bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon cycling in temperate grassland under elevated temperature
Authors: Jansen‐Willems Anne B. , Lanigan Gary J. , Grünhage Ludger , Müller Christoph 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAn increase in mean soil surface temperature has been observed over the last century, and it is predicted to further increase in the future. The effect of increased temperature on ecosystem carbon fluxes in a permanent temperate grassland was studied in a long‐term (6 years) field experiment, using multiple temperature increments induced by IR lamps. Ecosystem respiration (R‐eco) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) were measured and modeled by a modified Lloyd and Taylor model including a soil moisture component for R‐eco (average R2 of 0.78) and inclusion of a photosynthetic component based on temperature and radiation for NEE (R2 = 0.65). Modeled NEE values ranged between 2.3 and 5.3 kg CO2 m−2 year−1, depending on treatment. An increase of 2 or 3°C led to increased carbon losses, lowering the carbon storage potential by around 4 tonnes of C ha−1 year−1. The majority of significant NEE differences were found during night‐time compared to daytime. This suggests that during daytime the increased respiration could be offset by an increase in photosynthetic uptake. This was also supported by differences in δ13C and δ18O, indicating prolonged increased photosynthetic activity associated with the higher temperature treatments. However, this increase in photosynthesis was insufficient to counteract the 24 h increase in respiration, explaining the higher CO2 emissions due to elevated temperature.
Cascading effects of N input on tritrophic (plant–aphid–parasitoid) interactions
Authors: Chesnais Quentin , Couty Aude , Catterou Manuella , Ameline Arnaud 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBecause N is frequently the most limiting mineral macronutrient for plants in terrestrial ecosystems, modulating N input may have ecological consequences through trophic levels. Thus, in agro‐ecosystems, the success of natural enemies may depend not only from their herbivorous hosts but also from the host plant whose qualities may be modulated by N input. We manipulated foliar N concentrations by providing to Camelina sativa plants three different nitrogen rates (control, optimal, and excessive). We examined how the altered host‐plant nutritional quality influenced the performances of two aphid species, the generalist green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, and the specialist cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae, and their common parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae. Both N inputs led to increased N concentrations in the plants but induced contrasted concentrations within aphid bodies depending on the species. Compared to the control, plant biomass increased when receiving the optimal N treatment but decreased under the excessive treatment. Performances of M. persicae improved under the optimal treatment compared to the control and excessive treatments whereas B. brassicae parameters declined following the excessive N treatment. In no‐choice trials, emergence rates of D. rapae developing in M. persicae were higher on both optimum and excessive N treatments, whereas they remained stable whatever the treatment when developing in B. brassicae. Size of emerging D. rapae females was positively affected by the treatment only when it developed in M. persicae on the excessive N treatment. This work showed that contrary to an optimal N treatment, when N was delivered in excess, plant suitability was reduced and consequently affected negatively aphid parameters. Surprisingly, these negative effects resulted in no or positive consequences on parasitoid parameters, suggesting a buffered effect at the third trophic level. Host N content, host suitability, and dietary specialization appear to be major factors explaining the functioning of our studied system.
A whole‐plant perspective reveals unexpected impacts of above‐ and belowground herbivores on plant growth and defense
Authors: Mundim Fabiane M. , Alborn Hans T. , Vieira‐Neto Ernane H. M. , Bruna Emilio M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTrade‐offs between plant growth and defense are central to theoretical frameworks used to study the ecology and evolution of plant defense against herbivores. However, these frameworks, as well as the experiments designed to test them, rarely include belowground herbivores. We experimentally challenged seedlings of the tropical shrub Solanum lycocarpum (Solanaceae) with either aboveground foliar herbivores (Spodoptera caterpillars) or belowground root herbivores (the nematode Meloidogyne incognita) and measured the resulting changes in plant growth rates, biomass allocation, and the concentration of defensive terpenoids in roots and leaves. We found that plants that suffered aboveground herbivory responded with aboveground growth but belowground defense. Similarly, belowground herbivory resulted in root growth but elevated defenses of leaves. These results underscore the importance of belowground plant–herbivore interactions, and suggest that, in contrast to theoretical predictions, plants can simultaneously invest in both growth and defense. Finally, they emphasize the need for a “whole‐plant” perspective in theoretical and empirical evaluations of plant–herbivore interactions.
Randomized sham‐controlled, double‐blind, multicenter clinical trial on the effect of percutaneous radiofrequency at the ramus communicans for lumbar disc pain
Authors: van Tilburg C.W.J. , Stronks D.L. , Groeneweg J.G. , Huygen F.J.P.M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundInvestigate the effect of percutaneous radiofrequency compared to a sham procedure, applied to the ramus communicans for treatment of lumbar disc pain.MethodsRandomized sham‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover, multicenter clinical trial. Multidisciplinary pain centres of two general hospitals. Sixty patients aged 18 or more with medical history and physical examination suggestive for lumbar disc pain and a reduction of two or more on a numerical rating scale (0–10) after a diagnostic ramus communicans test block. Treatment group: percutaneous radiofrequency treatment applied to the ramus communicans; sham: same procedure except radiofrequency treatment. Primary outcome measure: pain reduction. Secondary outcome measure: Global Perceived Effect.ResultsNo statistically significant difference in pain level over time between the groups, as well as in the group was found; however, the factor period yielded a statistically significant result. In the crossover group, 11 out of 16 patients experienced a reduction in NRS of 2 or more at 1 month (no significant deviation from chance). No statistically significant difference in satisfaction over time between the groups was found. The independent factors group and period also showed no statistically significant effects. The same applies to recovery: no statistically significant effects were found.ConclusionsThe null hypothesis of no difference in pain reduction and in Global Perceived Effect between the treatment and sham group cannot be rejected. Post hoc analysis revealed that none of the investigated parameters contributed to the prediction of a significant pain reduction.SignificanceInterrupting signalling through the ramus communicans may interfere with the transition of painful information from the discs to the central nervous system. Methodological differences exist in studies evaluating the efficacy of radiofrequency treatment for lumbar disc pain. A randomized, sham‐controlled, double‐blind, multicenter clinical trial on the effect of radiofrequency at the ramus communicans for lumbar disc pain was conducted. The null hypothesis of no difference in pain reduction and in Global Perceived Effect between the treatment and sham group cannot be rejected.
Effects of CNT‐film Pretreatment on the Characteristics of NiCo2O4/CNT Core‐shell Hybrids as Electrode Material for Electrochemistry Capacitor
Authors: Geng Ling , Xu Shanshan , Liu Jiachen , Guo Anran , Hou Feng 
Published: October 2016

AbstractNiCo2O4/CNT nanocomposite films were fabricated by in‐situ growing ultrafine NiCo2O4 nanoparticles on acid‐modified carbon nanotube (CNT) films. The effects of CNT‐film pretreatment were investigated thoroughly by various characterization outfits including Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, RTS‐9 four‐point probes resistivity measurement system, X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and CHI660D electrochemical workstation. These results suggested that carbon nanotubes were uniformly wrapped by NiCo2O4 nanoparticles forming a hierarchical core‐shell structure. And the crystallinity, conductivity of the CNTs and detail structure (both morphology and size) of the NiCo2O4 nanoparticles varied with prolonged acid treatment time which resulted in increased functional groups and defects on CNT films and further affected the electrochemical properties. The composite film composed of the CNT film pretreated by mixed acid for 12 h exhibited excellent electrochemical properties: 828 F/g at 1 A/g and 656 F/g at 20 A/g, and maintained over 99 % of its capacitance after 3000 cycles of charge/discharge at 5 A/g. Acid treatment for either too long or too short is detrimental to the electrochemical properties of the composite films. Such work should be of fundamental importance for tailoring electrochemical properties by elaborate design of acid treatment on CNTs.
Electrochemical (Bio)sensing of Clinical Markers Using Quantum Dots
Authors: Pedrero María , Campuzano Susana , Pingarrón José M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractQuantum dots (QDs) are a kind of semiconductor nanoparticles with great potential in (bio)sensing for medical diagnosis due not only to their optical properties but also to their applicability in the development of electrochemical (bio)sensors. In this article, the use of metallic and graphene QDs for electrochemical signal amplification, either as signal tags or as electrode surface modifiers to detect clinical markers is reviewed and critically discussed. The advantages and disadvantages arising from the use of these nanoparticles in this context will be outlined together with the still required work to fulfil the characteristics needed to attain suitable electrochemical (bio)sensors with real application in clinical field.
Combustion‐Generated Noise: An Environment‐Related Issue for Future Combustion Systems
Authors: Zhang Feichi , Zirwes Thorsten , Nawroth Holger , Habisreuther Peter , Bockhorn Henning , Paschereit Christian Oliver 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA first‐order estimation of the prediction of combustion‐generated noise from turbulent premixed flames was explored. The method was based on Lighthill's acoustic analogy and used measurement data from high‐speed imaging of chemiluminescent emissions as input. To determine the noise‐generating source, that is, the overall heat release rate from the measured chemiluminescence signals, numerical simulations were performed for 1 D laminar and 3 D turbulent freely propagating flames by employing detailed transport models and reaction mechanisms, including the full reaction chain of the electronically excited hydroxyl radical (OH*). It was shown for both the 1 D and 3 D cases that the local generation of OH* correlated strongly with the heat released from the chemical reaction, especially in the fuel‐lean range. As the chemiluminescence measurements gathered light only along the viewing direction, the line‐of‐sight summed values of heat release rate and OH* concentration were evaluated from the 3 D simulation, and a quasilinear relationship was identified for these integral values. Hence, a proportionality relation was applied for computation of the integral heat release from measured chemiluminescence intensity. An analytical solution of Lighthill's wave equation served as a transfer function, which took fluctuations in the total heat release rate or light intensity as input to calculate the sound radiation in the far field. This approach was applied to a generic burner operated with premixed methane/air jet flames. Good quantitative agreement was obtained between the sound pressures derived from the chemiluminescence measurements and the microphone data, which highlights the potential of the method for applications to more complex flame configurations.
Dissipation of double-stranded RNA in aquatic microcosms
Authors: Albright Vurtice C. , Wong Colin R. , Hellmich Richard L. , Coats Joel R. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Silencing genes of a pest with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a promising new pest management technology. As part of the environmental risk assessment for dsRNA-based products, the environmental fate and the potential for adverse effects to on-target organisms should be characterized. In the present study, a nonbioactive dsRNA was spiked into the water column of a water and sediment microcosm to mimic drift from a spray application run off of unbound dsRNA or transport of plant tissues. Dissipation of dsRNA in the water column and partitioning into sediment was determined. The dsRNA rapidly dissipated in the water column and was below the limit of detection after 96 h. The levels detected in the sediment were not significant and may indicate rapid degradation in the water column prior to partitioning to sediment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1249–1253. © 2016 SETAC
Influence of low dose of gamma radiation and storage on some vitamins and mineral elements of dried oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Authors: Kortei Nii Korley , Odamtten George Tawia , Obodai Mary , Wiafe‐Kwagyan Michael , Addo Edward Adotey 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMushrooms contain some of the most potent natural medicines on the planet. Vitamins A, C, D, Mineral elements, contents, as well as total soluble solids (Brixo) of dried composition of Pleurotus ostreatus were investigated after exposing to gamma radiation doses of 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 kGy at a dose rate of 1.7 kGy per hour in air from a Cobalt 60 source (SLL 515, Hungary) batch irradiator prior to storage (0 month) and after storage (12 months) at room temperature (28 ± 2°C). Results obtained showed some significant (p < .05) differences due to irradiation and storage. Before storage, vitamins A, C, and D contents of dried and irradiated mushrooms ranged 0.003 ± 0.08–0.014 ± 0.08, 0.042 ± 1.06–0.132 ± 1.06, and 0.040 ± 0.76–0.057 ± 0.76 mg/g, respectively. After 12 months, vitamin contents decreased and ranged 0.0029 ± 0.08–0.010 ± 0.08, 0.038 ± 1.06–0.125 ± 1.06, and 0.031 ± 0.76–0.05 ± 0.76 mg/g for vitamins A, C, and D, respectively. Total soluble solids recorded 1.5 Brixo, however, showed no significant difference (p > .05) and did not change in 12 months after gamma irradiation up to 2 kGy. Sodium ranged from 14.00 ± 0.7 to 14.90 ± 0.8 mg/100 g. Potassium content varied from 30.20 ± 0.5 to 33.10 ± 0.6 mg/100 g. Magnesium content ranged 1.27 ± 0.15–3.53 ± 0.04 mg/100 g. Calcium ranged 11.00 ± 0.4–12.53 ± 0.4 ± 0.03 mg/100 g. Phosphorus content ranged 6.11 ± 0.30–6.41 ± 0.35 mg/100 g, whereas Nitrogen content was found to be 3.00 ± 0.03–3.60 ± 0.25 mg/100 g. Microelements or heavy metals included Copper; detected ranged 0.00 ± 0.00–0.02 ± 0.001 mg/100 g, Zinc content ranged 0.01 ± 0.002–0.03 ± 0.001 mg/100 g. Iron content was found to be in the range 0.29 ± 0.01–0.37 ± 0.1 mg/100 g. Manganese content was found to be in the range 0.03 ± 0.001–0.04 ± 0.01 mg/100 g. Lead content was found to be 0.00 ± 0.00–0.03 ± 0.001 mg/100 g. Food processing and storage has the potential to slightly alter the stability of vitamins in foods. Pleurotus ostreatus showed appreciable levels of mineral elemental composition, essential vitamins A, C, and D, and can be endorsed as a natural medicinal food product in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The heavy metals detected were with also below the upper limits permissible by the WHO standards and is thus safe for human consumption.
Psychosocial or clinico‐demographic factors related to neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease needing interventional treatment: analysis of the CATIE‐AD study
Authors: Nagata Tomoyuki , Nakajima Shinichiro , Shinagawa Shunichiro , Plitman Eric , Graff‐Guerrero Ariel , Mimura Masaru , Nakayama Kazuhiko 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveThis study sought to determine psychosocial and clinico‐demographic factors related to each symptomatic cluster (i.e., aggressiveness, psychosis, apathy/eating problems, and emotion/disinhibition) of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) needing interventional treatment against their agitation or psychotic symptoms. These clusters were classified from 12 Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) subscores in our previous study using the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness—Alzheimer's Disease (CATIE‐AD) dataset.MethodsBased on clinical data from 421 AD outpatients with agitation or psychotic symptoms needed interventional treatment enrolled in the CATIE‐AD, we conducted logistic regression analyses to examine the relationships between each symptomatic cluster and three psychosocial (marital status, residence, and caregivers' burden) and nine clinico‐demographic (age, gender, education year, general cognition, activity of daily living [ADL], general medical health, race, and intake of anti‐dementia drugs or psychotropics) factors.ResultsWhile no factor contributed to aggressiveness, psychosis was associated with several clinico‐demographic factors: female gender, non‐Caucasian race, and lower cognitive function. Apathy/eating problems was associated with more severe caregiver burden, living in one's own home, lower ADL level, and male gender, while emotion/disinhibition was predicted by more severe caregiver burden, lower education level, not‐married status, and younger age.ConclusionsAmong the four NPS clusters, apathy/eating problems and emotion/disinhibition were associated with psychosocial as well as clinico‐demographic factors in AD patients with psychotic symptoms or agitation needed interventional treatment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Li–Fraumeni syndrome presenting as mucosal melanoma: Case report and treatment considerations
Authors: Klein Jonah D. , Kupferman Michael E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundLi–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a familial cancer predisposition associated with a germline mutation in TP53. Patients with LFS are at risk of developing malignancies and require comprehensive screening. We describe an index case of LFS presenting with mucosal melanoma.MethodsA 21‐year‐old woman presented with a left maxillary mucosal lesion and a left neck mass. Biopsies revealed metastatic mucosal melanoma, which is a pathology previously unreported in LFS families. Genetic testing revealed LFS, with a germline TP53 mutation, and pedigree analysis identified 9 first‐degree and second‐degree relatives with hematologic malignancies.ResultsThe patient underwent a maxillectomy and left neck dissection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. At 30‐month follow‐up, there was no evidence of local, regional, or distant failure, nor did she develop a second primary tumor.ConclusionThis represents the first reported case of LFS associated with mucosal melanoma. Treatment considerations, specifically the risks of adjuvant therapy in LFS, are discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: E20–E22, 2017
Clinical impact of 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography/CT on adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Jung Ji‐hoon , Lee Sang‐Woo , Son Seung Hyun , Kim Choon‐Young , Lee Chang‐Hee , Jeong Ju Hye , Jeong Shin Young , Ahn Byeong‐Cheol , Lee Jaetae 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the diagnostic value of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and the prognostic value of metabolic PET parameters in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck (ACCHN).MethodsForty patients with newly diagnosed ACCHN were enrolled in this study. We investigated the diagnostic value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT for detecting and staging compared to conventional CT. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis for progression‐free survival (PFS) was performed with clinicopathological factors and metabolic PET parameters.ResultsThe 18F‐FDG PET/CT showed comparable sensitivity (92.3%) to conventional CT for lesion detection, and changed staging and management plan in 6 patients (15.0%). Lower PFS rates were associated with advanced T classification, advanced TNM classification, high maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax; >5.1), and high total lesion glycolysis (>40.1) of the primary tumor.ConclusionThe 18F‐FDG PET/CT can provide additional information for initial staging, and metabolic PET parameters may serve as prognostic factors of ACCHN. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 447–455, 2017
Growing concerns and controversies to Taiwan's National Health Insurance—what are the lessons from mainland China, South Korea and Singapore?
Authors: Lee Yen‐Han , Ang Ting Fang Alvin , Chiang Timothy C. , Kaplan Warren A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIt has been over 20 years since Taiwan's implementation of its National Health Insurance (NHI) program. Under this program, the health insurance coverage rate has reached approximately 99% of the population. Despite guaranteeing the residents of Taiwan equal access regardless of socioeconomic status and background, critical problems and controversies persist, and they continue to challenge the NHI. We analyze the primary issues facing the NHI program with emphasis on financial and consumer behavioral aspects. Furthermore, we apply models from mainland China, South Korea and Singapore to discuss what Taiwan could learn from the systems employed by these countries to modify the NHI. Targeting the needs of the NHI, we have three policy recommendations: separating the NHI scheme into different target populations, strengthening the NHI referral system and regulating the access of overseas citizens to health services while in Taiwan. After two decades in existence, problems persist and there is a continuing need to improve Taiwan's NHI. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pipeflow response in loess‐derived soils to precipitation and groundwater table fluctuations in a temperate humid climate
Authors: Vannoppen W. , Verachtert E. , Poesen J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPiping is a widespread phenomenon in the world and can significantly contribute to the downward movement of water, sediments, and nutrients. This study examines the hydrological functioning of soil pipes in a loess‐derived soil under pasture using hydrometric and hydrochemical analyses. It aims to investigate the relation between pipeflow, rainfall, and groundwater table fluctuations and to determine the dominant source of the water flowing through the soil pipes using both hydrometric and hydrochemical approaches. A rapid pipeflow response is observed when a threshold rainfall depth is exceeded. This threshold depth is larger in the summer (9 mm) compared with that in the winter (4 mm) which is related to the prestorm wetness of the soil. Hydrochemical analyses indicate that both groundwater and rainfall contribute to the pipeflow with a dominance of groundwater. This study shows that pipeflow can be an important hydrological pathway in loess‐derived soils with a clear seasonal pattern in pipeflow responses to rainfall events.