A combination of straw incorporation and polymer-coated urea offsets soil ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions in winter wheat fields

The combined effects of straw incorporation(SI)and polymer-coated urea(PCU)application on soil ammonia(NH_(3))and nitrous oxide(N_(2)O)emissions from agricultural fields have not been comprehensively evaluated in Northwest China.We conducted a two-year field experiment to assess the effects of combining SI with either uncoated urea(U)or PCU on soil NH_(3)emissions,N_(2)O emissions,winter wheat yields,yield-scaled NH_(3)(/NH_(3)),and yield-scaled N_(2)O(/N_(2)O).Five treatments were investigated,no nitrogen(N)fertilizer(N_(0)),U application at 150 kg N ha-1 with and without SI(SI+U and S_(0)+U),and PCU application at 150 kg N ha^(-1) with and without SI(SI+PCU and S_(0)+PCU).The results showed that the NH_(3);emissions increased by 20.98-34.35%following Sl compared to straw removal,mainly due to increases in soil ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)-N)content and water-flled pore space(WFPS).SI resulted in higher N_(2)O emissions than under the So scenario by 13.31-49.23%due to increases in soil inorganic N(SIN)contents,WFPS,and soil microbial biomass.In contrast,the PCU application reduced the SIN contents compared to the U application,reducing the NH_(3)and N_(2)O emissions by 45.99-58.07 and 18.08-53.04%,respectively.Moreover,no significant positive effects of the SI or PCU applications on the winter wheat yield were observed.The lowest /NH_(3) and /N_(2)O values were observed under the S_(0)+PCU and SI+PCU treatments.Our results suggest that single PCU applications and their combination with straw are the optimal agricultural strategies for mitigating gaseous N emissions and maintaining optimal winter wheat yields in Northwest China.

Magnesium incorporation activates perovskite cobaltites toward efficient and stable electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

Cobalt-rich perovskite oxides play a paramount role in catalyzing oxygen evolution reaction(OER)on account of their acceptable intrinsic activity but are still challenging due to the high costs and undesired stability.In response to the defects,herein,the Mg-incorporated perovskite cobaltite SrCo_(0.6)Fe_(0.3M)g_(0.1)O_(3-δ)(SCFM-0.1)is proposed as a novel earth-abundant and durable OER electrocatalyst.A well-consolidated cubic-symmetry structure and more active oxygen intermediates are enabled upon Mg substitution.Hence,the optimized SCFM-0.1 perovskite oxide achieves prominent OER electrocatalytic performance,that is,a low overpotential of only 320 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2),a small Tafel slope of 65 mV dec^(-1),as well as an outstanding durability within 20 h,substantially outperforming that of the pristine SrCo_(0.7)Fe_(0.3)O_(3-δ)and benchmark Ba_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ)and IrO_(2) catalysts.The strong pHdependent behavior associated with lattice oxygen activation mechanism for SCFM-0.1 catalyst is also confirmed.This work paves a unique avenue to develop cost-effective and robust perovskite cobaltites for efficient OER electrocatalysis.

Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from a Rice-Wheat Rotation as Affected by Crop Residue Incorporation and Temperature

Field measurements were made from June 2001 to May 2002 to evaluate the e?ect of crop residue application and temperature on CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions within an entire rice-wheat rotation season. Rapeseed cake and wheat straw were incorporated into the soil at a rate of 2.25 t hm?2 when the rice crop was transplanted in June 2001. Compared with the control, the incorporation of rapeseed cake enhanced the emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O in the rice-growing season by 12.3%, 252.3%, and 17.5%, respectively, while no further e?ect was held on the emissions of CO2 and N2O in the following wheat- growing season. The incorporation of wheat straw enhanced the emissions of CO2 and CH4 by 7.1% and 249.6%, respectively, but reduced the N2O emission by 18.8% in the rice-growing season. Signi?cant reductions of 17.8% for the CO2 and of 12.9% for the N2O emission were observed in the following wheat- growing season. A positive correlation existed between the emissions of N2O and CO2 (R2 = 0.445,n = 73,p < 0.001) from the rice-growing season when N2O was emitted. A trade-o? relationship between the emissions of CH4 and N2O was found in the rice-growing season. The CH4 emission was signi?cantly correlated with the CO2 emission for the period from rice transplantation to ?eld drainage, but not for the entire rice-growing season. In addition, air temperature was found to regulate the CO2 emissions from the non-waterlogged period over the entire rice-wheat rotation season and the N2O emissions from the non- waterlogged period of the rice-growing season, which can be quantitatively described by an exponential function. The temperature coe?cient (Q10) was then evaluated to be 2.3±0.2 for the CO2 emission and 3.9±0.4 for the N2O emission, respectively.

Impacts of Fertilization Alternatives and Crop Straw Incorporation on N_2O Emissions from a Spring Maize Field in Northeastern China

Spring maize is one of the most popular crops planted in northeastem China. The cropping systems involving spring maize have been maintaining high production through intensive management practices. However, the high rates of nitrogen （N） fertilizers application could have introduced a great amount of nitrous oxide （N2O） into the atmosphere. It is crucial for sustaining the maize production systems to reduce N2O emissions meanwhile maintaining the optimum yields by adopting alternative farming management practices. The goal of this study was to evaluate effects of alternative fertilization and crop residue management practices on N2O emission as well as crop yield for a typical maize field in northeastern China. Field experiments were conducted during the 2010-2011 maize growing seasons （from early May to late September） in Liaoning Province, northeastern China. N2O fluxes were measured at the field plots with six different treatments including no N fertilizer use （CK）, farmers＇ conventional N fertilizer application rate （FP）, reduced N fertilizer rate （OPT）, reduced N fertilizer rate combined with crop straw amendment （OPTS）, slow-release N fertilizer （CRF）, and reduced N fertilizer rate combined with nitrification inhibitor （OPT＋DCD）. The static chamber method combined with gas chromatography technique was employed to conduct the measurements of N2O fluxes. The field data showed that N2O emissions varied across the treatments. During the maize growing season in 2010, the total N2O emissions under the treatments of CK, FP, OPT, OPTS, and CRF were 0.63, 1.11, 1.03, 1.26, and 0.98 kg N ha-1, respectively. The seasonal cumulative N2O emissions were 0.54, 1.07, 0.96, 1.12, and 0.84 kg N ha1, respectively, under CK, FP, OPT, OPTS, and OPT＋DCD in 2011. In comparison with FP, CRF or OPT＋DCD reduced the N2O emissions by 12 or 21%, respectively, while the crop yields remained unchanged. The results indicate that the reduction of N-fertilizer application rate in combination with the slow-release fertilizer type or nitrification inhibitor could effectively mitigate N2O emissions from the tested field. The incorporation of crop residue didn＇t show positive effect on mitigating N2O emissions from the tested cropping system. The field study can provide useful information for the on-going debate on alternative N fertilization strategies and crop straw management in China. However, further studies would be needed to explore the long-term impacts of the alternative management practices on a wide range of environmental services.

Effect of Manganese Incorporation Manner on an Iron-Based Catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

A systematic study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the manganese incorporation manner on the textural properties, bulk and surface phase compositions, reduction/carburization behaviors, and surface basicity of an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis （FTS） catalyst. The catalyst samples were characterized by N2 physisorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, H2 （or CO） temperature-programmed reduction （TPR）, CO2 temperature-programmed desorption （TPD）, and M5ssbauer spectroscopy. The FTS performance of the catalysts was studied in a slurry-phase continuously stirred tank reactor （CSTR）. The characterization results indicated that the manganese promoter incorporated by using the coprecipitation method could improve the dispersion of iron oxide, and decrease the size of the iron oxide crystallite. The manganese incorporated with the impregnation method is enriched on the catalyst＇s surface. The manganese promoter added with the impregnation method suppresses the reduction and carburization of the catalyst in H2, CO, and syngas because of the excessive enrichment of manganese on the catalyst surface. The catalyst added manganese using the coprecipitation method has the highest CO conversion （51.9%） and the lowest selectivity for heavy hydrocarbons （C12＋）.

Long-term straw incorporation increases rice yield stability under high fertilization level conditions in the rice–wheat system

Straw incorporation is a global common practice to improve soil fertility and rice yield.However,the effect of straw incorporation on rice yield stability is still unknown,especially under high fertilization level conditions.Here,we reported the effect of straw returning on rice yield and yield stability under high fertilization levels in the rice–wheat system over nine years.The results showed that straw incorporation did not significantly affect the average rice yield of nine years.Straw incorporation reduced the coefficient of variation of rice yield by 25.8%and increased the sustainable yield index by 8.2%.The rice yield positively correlated with mean photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of rice growth season and the effects of straw incorporation on rice yield depended on the PAR.Straw incorporation increased the rice yield by 5.4%in the low PAR years,whereas it did not affect the rice yield in the high PAR years.Long-term straw incorporation lowered soil bulk density but improved the soil organic matter,total N,available N,available P,and available K more strongly than straw removal.Our findings suggest that straw incorporation can increase rice yield stability through improving the resistance of rice plant growth to low PAR.

Effect of silicon precursor on silicon incorporation in SAPO-11 and their catalytic performance for hydroisomerization of n-octane on Pt-based catalysts

SAPO-11 molecular sieves were synthesized using silica sol, hydrophilic fumed silica, and tetraethyl orthosilicate（TEOS） as silicon precursors. Their physicochemical properties were characterized using XRD,SEM, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, Py-IR, NH;-TPD, EDS, and;Al,;P,;Si MAS NMR techniques. The catalytic performance was assessed in the hydroisomerization of n-octane. The results showed that the silicon precursors influenced the physicochemical properties and catalytic performance of SAPO-11. SAPO-11 synthesized using hydrophilic fumed silica as silicon precursor showed higher silicon distribution and had more medium acid sites. SAPO-11 synthesized using TEOS as silicon precursor had more silicon content, but more silicon islands formed in its framework. The depolymerization of silicon precursors might affect the silicon content and distribution in SAPO-11. In the hydroisomerization of n-octane, the catalytic activity strongly depended on the number of medium acid sites instead of the number of total acid sites.SAPO-11 synthesized using hydrophilic fumed silica as silicon precursor exhibited higher catalytic activity than the other samples because it has more medium acid sites.

Al-incorporation into Li7La3Zr2O12 solid electrolyte keeping stabilized cubic phase for all-solid-state Li batteries

We observe the influence of AI occupancies in Li sites on the formation process of the garnet solid elec- trolyte of Li_7La_3Zr_2O_12 （LLZO）. A direct incorporation of AI is first promoted in a Li-insufficient garnet solid electrolyte during the calcination process of 850 ℃ and then the cubic phase of LLZO is obtained after successive annealing step of 1000 ℃. Comparing to pristine LLZO, AI incorporated LLZO shows less formation of Li_2CO_3, keeping crystallographic and physicochemical properties. This AI incorporation im- proves both the ionic conductivity and interfacial resistance to poisoning procedure.

Perfection of Perovskite Grain Boundary Passivation by Rhodium Incorporation for Efficient and Stable Solar Cells

Organic cation and halide anion defects are omnipresent in the perovskite films,which will destroy perovskite electronic structure and downgrade the properties of devices.Defect passivation in halide perovskites is crucial to the application of solar cells.Herein,tiny amounts of trivalent rhodium ion incorporation can help the nucleation of perovskite grain and passivate the defects in the grain boundaries,which can improve efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.Through first-principle calculations,rhodium ion incorporation into the perovskite structure can induce ordered arrangement and tune bandgap.In experiment,rhodium ion incorporation with perovskite can contribute to preparing larger crystalline and uniform film,reducing trap-state density and enlarging charge carrier lifetime.After optimizing the content of 1% rhodium,the devices achieved an efficiency up to 20.71% without obvious hysteresis,from 19.09% of that pristine perovskite.In addition,the unencapsulated solar cells maintain 92% of its initial efficiency after 500 h in dry air.This work highlights the advantages of trivalent rhodium ion incorporation in the characteristics of perovskite solar cells,which will promote the future industrial application.

Effects of long-term straw incorporation on nematode community composition and metabolic footprint in a rice–wheat cropping system

Soil nematode communities can provide valuable information about the structure and functions of soil food webs,and are sensitive to agricultural practices,including short-term straw incorporation.However,currently,such effects under longterm straw incorporation conditions at different fertility levels are largely unknown.Thus,we conducted a 13-year ongoing experiment to evaluate the effects of long-term straw incorporation on the structure and functions of the soil food web in low and high fertility soils through analyzing its effects on nematode communities,food web indices and metabolic footprints.Four treatments were included:straw removal(–S)under non-fertilized(–NPK)or fertilized(+NPK)conditions;and straw incorporation(+S)under–NPK or+NPK conditions.Soil samples from a 0–20 cm depth layer were collected when wheat and rice were harvested.Compared with straw removal,straw incorporation increased the abundances of total nematodes,bacterivores,plant-parasites and omnivores-predators,as well the relative abundances of omnivores-predators with increases of 73.06,89.29,95.31,238.98,and 114.61%in–NPK soils and 16.23,2.23,19.01,141.38,and 90.23%in+NPK soils,respectively.Regardless of sampling times and fertilization effects,straw incorporation increased the diversity and community stability of nematodes,as indicated by the Shannon-Weaver diversity index and maturity index.Enrichment and structure index did not show significant responses to straw incorporation,but a slight increase was observed in the structure index.The analysis of nematode metabolic footprints showed that straw incorporation increased the plant-parasite footprint and structure footprint by 97.27 and 305.39%in–NPK soils and by 11.29 and 149.56%in+NPK soils,but did not significantly influence enrichment,bacterivore and fungivore footprints.In conclusion,long-term straw incorporation,particularly under a low fertility level,favored the soil nematodes and regulated the soil food web mainly via a top-down effect.

S Phase Cell Percentage Normalized BrdU Incorporation Rate, a New Parameter for Determining S Arrest

In this study, a new parameter, S phase cell percentage （S fraction） normalized BrdU （SFN-BrdU） incorporation rate, was introduced to detect $ arrest. The results showed a positive linear correlation between the BrdU incorporation rate and the S fraction in unperturbed 16HBE cells. Theoretical analysis indicated that only S arrest could result in a decrease in the SFN-BrdU incorporation rate. Additionally, the decrease in SFN-BrdU incorporation rate and the activation of DNA damage checkpoints further demonstrated that S arrest was induced by diethyl sulfate treatment of 16HBE cells. In conclusion, $FN-BrdU incorporation rate can be used to detecting S arrest.

Study of intracellular anabolism of 5-fluorouracil and incorporation in nucleic acids based on an LC-HRMS method

5-Fluorouracil(5-FU)is an anticancer drug extensively used for different cancers.Intracellular metabolic activation leads to several nucleoside and nucleotide metabolites essential to exert its cytotoxic activity on multiple cellular targets such as enzymes,DNA and RNA.In this paper,we describe the development of a method based on liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry suitable for the simultaneous determination of the ten anabolic metabolites(nucleoside,nucleotide and sugar nucleotide)of 5-FU.The chromatographic separationwas optimized on a porous graphitic carbon column allowing the analysis of the metabolites of 5-FU as well as endogenous nucleotides.The detection was performed on an Orbitrap■tandem mass spectrometer.Linearity of the method was verified in intracellular content and in RNA extracts.The limit of detection was equal to 12 pg injected on column for nucleoside metabolites of 5-FU and 150 pg injected on column for mono-and tri-phosphate nucleotide metabolites.Matrix effect was evaluated in cellular contents,DNA and RNA extracts for nucleoside and nucleotides metabolites.The method was successfully applied to i)measure the proportion of each anabolic metabolite of 5-FU in cellular contents,ii)follow the consequence of inhibition of enzymes on the endogenous nucleotide pools,iii)study the incorporation of metabolites of 5-FU into RNA and DNA,and iv)to determine the incorporation rate of 5-FUrd into 18 S and 28 S sub-units of rRNA.

Magnesium incorporation efficiencies in Mg_xZn_(1-x)O films on ZnO substrates grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

We investigate the magnesium（Mg） incorporation efficiencies in MgxZn1-xO films on c-plane Zn-face ZnO substrates by using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition（MOCVD） technique. In order to deposit high quality MgxZn1-xO films,atomically smooth epi-ready surfaces of the hydrothermal grown ZnO substrates are achieved by thermal annealing in O2 atmosphere and characterized by atomic force microscope（AFM）. The AFM, scanning electron microscope（SEM）,and x-ray diffraction（XRD） studies demonstrate that the MgxZn1-xO films each have flat surface and hexagonal wurtzite structure without phase segregation at up to Mg content of 34.4%. The effects of the growth parameters including substrate temperature, reactor pressure and Ⅵ/Ⅱ ratio on Mg content in the films are investigated by XRD analysis based on Vegard＇s law, and confirmed by photo-luminescence spectra and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well. It is indicated that high substrate temperature, low reactor pressure, and high Ⅵ/Ⅱratio are good for obtaining high Mg content.

SURFACE MODIFICATION OF PHOSPHOLIPID LIPOSOMES BY INCORPORATION OF GLYCOLIPID

Two single-chain glycolipids, octadecyl-β-D-glucopyranoside(1) and 2-octadecanamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose(2) were synthesized and their dispersing properties in water were studied. Incorporation of 1 into the phospholipid liposomes could inhibit the aggregation of liposomes and improve the molecular packing in the bilayer membranes.

Influence of compressive strain on the incorporation of indium in InGaN and InAlN ternary alloys

In order to investigate the influence of compressive strain on indium incorporation in In Al N and In Ga N ternary nitrides, In Al N/Ga N heterostructures and In Ga N films were grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. For the heterostructures, different compressive strains are produced by Ga N buffer layers grown on unpatterned and patterned sapphire substrates thanks to the distinct growth mode; while for the In Ga N films, compressive strains are changed by employing Al Ga N templates with different aluminum compositions. By various characterization methods, we find that the compressive strain will hamper the indium incorporation in both In Al N and In Ga N. Furthermore, compressive strain is conducive to suppress the non-uniform distribution of indium in In Ga N ternary alloys.

Hydrogen Incorporation in Crystalline Jadeite: Insight from First Principles Calculations

Hydrogen incorporation is critical for explaining defect energies, structure parameters and other physical characteristics of minerals and understanding mantle dynamics. This work analyzed the hydrogen complex defects in jadeite by the plane-wave pseudo-potential method based on density functional theory, and optimized the atomic positions and lattice constants in all configurations （different defective systems）. Incorporation mechanisms considered for hydrogen （H） in jadeite include： （1） hydrogen incorporating with the 02 site oxygen and coexisting with M2 vacancy; （2） one H atom combined with an AI atom replacing Si in tetrahedron; （3） 4H atoms directly replacing Si in tetrahedron and （4） 3H atoms replacing Al on the M1 site. The four incorporation mechanisms mentioned above form the corresponding VNa-Hi, Alsi-Hi, Vsi-4Hi and VAr3Hi point defects. The molecular dynamics simulation to the ideal, VNa-Hi, Alsi-Hi, Vsi-4Hi and VAr3Hi point defects under the P-T conditions of 900 K, 2 GPa, the Vsa-Hi and Alsi-Hi point defects under different pressures at T = 900 K, and Alsj-Hj point defects under different temperatures at P = 3 GPa was performed to examine the preferential mode of hydrogen incorporation in jadeite by means of first-principles calculations. The calculations show that the averaged O-H bond-length in the hydrogen point defects system decreased in the order of Alsi-Hi, VNa-HI, Vsl-4Hf and VAI-3Hi. VNa-HI complex defects result in a contraction of the jadeite volume and the presence of Alsi-Hi, Vsi-4H~ and VAI-3Hi defects could increase the superceli volume, which is the most obvious in the VAt-3Hi defects. The energy of formation of Also-HI and VA[-3HI complex defects was much lower than that of other defect systems. The VAI-3Hi defects system has the lowest energy and the shortest O-H bond-length, suggesting that this system is the most favorable. The analytical results of vacancy formation energy, O-H bond- length, and the stability of the hydrogen defects in jadeite have suggested that the preferred hydration incorporation mode in jadeite is VAI-3Hi complex defect.

Evaluation of Erythrocyte Iron Incorporation in Beijing Prepubertal Children Using a Single Stable Isotope Tracer Method

Objective To analyze the rate of erythrocyte iron incorporation and provided guidance for the iron nutrition for prepubertal children.Methods Fifty-seven prepubertal children of Beijing were involved in this study and each subject was orally administered 3 mg of 57 Fe twice daily to obtain a total of 30 mg 57 Fe after a 5-d period. The stable isotope ratios in RBCs were determined in 14 th day, 28 th day, 60 th day, and 90 th day. The erythrocyte incorporation rate in children was calculated using the stable isotope ratios, blood volume and body iron mass.Results The percentage of erythrocyte 57 Fe incorporation increased starting 14 th day, reached a peak at 60 d(boys: 19.67% ± 0.56%, girls: 21.33% ± 0.59%) and then decreased. The erythrocyte incorporation rates of 57 Fe obtained for girls in 60 th day was significantly higher than those obtained for boys(P < 0.0001).Conclusions The oral administration of 57 Fe to children can be used to obtain erythrocyte iron incorporation within 90 d. Prepubertal girls should begin to increase the intake of iron and further studies should pay more attention to the iron status in prepubertal children.

Effects of the incorporation amounts of CdS and Cd(SCN_(2)H_(4))_(2)Cl_(2)on the performance of perovskite solar cells

An excellent organolead halide perovskite film is important for the good performance of perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,defects in perovskite crystals can affect the photovoltaic properties and stability of solar cells.To solve this problem,this study incorporated a complex of Cd S and Cd(SCN_(2)H_(4))_(2)Cl_(2)into the CH_(3)NH_(3)Pb I_(3)active layer.The effects of different doping concentrations of Cd S and Cd(SCN_(2)H_(4))_(2)Cl_(2)on the performance and stability of PSCs were analyzed.Results showed that doping appropriate incorporation concentrations of Cd S and Cd(SCN_(2)H_(4))_(2)Cl_(2)in CH_(3)NH_(3)Pb I_(3)can improve the performance of the prepared solar cells.In specific,Cd S and Cd(SCN_(2)H_(4))_(2)Cl_(2)can effectively passivate the defects in perovskite crystals,thereby suppressing the charge recombination in PSCs and promoting the charge extraction at the TiO_(2)/perovskite interface.Due to the reduction of perovskite crystal defects and the enhancement of compactness of the Cd S:Cd(SCN_(2)H4)_(2)Cl_(2):CH_(3)NH_(3)Pb I_(3)composite film,the stability of PSCs is significantly improved.

Investigation of Crystallization Incorporation of Er-implanted Silicon

The thermal annealing temperature dependence of solid phase epitaxial recrystallization, migration and incorporation of Er in Er+-implanted Si(100) have been investigated. It is shown in our experiment that the bulk crystalline Si acts as a seed for the initial solid phase epitaxial recrystallization. When Er segregates at the crystalline/amorphous interface to some extent, the epitaxial recrystallization is disrupted and the remaining damaged region is polycrystalline. For the irradiation at 350 keV, the maximum incorporation concentration in the recrystallized region decreases with increasing annealing temperature. However, the maximum incorporation concentration is anomalously enhanced for the sample irradiated with 150 keV Er+ and annealed at 850 degrees C.

Effect of a region-wide incorporation of an algorithm based on the 2012 international consensus guideline on the practice pattern for the management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms in an integrated health system

AIM To examine the practice pattern in Kaiser Permanente Southern California(KPSC), i.e., gastroenterology(GI)/surgery referrals and endoscopic ultrasound(EUS), for pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCNs) after the regionwide dissemination of the PCN management algorithm.METHODS Retrospective review was performed; patients with PCN diagnosis given between April 2012 and April 2015(18 mo before and after the publication of the algorithm) in KPSC(integrated health system with 15 hospitals and 202 medical offices in Southern California) were identified.RESULTS2558(1157 pre-and 1401 post-algorithm) received a new diagnosis of PCN in the study period. There was no difference in the mean cyst size(pre-19.1 mm vs post-18.5 mm, P = 0.119). A smaller percentage of PCNs resulted in EUS after the implementation of the algorithm(pre-45.5% vs post-34.8%, P < 0.001). A smaller proportion of patients were referred for GI(pre-65.2% vs post-53.3%, P < 0.001) and surgery consultations(pre-24.8% vs post-16%, P < 0.001) for PCN after the implementation. There was no significant change in operations for PCNs. Cost of diagnostic care was reduced after the implementation by 24%, 18%, and 36% for EUS, GI, and surgery consultations, respectively, with total cost saving of 24%.CONCLUSION In the current healthcare climate, there is increased need to optimize resource utilization. Dissemination of an algorithm for PCN management in an integrated health system resulted in fewer EUS and GI/surgery referrals, likely by aiding the physicians ordering imaging studies in the decision making for the management of PCNs. This translated to cost saving of 24%, 18%, and 36% for EUS, GI, and surgical consultations, respectively, with total diagnostic cost saving of 24%.