bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory vs. in situ resin‐core methods to estimate net nitrogen mineralization for comparison of rotation and tillage practices
Authors: Zou Congming , Pearce Robert C. , Grove John H. , Coyne Mark S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractProperly estimating soil nitrogen (N) mineralization as a consequence of different agronomic practices would result in better soil N fertility management. In this study, we tested the differences between laboratory and in situ resin‐core incubation methods for estimating soil net N mineralization for long‐term burley tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.) tillage and rotation systems. The laboratory incubation method used crushed, homogenized, litter‐free soil samples, and the in situ resin‐core incubation method used an intact soil core with the inclusion of any plant residue below or above ground. Comparisons showed that no‐tillage had significantly increased soil net N mineralization compared to conventional tillage with the laboratory incubation method, while there was no significant difference between tillage methods with the in situ resin‐core method. This indicates that soil pretreatment in the laboratory incubation method can create an “artificial tillage effect” for soil previously managed with no‐tillage, resulting in overestimated soil net N mineralization. The rotation comparison showed that different crop sequences had no impact on measured net N mineralization with the laboratory incubation method. However, a preceding soybean crop did significantly increase net soil N mineralization compared to preceding corn when measured with the in situ resin‐core method. This suggests that discarding plant residue in the laboratory incubation method can neglect the potential effect of plant residue on soil N mineralization. Therefore, it is important to be aware that soil pretreatment may influence soil N mineralization estimates, potentially resulting in flawed decisions for soil N fertility management.
Synergistic use of biochar, compost and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria for enhancing cucumber growth under water deficit conditions
Authors: Nadeem Sajid M , Imran Muhammad , Naveed Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Y , Ahmad Maqshoof , Zahir Zahir A , Crowley David E 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDLimited information is available about the effectiveness of biochar with plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and compost. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar in combination with compost and PGPR (Pseudomonas fluorescens) for alleviating water deficit stress. Both inoculated and un‐inoculated cucumber seeds were sown in soil treated with biochar, compost and biochar + compost. Three water levels – field capacity (D0), 75% field capacity (D1) and 50% field capacity (D2) – were maintained.RESULTSThe results showed that water deficit stress significantly suppressed the growth of cucumber; however, synergistic use of biochar, compost and PGPR mitigated the negative impact of stress. At D2, the synergistic use of biochar, compost and PGPR caused significant increases in shoot length, shoot biomass, root length and root biomass, which were respectively 88, 77, 89 and 74% more than in the un‐inoculated control. Significant improvements in chlorophyll and relative water contents as well as reduction in leaf electrolyte leakage demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. Moreover, the highest population of P. fluorescens was observed where biochar and compost were applied together.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that application of biochar with PGPR and/or compost could be an effective strategy for enhancing plant growth under stress. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Oxidative behavior of (+)‐catechin in the presence of inactive dry yeasts: a comparison with sulfur dioxide, ascorbic acid and glutathione
Authors: Comuzzo Piergiorgio , Toniolo Rosanna , Battistutta Franco , Lizee Marion , Svigelj Rossella , Zironi Roberto 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe antioxidant capacity of an inactive dry yeast preparation (YD) was investigated by conventional analytical methods (spectrophotometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography) as well as by cyclic voltammetry in a (+)‐catechin model wine and compared with that of some of the most common antioxidants found in wine: sulfur dioxide, ascorbic acid and glutathione.RESULTSSulfur dioxide was the highest‐performing substance in protecting (+)‐catechin against browning, followed by ascorbic acid and the YD preparation. Sulfites were the only antioxidant whose activity was clearly detectable in the model wines after 29 days of storage. Voltammetric studies demonstrated that the antioxidant capacity of the products tested was connected to their intrinsic characteristics and their molar concentrations (catechin/antioxidant molar ratio).CONCLUSIONThe YD preparation displayed a certain ability to protect polyphenols against browning. The antioxidant activity of YDs towards (+)‐catechin appeared to be based on different mechanisms with respect to that of the other products tested: the insoluble portion of these preparations (cell wall residues) might have a non‐negligible role, even if the ability of YDs to release compounds able to suppress oxidation cannot be rejected. Direct comparison of the different antioxidants led to interesting indications concerning their mechanism of action in wine‐like solution, depending on their concentration and intrinsic characteristics. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
4,4′‐Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and 4,4′‐dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) inhibit myogenesis in C2C12 myoblasts
Authors: Kim Jonggun , Park Min Young , Kim Yoo , Yoon Kyong Sup , Clark John Marshall , Park Yeonhwa , Whang Kwang‐Youn 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDMost countries have banned the use of 4,4′‐dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). However, owing to its extremely high lipophilic characteristics, DDT and its metabolite 4,4′‐dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) are ubiquitous in the environment and in many types of food. The positive correlation between exposure to insecticides, including DDT and DDE, and weight gain, resulting in impaired energy metabolism in offspring following perinatal DDT and DDE exposure, was previously reported. Therefore the influence of DDT and DDE on myogenesis using C2C12 myoblasts was investigated in this study.RESULTSDDT and DDE decreased myotube formation dose‐ and time‐dependently. Among myogenic regulatory factors, DDT and DDE mainly decreased MyoD1 and Myf5 expression. DDT and DDE treatment also altered Myostatin expression, phosphorylation of protein kinase B, p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase, forkhead box O protein 3 and mammalian target of rapamycin, resulting in attenuation of myotube formation.CONCLUSIONThese results may have significant implications for understanding the effects of developmental exposure of DDT and DDE on myogenesis and development of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction as an effective preanalytical step for the determination of estradiol in human urine
Authors: Kupcová Elena , Reiffová Katarína 
Published: April 2017

In this work, a fast and effective dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was developed for the isolation and preconcentration of free 17 β‐estradiol, the main human estrogen, from real human urine samples. To optimize the extraction technique, few important parameters such as type and volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, centrifugation conditions, effect of salt addition, and extraction time were studied. Optimal conditions were obtained when injecting 600 μL mixture of tetrachloromethane as extraction solvent and ethanol as dispersive solvent (1:5, v/v) into 2 mL of urine containing 8% NaCl and following centrifugation at 10 000 rpm, thus reaching enrichment factor 28 and extraction recovery 98% for estradiol. Procedure was evaluated by means of high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (λ = 280 nm) using a C‐18 column and methanol/water (60:40, v/v) as the mobile phase. The method was linear within the concentration range 1.0–250.0 mg/L (r = 0.9997) and provided a limit of detection of 0.25 mg/L. The proposed method was applied to the determination of free estradiol in real human pregnancy urine.
Determination of chlorophenols in water using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with water‐in‐oil microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography in normal stacking mode
Authors: Shi Ludi , Wang Jin , Feng Jing , Zhao Sihan , Wang Zhengmeng , Tao Hu , Liu Shuhui 
Published: April 2017

The current routes to couple dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with capillary electrophoresis are the evaporation of water immiscible extractants and the back‐extraction of analytes. In this study, a new methodology for this combination using water‐in‐oil microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography coupled with normal stacking mode on‐line sample concentration was developed to analyze chlorophenols in water samples. The analytes were extracted with tributyl phosphate and the extractant dilution (3×) was directly injected into an electrophoresis buffer (7.7 cm) containing 5% sodium dodecyl sulfate, 78% 1‐butanol, 2% 1‐heptane, and 15% sodium acetate solution (pH 8.0). This proposed method is very simple and convenient compared to the conventional procedures. The key parameters affecting separation and concentration were systematically optimized. Under the optimized conditions, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction contributed an enrichment factor of 45–50, and the overall sensitivity improvement was 312–418‐fold. Limits of detection between 1.4 and 3.0 ng/mL and limits of quantification between 4.5 and 10.2 ng/mL were achieved. Acceptable repeatability lower than 3.0% for migration time and 9.0% for peak areas were obtained. The developed method was successfully applied for analysis of the chlorophenols in real water samples.
Assessing the performance of bias correction approaches for correcting monthly precipitation over India through coupled models
Authors: Singh Ankita , Sahoo Raj Kumar , Nair Archana , Mohanty U. C. , Rai R. K. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTThe objective of the present study was to investigate the inter‐annual variation and error structure in the prediction of monthly precipitation through two global coupled models, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory model. In view of the consistent systematic bias (dry bias during summer monsoon months and wet bias during pre‐monsoon months in CFSv2) a requirement to correct the inherent error is inevitable. For this purpose, a few bias correction methods, standardization−reconstruction (Z), quantile−quantile mapping (QQ) and nonlinear transformation (NL_Zi), are explored. The methods are applied to the outputs of the dynamic models and the efficiency is examined through different statistical skill measures. A maximum error reduction is noticed for March, July, September and December. A decreasing tendency for rainfall in July is represented by the raw model and its biased counterpart. The observed probability is noticed to be overestimated (underestimated) corresponding to below normal (above normal) precipitation in the raw model. The varying relationship between monthly precipitation and the NINO3.4 index might be a reason for misleading prediction during extreme years. Among the bias correction methods, NL_Zi showed maximum improvement in terms of predicting the precipitation amount and probability distribution all through the year irrespective of the selection of the coupled model.
A novel molecular diagnostics platform for somatic and germline precision oncology
Authors: Cabanillas Rubén , Diñeiro Marta , Castillo David , Pruneda Patricia C. , Penas Cristina , Cifuentes Guadalupe A. , de Vicente Álvaro , Durán Noelia S. , Álvarez Rebeca , Ordóñez Gonzalo R. , Cadiñanos Juan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) opens new options in clinical oncology, from therapy selection to genetic counseling. However, realization of this potential not only requires succeeding in the bioinformatics and interpretation of the results, but also in their integration into the clinical practice. We have developed a novel NGS diagnostic platform aimed at detecting (1) somatic genomic alterations associated with the response to approved targeted cancer therapies and (2) germline mutations predisposing to hereditary malignancies.MethodsNext‐generation sequencing libraries enriched in the exons of 215 cancer genes (97 for therapy selection and 148 for predisposition, with 30 informative for both applications), as well as selected introns from 17 genes involved in drug‐related rearrangements, were prepared from 39 tumors (paraffin‐embedded tissues/cytologies), 36 germline samples (blood) and 10 cell lines using hybrid capture. Analysis of NGS results was performed with specifically developed bioinformatics pipelines.ResultsThe platform detects single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertions/deletions (indels) with sensitivity and specificity >99.5% (allelic frequency ≥0.1), as well as copy‐number variants (CNVs) and rearrangements. Somatic testing identified tailored approved targeted drugs in 35/39 tumors (89.74%), showing a diagnostic yield comparable to that of leading commercial platforms. A somatic EGFR p.E746_S752delinsA mutation in a mediastinal metastasis from a breast cancer prompted its anatomopathologic reassessment, its definite reclassification as a lung cancer and its treatment with gefitinib (partial response sustained for 15 months). Testing of 36 germline samples identified two pathogenic mutations (in CDKN2A and BRCA2). We propose a strategy for interpretation and reporting of results adaptable to the aim of the request, the availability of tumor and/or normal samples and the scope of the informed consent.ConclusionWith an adequate methodology, it is possible to translate to the clinical practice the latest advances in precision oncology, integrating under the same platform the identification of somatic and germline genomic alterations.
Weight loss in Weight Watchers Online with and without an activity tracking device compared to control: A randomized trial
Authors: Thomas J. Graham , Raynor Hollie A. , Bond Dale S. , Luke Anna K. , Cardoso Chelsi C. , Foster Gary D. , Wing Rena R. 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate a commercial online weight loss program and activity tracker, which are popular but have unknown efficacy.MethodsTwo hundred seventy‐nine participants with BMI 27 to 40 kg/m2 were randomized to 12 months of the Weight Watchers Online program alone (WWO) or with the ActiveLink® activity tracking device (WWO+AL) or an online newsletter (Control).ResultsWeight losses at 3 months were significantly greater in WWO (2.7 kg [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.0‐3.5 kg] than Control (1.3 kg [95% CI, 0.5‐2.0 kg]; P = 0.01); neither differed from WWO+AL (2.0 kg [95% CI, 1.3‐2.7 kg]; Ps > 0.56). Significantly more WWO participants (24.5%) achieved ≥ 5% weight loss at 3 months than Control (9.4%) (P = 0.01); neither differed from WWO+AL (17.6%) (Ps = 0.13‐0.28). At 12 months, there were no significant differences between groups in weight loss (Ps > 0.52). WWO (25.5%) continued to have a higher proportion of participants achieving ≥ 5% weight loss than Control (12.9%) (P = 0.04); neither differed from WWO+AL (14.3%) (Ps > 0.10). There were no significant between‐group differences in change in physical activity (Ps > 0.17).ConclusionsWWO produced significantly more weight loss at 3 months relative to Control, but not at 12 months. Significantly more WWO than Control participants lost ≥ 5% at both 3 and 12 months. Participants receiving an activity tracking device did not achieve greater weight loss or physical activity increases than those in a Control condition.
Mild fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly: prevalence, characteristics, and utility of ancillary testing in cases presenting to a tertiary referral center
Authors: Mehlhorn Alison J. , Morin Cara E. , Wong‐You‐Cheong Jade J. , Contag Stephen A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveVentriculomegaly is the most common fetal brain anomaly identified during prenatal anatomy ultrasound. The aim of our study was to characterize cases of mild ventriculomegaly and investigate the utility of ancillary tests.MethodWe reviewed 121 cases of mild ventriculomegaly, defined as lateral ventricle diameter of 10 to 15 mm. Characteristics of the ventricular dilation as well as each pregnancy were investigated. Ancillary tests performed included follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), chromosomal abnormality testing, and maternal serologic infection screening. The utility of each test was analyzed.ResultsWe identified 56 cases of isolated and 65 cases of complex ventriculomegaly. Seventy‐two (59.5%) were unilateral, and 49 (40.5%) were bilateral, with a mean gestational age at diagnosis of 24.5 weeks. MRI provided additional information in 3/24 (12.5%) cases of isolated ventriculomegaly compared with 18/23 (78.2%) cases of complex ventriculomegaly. Chromosomal abnormality testing identified 4/9 (44.4%) genetic abnormalities compared with 8/30 (26.7%) in cases of isolated and complex mild ventriculomegaly, respectively. Finally, maternal serology infection screening was negative in all cases.ConclusionAncillary testing is useful in isolated mild ventriculomegaly. Follow‐up MRI and chromosome abnormality testing specifically provided clinically useful information. Although there were no cases of maternal infection, screening may be an important component in management. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation fitting of irradiated solar cells using variable threshold energy for atomic displacement
Authors: Salzberger Manuel , Nömayr Christel , Lugli Paolo , Messenger Scott R. , Zimmermann Claus G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCharacteristic degradation curves for proton and electron induced degradation of triple junction (3J) and isotype Ga0.5In0.5P/GaAs/Ge solar cells were obtained. The displacement damage dose methodology in combination with a varying effective threshold energy for atomic displacement Td,eff was used to analyze 3G28 and 3G30 3J cell data. The nonionizing energy loss (NIEL) was calculated analytically, and Td,eff was explicitly introduced as a fit parameter. Using the GaAs NIEL in fitting the 3J degradation data, a Td,eff of 21 eV was determined, whereas a Td,eff of 36 eV was found using the Ga0.5In0.5P NIEL. In GaAs and Ga0.5In0.5P single junction cells, the effective threshold energies for atomic displacement of 22 and 34 eV were determined. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive finite‐time stabilization of a class of quantized nonlinearly parameterized systems
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Ho Daniel W. C. , Xu Shengyuan , Zhang Baoyong 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis paper deals with the problem of adaptive control of a class of strict‐feedback nonlinearly parameterized systems with quantized input signal. A hysteretic type of quantizer is used to avoid chattering. By using a power integrator technique, a new controller is designed to ensure the global finite‐time stability of the nonlinear system. Finally, two simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our design method. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced Erg Dosage Impairs Survival of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Authors: Xie Ying , Koch Mia Lee , Zhang Xin , Hamblen Melanie J. , Godinho Frank J. , Fujiwara Yuko , Xie Huafeng , Klusmann Jan-Henning , Orkin Stuart H. , Li Zhe 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
ERG, an ETS family transcription factor frequently overexpressed in human leukemia, has been implicated as a key regulator of hematopoietic stem cells. However, how ERG controls normal hematopoiesis, particularly at the stem and progenitor cell level, and how it contributes to leukemogenesis remain incompletely understood. Using homologous recombination, we generated an Erg knockdown allele (Ergkd) in which Erg expression can be conditionally restored by Cre recombinase. Ergkd/kd animals die at E10.5–E11.5 due to defects in endothelial and hematopoietic cells, but can be completely rescued by Tie2-Cre-mediated restoration of Erg in these cells. In Ergkd/+ mice, ∼40% reduction in Erg dosage perturbs both fetal liver and bone marrow hematopoiesis by reducing the numbers of Lin–Sca-1+c-Kit+ (LSK) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and megakaryocytic progenitors. By genetic mosaic analysis, we find that Erg-restored HSPCs outcompete Ergkd/+ HSPCs for contribution to adult hematopoiesis in vivo. This defect is in part due to increased apoptosis of HSPCs with reduced Erg dosage, a phenotype that becomes more drastic during 5-FU-induced stress hematopoiesis. Expression analysis reveals that reduced Erg expression leads to changes in expression of a subset of ERG target genes involved in regulating survival of HSPCs, including increased expression of a pro-apoptotic regulator Bcl2l11 (Bim) and reduced expression of Jun. Collectively, our data demonstrate that ERG controls survival of HSPCs, a property that may be used by leukemic cells.
Unacylated Ghrelin Enhances Satellite Cell Function and Relieves the Dystrophic Phenotype in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy mdx Model
Authors: Reano Simone , Angelino Elia , Ferrara Michele , Malacarne Valeria , Sustova Hana , Sabry Omar , Agosti Emanuela , Clerici Sara , Ruozi Giulia , Zentilin Lorena , Prodam Flavia , Geuna Stefano , Giacca Mauro , Graziani Andrea , Filigheddu Nicoletta 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Muscle regeneration depends on satellite cells (SCs), quiescent precursors that, in consequence of injury or in pathological states such as muscular dystrophies, activate, proliferate, and differentiate to repair the damaged tissue. A subset of SCs undergoes self-renewal, thus preserving the SC pool and its regenerative potential. Unacylated ghrelin (UnAG) is a circulating hormone that protects muscle from atrophy, promotes myoblast differentiation, and enhances ischemia-induced muscle regeneration. Here we show that UnAG increases SC activity and stimulates Par polarity complex/p38-mediated asymmetric division, fostering both SC self-renewal and myoblast differentiation. Because of those activities on different steps of muscle regeneration, we hypothesized a beneficial effect of UnAG in mdx dystrophic mice, in which the absence of dystrophin leads to chronic muscle degeneration, defective muscle regeneration, fibrosis, and, at later stages of the pathology, SC pool exhaustion. Upregulation of UnAG levels in mdx mice reduces muscle degeneration, improves muscle function, and increases dystrophin-null SC self-renewal, maintaining the SC pool. Our results suggest that UnAG has significant therapeutic potential for preserving the muscles in dystrophies.