bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Water Loss on New Mexico Spadefoot Toad (Spea multiplicata) Development, Spleen Cellularity, and Corticosterone Levels
Authors: Bagwill April L. , Lovern Matthew B. , Worthington Thomas A. , Smith Loren M. , McMurry Scott T.
Published: October 2016

Amphibian metamorphosis is complex and larval morphology and physiology are completely restructured during this time. Amphibians that live in unpredictable environments are often exposed to stressors that can directly and indirectly alter physiological systems during development, with subsequent consequences (carryover effects) later in life. In this study, we investigated the effects of water level reduction on development rate, spleen size and cellularity, and examined the role of corticosterone levels in premetamorphic, metamorphic, and postmetamorphic New Mexico spadefoot toads (Spea multiplicata). Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that declining water level would increase tadpole developmental rate, but with the trade‐off of increasing corticosterone to a level that would subsequently affect spleen size and cellularity, thus prolonging potential immunological suppression. Declining water levels increased developmental rate by 3 days; however, there were no significant body size effects. Corticosterone (CORT) was negatively correlated with total length, snout vent length, body weight, and spleen weight at metamorphosis, suggesting that size at metamorphosis and the immune system may be affected by excessive CORT levels. When compared to other studies, our results support the view that multiple factors may be acting as stressors in the field affecting amphibian responses, and simple pathways as tested in this study may not adequately represent field conditions.
Characteristics of C‐terminal, β‐amyloid peptide binding fragment of neuroprotective protease inhibitor, cystatin C
Authors: Spodzieja Marta , Kalejta Katarzyna , Kołodziejczyk Aleksandra S. , Maszota‐Zieleniak Martyna , Rodziewicz‐Motowidło Sylwia , Żmudzińska Wioletta , Czaplewska Paulina
Published: October 2016

Cystatin C originally identified as a cysteine proteases inhibitor has a broad spectrum of biological roles ranging from inhibition of extracellular cysteine protease activities, bone resorption, and modulation of inflammatory responses to stimulation of fibroblasts proliferation. There is an increasing number of evidence to suggest that human cystatin C (hCC) might play a protective role in the pathophysiology of sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

In vivo and in vitro results well documented the association of hCC with Aβ and the hCC‐induced inhibition of Aβ fibril formation. In our earlier work, using a combination of selective proteolytic methods and MS spectroscopy, C‐terminal fragment hCC(101‐117) was identified as the Aβ‐binding region. The fragment of Aβ peptide responsible for the complex formation with hCC was found in the middle, highly hydrophobic part, Aβ(17‐24). Structures and affinities of both Aβ and hCC binding sites were characterized by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐like assay, by surface plasmon resonance, and by nano‐ESI‐FTICR MS of the hCC–Aβ‐binding peptide complexes. In the in vitro inhibition studies, the binding cystatin sequence, hCC(101‐117), revealed the highest relative inhibitory effect toward Aβ‐fibril formation.

Herein, we present further studies on molecular details of the hCC‐Aβ complex. With Ala substitution, affinity experiments, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐like assays for the Aβ‐binding fragment, hCC(101‐117), and its variants, the importance of individual amino acid residues for the protein interaction was evaluated. The results were analyzed using hCC(101‐117) nuclear magnetic resonance structural data with molecular dynamics calculations and molecular modeling of the complexes. The results point to conformational requirements and special importance of some amino acid residues for the protein interaction. The obtained results might be helpful for the design of low molecular compounds modulating the biological role of both proteins. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Nitroglycerin on the Performance of MR Coronary Angiography
Authors: Heer Tobias , Reiter Stephanie , Trißler Markus , Höfling Berthold , von Knobelsdorff‐Brenkenhoff Florian , Pilz Günter
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To systematically investigate the effect of sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin=nitro=glyceryl trinitrate=GTN=C3H5N3O9 [NTG]) on the diagnostic performance of MR coronary artery imaging (MRCA) to detect relevant coronary artery disease (CAD).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐five healthy volunteers and 25 patients with suspected or proven CAD (all in sinus rhythm) underwent MRCA before and after NTG using a contrast‐agent free, three‐dimensional, navigator‐based, steady state free precession acquisition (voxel size 1.0 × 0.7 × 0.7 mm3) at 1.5 Tesla. Target parameters were stenosis detection (>50%), visible vessel length (straightened planar reconstruction) and vessel diameter (curved planar reconstruction, measured proximal/medial/distal). In patients, invasive coronary angiography served as reference.

Results

NTG led to increase of the coronary diameter both in healthy volunteers (right coronary artery [RCA]: 3.2 to 3.7 mm, P < 0.001; left anterior descending coronary artery [LAD]: 2.9 to 3.4 mm, P = 0.009; left circumflex coronary artery [LCx]: 2.8 to 3.3 mm, P < 0.001) and patients (RCA 3.5 to 4.0 mm, P = 0.01; LAD 3.3 to 3.7 mm, P = 0.008; LCx: 2.9 to 3.3 mm, P = 0.03). Visible vessel length increased after NTG for the LAD (volunteers: 72 to 84 mm, P = 0.03; patients: 56 to 78 mm, P = 0.01) and for LCx (volunteers: 48 to 60 mm, P = 0.02). Sensitivity to detect > 50% stenosis improved after NTG from 88.0 to 96%, specificity from 46.5 to 69.8%, diagnostic accuracy from 61.8 to 79.4% and positive/negative predictive value from 48.9 to 64.9% and 87.0 to 96.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Sublingual administration of NTG significantly enhanced the visibility of the coronary arteries and improved the detection of coronary artery stenosis.

Level of Evidence: 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1419–1428
Ultrashort echo time MRI biomarkers of asthma
Authors: Sheikh Khadija , Guo Fumin , Capaldi Dante P.I. , Ouriadov Alexei , Eddy Rachel L. , Svenningsen Sarah , Parraga Grace ,   for the Canadian Respiratory Research Network
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To develop and assess ultrashort echo‐time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers of lung function in asthma patients.

Materials and Methods

Thirty participants including 13 healthy volunteers and 17 asthmatics provided written informed consent to UTE and pulmonary function tests in addition to hyperpolarized‐noble‐gas 3T MRI and computed tomography (CT) for asthmatics only. The difference in MRI signal‐intensity (SI) across four lung volumes (full‐expiration, functional‐residual‐capacity [FRC], FRC+1L, and full‐inspiration) was determined on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis to generate dynamic proton‐density (DPD) maps. MRI ventilation‐defect‐percent (VDP), UTE SI, and DPD values as well as CT radiodensity were determined for whole lung and individual lobes.

Results

Mean SI at full‐expiration (P < 0.01), FRC (P < 0.05), and DPD (P < 0.01) were greater in healthy volunteers compared to asthmatics. In asthmatics, UTE SI at full‐expiration and DPD were correlated with FEV1/FVC (SI r = 0.73/P = 0.002; DPD r = 0.75/P = 0.003), RV/TLC (SI r = –0.57/P = 0.02), or RV (DPD r = –0.62/P = 0.02), CT radiodensity (SI r = 0.83/P = 0.006; DPD r = 0.71/P = 0.01), and lobar VDP (SI rs = –0.33/P = 0.02; DPD rs = –0.47/P = 0.01).

Conclusion

In patients with asthma, UTE SI and dynamic proton‐density were related to pulmonary function measurements, whole lung and lobar VDP, as well as CT radiodensity. Thus, UTE MRI biomarkers may reflect ventilation heterogeneity and/or gas‐trapping in asthmatics using conventional equipment, making this approach potentially amenable for clinical use.

Level of Evidence: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1204–1215
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of multiparametric MRI with increased active surveillance for low‐risk prostate cancer in Australia
Authors: Gordon Louisa G. , James Robbie , Tuffaha Haitham W. , Lowe Anthony , Yaxley John
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to diagnose prostate cancer and direct all low‐risk patients into active surveillance (AS).

Materials and Methods

A Markov cohort model was developed to assess three scenarios: 1) no mpMRI and current AS; 2) mpMRI and current AS; and 3) mpMRI and increased AS. Men were tracked from diagnosis to end‐of‐life. Estimates to populate the model were derived from systematic reviews, meta‐analyses, epidemiological publications, and national cost reports. An Australian Government perspective was used. Outcomes included healthcare costs, survival, quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), number of biopsies, and significant and insignificant cancers. Extensive sensitivity analyses were undertaken to address possible variation in the modeled inputs.

Results

Mean lifetime costs per patient were AU$23,191 for Scenario 1, AU$23,387 for Scenario 2 and AU$21,064 for Scenario 3. Corresponding QALYs were 7.81, 7.77, 7.83 for Scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. At the current uptake of AS in Australia, mpMRI alone does not appear cost‐effective (16.9% likelihood). However, mpMRI with AS for all men with low‐risk disease is strongly cost‐effective (86.9% likelihood) at a willingness‐to‐pay AU$50,000 per QALY gained. For the mpMRI options, for every 1000 men suspected of prostate cancer, using mpMRI would avoid 340 biopsies, detect an additional 20 significant cancers, and detect 10 fewer insignificant cancers.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of prostate cancer through mpMRI technology would be cost‐effective if it leads to increased uptake of AS for men with confirmed very‐low‐ or low‐risk prostate cancer.

Level of Evidence: 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1304–1315
Whole‐tumor apparent diffusion coefficient measurements in nephroblastoma: Can it identify blastemal predominance?
Authors: Littooij Annemieke S. , Sebire Neil J. , Olsen Øystein E.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To explore the potential relation between whole‐tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameters in viable parts of tumor and histopathological findings in nephroblastoma.

Materials and Methods

Children (n = 52) with histopathologically proven nephroblastoma underwent diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (1.5T) before preoperative chemotherapy. Of these, 25 underwent an additional MRI after preoperative chemotherapy, shortly before resection. An experienced reader performed the whole‐tumor ADC measurements of all lesions, excluding nonenhancing areas. An experienced pathologist reviewed the postoperative specimens according to standard SIOP guidelines. Potential associations between ADC parameters and proportions of histological subtypes were assessed with Pearson's or Spearman's rank correlation coefficient depending on whether the parameters tested were normally distributed. In case the Mann–Whitney U‐test revealed significantly different ADC values in a subtype tumor, this ADC parameter was used to derive a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The 25th percentile ADC at presentation was the best ADC metric correlated with proportion of blastema (Pearson's r = –0.303, P = 0.026). ADC after preoperative treatment showed moderate correlation with proportion stromal subtype at histopathology (r = 0.579, P = 0.002). By ROC analysis, the optimal threshold of median ADC for detecting stromal subtype was 1.362 × 10−3 mm2/s with sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–1.00) and 78.9% (95% CI 0.57–0.92), respectively.

Conclusion

ADC markers in nephroblastoma are related to stromal subtype histopathology; however, identification of blastemal predominant tumors using whole‐tumor ADC measurements is probably not feasible.

Level of Evidence: 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1316–1324
Medical swab touch spray‐mass spectrometry for newborn screening of nicotine and cotinine in meconium
Authors: Yang Bi‐cheng , Wang Feng , Yang Xiao , Zou Wei , Wang Jia‐chun , Zou Yang , Liu Fa‐ying , Liu Huai , Huang Ou‐ping
Published: October 2016

Newborn screening is one of public health concerns designed to screen infants shortly after birth. Prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke such as nicotine has been reported to affect babies. Levels of nicotine and cotinine in meconium were widely used to evaluate the tobacco exposure of foetuses during pregnancy in a polluted environment. In this study, medical swabs were applied by using touch spray‐mass spectrometry (TS‐MS) to collect meconium from newborn infants for detection of nicotine and cotinine. Parameters such as choice of spray solvents, solvent volume and collision energy for screening of nicotine and cotinine were optimized. The limits of detection, reproducibility and matrix effect for analysis of meconium were also investigated. In this study, the levels of nicotine and cotinine in 54 puerpera volunteers were screened by TS‐MS and were validated by using traditional liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. These results showed that medical swab TS‐MS would be useful for newborn screening of nicotine and cotinine in meconium with high reproducibility, speed, sensitivity and specificity. The use of disposable medical swabs involves no sample preparation and no chromatographic separation, significantly reducing the cost and time required for screening a large number of clinical sample. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glyoxal measurement with a proton transfer reaction time of flight mass spectrometer (PTR‐TOF‐MS): characterization and calibration
Authors: Stönner Christof , Derstroff Bettina , Klüpfel Thomas , Crowley John N. , Williams Jonathan
Published: October 2016

We examine the potential for PTR‐TOF‐MS systems to quantitatively measure glyoxal in ambient air by characterizing the response of the instrument to a dilute glyoxal sample, calibrating the system as a function of humidity. The concentration of glyoxal in a sample air‐stream was measured with an UV absorption spectrometer in parallel to a PTR‐TOF‐MS. This calibration demonstrated that the PTR‐TOF‐MS has a relatively low sensitivity to glyoxal particularly at high humidity. Extensive fragmentation of glyoxal to formaldehyde was observed. This behaviour not only desensitizes PTR‐MS system to glyoxal; it may also pose a problem to the quantification of formaldehyde. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Mass Spectrometry Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Using a Jiles‐Atherton vector hysteresis model for isotropic magnetic materials with the finite element method, Newton‐Raphson method, and relaxation procedure
Authors: Guérin Christophe , Jacques Kévin , Sabariego Ruth V. , Dular Patrick , Geuzaine Christophe , Gyselinck Johan
Published: October 2016

This paper deals with the use of a Jiles‐Atherton vector hysteresis model included in 2D finite element modeling. The hysteresis model is only valid for isotropic materials. It is implemented with the vector potential formulation in 2D along with electric circuit equations to account for a possible external circuit. The Newton‐Raphson algorithm is used with a relaxation procedure, whereby at each iteration, the relaxation coefficient is sought so as to minimize the Euclidean norm of the residual of the finite element nonlinear system of equations. We have simulated several numerical examples with the proposed approach. First, simulations on a square domain were conducted so as to validate the model. We have further simulated a T‐shaped magnetic circuit (exhibiting rotating flux) and a 3‐phase 3‐limb transformer model. For these 2 cases, the eddy current losses in the laminations are taken into account by a low‐frequency model. We have finally performed simulations on the TEAM workshop problem 32, which consists of a 3‐limb transformer with 2 windings, for which current and local magnetic flux density measurements are available. We obtained a good agreement between computed and measured results.
A propeptide‐independent protease from Tannerella sp.6_1_58FAA_CT1 displays trypsin‐like specificity
Authors: Song Qitao , Zhang Xiaoyue , Li Na , Shen Jie , Cheng Jiansong
Published: October 2016

Despite the absence of any homologs of Tannerella forsythia KLIKK proteases in Tannerella sp.6_1_58FAA_CT1, the strain possesses a putative cysteine protease (G9S4N1) closely related to RgpB of Porphyromonas gingivalis. G9S4N1 lacks obvious propeptide that behaves as inhibitor of proteases and was proven to be a propeptide‐independent protease. Unlike RgpB, which exclusively cleaves ArgXaa bonds, G9S4N1 exhibits both arginine‐ and citrulline‐specific activities. Mutations of Asp177, a potential P1‐Arg binding site, to uncharged or positively charged residues did not alter the substrate specificity of G9S4N1 significantly. Moreover, a group of arginine‐specific proteases from different species including porcine trypsin, bovine thrombin, and a trypsin‐like serine protease of dengue 2 virus CF40‐Gly‐NS3pro185 also display different specificity toward citrulline residue, suggesting that citrulline‐modified protein might have different roles and destiny in biological processes involving various proteases.
Improving temperature interpolation usingMODIS LSTand local topography: a comparison of methods in south east Australia
Authors: Stewart Stephen B. , Nitschke Craig R.
Published: October 2016

Available climate data for south east Australia is reliant upon elevational lapse rates, which do not account for mesoscale processes that can affect temperatures, such as cold air drainage. Additional predictor variables are available for generating new climate datasets such as topographic indices and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer land surface temperature (MODIS LST); however, these have not been thoroughly tested to date. In this study, the relative benefits of including a localized topographic index and standardizedMODIS LSTvalues for temperature interpolation were assessed using partial bivariate splines, full and partial trivariate splines, and regression kriging. Trivariate splines provided the best interpolation performance in most cases; however, the partial bivariate spline with a fixed dependence upon elevation performed marginally better than the full trivariate spline for minimum temperature. The local topographic index improved theRMSEof minimum temperature climate normals by 17% in comparison to the best performing elevation only model. A further improvement for minimum temperature performance was achieved by including standardized night timeMODIS LSTvalues as covariates (34–39% reduction inRMSE). Standardized day timeMODIS LSTvalues improved maximum temperature interpolation performance; however, the improvement was only marginal in comparison to the full trivariate spline (6% reduction inRMSE). Cross validation of daily maximum and minimum temperature anomalies reflected performance trends shown in the climate normal analysis. Results suggest that the use of alternative approaches to interpolating temperature data may have significant implications for the calculation of bioclimatic variables and provide new opportunities to study extremes at high spatial and temporal resolutions using existing weather station networks. Furthermore, improving minimum temperature surfaces by accounting for temperature inversions driven by cold air drainage regimes may improve our ability to incorporate mesoscale temperature variability into a variety of applications, such as deriving temperature dependent climatic variables, species distribution modelling and assessments of fire risk.
Early Quaternary sedimentary processes and palaeoenvironments in the central North Sea
Authors: Lamb Rachel M. , Huuse Mads , Stewart Margaret
Published: October 2016

A number of elongate trough‐like features are observed in the early Quaternary succession of the central North Sea basin. A definitive model of formation for the features remains unclear but the troughs may aid in our understanding of the depositional environment of the early Quaternary. In total, 380 troughs were mapped over 11 000 km2 using continuous 3D seismic data and analysed in conjunction with well log data and understanding of the probable palaeogeographical context. The troughs were formed in a marine setting on the slope of a large clinoform set during a period of rapid progradation. The geometry and infill of the troughs, as well as the marine setting, strongly support a model of repeated density‐driven downslope flows which excavate and then infill the troughs perpendicular to the strike of the slope. A subset of the troughs are observed to form parallel to the strike in such a way that cannot be easily explained by downslope processes alone. A number of possible models are considered for the formation of these along‐slope troughs; here we conclude that the most likely scenario involves modification of the downslope flows by currents which divert the features along‐slope while maintaining the erosive nature of the flow.
Effects of a diet containing dried grape pomace on blood metabolites and milk composition of dairy cows
Authors: Chedea Veronica Sanda , Pelmus Rodica Stefania , Lazar Cristina , Pistol Gina Cecilia , Calin Loredana Georgeta , Toma Smaranda Mariana , Dragomir Catalin , Taranu Ionelia
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

The effect of a diet containing 15% grape pomace (GP) on the general health status and milk quality of dairy cows was assessed by plasma biochemistry and total polyphenol (TP) content, milk polyphenols, milk composition and milk protein fractions.

RESULTS

Among the polyphenols measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy in GP, in feed containing GP (GP+) or not containing GP (GP–), gallic acid and epicatechin were present in the highest concentrations (67.58 and 19.23 µg mL−1, respectively). Higher amounts of TP were also detected in the blood plasma of GP+ cows (114.06 and 83.93 mg GAE L−1, respectively) but not in their milk (233.17 and 245.75 mg GAE L−1, respectively). Also a significant increase was found for lactose and β‐lactoglobulin, although there was no effect on α‐lactalbumin, albumin, secretory components and caseins.

CONCLUSION

Inclusion of 15% GP in the diets of dairy cows is beneficial for overall normal blood constituent metabolism and helps to maintain cow health. The milk of cows fed with a GP diet preserves the normal levels of fat, protein and caseins, and has increased levels of components that make this milk a versatile ingredient material for the food industry (e.g. model whey powders, stability of lactose‐rich powders). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of water and nitrogen use efficiency for maize (Zea mays L.) grown on soft rock and sand compound soil
Authors: Wang Huanyuan , Han Jichang , Tong Wei , Cheng Jie , Zhang Haiou
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Maize was grown on compound soils constituted from mixtures of soft rock and sand at different ratios, and water use efficiency (WUE), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency (FNUE) were quantified. The data were used to assist in designing strategies for optimizing water and nitrogen management practices for maize on the substrates used. Maize was sown in composite soil prepared at three ratios of soft rock and sand (1:1, 1:2 and 1:5 v/v) in Mu Us Sandy Land, Yuyang district, Yulin city, China. Yields, amount of drainage, nitrogen (N) leaching, WUE and NUE were calculated. Then a water and nitrogen management model (WNMM) was calibrated and validated.

RESULTS

No significant difference in evapotranspiration of maize was found among compound soils with soft rock/sand ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:5, while water drainage increased significantly with increasing soft rock/sand ratio. WUE increased to 1.30 kg m−3 in compound soil with 1:2 soft rock/sand ratio. Nitrogen leaching and ammonia volatilization were the main reason for nitrogen loss, and N reduction mainly relied on crop uptake. NUE and FNUE could reach 33.1 and 24.9 kg kg−1 N respectively. Water drainage and nitrogen leaching occurred mostly during heavy rainfall or irrigation. Through a scenario analysis of different rainfall types, water and fertilizer management systems were formulated each year.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that soft rock plays a key role in improving the WUE, NUE and FNUE of maize. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of norfloxacin in food by an enhanced spectrofluorimetric method
Authors: Duan Ruilin , Jiang Junze , Liu Shaopu , Yang Jidong , Qiao Man , Shi Ying , Hu Xiaoli
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Using a norfloxacin (NFLX)–Nd3+–cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) system for the detection of NFLX, a simple and sensitive method based on fluorescence enhancement was developed.

RESULTS

In pH 7.0 buffer solution, NFLX reacted with Nd3+ to form a complex, which resulted in fluorescence enhancement of NFLX, and the maximum emission peak shifted from 415 nm for NFLX to 450 nm for NFLX–Nd3+. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity increased further when the surfactant CTAB was added to NFLX–Nd3+. Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensity of the NFLX–Nd3+–CTAB system was linearly correlated with the NFLX concentration in the range 0.038–10 µmol L−1, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9997. The detection limit (3σ/k) was 0.021 µmol L−1, indicating that this method can be applied to detect trace NFLX levels. The mechanism of fluorescence enhancement is discussed. The method was used to detect NFLX in fish and chicken samples with satisfactory results.

CONCLUSION

The present results indicate that this method has the potential for fast and real‐time determination of NFLX in food samples © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Long‐term manure amendments and chemical fertilizers enhanced soil organic carbon sequestration in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) rotation system
Authors: Zhang Shuiqing , Huang Shaomin , Li Jianwei , Guo Doudou , Lin Shan , Lu Guoan
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

The carbon sequestration potential is affected by cropping system and management practices, but soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration potential under fertilizations remains unclear in north China. This study examined SOC change, total C input to soil and, via integration of these estimates over years, carbon sequestration efficiency (CSE, the ratio of SOC change over C input) under no fertilization (control), chemical nitrogen fertilizer alone (N) or combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (NP, NK, PK and NPK), or chemical fertilizers combined with low or high (1.5×) manure input (NPKM and 1.5NPKM).

RESULTS

Results showed that, as compared with the initial condition, SOC content increased by 0.03, 0.06, 0.05, 0.09, 0.16, 0.26, 0.47 and 0.68 Mg C ha−1 year−1 under control, N, NK, PK, NP, NPK, NPKM and 1.5NPKM treatments respectively. Correspondingly, the C inputs of wheat and maize were 1.24, 1.34, 1.55, 1.33, 2.72, 2.96, 2.97 and 3.15 Mg ha−1 year−1 respectively. The long‐term fertilization‐induced CSE showed that about 11% of the gross C input was transformed into SOC pool.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study demonstrated that decade‐long manure input combined with chemical fertilizers can maintain high crop yield and lead to SOC sequestration in north China. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutritional composition of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupae reared on different organic waste substrates
Authors: Spranghers Thomas , Ottoboni Matteo , Klootwijk Cindy , Ovyn Anneke , Deboosere Stefaan , De Meulenaer Bruno , Michiels Joris , Eeckhout Mia , De Clercq Patrick , De Smet Stefaan
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Black soldier fly larvae are converters of organic waste into edible biomass, of which the composition may depend on the substrate. In this study, larvae were grown on four substrates: chicken feed, vegetable waste, biogas digestate, and restaurant waste. Samples of prepupae and substrates were freeze‐dried and proximate, amino acid, fatty acid and mineral analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Protein content of prepupae varied between 399 and 431 g kg−1 dry matter (DM) among treatments. Differences in amino acid profile of prepupae were small. On the other hand, the ether extract (EE) and ash contents differed substantially. Prepupae reared on digestate were low in EE and high in ash (218 and 197 g kg−1 DM, respectively) compared to those reared on vegetable waste (371 and 96 g kg−1 DM, respectively), chicken feed (336 and 100 g kg−1 DM, respectively) and restaurant waste (386 and 27 g kg−1 DM, respectively). Prepupal fatty acid profiles were characterised by high levels of C12:0 in all treatments.

CONCLUSION

Since protein content and quality were high and comparable for prepupae reared on different substrates, black soldier fly could be an interesting protein source for animal feeds. However, differences in EE and ash content as a function of substrate should be considered. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Template effect on reconstruction of blue phase liquid crystal
Authors: Hu De‐Chun , Li Wei‐Huan , Chen Xing‐Wu , Ma Xiao‐Long , Lee Yung‐Jui , Lu Jian‐Gang
Published: October 2016

The reconstruction capability of the blue phase (BP) template with low polymer concentration was investigated. A threshold polymer concentration to reconstruct the BP with the chiral three‐dimensional template was confirmed in different kinds of polymer systems. The anchoring energy of the template may reassemble the double twist cylinder structure of BP liquid crystal (BPLC) by refilling either the same‐handed or reverse‐handed chiral materials within a certain range of helical twisting power (HTP). Meanwhile, because of the lowered anchoring energy, the kerr constant of the reconstructed BPLC increased by 104%, from 1.81 nm/V2 to 3.70 nm/V2, by refilling the reverse‐handed chiral material.
Breast cancer patients’ information seeking during surgical consultations: A qualitative, videotape‐based analysis of patients’ questions
Authors: Robinson Jeffrey D. , Venetis Maria , Street Richard L. , Kearney Thomas
Published: October 2016

Background

Despite data on breast cancer patients’ information needs and their association with patient outcomes, there are currently no data on what U.S. patients actually ask surgeons during primary consultations.

Methods

Working from transcripts of videotaped, treatment decision making consultations between breast cancer patients and surgeons, we identify all questions (by patients and companions) and then use grounded theory techniques to determine the most recurrent question‐asking themes.

Results

Sample includes 132 recently diagnosed (M = 8.9 days), late‐middle‐aged (M = 61.2 years), female patients with predominantly early stage (0–1; 78%), first‐time breast cancer (92.4%) consulting with one of nine surgeons in community based offices. Transcripts contained 2,781 questions (1,929 by patients, 852 by companions; Cohen's Kappa = 0.90), which generated 15 patient question asking themes that were represented (i.e., asked about) at least once in >20% of all consultations.

Conclusion

Question asking themes are a concrete index of what patients want to know more about prior to treatment. Identified themes specify, modify, and extend prior findings based on self‐report data. Findings potentially increase surgeons’ levels of patient centered care by improving surgeons’ abilities to satisfactorily address patients’ information needs, which has the potential to improve both patient outcomes and clinical practice guidelines. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:922–929. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of arsenic species in solid matrices utilizing supercritical fluid extraction coupled with gas chromatography after derivatization with thioglycolic acid n‐butyl ester
Authors: Wang Zhifeng , Cui Zhaojie
Published: October 2016

A method using derivatization and supercritical fluid extraction coupled with gas chromatography was developed for the analysis of dimethylarsinate, monomethylarsonate and inorganic arsenic simultaneously in solid matrices. Thioglycolic acid n‐butyl ester was used as a novel derivatizing reagent. A systematic discussion was made to investigate the effects of pressure, temperature, flow rate of the supercritical CO2, extraction time, concentration of the modifier, and microemulsion on extraction efficiency. The application for real environmental samples was also studied. Results showed that thioglycolic acid n‐butyl ester was an effective derivatizing reagent that could be applied for arsenic speciation. Using methanol as modifier of the supercritical CO2 can raise the extraction efficiency, which can be further enhanced by adding a microemulsion that contains Triton X‐405. The optimum extraction conditions were: 25 MPa, 90°C, static extraction for 10 min, dynamic extraction for 25 min with a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min of supercritical CO2 modified by 5% v/v methanol and microemulsion. The detection limits of dimethylarsinate, monomethylarsonate, and inorganic arsenic in solid matrices were 0.12, 0.26, and 1.1 mg/kg, respectively. The optimized method was sensitive, convenient, and reliable for the extraction and analysis of different arsenic species in solid samples.
Analysis of melamine and analogs in complex matrices: Advances and trends
Authors: Wang Tingting , Ma Junfeng , Chen Yihui , Li Ying , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: October 2016

The analysis of melamine and its analogs is of increasing research interest. Owing to their high nitrogen content and low price, they were deliberately added to artificially enhance protein concentration in a number of different types of human and animal food sources. In addition, environmental water might also be contaminated by melamine due to its use in the chemical industry and the degradation of the pesticide cyromazine. Herein we provide a detailed overview of recently developed materials and techniques for the analysis of melamine and its analogs in complex matrices, especially in dairy products (e.g., milk and powdered milk) and environmental water.
Rapid selective accelerated solvent extraction and simultaneous determination of herbicide atrazine and its metabolites in fruit by ultra high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Jia Licong , Su Ming , Wu Xingqiang , Sun Hanwen
Published: October 2016

A selective accelerated solvent extraction procedure achieved one step extraction and cleanup for analysis of herbicide atrazine and its metabolites in fruit. Using a BEH C18 analytical column and the gradient mode with 2 mM ammonium acetate aqueous solution/acetonitrile as a mobile phase achieved effective chromatographic separation of the five analytes within 4 min. The calibration curves were linear over two orders of magnitude of concentration with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.9996‒0.9999. The method limit of quantification was 1, 2, 1.5, 3, and 2 μg/kg for atrazine, desethylatrazine, desisopropylatrazine, desethyldesisopropylatrazine, and hydroxyatrazine, respectively, in the case of atrazine it is at least two orders of magnitude lower than the maximum residue limit (0.25 mg/kg). The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions of the five analytes were in the range of 2.1–3.5 and 3.1–4.8 %, respectively. The recoveries of the five analytes at three spiked levels varied from 85.9 to 107% with a relative standard deviation of 1.8–4.9% for pear and apple samples. The ultra high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection method was proved to be fast, inexpensive, selective, sensitive, and accurate for the quantification of the analytes in pear and apple samples.
Management of mal de debarquement syndrome as vestibular migraines
Authors: Ghavami Yaser , Haidar Yarah M. , Ziai Kasra N. , Moshtaghi Omid , Bhatt Jay , Lin Harrison W. , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) is a balance disorder that typically starts after an extended exposure to passive motion, such as a boat or plane ride. Management is typically supportive (e.g. physical therapy), and symptoms that persist beyond 6 months have been described as unlikely to remit. This study was conducted to evaluate the response of patients with MdDS to management with migraine prophylaxis, including lifestyle changes and medical therapy.

Study Design

Prospective review.

Setting

Ambulatory setting at a tertiary care medical center.

Methods

Clinical history, detailed questionnaires, and audiograms were used to diagnose patients with MdDS. Those patients with the diagnosis of the MdDS were placed on our institutional vestibular migraine management protocol. Treatment response was assessed with a quality‐of‐life (QOL) survey and visual analog scale.

Results

Fifteen patients were diagnosed with MdDS, with a predominance of females (73%) and a mean age of 50 ± 13 years. Eleven patients (73%) responded well to management with a vestibular migraine protocol, which included lifestyle changes, as well as pharmacotherapy with verapamil, nortriptyline, topiramate, or a combination thereof. In comparison, a retrospective control group of 17 patients demonstrated a lower rate of improvement when treated with vestibular rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Conclusion

Management of MdDS as vestibular migraine can improve patients' symptoms and increase the QOL. Nearly all the patients suffering from MdDS had a personal or family history of migraine headaches or had signs or symptoms suggestive of atypical migraine.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:1670–1675, 2017
Shifting Cyanobacterial Diversity in Response to Agricultural Soils Associated with Dust Emission
Authors: Katra Itzhak , Laor Shimrit , Swet Nitzan , Kushmaro Ariel , Ben‐Dov Eitan
Published: October 2016

Dust emission to the atmosphere from wind‐eroded soils has many environmental impacts, including soil degradation and air pollution. Various agricultural land uses alter the topsoil properties and thus affect dust particle characteristics as well as loading of biological components into the air. In the present work, the richness and abundance of bacterial communities in topsoils of semiarid loess that are associated with dust emissions were studied by high throughput sequencing methods and were found to be affected by land uses: conventional agriculture, organic agriculture alternating with grazing, uncontrolled grazing activities and natural nondisturbed soil. Moreover, bacterial diversity was shown to be influenced by the contents of sand, CaCO3 and particulate matter in the topsoil. Of all bacteria taxa detected, cyanobacteria were found to be most strongly influenced by land use: Natural and grazing lands were highly abundant with cyanobacterial reads (about 33%), whereas conventional agriculture lands and organic agriculture lands alternating with grazing contained only 7% cyanobacteria. When examining macro‐aggregates in two soils (natural and grazing), approximately 44% of reads were found to be affiliated to cyanobacteria, whereas in micro‐aggregates, their concentration decreased to about 11%. Intensive agricultural use leads to a reduction in soil aggregation and significantly decreases cyanobacteria abundance, in turn increasing dust emission potential and loss of topsoil materials to the atmosphere. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On university pressing and evidence pu(bli)shing: The view from a funder
Authors: Llewellyn Mark , David Sumi
Published: October 2016

Key points

A total of 4% of REF2014 submissions were published by university presses.

A total of 85% of all university press publications submitted for REF2014 were in the arts and humanities.

A total of 97% of university press outputs funded by AHRC in REF2014 were in the UK and USA.

Success can be found in the partnership between public investment and publisher support brokered by leading researchers.
Elevated trace metal content of prokaryotic communities associated with marine oxygen deficient zones
Authors: Ohnemus Daniel C. , Rauschenberg Sara , Cutter Gregory A. , Fitzsimmons Jessica N. , Sherrell Robert M. , Twining Benjamin S.
Published: October 2016

Little is known about the trace metal content of marine prokaryotes, in part due to their co‐occurrence with more abundant particulate phases in the upper ocean, such as phytoplankton and biogenic detritus, lithogenic minerals, and authigenic Mn and Fe oxyhydroxides. We attempt to isolate these biomass signals in particulate data from the US GEOTRACES Eastern Pacific Zonal Transect (cruise GP16) in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP), which exhibited consistent maxima in P and other bioactive trace metals, and minima in particulate Mn, in the oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) of 13 stations. Nitrite maxima and nitrate deficits indicated the presence of denitrifying prokaryotic biomass within ETSP ODZs, and deep secondary fluorescence maxima at the upper ODZ boundaries of 10 stations also suggested the presence of low‐light, autotrophic communities. ODZs were observed as far west as 99°W, more than 2300 km from the South American coast, where eolian lithogenic and lateral/resuspended sedimentary inputs were negligible, presenting a unique opportunity to examine prokaryotic metal stoichiometries. ODZ particulate P maxima can rival gyre mixed layer biomass concentrations, are highly sensitive to oxygen, and are in excess of amounts scavengable by local Fe oxyhydroxides and acid–volatile sulfides. Even after correction for lithogenic and ferruginous–scavenged metals, ODZ P‐maxima are often enriched in Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn, exhibiting particulate trace metal ratios to P that exceed mixed layer biomass ratios by factors of 2–9. ODZ prokaryotic communities may be largely hidden, TM–rich pools involved in the marine cycles of these bioactive trace metals.
Multifaceted impacts of the stony coral Porites astreoides on picoplankton abundance and community composition
Authors: McNally Sean P. , Parsons Rachel J. , Santoro Alyson E. , Apprill Amy
Published: October 2016

Picoplankton foster essential recycling of nutrients in the oligotrophic waters sustaining coral reef ecosystems. Despite this fact, there is a paucity of data on how the specific interactions between corals and planktonic bacteria and archaea (picoplankton) contribute to nutrient dynamics and reef productivity. Here, we utilized mesocosm experiments to investigate how corals and coral mucus influence picoplankton and nutrients in reef waters. Over 12 days, we tracked nutrient concentrations, picoplankton abundances and taxonomic composition of picoplankton using direct cell‐counts, sequencing of SSU rRNA genes and fluorescent in situ hybridization‐based abundances of dominant lineages in the presence or absence of Porites astreoides corals and with mucus additions. Our results demonstrate that when corals are present, Synechococcus, SAR11 and Rhodobacteraceae cells are preferentially removed. When corals were removed, their exudates enhanced the growth of diverse picoplankton, including SAR11 and Rhodobacteraceae. A seven‐fold increase in nitrate concentration, possibly caused by nitrogen remineralization (ammonification coupled to nitrification) within the coral holobiont, may have further facilitated the growth of these taxa. In contrast, the addition of mucus resulted in rapid initial growth of total picoplankton and Rhodobacteraceae, but no measurable change in overall community structure. This study presents evidence of the multifaceted influences of corals on picoplankton, in which the coral holobiont selectively removes and promotes the growth of diverse picoplankton and remineralizes nitrogen.
Interannual variability in phytoplankton biomass and species composition in northern Marguerite Bay (West Antarctic Peninsula) is governed by both winter sea ice cover and summer stratification
Authors: Rozema P. D. , Venables H. J. , van de Poll W. H. , Clarke A. , Meredith M. P. , Buma A. G. J.
Published: October 2016

The rapid warming of the West Antarctic Peninsula region has led to reduced sea ice cover and enhanced glacial melt water input. This has potential implications for marine ecosystems, notably phytoplankton growth, biomass, and composition. Fifteen years (1997–2012) of year‐round size fractionated chlorophyll a (Chl a), phytoplankton pigment fingerprinting and environmental data were analyzed to identify the relationship between sea ice cover, water column stability and phytoplankton dynamics in northern Marguerite Bay, Antarctica. Over the investigated period, both summer (December–February) and winter biomass declined significantly, 38.5% and 33.3% respectively. Winter phytoplankton biomass was low (< 0.25 μg Chl a L−1) and consisted on average of 69% diatoms, 5% cryptophytes, and 20% haptophytes. Summers following winters with low (< 65 days) sea ice cover were characterized by decreased stratification strength and relatively low (median < 4.4 μg Chl a L−1) phytoplankton biomass, as compared to summers preceded by high winter sea ice cover. In addition, the summertime microphytoplankton (> 20 μm) fraction was strongly decreased in the low biomass years, from 92% to 39%, coinciding with a smaller diatom fraction in favor of nanophytoplankton (< 20 μm), represented by cryptophytes and haptophytes. In contrast, diatoms dominated (> 95%) during summers with average‐to‐high biomass. We advance a conceptual model whereby low winter sea ice cover leads to low phytoplankton biomass and enhanced proportions of nanophytoplankton, when this coincides with reduced stratification during summer. These changes are likely to have a strong effect on the entire Antarctic marine food web, including krill biomass, and distribution.
Realizing the potential of trait‐based aquatic ecology: New tools and collaborative approaches
Authors: Kremer Colin T. , Williams Alicia K. , Finiguerra Michael , Fong Allison A. , Kellerman Anne , Paver Sara F. , Tolar Bradley B. , Toscano Benjamin J.
Published: October 2016

Trait‐based ecology, which focuses on using the traits of species and individuals to understand ecology (from populations to ecosystems), is becoming an increasingly productive and widely employed paradigm. To date, trait‐based approaches have been used to study taxa from microbes to megafauna in every major area of aquatic ecology yielding exciting results. However, this promising field faces a number of significant obstacles, including: (1) identifying and measuring ecologically relevant traits, (2) integrating inter‐ and intra‐specific trait variation, (3) detecting and quantifying trait correlations and trade‐offs, and (4) accounting for the context dependency of traits. These issues are often particularly acute for specific taxa or systems. This paper highlights these looming challenges, as well as ways to address them. Proposed solutions center around using new technologies to collect trait data, coordinating research efforts, and curating and sharing data. Throughout, we take an interdisciplinary approach, sharing examples spanning a wide range of aquatic taxa and systems. It is our hope that this paper will stimulate frank discussions and help the growing field of trait‐based aquatic ecology maximize its potential.