bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus bioavailability of sewage sludge‐based recycled fertilizers
Authors: Wollmann Iris , Gauro Ajay , Müller Torsten , Möller Kurt 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSix phosphorus (P) fertilizers recycled from sewage sludge [Struvite SSL, Struvite AirPrex®, P‐RoC®, Mephrec®, Pyrolysis coal and Ash (Mg‐SSA)] were tested for their plant availability in potted soil of pH 7.2 under greenhouse conditions. The crop sequence simulated a rotation of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), maize (Zea maize L.), and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Other P fertilizer treatments included: Phosphate Rock (PR), Calcium dihydrogen phosphate [Ca(H2PO4)2], and an unfertilized control. Additionally, soil was regularly inoculated with two strains of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; Pseudomonas sp. Proradix, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) to test their ability to increase P availability to plants. Sequential P fractionation was conducted to link the amount of readily available P in fertilizers to plant P acquisition. Shoot P content and dry matter of maize decreased in the following order: Struvite SSL ≥ Ca(H2PO4)2 > P‐RoC® ≥ Struvite AirPrex® ≥ Mephrec® > Pyrolysis coal ≥ Mg‐SSA ≥ PR ≥ unfertilized. Rhizobacteria did not affect shoot biomass or P content. The results show that red clover might have mobilized substantial amounts of P. Sequential P fractionation was not suitable to predict the efficacy of the fertilizers. Generally, the sewage sludge‐based fertilizers tested proved to be suitable alternative P sources relevant to organic farming systems. However, the efficacy of recycled fertilizers is strongly dependent on their specific production conditions.
Synchronized proxy‐based temperature reconstructions reveal mid‐ to late Holocene climate oscillations in High Arctic Svalbard
Authors: Luoto Tomi P. , Ojala Antti E. K. , Arppe Laura , Brooks Stephen J. , Kurki Eija , Oksman Mimmi , Wooller Matthew J. , Zajączkowski Marek 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTExisting paleoclimate data are exceedingly sparse from southern Spitsbergen, a High Arctic region predicted to experience significant environmental changes because of amplified warming. We analyzed biotic and isotopic paleolimnological proxies to reconstruct past climate from a lacustrine sediment core, with a basal age of ∼5500 a BP, in southern Spitsbergen (77°N). We used fossil Chironomidae assemblages to quantitatively reconstruct past mean July air temperatures and stable oxygen isotope values (δ18O) of these fossils to estimate changes in mean annual air temperature. These proxy records are strikingly similar and show that the coldest anomaly since the mid‐Holocene occurred between 350 and 50 cal a BP, during the ‘Little Ice Age’, whereas the warmest period in the summer temperature record occurred between 5500–5000 and ∼2000 cal a BP. Our findings indicate that the natural long‐term air temperature dynamics in our study area are most likely connected to solar minima and positive feedback mechanisms from sea‐surface temperature maxima. The results also highlight that the recent temperature increase is unprecedented in its rate with a ∼2 °C increase in the summer temperatures during the past ∼50 years.
Three‐dimensional endoscopy for endoscopic salvage nasopharyngectomy: Preliminary report of experience
Authors: Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Wei William Ignace 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundProspective, observational study to assess the efficacy of salvage nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) via the endoscopic endonasal approach using a three‐dimensional (3D) high‐definition endoscopic system.MethodsBetween 2016 and 2017, 30 patients with recurrent NPC were recruited. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative data were recorded. Instrument ergonomics and perceived advantages were assessed by the operating, assisting, and observing surgeons.ResultsThe majority (70%) of patients received radiotherapy alone as the initial treatment for NPC, and tumor recurred after a mean interval of 16.8 months. The tumor (T) classifications of the recurrent (R) tumors were: RT1: 46.7%; RT2: 33.3%; and RT3: 20.0%. The mean operative time was 293.3 minutes, and no conversion to open approach was necessary. Internal carotid artery dissection was required in nine patients, and the resection and repair of dura was required in six patients. The most common method of reconstruction was free vastus lateralis flap (46.7%). Microscopically clear resection margins were achieved in 73.3% of patients. The mean hospital stay was 6.8 days. There was no hospital mortality. One patient developed minor secondary hemorrhage, whereas the other developed transient contralateral vocal cord paralysis. On quantitative assessment, surgeons noticed a significant advantage of the 3D system with regard to depth and size perception, anatomy identification, and hand–eye coordination, whereas there was no significant difference in terms of strain sensation and dizziness.ConclusionThe 3D high‐definition endoscopic system improves the precision of endoscopic nasopharyngectomy, particularly when dissection of the internal carotid artery and dura is required.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:1386–1391, 2018
The contribution of cochlear implants to postural stability
Authors: Shayman Corey S. , Mancini Martina , Weaver Tyler S. , King Laurie A. , Hullar Timothy E. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo determine whether spatial auditory cues provided by cochlear implants can improve postural balance in adults with severe deafness.MethodsIn the presence of spatial white noise, 13 adult cochlear implantees wore head and lumbar‐mounted inertial sensors while standing in the dark for 30 seconds in two auditory conditions: hearing assistive devices on and off.ResultsStability was improved with implants on (aided condition) compared to off (unaided condition) with respect to differences in mean head velocity (Cohen's d = 0.912, P = 0.006) as well as to root mean square (RMS) acceleration (Cohen's d = 0.456, P = 0.048). This was particularly evident in measures of anteroposterior accelerations (mean difference = 0.034 m/s2; Cohen's d = 0.612; P = 0.011).ConclusionThe decrease in RMS head acceleration and velocity while wearing cochlear implants suggests that they could be recognized as balance implants in addition to auditory implants. The clinical importance of this finding in various patient populations remains to be determined.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:1676–1680, 2018
Inner‐volume echo volumar imaging (IVEVI) for robust fetal brain imaging
Authors: Nunes Rita G. , Ferrazzi Giulio , Price Anthony N. , Hutter Jana , Gaspar Andreia S. , Rutherford Mary A. , Hajnal Joseph V. 
Published: November 2017

PurposeFetal functional MRI studies using conventional 2‐dimensional single‐shot echo‐planar imaging sequences may require discarding a large data fraction as a result of fetal and maternal motion. Increasing the temporal resolution using echo volumar imaging (EVI) could provide an effective alternative strategy. Echo volumar imaging was combined with inner volume (IV) imaging (IVEVI) to locally excite the fetal brain and acquire full 3‐dimensional images, fast enough to freeze most fetal head motion.MethodsIVEVI was implemented by modifying a standard multi‐echo echo‐planar imaging sequence. A spin echo with orthogonal excitation and refocusing ensured localized excitation. To introduce
weighting and to save time, the k‐space center was shifted relative to the spin echo. Both single and multi‐shot variants were tested. Acoustic noise was controlled by adjusting the amplitude and switching frequency of the readout gradient. Image‐based shimming was used to minimize B0 inhomogeneities within the fetal brain.ResultsThe sequence was first validated in an adult. Eight fetuses were scanned using single‐shot IVEVI at a 3.5 × 3.5 × 5.0 mm3 resolution with a readout duration of 383 ms. Multishot IVEVI showed reduced geometric distortions along the second phase‐encode direction.ConclusionsFetal EVI remains challenging. Although effective echo times comparable to the
values of fetal cortical gray matter at 3 T could be achieved, controlling acoustic noise required longer readouts, leading to substantial distortions in single‐shot images. Although multishot variants enabled us to reduce susceptibility‐induced geometric distortions, sensitivity to motion was increased. Future studies should therefore focus on improvements to multishot variants. Magn Reson Med 80:279–285, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Double band gap gradients in sequentially processed photovoltaic absorbers from the Cu(In,Ga)Se2‐ZnSe pseudobinary system
Authors: Kondrotas Rokas , Oliva Florian , Alcobe Xavier , Izquierdo‐Roca Victor , Perez‐Rodriguez Alejandro , Saucedo Edgardo , Pistor Paul 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWide band gap Cu(In,Ga)Se2‐ZnSe (CIGZSe) thin films have been synthesized using a sequential process, with the objective to demonstrate the possibility to tune the band gap and introduce double gradients playing with the content of Ga at the back and Zn at the front. In a first approach, we start by varying the 3‐valent cationic composition of the system, and then we modify the reactive annealing conditions in order to understand and control the elemental gradients. Structural, compositional, and morphological properties of the corresponding absorbers were analysed by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, Auger spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Solar cells were fabricated and characterized, focusing on the identification of the most promising cationic composition. The compounds from the complex Cu(In,Ga)Se2‐ZnSe system can adopt either the chalcopyrite or sphalerite phases depending on the [Zn]/[metals] and [Ga]/([Ga] + [In]) ratios. We demonstrate that Ga naturally diffuses towards the back region forming a Ga‐rich, wide band gap chalcopyrite phase at the rear contact, as is commonly observed for a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 synthesized via selenization process. On the contrary, Zn is preferably accumulated at the surface, forming wide band gap sphalerite Cu(In,Ga)ZnSe3 phases with high Zn and very low Ga contents at the surface. This opens an additional way to control the surface's band gap. With this approach, the formation of a doubly graded band gap profile with Ga‐rich layers at the back and Zn‐rich layers at the front is demonstrated in a single selenization step, showing promising efficiency and open circuit voltage values (up to 6.7% and 709 mV, respectively).
Theoretical study on adsorption properties of methyl methacrylate and its molecular chain within metal‐organic frameworks
Authors: Ye Feihong , Xu Biao , Lu Tao , Zhou Xinhui , Lu Yunqing , Wang Jin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUtilizing metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as a “polymerization container” is a very effective method to prepare oriented and therefore birefringent polymer materials. In particular, the adsorption of polymer monomers and molecular chains within MOFs has a profound impact on the orientation of polymer chains. In this work, a theoretical study on the adsorption properties of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and its molecular chain within MOFs has been conducted by employing a combination of molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and Monte Carlo method, where 2 MOFs, [Zn2(1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate)2triethylenediamine]n and [Zn2(4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylate)2triethylenediamine]n, were chosen. The corresponding number and degree of orientation of adsorbed molecules in these 2 MOFs were obtained from the simulations. The calculation results revealed 3 factors that affect the adsorption and orientation of MMA monomers in MOF pore channels. First, as the walls of the MOF pores are polar surfaces and consist of metal ions and organic ligands, the electrostatic interaction between the MOF channels and polar MMA molecules promotes the adsorption and orientation of the MMA monomers within the pore channel. Second, the electrostatic interactions between monomers can reduce the intermolecular gaps, which similarly assist in their orientation. Last, the relative sizes of the MOF pores and the monomers are also relevant. When the sizes of the MOF channels and monomers are similar, the molecular chains show a higher degree of orientation. The results and the findings of this work could provide predictive methods for selecting polymeric monomers or MOFs that may be ideal for the control of polymer chain orientation.
Relationship between exercise capacity and glucose tolerance in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Foster Karla , Huang Guixia , Zhang Nanhua , Crisalli Joseph , Chini Barbara , Amin Raouf , Elder Deborah 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundImproved exercise capacity (EC) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) are independently associated with favorable outcomes in CF, however, little information on this relationship exists in patients with CF.MethodsCardiopulmonary exercise tests, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and HbA1c values measured within a 12‐month period were evaluated on 83 pediatric patients diagnosed with CF. Patients were categorized as having NGT, abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT), or CF‐related diabetes (CFRD).ResultsEC decreased as severity of glucose intolerance increased across NGT, AGT, and CFRD groups (P = 0.02). Compared to patients with NGT, patients with CFRD had lower peak VO2 mL/kg/min (33.0 ± 7.3 vs 41.3 ± 9.4, P = 0.01), lower VO2% (81 ± 20 vs 93 ± 17, P = 0.03), and higher HbA1c (6.9 ± 1.7 vs 5.4 ± 0.4, P < 0.01). There was a positive association with age and FEV1% with EC in the 17 patients with CFRD. In the 66 patients without diabetes, peak EC was positively associated with FEV1% and negatively associated with age, fasting insulin, and insulin 120 min. After accounting for age and FEV1%, multivariate analyses indicated that insulin and glucose values at 120 min predicted EC.ConclusionsThese data provide evidence that poor glucose tolerance is associated with lower EC in pediatric patients with CF. There was a significant relationship between glucose and insulin values obtained by OGTT with EC in a sample of non‐diabetic patients with preserved lung function. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and investigate the potential role of exercise in the management or prevention of CFRD.
Localization of the T‐cell response to RSV infection is altered in infant mice
Authors: Eichinger Katherine M. , Kosanovich Jessica L. , Empey Kerry M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections worldwide, causing disproportionate morbidity and mortality in infants and children. Infants with stronger Th1 responses have less severe disease, yet little is known about the infant T‐cell response within the air space. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that RSV infected infant mice would have quantitative and qualitative deficiencies in CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell populations isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage when compared to adults and that local delivery of IFN‐γ would increase airway CD4+ Tbet+ and CD8+ Tbet+ T‐cell responses.MethodsWe compared the localization of T‐cell responses in RSV‐infected infant and adult mice and investigated the effects of local IFN‐γ administration on infant cellular immunity.ResultsAdult CD8+ CD44HI and CD4+ CD44HI Tbet+ T‐cells accumulated in the alveolar space whereas CD4+ CD44HI Tbet+ T‐cells were evenly distributed between the infant lung tissue and airway and infant lungs contained higher frequencies of CD8+ T‐cells. Delivery of IFN‐γ to the infant airway failed to increase the accumulation of T‐cells in the airspace and unexpectedly reduced CD4+ CD44HI Tbet+ T‐cells. However, intranasal IFN‐γ increased RSV F protein‐specific CD8+ T‐cells in the alveolar space.ConclusionTogether, these data suggest that quantitative and qualitative defects exist in the infant T‐cell response to RSV but early, local IFN‐γ exposure can increase the CD8+ RSV‐specific T‐cell response.
Generation of diverse cortical inhibitory interneurons
Authors: Sultan Khadeejah T. , Shi Song‐Hai 
Published: November 2017

First described by Ramon y Cajal as ‘short‐axon’ cells over a century ago, inhibitory interneurons in the cerebral cortex make up ~20–30% of the neuronal milieu. A key feature of these interneurons is the striking structural and functional diversity, which allows them to modulate neural activity in diverse ways and ultimately endow neural circuits with remarkable computational power. Here, we review our current understanding of the generation of cortical interneurons, with a focus on recent efforts to bridge the gap between progenitor behavior and interneuron production, and how these aspects influence interneuron diversity and organization. WIREs Dev Biol 2018, 7:e306. doi: 10.1002/wdev.306This article is categorized under:

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles
A survey on graphic processing unit computing for large‐scale data mining
Authors: Cano Alberto 
Published: November 2017

General purpose computation using Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) is a well‐established research area focusing on high‐performance computing solutions for massively parallelizable and time‐consuming problems. Classical methodologies in machine learning and data mining cannot handle processing of massive and high‐speed volumes of information in the context of the big data era. GPUs have successfully improved the scalability of data mining algorithms to address significantly larger dataset sizes in many application areas. The popularization of distributed computing frameworks for big data mining opens up new opportunities for transformative solutions combining GPUs and distributed frameworks. This survey analyzes current trends in the use of GPU computing for large‐scale data mining, discusses GPU architecture advantages for handling volume and velocity of data, identifies limitation factors hampering the scalability of the problems, and discusses open issues and future directions. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2018, 8:e1232. doi: 10.1002/widm.1232This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Computer Architectures for Data Mining
Technologies > Machine Learning
Technologies > Computational Intelligence
Bringing back the dead: Genetic data from avian carcasses
Authors: Koczur Lianne M. , Williford Damon , DeYoung Randy W. , Ballard Bart M. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTAdvances in laboratory methods and DNA sequencing technology have enabled genetic analyses of noninvasive samples, museum specimens, fossil material, and more recently, carcasses. We extracted DNA from decayed avian carcasses that were salvaged from a marine environment in southern Texas, USA, during 2010–2014, at 2 weeks to 3 months postmortem. Extracts of DNA from toepad, bone, and feather yielded usable DNA for molecular sexing and amplification of a 223–base pair portion of the mtDNA control region. Most samples displayed signs of degradation, including small fragment sizes and heteroplasmy in mtDNA sequences consistent with deamination during the decay process. The ability to extract usable DNA from avian carcasses salvaged in a marine environment has implications for the ecology and management of waterbirds, many of which are rare, sexually monomorphic, and poorly understood. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
A comparison of field methods to estimate Canada goose abundance
Authors: McAlister Mark A. , DePerno Christopher S. , Fuller Joseph C. , Howell Douglas L. , Moorman Christopher E. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTWe conducted a 2‐year study (2014–2015) in North Carolina, USA, to compare precision and efficiency between 2 methods used to estimate Canada goose (Branta canadensis) abundance. The first method (i.e., band‐return estimation) used hunter band‐returns and harvest estimates. The second (i.e., plot survey) used surveys of 1‐km2 plots randomly located across potential goose habitat in the state. To quantify efficiency, we recorded all expenses and time dedicated to goose banding and plot surveys. In June 2014, we banded 2,102 adult geese at 44 sites. During the 2014–2015 hunting season, we received 173 direct band recoveries from birds banded as adults. We used the Lincoln–Peterson formula to calculate an abundance estimate of 148,839 (coeff. of variation = 7.9) and determined the band‐return method required US $72,858 and 2,317 person‐hours to complete. We surveyed 300 1‐km2 plots across North Carolina in April 2015, and calculated an abundance estimate of 155,655 Canada geese (coeff. of variation = 308.9). We determined the plot‐survey method required US $80,767 and 2,857 person‐hours to complete. Although population estimates were similar, we recommend the band‐return technique to estimate Canada goose abundance because it provided a more precise estimate with similar overall costs and, if continued for multiple years, will allow calculation of additional population metrics including survival, recovery rates, and harvest distributions. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Skeletal muscle and performance adaptations to high-intensity training in elite male soccer players: speed endurance runs versus small-sided game training
Authors: Fransson Dan , Nielsen Tobias Schmidt , Olsson Karl , Christensson Tobias , Bradley Paul S. , Fatouros Ioannis G. , Krustrup Peter , Nordsborg Nikolai Baastrup , Mohr Magni 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Purpose
To examine the skeletal muscle and performance responses across two different exercise training modalities which are highly applied in soccer training.

Methods
Using an RCT design, 39 well-trained male soccer players were randomized into either a speed endurance training (SET; n = 21) or a small-sided game group (SSG; n = 18). Over 4 weeks, thrice weekly, SET performed 6–10 × 30-s all-out runs with 3-min recovery, while SSG completed 2 × 7–9-min small-sided games with 2-min recovery. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis pre and post intervention and were subsequently analysed for metabolic enzyme activity and muscle protein expression. Moreover, the Yo–Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 test (Yo–Yo IR2) was performed.

Results
Muscle CS maximal activity increased (P < 0.05) by 18% in SET only, demonstrating larger (P < 0.05) improvement than SSG, while HAD activity increased (P < 0.05) by 24% in both groups. Na+–K+ ATPase α1 subunit protein expression increased (P < 0.05) in SET and SSG (19 and 37%, respectively), while MCT4 protein expression rose (P < 0.05) by 30 and 61% in SET and SSG, respectively. SOD2 protein expression increased (P < 0.05) by 28 and 37% in SET and SSG, respectively, while GLUT-4 protein expression increased (P < 0.05) by 40% in SSG only. Finally, SET displayed 39% greater improvement (P < 0.05) in Yo–Yo IR2 performance than SSG.

Conclusion
Speed endurance training improved muscle oxidative capacity and exercise performance more pronouncedly than small-sided game training, but comparable responses were in muscle ion transporters and antioxidative capacity in well-trained male soccer players.