bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid determination of lime requirement by mid‐infrared spectroscopy: A promising approach for precision agriculture
Authors: Leenen Matthias , Welp Gerhard , Gebbers Robin , Pätzold Stefan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMid‐infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) has proven to be a cost‐effective, high throughput measurement technique for soil analysis. After multivariate calibration mid‐infrared spectra can be used to predict various soil properties, some of which are related to lime requirement (LR). The objective of this study was to test the performance of MIRS for recommending variable rate liming on typical Central European soils in view of precision agriculture applications. In Germany, LR of arable topsoils is commonly derived from the parameters organic matter content (SOM), clay content, and soil pH (CaCl2) as recommended by the Association of German Agricultural Analytical and Research Institutes (VDLUFA). We analysed a total of 458 samples from six locations across Germany, which all revealed large within‐field soil heterogeneity. Calcareous topsoils were observed at some positions of three locations (79 samples). To exclude such samples from LR determination, peak height at 2513 cm−1 of the MIR spectrum was used for identification. Spectra‐based identification was accurate for carbonate contents > 0.5%. Subsequent LR derivation (LRSPP) from MIRS‐PLSR predictions of SOM, clay, and pH (CaCl2) for non‐calcareous soil samples using the VDLUFA look‐up tables was successful for all locations (R2 = 0.54–0.82; RMSE = 857–1414 kg CaO ha−1). Alternatively, we tested direct LR prediction (LRDP) by MIRS‐PLSR and also achieved satisfactory performance (R2 = 0.52–0.77; RMSE = 811–1420 kg CaO ha−1; RPD = 1.44–2.08). Further improvement was achieved by refining the VDLUFA tables towards a stepless algorithm. It can be concluded that MIRS provides a promising approach for precise LR estimation on heterogeneous arable fields. Large sample numbers can be processed with low effort which is an essential prerequisite for variable rate liming in precision agriculture.
Root trait plasticity and plant nutrient acquisition in phosphorus limited soil
Authors: Kumar Amit , Shahbaz Muhammad , Koirala Manisha , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Seidel Sabine Julia , Kuzyakov Yakov , Pausch Johanna 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTo overcome soil nutrient limitation, many plants have developed complex nutrient acquisition strategies including altering root morphology, root hair formation or colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The interactions of these strategies and their plasticity are, however, affected by soil nutrient status throughout plant growth. Such plasticity is decisive for plant phosphorus (P) acquisition in P‐limited soils. We investigated the P acquisition strategies and their plasticity of two maize genotypes characterized by the presence or absence of root hairs. We hypothesized that in the absence of root hairs plant growth is facilitated by traits with complementary functions, e.g., by higher root mycorrhizal colonization. This dependence on complementary traits will decrease in P fertilized soils. At early growth stages, root hairs are of little benefit for nutrient uptake. Regardless of the presence or absence of root hairs, plants produced average root biomass of 0.14 g per plant and exhibited 23% root mycorrhizal colonization. At later growth stages of maize, contrasting mechanisms with functional complementarity explained similar plant biomass production under P limitation: the presence of root hairs versus higher root mycorrhizal colonization (67%) favored by increased fine root diameter in absence of root hairs. P fertilization decreased the dependence of plant on specific root traits for nutrient acquisition. Through root trait plasticity, plants can minimize trade‐offs for developing and maintaining functional traits, while increasing the benefit in terms of nutrient acquisition and plant growth. The present study highlights the plasticity of functional root traits for efficient nutrient acquisition strategies in agricultural systems with low nutrient availability.
Upfront debulking surgery versus interval debulking surgery for advanced tubo‐ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma and diffuse peritoneal metastases treated with peritonectomy procedures plus HIPEC
Authors: Biacchi Daniele , Accarpio Fabio , Ansaloni Luca , Macrì Antonio , Ciardi Antonio , Federici Orietta , Spagnoli Alessandra , Cavaliere Davide , Vaira Marco , Sapienza Paolo , Sammartino Paolo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundWhether patients with advanced tubo‐ovarian high‐grade serous cancer (HGSC) fare better after upfront debulking surgery (UDS) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval debulking surgery (NACT‐IDS) remains controversial.MethodsWe studied patients with HGSC who underwent UDS or NACT‐IDS between July 2000 and December 2015, with peritonectomy procedures combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Clinical reports were included peritoneal cancer index (PCI), NACT responses, surgical complexity score (SCS), completeness of cytoreduction (CC), complete follow‐up with timing, site, and treatment of recurrence. Outcome measures were morbidity, progression‐free survival (PFS), PFS2, and overall survival during a mean 5‐year follow‐up.ResultsA total of 34 patients (23.6%) underwent UDS and 110 (76.4%) NACT‐IDS both combined with HIPEC. At a median 66.3‐month follow‐up, patients who underwent UDS or NACT‐IDS had similar outcomes. NACT subgroup responses correlated with PCI, SCS, morbidity, and CC. Patients who underwent UDS had lower recurrence rates than those who responded partly or poorly to NACT (PFS, P < .04; PFS2, P < .01). Despite HIPEC, the peritoneal disease recurred in 42.5% of the overall patients.ConclusionIn patients with primary HGSC who undergo UDS or NACT‐IDS, despite similar outcomes, peritonectomy procedures combined with HIPEC seem unable to prevent peritoneal recurrence.
Female Representation in Otolaryngology Leadership Roles
Authors: Epperson Madison , Gouveia Christopher J. , Tabangin Meredith E. , Takiar Vinita , Howell Rebecca , Altaye Mekibib , Ishman Stacey L. , Tang Alice L. 
Published: September 2019

Objectives/HypothesisCharacterization of leadership within otolaryngology is key to evaluating trends and promoting program advancement. This study evaluates representation of women in otolaryngology holding residency and fellowship directorships, or chair positions, comparing sex differences in academic rank, years in practice, and scholarly activity.Study DesignCross sectional analysis.MethodsA comprehensive list of otolaryngology residency and fellowship directors from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited programs in 2017 to 2018 was compiled. Academic rank and years in practice were determined from departmental websites, with online search tools used as secondary resources. The h‐index was utilized as a measure of research productivity. Regression analysis was performed to analyze these variables.ResultsAmong the 306 directorships, women held 57 (18.6%) of these positions, 27 (26.5%) residency and 30 (14.7%) fellowship directorships. Of the 99 chair positions, five (5.1%) were held by women. The majority (53.6%) of male directors were full professors, whereas only 26.3% of females were full professors (P = .04). Mean years in practice for female directors (13.9 ± 6.8) was less than that of male directors (20.3 ± 9.4, P < .0001). Similarly, mean h‐index for female directors (11 ± 7.2) was lower than for males (17.5 ± 12.5, P = .0001). After controlling for academic rank and years of practice in a multivariable regression, the h‐index remained lower for women than for men (P = .03).ConclusionsWomen are disproportionately underrepresented in positions of residency and fellowship directorships, and chair positions, consistent with other specialties. Women in leadership had lower academic ranks, fewer years of practice, and lower h‐indices than their male counterparts. This may represent a shift in academic otolaryngology as female otolaryngologists seek early involvement in leadership.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:1664–1669, 2020
Development of a ZHER3‐Affibody‐Targeted Nano‐Vector for Gene Delivery to HER3‐Overexpressed Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nazari Mahboobeh , Zamani Koukhaloo Saeideh , Mousavi Samira , Minai‐Tehrani Arash , Emamzadeh Rahman , Cheraghi Roya 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDespite the initial successes of gene delivery applications, they faced on several intrinsic drawbacks including toxicity and immunogenicity. Therefore, alternative gene‐delivery systems derived from recombinant peptides have emerged and is rapidly developing. Human epidermal growth factor receptor‐3 (HER3) shows high activity in tumor resistance to anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapies. In this study, an affibody molecule against HER3 is conjugated to a biomimetic peptide RALA (an amphipathic and cationic peptide enriched with arginine) and the ability of the fusion vector for targeting HER3 and afterward delivering specific genes in breast cancer cells is evaluated. The results demonstrate that the biopolymeric platform, which contains an affibody‐conjugated RALA peptide, can effectively condense DNA into nanoparticles and target the overexpressed HER3 receptors in breast cancer cells and transfer specific genes. The use of such a recombinant biopolymer may pave the way for the development of sensitive and effective diagnostic and treatment tool for breast cancer.
Influence of Steric Hindrance on Ferro‐ and Piezoelectric Performance of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐Based Ferroelectric Polymers
Authors: Li Zhong , Liao Jiani , Xi Ziting , Zhu Weiwei , Zhang Zhicheng 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPoly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and copolymers possess excellent ferro‐ and piezoelectric properties, and highly expected to be utilized as sensors in the areas covering the smart wearer, hydrophone, speaker, and medical ultrasonic devices. Besides PVDF in β crystalline phase, the copolymers with trifluoroethylene (TrFE) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) are widely investigated both in academia and industry. To illustrate how the steric hindrance between VDF and TrFE/TFE affects the condensed‐state structure and electric properties of the polymers, the electric properties and their dependences on molecular configuration and crystal structures of PVDF, P(VDF‐TrFE), and P(VDF‐TFE) are comparatively investigated. The introduction of same molar contents (20 mol%) of TrFE and TFE monomers into PVDF chain leads to the similar conformation transformation from α (γ ) phase to β phase and similar crystallinity in resultant P(VDF‐TFE) and P(VDF‐TrFE) thanks to the depressed energy of trans conformation and the increased energy barrier between anti‐gauche and trans conformation. That leads to the more preferred β‐phase and ferroelectric domains generated in P(VDF‐TrFE) and P(VDF‐TFE). Both the size of ferroelectric phase, the polarity of the polymer chain, the organization and orientation of the grains along the field are responsible for the excellent piezoelectric field resulted by the varied composition as well.
Combinatorial modulation of initial codons for improved zeaxanthin synthetic pathway efficiency in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wu Zaiqiang , Zhao Dongdong , Li Siwei , Wang Junsong , Bi Changhao , Zhang Xueli 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA balanced and optimized metabolic pathway is the basis for efficient production of a target metabolite. Traditional strategies mostly involve the manipulation of promoters or ribosome‐binding sites, which can encompass long sequences and can be complex to operate. In this work, we found that by changing only the three nucleotides of the initiation codons, expression libraries of reporter proteins RFP, GFP, and lacZ with a large dynamic range and evenly distributed expression levels could be established in Escherichia coli (E. coli). Thus, a novel strategy that uses combinatorial modulation of initial codons (CMIC) was developed for metabolic pathway optimization and applied to the three genes crtZ, crtY, and crtI of the zeaxanthin synthesis pathway in E. coli. The initial codons of these genes were changed to random nucleotides NNN, and the gene cassettes were assembled into vectors via an optimized strategy based on type II restriction enzymes. With minimal labor time, a combinatorial library was obtained containing strains with various zeaxanthin production levels, including a strain with a titer of 6.33 mg/L and specific production value of 1.24 mg/g DCW—a striking 10‐fold improvement over the starting strain. The results demonstrated that CMIC was a feasible technique for conveniently optimizing metabolic pathways. To our best knowledge, this is the first metabolic engineering strategy that relies on manipulating the initiation codons for pathway optimization in E. coli.
ω‐3 PUFAs Alleviate High‐Fat Diet–Induced Circadian Intestinal Microbes Dysbiosis
Authors: Gui Lifeng , Chen Si , Wang Hualin , Ruan Mengcheng , Liu Yang , Li Na , Zhang Hongyu , Liu Zhiguo 
Published: September 2019

ScopePublished data support that fish oil and algae oil rich in ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) protect against hyperlipidemia in mice. This study is aimed to explore the effects of fish oil and algae oil on high‐fat diet (HFD) induced circadian intestinal microbes dysregulation.Methods and ResultsMale C57BL/6 mice are randomly divided into four groups, which are fed a normal chow diet (CON), a HFD, a HFD supplemented with fish oil (FO), and a HFD supplemented with algae oil (AO), respectively, for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, mice are sacrificed at 12 h intervals with the first one at zeitgeber time 0 (ZT0) and the second at zeitgeber time 12 (ZT12). FO and AO groups ameliorate diet‐induced hyperlipidemia. The relative abundance of certain genera is improved in FO and AO groups according to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producing bacteria Butyricimonas and some of the genera in the Lachnospiraceae recover to the normal circadian rhythm in both FO and AO groups.ConclusionThe data show that FO and AO alleviate circadian gut microbiota dysregulation in mice caused by HFD, and support the further investigation of ω‐3 PUFAs as a dietary intervention strategy for the prevention of hyperlipidemia.
Simultaneous enhancements of mechanical and thermal properties of monomer cast nylon via polydimethylsiloxane‐modified kaolin
Authors: Ding Weijie , Wang Yuming , Ying Jie , Li Yue , Liu Honglin , Yuan Xiang , Yu Hang , Wang Jikui 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐modified Kaolin was prepared by the reaction between kaolin and PDMS. MC nylon 6/kaolin and MC nylon 6/kaolin‐PDMS composites with different filler contents were prepared through in situ polymerization. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis show that the feeding of kaolin improved thermal stability and crystallinity of nylon. When 1 wt% addition of kaolin‐PDMS, the tensile strength and impact strength of the as‐prepared composites reached a maximum value of 77.7 MPa and 4.5 kJ/m2, respectively, exhibiting remarkable mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the water absorption capacity of the as‐prepared composites was greatly reduced by 60% with the addition of kaolin, and the modified kaolin possesses even better performances. The results show that the treated kaolin can greatly enhance the properties of cast nylon and has an outstanding application prospect.
Paucity of Paucimannosylation Revoked
Authors: Wuhrer Manfred 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPaucimannosidic N‐glycans (PMGs) are special in that they only have the chitobiose core of two β‐linked N‐acetylglucosamines extended with up to three mannose residues and a core fucose. While such short‐chain glycans are well described in plants, reports on their expression in humans have been rather scarce. Also, these glycans are often seen as a potential analytical artifact. Recently, it became clear that PMGs are abundantly expressed on various proteins from human neutrophils, opening up a new field of research into the potential biological roles of these modifications. Another niche where PMGs have repeatedly been described are human cancer tissues and cell lines. Chatterjee et al. build on these scattered reports by performing a large‐scale pan‐cancer investigation showing that PMGs are broadly expressed in different types of tumor tissues as well as related cell lines. Also, the related noncancerous control tissues likewise exhibit PMGs, albeit at lower levels than the corresponding tumors. In conclusion, this study establishes PMGs as a widely occurring modification of human proteins, and further studies are needed to elucidate the biosynthesis, function and tissue‐ as well as protein‐associated expression of PMGs.
Social complexity negatively influences lung function in cystic fibrosis after transfer to adult care
Authors: Crowley Erin M. , Bosslet Gabriel T. , Khan Babar , Ciccarelli Mary , Brown Cynthia D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral nongenetic factors, such as socioeconomic status, environmental exposures, and adherence have been described to have an impact on outcomes in cystic fibrosis (CF).ObjectiveTo determine the effect of social complexity on the % predicted forced expiratory volume (ppFEV1) before and after transfer to adult care among adolescents with CF.MethodsRetrospective, single center, cohort study included all patients with CF who were transitioned into adult care between 2005 and 2015 at Indiana University. Social complexity (Bob's level of social support, [BLSS]) was collected at transfer. Linear mixed regression models assessed the relationship between ppFEV1 decline over time and BLSS with other covariates.ResultsThe median age of the patients (N = 133) at the time of transfer was 20 years (interquartile range: 19‐23). Overall, there was a decline in lung function over time in our population (ppFEV1 at 24 months pretransfer 77 ± 20%, ppFEV1 at 24 months, posttransfer 66 ± 24%; P < .001). The relationship between BLSS and ppFEV1 became more negative over time, even after adjusting for other covariates.ConclusionSocial complexity is strongly associated with lung function decline after transfer to adult care.
Shewhart‐type Phase II control charts for monitoring times to an event with a guaranteed in‐control and good out‐of‐control performance
Authors: Kumar Nirpeksh , Baranwal Amita , Chakraborti Subha 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMonitoring time to event (failure) data is important in many applications. Proper monitoring and control can make the production process more efficient and provide economic advantages. In this paper, we consider the efficacy of a class of Shewhart‐type control charts for monitoring time to event data following an exponential distribution with an unknown mean, which is estimated from a class of estimators. An estimator is chosen within this class, so that the in‐control performance is maximized with respect to a number of popular criteria in the recent literature, and the proposed optimal charts are compared on the basis of their in‐control and out‐of‐control performance. The comparisons include the traditional Phase II exponential Shewhart chart using the maximum likelihood estimator. Improved in‐control and out‐of‐control performances of these charts can enhance the quality and productivity of manufacturing processes. Since no chart is best under all the criteria, a ranking system is used to choose a chart to use in practice with a good overall performance. Two illustrative examples using real data are given; summary and conclusions are offered.
A Thallium Ion Sensor Development Based on the Synthesized (E)‐N′‐(Methoxybenzylidene)‐4‐ Methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide Derivatives: Environmental Sample Analysis
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Musarraf , Asiri Abdullah M. , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Rahman Mohammed M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this research work, three new derivatives of (E)‐Nʹ‐(methoxybenzylidene)‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide (MBMBSH) were prepared by means of a condensation technique from the methoxybenzaldehyde and 4‐methyl‐benzenesulphonylhydrazine in good yields, which were crystallized in EtOH and MeOH. MBMBSH ligands were examined through spectroscopic progression (1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FTIR, and UV‐Visible). Structures of the MBMBSH lignads confirmed with a single crystal X‐ray diffraction scheme (SCXRDS). MBMBSH derivatives used for the imminent recognition of heavy metal ion (thallium) based on a reliable current‐voltage (I−V) procedure. Smooth GCE was covered with a light layer of MBMBSH molecules and consequently modified toward a sensitive and selective thallium ion sensor using conducting polymer matrix, Nafion (NF). Analytical parameters such as sensitivity, LOQ, and LOD of GCE/4‐MBMBSH/NF as a sensor were calculated from the calibration plot and found as 622.9 pAμM−1cm−2, 250.0 mM, and 75.0 pM respectively. This prospective sensor (GCE/4‐MBMBSH/NF) applied to the careful determination of thallium ion in spiked environmental samples and found satisfactory result.
One‐Pot Catalytic Synthesis of Aniline‐Copolymer‐Containing Reactive Aldehyde Groups Using a Laccase‐Mediator System
Authors: Khlupova Maria , Morozova Olga , Shumakovich Galina , Vasil'eva Irina , Zaitseva Elena , Yaropolov Alexander 
Published: September 2019

AbstractLaccase‐mediator systems (LMS) are extensively used both for degradation of various xenobiotics and synthesis of new compounds. In this work a laccase‐mediator system was applied to copolymerization of aniline and 2‐aminophenythyl alcohol on a ‘soft’ poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propansulfonic acid) (PAMPS) template. The one‐pot biocatalytic reaction resulted in obtaining a conducting copolymer/PAMPS complex with reactive aldehyde groups which enabled grafting the physiologically active compound 3,4‐dihydroxy‐L‐phenylalanine (DOPA) to it.
Carbazole Dendrimers with Acridone at the Core and Periphery: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Liu Renfei , Ding Weiwei , Zhang Qianyu , Song Yujun , Zhang Gang 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAcridone‐functionalized carbazole dendrimers were synthesized via copper‐catalyzed Ullmann amination and their properties were investigated by spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, as well as theoretical calculations. The results reveal that the properties of the carbazole dendrimers vary according to the position of acridone. Intramolecular charge transfer between the acridone core and the outer carbazole dendron is observed, accompanying a red shift of the emission maximum and a decline of quantum yields with the rise of the dendrimer generation. Whereas the internal carbazole unit has little influences on the photoluminescence of dendrimers with acridone at the periphery in solution. The electrochemical analysis and theoretical calculations demonstrate a convergence in HOMO and LUMO energy levels in dendrimers bearing the acridone core and a decrease in both of these energy levels in dendrimers with the acridone at the periphery when the dendrimer generation increases.