bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Rates and Nutrient Ratios on Production and Quality of Phytomass at Fertiliser Application to an Alluvial Meadow
Authors: Vargová Vladimíra , Kovačiková Zuzana , Michalec Milan 
Published: April 2012

Effects of Rates and Nutrient Ratios on Production and Quality of Phytomass at Fertiliser Application to an Alluvial Meadow
The research objective was to assess effects of fertiliser application rates and nutrient ratios on production and quality of grassland at an alluvial meadow. The initial sward type was Festucetum pratense association. A field trial was established in the western part of "Zvolenská kotlina" basin (altitude 350 m) and consisted of ten fertiliser treatments: zero-fertilised sward (control); fertiliser P and K application; rates of 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N/ha at two ratios of N : P : K nutrients, namely the low N : P : K ratio (1 : 0.3 : 0.8) and the high one (1 : 0.15 : 0.4), respectively. The grassland was utilised by three cuts. Dry matter (DM) production and herbage quality were determined at each of the cuts. The yield of DM was higher with the rates of 50 and 100 kg N/ha applied at the high nutrient ratio than at the low ratio. Over the research period, the highest DM production was recorded at the treatment with the low nutrient ratio and the highest N rate applied. The content of crude protein (CP) was increasing with the rising fertiliser N rate and the increase in CP was higher at the low nutrient ratio treatments. The zero-fertilised control also provided sufficient CP content. The low nutrient ratio resulted in higher P and K content than the high one. The lowest content of P and K was recorded at the control. The highest P content was found at the treatment with the fertiliser P and K applied. The highest K content was recorded at the 2nd cut, but decreased at the 3rd cut in all the treatments. The content of Ca was rising towards the 3rd cut. The content of nutrients was higher at the treatments where the high ratio was used. The content of Mg in DM was higher at the treatments with the high nutrient ratio and the high N fertiliser rates. The content of Mg was increasing in the 2nd cut at all the treatments.
Evaluation of Slovak Wheat Cultivars for Fusarium Culmorum Infection by Real-Time PCR and By Conventional Assays
Authors: Hudcovicová Martina , Šliková Svetlana , Šudyová Valéria , Hauptvogel Pavol 
Published: April 2012

Evaluation of Slovak Wheat Cultivars forFusarium CulmorumInfection by Real-Time PCR and By Conventional AssaysSlovak winter wheat cultivars were evaluated for a level of spike and kernel infection, the content of mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) and the amount ofFusarium culmorumDNA in kernels after artificial inoculation with the fungusF. culmorum(W. G. Sm.) Sacc. The tests included 14 old and 12 modern wheat Slovak cultivars. The cultivars were sown in October 2008 in field conditions of Piešťany and inoculated with pathogen in May 2009. At anthesis, twenty-five spikes from each cultivar were sprayed (block 1) withF. culmorumand spikes were covered for 24 hours with a plastic bag. Old Slovak cultivars had lower area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC),Fusariumdamaged kernels, DON content and lower amount ofF. culmorumDNA than modern Slovak cultivars. An average kernel contamination with DON in the tested cultivars was 24.9 mg/kg and an average amount ofF. culmorumDNA was 10,528 ng/g. The old cultivars accumulated 35.9% less DON and 51% lessF. culmorumDNA than modern cultivars. The positive correlation coefficients were significant with AUDPC and DON content, and with the amount ofF. culmorumDNA and DON content and AUDPC (P< 0.01). Correlation coefficients were higher when we used quantification ofF. culmorumDNA expressed in infection per cent. Our study has confirmed that real-time polymerase chain reaction is very suitable method for evaluation of wheat cultivars forF. culmoruminfection and presents less time-consuming, more sensitive and more specific assay than conventional assays.
Influence of Soil Cultivation Technologies and Fertilisation on Productivity and Energy Production of Arable Crops
Authors: Žák Štefan , Macák Milan , Hašana Roman 
Published: April 2012

Influence of Soil Cultivation Technologies and Fertilisation on Productivity and Energy Production of Arable Crops
The influence of three soil tillage technologies and two fertilisation levels on a productivity of crops and biomass for energy use, expressed in yield, cereal units (CU), energy acquired and indicative price of energy per hectare was evaluated at the experimental fields of Research Institute of Plant Production in Piešťany during 2007-2009. The highest yield of dry matter has been identified for maize for silage 19.41 t/ha, followed by winter oilseed rape 15.77 t/ha, triticale 15.39 t/ha and winter wheat 14.08 t/ha. Conventional tillage created soil condition for higher yield of dry matter in an average 17.92 t/ha, followed by minimum soil tillage 16.27 t/ha and no-till-age technology 14.3 t/ha. Nitrogen-based fertilisation (N120) has ensured a significantly higher yield of dry matter and a higher price of acquired energy €491.1 compared with €462.1 of zero-nitrogen fertilisation. The highest yield of cereal units has been identified for maize for silage 9.01 CU, followed by winter wheat 5.21 CU, triticale 4.70 CU and winter oilseed rape 4.55 CU. Energy of maize for silage has been calculated from biogas, winter oilseed rape from rape methyl ester, straw and crop residues, and for winter wheat and triticale from ethanol and straw. Average energy storage in plant biomass of crop rotation was 222.93 GJ/ha. The highest amount of energy acquired has been identified for winter oilseed rape 342.80 GJ/ha, followed by maize for silage with 236.99 GJ/ha, winter triticale 159.39 GJ/ha and winter wheat 152.52 GJ/ha.
TLR3 but Not TLR7/8 Ligand Induces Allergic Sensitization to Inhaled Allergen
Authors: Reuter Sebastian , Dehzad Nina , Martin Helen , Böhm Livia , Becker Marc , Buhl Roland , Stassen Michael , Taube Christian 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Epidemiological studies suggest that viral infections during childhood are a risk factor for the development of asthma. However, the role of virus-specific pattern recognition receptors in this process is not well defined. In the current study, we compare the effects of the inhaled viral TLR ligands polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (TLR3) and resiquimod (TLR7/8) on sensitization to a model allergen (OVA) in a murine model. Both compounds enhance the migration, activation, and Ag-processing of myeloid dendritic cells from the lung to the draining lymph nodes comparable to the effects of LPS. Application of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] or LPS induces production of allergen-specific IgE and IgG1, whereas resiquimod (R848) had no effect. In addition, rechallenge of mice with OVA resulted in airway inflammation and mucus production in animals that received either poly(I:C) or LPS but not after application of R848. In summary, these results show that activation of TLR3 in combination with inhaled allergen results in induction of dendritic cell activation and migration similar to the effects of LPS. This leads to the development of allergic airway disease after allergen rechallenge, whereas mice treated with R848 did not develop allergic airway disease. These findings give further insight into the effects of stimulation of different TLRs on the development of asthma.
Poxvirus Infection-Associated Downregulation of C-Type Lectin-Related-b Prevents NK Cell Inhibition by NK Receptor Protein-1B
Authors: Williams Kinola J. N. , Wilson Evan , Davidson Chelsea L. , Aguilar Oscar A. , Fu Li , Carlyle James R. , Burshtyn Deborah N. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Innate immune recognition of virus-infected cells includes NK cell detection of changes to endogenous cell-surface proteins through inhibitory receptors. One such receptor system is the NK cell receptor protein-1B (NKR-P1B) and its ligand C-type lectin-related-b (Clr-b). NKR-P1B and Clr-b are encoded within the NK cell gene complex, a locus that has been linked to strain-dependent differences in susceptibility to infection by poxviruses. In this study, we report the impact of vaccinia virus (VV) and ectromelia virus infection on expression of Clr-b and Clr-b–mediated protection from NK cells. We observed a loss of Clr-b cell-surface protein upon VV and ectromelia virus infection of murine cell lines and bone marrow-derived macrophages. The reduction of Clr-b is more rapid than MHC class I, the prototypic ligand of NK cell inhibitory receptors. Reduction of Clr-b requires active viral infection but not expression of late viral genes, and loss of mRNA appears to lag behind loss of Clr-b surface protein. Clr-b–mediated protection from NK cells is lost following VV infection. Together, these results provide the second example of Clr-b modulation during viral infection and suggest reductions of Clr-b may be involved in sensitizing poxvirus-infected cells to NK cells.
Reactive Oxygen Species Produced by the NADPH Oxidase 2 Complex in Monocytes Protect Mice from Bacterial Infections
Authors: Pizzolla Angela , Hultqvist Malin , Nilson Bo , Grimm Melissa J. , Eneljung Tove , Jonsson Ing-Marie , Verdrengh Margareta , Kelkka Tiina , Gjertsson Inger , Segal Brahm H. , Holmdahl Rikard 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited disorder characterized by recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections. CGD results from defective production of reactive oxygen species by phagocytes caused by mutations in genes encoding the NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) complex subunits. Mice with a spontaneous mutation in Ncf1, which encodes the NCF1 (p47phox) subunit of NOX2, have defective phagocyte NOX2 activity. These mice occasionally develop local spontaneous infections by Staphylococcus xylosus or by the common CGD pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Ncf1 mutant mice were more susceptible to systemic challenge with these bacteria than were wild-type mice. Transgenic Ncf1 mutant mice harboring the wild-type Ncf1 gene under the human CD68 promoter (MN+ mice) gained the expression of NCF1 and functional NOX2 activity specifically in monocytes/macrophages, although minimal NOX2 activity was also detected in some CD11b+Ly6G+ cells defined as neutrophils. MN+ mice did not develop spontaneous infection and were more resistant to administered staphylococcal infections compared with MN− mice. Most strikingly, MN+ mice survived after being administered Burkholderia cepacia, an opportunistic pathogen in CGD patients, whereas MN− mice died. Thus, monocyte/macrophage expression of functional NCF1 protected against spontaneous and administered bacterial infections.
Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: Etiology and diagnosis
Authors: Sankri-Tarbichi Abdul Ghani 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSleep disordered breathing is a common chronic condition in the general population. This review will highlight the prevalence of different types of sleep apnea in general and obstructive type in particular in the United States and Middle East. Despite the extensive research studies on the sleep apnea pathogenesis, the exact mechanism is not well known. Obesity, however, is the leading risk factor to upper airway narrowing and obstruction and main contributor to the escalating prevalence of morbidity worldwide including the Arab countries. Due to the serious consequences of the untreated sleep disordered breathing, this article will emphasize on the importance of early recognition, key clinical manifestations, and how to treat and prevent the disease.
Nephrotic syndrome after treatment of Crohn′s disease with mesalamine: Case report and literature review
Authors: Firwana Belal M , Hasan Rim , Chalhoub Walid , Ferwana Mazen , Kang Jin-Yong , Aron Joshua , Lieber Joseph 
Published: April 2012

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease and its various treatments may affect the kidney in several ways. Recently, case reports have been published documenting the development of nephrotic syndrome after the treatment for inflammatory bowel disease with 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives. We report a 50-year-old patient who was diagnosed with Crohn′s disease and was treated with mesalamine. The patient subsequently developed nephrotic syndrome and a renal biopsy showed minimal change disease. He was treated with losartan and rosuvastatin and showed improvement in his renal function and serum cholesterol level. This is the first reported case in Crohn′s disease although there have been six previous case reports of nephrotic syndrome following salicylic acid derivatives for ulcerative colitis.
The Impact of the University of Utah's LEAP Program on Student Performance
Authors: Bliss Carolyn , Webb Jeff , Andre Mark St. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article reports the results of a quantitative matching study investigating the impact on first-year students of a two-semester learning community. Results indicate a statistically significant association between leap participation and academic performance measured by retention, gpa, and time to graduation. Participation was associated with improved performance only for women.
Heterojunction Engineering of CdTe and CdSe Quantum Dots on TiO2 Nanotube Arrays: Intricate Effects of Size‐Dependency and Interfacial Contact on Photoconversion Efficiencies
Authors: Yang Haihua , Fan Wenguang , Vaneski Aleksandar , Susha Andrei S. , Teoh Wey Yang , Rogach Andrey L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe quality of heterojunctions at the quantum dot (QD)‐TiO2 nanotube (TNT) interface has important implications on the efficiencies of photoelectrochemical solar cells. Here, it is shown that electrophoretic deposition of pre‐synthesized thioacid‐capped CdTe QDs results in relatively poor charge transfer across the heterojunctions. This is likely due to the intermediate layer of bifunctional linkers (S‐R‐COOH) in between the QDs and TNT. On the other hand, CdTe QD‐sensitized TNT prepared by in situ deposition in aqueous medium provides direct QD‐TNT contact, and hence more favorable heterojunction for charge transfer. This is exemplified not only by the drastic improvement in photocurrent efficiencies, but also provides clear difference on the size‐dependent electron injection efficiencies from the CdTe QDs of different sizes. By extending the system further to CdSe QDs, drastic enhancement is found when carrying out the in situ deposition in an organic medium. The results are discussed in terms of the nature of deposition and the corresponding charge transport characteristics. More importantly, the work reflects the intricacy of the effects of QD size and the quality of the heterojunctions on the overall photoconversion efficiencies.
Synaptic Learning and Memory Functions Achieved Using Oxygen Ion Migration/Diffusion in an Amorphous InGaZnO Memristor
Authors: Wang Zhong Qiang , Xu Hai Yang , Li Xing Hua , Yu Hao , Liu Yi Chun , Zhu Xiao Juan 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA single synaptic device with inherent learning and memory functions is demonstrated based on an amorphous InGaZnO (α‐IGZO) memristor; several essential synaptic functions are simultaneously achieved in such a single device, including nonlinear transmission characteristics, spike‐rate‐dependent and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity, long‐term/short‐term plasticity (LSP and STP) and “learning‐experience” behavior. These characteristics bear striking resemblances to certain learning and memory functions of biological systems. Especially, a “learning‐experience” function is obtained for the first time, which is thought to be related to the metastable local structures in α‐IGZO. These functions are interrelated: frequent stimulation can cause an enhancement of LTP, both spike‐rate‐dependent and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity is the same on this point; and, the STP‐to‐LTP transition can occur through repeated “stimulation” training. The physical mechanism of device operation, which does not strictly follow the memristor model, is attributed to oxygen ion migration/diffusion. A correlation between short‐term memory and ion diffusion is established by studying the temperature dependence of the relaxation processes of STP and ion diffusion. The realization of important synaptic functions and the establishment of a dynamic model would promote more accurate modeling of the synapse for artificial neural network.
Carbon fibers based on pyrolytic lignin
Authors: Qin W. , Kadla J. F. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractCarbon fibers were prepared from pyrolytic lignin isolated from a commercial bio‐oil by thermal spinning followed by carbonization. Compared to other technical lignins, a lower spinning temperature was required for the pyrolytic lignin. The pyrolytic lignins tended to develop fibers with hollow structures and were observed to fuse together during thermostabilization. However, a thermal treatment before fiber spinning was found to maintain the fiber integrity during thermostabilization and the following carbonization process. The mechanical properties and yield of the pyrolytic‐lignin‐based carbon fiber was found to be comparable to those based on other technical lignins. This work serves as a proof‐of‐concept study indicating pyrolytic lignin as a potential feedstock for low‐cost carbon‐fiber production. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Controlled release of prednisolone acetate from molecularly imprinted hydrogel contact lenses
Authors: Malaekeh‐Nikouei Bizhan , Ghaeni Fatemeh Abbasi , Motamedshariaty Vahideh Sadat , Mohajeri Seyed Ahmad 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the influence of methacrylic acid (MAA) as a comonomer and the application of a molecular imprinting technique on the loading and release properties of weakly crosslinked 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) hydrogels, with a view toward their use as reloadable soft contact lenses for the administration of prednisolone acetate (PA). The hydrogels were prepared with HEMA (95.90–98.30 mol %) as a backbone monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (140 mM) as a crosslinker, and MAA (0, 50, 100, or 200 mM) as a functional monomer. Different PA/MAA molar ratios (0, 1 : 8, 1 : 6, and 1 : 4) in the feed composition of the hydrogels were also applied to study the influence of the molecular imprinting technique on their binding properties. The hydrogels (0.4 mm thick) were synthesized by thermal polymerization at 60°C for 24 h in a polypropylene mold. The hydrogels were then characterized by the determination of their swelling and binding properties in water. Their loading and release properties were also studied in 0.9% NaCl and artificial lachrymal fluid. Increasing the MAA content of the hydrogel and applying the molecular imprinting technique led to an increase in the loading capacity of the hydrogel. The optimized imprinted hydrogel showed the highest affinity for PA and the greatest ability to control the release process, sustaining it for 48 h. The results obtained clearly indicate that the incorporation of MAA as a comonomer increased the PA loading capacity of hydrogel. Our data showed that the molecular imprinting technique also had a significant effect on the loading and release properties of the hydrogels. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Pore structure and liquid behavior of nonwovens composed of nanosized fibers by conjugate spinning
Authors: Li Yue , Joo Chang Whan 
Published: April 2012

AbstractNonwovens composed of nanofibers are of interest for use in high‐function textile materials, such as filtration, insulation, and absorption media. The pore structure of nonwovens has a dominant influence on the performance characteristics of the final products, particularly in controlling the transport properties. The transport properties include the filtration of gas and liquid, sound absorption, and heat transfer. In this study, we focused on the pore structure and liquid behavior of needle‐punched nonwovens composed of nanofibers produced by conjugate spinning. Nanofiber nonwovens were prepared with poly(ethylene terephthalate)/co‐(polyethylene terephthalate) sea‐island bicomponent fibers by an alkali treatment. The pore diameter distributions were experimentally obtained with a capillary flow porosimeter; this indicated that the nonwovens composed of nanofibers had a compact and uniform textile structure. Moreover, a comparison of the pore diameters, water absorption, and wicking behaviors of the nonwovens before and after the alkali treatment was made. The nonwovens composed of nanofibers possessed excellent water absorption capacities and fast wicking behaviors. Thus, they have promising potential applications as absorption media. In addition, a theoretical model of air volume and channel radius for liquid behavior was established and compared with the experimental results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Polyurethane dispersions derived from polycarbonatediols by a solvent‐free process
Authors: Lee Da‐Kong , Tsai Hong‐Bing , Yang Zong‐Da , Tsai Ruey‐Shi 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAqueous polyurethane dispersions derived from various polycarbonatediols, carboxylic diols, and m‐di(2‐isocyantopropyl)benzene (TMXDI) were prepared by a solvent‐free process. The dispersing procedure was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and it was found that the use of TMXDI could avoid the over hydrolysis of the isocyanate groups during dispersing in water. The molecular weight tends to reach a maximum around an NH2/NCO ratio during chain extension of 0.8 : 1.0. The particle size, tensile properties, thermal properties, and dynamic mechanical properties of the polyurethane dispersions were investigated. The properties were significantly influenced by the molecular weight of the polycarbonatediols and the chemical structure of the carboxylic diols, and described by the effects of the ionic content, miscibility between the polycarbonate soft segment and the polyurethane segment, and the soft segment content. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Characterization of epoxy hybrid composites filled with cellulose fibers and nano‐SiC
Authors: Alamri H. , Low I. M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThree different approaches have been applied and investigated to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy resin. Epoxy system reinforced with either recycled cellulose fibers (RCF) or nanosilicon carbide (n‐SiC) particles as well as with both RCF and n‐SiC has been fabricated and investigated. The effect of RCF/n‐SiC dispersion on the mechanical and thermal properties of these composites has been characterized. The fracture surface morphology and toughness mechanisms were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The dispersion of n‐SiC particles into epoxy nanocomposites was studied by synchrotron radiation diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Results indicated that mechanical properties increased as a result of the addition of n‐SiC. The presence of RCF layers significantly increased the mechanical properties of RCF/epoxy composites when compared with neat epoxy and its nanocomposites. The influence of the addition of n‐SiC to RCF/epoxy composites in mechanical properties was found to be positive in toughness properties. At high temperatures, thermal stability of neat epoxy increased due to the presence of either n‐SiC particles or RCF layers. However, the presence of RCF accelerated the thermal degradation of neat epoxy as well as the addition of n‐SiC to RCF/epoxy samples increased the rate of the major thermal degradation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012