bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of Ferralsol mineralogy on the distribution of organic C across aggregate size fractions under native vegetation and no‐tillage agriculture
Authors: Maltoni K. L. , De Mello L. M. M. , Dubbin W. E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNo‐tillage management can increase soil surface layer organic C (OC) levels compared with conventional tillage. The mechanisms underlying this increase in highly weathered tropical soils, such as Ferralsols, are not well established. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the influence of mineralogy on aggregation and the apportionment of OC across aggregate size fractions in a Brazilian Ferralsol under native vegetation (NV) and no‐tillage management for 10 (NT10) or 20 (NT20) yrs. Under native vegetation, soil OC generally increased with increasing aggregate size while, in response to changing management, soil OC increased in the order NT10 (8.8 g/kg) < NT20 (12.7 g/kg) < NV (19.1 g/kg). There were no significant differences in the mineralogy of the clay size fractions among the three treatments, with the notable exception of the CBD‐extractable Fe oxide fraction (FeCBD). The FeCBD fraction comprises various pedogenic Fe(hydr)oxides and increased from NT10 (33.9 g/kg) to NT20 (64.2 g/kg). The OC/FeCBD mass ratio within aggregates increased in the order NT10 < NT20 < NV while R2 values for OC and FeCBD occurrence follow this same trend, with the NT10 soil showing a weaker correlation (R2 = 0.178) compared with the NV soil (R2 = 0.533). We propose that formation of organo‐Fe(III) oxide associations is promoted with implementation of NT management and the consequent reduction in macroaggregate turnover. The development of the OC‐Fe(III) oxide associations and their evolution over time within aggregates to more thermodynamically stable entities will strongly influence the long‐term preservation of soil OC.
Predicting soil workability and fragmentation in tillage: a review
Authors: Obour P. B. , Lamandé M. , Edwards G. , Sørensen C. G. , Munkholm L. J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSoil workability and friability are required parameters to consider when creating suitable seedbeds for crop establishment and growth. Knowledge of soil workability is important for scheduling tillage operations and for reducing the risk of tillage‐induced structural degradation of soils. A reliable evaluation of soil workability implies a distinctive definition of the critical water content (wet and dry limits) for tillage. In this review, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the methods for determining soil workability, and the effects of soil properties and tillage systems on soil workability and fragmentation. The strengths and limitations of the different methods for evaluating the water content for soil workability, such as the plastic limit, soil water retention curve (SWRC), standard Proctor compaction test, field assessment, moisture‐pressure‐volume diagram, air permeability and drop‐shatter tests are discussed. Our review reveals that there is limited information on the dry limit and the range of water content for soil workability for different textured soils. We identify the need for further research to evaluate soil workability on undisturbed soils using a combination of SWRC and the drop‐shatter tests or tensile strength; (i) to quantify the effects of soil texture, organic matter and compaction on soil workability; and (ii) to compare soil water content for workability in the field with theoretical soil workability, thereby improving the prediction of soil workability as part of a decision support system for tillage operations.
Can the agronomic performance of urea equal calcium ammonium nitrate across nitrogen rates in temperate grassland?
Authors: Forrestal P. J. , Harty M. A. , Carolan R. , Watson C. J. , Lanigan G. J. , Wall D. P. , Hennessy D. , Richards K. G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn temperate grassland, urea has been shown to have lower nitrous oxide emissions compared to ammonium nitrate‐based fertilizer and is less expensive. However, nitrogen (N) loss via ammonia volatilization from urea raises questions regarding yield performance and efficiency. This study compares the yield and N offtake of grass fertilized with urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and urea treated with the urease inhibitor N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) at six site‐years. Five annual fertilizer N rates (100–500 kg N/ha) were applied in five equal splits of 20–100 kg N/ha during the growing season. On average, urea produced slightly better yields than CAN in spring (103.5% of CAN yield) and slightly poorer yields in summer (98.4% of CAN yield). There was no significant difference in annual grass yield between urea, CAN and urea + NBPT. Urea had the lowest cost per tonne of DM grass yield produced. However, the urea treatment had lower N offtake than CAN and this difference was more pronounced as the N rate increased. There was no difference in N offtake between urea + NBPT and CAN. While this study shows that urea produced yields comparable to CAN, urea apparent fertilizer N recovery (AFNR) tends to be lower. Urea selection in place of CAN will increase national ammonia emissions which is problematic for countries with targets to reduce ammonia emissions. Promisingly, NBPT allows the agronomic performance of urea to consistently equal CAN across N rates by addressing the ammonia loss limitations of urea.
Selective modes determine evolutionary rates, gene compactness and expression patterns in Brassica
Authors: Guo Yue , Liu Jing , Zhang Jiefu , Liu Shengyi , Du Jianchang 
Published: March 2017

SummaryIt has been well documented that most nuclear protein‐coding genes in organisms can be classified into two categories: positively selected genes (PSGs) and negatively selected genes (NSGs). The characteristics and evolutionary fates of different types of genes, however, have been poorly understood. In this study, the rates of nonsynonymous substitution (Ka) and the rates of synonymous substitution (Ks) were investigated by comparing the orthologs between the two sequenced Brassica species, Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea, and the evolutionary rates, gene structures, expression patterns, and codon bias were compared between PSGs and NSGs. The resulting data show that PSGs have higher protein evolutionary rates, lower synonymous substitution rates, shorter gene length, fewer exons, higher functional specificity, lower expression level, higher tissue‐specific expression and stronger codon bias than NSGs. Although the quantities and values are different, the relative features of PSGs and NSGs have been largely verified in the model species Arabidopsis. These data suggest that PSGs and NSGs differ not only under selective pressure (Ka/Ks), but also in their evolutionary, structural and functional properties, indicating that selective modes may serve as a determinant factor for measuring evolutionary rates, gene compactness and expression patterns in Brassica.
Global analysis of canola genes targeted by SHORT HYPOCOTYL UNDER BLUE 1 during endosperm and embryo development
Authors: Zhang Huanan , Cheng Feng , Xiao Yuguo , Kang Xiaojun , Wang Xiaowu , Kuang Rui , Ni Min 
Published: March 2017

SummarySeed development in dicots includes early endosperm proliferation followed by growth of the embryo to replace the endosperm. Endosperm proliferation in dicots not only provides nutrient supplies for subsequent embryo development but also enforces a space limitation, influencing final seed size. Overexpression of Arabidopsis SHORT HYPOCOTYL UNDER BLUE1::uidA (SHB1:uidA) in canola produces large seeds. We performed global analysis of the canola genes that were expressed and influenced by SHB1 during early endosperm proliferation at 8 days after pollination (DAP) and late embryo development at 13 DAP. Overexpression of SHB1 altered the expression of 973 genes at 8 DAP and 1035 genes at 13 DAP. We also surveyed the global SHB1 association sites, and merging of these sites with the RNA sequencing data identified a set of canola genes targeted by SHB1. The 8‐DAP list includes positive and negative genes that influence endosperm proliferation and are homologous to Arabidopsis MINI3, IKU2, SHB1, AGL62, FIE and AP2. We revealed a major role for SHB1 in canola endosperm development based on the dynamics of SHB1‐altered gene expression, the magnitude of SHB1 chromatin immunoprecipitation enrichment and the over‐representation of eight regulatory genes for endosperm development. Our studies focus on an important agronomic trait in a major crop for global agriculture. The datasets on stage‐specific and SHB1‐induced gene expression and genes targeted by SHB1 also provide a useful resource in the field of endosperm development and seed size engineering. Our practices in an allotetraploid species will impact similar studies in other crop species.
Evaluation of targeted exome sequencing for 28 protein‐based blood group systems, including the homologous gene systems, for blood group genotyping
Authors: Schoeman Elizna M. , Lopez Genghis H. , McGowan Eunike C. , Millard Glenda M. , O'Brien Helen , Roulis Eileen V. , Liew Yew‐Wah , Martin Jacqueline R. , McGrath Kelli A. , Powley Tanya , Flower Robert L. , Hyland Catherine A. 
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUNDBlood group single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping probes for a limited range of polymorphisms. This study investigated whether massively parallel sequencing (also known as next‐generation sequencing), with a targeted exome strategy, provides an extended blood group genotype and the extent to which massively parallel sequencing correctly genotypes in homologous gene systems, such as RH and MNS.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSDonor samples (n = 28) that were extensively phenotyped and genotyped using single nucleotide polymorphism typing, were analyzed using the TruSight One Sequencing Panel and MiSeq platform. Genes for 28 protein‐based blood group systems, GATA1, and KLF1 were analyzed. Copy number variation analysis was used to characterize complex structural variants in the GYPC and RH systems.RESULTSThe average sequencing depth per target region was 66.2 ± 39.8. Each sample harbored on average 43 ± 9 variants, of which 10 ± 3 were used for genotyping. For the 28 samples, massively parallel sequencing variant sequences correctly matched expected sequences based on single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping data. Copy number variation analysis defined the Rh C/c alleles and complex RHD hybrids. Hybrid RHD*D‐CE‐D variants were correctly identified, but copy number variation analysis did not confidently distinguish between D and CE exon deletion versus rearrangement.CONCLUSIONThe targeted exome sequencing strategy employed extended the range of blood group genotypes detected compared with single nucleotide polymorphism typing. This single‐test format included detection of complex MNS hybrid cases and, with copy number variation analysis, defined RH hybrid genes along with the RHCE*C allele hitherto difficult to resolve by variant detection. The approach is economical compared with whole‐genome sequencing and is suitable for a red blood cell reference laboratory setting.
Efficacy and safety of the drugs used to reverse direct oral anticoagulants: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: da Luz Luis Teodoro , Marchand Mylene , Nascimento Bartolomeu , Tien Homer , Nathens Avery , Shah Prakesh 
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUNDDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective and safe for prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic phenomena. However, managing DOACs during bleeding emergencies is challenging. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted on studies addressing efficacy and safety of the drugs used for reversal of DOACs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSMedline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to September 2016. Studies that examined clinical and laboratory effects of drugs used to reverse DOACs were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Newcastle‐Ottawa scale and Cochrane Collaboration tool. Primary and secondary outcomes assessed were reversal of clinical bleeding, clotting assays, and safety, respectively. Overall effect estimates were pooled, and clinical and statistical heterogeneity were assessed. Meta‐analysis was conducted using random‐effects model.RESULTSFour cohort studies in bleeding patients (n = 230) and eight randomized controlled trials in healthy volunteers (n = 381) were included, both with moderate risk of bias. Reversal of clotting assays in healthy volunteers was frequently reported, demonstrating that prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) reversed prothrombin time (PT) and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) substantially. For PT, pooled mean difference was 1.68 seconds (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.33 to 3.70 sec; p < 0.01; I2 = 97%). For ETP, pooled mean difference was 2.16 seconds (95% CI, 0.57 to 3.75 sec; p < 0.01; I2 = 98%). Andexanet alfa and idarucizumab both reverse clotting assays. No important safety concerns were identified.CONCLUSIONSClotting assays are partially reversed by PCC in healthy volunteers. Idarucizumab and andexanet alfa have solid laboratory reversal effect and potential to be clinically efficacious and safe. However, clinical evidence is still lacking for all agents.
Automatic washing of thawed haematopoietic progenitor cell grafts: a preclinical evaluation
Authors: Abonnenc M. , Pesse B. , Tissot J.‐D. , Barelli S. , Lion N. 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectivesAutologous haematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) is a prerequisite for high‐dose chemotherapy in treatment of several haematologic and non‐haematologic malignancies. HPCs are collected by apheresis and cryopreserved until infusion. Postinfusion adverse events have been in part related to the dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) used as cryoprotectant. The aim was to evaluate (i) an automated sequential washing procedure for DMSO removal in thawed HPC grafts and (ii) washing solutions in replacement of hydroxyethyl starch (HES)‐based solutions.Materials and MethodsA total of 26 HPC bags cryopreserved with 10% DMSO and intended for disposal were used. The Sepax‐2 (Biosafe, Eysins, Switzerland) was evaluated using a sequential washing procedure. Outcomes were CD34+ cell recovery and viability after washing.ResultsThe Ringer lactate supplemented or not with albumin 2·5–5% presented satisfactory results compared with HES solution in terms of CD34+ cell recovery and viability after washing. However, the apparition of aggregates led us to renounce to these alternative solutions. Using HES solution and a sequential washing of three bags, we showed the elimination of 95% of the DMSO, a postwash viable CD34+ cell recovery of 79·9 ± 9·4% and a total nucleated cell viability of 66·5 ± 9·3%.ConclusionThe preclinical evaluation of an automated sequential washing procedure for DMSO removal in thawed HPC grafts has proven to be effective and comparable to previously published data. Despite our attempt to find an alternative solution to the HES solution, more efforts should be done on this side to reach a consensus on cryopreservation protocols.
Further characterization of computed tomographic and clinical features for staging and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in West Highland white terriers
Authors: Thierry Florence , Handel Ian , Hammond Gawain , King Lesley G. , Corcoran Brendan M. , Schwarz Tobias 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology resulting in progressive interstitial fibrosis, with a known predilection in West Highland white terriers. In humans, computed tomography (CT) is a standard method for providing diagnostic and prognostic information, and plays a major role in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis staging process. Objectives of this retrospective, analytical, cross‐sectional study were to establish descriptive criteria for reporting CT findings and test correlations among CT, clinical findings and survival time in West Highland white terriers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Inclusion criteria for affected West Highland white terriers were a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and available CT, bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, echocardiography, and routine blood analysis findings. Clinically normal West Highland white terriers were recruited for the control group. Survival times were recorded for affected dogs. The main CT lung pattern and clinical data were blindly and separately graded as mild, moderate, or severe. Twenty‐one West Highland white terriers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 11 control West Highland white terriers were included. The severity of pulmonary CT findings was positively correlated with severity of clinical signs (ρ = 0.48, P = 0.029) and negatively associated with survival time after diagnosis (ρ = –0.56, P = 0.025). Affected dogs had higher lung attenuation (median: –563 Hounsfield Units (HU)) than control dogs (median: –761 HU), (P < 0.001). The most common CT characteristics were ground‐glass pattern (16/21) considered as a mild degree of severity, and focal reticular and mosaic ground‐glass patterns (10/21) considered as a moderate degree of severity. Findings supported the use of thoracic CT as a method for characterizing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in West Highland white terriers and providing prognostic information for owners.
Identifying pathways of exposure to highway pollutants in great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) road mitigation tunnels
Authors: White Katie J. , Mayes William M. , Petrovan Silviu O. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRoad mitigation tunnels are increasingly deployed for amphibians but very little is known about chemical pollution in such schemes. We assessed pollution pressures associated with road runoff at a major great crested newt mitigation scheme in England. Sediments and waters in the mitigation system were analysed for major physico‐chemical parameters, trace metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons and compared to a nearby reference site. Seven out of eight tested metals including copper, zinc, lead and iron were in significantly greater concentrations in the tunnels than at a reference site and at environmentally significant concentrations. Water samples also exhibited elevated concentrations of aluminium and chromium and occasionally extreme alkaline pH associated with leaching of portlandite in tunnel cements. High conductivity values in waters and sediments corresponding with seasonal de‐icing salt application were also apparent. The study highlights the potential pollutant pressures for amphibians associated with large‐scale urban development and road mitigation schemes.
Human‐influenced streamflow during extreme drought: identifying driving forces, modifiers, and impacts in an urbanized catchment in central Poland
Authors: Somorowska Urszula , Łaszewski Maksym 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the response of the streamflow to an extremely hot and dry summer 2015 in the urbanized catchment of the Utrata River in central Poland. The objectives were to: reveal changes in the flow regime, assess anomalies in summer river flows, estimate the natural and wastewater effluent contribution and provide an ecological context for the in‐stream conditions. The mean annual flow rate in the period 1996–2015 increased by 0.61 m3/s as compared to 1951–1970. The mean annual wastewater inflow rate to the river in 2015 was approximately 0.770 m3/s, constituting 39% of the observed flow. Almost the entire period of August this contribution approached 100%. The optimum river water temperature threshold for warm‐water fish species was exceeded. Streamflow modifications are attributed to an increase of wastewater discharge, urban impact through an increase in imperviousness, and the variability of climatic driving forces.
Effectiveness of an Evidence‐Based Practice Nurse Mentor Training Program
Authors: Spiva LeeAnna , Hart Patricia L. , Patrick Sara , Waggoner Jessica , Jackson Charon , Threatt Jamie L. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundMultiple reasons are cited for why nurses do not incorporate evidence into clinical practice, including lack of knowledge and skills, training, time, and organizational support.AimsTo investigate the effectiveness of a mentor training program on mentors’ perceptions of knowledge, attitude, skill, and confidence levels, and organizational readiness related to evidence‐based practice (EBP) and research utilization; and to investigate the effectiveness of creating a formalized structure to enculturate EBP in order to prepare nurses to incorporate EBP into clinical practice on nurses’ perceptions of knowledge, attitude, skill levels, barriers, nursing leadership, and organizational support related to EBP and research utilization.MethodsA two‐group pretest–posttest quasi‐experimental, interventional design was used. A convenience sample of 66 mentors and 367 nurses working at a five hospital integrated healthcare system located in the Southeastern United States participated.FindingsNurse mentors’ knowledge, attitude, skill level, and organizational readiness related to EBP, t = −8.64, p < .001, and confidence, t = −6.36, p < .001, improved after training. Nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and skill level related to EBP, t = −19.12, p < .001, and barriers to research utilization, t = 20.86, p < .001, EBP work environment t = −20.18, p < .001, and EBP nurse leadership, t = −16.50, p < .001, improved after a formalized structure was implemented.Linking Evidence to ActionEBP mentors are effective in educating and supporting nurses in evidence‐based care. Leaders should use a multifaceted approach to build and sustain EBP, including developing a critical mass of EBP mentors to work with point of care staff.
Placental phenotype and the insulin‐like growth factors: resource allocation to fetal growth
Authors: Sferruzzi‐Perri Amanda N. , Sandovici Ionel , Constancia Miguel , Fowden Abigail L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe placenta is the main determinant of fetal growth and development in utero. It supplies all the nutrients and oxygen required for fetal growth and secretes hormones that facilitate maternal allocation of nutrients to the fetus. Furthermore, the placenta responds to nutritional and metabolic signals in the mother by altering its structural and functional phenotype, which can lead to changes in maternal resource allocation to the fetus. The molecular mechanisms by which the placenta senses and responds to environmental cues are poorly understood. This review discusses the role of the insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) in controlling placental resource allocation to fetal growth, particularly in response to adverse gestational environments. In particular, it assesses the impact of the IGFs and their signalling machinery on placental morphogenesis, substrate transport and hormone secretion, primarily in the laboratory species, although it draws on data from human and other species where relevant. It also considers the role of the IGFs as environmental signals in linking resource availability to fetal growth through changes in the morphological and functional phenotype of the placenta. As altered fetal growth is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality and a greater risk of developing adult‐onset diseases in later life, understanding the role of IGFs during pregnancy in regulating placental resource allocation to fetal growth is important for identifying the mechanisms underlying the developmental programming of offspring phenotype by suboptimal intrauterine growth.
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