bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An individual‐based forest model to jointly simulate carbon and tree diversity in Amazonia: description and applications
Authors: Maréchaux Isabelle , Chave Jérôme
Published: July 2017

Forest dynamic models predict the current and future states of ecosystems and are a nexus between physiological processes and empirical data, forest plot inventories and remote‐sensing information. The problem of biodiversity representation in these models has long been an impediment to a detailed understanding of ecosystem processes. This challenge is amplified in species‐rich and high‐carbon tropical forests. Here we describe an individual‐based and spatially explicit forest growth simulator, TROLL, that integrates recent advances in plant physiology. Processes (carbon assimilation, allocation, reproduction, and mortality) are linked to species‐specific functional traits, and the model was parameterized for an Amazonian tropical rainforest. We simulated a forest regeneration experiment from bare soil, and we validated it against observations at our sites. Simulated forest regeneration compared well with observations for stem densities, gross primary productivity, aboveground biomass, and floristic composition. After 500 years of regrowth, the simulated forest displayed structural characteristics similar to observations (e.g., leaf area index and trunk diameter distribution). We then assessed the model's sensitivity to a number of key model parameters: light extinction coefficient and carbon quantum yield, and to a lesser extent mortality rate, and carbon allocation, all influenced ecosystem features. To illustrate the potential of the approach, we tested whether variation in species richness and composition influenced ecosystem properties. Overall, species richness had a positive effect on ecosystem processes, but this effect was controlled by the identity of species rather by richness per se. Also, functional trait community means had a stronger effect than functional diversity on ecosystem processes. TROLL should be applicable to many tropical forests sites, and data requirement is tailored to ongoing trait collection efforts. Such a model should foster the dialogue between ecology and the vegetation modeling community, help improve the predictive power of models, and eventually better inform policy choices.
Breeding habitat selection across spatial scales: is grass always greener on the other side?
Authors: Acker Paul , Besnard Aurélien , Monnat Jean‐Yves , Cam Emmanuelle
Published: July 2017

Habitat selection theory predicts that natural selection should favor mechanisms allowing individuals to choose habitats associated with the highest fitness prospects. However, identifying sources of information on habitat quality that individuals use to choose their breeding habitat has proved to be difficult. It has also proven difficult to identify dispersal costs that prevent individuals from joining the highest‐quality sites. A synthesis that integrates dispersal costs and habitat selection mechanisms across space has remained elusive. Because costs of dispersal are generally distance‐dependent, we suggest that a habitat selection strategy of sequential proximity search (SPS) can be favored by natural selection. This strategy requires that animals make decisions at multiple scales: whether to stay or leave the previous breeding site, depending on reproductive success; then, if dispersal is chosen, use information on neighborhood habitat quality to decide whether to stay in the neighborhood or leave, expanding the search area until the nearest suitable site is chosen. SPS minimizes distance‐dependent dispersal costs while maximizing benefits of gaining a better habitat. We found evidence of breeding dispersal behavior consistent with this strategy in a kittiwake population stratified into a spatial hierarchy from colonies to nest sites. We used a mixed sequential regression model to study dispersal decisions, indexed by breeding dispersal movement, of 2,558 individuals over 32 yr. Scale‐dependent dispersal propensities of kittiwakes varied according to breeding status, breeding experience, sex and individual identity. We suggest that distance‐dependent dispersal costs result from strong competition among kittiwakes for nest sites. Individual decisions regarding dispersal (whether to leave or not, and where to go) depend on nesting habitat quality as well as the competitive ability required to keep territory ownership in a previous site, or to acquire a new site; this ability varies according to distance between sites and individual characteristics. Additional studies are needed to establish the generality of SPS in habitat selection.
Synthesis, Linear, and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Phosphonato‐Substituted Bithiophenes Derived from 2,2‐Dimethyl‐1,3‐propanediol
Authors: Freeman Jason L. , French David N. , Zhao Qun , Wang Jianwei , Zhang Yuanli , Hamilton Tracy P. , Lawson Christopher M. , Gray Gary M.
Published: July 2017

The synthesis, linear absorption, emission spectra, and third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) absorptions at 430 nm of two new series of chalcogenophosphonato‐substituted bithiophenes, pdP(X)T2H and pdP(X)T2P(X)pd [pd = OCH2C(CH3)2CH2O; T = 2,5‐C4H2S; X = O, S, Se] are reported. The X‐ray crystal structures of pdP(X)T2H and pdP(X)T2P(X)pd (X = S, Se) have also been determined. The pdP(X)T2P(X)pd compounds show weak intermolecular aromatic π–π interactions while pdP(S)T2H shows S–π interactions. The compounds exhibit emission at wavelengths ranging from 380–400 nm. Some of the quantum yields are significantly larger than that of 2,2′‐bithiophene. The linear absorption spectra, emission spectra, and emission quantum yields show distinct trends with respect to the chalcogen and the number of substituents attached to the 2,2′‐bithiophene ring. NLO transmission measurements of pdP(X)T2P(X)pd (X = S, Se) indicate that saturated solutions of both compounds show significantly greater NLO absorption than saturated solutions of bpP(X)T2P(X)bp (bp = 2,2′‐biphenol, X = S, Se) do. Notably, the fluence at which the transmittance of a 0.27 m CH2Cl2 solution of pdP(Se)T2P(Se)pd falls to 50 % is 0.2 J/cm2. This rivals the best blue nonlinear absorbers in literature. The excellent emission quantum yields and NLO absorptions make these compounds promising candidates for optical power limiting and as host materials for blue OLEDs.
Sicilian Opuntia ficus‐indica seed oil: Fatty acid composition and bio‐economical aspects
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Bongiorno David , Scurria Antonino , Danzì Carmelo , Timpanaro Giuseppe , Delisi Riccardo , Avellone Giuseppe , Pagliaro Mario
Published: July 2017

The fatty acid composition of the seed oil from the yellow fruit of Opuntia ficus‐indica widely grown in Sicily shows several distinctive features. The oil obtained comprises significant amounts of vaccenic acid along with several other unsaturated fatty acids showing several health benefits, including linolenic, trans‐13‐octadecenoic, gondoic, 7Z,10Z‐hexadecadienoic, and gadoleic acid. The economic analysis shows the significant advantage of carrying out the extraction from fruits considered unfit for consumption.

Practical applications: The fatty acid composition of Sicilian Opuntia ficus‐indica seed oil is similar to that of fruits grown in Tunisia, while it has a completely different profile than the OFI fruits grown in Algeria and Morocco. Like the oil obtained in Tunisia, the Sicilian oil has a higher vaccenic acid content, but it comprises significant amounts of other unsaturated fatty acids showing highly beneficial health properties. Extracted from fruits considered unfit for consumption, its production generates €1220 additional revenues per tonne of unfit fruit thereby significantly improving the economics of OFI processing companies. The oil has several potential applications which go beyond cosmetics, especially as nutraceutical ingredient. With increasing usage and market expansion, we predict that cold press extraction will be replaced by advanced extraction methods such as extraction with supercritical CO2 maximizing for example the biophenol amount in the oil.

The fatty acid composition of the seed oil from the yellow fruit of Opuntia ficus‐indica widely grown in Sicily shows several distinctive features. The oil obtained comprises significant amounts of vaccenic acid along with several other unsaturated fatty acids showing several health benefits, including linolenic, trans‐13‐octadecenoic, gondoic, 7Z,10Z‐hexadecadienoic, and gadoleic acid. The economic analysis shows the significant advantage of carrying out the extraction from fruits considered unfit for consumption.
Exploring Selectivity of 22 Acyclic Urea‐, Carbazole‐ and Indolocarbazole‐Based Receptors towards 11 Monocarboxylates
Authors: Martin Kerli , Nõges Juuli , Haav Kristjan , Kadam Sandip A. , Pung Astrid , Leito Ivo
Published: July 2017

Carboxylates are attractive target analytes in supramolecular analytical chemistry. 22 acyclic synthetic receptors with different numbers and geometric arrangements of hydrogen‐bond donors (HBD) and hydrophobic moieties have been applied to experimentally study selective binding of 11 carboxylate anions of widely differing basicity, hydrophobicity and steric demand, which resulted in 242 accurately determined binding constants. It was found that besides the basicity of the anions, structural and steric factors of anions and receptors influence the binding. Several interesting cases are pinpointed and analysed. The ability of selected receptors to discriminate between anions according to structural features (hydrophilicity, substitution at α‐carbon, etc.) is demonstrated. The present results give insight into carboxylate anion binding and make an important step towards systematic development of receptors with useful selectivity patterns and thereby to the practical use of receptor series in sensor arrays for carboxylate fingerprinting in mixtures.
Quinuclidine and DABCO Enhance the Radiofluorination of 5‐Substituted 2‐Halopyridines
Authors: Naumiec Gregory R. , Cai Lisheng , Lu Shuiyu , Pike Victor W.
Published: July 2017

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an important molecular imaging technique for medical diagnosis, biomedical research and drug development. PET tracers for molecular imaging contain β+‐emitting radionuclides, such as carbon‐11 (t1/2 = 20.4 min) or fluorine‐18 (t1/2 = 109.8 min). The [18F]2‐fluoropyridyl moiety features in a few prominent PET radiotracers, not least because this moiety is usually resistant to unwanted radiodefluorination in vivo. Various methods have been developed for labeling these radiotracers from cyclotron‐produced no‐carrier‐added [18F]fluoride ion, mainly based on substitution of a leaving group, such as halide (Cl or Br), or preferably a better leaving group, such as nitro or trimethylammonium. However, precursors with a good leaving group are sometimes more challenging or lengthy to prepare. Methods for enhancing the reactivity of more readily accessible 2‐halopyridyl precursors are therefore desirable, especially for early radiotracer screening programs that may require the quick labeling of several homologous radiotracer candidates. In this work, we explored a wide range of additives for beneficial effect on nucleophilic substitution by [18F]fluoride ion in 5‐substituted 2‐halopyridines (halo = Cl or Br). The nucleophilic cyclic tertiary amines, quinuclidine and DABCO, proved effective for increasing yields to practically useful levels (> 15 %). Quinuclidine and DABCO likely promote radiofluorination through reversible formation of quaternary ammonium intermediates.
Seismic risk assessment of liquid storage tanks via a nonlinear surrogate model
Authors: Bakalis Konstantinos , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Fragiadakis Michalis
Published: July 2017

A performance‐based earthquake engineering approach is developed for the seismic risk assessment of fixed‐roof atmospheric steel liquid storage tanks. The proposed method is based on a surrogate single‐mass model that consists of elastic beam‐column elements and nonlinear springs. Appropriate component and system‐level damage states are defined, following the identification of commonly observed modes of failure that may occur during an earthquake. Incremental dynamic analysis and simplified cloud are offered as potential approaches to derive the distribution of response parameters given the seismic intensity. A parametric investigation that engages the aforementioned analysis methods is conducted on 3 tanks of varying geometry, considering both anchored and unanchored support conditions. Special attention is paid to the elephant's foot buckling formation, by offering extensive information on its capacity and demand representation within the seismic risk assessment process. Seismic fragility curves are initially extracted for the component‐level damage states, to compare the effect of each analysis approach on the estimated performance. The subsequent generation of system‐level fragility curves reveals the issue of nonsequential damage states, whereby significant damage may abruptly appear without precursory lighter damage states.
Activity‐dependent astrocyte swelling is mediated by pH‐regulating mechanisms
Authors: Larsen Brian Roland , MacAulay Nanna
Published: July 2017

During neuronal activity in the mammalian brain, the K+ released into the synaptic space is initially buffered by the astrocytic compartment. In parallel, the extracellular space (ECS) shrinks, presumably due to astrocytic cell swelling. With the Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter and the Kir4.1/AQP4 complex not required for the astrocytic cell swelling in the hippocampus, the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity‐dependent ECS shrinkage have remained unresolved. To identify these molecular mechanisms, we employed ion‐sensitive microelectrodes to measure changes in ECS, [K+]o and [H+]o/pHo during electrical stimulation of rat hippocampal slices. Transporters and receptors responding directly to the K+ and glutamate released into the extracellular space (the K+/Cl− cotransporter, KCC, glutamate transporters and G protein‐coupled receptors) did not modulate the extracellular space dynamics. The
‐transporting mechanism, which in astrocytes mainly constitutes the electrogenic Na+/
cotransporter 1 (NBCe1), is activated by the K+‐mediated depolarization of the astrocytic membrane. Inhibition of this transporter reduced the ECS shrinkage by ∼25% without affecting the K+ transients, pointing to NBCe1 as a key contributor to the stimulus‐induced astrocytic cell swelling. Inhibition of the monocarboxylate cotransporters (MCT), like‐wise, reduced the ECS shrinkage by ∼25% without compromising the K+ transients. Isosmotic reduction of extracellular Cl− revealed a requirement for this ion in parts of the ECS shrinkage. Taken together, the stimulus‐evoked astrocytic cell swelling does not appear to occur as a direct effect of the K+ clearance, as earlier proposed, but partly via the pH‐regulating transport mechanisms activated by the K+‐induced astrocytic depolarization and the activity‐dependent metabolism.
Is De‐extinction Special?
Authors: Greely Henry T.
Published: July 2017

I have been involved with the current interest in de‐extinction since early 2012, nearly its beginning. I have given a lot of thought to the potential risks and benefits of de‐extinction. But only recently, after deep immersion in discussions around CRISPR‐Cas9, the hottest new tool in bioscience since polymerase chain reaction, have I thought about a more fundamental question: how, if at all, is de‐extinction special? Are “revived species” just another kind of genetically modified organism, raising essentially the same general concerns? I answer, for the most part, yes. De‐extinction is not (very) special. New biotechnologies are giving humans even more power to change the biosphere but more directly, more quickly, and more utterly than ever before. De‐extinction is just one possible, and probably small, use of those technologies. Our attention, for the most part, should be on the bigger issues of regulating this power, rather than focusing specifically on their application to de‐extinction.
De‐extinction and Taking Control of Earth's “Metabolism”
Authors: Preston Christopher J.
Published: July 2017

In a laboratory on a university campus in Santa Cruz, California, Ben Novak is doing everything he can to bring Ectopistes migratorius back from the dead. Using techniques now available in genome reading and gene synthesis, he and paleogenomicist Beth Shapiro hope that, by 2032, a flock of passenger pigeons ten thousand or more strong will have resumed an ecologically significant role in the mast forests of the Eastern United States. Novak knows—and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) affirms—that the challenges involved in making de‐extinction work are far from solely genetic. Novak is doing an ecological risk assessment of passenger pigeon reintroduction to figure out whether flocks of the resurrected species would pose any special hazards to ecosystems. Ecological harm is one of several worries attending the prospect of de‐extinction. Among other concerns are the possible harm that individuals born through this process might suffer and the possible introduction of disease vectors. But I want to step back from these immediate questions and think about some conceptual ones that operate in the background. Technology can be a grand shaper of cultural norms and expectations, and de‐extinction should be looked at in relation to a number of emerging technologies. This paper will examine the degree to which de‐extinction is part of a more widespread restructuring of ethical relationships to the surrounding world that are under way at the hands of emerging technologies. This restructuring is part of an ongoing shift in how to think about conservation in the new epoch of the Anthropocene.
Mothers with substance addictions show reduced reward responses when viewing their own infant's face
Authors: Kim Sohye , Iyengar Udita , Mayes Linda C. , Potenza Marc N. , Rutherford Helena J. V. , Strathearn Lane
Published: July 2017

Maternal addiction constitutes a major public health problem affecting children, with high rates of abuse, neglect, and foster care placement. However, little is known about the ways in which substance addiction alters brain function related to maternal behavior. Prior studies have shown that infant face cues activate similar dopamine‐associated brain reward regions to substances of abuse. Here, we report on a functional MRI study documenting that mothers with addictions demonstrate reduced activation of reward regions when shown reward‐related cues of their own infants. Thirty‐six mothers receiving inpatient treatment for substance addiction were scanned at 6 months postpartum, while viewing happy and sad face images of their own infant compared to those of a matched unknown infant. When viewing happy face images of their own infant, mothers with addictions showed a striking pattern of decreased activation in dopamine‐ and oxytocin‐innervated brain regions, including the hypothalamus, ventral striatum, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex—regions in which increased activation has previously been observed in mothers without addictions. Our results are the first to demonstrate that mothers with addictions show reduced activation in key reward regions of the brain in response to their own infant's face cues. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5421–5439, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations between self‐reported sleep quality and white matter in community‐dwelling older adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sexton Claire E. , Zsoldos Enikő , Filippini Nicola , Griffanti Ludovica , Winkler Anderson , Mahmood Abda , Allan Charlotte L. , Topiwala Anya , Kyle Simon D. , Spiegelhalder Kai , Singh‐Manoux Archana , Kivimaki Mika , Mackay Clare E. , Johansen‐Berg Heidi , Ebmeier Klaus P.
Published: July 2017

Both sleep disturbances and decline in white matter microstructure are commonly observed in ageing populations, as well as in age‐related psychiatric and neurological illnesses. A relationship between sleep and white matter microstructure may underlie such relationships, but few imaging studies have directly examined this hypothesis. In a study of 448 community‐dwelling members of the Whitehall II Imaging Sub‐Study aged between 60 and 82 years (90 female, mean age 69.2 ± 5.1 years), we used the magnetic resonance imaging technique diffusion tensor imaging to examine the relationship between self‐reported sleep quality and white matter microstructure. Poor sleep quality at the time of the diffusion tensor imaging scan was associated with reduced global fractional anisotropy and increased global axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity values, with small effect sizes. Voxel‐wise analysis showed that widespread frontal‐subcortical tracts, encompassing regions previously reported as altered in insomnia, were affected. Radial diffusivity findings remained significant after additional correction for demographics, general cognition, health, and lifestyle measures. No significant differences in general cognitive function, executive function, memory, or processing speed were detected between good and poor sleep quality groups. The number of times participants reported poor sleep quality over five time‐points spanning a 16‐year period was not associated with white matter measures. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that current sleep quality is linked to white matter microstructure. Small effect sizes may limit the extent to which poor sleep is a promising modifiable factor that may maintain, or even improve, white matter microstructure in ageing. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5465–5473, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Breakfast choice: An experiment combining a nutritional training workshop targeting adolescents and the promotion of unhealthy products
Authors: Mora Toni , Lopez‐Valcarcel Beatriz G.
Published: July 2017

A randomised control trial was conducted to determine changes in the food and drink choices of adolescents following their participation in a 50‐min nutrition workshop. The experiment was conducted at 104 schools in Barcelona (126 classes, 3,291 adolescents). Schools were randomly selected and stratified by district and by public or private status. The students were given three types of vouchers with different options regarding the type of food for which the vouchers could be exchanged (standard for healthy food and drink, two for one for unhealthy food, and two for one for unhealthy drink). Difference‐in‐differences linear models that control for individual, family, school or neighbourhood characteristics, and the influence of peers were applied. The probability of students' choosing unhealthy food and drink fell by 7.1% and 4.4%, respectively, following participation in the nutrition workshop. The promotion of unhealthy beverages counteracted the positive impact of the workshop on beverage choice.
Epstein‐Barr virus positivity is associated with angiogenesis in, and poorer survival of, patients receiving standard treatment for classical Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Koh Young Wha , Han Jae‐Ho , Yoon Dok Hyun , Suh Cheolwon , Huh Jooryung
Published: July 2017

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is a significant contributor to the development of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL). Recent studies have documented associations between angiogenesis and EBV‐associated malignancies. No study has yet examined the associations among, and prognostic implications of, EBV infection, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and microvessel density (MVD) in cHL patients. Diagnostic tissues from 135 cHL patients treated with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) were retrospectively evaluated by in situ hybridization of EBV‐encoded small RNA (EBER) and immunohistochemical staining for VEGF and CD31 (a measure of MVD). EBER and VEGF expression were positively correlated (P = 0.038). The mean MVD value of EBER‐positive tumors was significantly higher than that of EBER‐negative tumors (P = 0.034). The mean MVD of tumors positive for both EBER and VEGF was significantly higher than that of tumors negative for both markers (P = 0.008). EBER‐positive patients had a lower 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate than EBER‐negative patients (P = 0.046). A high MVD was also associated with a poorer OS (P = 0.01); multivariate analysis showed that this was a significant and independent prognostic factor (P = 0.026). We found positive correlations between EBER and VEGF levels, and the MVD, indicating that EBV plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis. Targeting of both angiogenesis and EBV may be important when treating cHL patients who are EBER‐positive and/or have a high MVD.
Iron‐Catalyzed C−C Bond Formation via Chelation‐Assisted C−H Activation
Authors: Yoshikai Naohiko
Published: July 2017

This review provides a brief overview of iron‐catalyzed C−C bond forming reactions via heteroatom‐assisted C−H bond activation, which have been extensively developed in the last decade. Three major types of reactions are discussed, namely, (1) C−H activation/C−C coupling using organometallic reagents under oxidative conditions, (2) C−H activation/C−C coupling using organic electrophiles under redox‐neutral conditions, and (3) C−H activation/C−C coupling using unsaturated hydrocarbons under redox‐neutral or oxidative conditions.
Comparison of four different fuller's earth formulations in skin decontamination
Authors: Roul Annick , Le Cong‐Anh‐Khanh , Gustin Marie‐Paule , Clavaud Emmanuel , Verrier Bernard , Pirot Fabrice , Falson Françoise
Published: July 2017

Industrial accidents, wars and terrorist threats are potential sources of skin contamination by highly toxic chemical warfare agents and manufacturing compounds. We have compared the time‐dependent adsorption capacity and decontamination efficiency of fuller's earth (FE) for four different formulations for the molecular tracer, 4‐cyanophenol (4‐CP), in vitro and ex vivo using water decontamination as standard. The adsorption capacity of FE was assessed in vitro for 4‐CP aqueous solutions whereas decontamination efficiency was investigated ex vivo by tracking porcine skin 4‐CP content using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Decontamination was performed on short time, exposed porcine skin to 4‐CP by application of FE: (1) as free powder; (2) loaded on adhesive tape; (3) on powdered glove; or (4) in suspension. Removal rate of 4‐CP from aqueous solutions correlates with the amount of FE and its contact time. Decontamination efficiency estimated by the percentage of 4‐CP recovery from contaminated porcine skin, achieved 54% with water, ranged between ~60 and 70% with dry FE and reached ~90% with FE suspension. Successful decontamination of the FE suspension, enabling a dramatic reduction of skin contamination after a brief exposure scenario, appears to be rapid, reliable and should be formulated in a new device ready to use for self‐application.
In vitro evaluation of the internalization and toxicological profile of silica nanoparticles and submicroparticles for the design of dermal drug delivery strategies
Authors: Vicente Sara , Moia Claudia , Zhu Huijun , Vigé Xavier
Published: July 2017

The use of colloidal silica nanoparticles and sub‐microparticles (SiPs) have been considered a very interesting strategy for drug delivery applications. In the present study, we have focused our attention on the suitability of these nanomaterials as potential carriers for dermal drug delivery, thus studying their toxicological profile in vitro, cellular uptake and intracellular localization in both human keratinocytes (K17) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) as a function of their particle size (SiPs of 20, 70, 200 and 500 nm). Full characterization of these aspects enabled us to observe a strong cell‐type dependency in terms of cytotoxicity and cell internalization, whereas particle size was only relevant for ultra‐small SiPs (20 nm), being the most toxic SiPs. For 70, 200 and 500 nm SiPs, the differences in uptake and intracellular trafficking determined the different toxicological profiles in K17 and HDF. In addition, these characteristics can further define different drug delivery strategies. Hence, phagocytosis has been identified as the main internalization mechanism for K17, and caveolae‐mediated endocytosis for HDF. This relevant information led us to conclude that fibroblasts would be optimal targets for delivering delicate therapeutic molecules such as proteins or genetic material using SiPs while maintaining a low toxicity profile, whereas keratinocytes could enable accelerated drug release therapies based on SiPs.
Comparison of the proteomes of mouse Skin Derived Precursors (SKPs) and SKP‐derived fibroblasts (SFBs) by iTRAQ
Authors: Mao Yujie , Xiong Lidan , Li Li
Published: July 2017

Skin‐derived precursors (SKPs) can differentiate into fibroblasts. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of the differentiation process. Our previous study has compared the transcriptomes of mouse SKPs and SKP‐derived fibroblasts (SFBs) by RNA‐Seq analysis and found some genes and signal pathways that might play important roles in the transition from SKPs to SFBs. Here, to further investigate the process by which SKPs differentiate into fibroblasts, we compared the proteomes between SKPs and SFBs using iTRAQ. Our results showed that 243 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. Among the 28 DEPs which were related to the functional group of cell differentiation, Down‐regulated DEPs collagen XVIII, keratin 10, keratin 5, keratin 14, and TIFIbeta, up‐regulated DEPs Thy‐1, ANXA1, alpha‐catenin, and calreticulin might play important roles in the transition of SKPs to fibroblasts. Further study is needed to clarify the roles of these proteins in the differentiation process of SKPs into fibroblasts, which could facilitate investigations of the detailed molecular mechanisms in the process and make it possible to take advantage of the potential therapeutic applications of SKPs in skin regeneration in the future.
One‐stage Template‐free KOH Activation for Mesopore‐enriched Carbons and Their Application in CO2 Capture
Authors: Ko Wen‐Yin , Lu Ying‐Ju , Lin Kuan‐Jiuh
Published: July 2017

Activated carbons with a high mesoporous structure were prepared by a one‐stage KOH activation process without the assistance of templates and further used as adsorbents for CO2 capture. The physical and chemical properties as well as the pore structures of the resulting mesoporous carbons were characterized by N2 adsorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The activated carbon showed greater specific surface area and mesopore volume as the activation temperature was increased up to 600°C, showing a uniform pore structure, great surface area (up to ~815 m2/g), and high mesopore ratio (~55%). The activated sample exhibited competitive CO2 adsorption capacities at 1 atm pressure, reaching 2.29 and 3.4 mmol/g at 25 and 0°C, respectively. This study highlights the potential of well‐designed mesoporous carbon as an adsorbent for CO2 removal and widespread gas adsorption applications.
EASI‐IMS an expedite and secure technique to screen for 25I‐NBOH in blotter papers
Authors: de Morais Damila Rodrigues , Barbosa Ingrid Lopes , Cunha Kelly Francisco , Tripodi Guilherme Lucas , Angolini Célio Fernando Figueiredo , Franco Marcos Fernando , de Aquino Elvis Medeiros , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Costa Jose Luiz
Published: July 2017

The increasing number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their quick worldwide spreading, often only slightly modified in the form of new derivatives and analogues, have brought the need for fast, wide‐ranging, and unequivocal identification methods in clinical and forensic investigations. Because it usually provides secure results, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) has been routinely employed as the standard technique for the detection of NPS in blotter papers. For 25I‐NBOH (N‐(2‐hydroxybenzyl)‐2‐(4‐iodo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)ethan‐1‐aminium), however, GC‐MS analysis of an blotter paper extract leads to incorrect results. In this work, we investigated whether easy ambient sonic‐spray mass spectrometry imaging (EASI‐IMS), and ambient ionization MS method can be applied directly to the surface of the sample requiring therefore no extraction or sample preparations, would serve as an efficient, sensitive, and secure alternative for 25I‐NBOH screening.
1961–1990 high‐resolution monthly precipitation climatologies for Italy
Authors: Crespi A. , Brunetti M. , Lentini G. , Maugeri M.
Published: July 2017

High‐resolution monthly precipitation climatologies for Italy are presented. They are based on 1961–1990 precipitation normals obtained from a quality‐controlled dataset of 6134 stations covering the Italian territory and part of the Northern neighbouring regions. The climatologies are computed by means of two interpolation methods modelling the precipitation‐elevation relationship at a local level, more precisely a local weighted linear regression (LWLR) and a local regression kriging (RK) are performed. For both methods, local optimisations are also applied in order to improve model performance. Model results are compared with those provided by two other widely used interpolation methods which do not consider elevation in modelling precipitation distribution: ordinary kriging and inverse distance weighting. Even though all the four models produce quite reasonable results, LWLR and RK show the best agreement with the observed station normals and leave‐one‐out‐estimated mean absolute errors ranging from 5.1 mm (July) to 11 mm (November) for both models. Their better performances are even clearer when specific clusters of stations (e.g. high‐elevation sites) are considered. Even though LWLR and RK provide very similar results both at station and at grid point level, they show some peculiar features. In particular, LWLR is found to have a better extrapolation ability at high‐elevation sites when data density is high enough, while RK is more robust in performing extrapolation over areas with complex orography and scarce data coverage, where LWLR may provide unrealistic precipitation values. However, by means of prediction intervals, LWLR provides a more straightforward approach to quantify the model uncertainty at any point of the study domain, which helps to identify the areas mainly affected by model instability. LWLR and RK high‐resolution climatologies exhibit a very heterogeneous and seasonal‐dependent precipitation distribution throughout the domain and allow to identify the main climatic zones of Italy.
Development and validation of a subcritical 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane extraction technique: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated biphenyl ethers in aquatic products
Authors: Xu Feiyue , Feng Xiaomei , Shi Nianrong , Pan Jiangbo , Zhan Huashu , Han Yuqian
Published: July 2017

A simple, rapid, and green method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated biphenyl ethers in aquatic products using subcritical 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane extraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Effects of the extraction temperature, pressure, and cosolvent volume on the extraction efficiency were investigated by extracting spiked oyster samples. The results show that the maximum extraction efficiency was obtained at 40°C, 12 MPa, and a cosolvent (dichloromethane) volume of 5.0 mL. Under these conditions, the calibration curves had good linearity with square of the correlation larger than 0.998 in the concentration range of 5–800 ng/mL; limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 0.16–2.83 and 0.55–9.43 ng/g, respectively. At spiked levels of 10, 30, and 50 ng/g, the average recoveries were 70.4–80.4% for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 74.0–83.6% for polychlorinated biphenyls, and 66.9–78.0% for polybrominated biphenyl ethers, with average relative standard deviations of less than 16.3%. The established method has no significant differences in recovery compared to traditional methods and is suitable for the analysis of real samples.
Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With rs2267735 in the ADCYAP1R1 Gene: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lind Mackenzie J. , Marraccini Marisa E. , Sheerin Christina M. , Bountress Kaitlin , Bacanu Silviu‐Alin , Amstadter Ananda B. , Nugent Nicole R.
Published: July 2017

Recent studies point to the potential role of the (pituitary) adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide receptor 1 (ADCYAP1R1) gene, which has been implicated in stress response, in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multiple genetic association studies have examined potential PTSD risk related to this gene, with mixed results. We conducted a meta‐analysis of rs2267735 in ADCYAP1R1 in PTSD. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO, resulting in nine studies that met criteria for inclusion in analysis. Biostat's Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis was used to conduct the main meta‐analysis on the combined sex sample, as well as two subanalyses examining effects separately in female and male participants. Results indicated that the C allele of rs2267735 conferred significant risk for PTSD in the combined sex data, OR = 1.210, 95% CI [1.007, 1.454], p = .042, and in the subsample of women and girls, OR = 1.328, 95% CI [1.026, 1.719], p = .031; but not in the subsample of men and boys, OR = 0.964, 95% CI [0.733, 1.269], p = .796. These results provide evidence for an association between ADCYAP1R1 and PTSD and indicate that there may indeed be sex differences. Implications of these findings, including the role of rs2267735 as one modulator of the stress system, are discussed.
Surf zones regulate larval supply and zooplankton subsidies to nearshore communities
Authors: Morgan Steven G. , Shanks Alan L. , MacMahan Jamie , Reniers Ad J. H. M. , Griesemer Chris D. , Jarvis Marley , Fujimura Atsushi G.
Published: July 2017

Surf zone hydrodynamics vary along shorelines potentially affecting the delivery of larvae and zooplankton subsidies to intertidal communities, and, hence, the intensity of postsettlement interactions, growth and reproduction of filter‐feeding foundation species and planktivorous fishes. We investigated the ability of zooplankton assemblages to enter the wide surf zone of the rip‐channeled, more dissipative beach at Sand City, California, and the narrow surf zone of the steep reflective beach at nearby Carmel River State Beach. Every day for a month, we surveyed zooplankton inside and outside the surf zone and concomitant larval settlement of the dominant invertebrate onshore at each site in this upwelling regime. At the more dissipative surf zone, all zooplankters were far more concentrated inside than outside the surf zone. Many taxa increased in the surf zone and the predominant invertebrate on beaches, Emerita analoga, settled abundantly when prevailing northwesterly winds relaxed and waves were small. At the reflective surf zone, concentrations of zooplankters of most taxa were far greater outside than inside the surf zone, and many taxa increased in the surf zone when waves were small. Twice as many taxa were positively correlated inside and outside the surf zone at the dissipative than the reflective surf zone, indicating that zooplankters were more freely exchanged although behavior also played a role. Thus, spatial and temporal variation in surf zone hydrodynamics may regulate subsidies of zooplankton food and larval recruits to nearshore communities with potential cascading effects on community dynamics and structure.
Continuous Thermodynamic Integration in Field‐Theoretic Simulations of Structured Polymers
Authors: Spencer Russell K. W. , Vorselaars Bart , Matsen Mark W.
Published: July 2017

This work explores the use of continuous thermodynamic integration in field‐theoretic simulations of a symmetric diblock copolymer melt. Free energies of the lamellar and disorder phases are evaluated by thermodynamic integration from a reference state (an Einstein crystal, λ = 0) to a diblock copolymer (λ = 1). This is followed by integration over the interaction parameter, χb, to locate the order–disorder transition (ODT). Then the equilibrium lamellar spacing and free energy cost of stretching and compressing lamellae are examined. The ODT, lamellar spacing, and compression modulus are consistent with previous calculations, though found faster and more precisely. The above quantities do not depend on simulation box size, suggesting that finite‐size effects are small and simulating two lamellar periods is sufficient to accurately evaluate bulk behavior. Furthermore, the statistical uncertainty in the ODT increases quickly with system size, suggesting that small systems may lead to more precise results.
mcp, aer, cheB, and cheV contribute to the regulation of Vibrio alginolyticus (ND‐01) adhesion under gradients of environmental factors
Authors: Huang Lixing , Wang Lu , Lin Xiangzhi , Su Yongquan , Qin Yingxue , Kong Wendi , Zhao Lingmin , Xu Xiaojin , Yan Qingpi
Published: July 2017

Adhesion is a key virulence factor of pathogens and can be affected by the environment. Our previously research with RNA‐seq indicated that mcp, aer, cheB, and cheV might play roles in the regulation of adhesion in Vibrio alginolyticus (ND‐01). In order to determine whether and how environmental factors affect adhesion through these genes, gene silencing was performed followed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), RNAi, transmission electron microscopy, and adhesion, capillary, and motility assays to verify how these genes influence adhesion. Silencing these genes led to deficiencies in adhesion, chemotaxis, flagellar assembly, and motility. The expression levels of cheA, cheW, and cheY, which are important genes closely related to the functions of mcp, aer, cheV, and cheB, were significantly downregulated in all of the RNAi groups. The expression of mcp, aer, cheV, and cheB under different gradients of temperature, pH, and salinity and after starvation for various durations was also detected, which showed that these genes were sensitive to certain environmental stresses, particularly pH and starvation. Our results indicated that mcp, aer, cheB, and cheV: (1) are necessary for ND‐01 adhesion; (2) play key roles in the bacterial chemotaxis pathway by controlling the expression of downstream genes; (3) might affect adhesion by impacting motility, though motility is not the only route through which adhesion is affected; and (4) contribute to the regulation of ND‐01 adhesion in natural environments with different temperatures, pH levels, and salinities as well as after various starvation periods.
Vascularized ulnar periosteal pedicled flap for forearm reconstruction: Anatomical study and a case report
Authors: Barrera‐Ochoa Sergi , Velez Roberto , Rodriguez‐Baeza Alfonso , De Bergua‐Domingo Josep Maria , Knörr Jorge , Soldado Francisco
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Through an anatomical review, the aim of this study is to define the ulnar periosteal branches of the posterior interosseous vessels (PIV). In addition, we report the clinical utility of a vascularized ulnar periosteal pedicled flap (VUPPF), supplied by the investigated PIV, in a complex case of radial nonunion.

Methods

Ten upper limbs latex colored from fresh human cadavers were used. Branches of the PIV were dissected under 2.5× loupe magnification, noting the periosteal, muscular, and cutaneous branches arising distal to the interosseous recurrent artery. The VUPPF was measured in length (cm) and width (cm).

Results

The PIV provided a mean 12.8 periosteal branches to the ulna distributed along the most distal 15 cm, with a mean distance between branches of 1 cm, allowing for the design of a VUPPF which measured a mean 12 cm in length and 1.7 cm in width. We used a VUPPF of 7.8 cm in length and 2 cm in width to treat extensive nonvascularized bone graft nonunion with a defect of 2 cm of the left radius in a 6‐year‐old girl, secondary to previous Ewing's Sarcoma reconstruction. Successfully consolidation was achieved 6‐months after surgery. The patient did not present postoperative complications. At 2‐years of follow‐up after surgery, active supination was 80° and pronation 0° (due an incomplete interosseous ossification); grip strength was 80% that of the opposite hand. The patient had resumed all her daily activities.

Conclusions

VUPPF may be considered a valuable and reliable surgical option for forearm reconstruction in complex clinical scenarios.
Shape recovery for sparse‐data tomography
Authors: Haario Heikki , Kallonen Aki , Laine Marko , Niemi Esa , Purisha Zenith , Siltanen Samuli
Published: July 2017

A two‐dimensional sparse‐data tomographic problem is studied. The target is assumed to be a homogeneous object bounded by a smooth curve. A nonuniform rational basis splines (NURBS) curve is used as a computational representation of the boundary. This approach conveniently provides the result in a format readily compatible with computer‐aided design software. However, the linear tomography task becomes a nonlinear inverse problem because of the NURBS‐based parameterization. Therefore, Bayesian inversion with Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling is used for calculating an estimate of the NURBS control points. The reconstruction method is tested with both simulated data and measured X‐ray projection data. The proposed method recovers the shape and the attenuation coefficient significantly better than the baseline algorithm (optimally thresholded total variation regularization), but at the cost of heavier computation.
Analysis of a fractional order eco‐epidemiological model with prey infection and type 2 functional response
Authors: Mondal Shuvojit , Lahiri Abhijit , Bairagi Nandadulal
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we introduce fractional order into an ecoepidemiological model, where predator consumes disproportionately large number of infected preys following type 2 response function. We prove different mathematical results like existence, uniqueness, nonnegativity, and boundedness of the solutions of fractional order system. We also prove the local and global stability of different equilibrium points of the system. The results are illustrated with several examples.
Fast dose optimization for rotating shield brachytherapy
Authors: Cho Myung , Wu Xiaodong , Dadkhah Hossein , Yi Jirong , Flynn Ryan T. , Kim Yusung , Xu Weiyu
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To provide a fast computational method, based on the proximal graph solver (POGS) – A convex optimization solver using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), for calculating an optimal treatment plan in rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT).RSBTtreatment planning has more degrees of freedom than conventional high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy due to the addition of emission direction, and this necessitates a fast optimization technique to enable clinical usage.

Methods

The multi‐helixRSBT(H‐RSBT) delivery technique was investigated for five representative cervical cancer patients. Treatment plans were generated for all patients using thePOGSmethod and the commercially available solverIBM ILOG CPLEX. The rectum, bladder, sigmoid colon, high‐risk clinical target volume (HR‐CTV), andHR‐CTVboundary were the structures included in our optimization, which applied an asymmetric dose‐volume optimization with smoothness control. Dose calculation resolution was 1 × 1 × 3 mm3for all cases. The H‐RSBTapplicator had 6 helices, with 33.3 mm of translation along the applicator per helical rotation and 1.7 mm spacing between dwell positions, yielding 17.5° emission angle spacing per 5 mm along the applicator.

Results

For each patient,HR‐CTVD90,HR‐CTVD100, rectumD2cc, sigmoidD2cc, and bladderD2ccmatched within 1% forCPLEXandPOGSmethods. Also, similarEQD2 values betweenCPLEXandPOGSmethods were obtained.POGSwas around 18 times faster thanCPLEX. For all patients, total optimization times were 32.1–65.4 s forCPLEXand 2.1–3.9 s forPOGS.

Conclusions

POGSreduced treatment plan optimization time approximately 18 times forRSBTwith similarHR‐CTVD90, organ at risk (OAR)D2ccvalues, andEQD2 values compared toCPLEX, which is significant progress toward clinical translation ofRSBT.