bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Afforestation Drives Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Changes in China
Authors: Deng Lei , Shangguan Zhou‐ping 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAfforestation has been proposed as an effective method of carbon (C) sequestration; however, the magnitude and direction of soil C and nitrogen (N) dynamics following afforestation are not well understood. This study was designed to examine soil C and N dynamics following afforestation and to determine how various factors affect soil organic C (SOC) and total N (TN) after land‐use conversions through the compilation and analysis of published data from 61 individual studies (512 observations at 61 sites in China). This analysis showed that for different previous land uses, post‐afforestation SOC, TN, and C/N ratio varied in diverse temporal patterns. The relationship of soil C–N coupling was related to land use prior to afforestation and forest age. At 0–100 cm soil depths, SOC and TN increased at rates about 0·23 and 0·03 g kg−1 y−1, respectively, and the C/N ratio was about 0·19 y−1. SOC and TN were significantly affected by tree species, forest age, and soil depth. SOC, TN, and C/N were negatively correlated with soil bulk density (p < 0·01) and pH (p > 0·05) but positively correlated with soil total phosphorus (p < 0·01), soil moisture (p < 0·01) and soil microbial biomass C (p < 0·01) and N (p < 0·01). Additionally, SOC and TN were higher for the mid‐level humidity index in China and were also determined by precipitation, temperature, and forest age. These results highlight the importance of previous land use, tree species, soil depth, and forest age in determining soil C and N changes in a range of environments and land‐use transitions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser capsulotomy between mature and non‐mature cataracts
Authors: Asena Bilgehan Sezgin , Kaskaloglu Mahmut 
Published: April 2016

AimThis study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of femtosecond (FS) laser capsulotomy between mature and non‐mature cataracts.SettingKaskaloglu Eye Hospital, single center study.DesignProspective, controlled, and masked cross‐sectional disease.MethodsA total of 133 eyes of 97 patients were included in this study. The Lens Opacities Classification System III grading scale was used in order to classify cataracts into two groups: mature and non‐mature. The LenSx laser system (Alcon Labs Inc, Fort Worth, TX) was used. Data were extracted from patient charts, which included cataract grading, capsulotomy problems (tag, incomplete capsulotomy, and anterior capsule tears).ResultsThe mean age was 69.2 ± 10 years (64 males, 34 females). There were 50 eyes in Group I and 83 eyes in Group II. In 20 out of 133 eyes (15%) capsule tags occurred. Of these 20 eyes, 12 were in Group I, and 8 were in Group II. The number of tag occurrences was statistically higher in Group I when compared to Group II (P = 0.011). Incomplete capsulotomy was significantly higher in Group I when compared to Group II (P < 0.0001). Free capsulotomy was present in 36 out of 50 eyes (72%) in Group I and 75 out of 83 eyes (90%) in Group II (P = 0.03).ConclusionThe grade of cataract significantly increased the number of suboptimal capsulotomy outcomes in FS laser capsulotomy. In mature cataract cases, the surgeon should be aware of limitations of FS laser in order to prevent capsule‐related complications. Further studies of the relationship between pulse energy, patient interface design, and capsule burst strength will help elucidate the optimum parameters for laser capsulotomy creation in mature cataracts. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:590–595, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dielectric Dispersion and Relaxation in Polymer Blend Based Nanodielectric Film
Authors: Sengwa Ram Jeewan , Choudhary Shobhna 
Published: April 2016

SummaryPolymer nanodielectrics is the exponential growing field of advanced materials sciences. Such flexible materials have recognized their suitability as substrate and insulator in fabrication of microelectronic devices, and also in preparation of ion conducting solid polymer electrolytes. The nanodielectric film consisted of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PEO–PMMA; 75/25 wt/wt%) blend with 5 wt% montmorillonite (MMT) clay as nanofiller has been prepared by solution‐casting method followed by melt‐pressed technique. The X‐ray diffraction study of the film confirms the intercalated MMT structures in the semicrystalline phase of PEO–PMMA blend. The scanning electron microscopic images confirm the significant variation in morphology of the PEO–PMMA blend on addition of MMT nanofiller. The dielectric relaxation spectroscopy has been employed for measurement of complex dielectric function, ac electrical conductivity and electric modulus spectra of the nanodielectric film in the frequency range 20 Hz–1 MHz. The value of real part of dielectric function of the film is found high at low frequencies due to contribution of electrode polarization effect, but it decreases non‐linearly with the increase of frequency and finally approaches the high frequency limiting value of 2.3 at 1 MHz. The relaxation peak in dielectric loss spectra corresponding to polymer segmental motion is found above 10 kHz, and the peak positions have a shift towards higher frequency side with the increase of temperature. The dc conductivity increases and the relaxation time of the polymer segmental motion decreases with increasing temperature of the nanodielectric film according to the Arrhenius behaviour.
Techniques for Assessing the Combustion Behaviour of Polymeric Materials: Some Current Perspectives and Future Directions
Authors: Joseph Paul , Tretsiakova‐McNally Svetlana , Zhang Richao 
Published: April 2016

SummaryPolymers are increasingly being used in domestic, commercial and in public environments as components of fabrics, surface coatings and moulded articles. Most of these polymeric components are synthetic, are based on hydrocarbon intermediates, and are highly flammable, thus resulting in unwanted fires. Combustion of polymeric materials is a complex phenomenon that involves the solid phase, gaseous phase and the interphase. To fully characterize the flammability attributes of a polymeric material is not a straightforward task, and therefore several analytical techniques and other prescriptive tests (small‐, medium‐, and large‐scale) were developed over the years. However, the actual behaviour of these materials in a real fire scenario can be quite different from the inferences that we get, especially, through the small‐ and medium‐scale tests, and that there is often a lack correlation among the tests. In this paper, we attempt a critical appraisal of the various evaluation methods and test regimes that are currently used to characterize the combustion behaviours of polymeric materials.
Physical exercise during muscle regeneration improves recovery of the slow/oxidative phenotype
Authors: Koulmann Nathalie , Richard‐Bulteau Hélène , Crassous Brigitte , Serrurier Bernard , Pasdeloup Marielle , Bigard Xavier , Banzet Sébastien 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: As skeletal muscle mass recovery after extensive injury is improved by contractile activity, we explored whether concomitant exercise accelerates recovery of the contractile and metabolic phenotypes after muscle injury. Methods: After notexin‐induced degeneration of a soleus muscle, Wistar rats were assigned to active (running exercise) or sedentary groups. Myosin heavy chains (MHC), metabolic enzymes, and calcineurin were studied during muscle regeneration at different time points. Results: The mature MHC profile recovered earlier in active rats (21 days after injury) than in sedentary rats (42 days). Calcineurin was higher in the active degenerated than in the sedentary degenerated muscles at day 14. Citrate synthase and total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity decreased after injury and were similarly recovered in both active and sedentary groups at 14 or 42 days, respectively. H‐LDH isozyme activity recovered earlier in the active rats. Conclusions: Exercise improved recovery of the slow/oxidative phenotype after soleus muscle injury. Muscle Nerve 55: 91–100, 2017
Ultrasonography of sciatic nerve endometriosis
Authors: Arányi Zsuzsanna , Polyák Ilona , Tóth Norbert , Vermes Gábor , Göcsei Zsuzsanna 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We describe the ultrasonographic findings of sciatic nerve endometriosis. Methods: Two premenopausal women with catamenial sciatica symptoms were examined, the first without a history of endometriosis, the second with previously confirmed endometriosis of the ovary. Ultrasonography, extending from the sciatic notch to the level of the ischial tuberosity showed that the sciatic nerve was “engulfed” in a large, perineural, hypoechogenic, inhomogeneous lesion with an irregular contour corresponding to an endometrioma. The nerve was enlarged, but it was discernible within the lesion, except at its most cranial part. MRI of the pelvis showed intrapelvic extension in both patients. Results: The first patient was treated with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist, leading to complete morphological regression and normalization of nerve structure, parallel with symptomatic resolution. Conclusions: These cases illustrate that ultrasound is a feasible imaging modality for sciatic nerve endometriosis that may even be used to monitor morphological regression of endometrial tissue during treatment. Muscle Nerve 54: 500–505, 2016
Elevated pain threshold in patients with asymptomatic diabetic neuropathy: an intraepidermal electrical stimulation study
Authors: Suzuki Chieko , Kon Tomoya , Funamizu Yukihisa , Ueno Tatsuya , Haga Rie , Nishijima Haruo , Arai Akira , Tomiyama Masahiko , Baba Masayuki 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe loss of epidermal nerve fibers is regarded as an early pathological change in human diabetes. We investigated epidermal Aδ nerve fiber function by examining pain threshold by means of intraepidermal electrical stimulation (IES) in early diabetic neuropathy.MethodsWe recruited 20 asymptomatic diabetic patients. Eighteen age‐matched, healthy subjects served as controls. We placed the IES electrode onto the skin of the foot dorsum and delivered weak electrical stimulation. We defined pain threshold as the minimum electrical intensity at which a subject felt a pricking sensation.ResultsThe mean pain thresholds in the patient group were significantly higher (0.053 ± 0.036 mA; P < 0.01) than in the control group (0.027 ± 0.006 mA).ConclusionWe confirmed that the pain threshold was elevated in early diabetic neuropathy. We conclude that the IES electrode is a useful tool to evaluate early diabetic polyneuropathy. Muscle Nerve 54: 146–149, 2016
Dose‐response relationship between sulfonylureas and major adverse cardiovascular events in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Abdelmoneim Ahmed S. , Eurich Dean T. , Senthilselvan Ambikaipakan , Qiu Weiyu , Simpson Scot H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this study was to determine if there is a dose‐response relationship between sulfonylureas and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study among elderly patients with no history of acute coronary syndrome or stroke who initiated gliclazide or glyburide therapy between 1998 and 2010. Gliclazide and glyburide users were evaluated separately, and a high‐dimensional propensity score (HDPS) was used to match patients initiating therapy with a low or high dose. A time‐dependent variable was used to further characterize exposure, which can change during follow‐up. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to compare the risk of MACE between low (reference) and high doses.ResultsWe identified 14,213 new users of gliclazide or glyburide (mean age, 74.7 (standard deviation 6.4) years; males, 52.8%; and mean follow‐up duration, 2.7 (standard deviation 2.9) years). Among gliclazide users, there was a higher risk of MACE with high compared with low dose (crude rates: 32.8 and 28.2 per 1000 person‐years, respectively), but this did not reach statistical significance (HDPS‐matched hazard ratio) 1.15; 95% confidence interval (0.96–1.38). For glyburide users, however, MACE occurred more frequently in the high compared with low dose (crude rates: 38.9 and 31.5 per 1000 person‐years, respectively; HDPS‐matched hazard ratio 1.24; 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.50).ConclusionsAmong new users of sulfonylureas, there appears to be a dose‐response relationship between glyburide and MACE, but not for gliclazide. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecularly imprinted polymers bearing spiropyran‐based photoresponsive binding sites capable of photo‐triggered switching for molecular recognition activity
Authors: Murase Nobuo , Mukawa Takashi , Sunayama Hirobumi , Takeuchi Toshifumi 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTPhotoresponsive molecularly imprinted nanocavities were prepared using a newly designed functional monomer bearing a photoresponsive spiropyran moiety with a carboxy group that can interact with atrazine (the template molecule), in which the spiropyran moiety was incorporated into the binding cavities. Spectrophotometric analysis confirmed that the spiropyran moiety was photoresponsive even after polymerization. The selectivity of the EDMA‐based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIPEDMA) was tested to examine the binding behavior of atrazine and other agrochemicals, revealing that the atrazine‐imprinted polymer can bind selectively to triazine herbicides. Photo‐triggered switching of the binding activity in MIPEDMA was investigated, and the binding activity was found to decrease dramatically after UV light irradiation, suggesting that the spiropyran moiety in the binding cavities was transformed to the merocyanine form, resulting in unfavorable translocation of the carboxy group for atrazine binding. Consequently, the spiropyran‐based MIPEDMA demonstrated in this study could open a way to realizing reliable photoresponsive smart materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1637–1644
Evaluation of temporomandibular fossa and mandibular condyle in adolescent patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Uçar Faruk Izzet , Buyuk Suleyman Kutalmış , Şekerci Ahmet Ercan , Celikoglu Mevlut 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe purposes of this study were to investigate the position of the mandibular condyle and temporomandibular fossa between the adolescent patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and well‐matched controls without any cleft by using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). The study sample consisted of 17 patients (7 females and 10 males; mean age, 14.27 ± 2.83 years) affected by BCLP and 17 patients (6 females and 11 males; mean age, 14.27 ± 2.12 years) as age‐and sex‐matched control group without any cleft. Using cone‐beam computed tomography segmented three‐dimensional temporomandibular fossa and mandibular condyle images were reconstructed and angular, linear, and volumetric measurements of the patients in both sides of the groups were examined using Paired and Student's t‐tests. Comparison of the sides showed that both sides were found to be similar in BCLP and control groups, except the condylar angulation of the right side was found to be higher compared to that of the left side in both groups (p < 0.05). Comparison of the groups showed that the patients affected by BCLP and non‐cleft patients had similar values for all parameters, except for the condylar angulation in the right side (BCLP group had less angulation compared to controls; p < 0.05). The condylar volume was found to be slightly less in the BCLP group in both sides compared to the controls (p > 0.05). The positions of the mandibular condyle and temporomandibular fossa were found to be similar in patients affected by BCLP and control group of without any cleft. SCANNING 38:720–726, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lowering the Activation Energy under Mechanochemical Conditions: The Case of 2,3‐diphenylquinoxaline
Authors: Oliveira Paulo F. M. , Baron Michel , Chamayou Alain , Baltas Michel , Guidetti Brigitte , Haruta Naoki , Tanaka Kazuyoshi , Sato Tohru 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe kinetics of 2,3‐diphenylquinoxaline synthesis was investigated in mechanochemical conditions aiming to estimate the overall activation energy. Arrhenius plot revealed a change in the activation energy around the eutectic melting of the powder mixture under mechanical activation. Below this transition zone the reaction between solids prevails, where the mechanical effects lower the activation energy. Above it, part of the energy is used to induce the eutectic, and the apparent activation energy is higher. DFT calculations showed a reaction barrier similar to the experimental one for higher temperatures. This study is the first that demonstrates the effect of mechanical energy to lower an activation barrier for ball milled organic reaction.
Highly Efficient and Monodisperse Graphene Oxide Furnished Ru/Pd Nanoparticles for the Dehalogenation of Aryl Halides via Ammonia Borane
Authors: Göksu Haydar , Yıldız Yunus , Çelik Betül , Yazıcı Melike , Kılbaş Benan , Şen Fatih 
Published: April 2016

AbstractHighly monodisperse graphene oxide‐supported Ru/Pd nanoparticles (RuPd@GO NPs) have been reproducibly and easily synthesized by microwave assisted method. RuPd@GO NPs was performed for dehalogenation of arylhalides in the presence of ammonia borane in a mild condition as novel, highly efficient and exceptional reusable heterogeneous catalyst. The novel materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the high resolution electron micrograph (HRTEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the prepared catalysts are highly crystalline, monodisperse and colloidally stable. The current one‐pot catalytic process was described as a new methodology for dehalogenation of arylhalides which can be assessed as a quite simple, eco‐friendly and highly efficient as well as exceptional reusable. All products were provided with one of the highest yield and the shortest time in the presence of novel RuPd@GO NPs due to the the synergistic effect of Ru and Pd. Our synthesis process comes with a facile and eco‐friendly option to RuPd@GO NPs, allowing further scrutiny of current catalysts for numerous other chemical reactions.
Adaptive resistance to antibiotics in bacteria: a systems biology perspective
Authors: Sandoval‐Motta Santiago , Aldana Maximino 
Published: April 2016

Despite all the major breakthroughs in antibiotic development and treatment procedures, there is still no long‐term solution to the bacterial antibiotic resistance problem. Among all the known types of resistance, adaptive resistance (AdR) is particularly inconvenient. This phenotype is known to emerge as a consequence of concentration gradients, as well as contact with subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics, both known to occur in human patients and livestock. Moreover, AdR has been repeatedly correlated with the appearance of multidrug resistance, although the biological processes behind its emergence and evolution are not well understood. Epigenetic inheritance, population structure and heterogeneity, high mutation rates, gene amplification, efflux pumps, and biofilm formation have all been reported as possible explanations for its development. Nonetheless, these concepts taken independently have not been sufficient to prevent AdR’s fast emergence or to predict its low stability. New strains of resistant pathogens continue to appear, and none of the new approaches used to kill them (mixed antibiotics, sequential treatments, and efflux inhibitors) are completely efficient. With the advent of systems biology and its toolsets, integrative models that combine experimentally known features with computational simulations have significantly improved our understanding of the emergence and evolution of the adaptive‐resistant phenotype. Apart from outlining these findings, we propose that one of the main cornerstones of AdR in bacteria, is the conjunction of two types of mechanisms: one rapidly responding to transient environmental challenges but not very efficient, and another much more effective and specific, but developing on longer time scales. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2016, 8:253–267. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1335This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
Physiology > Organismal Responses to Environment
Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology
Strong coupling of centennial-scale changes of Asian monsoon and soil processes derived from stalagmite δ18O and δ13C records, southern China
Authors: Liu Dianbing , Wang Yongjin , Cheng Hai , Edwards R. Lawrence , Kong Xinggong , Li Ting-Yong 
Published: April 2016

The paleoclimate application of speleothem δ13C is influenced by site-specific processes. Here we present four stalagmite δ13C records from two caves in southern China, covering early and late Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and the Holocene, to investigate the spatio-temporal pattern of calcite δ13C changes and the relationship with Asian monsoon (AM) variability. In each growth period, precessional- to millennial-scale changes are clear in the δ18O record. In contrast, millennial variability is absent in the δ13C record, which characterizes persistent centennial oscillations. However, centennial-scale δ18O variations agree well with those of δ13C, with a larger amplitude in δ13C changes (about twice that of δ18O). This suggests that soil humidity balance associated with regional hydrological circulations is important for these centennial δ13C changes, although evaporation-related kinetic fractionation can induce concurrent enrichments in δ18O and δ13C. In frequency, the detrended δ18O and δ13C records are coupled at a periodicity of about 300 yr during the last glacial period and 150 yr during the Holocene. Those centennial-scale δ13C variations are generally consistent with Greenland temperature variability, indicating a climate response over broad regions. Thus, strong co-variation of δ18O and δ13C records should have a climatic origin, even if it is amplified by kinetic effects.