bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Tillage and Organic Inputs on Soil Properties and Yield of Cotton on Vertisols
Authors: Ravali Esampally , Konde N.M. , Bhoyar S.M. , Kanase Nilam , Singh Akanksha , Thite Mohini D. , Shrirao Tanvi 
Published: September 2024

The present investigation was carried out at Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, Dr. PDKV, Akola during Kharif 2023-24 to study the effect of different tillage practices and organic inputs on soil properties and yield of cotton on Vertisols. Intensive tillage accelerates the loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and reduces soil quality and yields, particularly in rainfed areas. This is further worsened by imbalanced fertilization and insufficient recycling of organic residues. Conservation tillage, when combined with organic inputs like FYM, vermicompost and phospho-compost, can help to restore soil structure, increase SOC and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The study aimed to assess the effect of different tillage practices and organic inputs on soil properties and on yield of cotton. The factorial randomized block design with two factors and four tillage treatments as factor A and four sources of manure as factor B were adopted. The treatments were composed of factor A consisting of four tillage operations [conventional tillage (T1), reduced tillage (T2), minimum tillage (T3) and zero tillage (T4)] and factor B consisting of organic manures such as farmyard manure (10 t ha-1) (M1), vermicompost (5 t ha-1) (M2), phospho-compost (5 t ha-1) (M3) and no manure (M4) replicated thrice. The results clearly indicated that conventional tillage resulted in the significantly highest seed cotton yield (14.10 ha-1), stalk yield (27.78 ha-1), total uptake of N (46.46 ha-1), P (7.86 ha-1) and K (33.05 ha-1) relative to other tillage practices examined. Among the organic manure treatments the highest seed cotton yield (11.21 ha-1), stalk yield (21.95 ha-1), total N (37.27 ha-1), P (6.57 ha-1) and K (31.25 ha-1) uptake by cotton was observed with phospho-compost application. Based on the observed results, it was notable that the available soil N, P and K were significantly influenced by the distinct tillage practices and organic manures. Among the tillage practices, the highest content of available soil N (182.14 kg ha-1), P (17.14 kg ha-1) and K (312.95 kg ha-1) were exhibited by the reduced tillage. The use of vermicompost resulted in the highest available soil N (185.93 kg ha-1) and K (316.68 kg ha-1), while the highest available soil P (18.22 kg ha-1) was observed with phospho-compost. The results revealed that conventional tillage combined with phospho-compost improves cotton yield and nutrient uptake, while reduced tillage along with the application of vermicompost and phospho-compost improves soil fertility. Therefore, combined use of tillage and organic inputs could be beneficial for enhancing soil properties and higher productivity of cotton in Vertisols as well as the whole of Maharashtra.
Comparative Study of Fuzzy Logic Operators
Authors: LUKENZU Anyta MUKAWA , ENGOMBANGI Jonathan OPFOINTSHI , TAPASA Fernand MAMANYA , BINENE Camile LIKOTELO , MAZONI Grace NKWESE 
Published: September 2024

Fuzzy logic is currently very relevant because it offers a new way to approach tuning and decision-making problems. In this paper, we discuss a comparative study between Zadeh fuzzy operators and probabilistic operators, which are used during the activation outputs of the rules, to see which of them maximize or minimize the result of the defuzzification, in a fuzzy inference system used to create the fuzzy command control model, in artificial intelligence.
The aim of this paper is to conduct a comparative study of rule output values by applying Zadeh's fuzzy operators and those of probability when activating rule outputs; and not to create other applications or to compare our solutions with previous results.
We point out that we have carried out this comparative study of Zadeh fuzzy operators and probabilistic ones by exploiting several numerical examples such as in [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
But to lighten the writing of this article, knowing that the steps of fuzzy inference are manually tedious, we consider the control data of a house fan, with two inputs (temperature and humidity) and one output (fan speed) processed by Baali Sabeur & Mahmoudi Messaoud in 2022.
We have presented the cuts of the outputs from Zadeh's methods compared to those called probabilistic.
After Fuzzification, activation of the Rules outputs, Aggregation of the outputs and defuzzification, we identified the fuzzy operators which maximize and those which minimize the net outputs, among the two families.
Ultra‐Fast Supercritical Hydrothermal Synthesis of Tobermorite under Thermodynamically Metastable Conditions
Authors: Diez‐Garcia Marta , Gaitero Juan J. , Dolado Jorge S. , Aymonier Cyril 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTobermorite is a fibrillar mineral of the family of calcium silicates. In spite of not being abundant in nature, its structure and properties are reasonably well known because of its interest in the construction industry. Currently, tobermorite is synthesized by hydrothermal methods at mild temperatures. The problem is that such processes are very slow (>5 h) and temperature cannot be increased to speed them up because tobermorite is metastable over 130 °C. Furthermore the product obtained is generally foil‐like and not very crystalline. Herein we propose an alternative synthesis method based on the use of a continuous flow reactor and supercritical water. In spite of the high temperature, the transformation of tobermorite to more stable phases can be prevented by accurately controlling the reaction time. As a result, highly crystalline fibrillar tobermorite can be obtained in just a few seconds under thermodynamically metastable conditions.
Catalytic Friedel–Crafts Reactions of Highly Electronically Deactivated Benzylic Alcohols
Authors: Vuković Vuk D. , Richmond Edward , Wolf Eléna , Moran Joseph 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHighly electronically deactivated benzylic alcohols, including those with a CF3 group adjacent to the OH‐bearing carbon, undergo dehydrative Friedel–Crafts reactions upon exposure to catalytic Brønsted acid in 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) solvent. Titration and kinetic experiments support the involvement of higher order solvent/acid clusters in catalysis.
Production of Primary Amines by Reductive Amination of Biomass‐Derived Aldehydes/Ketones
Authors: Liang Guanfeng , Wang Aiqin , Li Lin , Xu Gang , Yan Ning , Zhang Tao 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTransformation of biomass into valuable nitrogen‐containing compounds is highly desired, yet limited success has been achieved. Here we report an efficient catalyst system, partially reduced Ru/ZrO2, which could catalyze the reductive amination of a variety of biomass‐derived aldehydes/ketones in aqueous ammonia. With this approach, a spectrum of renewable primary amines was produced in good to excellent yields. Moreover, we have demonstrated a two‐step approach for production of ethanolamine, a large‐market nitrogen‐containing chemical, from lignocellulose in an overall yield of 10 %. Extensive characterizations showed that Ru/ZrO2‐containing multivalence Ru association species worked as a bifunctional catalyst, with RuO2 as acidic promoter to facilitate the activation of carbonyl groups and Ru as active sites for the subsequent imine hydrogenation.
Tetraacylgermanes: Highly Efficient Photoinitiators for Visible‐Light‐Induced Free‐Radical Polymerization
Authors: Radebner Judith , Eibel Anna , Leypold Mario , Gorsche Christian , Schuh Lukas , Fischer Roland , Torvisco Ana , Neshchadin Dmytro , Geier Roman , Moszner Norbert , Liska Robert , Gescheidt Georg , Haas Michael , Stueger Harald 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this contribution a convenient synthetic method to obtain tetraacylgermanes Ge[C(O)R]4 (R=mesityl (1 a), phenyl (1 b)), a previously unknown class of highly efficient Ge‐based photoinitiators, is described. Tetraacylgermanes are easily accessible via a one‐pot synthetic protocol in >85 % yield, as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X‐ray crystallography. The efficiency of 1 a,b as photoinitiators is demonstrated in photobleaching (UV/Vis), time‐resolved EPR (CIDEP), and NMR/CIDNP investigations as well as by photo‐DSC studies. Remarkably, the tetraacylgermanes exceed the performance of currently known long‐wavelength visible‐light photoinitiators for free‐radical polymerization
Structure of the Ribosomal RNA Decoding Site Containing a Selenium‐Modified Responsive Fluorescent Ribonucleoside Probe
Authors: Nuthanakanti Ashok , Boerneke Mark A. , Hermann Thomas , Srivatsan Seergazhi G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractComprehensive understanding of the structure–function relationship of RNA both in real time and at atomic level will have a profound impact in advancing our understanding of RNA functions in biology. Here, we describe the first example of a multifunctional nucleoside probe, containing a conformation‐sensitive fluorophore and an anomalous X‐ray diffraction label (5‐selenophene uracil), which enables the correlation of RNA conformation and recognition under equilibrium and in 3D. The probe incorporated into the bacterial ribosomal RNA decoding site, fluorescently reports antibiotic binding and provides diffraction information in determining the structure without distorting native RNA fold. Further, by comparing solution binding data and crystal structure, we gained insight on how the probe senses ligand‐induced conformational change in RNA. Taken together, our nucleoside probe represents a new class of biophysical tool that would complement available tools for functional RNA investigations.
Strain‐Promoted Thiol‐Mediated Cellular Uptake of Giant Substrates: Liposomes and Polymersomes
Authors: Chuard Nicolas , Gasparini Giulio , Moreau Dimitri , Lörcher Samuel , Palivan Cornelia , Meier Wolfgang , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSimple cyclic disulfides under high tension mediate the uptake of giant substrates, that is, liposomes and polymersomes with diameters of up to 400 nm, into HeLa Kyoto cells. To place them at the surface of the vesicles, the strained disulfides were attached to the head‐group of cationic amphiphiles. Bell‐shaped dose response curves revealed self‐activation of the strained amphiphiles by self‐assembly into microdomains at low concentrations and self‐inhibition by micelle formation at high concentrations. Poor colocalization of internalized vesicles with endosomes, lysosomes, and mitochondria indicate substantial release into the cytosol. The increasing activity with disulfide ring tension, inhibition with Ellman's reagent, and inactivity of maleimide and guanidinium controls outline a distinct mode of action that deserves further investigation and is promising for practical applications.
High‐Throughput Synthesis of Mixed‐Metal Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction
Authors: He Jingfu , Dettelbach Kevan E. , Salvatore Danielle A. , Li Tengfei , Berlinguette Curtis P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe utilization of CO2 as a feedstock requires fundamental breakthroughs in catalyst design. The efficiencies and activities of pure metal electrodes towards the CO2 reduction reaction are established, but the corresponding data on mixed‐metal systems are not as well developed. In this study we show that the near‐infrared driven decomposition (NIRDD) of solution‐deposited films of metal salts and subsequent electrochemical reduction offers the unique opportunity to form an array of mixed‐metal electrocatalyst coatings with excellent control of the metal stoichiometries. This synthetic method enabled us to develop an empirical structure–property correlation to help inform the development of optimized CO2 catalyst compositions.
Remote Regulation of Membrane Channel Activity by Site‐Specific Localization of Lanthanide‐Doped Upconversion Nanocrystals
Authors: Ai Xiangzhao , Lyu Linna , Zhang Yang , Tang Yanxia , Mu Jing , Liu Fang , Zhou Yixi , Zuo Zhenghong , Liu Gang , Xing Bengang 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe spatiotemporal regulation of light‐gated ion channels is a powerful tool to study physiological pathways and develop personalized theranostic modalities. So far, most existing light‐gated channels are limited by their action spectra in the ultraviolet (UV) or visible region. Simple and innovative strategies for the specific attachment of photoswitches on the cell surface without modifying or genetically encoding channel structures, and more importantly, that enable the remote activation of ion‐channel functions within near‐infrared (NIR) spectral window in living systems, remain a challenging concern. Herein, metabolic glycan biosynthesis is used to achieve site‐specific covalent attachment of near‐infrared‐light‐mediated lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanocrystals (UCNs) to the cell surface through copper‐free click cyclization. Upon irradiation with 808 nm light, the converted emission at 480 nm could activate a light‐gated ion channel, channelrhodopsins‐2 (ChR2), and thus remotely control the cation influx. This unique strategy provides valuable insights on the specific regulation membrane‐associated activities in vivo.
Bioelectrochemical Haber–Bosch Process: An Ammonia‐Producing H2/N2 Fuel Cell
Authors: Milton Ross D. , Cai Rong , Abdellaoui Sofiene , Leech Dónal , De Lacey Antonio L. , Pita Marcos , Minteer Shelley D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNitrogenases are the only enzymes known to reduce molecular nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3). By using methyl viologen (N,N′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium) to shuttle electrons to nitrogenase, N2 reduction to NH3 can be mediated at an electrode surface. The coupling of this nitrogenase cathode with a bioanode that utilizes the enzyme hydrogenase to oxidize molecular hydrogen (H2) results in an enzymatic fuel cell (EFC) that is able to produce NH3 from H2 and N2 while simultaneously producing an electrical current. To demonstrate this, a charge of 60 mC was passed across H2 /N2 EFCs, which resulted in the formation of 286 nmol NH3 mg−1 MoFe protein, corresponding to a Faradaic efficiency of 26.4 %.
Conservation needs for the endangered New Zealand sea lion, Phocarctos hookeri
Authors: Chilvers B. Louise , Meyer Stefan 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Understanding population size and trend is critical information in species management and conservation. To enable accurate population trend estimates, consistent robust monitoring of a species is essential, particularly for a species such as the New Zealand (NZ) sea lion, Phocarctos hookeri, which has experienced an almost continuous decline in pup production since the late 1990s.
This research examines the pup production estimates for all known breeding sites for this species, and using a stage‐structured matrix population model, estimates population size and trend between 1995 and 2015.
Overall, it is estimated that 2,316 pups were born in 2015, a decrease of 13% since 1995 and a 27% decline since the highest pup production estimate in 1998. This decline has been driven by the significant decline of 48% at the main breeding area, the Auckland Islands since 1998.
Using the stage‐structured matrix population model a total species population size of 11,767 sea lions (95% CrI: 10,790–12,923) was estimated. This is the lowest population size of any sea lion species. Trend data for the Auckland Islands indicated that pup and population numbers have decreased at 1.9% yr−1 in the last 20 yr, while total species population decline is 0.6% yr−1.
Estimates of population trends for this species have been hindered by inconsistent monitoring at most breeding sites. This study strengthens the growing field of research highlighting the need for consistent long‐term monitoring for the conservation management of endangered species.
Characterization of key transcription factors as molecular signatures of HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative oral cancers
Authors: Verma Gaurav , Vishnoi Kanchan , Tyagi Abhishek , Jadli Mohit , Singh Tejveer , Goel Ankit , Sharma Ankita , Agarwal Kiran , Prasad Subhash Chandra , Pandey Durgatosh , Sharma Shashi , Mehrotra Ravi , Singh Sukh Mahendra , Bharti Alok Chandra 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPrior studies established constitutively active AP‐1, NF‐κB, and STAT3 signaling in oral cancer. Differential expression/activation of specific members of these transcription factors has been documented in HPV‐positive oral lesions that respond better to therapy. We performed a comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed, transcriptionally active members of these pivotal signaling mediators to develop specific signatures of HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative oral lesions by immunohistochemical method that is applicable in low‐resource settings. We examined a total of 31 prospective and 30 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues from treatment‐naïve, histopathologically and clinically confirmed cases diagnosed as oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC/OPSCC). Following determination of their HPV status by GP5 + /GP6 + PCR, the sequential sections of the tissues were evaluated for expression of JunB, JunD, c‐Fos, p50, p65, STAT3, and pSTAT3(Y705), along with two key regulatory proteins pEGFR and p16 by IHC. Independent analysis of JunB and p65 showed direct correlation with HPV positivity, whereas STAT3 and pSTAT3 were inversely correlated. A combined analysis of transcription factors revealed a more restrictive combination, characterized by the presence of AP‐1 and NF‐κB lacking involvement of STAT3 that strongly correlated with HPV‐positive tumors. Presence of STAT3/pSTAT3 with NF‐κB irrespective of the presence or absence of AP‐1 members was present in HPV‐negative lesions. Expression of pSTAT3 strongly correlated with all the AP‐1/NF‐κB members (except JunD), its upstream activator pEGFRY1092, and HPV infection‐related negative regulator p16. Overall, we show a simple combination of AP‐1, NF‐κB, and STAT3 members’ expression that may serve as molecular signature of HPV‐positive lesions or more broadly the tumors that show better prognosis.
Classification of mechanisms of strut malapposition after angiographically optimized stent implantation: An optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Agrawal Mayank , Hakeem Abdul , Ahmed Zubair , Uretsky Barry F. 
Published: February 2017

AimsTo elucidate causes and extent of strut malapposition in angiographically optimized stenting.Methods and ResultsUsing a new classification system for strut malapposition, the mechanisms of stent strut malapposition were classified as localized lumen enlargement, vessel asymmetry, stent undersizing, strut underexpansion and stent deployment issue. Stent implantations (n = 110) in 100 consecutive patients undergoing optical coherence tomography (OCT) after the operator considered the stent as optimally deployed angiographically were reviewed to determine if strut apposition was complete. 127,894 stent struts in 110 stents were analyzed. There were 6,644 struts malapposed (5.2% ±7.3%), with strut malapposition found in 82 of 110 stents (74.5%). Localized lumen enlargement was the most common cause of malapposition (74.4% of malapposition clusters). Stent undersizing was the second most common cause (46.3%) followed by strut under‐expansion in 29.3%, stent deployment issue in 18.2%, and vessel asymmetry in 9.7%.ConclusionMalapposition of any degree is common after angiographic stent optimization, occurring in up to three‐quarters of stents. The most frequent mechanism was localized lumen enlargement. The second most common cause of strut malapposition was stent undersizing, which was angiographically invisible. Whether performing OCT after angiographic optimization improves short‐ and long‐term outcomes requires further study. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unusual findings in thyroid cytology and histology
Authors: Najafian Alireza , Kahan Stacie , Zeiger Martha A. , Olson Matthew T. 
Published: February 2017

IntroductionAlthough cytology and histopathology of thyroid lesions generally fall into common, well‐defined categories, there are uncommon cases with unusual fine needle aspiration (FNA) findings or histology. Herein, we review the prevalence and characteristics of rare thyroid cytology and histopathology findings at a tertiary hospital.MethodsInstitutional data from >31,000 patients with a thyroid pathology from 1995 to 2013 were queried. Both cytology and histology were available in 6,693 patients. After exclusion of the common cytological categories detailed by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) and common histopathology categories, 90 patients with either an unusual FNA, histopathology, or both were identified.ResultsA total of 90 cases were included (19: only unusual FNA; 25: only unusual histology; 46: both unusual cytology and histopathology). The positive predictive value of an unusual FNA for discovering an unusual lesion was 71% (95% CI: 58%–81%). The majority (66%) were females and median age was 59 years. On histopathology, 80 (88%) cases were malignant, 72 (90%) of which were initially diagnosed as malignant on FNA. Of the 10 benign lesions, 8 (80%) also had a benign FNA. Patients with unusual malignant lesions were significantly older than those with unusual benign lesions (62 vs. 44 years; P: 0.004).ConclusionUnusual cytopathological and histopathological findings in thyroid comprise a varied group of tumors that are individually rare but collectively common. A preoperative FNA with an unusual cytopathology is likely to lead to an unusual histopathological diagnosis; however, its diagnostic accuracy in differentiating benign from malignant is lower than the accuracy of cytopathology of conventional TBSRTC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:185–190. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functionality‐fragility surfaces
Authors: Karamlou Aman , Bocchini Paolo 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe evaluation of functionality and its evolution in the aftermath of extreme events and during the restoration phase is a critical step in disaster resilience assessment. To this respect, this paper presents the ‘Functionality‐Fragility Surface’ (FFS), which is a tool for probabilistic functionality and resilience evaluation of damaged structures, infrastructure systems, and communities. FFS integrates two well‐known tools, namely Fragility Curves and Restoration Functions, to present the probability of loss of functionality of a system as a function of the extreme‐event intensity, as well as the elapsed time from the initiation of the restoration process. Because of their versatility, FFSs can be applied to components and systems belonging to different infrastructure sectors (e.g., transportation, power distribution, and telecommunication), so they provide a common rigorous paradigm for integrated resilience analyses of multiple sectors, as well as for studies on interdependencies within and across sectors. While it is shown that FFSs can be developed using available data and simple computations for different types of structures and infrastructure systems, this paper proposes also a sophisticated simulation‐based methodology to develop FFSs for individual bridges, taking into account the uncertainties involved in the response, damage, and restoration scheduling of bridges. A Multi‐Span Simply Supported Steel Girder bridge is used to showcase the application of the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.