bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representation of the stomatopod's retinal midband in the optic lobes: Putative neural substrates for integrating chromatic, achromatic and polarization information
Authors: Thoen Hanne Halkinrud , Sayre Marcel E. , Marshall Justin , Strausfeld Nicholas James
Published: January 2018

Stomatopods have an elaborate visual system served by a retina that is unique to this class of pancrustaceans. Its upper and lower eye hemispheres encode luminance and linear polarization while an equatorial band of photoreceptors termed the midband detects color, circularly polarized light and linear polarization in the ultraviolet. In common with many malacostracan crustaceans, stomatopods have stalked eyes, but they can move these independently within three degrees of rotational freedom. Both eyes separately use saccadic and scanning movements but they can also move in a coordinated fashion to track selected targets or maintain a forward eyestalk posture during swimming. Visual information is initially processed in the first two optic neuropils, the lamina and the medulla, where the eye's midband is represented by enlarged regions within each neuropil that contain populations of neurons, the axons of which are segregated from the neuropil regions subtending the hemispheres. Neuronal channels representing the midband extend from the medulla to the lobula where populations of putative inhibitory glutamic acid decarboxylase‐positive neurons and tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive neurons intrinsic to the lobula have specific associations with the midband. Here we investigate the organization of the midband representation in the medulla and the lobula in the context of their overall architecture. We discuss the implications of observed arrangements, in which midband inputs to the lobula send out collaterals that extend across the retinotopic mosaic pertaining to the hemispheres. This organization suggests an integrative design that diverges from the eumalacostracan ground pattern and, for the stomatopod, enables color and polarization information to be integrated with luminance information that presumably encodes shape and motion.
GraphBAD: A general technique for anomaly detection in security information and event management
Authors: Parkinson Simon , Vallati Mauro , Crampton Andrew , Sohrabi Shirin
Published: January 2018

The reliance on expert knowledge—required for analysing security logs and performing security audits—has created an unhealthy balance, where many computer users are not able to correctly audit their security configurations and react to potential security threats. The decreasing cost of IT and the increasing use of technology in domestic life are exacerbating this problem, where small companies and home IT users are not able to afford the price of experts for auditing their system configuration. In this paper, we present GraphBAD, a graph‐based analysis tool that is able to analyse security configurations in order to identify anomalies that could lead to potential security risks. GraphBAD, which does not require any prior domain knowledge, generates graph‐based models from security configuration data and, by analysing such models, is able to propose mitigation plans that can help computer users in increasing the security of their systems. A large experimental analysis, conducted on both publicly available (the well‐known KDD dataset) and synthetically generated testing sets (file system permissions), demonstrates the ability of GraphBAD in correctly identifying security configuration anomalies and suggesting appropriate mitigation plans.
Processing of Citrus Nanostructured Cellulose: A Rigorous Design‐of‐Experiment Study of the Hydrothermal Microwave‐Assisted Selective Scissoring Process
Authors: Matharu Avtar S. , de Melo Eduardo M. , Remón Javier , Wang Shuting , Abdulina Alima , Kontturi Eero
Published: January 2018

A detailed design‐of‐experiment (DoE) study to investigate the cause–effect interactions of three process variables, that is, temperature (120–200 °C), holding time (0–30 min), and concentration (1.4–5.0 wt %), on the processing of citrus cellulosic matter using acid‐free microwave‐assisted selective scissoring (Hy‐MASS) is reported. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that post‐microwave processing, the yield of cellulosic matter (25–72 %), decomposition temperature (345–373 °C), and crystallinity index (34–67 %) were strongly affected by temperature. SEM and TEM analyses showed that the isolated cellulosic matter was heterogeneous and consisted of a mixture of micro‐ and nanofibers more akin to microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) at low processing temperatures and tending towards aggregated cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) at higher processing temperatures. The water holding capacity of the processed cellulosic matter (15–27 g g−1) was higher than the original feedstock or previously reported values. The average molecular weight of the cellulosic matter (113.6–1095.9 kg mol−1) decreased significantly by a factor of 10 at operating temperatures above 180 °C, invoking significant scissoring of the cellulosic chains. The process energy input and costs varied between 0.142–0.624 kWh and 13–373 € kg−1, respectively, and strongly depended on the reaction time.
Exploring the phylogeography of a hexaploid freshwater fish by RAD sequencing
Authors: Stobie Cora Sabriel , Oosthuizen Carel J. , Cunningham Michael J. , Bloomer Paulette
Published: January 2018

The KwaZulu‐Natal yellowfish (Labeobarbus natalensis) is an abundant cyprinid, endemic to KwaZulu‐Natal Province, South Africa. In this study, we developed a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset from double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing of samples across the distribution. We addressed several hidden challenges, primarily focusing on proper filtering of RAD data and selecting optimal parameters for data processing in polyploid lineages. We used the resulting high‐quality SNP dataset to investigate the population genetic structure of L. natalensis. A small number of mitochondrial markers present in these data had disproportionate influence on the recovered genetic structure. The presence of singleton SNPs also confounded genetic structure. We found a well‐supported division into northern and southern lineages, with further subdivision into five populations, one of which reflects north–south admixture. Approximate Bayesian Computation scenario testing supported a scenario where an ancestral population diverged into northern and southern lineages, which then diverged to yield the current five populations. All river systems showed similar levels of genetic diversity, which appears unrelated to drainage system size. Nucleotide diversity was highest in the smallest river system, the Mbokodweni, which, together with adjacent small coastal systems, should be considered as a key catchment for conservation.
Water use strategies for two dominant tree species in pure and mixed plantations of the semiarid Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Tang Yakun , Wu Xu , Chen Yunming , Wen Jie , Xie Yuli , Lu Senbao
Published: January 2018

Understanding the water sources and physiological responses to soil moisture pulses for plantation species, particularly in mixed plantations, are essential to assess the water use strategy and vegetation restoration in semiarid regions. We used hydrogen stable isotopes in plant and soil water to determine the potential water sources forPinus tabuliformisandHippophae rhamnoidesin both pure and mixed plantations in the semiarid Chinese Loess Plateau during the vigorous growing season (June–August) in 2016. Stomatal conductance (gc), midday leaf water potential (Ψm) and photosynthetic rate (Pr) were measured concurrently to analyse the physiological response. TheP. tabuliformisin the pure plantation depended largely on shallow and middle soil layers regardless of precipitation amount, permitting this species to maintain stable Ψmat the expense of Prthrough stomatal control. In contrast,H. rhamnoidesin the pure plantation shifted its water source from shallow to deep soil layers following decreases in precipitation, allowing this species to maintain stable gcand Prat the expense of Ψm. Thus,P. tabuliformisandH. rhamnoidesdisplayed isohydric and anisohydric behaviour, respectively. Additionally, both species in mixed plantations largely absorbed water from shallow soil layers and shifted to deep soil layers when precipitation decreased. Mixed afforestation significantly reduced (p < .05) PrforP. tabuliformisand ΨmforH. rhamnoides. Although contrasting physiological responses were adopted by these species, the major proportion of water resources were competitively obtained from similar soil depths—indicating that their mixed afforestation requires further investigation.
Feral horses influence both spatial and temporal patterns of water use by native ungulates in a semi‐arid environment
Authors: Hall Lucas K. , Larsen Randy T. , Knight Robert N. , McMillan Brock R.
Published: January 2018

The horse (Equus caballus) is a feral ungulate that currently exceeds target population sizes in many areas of western North America. Horses are behaviorally dominant over native ungulates and outcompete the latter for access to water sources. However, a better understanding of the broader spatial and temporal implications of horse‐induced competition on access to water by native ungulates will enable better conservation and management of native species. Our objective was to determine whether pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) spatially or temporally altered their use of water to minimize interactions with horses. From 2010 to 2014, we used remote cameras to monitor ungulates at 32 water sources in the Great Basin Desert. We evaluated spatial and temporal partitioning by these species at water sources using generalized linear models, mixed‐effects models, and Mann–Whitney U tests. We found that both native ungulates used water sources less often where horse activity at water sources was high, indicating that spatial avoidance occurred. Further, we observed significant differences in peak arrival time for pronghorn, but not mule deer at horse‐occupied sites versus sites where horses were absent or uncommon, indicating that temporal avoidance may be more important for pronghorn than mule deer. Because mule deer are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal whereas horses are largely diurnal, we did not expect to observe a temporal shift for mule deer. We also found strong support for the interactive negative effect of elevated temperature and subsequent increased activity of horses at water sources on drinking patterns of pronghorn and mule deer. Our findings indicate that feral horses further constrain access to an already limited resource for native species in a semi‐arid environment.
Environmental filtering and phylogenetic clustering correlate with the distribution patterns of cryptic protist species
Authors: Singer David , Kosakyan Anush , Seppey Christophe V. W. , Pillonel Amandine , Fernández Leonardo D. , Fontaneto Diego , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Lara Enrique
Published: January 2018

The community composition of any group of organisms should theoretically be determined by a combination of assembly processes including resource partitioning, competition, environmental filtering, and phylogenetic legacy. Environmental DNA studies have revealed a huge diversity of protists in all environments, raising questions about the ecological significance of such diversity and the degree to which they obey to the same rules as macroscopic organisms. The fast‐growing cultivable protist species on which hypotheses are usually experimentally tested represent only a minority of the protist diversity. Addressing these questions for the lesser known majority can only be inferred through observational studies. We conducted an environmental DNA survey of the genus Nebela, a group of closely related testate (shelled) amoeba species, in different habitats within Sphagnum‐dominated peatlands. Identification based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene, allowed species‐level resolution as well as phylogenetic reconstruction. Community composition varied strongly across habitats and associated environmental gradients. Species showed little overlap in their realized niche, suggesting resource partitioning, and a strong influence of environmental filtering driving community composition. Furthermore, phylogenetic clustering was observed in the most nitrogen‐poor samples, supporting phylogenetic inheritance of adaptations in the group of N. guttata. This study showed that the studied free‐living unicellular eukaryotes follow to community assembly rules similar to those known to determine plant and animal communities; the same may be true for much of the huge functional and taxonomic diversity of protists.
Community divergence and convergence along experimental gradients of stress and disturbance
Authors: Li Yuanzhi , Shipley Bill
Published: January 2018

We created 24 mesocosms containing mixtures of herbaceous species arranged along experimentally maintained gradients of stress (external abiotic constraints limiting biomass production) and disturbance (events causing partial or total live biomass destruction) in order to determine the degree to which community assembly is deterministic or historically contingent during succession. In this 7‐yr experiment, we found taxonomic divergence and functional convergence during the last 3 yr. Although communities became more functionally dissimilar as the difference in the level of stress increased, they were equally taxonomically different irrespective of the amount of difference between them in terms of stress and disturbance. In addition, comparing communities experiencing the same conditions, taxonomic community structure was more dissimilar as the levels of stress and disturbance decreased. Therefore, community assembly was largely deterministic from a functional perspective but more historically contingent from a taxonomic perspective, and the relative importance of taxonomic historical contingency decreased as the levels of stress and disturbance frequency increased.
Synthesis of Dipotassium 2,2′‐Bis(2‐oxidobenzylideneamino)‐4,4′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl Derivatives and Use as Ligand Transfer Reagent
Authors: Al‐Shboul Tareq M. A. , Ziemann Steffen , Görls Helmar , Jazzazi Taghreed M. A. , Krieck Sven , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: January 2018

The condensation of 2,2′‐diamino‐4,4′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl with 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (salicylaldehyde) or their 3‐, 4‐ or 5‐methoxy substituted congeners leads to the formation of 2,2′‐bis(salicylideneamino)‐4,4′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl (1a) and their methoxy‐substituted congeners 1b–1d. Deprotonation of 1a with KH yields octameric and wheel‐shaped dipotassium 2,2′‐bis(2‐oxidobenzylideneamino)‐4,4′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl (2a) that is only very sparingly soluble in common organic solvents. Attached methoxy groups are able to stabilize smaller aggregates and trimeric dipotassium 2,2′‐bis(2‐oxido‐3‐methoxybenzylideneamino)‐4,4′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl (2b) has been isolated. The metathesis reaction of 2a with [(thf)2TiCl4] yields 2,2′‐bis(2‐oxidobenzylideneamino)‐4,4′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl titanium(IV) dichloride (3) with two isomeric forms, one with a cis and another with an uncommon trans arrangement of the halide ions.
Evaluation of Olive Pomace in the Production of Novel Broilers With Enhanced In Vitro Antithrombotic Properties
Authors: Nasopoulou Constantina , Lytoudi Konstantina , Zabetakis Ioannis
Published: January 2018

Several attempts have been made not only to improve nutritional value of broilers but also to attenuate dependence on raw materials such as corn in compounded broilers feed. Therefore the aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of diets enriched with olive pomace (OP) on Ross 308 broilers growth performance, sensory characteristics, and nutritional value in terms of cardioprotection. Broilers are fed four experimental diets containing 0% OP (control group), 2.5% OP (group A), 5.0% OP (group B), and 7.5% OP (group C). The obtained broiler meat samples are evaluated for their lipid and phenol content and their in vitro antithrombotic properties according to biological assay in human platelets. Groups B and C exhibited significantly increased (P < 0.05) growth rate compared to the ones of control group. Additionally group B exhibited significantly more potent (P < 0.05) in vitro antithrombotic properties (EC50 = 10.5 ± 0.92) compared to the ones of control group (EC50 = 420 ± 21.3). Grilled broiler meat of group B is found to have acceptable sensory properties. The overall conclusion of this paper is the potential use of OP in compounded broilers feed in the production of functional broilers meat.

Practical applications: The objective of this research is to assess the use of olive industry by‐products as functional feed ingredients. For this purpose, broilers were fed experimental diets containing olive pomace (OP). Our results suggest that OP can be used in broiler feed to produce functional broilers meat with increased in vitro antithrombotic properties. These scientific data could have considerable practical value toward the valorization of OP and increasing the sustainable production of functional broiler meat and therefore the overall food security.

Valorization of olive industry by‐products (A) in the farming of Ross 308 broilers (B) and the cardioprotective properties of the functional broilers as means of reduced platelet aggregation in humans (C).
Residual Olive Paste as a Source of Phenolic Compounds and Triterpenic Acids
Authors: Medina Eduardo , Romero Concepción , Brenes Manuel
Published: January 2018

The two‐phase centrifugation system of olive oil extraction produces huge amounts of olive pomace called alperujo that could be a good source of bioactive substances. However, alperujo is currently stored in open air ponds before it is dried and submitted for extraction of the residual oil. The aim of this work is to study the evolution of phenolic and triterpenic acids in alperujo during its storage and extraction processes on an industrial scale. Alperujo is stored in large open air ponds, dried and the residual oil is extracted with hexane over a course of a year for two consecutive olive seasons.The storage of alperujo did not cause great changes in the content of these substances in the paste although the pomace olive oil is enriched in triterpenic compounds, mainly oleanolic acid. By contrast, the drying and extraction steps gives rise to a great reduction in the concentration of phenolic compounds. Likewise, triterpenic acids are very stable during the extraction process, and an enrichment of them is detected in the extracted alperujo that can reach up to 7–8 g kg−1 in these substances, particularly maslinic acid.

Practical Applications: There are many studies, methods, and patents to extract bioactive substances from olive by‐products, particularly from the fresh olive pomace called alperujo. However, this study is the first to explore the stored and extracted alperujo as a good source of phenolic and triterpenic substances. Specifically, triterpenic acids were very stable during the storage and drying steps and extracted alperujo was highly enriched in them. This research will contribute to the valorization of olive by‐products.

Extracted alperujo is a very good source of triterpenic acids.
Electrochemical Sensing of Cancer‐related Global and Locus‐specific DNA Methylation Events
Authors: Campuzano Susana , Pingarrón José M.
Published: January 2018

Specific DNA methylation changes, both genome‐wide and at specific gene loci in tissues and in biological fluids, have great potential as biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic stratification of cancer. Although current classical methods are effective in studying DNA methylation patterns, they exhibit relatively low sensitivity and high false positive rates and require expensive instruments and complicated and time‐consuming protocols. Here, we review basic information about relevance of DNA methylation in cancer, limitations of the conventional methodologies and promising features offered by electrochemical sensors to allow the determinations of methylated biomarkers in a straightforward, simple, sensitive, fast, portable and cost‐effective way through highlighting selected examples described so far for sensing of cancer‐related DNA methylation biomarkers. Major technical and biological challenges to be solved are also pointed out.
Asymmetric hillslope erosion following wildfire in Fourmile Canyon, Colorado
Authors: Abrahams Edward R. , Kaste James M. , Ouimet William , Dethier David P.
Published: January 2018

Infrequent, high‐magnitude events cause a disproportionate amount of sediment transport on steep hillslopes, but few quantitative data are available that capture these processes. Here we study the influence of wildfire and hillslope aspect on soil erosion in Fourmile Canyon, Colorado. This region experienced the Fourmile Fire of 2010, strong summer convective storms in 2011 and 2012, and extreme flooding in September 2013. We sampled soils shortly after these events and use fallout radionuclides to trace erosion on polar‐ and equatorial‐facing burned slopes and on a polar‐facing unburned slope. Because these radionuclides are concentrated in the upper decimeter of soil, soil inventories are sensitive to erosion by surface runoff. The polar‐facing burned slope had significantly lower cesium‐137 (137Cs) and lead‐210 (210Pb) inventories (p < 0.05) than either the polar‐facing unburned slope or equatorial‐facing burned slope. Local slope magnitude does not appear to control the erosional response to wildfire, as relatively gently sloping (~20%) polar‐facing positions were severely eroded in the most intensively burned area. Field evidence and soil profile analyses indicate up to 4 cm of local soil erosion on the polar‐facing burned slope, but radionuclide mass balance indicates that much of this was trapped nearby. Using a 137Cs‐based erosion model, we find that the burned polar‐facing slope had a net mean sediment loss of 2 mm (~1 kg m−2) over a one to three year period, which is one to two orders of magnitude higher than longer‐term erosion rates reported for this region. In this part of the Colorado Front Range, strong hillslope asymmetry controls soil moisture and vegetation; polar‐facing slopes support significantly denser pine and fir stands, which fuels more intense wildfires. We conclude that polar‐facing slopes experience the most severe surface erosion following wildfires in this region, indicating that landscape‐scale aridity can control the geomorphic response of hillslopes to wildfires. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomorphodynamics of alternate bars in a channelized, regulated river: An integrated historical and modelling analysis
Authors: Serlet Alyssa J. , Gurnell Angela M. , Zolezzi Guido , Wharton Geraldene , Belleudy Philippe , Jourdain Camille
Published: January 2018

The development of alternate bars in channelized rivers can be explained theoretically as an instability of the riverbed when the active channel width to depth ratio exceeds a threshold. However, the development of a vegetation cover on the alternate bars of some channelized rivers and its interactions with bar morphology have not been investigated in detail.

Our study focused on the co‐evolution of alternate bars and vegetation along a 33 km reach of the Isère River, France. We analysed historical information to investigate the development of alternate bars and their colonization by vegetation within a straightened, embanked river subject to flow regulation, sediment mining, and vegetation management. Over an 80 year period, bar density decreased, bar length increased, and bar mobility slowed. Vegetation encroachment across bar surfaces accompanied these temporal changes and, once established, vegetation cover persisted, shifting the overall system from an unvegetated to a vegetated dynamic equilibrium state.

The unvegetated morphodynamics of the impressively regular sequence of alternate bars that developed in the Isère following channelization is consistent with previous theoretical morphodynamic work. However, the apparent triggering dynamics of vegetation colonization needs to be investigated, based on complex biophysical instability processes. If instability related to vegetation colonization is confirmed, further work needs to focus on the relevance of initial conditions for this instability, and on related feedback effects such as how the morphodynamics of bare‐sediment alternate bars may have affected vegetation development and, in turn, how vegetation has created a new dynamic equilibrium state. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Truth, Impact and Power
Authors: Strohschneider Peter
Published: January 2018

The relations between research and society are undermined by dysfunctionalities within the research system, such as irresponsible research, exaggerated promises and unrealistic expectations. This becomes all the more dramatic in the age of populism. The best way to further consent is an academic attitude of self‐limitation and self‐distance and being honest and modest.
Exploring the end‐Ordovician extinctions in Hirnantian near‐shore carbonate rocks of northern Guizhou, SW China: A refined stratigraphy and regional correlation
Authors: Wang Guangxu , Zhan Renbin , Rong Jiayu , Huang Bing , Percival Ian G. , Luan Xiaocong , Wei Xin
Published: January 2018

Richly fossiliferous Hirnantian shelly strata of near‐shore facies in northern Guizhou, South China, known as the Kuanyinchiao Formation, superbly record glacioeustatic sea‐level fluctuations and benthic faunal turnover. Recent studies of the temporal and spatial distribution of these carbonates and shelly fossils permit a critical stratigraphic revision and establishment of a robust regional stratigraphic correlation. The formation is revised to include three informal subdivisions, that is, units A, B, and C, in ascending order. Unit B of the formation typically is dominated by peloidal or oolitic grainstones, and unit C is composed of skeletal wackestone and calcareous mudstone, both units sharing distinctive coral and brachiopod faunas. This contrasts sharply with unit A of the formation, consisting of mudstone, silty mudstone, or calcareous mudstone, that yields the cool‐waterHirnantiafauna and associated coral fauna. In view of the presence of carbonate ooids and peloids, rugose corals, and a distinctive brachiopod assemblage, all indicative of warm‐water conditions, unit B, as well as unit C yielding the same shelly fauna, is interpreted as representing postglacial sedimentation immediately following the major Hirnantian glaciation, thus marking a significant climatic shift. Similar warm‐water carbonate rocks have been recognized in a number of regions along the margin of the Qianzhong Oldland, including Bijie, Renhuai, Tongzi, and Fenggang of northern Guizhou. Such a vast distribution area of these rocks indicates that postglacial carbonates are more widespread on the Yangtze Platform of South China than previously thought, providing a rare window into rocks and fossils of the survival interval immediately following the extinction event associated with the Hirnantian glacial episodes.
Shared and distinct alterations of white matter tracts in remitted and nonremitted patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Huang Jing‐Ying , Liu Chih‐Min , Hwang Tzung‐Jeng , Chen Yu‐Jen , Hsu Yung‐Chin , Hwu Hai‐Gwo , Lin Yi‐Tin , Hsieh Ming‐Hsien , Liu Chen‐Chung , Chien Yi‐Ling , Tseng Wen‐Yih Isaac
Published: January 2018

Patients with schizophrenia do not usually achieve remission state even after adequate antipsychotics treatment. Previous studies found significant difference in white matter integrity between patients with good outcomes and those with poor outcomes, but difference is still unclear at individual tract level. This study aimed to use a systematic approach to identify the tracts that were associated with remission state in patients with schizophrenia. We evaluated 91 patients with schizophrenia (remitted, 50; nonremitted, 41) and 50 healthy controls through diffusion spectrum imaging. White matter tract integrity was assessed through an automatic tract‐specific analysis method to determine the mean generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA) values of the 76 white matter tract bundles in each participant. Analysis of covariance among the 3 groups revealed 12 tracts that were significantly different in GFA values. Post‐hoc analysis showed that compared with the healthy controls, the nonremission group had reduced integrity in all 12 tracts, whereas the remission group had reduced integrity in only 4 tracts. Comparison between the remission and nonremission groups revealed 4 tracts with significant difference (i.e., the right fornix, bilateral uncinate fasciculi, and callosal fibers connecting the temporal poles) even after adjusting age, sex, education year, illness duration, and medication dose. Furthermore, all the 4 tracts were correlated with negative symptoms scores of the positive and negative syndrome scale. In conclusion, our study identified the tracts that were associated with remission state of schizophrenia. These tracts might be a potential prognostic marker for the symptomatic remission in patients with schizophrenia.
Direct‐acting antiviral sustained virologic response: Impact on mortality in patients without advanced liver disease
Authors: Backus Lisa I. , Belperio Pamela S. , Shahoumian Troy A. , Mole Larry A.
Published: January 2018

The impact of sustained virologic response (SVR) on mortality after direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment is not well documented in patients without advanced liver disease and affects access to treatment. This study evaluated the impact of SVR achieved with interferon‐free DAA treatment on all‐cause mortality in hepatitis C virus–infected patients without advanced liver disease. This observational cohort analysis was comprised of 103,346 genotype 1, 2, and 3, hepatitis C virus–monoinfected patients without advanced liver disease, defined by FIB‐4 ≤3.25 and no diagnosis of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, or hepatocellular carcinoma or history of liver transplantation, identified from the Veterans Affairs Hepatitis C Clinical Case Registry. Among 40,664 patients treated with interferon‐free DAA regimens, 39,374 (96.8%) achieved SVR and 1,290 (3.2%) patients were No SVR; 62,682 patients constituted the untreated cohort. The mortality rate for SVR patients of 1.18 deaths/100 patient‐years was significantly lower than the rates for both No SVR patients (2.84 deaths/100 patient‐years; P < 0.001) and untreated patients (3.84 deaths/100 patient‐years; P < 0.001). SVR patients with FIB‐4 <1.45 and 1.45‐3.25 had a 46.0% (P = 0.036) and 63.2% (P < 0.001) reduction in mortality rates, respectively, compared to No SVR patients and 66.7% (P < 0.001) and 70.6% (P < 0.001) reduction in mortality rates, respectively, compared to untreated patients. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard models controlling for baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities, SVR was independently associated with reduced risk of death compared to No SVR (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.32‐0.59; P < 0.001) and compared to untreated patients (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.29‐0.36; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Successfully treating hepatitis C virus with DAAs in patients without clinically apparent advanced liver disease translates into a significant mortality benefit. (Hepatology 2018).
Drip irrigation enhances shallow groundwater contribution to crop water consumption in an arid area
Authors: Wang Xingwang , Huo Zailin , Guan Huade , Guo Ping , Qu Zhongyi
Published: January 2018

Shallow groundwater plays a key role in agro‐hydrological processes of arid areas. Groundwater often supplies a necessary part of the water requirement of crops and surrounding native vegetation, such as groundwater‐dependent ecosystems. However, the impact of water‐saving irrigation on cropland water balance, such as the contribution of shallow groundwater to field evapotranspiration, requires further investigation. Increased understanding of quantitative evaluation of field‐scale water productivity under different irrigation methods aids policy and decision‐making. In this study, high‐resolution water table depth and soil water content in field maize were monitored under conditions of flood irrigation (FI) and drip irrigation (DI), respectively. Groundwater evapotranspiration (ETg) was estimated by the combination of the water table fluctuation method and an empirical groundwater–soil–atmosphere continuum model. The results indicate that daily ETg at different growth stages varies under the two irrigation methods. Between two consecutive irrigation events of the FI site, daily ETg rate increases from zero to greater than that of the DI site. Maize under DI steadily consumes more groundwater than FI, accounting for 16.4% and 14.5% of ETa, respectively. Overall, FI recharges groundwater, whereas DI extracts water from shallow groundwater. The yield under DI increases compared with that under FI, with less ETa (526 mm) compared with FI (578 mm), and irrigation water productivity improves from 3.51 kg m−3 (FI) to 4.58 kg m−3 (DI) through reducing deep drainage and soil evaporation by DI. These results highlight the critical role of irrigation method and groundwater on crop water consumption and productivity. This study provides important information to aid the development of agricultural irrigation schemes in arid areas with shallow groundwater.
Evaluation of HPV type‐replacement in unvaccinated and vaccinated adolescent females—Post‐hoc analysis of a community‐randomized clinical trial (II)
Authors: Gray Penelope , Palmroth Johanna , Luostarinen Tapio , Apter Dan , Dubin Gary , Garnett Geoff , Eriksson Tiina , Natunen Kari , Merikukka Marko , Pimenoff Ville , Söderlund‐Strand Anna , Vänskä Simopekka , Paavonen Jorma , Pukkala Eero , Dillner Joakim , Lehtinen Matti
Published: January 2018

Efficacy of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines promises to control HPV infections. However, HPV vaccination programs may lay bare an ecological niche for non‐vaccine HPV types. We evaluated type‐replacement by HPV type and vaccination strategy in a community‐randomized trial executed in HPV vaccination naïve population. Thirty‐three communities were randomized to gender‐neutral vaccination with AS04‐adjuvanted HPV16/18 vaccine (Arm A), HPV vaccination of girls and hepatitis B‐virus (HBV) vaccination of boys (Arm B) and gender‐neutral HBV vaccination (Arm C). Resident 1992‐95 born boys (40,852) and girls (39,420) were invited. 11,662 boys and 20,513 girls were vaccinated with 20–30% and 45–48% coverage, respectively. HPV typing of 11,396 cervicovaginal samples was performed by high throughput PCR. Prevalence ratios (PR) between arms and ranked order of HPV types and odds ratio (OR) for having multiple HPV types in HPV16 or 18/45 positive individuals were calculated. The ranked order of HPV types did not significantly differ between arms or birth cohorts. For the non‐HPV vaccinated 1992–1993 birth cohorts increased PR, between the gender‐neutral intervention versus control arms for HPV39 (PRA 1.84, 95% CI 1.12–3.02) and HPV51 (PRA 1.56, 95% CI 1.11–2.19) were observed. In the gender‐neutral arm, increased clustering between HPV39 and the vaccine‐covered HPV types 16 or 18/45 (ORA16 = 5.1, ORA18/45 = 11.4) was observed in the non‐HPV vaccinated 1994–1995 birth cohorts. Comparable clustering was seen between HPV51 and HPV16 or HPV18/45 (ORB16 = 4.7, ORB18/45 = 4.3), in the girls‐only arm. In conclusion, definitively consistent postvaccination patterns of HPV type‐replacement were not observed. Future occurrence of HPV39 and HPV51 warrant investigation.
Prospective evaluation of antibody response to Streptococcus gallolyticus and risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Butt Julia , Jenab Mazda , Willhauck‐Fleckenstein Martina , Michel Angelika , Pawlita Michael , Kyrø Cecilie , Tjønneland Anne , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Carbonnel Franck , Severi Gianluca , Kaaks Rudolf , Kühn Tilman , Boeing Heiner , Trichopoulou Antonia , la Vecchia Carlo , Karakatsani Anna , Panico Salvatore , Tumino Rosario , Agnoli Claudia , Palli Domenico , Sacerdote Carlotta , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. B(as) , Weiderpass Elisabete , Sánchez Maria‐José , Bonet Bonet Catalina , Huerta José María , Ardanaz Eva , Bradbury Kathryn , Gunter Marc , Murphy Neil , Freisling Heinz , Riboli Elio , Tsilidis Kostas , Aune Dagfinn , Waterboer Tim , Hughes David J.
Published: January 2018

The gut microbiome is increasingly implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. A subgroup of patients diagnosed with CRC show high antibody responses to Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus (SGG). However, it is unclear whether the association is also present pre‐diagnostically. We assessed the association of antibody responses to SGG proteins in pre‐diagnostic serum samples with CRC risk in a case–control study nested within a prospective cohort. Pre‐diagnostic serum samples from 485 first incident CRC cases (mean time between blood draw and diagnosis 3.4 years) and 485 matched controls in the European Prospective Investigation into Nutrition and Cancer (EPIC) study were analyzed for antibody responses to 11 SGG proteins using multiplex serology. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multivariable conditional logistic regression models. Antibody positivity for any of the 11 SGG proteins was significantly associated with CRC risk with 56% positive controls compared to 63% positive cases (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04–1.77). Positivity for two or more proteins of a previously identified SGG 6‐marker panel with greater CRC‐specificity was also observed among 9% of controls compared to 17% of CRC cases, corresponding to a significantly increased CRC risk (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.44–3.27). In this prospective nested case–control study, we observed a positive association between antibody responses to SGG and CRC development in serum samples taken before evident disease onset. Further work is required to establish the possibly etiological significance of these observations and whether SGG serology may be applicable for CRC risk stratification.
EARLY PARENTING SUPPORT AND INFORMATION: A CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Morawska Alina , Weston Kate , Bowd Courtney
Published: January 2018

The transition to parenthood is a period of both joy and challenge for most parents. There is a recognized need to support parents during this period, yet existing interventions have shown limited evidence of efficacy. This study takes a consumer‐focused approach to examine the needs and preferences of parents both prenatally (n = 77) and postnatally (n = 123) for parenting support. The study used a cross‐sectional design with a purpose‐built online survey. Parents were recruited via online forums, Facebook and parenting blogs, childcare centers, and playgroups. In general, all parents were satisfied with their current levels of both formal and informal support, and about one fourth of parents had accessed a parenting intervention. Parents expressed a moderate level of interest in additional parenting information, and parents expecting their first baby indicated preferences for information about basic baby care needs whereas postnatally, parents expressed more interest in topics around self‐care and behavior management. The implications for developing interventions and engaging families are discussed.
Relationship between mortality and rice cadmium concentration in inhabitants of the polluted Jinzu River basin, Toyama, Japan: A 26 year follow‐up
Authors: Nogawa Kazuhiro , Suwazono Yasushi , Nishijo Muneko , Sakurai Masaru , Ishizaki Masao , Morikawa Yuko , Watanabe Yuuka , Kido Teruhiko , Nakagawa Hideaki
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mortality and rice cadmium (Cd) concentration in inhabitants of a polluted area in Japan. The target subjects were inhabitants of the Jinzu River basin who participated in health examinations for screening of renal dysfunction from 1979 to 1984. The mean rice Cd concentration in each hamlet was used as an index of the Cd exposure. We conducted a 26 year follow‐up survey in 3281 inhabitants (1544 men and 1737 women) whose data regarding the rice Cd concentration were available. Mortality risk ratios for all and specific causes were estimated after adjustments for age at baseline, smoking status and history of hypertension using a Cox hazard model or Fine and Gray competing risks regression model. The mortality risk ratios of rice Cd concentration (+0.1 ppm) for all causes in women were significantly increased (risk ratio: 1.04). Furthermore, the relative risks of rice Cd concentration for kidney and urinary tract disease, renal diseases, renal failure and toxic effects of cadmium were significantly increased in both sexes. These findings indicated that increased rice Cd concentration decreased the prognosis for life over a long‐term observation in women. This result provides important information for determining the worldwide standard for allowable rice Cd concentration.
Optimization of cell growth on palmitoyl‐hyaluronan knitted scaffolds developed for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Sogorkova Jana , Zapotocky Vojtech , Cepa Martin , Stepankova Veronika , Vagnerova Hana , Batova Jana , Pospisilova Martina , Betak Jiri , Nesporova Kristina , Hermannova Martina , Daro Dorothée , Duffy Garry , Velebny Vladimir
Published: January 2018

Polysaccharides meet several criteria for a suitable biomaterial for tissue engineering, which include biocompatibility and ability to support the delivery and growth of cells. Nevertheless, most of these polysaccharides, for example dextran, alginate, and glycosaminoglycans, are highly soluble in aqueous solutions. Hyaluronic acid hydrophobized by palmitic acid and processed to the form of wet‐spun fibers and the warp‐knitted textile scaffold is water non‐soluble, but biodegradable material, which could be used for the tissue engineering purpose. However, its surface quality does not allow cell attachment. To enhance the biocompatibility the surface of palmitoyl‐hyaluronan was roughened by freeze drying and treated by different cell adhesive proteins (fibronectin, fibrinogen, laminin, methacrylated gelatin and collagen IV). Except for collagen IV, these proteins covered the fibers uniformly for an extended period of time and supported the adhesion and cultivation of dermal fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. Interestingly, adipose stem cells cultivated on the fibronectin‐modified scaffold secreted increasing amount of HGF, SDF‐1, and VEGF, three key growth factors involved in cardiac regeneration. These results suggested that palmitoyl‐hyaluronan scaffold may be a promising material for various applications in tissue regeneration, including cardiac tissue repair. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1488–1499, 2018.
Carboxylated graphene oxide promoted axonal guidance growth by activating Netrin‐1/deleted in colorectal cancer signaling in rat primary cultured cortical neurons
Authors: Liu Meili , Jia Zhengtai , Xiao Xiongfu , Zhang Zhifa , Li Ping , Zhou Gang , Fan Yubo
Published: January 2018

Nanomaterials of graphene and its derivatives have been widely applied in recent years, but whose impacts on the neuronal guidance growth are still not reported. In the present study, graphene oxide (GO) and carboxylated graphene oxide (GO‐COOH) were used to investigate the potential effects on axonal guidance growth in the primary cultured cortical neurons. In addition, we characterized the structure and chemical composition of synthesized GO and GO‐COOH using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope assays and Raman analysis. GO is not neurotoxic and not conductive in a soluble form. However, GO‐COOH has higher solubility and conductivity. Cell viability was assessed using CCK‐8 assays and fluorescein diacetate after GO and GO‐COOH treatment (0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 50, and 100 µg/mL). There are significant increases of cell viability and axonal growth after GO (2 and 4 μg/mL) and GO‐COOH treatment (2 and 4 μg/mL). We further investigated the molecular mechanism of axonal guidance growth after GO and GO‐COOH (2 and 4 μg/mL) application. Additionally, GO and GO‐COOH up‐regulated expression of Netrin‐1 and its receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer by immunofluorescence assays and western blots assay. Our study demonstrated that GO‐COOH activated Cdc42 and Rac1 and dramatically decreased RhoA. Thus, GO‐COOH (2 µg/mL) is much better to be nanocarriers than GO for axonal guidance and growth in this study. GO‐COOH may be used to facilitate guidance for regenerating neurons in the future. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1500–1510, 2018.
Nuclear lipid mediators: Role of nuclear sphingolipids and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate signaling in epigenetic regulation of inflammation and gene expression
Authors: Fu Panfeng , Ebenezer David L. , Ha Alison W. , Suryadevara Vidyani , Harijith Anantha , Natarajan Viswanathan
Published: January 2018

Phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol are integral components of eukaryotic cell organelles, including the nucleus. Recent evidence shows characteristic features of nuclear lipid composition and signaling, which are distinct from that of the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. While the nuclear phosphoinositol lipid signaling in cell cycle regulation and differentiation has been well described, there is a paucity on the role of nuclear sphingolipids and sphingolipid signaling in different physiological and pathophysiological human conditions. In this prospective, we describe the role of sphingolipids and specifically focus on the sphingoid bases, such as sphingosine, ceramide, and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) generation and catabolism in nuclear signaling and function. Particularly, S1P generated in the nucleus by phosphorylation of SPHK2 modulates HDAC activity either by direct binding or through activation of nuclear reactive oxygen species and regulates cell cycle and pro‐inflammatory gene expression. Potential implication of association of SPHK2 with the co‐repressor complexes and generation of S1P in the nucleus on chromatin remodeling under normal and pathological conditions is discussed. A better understanding of sphingolipid signaling in the nucleus will facilitate the design and development of new and novel therapeutic approaches to modulate expression of pro‐inflammatory and cell cycle dependent genes in human pathologies such as cancer, bacterial lung infection, neurodegeneration, and cystic fibrosis.