bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in soil phosphorus pools during prolonged arable cropping in semiarid grasslands
Authors: von Sperber C. , Stallforth R. , Du Preez C. , Amelung W. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryIt is assumed that land‐use change has less effect on soil phosphorus (P) than on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). Little is known, however, about the changes in soil P pools during prolonged arable cropping in semiarid grasslands. In this research, we measured changes in phosphorus pools of soil that had been cropped for 0–98 years in the South African Highveld. Hedley sequential extraction was carried out on bulk soil samples and size fractions to quantify inorganic and organic P pools along this temporal gradient. Total P content did not change with prolonged arable cropping, indicating that P removed by crops was compensated for by fertilizer application. The contributions of inorganic P (Pi) to the total P of bulk soil increased from 37 to 63%, with a corresponding decrease in organic P (Po). After approximately 60 years of cultivation, a steady‐state equilibrium was approached in all P fractions, which was characterized overall by smaller Po and larger Pi contents. These temporal dynamics were controlled mainly by P pools in the sand fraction and by the 0.1 m NaOH pool from the Hedley fractionation. Increases in Pi may reflect inorganic fertilizer applications, whereas losses in Po were attributed to crop harvest, erosion and mineralization of organic matter. Arable cropping affected both labile and stable P pools after land conversion, indicating that stable P pools were not mere sinks, but also slowly available sources of plant‐available P.Highlights
Phosphorus pools in semiarid grassland soil respond to changes in management over decades.
Contributions of inorganic P to total P of bulk soil increased, with corresponding decreases in total organic P.
Modelling of temporal changes in total Pi and Po indicated a steady‐state equilibrium after ∼60 years.
The long‐term response of P pools was controlled mainly by dynamics of the sand fraction and the 0.1 m NaOH pool from Hedley fractionation
In‐situATR‐FTIR spectroscopic investigation of desorption of phosphate from haematite by bacteria
Authors: Hong Z. N. , Li J. Y. , Jiang J. , Liu Z. D. , Wang R. H. , Xu C. Y. , Xu R. K. 
Published: June 2017

Phosphate (P) fixed on Fe‐ and Al‐(hydr)oxides can be released into solution by coexisting anions or molecules that have strong reactivity with the mineral surfaces. Bacteria have been shown to adhere strongly on to the (hydr)oxides through physical or chemical forces, or both. It is still unknown, however, whether bacteria can desorb P from oxides. We examined the desorption of P from haematite (α‐Fe2O3) by Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens through the combined use of in‐situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy and macroscopic batch experiments. The ATR‐FTIR data of ternary bacteria–P–haematite systems indicated a release of P that was concurrent with the attachment of bacteria on to the haematite surface, giving direct and in‐situ evidence for the displacement of P by bacteria. The P‐desorbing ability of bacteria was quantified by batch desorption experiments, and was further supported by the inhibitory role of bacteria in P adsorption on to haematite under varying concentrations of P and amounts of bacteria. In‐situ ATR‐FTIR investigations and Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) prediction suggested that bacteria might compete for sorption sites with P through their electrostatic and chemical interactions (coordination of bacterial phosphate and carboxyl groups on the haematite surface) with the haematite surface. In addition, the bacteria reduced greatly the positive charge of haematite, and the reduction correlated non‐linearly with the decline in P adsorption. Therefore, the P‐mobilizing ability of bacteria is probably attributed to the competition between P and bacterial surface groups and reduction in the positive charge on haematite by bacteria. These findings elucidate a potential role for bacteria in mobilizing P that is chemically adsorbed on Fe‐oxides, which enhances the availability of P to plants and its mobility in natural environments.HighlightsWhether bacteria can desorb phosphate from oxides remained unknown.
Bacteria enhanced desorption of phosphate from haematite and inhibited its adsorption by haematite.
Electrostatic and chemical interactions might help bacteria compete with phosphate.
Reduction in positive charges might also contribute to phosphate‐mobilizing ability of bacteria.
From competition to facilitation: how tree species respond to neighbourhood diversity
Authors: Fichtner Andreas , Härdtle Werner , Li Ying , Bruelheide Helge , Kunz Matthias , von Oheimb Goddert 
Published: June 2017

AbstractStudies on tree communities have demonstrated that species diversity can enhance forest productivity, but the driving mechanisms at the local neighbourhood level remain poorly understood. Here, we use data from a large‐scale biodiversity experiment with 24 subtropical tree species to show that neighbourhood tree species richness generally promotes individual tree productivity. We found that the underlying mechanisms depend on a focal tree's functional traits: For species with a conservative resource‐use strategy diversity effects were brought about by facilitation, and for species with acquisitive traits by competitive reduction. Moreover, positive diversity effects were strongest under low competition intensity (quantified as the total basal area of neighbours) for acquisitive species, and under high competition intensity for conservative species. Our findings demonstrate that net biodiversity effects in tree communities can vary over small spatial scales, emphasising the need to consider variation in local neighbourhood interactions to better understand effects at the community level.
Validation of 2D‐animated pictures as an investigative tool in the behavioural sciences: A case study with a West African cichlid fish,Pelvicachromis pulcher
Authors: Scherer Ulrike , Godin Jean‐Guy J. , Schuett Wiebke 
Published: June 2017

AbstractVirtual stimuli represent an increasingly popular tool in the study of animal behaviour. Modern techniques have the potential to simplify and improve traditional experiments using live stimuli. However, the increasing availability of diverse techniques is associated with problems and limitations. Although many new methods have been developed, their validation remains largely untested. In the present study, we therefore performed two experiments to test whether 2‐D animations of predators and conspecifics elicit biologically appropriate behavioural responses in male rainbow kribs,Pelvicachromis pulcher. Individual responses towards a sympatric natural fish predator,Parachanna obscura, were tested using live predators and still colour photographs, animated using PowerPoint©. Compared to control trials (empty aquarium and white computer screen, respectively), individuals decreased their activity in response to both live and animated predators. We found no difference in activity between live and animation trials. Further, we tested individual aggression (frequency of aggressive behaviours) exhibited towards live and animated conspecifics. Individual aggressive behaviours shown towards live and animated conspecifics were positively correlated. Moreover, an individual's mean distance towards the opponent was a suitable proxy for individual aggression permitting the facilitation and standardisation of an individual's aggression through the use of a tracking software compared with the more laborious, traditional manual assessment. Our results show that simple, inexpensive animation techniques have the potential to provide an easy‐to‐apply and useful technological advance in animal behaviour research.
Streptococcus pyogenes quinolinate‐salvage pathway—structural and functional studies of quinolinate phosphoribosyl transferase and NH3‐dependent NAD+ synthetase
Authors: Booth William T. , Morris Trevor L. , Mysona David P. , Shah Milan J. , Taylor Linda K. , Karlin Taylor W. , Clary Kathryn , Majorek Karolina A. , Offermann Lesa R. , Chruszcz Maksymilian 
Published: June 2017

Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Strep (GAS), is an obligate human pathogen that is responsible for millions of infections and numerous deaths per year. Infection manifestations can range from simple, acute pharyngitis to more complex, necrotizing fasciitis. To date, most treatments for GAS infections involve the use of common antibiotics including tetracycline and clindamycin. Unfortunately, new strains have been identified that are resistant to these drugs, therefore, new targets must be identified to treat drug‐resistant strains. This work is focused on the structural and functional characterization of three proteins: spNadC, spNadD, and spNadE. These enzymes are involved in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The structures of spNadC and spNadE were determined. SpNadC is suggested to play a role in GAS virulence, while spNadE, functions as an NAD synthetase and is considered to be a new drug target. Determination of the spNadE structure uncovered a putative, NH3 channel, which may provide insight into the mechanistic details of NH3‐dependent NAD+ synthetases in prokaryotes.EnzymesQuinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase: EC2.4.2.19 and NAD synthetase: EC6.3.1.5.DatabaseProtein structures for spNadC, spNadCΔ69A, and spNadE are deposited into Protein Data Bank under the accession codes 5HUL, 5HUO & 5HUP, and 5HUH & 5HUJ, respectively.
Methodology for assessing embryonic cracks development in structures under high‐cycle multiaxial random vibrations
Authors: Vantadori S. , Haynes R. , Fortese G. , Habtour E. , Ronchei C. , Scorza D. , Zanichelli A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe myriad applicability of the frequency‐domain critical plane criterion is outlined in order to evaluate and track the progression of fatigue damage in metallic structures subjected to high‐cycle multiaxial random vibrations. The fatigue assessment using the given criterion is performed according to the following stages: (i) critical plane definition, (ii) power spectral density evaluation of an equivalent normal stress and (iii) computation of the damage precursor and fatigue life.The frequency‐domain critical plane criterion is validated using experimental results related to (a) AISI 1095 steel cantilever beams under nonlinear base vibration, (b) 18G2A steel and (c) 10HNAP steel round specimens under random non‐proportional combined flexural and torsional loads.
Modelling the dynamic physical protection of soil organic carbon: Insights into carbon predictions and explanation of the priming effect
Authors: Luo Zhongkui , Baldock Jeff , Wang Enli 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe role and significance of physically protected soil organic carbon (SOC) in regulating SOC dynamics remains unclear. Here, we developed a simple theoretical model (DP model) considering dynamic physical protection to simulate the dynamics of protected (Cp) and unprotected SOC (Cu), and compared the modelling results with a conventional two‐pool (fast vs. slow) model considering chemical recalcitrance. The two models were first constrained using extensive SOC data collected from soils with and without fresh carbon (C) inputs under incubation conditions, and then applied to project SOC dynamics and explore mechanisms underpinning the priming effect (PE). Overall, both models explained more than 99% of the variances in observed SOC dynamics. The DP model predicted that Cp accounted for the majority of total SOC. As decomposition proceeds, the proportion of Cp reached >90% and kept relatively constant. Although the similar performance of the two models in simulating observed total SOC dynamics, their predictions of future SOC dynamics were divergent, challenging the predictions of widely used pool‐based models. The DP model also suggested alternative mechanisms underpinning the priming of SOC decomposition by fresh C inputs. The two‐pool model suggested that the PE was caused by the stimulated decomposition rates, especially for the slow recalcitrant pool, while the DP model suggested that the PE might be the combined consequence of stimulated Cu decomposition, the liberation of Cp to decomposition and the inhibition of the protection of unprotected SOC. The model‐data integration provided a new explanation for the PE, highlighting the importance of liberation of initially physically protected SOC to decomposition by new C inputs. Our model‐data integration demonstrated the importance of simulating physical protection processes for reliable SOC predictions, and provided new insights into mechanistic understanding of the priming effect.
Surgical treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: Sakamoto Kazuhiko , Nagano Hiroaki 
Published: June 2017

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system recommends a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (sorafenib) as standard therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Sorafenib has been shown to prolong median overall survival (OS) by approximately 3 months in advanced HCC patients with PVTT (8.1 vs. 4.9 months). However, its clinical effectiveness is still controversial and standard treatment with sorafenib is not established in Japan. Surgical resection is considered a potentially curative treatment and provides an acceptable outcome for carefully selected patients. The surgical mortality rate in patients with PVTT who receive surgical resection ranges from 0% to 10%. The median survival time and 1‐year OS rate in HCC patients with PVTT who undergo surgical resection have been found to range from 8 to 22 months and 21.7% to 69.6%, respectively. But improvement in therapeutic outcome is difficult with surgical treatment alone. Combination treatment in conjunction with such methods as transarterial chemoembolization, hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy, and radiotherapy has been found to improve the prognosis (median survival time, 11.5–37 months; 1‐year OS rate, 46.8–100%). Yet, many problems remain, such as surgical indications and surgical techniques. After resolving these points, a multidisciplinary strategy based on surgical treatment should be established for advanced HCC with PVTT.
Priorities for methodological research on patient and public involvement in clinical trials: A modified Delphi process
Authors: Kearney Anna , Williamson Paula , Young Bridget , Bagley Heather , Gamble Carrol , Denegri Simon , Muir Delia , Simon Natalie A. , Thomas Stephen , Elliot Jim T. , Bulbeck Helen , Crocker Joanna C. , Planner Claire , Vale Claire , Clarke Mike , Sprosen Tim , Woolfall Kerry 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundDespite increasing international interest, there is a lack of evidence about the most efficient, effective and acceptable ways to implement patient and public involvement (PPI) in clinical trials.ObjectiveTo identify the priorities of UK PPI stakeholders for methodological research to help resolve uncertainties about PPI in clinical trials.DesignA modified Delphi process including a two round online survey and a stakeholder consensus meeting.ParticipantsIn total, 237 people registered of whom 219 (92%) completed the first round. One hundred and eighty‐seven of 219 (85%) completed the second; 25 stakeholders attended the consensus meeting.ResultsRound 1 of the survey comprised 36 topics; 42 topics were considered in round 2 and at the consensus meeting. Approximately 96% of meeting participants rated the top three topics as equally important. These were as follows: developing strong and productive working relationships between researchers and PPI contributors; exploring PPI practices in selecting trial outcomes of importance to patients; and a systematic review of PPI activity to improve the accessibility and usefulness of trial information (eg participant information sheets) for participants.ConclusionsThe prioritized methodological research topics indicate important areas of uncertainty about PPI in trials. Addressing these uncertainties will be critical to enhancing PPI. Our findings should be used in the planning and funding of PPI in clinical trials to help focus research efforts and minimize waste.
Supportive periodontal treatment: Pocket depth changes and tooth loss
Authors: De Wet LM , Slot DE , Van der Weijden GA 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimThe purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the results of 10 years of supportive periodontal treatment(SPT) following active periodontal therapy(APT). Probing pocket depth(PPD), bleeding on probing(BOP), tooth loss(TL)and the effects of two patient‐related factors, smoking and gender were evaluated.MethodsThis retrospective study examined patients who underwent APT and SPT for adult periodontitis. Analyses were conducted using site‐, tooth‐ and patient‐level information. Mean values were calculated, and parametric and nonparametric analyses were conducted as appropriate to assess the results of APT and SPT.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in BOP and PPD after APT. After 10 years, 9.3% of the patients adhered to the SPT protocol. The improvement in BOP and PPD was maintained, with no additional improvement in the clinical parameters at the 10‐year follow‐up. Furthermore, differences between non‐smokers and smokers were found. After the 10‐year follow‐up, smokers had a significantly higher percentage of sites with a PPD of 4 mm or higher; the mean PPD was also significantly higher in smokers. A significant difference was also found between males and females during SPT for the percentage of sites with BOP and the percentage of sites with a PPD≥6 mm. A minority of patients(18.5%) did not lose teeth, and it was found that molars are the teeth most likely to be lost. The mean number of teeth lost was 2.6 during 10‐year follow‐up.ConclusionThis study indicates that with regard to bleeding on probing and probing pocket depth, patients receiving supportive periodontal treatment maintain their periodontal condition. However, in this group of adherent maintenance patients, tooth loss was most prevalent for molar teeth.
Effects of different thawing methods on the quality of chicken breast
Authors: Zhang Xin , Gao Tian , Song Lei , Zhang Lin , Jiang Yun , Li Jiao‐long , Gao Feng , Zhou Guang‐hong 
Published: June 2017

SummaryFreezing and thawing technologies are widely used in meat industry. This study aimed to investigate the effects of freezing and different thawing methods (Control group, CG; water immersing thawing, WT; low temperature combined with high‐humidity thawing, LT; combined thawing 1 (WT 15 min, then LT), CT1; combined thawing 2 (LT 2 h, then WT), CT2) on the quality of chicken breast. The results showed that all thawing methods significantly increased shear force value, the gap between muscle fibres, the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl compounds, meanwhile, decreased the pH, CIE a* value, total protein solubility and sarcoplasmic protein solubility, compared with CG (P < 0.05). Among different thawing methods, LT was most effective in decreasing thawing loss but it had the highest contents of MDA and carbonyl compounds (P < 0.05). CT1 significantly decreased shear force value and MDA content (P < 0.05). Overall, freezing and thawing process had a detrimental effect on the quality of chicken breast, and the extent was pronounced with different thawing methods. On the basis of shortening thawing time and keeping meat quality, the results of this study suggested that CT1 could be chosen as the better thawing method.
A comparative assess of high hydrostatic pressure and superfine grinding on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of grape pomace
Authors: Sheng Kangliang , Qu Hao , Liu Changhong , Yan Ling , You Ju , Shui Shanshan , Zheng Lei 
Published: June 2017

SummaryIn this study, we evaluate the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and superfine grinding (SFG) treatment on grape pomace. The results showed that the HHP treatment improved physicochemical and antioxidant properties of grape pomace than the SFG treatment did. Moreover, the results of SEM indicated that the HHP‐treated grape pomace turned to have more lamellar structure, resulting in more hydrophilic groups exposed to improve WRC, WSC and SDF content. The results of FT‐IR spectra indicated that the main components and chemical structure of grape pomace after processing did not significantly change. Therefore, the HHP treatment had better effect in improving the functionality of grape pomace than that of the SFG treatment. The grape pomace treated by the appropriate processing methods could be used as functional foods.
microRNA cluster 106a~363 is involved in T helper 17 cell differentiation
Authors: Kästle Marc , Bartel Sabine , Geillinger‐Kästle Kerstin , Irmler Martin , Beckers Johannes , Ryffel Bernhard , Eickelberg Oliver , Krauss‐Etschmann Susanne 
Published: June 2017

SummaryT‐helper cell type 17 (Th17) mediated inflammation is associated with various diseases including autoimmune encephalitis, inflammatory bowel disease and lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Differentiation into distinct T helper subtypes needs to be tightly regulated to ensure an immunological balance. As microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of signalling pathways, we aimed to identify specific miRNAs implicated in controlling Th17 differentiation. We were able to create a regulatory network model of murine T helper cell differentiation by combining Affymetrix mRNA and miRNA arrays and in silico analysis. In this model, the miR‐212~132 and miR‐182~183 clusters were significantly up‐regulated upon Th17 differentiation, whereas the entire miR‐106~363 cluster was down‐regulated and predicted to target well‐known Th17 cell differentiation pathways. In vitro transfection of miR‐18b, miR‐106a and miR‐363‐3p into primary murine Cd4+ lymphocytes decreased expression of retinoid‐related orphan receptor c (Rorc), Rora, Il17a and Il17f, and abolished secretion of Th17‐mediated interleukin‐17a (Il17a). Moreover, we demonstrated target site‐specific regulation of the Th17 transcription factors Rora and nuclear factor of activated T cells (Nfat) 5 by miR‐18b, miR‐106a and miR‐363‐3p through luciferase reporter assays. Here, we provide evidence that miRNAs are involved in controlling the differentiation and function of T helper cells, offering useful tools to study and modify Th17‐mediated inflammation.