bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) are chloride‐sensitive: Is this dogma valid?
Authors: Hütsch Birgit W , Keipp Katrin , Glaser Ann‐Kathrin , Schubert Sven 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDChloride sensitivity of the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Marabel and Désirée was investigated in two pot experiments (soil/sand mixture and hydroponics). It was tested whether there are differential effects of KCl and K2SO4 application on tuber yield and tuber quality, and whether both potato cultivars differ in their chloride sensitivity.RESULTSTuber yield, dry matter percentage of the tubers, starch concentration and starch yield were not significantly affected by potassium source (K2SO4 or KCl). After exposure to salt stress in hydroponics (100 mmol L−1 NaCl, 50 mmol L−1 Na2SO4, 50 mmol L−1 CaCl2) for 5 days, 3‐week‐old potato plants had significantly reduced shoot dry mass after NaCl and Na2SO4 application. However, CaCl2 treatment did not significantly affect shoot growth, although the chloride concentration reached 65 to 74 mg Cl− mg−1 dry matter, similar to the NaCl treatment. In contrast, growth reductions were closely related to sodium concentrations, thus plants suffered sodium toxicity and not chloride toxicity.CONCLUSIONBoth potato cultivars are chloride‐resistant and can be fertilised with KCl instead of K2SO4 without the risk of depression in tuber yield or tuber quality. The statement that potatoes are chloride‐sensitive and that chloride has negative effects on yield performance needs reconsideration. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of Ultrasound‐Guided Percutaneous Polidocanol Injection Versus Percutaneous Ethanol Injection for Treatment of Benign Cystic Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Gong Xiaohua , Wang Fang , Du Haiyan , Chen Xiaojun , Shi Bimin 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesWe compared the efficacy, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous polidocanol injection and percutaneous ethanol injection for the treatment of benign cystic and predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.MethodsA total of 135 cystic thyroid nodules treated by percutaneous ethanol injection and 136 cystic thyroid nodules treated by percutaneous polidocanol injection were enrolled retrospectively in this study from May 2010 to March 2016. The nodules were followed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Nodule volumes, symptoms scores, and cosmetic scores were assessed before treatment and at follow‐up. The therapeutic success rate, safety, and cost‐effectiveness between the groups were also compared.ResultsNo significant differences in the reduction of the nodule volume, volume reduction rate, and therapeutic success were observed between the groups with cystic and predominantly cystic thyroid nodules during follow‐up (P > .05). Neither the cosmetic scores (P = .59; P = .42) nor the symptom scores (P = .32; P = .73) in the cystic and predominantly cystic nodules were significantly different between the groups at the last follow‐up. The complication rates for ethanol were higher than those for polidocanol (P < .05). However, the cost of polidocanol injection was higher than that of ethanol injection for cystic thyroid nodules (mean ± SD, US$97.18 ± US$22.17 versus US$43.36 ± US$5.51; P < .01).ConclusionsUltrasound‐guided percutaneous polidocanol injection can be an alternative for sclerotherapy of cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. However, its cost was higher than that of percutaneous ethanol injection.
Prediction of Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy Using Offline Analysis of 3‐Dimensional Transvaginal Ultrasonographic Data Sets: An Interobserver and Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Infante Fernando , Espada Vaquero Mercedes , Bignardi Tommaso , Lu Chuan , Testa Antonia C. , Fauchon David , Epstein Elisabeth , Leone Francesco P. G. , Van den Bosch Thierry , Martins Wellington P. , Condous George 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesTo assess interobserver reproducibility in detecting tubal ectopic pregnancies by reading data sets from 3‐dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and comparing it with real‐time 2‐dimensional (2D) TVUS.MethodsImages were initially classified as showing pregnancies of unknown location or tubal ectopic pregnancies on real time 2D TVUS by an experienced sonologist, who acquired 5 3D volumes. Data sets were analyzed offline by 5 observers who had to classify each case as ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy of unknown location. The interobserver reproducibility was evaluated by the Fleiss κ statistic. The performance of each observer in predicting ectopic pregnancies was compared to that of the experienced sonologist. Women were followed until they were reclassified as follows: (1) failed pregnancy of unknown location; (2) intrauterine pregnancy; (3) ectopic pregnancy; or (4) persistent pregnancy of unknown location.ResultsSixty‐one women were included. The agreement between reading offline 3D data sets and the first real‐time 2D TVUS was very good (80%–82%; κ = 0.89). The overall interobserver agreement among observers reading offline 3D data sets was moderate (κ = 0.52). The diagnostic performance of experienced observers reading offline 3D data sets had accuracy of 78.3% to 85.0%, sensitivity of 66.7% to 81.3%, specificity of 79.5% to 88.4%, positive predictive value of 57.1% to 72.2%, and negative predictive value of 87.5% to 91.3%, compared to the experienced sonologist's real‐time 2D TVUS: accuracy of 94.5%, sensitivity of 94.4%, specificity of 94.5%, positive predictive value of 85.0%, and negative predictive value of 98.1%.ConclusionsThe diagnostic accuracy of 3D TVUS by reading offline data sets for predicting ectopic pregnancies is dependent on experience. Reading only static 3D data sets without clinical information does not match the diagnostic performance of real time 2D TVUS combined with clinical information obtained during the scan.
The development and validation of the speech quality instrument
Authors: Chen Stephanie Y. , Griffin Brianna M. , Mancuso Dean , Shiau Stephanie , DiMattia Michelle , Cellum Ilana , Harvey Boyd Kelly , Prevoteau Charlotte , Kohlberg Gavriel D. , Spitzer Jaclyn B. , Lalwani Anil K. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveAlthough speech perception tests are available to evaluate hearing, there is no standardized validated tool to quantify speech quality. The objective of this study is to develop a validated tool to measure quality of speech heard.Study DesignProspective instrument validation study of 35 normal hearing adults recruited at a tertiary referral center.MethodsParticipants listened to 44 speech clips of male/female voices reciting the Rainbow Passage. Speech clips included original and manipulated excerpts capturing goal qualities such as mechanical and garbled. Listeners rated clips on a 10‐point visual analog scale (VAS) of 18 characteristics (e.g. cartoonish, garbled).ResultsSkewed distribution analysis identified mean ratings in the upper and lower 2‐point limits of the VAS (ratings of 8–10, 0–2, respectively); items with inconsistent responses were eliminated. The test was pruned to a final instrument of nine speech clips that clearly define qualities of interest: speech‐like, male/female, cartoonish, echo‐y, garbled, tinny, mechanical, rough, breathy, soothing, hoarse, like, pleasant, natural. Mean ratings were highest for original female clips (8.8) and lowest for not‐speech manipulation (2.1). Factor analysis identified two subsets of characteristics: internal consistency demonstrated Cronbach's alpha of 0.95 and 0.82 per subset. Test–retest reliability of total scores was high, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.76.ConclusionThe Speech Quality Instrument (SQI) is a concise, valid tool for assessing speech quality as an indicator for hearing performance. SQI may be a valuable outcome measure for cochlear implant recipients who, despite achieving excellent speech perception, often experience poor speech quality.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 128:1622–1627, 2018
Assessment of single‐instrument techniques for removing wave bias from Reynolds stress estimates
Authors: Young David L. , Webster Donald R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA new single‐instrument method for removing wave bias from Reynolds stress estimates is proposed. Assuming that the wave motions and the pressure signal are spatially coherent, the method uses a linear filtration scheme to estimate the wave velocity at the instrument based on the pressure signal, and then the estimated velocity is subtracted from the measured velocity to arrive at a wave‐free estimate of the Reynolds stress. The advantage of the proposed single‐instrument technique is that it limits the financial and logistical issues associated with deploying a second instrument. The proposed method is compared to two frequency‐domain‐based single‐instrument techniques and to a two‐instrument method that uses the velocity signal at an adjacent instrument in a linear filtration scheme to estimate and remove the wave velocity. The methods are tested and compared using synthetic time series and field data collected in tidally driven shallow water flow in Wassaw Sound, Georgia and in deeper water currents in Monterey Bay, California. The method proposed in this study offers superior performance over the other single‐instrument techniques in shallow water, comparing favorably with the two‐instrument method. In deeper water, no single‐instrument technique offers clearly superior performance.
Sharp‐pH‐Sensitive Amphiphilic Polypeptide Micelles with Adjustable Triggered pHs by Salts via the Hofmeister Effect
Authors: Yuan Pan , Ruan Zheng , Liu Le , Li Tuanwei , Jing Titao , Yan Lifeng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSupramolecular self‐assembly of polymeric molecules for sharp‐pH‐sensitive (SPS) nanoparticles is an especially important application in biology. Here, amphiphilic polypeptide copolymers are synthesized and spontaneously assembled to micelles in aqueous solution, and protonation of the tertiary amine groups in the side‐chain of the copolymer under weak acid causes the micelle disassembly, which is sharp‐pH‐sensitive, and the responsive pHs can be adjusted by adding salts. Size and morphologic change of the polymeric micelles are characterized by means of dynamic lighting scattering, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM) in sequential pH alterations. It is found that the Hofmeister ions play a key factor in controlling the subtle interaction of different noncovalent bonds among polypeptide molecules during their self‐assembly or disassembly. The physical property exploration of the SPS micelles may provide a new chance for the development of dynamic, complex nanostructures in various pH‐responsive applications.
Effects of Different Unsaturated‐Linker‐Containing Donors on Electronic Properties of Benzobisthiadiazole‐Based Copolymers
Authors: Zhang Chen , Chen Zhihui , Yang Changan , Liang Enxiang , Yi Jianming , Yu Gui , Yang Chuluo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA series of new copolymers with unsaturated‐linker‐containing donors and benzobisthiadiazole acceptors are synthesized. Two kinds of side chains (2‐octyl‐1‐dodecyl chain and siloxane‐terminated hexyl chain) are added to the polymer backbone. The introduction of unsaturated‐linker‐containing donor enhances the rigidity of the copolymers. The strong electron‐withdrawing benzobisthiadiazole units make these copolymers display very narrow bandgaps in the range of 0.75–1.26 eV. Bottom‐gate and bottom‐contact transistors based on these polymers exhibit p‐type field‐effect behavior with hole mobilities up to 1.17 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Thermoplastic SEBS Elastomer Nanocomposites Reinforced with Functionalized Graphene Dispersions
Authors: Hofmann Daniel , Thomann Ralf , Mülhaupt Rolf 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBlending a maleinated polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene‐r‐butylene)‐b‐polystyrene (SEBS) thermoplastic elastomer with functionalized graphene (FG) dispersions in tetrahydrofuran (THF) prior to the melt processing results in SEBS/FG nanocomposites with improved property profiles. According to microscopic imaging (atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, focus ion beam–scanning electron microscopy), FG dispersions derived from multilayer graphene (MLG 350) and thermally reduced graphite oxide enable uniform dispersion of single‐ and few‐layer FG within both the THF and the SEBS matrix. In contrast, high‐pressure homogenization of nonfunctionalized graphite yields larger graphene stacks together with blend of graphene stacks with micrometer‐sized graphite (GG). As opposed to SEBS/GG composites, SEBS/FG composites exhibit superior mechanical properties as well as higher Shore A hardness, electrical conductivity at a lower percolation threshold, and enhanced gas barrier resistance. Hence, SEBS/FG composites hold promise as thermoplastic elastomers, serving the needs of automotive and sealant industries.
Morphological regulation of calcium sulfate hemihydrate from phosphogypsum
Authors: Tan H. , Dong F. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe calcium sulfate hemihydrate whiskers were prepared from phosphogypsum at hydrothermal condition. The influences of different organic acid (citric acid and poly (acrylic acid)) on the crystal morphology were detected, respectively. The morphology of crystals can be influenced by adding organic acid. Short and large columnar crystals can be obtained by adding 5 wt.% citric acid, which can be used as cementitious materials. The long columnar crystals with uniform diameter can be obtained by adding poly (acrylic acid), which can be applied in composites.
Combination of finite element method and Drucker‐Prager Cap material model for simulation of pharmaceutical tableting process
Authors: Baroutaji A. , Lenihan S. , Bryan K. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDensity‐dependent Drucker‐Prager Cap (DPC) model is widely used for assessing the compaction behaviour of powders due to its capability of capturing the various phenomena associated with the powder compaction process such as work hardening, nonlinear densification, and frictional and compressible behaviour of the powder. This paper presents a full description of the Drucker‐Prager Cap model for the compaction behaviour of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) Avicel PH101 pharmaceutical powder. The experimental calibration process of Drucker‐Prager Cap is detailed and all model parameters are calculated as a function of powder relative density. Also, the calibrated parameters are implemented in finite element code to perform a numerical simulation of a typical pharmaceutical tablet. The results showed that the finite element model (FEM) was able to accurately predict the compaction behaviour of the microcrystalline cellulose powder. Furthermore, the finite element predictions of stress and density distributions of the powders during the compaction were used to analyse the failure mechanisms associated with tableting.
The effect of the solution treatment onto the microstructure and mechanical properties of MAG pulsed welded joints from X2CrNiMoN22‐5‐3 Duplex stainless steels
Authors: Mitelea I. , Utu I.‐D. , Urlan S. D. , Crăciunescu C. M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe metallurgical behaviour by Duplex stainless steels welding is affected by reducing the austenite proportion in weld and in the area adjacent to the fusion line of the molten metal bath and also by the precipitation of nitrides Cr2N, carbides M23C6 and intermetallic phases, σ, χ, Laves. The modalities for obtaining a quantitative ratio of the two phases (Austenite/Ferrite) close to that of the base metal (∼50 % Austenite and 50 % Ferrite) aims to adjust the chemical composition of the weld by selecting a filler material with a higher nickel content (the element which beside nitrogen promotes the austenite formation), the heat cycle control of the welding process and the application of a post‐welding solution treatment. The present paper explores the effect of such heat treatment on balance restoring between austenite and ferrite and the reduction of the alloying elements segregation phenomena. By optical and scanning electron microscopy examinations and also X‐ray diffraction analyses the microstructural changes induced by the applied treatment are highlighted and by impact toughness and static tensile tests is demonstrated the positive effect of the heat treatment onto the ensuring of the welded joints quality.
Motor complications in Parkinson's disease: Striatal molecular and electrophysiological mechanisms of dyskinesias
Authors: Picconi Barbara , Hernández Ledia F. , Obeso Jose A. , Calabresi Paolo 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTLong‐term levodopa (l‐dopa) treatment in patients with Parkinson´s disease (PD) is associated with the development of motor complications (ie, motor fluctuations and dyskinesias). The principal etiopathogenic factors are the degree of nigro‐striatal dopaminergic loss and the duration and dose of l‐dopa treatment. In this review article we concentrate on analysis of the mechanisms underlying l‐dopa–induced dyskinesias, a phenomenon that causes disability in a proportion of patients and that has not benefited from major therapeutic advances. Thus, we discuss the main neurotransmitters, receptors, and pathways that have been thought to play a role in l‐dopa–induced dyskinesias from the perspective of basic neuroscience studies. Some important advances in deciphering the molecular pathways involved in these abnormal movements have occurred in recent years to reveal potential targets that could be used for therapeutic purposes. However, it has not been an easy road because there have been a plethora of components involved in the generation of these undesired movements, even bypassing the traditional and well‐accepted dopamine receptor activation, as recently revealed by optogenetics. Here, we attempt to unify the available data with the hope of guiding and fostering future research in the field of striatal activation and abnormal movement generation. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Temperature index based snowmelt runoff modelling for the Satluj River basin in the western Himalayas
Authors: Tiwari Sarita , Kar S. C. , Bhatla R. , Bansal R. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe Satluj River is one of the main rivers in the western Himalayas. Snowmelt runoff substantially contributes to the streamflow of the river in the spring and summer months. The unavailability of observed meteorological data (precipitation, surface temperature) spread across the Satluj basin is a major problem for modelling snowmelt runoff there. Researchers have used station observations available at certain points in the basin for modelling snowmelt and rainfall runoff in Satluj and have obtained mixed results. For this study, a new meteorological dataset was prepared by merging gridded precipitation from India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Aphrodite as well as station observations of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in the basin. Maximum and minimum temperatures from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis were also used for the entire basin. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrology model was run using the new dataset to simulate runoff in the Satluj River and to evaluate the streamflow characteristics. Sensitivity experiments were carried out using temperature and precipitation lapse rates, routing methods (travel time vs Muskingum) and degree day factors to identify best suitable parameters for simulations. Three sets of calibration (1982–1992) and validation (1993–2003) simulations were carried out to estimate the performance of the SWAT model in simulating runoff in the Satluj basin. The experiment with precipitation data prepared using IMD, Aphrodite and BBMB stations provided the best performance with a Nash−Sutcliffe efficiency (NS) of 0.60 and R2 = 0.70, which is a major improvement on the use of Aphrodite data only (NS = 0.13 and R2 = 0.51). However, the model underestimates the streamflow in all seasons in all the simulations. It was found that the model is able to simulate the extreme streamflow cases in Satluj with reasonable skill.
Reconstruction of full‐thickness cheek defect with chimeric facial artery free flap: A case report
Authors: Massarelli Olindo , Vaira Luigi Angelo , Gobbi Roberta , Dell'aversana Orabona Giovanni , De Riu Giacomo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFull‐thickness cheek defects represent a difficult challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Multiple techniques have been described, including local, regional, and free flaps. In this report, the reconstruction of a through and through left cheek defect, resulting from a self‐inflicted gunshot injury, with a chimeric facial artery free flap is presented. The patient underwent reconstruction with a chimeric full‐thickness facial artery free flap, with 9 × 3 cm diameter skin paddle and a 6 × 5 cm myomucosal paddle, was harvested on the contralateral cheek with a 7‐cm length of facial pedicle. The flap was transferred via a microsurgical technique and an end‐to‐end microsurgical anastomosis was performed between the donor and the contralateral facial vessels. The flap was transplanted successfully and there were no donor or recipient site complications with a satisfactory esthetic result 5 years after surgery. This technique may be a good reconstructive option for medium size, full‐thickness, cheek defects allowing a “like with like” reconstruction with minimal donor‐site morbidity.