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This article explores the investment impact and performance of a unique group of angel investors: those featured on the television show Shark Tank. It explores the relationship between the investors' individual characteristics such as experience, reputation, and network, with their investments' performance and attributes. The authors find evidence that investor and deal characteristics matter for predicting whether an investor is more or less likely to make offers and close deals. However, on average, Sharks do not have the ability to select outperforming companies, where investment performance is measured by the survival and website traffic of the start-up companies. They found the reputational impact of Shark Tank as a venue is significant. While these Shark investors are not typical of the vast majority of angel investors, the authors identify fundamental insights that may be of value to understanding the much larger and less famous angel investor community and the entrepreneurial firms they finance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetric distraction with different expansions of left and right maxillary parts is a serious complication of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. An individual, highly standardized surgical intervention based on three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) is a new method to improve the quality of therapy. We describe a fundamental simulation-based workflow for preoperative evaluation of the osteotomies in a pilot study to achieve symmetry. A CT scan of the skull was used for analysis. Many feasible osteotomy configurations were generated and optimized using Latin hypercube sampling method and FEA choosing an individual osteotomy and maxillary movement. We successfully applied this workflow to 14 patients with symmetrical distraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investment managers that believe to have skill must choose some fraction of stocks in a benchmark to hold. Recent theory predicts that the optimal percentage of holdings for a manager with skill is between 50% and 80% of the benchmark. This theory requires a number of assumptions. Using simulations, we relax some of the assumptions to examine if the theory still holds. We find that, for the most part, the theory holds when the assumptions are relaxed. We also extend the analysis from a one‐period horizon to a multiperiod horizon using the actual returns of stocks in the S&P 500. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is a treatment modality to overcome maxillary constrictions. During the procedure of transverse expansion, unwanted asymmetries can occur. This retrospective study investigates the transverse expansion behavior of the maxilla utilizing a simulation-driven SARME with targeted bone weakening. Materials and methods: Cone beam computer tomographies of 21 patients before (T1) and 4 months after treatment (T2) with simulation-driven SARME combined with a transpalatal distractor (TPD) and targeted bone weakening were superimposed. The movements of the left, right, and frontal segments were evaluated at the modified WALA ridge, mid root level, and at the root tip of all upper teeth. Linear and angular measurements were performed to detect dentoalveolar changes. Results: Dentoalveolar changes were unavoidable, and buccal tipping of the premolars (6.1° ± 5.0°) was significant (p < 0.05). Transverse expansion in premolar region was higher (6.13 ± 4.63mm) than that in the molar region (4.20 ± 4.64mm). Expansion of left and right segments did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Simulation-driven SARME with targeted bone weakening is effective to achieve symmetrical expansion in the transverse plane. Clinical relevance: Simulation-driven targeted bone weakening is a novel method for SARME to achieve symmetric expansion. Dental side effects cannot be prohibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary interaction can cause stellar envelopes to be stripped, which significantly reduces the radius of the star. The orbit of a binary composed of a stripped star and a compact object can therefore be so tight that the gravitational radiation the system produces reaches frequencies accessible to the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Two such stripped stars in tight orbits with white dwarfs are known so far (ZTF J2130+4420 and CD−30°11223), but many more are expected to exist. These binaries provide important constraints for binary evolution models and may be used as LISA verification sources. We develop a Monte Carlo code that uses detailed evolutionary models to simulate the Galactic population of stripped stars in tight orbits with either neutron star or white dwarf companions. We predict 0–100 stripped star + white dwarf binaries and 0–4 stripped star + neutron star binaries with a signal-to-noise ratio >5 after 10 yr of observations with LISA. More than 90% of these binaries are expected to show large radial velocity shifts of ≳200 , which are spectroscopically detectable. Photometric variability due to tidal deformation of the stripped star is also expected and has been observed in ZTF J2130+4420 and CD−30°11223. In addition, the stripped star + neutron star binaries are expected to be X-ray bright with LX ≳ 1033–1036. Our results show that stripped star binaries are promising multimessenger sources for the upcoming electromagnetic and gravitational wave facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Automatisierungstechnik is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Precise assessment of soil organic carbon (OC) storage requires understanding of soil type and depth specific differences in organic matter (OM) stabilization. Therefore, we aimed to analyze OC dynamics down the soil profile and to clarify the effect of depth on the importance of aggregate formation and mineral adsorption for OC storage in mature beech forest soils developed from different parent materials. Aggregate size and density fractions were separated from samples of top and subsoil horizons, which were quantified and analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. We also determined the microbial biomass C (Cmic) and the amount of C decomposed within incubation experiments (CO2-C) for the bulk soil samples. OC stabilized via aggregate formation and mineral association significantly increased with soil depth. However, this stabilized pool seemed to fuel the labile OM stronger in the subsoil than in the topsoil because the CO2-C/SOC and CO2-C/Cmic ratios increased with depth. Measured differences in the magnitude of the detected stabilization and destabilization patterns were attributed to parent material and soil horizon, indicating pronounced spatial and vertical heterogeneity in the contribution of soils under temperate broadleaf forest to terrestrial C sequestration. Considering such site and depth specific differences will improve assessment and modelling of soil OC storage for areas covered with the same forest type but with high pedogenetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investment managers often manage a portfolio with respect to a benchmark. Typically, they use a mean‐variance optimization framework to maximize the information ratio of their portfolio. We develop an unconventional approach to this question. Given a set of assumptions, we ask what optimal percentage of the benchmark stocks the portfolio manager should select. This optimal portfolio depends on Fisher's and Wallenius's noncentral hypergeometric distributions. We find that the optimal selectivity of a benchmark universe varies from 50% to 80%. These results are provocative, given that many enhanced index portfolio managers select a low percentage of the benchmark universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tenth H2 refueling station of the German federal state of Baden‐Württemberg was commissioned on September 6, 2017. The Karlsruhe H2 refueling station, located at the multi‐fuels station of Total, is the first one equipped with an onsite hydrogen production using a solid oxide electrolyzer (SOE) system. In the present work, details about the SOE system equipment are reported. Electrical consumption of the integrated stacks module (ISM) and the hot balance of plant (BoP) for steam generation and inlet gas pre‐heating, was monitored during 240 h of steady‐state operation under 100% steam. The average cell voltage of the 90 cells composing the ISM was 1.35 V at 0.4 A cm−2 current density. ISM efficiency was around 91.5% HHVAC considering 100% faradaic efficiency and including the conversion of the AC/DC power supply. Due to the consumption of the hot BoP and system auxiliaries for safety and control, achieved overall system efficiency was 61.4% HHVAC. Independently from electric steam production, around 10% reduction of the ISM electricity consumption could be feasible with the optimization of the inlet air flowrate. Indeed, adapting the inlet air flowrate as function of the outlet hydrogen flowrate would allow reducing the electricity need for inlet air pre‐heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application in combination with slurry might be an option to increase aggregate formation and organic carbon (OC) sequestration in agricultural soil. However, to assess the value of these management options for improving soil structure more precisely, naturally occurring effects of changing moisture on soil aggregation and feedbacks on organic matter (OM) decomposition need to be addressed. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the effects of biochar or slurry application on the amount of OC associated with macro‐aggregates and OM decomposition under different moisture conditions. Four silty loam sites in Germany were sampled, and the soil macro‐aggregates were crushed. We added biochar (53–250 μm) and slurry individually and in combination at two rates before incubating the samples under changing moisture conditions for 60 days. As well as monitoring CO2 fluxes, samples were analyzed for microbial biomass carbon, macro‐aggregate yields and macro‐aggregate‐associated OC. Biochar application decreased macro‐aggregate yields by 50–70%. However, the macro‐aggregate‐associated OC of treatments with biochar was similar to or greater than in treatments without, indicating biochar incorporation into these fractions. This was especially pronounced for biochar treatments with large volumes of slurry. Thus, slurry seems to promote the formation of biochar–mineral interactions. Drying and rewetting decreased macro‐aggregate yields and associated OC, being most pronounced for samples with biochar and slurry. In contrast to slurry, biochar typically did not increase macro‐aggregate formation. However, the combination with slurry could further enhance the suitability of biochar for carbon sequestration, although this might be less pronounced in soils experiencing frequent drying‐wetting cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland renovation can be done physically by ploughing or chemically using herbicides, but information on influences of grassland renovation on soil structure is scarce. Our objective was to compare physically and chemically renovated grasslands and to quantify temporal variations of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, water‐stable aggregates and SOC stored in different aggregate fractions. Soil samples were taken on a sandy soil before (T0), 6 days (T6_days), 2 (T2_mo), 7 (T7_mo) and 12 months (T12_mo) after grassland renovation and in permanent grassland. Neither grassland renovation practice led to SOC losses in 0–10 cm after 12 months. The physical renovation led to an increase in microaggregates (53–250 μm) in the surface soil between T0 and T6_days and to highest microaggregate concentrations in T2_mo and T7_mo. Therefore, ploughing seems to have direct negative effects on macroaggregates (10 mm–250 μm) followed by indirect longer‐lasting negative effects which were nullified after 1 year. Chemical renovation resulted in no different aggregate distribution than permanent grassland. Strong temporal variations in aggregate distribution were found especially for large macroaggregates with lowest concentrations in T6_days and 6.7‐ to 10.2‐fold higher concentrations in T2_mo. A linear regression suggested that the soil gravimetric moisture content might have caused this observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use industry data to determine whether crowding of the investment space is caused by portfolio construction processes typical to the investment community. In particular, this paper examines the extent that transaction cost models cause crowding of the investment space, even when the investment models are completely unrelated to one another. We find that as transaction costs become more significant in the portfolio creation process as portfolios increase in size from $500 million to $5 billion, crowding actually declines for long-only portfolios and mainly declines, but sometimes increases for market neutral portfolios. This research sheds more light on how crowding develops through actions by players within the financial system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on a study on interactions of soil physical factors and biological processes in exchange of greenhouse gases between soil and atmosphere. It states that the link between microbial processes and physical factors is of substantial importance due to its effects on the production of carbon dioxide by microorganisms, and mentions role of microbiological processes of nitrification of ammonium and denitrification of nitrate in soil. It cites effects of methane emission.

Fine roots that enter mineral soil at different depths are a major source of organic carbon stored in forest soil. Little is known about the key factors that govern the mineralization kinetics of fine roots in topsoil compared with subsoil. Therefore, we analysed the effects of concentration, spatial distribution and size of fine beech roots on their rates of decomposition in the topsoil and subsoil of a sandy Cambisol. Undisturbed (intact soil columns) and disturbed (soil sieved < 2 mm) samples from the topsoil (2-10 cm) and subsoil (145-153 cm) were incubated for 365 days to determine the carbon dioxide emissions. The treatments included applications of fine roots that varied in size (length: <2 mm and 1-2 cm), different rates of application (2 and 8 g kg-1) and spatial distribution (homogeneous and locally concentrated, i.e. localized). The mineralization was affected significantly at both depths by the rate of application (large rate > small rate) and in the topsoil by distribution (localized > homogeneous). The spatial distribution of large roots, but not smaller ones, affected rates of emission in subsoil but not in topsoil. Correlation analyses suggest an effect of the calcium and potassium supply on the microbial biomass and on the turnover of roots if these are locally concentrated. The data of this study suggest that in sandy soil the availability of macronutrients has to be considered complementary to root characteristics such as concentration, size and distribution to elucidate their decomposition kinetics throughout the soil profile. Highlights Analysis of effects of characteristics of fine beech roots on organic matter decomposition in top- and subsoil., The rate of decomposition in the topsoil was larger if the fine roots were locally concentrated., The rate of mineralization of fine beech roots in the subsoil increased with increasing root size., Soil microbial biomass carbon is affected by the supply of calcium and potassium if the fine beech roots are locally concentrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Onkologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although the effects of cover crops ( CC) on various soil parameters have been fully investigated, less is known about the impacts at different stages in CC cultivation. The objective of this study was to quantify the influence of CC cultivation stages and residue placement on aggregates and microbial carbon (Cmic). Additionally, the influence of residue location and crop species on CO2 emissions and leached mineralized nitrogen (Nmin) during the plant degradation period was also investigated. Within an incubation experiment, four CC species were sown in soil columns, with additional columns being kept plant-free. After plant growth, the columns were frozen (as occurs in winter under field conditions) and then incubated with the plant material either incorporated or surface-applied. With CC, concentrations of large and medium macroaggregates were twice that of the fallow, confirming positive effects of root growth. Freezing led to a decrease in these aggregate size classes. In the subsequent incubation, the large macroaggregates decreased far more in the samples with CC than in the fallow, leading to similar aggregate size distributions. No difference in Cmic concentration was found among the CC cultivation stages. CO2 emissions were roughly equivalent to the carbon amounts added as plant residues. Comparison of columns with incorporated or surface-applied residues indicated no consistent pattern of aggregate distribution, CO2 emission or Cmic and Nmin concentrations. Our results suggest that positive effects of CC cultivation are only short term and that a large amount of organic material in the soil could have a greater influence than CC cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Cephalometry is important for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning and is part of the core curriculum for training dentists. Training involves identifying anatomical landmarks. The aim of this investigation was to assess whether e-learning improves learning efficiency; a programme specifically designed for this purpose was compared to commercially available software. Methods Thirty undergraduate students underwent traditional training of cephalometry consisting of lectures and tutorials. Tracing skills were tested immediately afterwards (T0). The students were then randomly allocated to three groups: 10 students served as control ( CF); they were asked to improve their skills using the material provided so far. Ten students were given a program specifically designed for this study that was based on a power point presentation ( PPT). The last group was given a commercially available program that included teaching elements ( SW). The groups were tested at the end the six week training (T1). The test consisted of tracing 30 points on two radiographs and a point score improvement was calculated. The students were interviewed after the second test. Results Both e-learning groups improved more than the traditional group. Improvement scores were four for CF; 8.6 for PPT and 2.8 for SW. For PPT all participants improved and the student feedback was the best compared to the other groups. For the other groups some candidates worsened. Conclusions Blended learning produced better learning outcomes compared to using a traditional teaching method alone. The easy to use Power Point based custom software produced better results than the commercially available software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This article investigates the combination of three-dimensional (3D) digital volume tomography data with two-dimensional (2D) cephalograms in dentomaxillofacial imaging. Methods: An automatic hierarchical method to adjust the geometrical relations of these two modalities is presented. The approach is tested on phantom and patient case data, where the feasibility, usability and potential possibilities of the presented innovative method are highlighted. Digitally reconstructed radiographs are computed by casting rays through the 3D volume to get a 2D projection of the volume to produce realistic simulated cephalograms. Different similarity measures are considered based on variations of statistical and deterministic optimization procedures. Stability, precision and accuracy of the method are investigated. Results: The presented algorithm demonstrates a reasonable solution of the corresponding 2D/3D registration problem. Exemplary results from phantom and patient case data are presented. Tooth movement could be determined, in contrast to the 2D lateral cephalogram, separated for each side in all three spatial directions. Conclusions: Achieved results are highlighted from a clinical point of view and demonstrate the clinical benefit in daily praxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 10 years, it was possible to state that CAVM was diagnosed I in utero i few times, due to the lack of understanding of the condition and because the difficult to visualise, but with the advent of high-resolution ultrasound, imaging exam has improved and elevated the diagnosis of CAVM in the last years. Results Using the colour Doppler ultrasound, one case of CAVM was diagnosed prenatally at 33 weeks of gestation, at another time, combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) it diagnosed five cases of CAVM. Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVM) of the fetus are rare and are considered congenital in nature. [Extracted from the article]

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Obesity is a well-known risk factor of atherosclerosis and heart failure. In the human heart, a local endothelin system containing prepro-endothelin- 1, endothelin-converting enzyme-1, and endothelin receptors A and B has been described. The endothelin system is activated in heart failure; however, the impact of obesity on the cardiac endothelin system is unknown. In this study, 18-week-old male C57BL/6 mice fed either a control diet or a high-fat diet for 10 weeks were analyzed. High-fat diet significantly increased the body weight of the animals and augmented low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol plasma levels, compared to control. The animal groups showed no significant differences in left ventricular size or function (heart rate, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, cardiac output) after control or high-fat diet. We did not observe signs of cardiac hypertrophy or changes in markers of cardiac fibrosis in these heart samples. The cardiac expression of prepro-endothelin-1 mRNA, endothelin-converting enzyme-1 mRNA, and protein and endothelin receptors A and B mRNA was increased in 18-week-old obese C57BL/6 mice compared to animals with normal weight (p < 0.05 vs. control). Furthermore, endothelin-1 plasma levels showed an increasing trend. In conclusion, an increased expression of genes of the endothelin system was observed in the hearts of 18-week-old mice after high-fat diet, possibly contributing to later cardiovascular complications of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics/Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Solid organ and cell transplantation, including pancreatic islets constitute the treatment of choice for chronic terminal diseases. However, the clinical use of allogeneic transplantation is limited by the growing shortage of human organs. This has prompted us to initiate a unique multi-center and multi-team effort to promote translational research in xenotransplantation to bring xenotransplantation to the clinical setting. Supported by the German Research Foundation, an interdisciplinary group of surgeons, internal medicine doctors, diabetologists, material sciences experts, immunologists, cell biologists, virologists, veterinarians, and geneticists have established a collaborative research center (CRC) focusing on the biology of xenogeneic cell, tissue, and organ transplantation. A major strength of this consortium is the inclusion of members of the regulatory bodies, including the Paul-Ehrlich Institute (PEI), infection specialists from the Robert Koch Institute and PEI, veterinarians from the German Primate Center, and representatives of influential ethical and religious institutions. A major goal of this consortium is to promote islet xenotransplantation, based on the extensive expertise and experience of the existing clinical islet transplantation program. Besides comprehensive approaches to understand and prevent inflammation-mediated islet xenotransplant dysfunction [immediate blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR)], we also take advantage of the availability of and experience with islet macroencapsulation, with the goal to improve graft survival and function. This consortium harbors a unique group of scientists with complementary expertise under a cohesive program aiming at developing new therapeutic approaches for islet replacement and solid organ xenotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplantation of islet cells is an effective treatment for type 1 diabetes with critically labile metabolic control. However, during islet isolation, blood supply is disrupted, and the transport of nutrients/metabolites to and from the islet cells occurs entirely by diffusion. Adequate oxygen supply is essential for function/survival of islet cells and is the limiting factor for graft integrity. Recently, we developed an immunoisolated chamber system for transplantation of human islets without immunosuppression. This system depended on daily oxygen supply. To provide independence from this external source, we incorporated a novel approach based on photosynthetically- generated oxygen. The chamber system was packed sandwich-like with a slab of immobilized photosynthetically active microorganisms (Synechococcus lividus) on top of a flat light source (LEDs, red light at 660 nm, intensity of 8 μE/m2/s). Islet cells immobilized in an alginate slab (500–1 000 islet equivalents/cm2) were mounted on the photosynthetic slab separated by a gas permeable silicone rubber-Teflon membrane, and the complete module was sealed with a microporous polytetrafluorethylene (Teflon) membrane (pore size: 0.4 μm) to protect the contents from the host immune cells. Upon illumination, oxygen produced by photosynthesis diffused via the silicone Teflon membrane into the islet compartment. Oxygen production from implanted encapsulated microorganisms was stable for 1 month. After implantation of the device into diabetic rats, normoglycemia was achieved for 1 week. Upon retrieval of the device, blood glucose levels returned to the diabetic state. Our results demonstrate that an implanted photosynthetic bioreactor can supply oxygen to transplanted islets and thus maintain islet viability/ functionality. Supporting Information for this article is available online at http://www.thieme-connect.de/products [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the majority of patients with type 1 diabetes intensive insulin therapy is eff ective and safe for maintaining glycemia and minimizing diabetes-associated complications. However, a rare number of patients show highly labile metabolic control and experience repeated and unpredictable hypoglycemic episodes. Such condition is often caused by defective counterregulatory mechanisms and autonomous neuropathy. Patients are at high risk for severe acute and chronic complications, and quality of life is considerably impaired. For this small subset of patients, restoration of endogenous insulin secretion can substantially improve metabolic control and quality of life. In our experience, this is irrespective of insulin independency. Here, we report on our 5 years' experience with implementing islet transplantation as a potential treatment option for type 1 diabetes. All patients were treated by long-term insulin pump therapy prior to enrolment. The main indication was severely unstable diabetes and repeated hypoglycemia. From 2008 to 2013, 10 patients have been transplanted with single islet infusion; mean follow-up time was 35 months. All patients show persistent graft function, stable glycemic control with a reduction in HbA1c in the absence of hypoglycemia. All patients are kept on minimal exogenous insulin. In conclusion, islet transplantation can be an excellent therapy for selected patients. Key prerequisite for success is a strict indication. The primary goal for islet transplantation should be stabile glycemia and prevention of hypoglycemia rather than insulin independence. In fact, maintaining minimal exogenous insulin may protect the islet graft from metabolic stress and even prolong islet graft function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which reviews the mechanistic model for phosphate sorption and desorption by soil. Among the models that were mentioned are one-site-Langmuir equation which describes the sorption of the substance in the solid surface (k) and adsorption maximum (Smax), Freundlich approach and the Elovich equation for surface adsorption. Findings of the researcher shows the accountability of hysteresis to slow reaction of phosphate in soils.

Management options such as the intensity of tillage are known to influence the turnover dynamics of soil organic matter. However, less information is available about the influence of the tillage intensity on individual soil organic matter pools with different turnover dynamics in surface as compared with sub-surface soils. This study aimed to analyse the impact of no tillage ( NT), reduced tillage ( RT) and conventional tillage ( CT) on labile, intermediate and stable carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools in surface and sub-surface soils. We took surface and sub-surface soil samples from the three tillage systems in three long-term field experiments in Germany. The labile, intermediate and stable C and N pool sizes were determined by using the combined application of a decomposition experiment and a physical-chemical separation procedure. For the surface soils, we found larger stocks of the labile C and N pool under NT and RT (C, 1.7 and 1.3 t ha−1; N, 180 and 160 kg ha−1) than with CT (C, 0.5 t ha−1; N, 60 kg ha−1). In contrast, we found significantly larger stocks of the labile C pool under CT (2.7 t ha−1) than with NT and RT (2 t ha−1) for the sub-surface soils. The intermediate pool accounted for 75-84% of the soil organic C and total N stocks. However, the stocks of the intermediate N and C pools were only distinctly larger for NT than for CT in the surface soils. The stocks of the stable C and N pools were not affected by the tillage intensity but were positively correlated with the stocks of the clay-size fraction and oxalate soluble aluminum, indicating a strong influence of site-specific mineral characteristics on the size of these pools. Our results indicate soil depth-specific variations in the response of organic matter pools to tillage of different intensity. This means that the potential benefits of decreasing tillage intensity with respect to soil functions that are closely related to organic matter dynamics have to be evaluated separately for surface and sub-surface soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics/Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents research which determine whether hedge funds had the ability to time the market in the U.S. by expanding the Henrikkson-Merton timing factor to all of the Fama-French factors. It notes that the hypothesis may lead to incomplete inference about hedge fund timing ability. The authors also reveal that although many hedge funds are poor market timers, they still have timing ability with respect to other risk factors in the economy.

Copyright of Der Diabetologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics/Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study of sustainable land use is complex and long-term experiments are required for a better understanding of the processes of carbon stabilization. Objectives were (i) to describe for four long-term experiments the effects of fertilization and soil management on crop yields and the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total N, and (ii) to discuss the usefulness of models for a better understanding of the underlying processes. Data of soil organic carbon and total N of four long-term experiments in Germany and China which studied the effect of fertilization (Bad Lauchstädt, Darmstadt) and tillage (Göttingen, Quzhou) were evaluated and soil organic carbon fractionation was carried out. The Rothamsted Carbon Model was used for a description and prediction of soil organic carbon dynamics as affected by fertilization and tillage in Bad Lauchstädt and Quzhou. The type of fertilizer added at common rates - either mineral N or farmyard manure - affected the crop yields only slightly, with slightly lower yields after manure application compared with mineral N fertilization. For both fertilization trials, manure applications at common rates had beneficial effects on soil organic carbon stocks in the labile pool (turnover time estimated as <10 years) and to a greater extent in the intermediate pool (turnover time estimated to be in the range of 10 to 100 years). A comparison of the effects of conventional tillage, reduced tillage and no-tillage carried out in Göttingen and Quzhou indicated only small differences in crop yields. Reduced tillage in Göttingen resulted in an increased C storage in the surface soil and C was mainly located in the mineral-associated organic matter fraction and in water-stable macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm). For Quzhou, no-tillage and conventional tillage had similar effects on total C stocks, with a greater spatial variability in soil organic carbon stocks in the no-tillage plots. Modeling required site-specific calibrations for the stock of inert organic matter for each of the sites, indicating that not all carbon stabilization processes are included in the model and that application of a model to a new site may also need site-specific adjustments before it can be used for predictions. After site-specific calibration, however, model predictions for the remaining treatments were generally accurate for the fertilization and tillage trials, which emphasizes the importance of temperature, moisture, soil cover and clay content on the decomposition dynamics of soil organic carbon and the significance of amounts and quality of carbon inputs in the soil for maintaining or increasing soil organic carbon stocks in arable soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Diabetologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Der Diabetologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)