a standard IIT. Erection rigidity during IIT, as assessed with the EHS, suffices as a prognostic tool.
Working smarter, not harder: objective-dependent management of an invasive thistle, Carduus nutans
Authors: Zhang Rui , Shea Katriona 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMany invasive species managers state that their objective is to “control” an invader. However, the appropriate choice of a management option requires a more explicit statement of management objectives, in terms of both the relevant time horizon and spatial scale. Using data from a 2-yr mowing experiment, we show that the most effective management strategy for controlling an invasive thistle depends fundamentally on the management goals. We integrate field data from a two-cohort experiment with modeling to assess 14 mowing treatments (differing in intensity, frequency, and timing, and thus also in their required logistical effort) based on their effectiveness in (1) reducing population density of the existing cohort, (2) decreasing projected long-term population growth, and (3) limiting projected population spread of an invasive thistle, musk thistle (Carduus nutansL.). The treatment with high intensity and a single late mow caused the largest reduction in plant survival (and density of existing adult plants); the treatment with high intensity and an early mow in addition to a late mow was most effective at reducing population growth rate and population spread. Against expectation and conventional wisdom, the most frequent mowing treatment did not provide the most effective management outcome for any stated objective. This study highlights the necessity of clearly defined management aims; the term “control” is too vague to be truly useful. The results also provide important insights for the management of this invasive species.
The association between gut microbiota composition and BMI in Chinese male college students, as analysed by next-generation sequencing
Authors: Lv Yanrong , Qin Xiangxiang , Jia Huaijie , Chen Sirui , Sun Weiwei , Wang Xiaoxia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAltered gut microbial ecology contributes to the development of metabolic diseases including obesity. However, studies based on different populations have generated conflicting results due to diet, environment, methodologies, etc. The aim of our study was to explore the association between gut microbiota and BMI in Chinese college students. The 16S next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to test the gut microbiota of nine lean, nine overweight/obesity and ten normal-weight male college students. The differences in gut microbiota distribution among three groups were compared, and the relationship between the richness, diversity, composition of gut microbiota and BMI were analysed. The predominant phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were further confirmed by real-time PCR. Metagenomic biomarker discovery was conducted by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe). NGS revealed that gut microbiota composition was different among three groups, but there was no difference in the abundance ratio of Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes. Several bacterial taxa were in linear relationship with BMI (positive relationship: uncultured bacterium (Bacteroides genus); negative relationship: Porphyromonadaceae, Acidaminococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Blautia, Anaerotruncus, Parabacteroides, Alistipes). Moreover, gut microbiota diversity decreased with the increase in BMI. And LEfSe analysis indicated that Blautia, Anaerotruncus and its uncultured species were significantly enriched in the lean group (LDA score ≥ 3), Parasuterella and its uncultured species were significantly enriched in the overweight/obese groups (LDA score ≥ 3). In general, gut microbiota composition and microbial diversity were associated with BMI in Chinese male college students. Our results might enrich the understanding between gut microbiota and obesity.