bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seagrass Diversity in the Western and Eastern Sites of Igang Bay, Guimaras Philippines
Authors: ALIMEN ROLANDO A. , SELORIO, JR. CORNELIO M.
Published: December 2014

Seagrass is a unique angiosperm that grows in the sea. It is one of the three ecosystems that linked each other that equilibrate marine coastal environment. The increased rate of the destruction of the seagrass meadow calls an alarming threat to the anthropogenic community. The study determined the percentage cover and diversity of indexes of the seagrass in Igang Bay before the anthropogenic threat happened. Line transect – quadrat method was used and analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test before subjected to similarity and overlap attribute, diversity, maximum diversity, evenness and dominance indexes. There are nine species of seagrasses, three species in western sites and nine in eastern sites. Canopy height and percent cover of seagrass has inverse interaction. Index of similarity between two sites is 0.3333 and 0.4286 for overlap attribute. Eastern site has higher diversity index and February is the highest at 1.24 and 2.10 in maximum diversity. The seagrass distribution is even after inter-monsoon at 0.71 and 0.12 in Eastern site and Western site, respectively. Thalassia hemprichii is the dominant species at both sites, and peak at July at both sites. In general, the Igang Bay seagrass meadow is Thalassia mixed meadow.Keywords: Marine Ecology, Seagrass, Igang Bay, percent cover, similarity index, diversityindex, evenness and dominance, descriptive design, Philippines
Practices, Behaviors, and Action on Climate Change and Environmental Protection and Conservation of Settlers along the Banks of Oro River, Northern Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: JAPOS GENARO V. , LUBOS LESLEY CASAS
Published: December 2014

Rivers are considered to be one of the ecosystems which are sensitive to climate change. It also experiences warming of the earth’s atmosphere like any other ecosystems. This study aims to (1). determine the Cagayan de Oro residents’ socio-economic activities on the Cagayan de Oro river; (2). determine the values, attitude and beliefs on climate change and environmental protection and conservation; (3). describe the practices, behaviors and action on climate change and environmental protection/conservation. The study used the descriptive survey design involving a purposive sample for 300 household heads living at least 5 years and staying within 100 meters from the river banks and located in the downstream, midstream, upstream sections of the Cagayan de Oro river. The settlers along the river banks have taken permanent residence in the area. They have limited access to social services like light and safe drinking water, disposal of household and human wastes. Due to their proximity to the river and their lack of access to social services they have contributed to the rivers’ contamination through their unhygienic behaviors. A formal River Conservation Education Program should be designed in response to the need for a formal structure to train community residents and further enhance their awareness, and a policy review is needed to evaluate the implementation of national and local policies on river conservation.Keywords: Climate Change, river conservation, purposive sampling, Cagayan de Oro River, Philippines
Survival and Settlement Rates of Haliotis asinina Larvae at Different Salinity Levels
Authors: MAQUIRANG JEAN ROSE H. , CATURAO ROMEO D. , MAQUIRANG JESSY H. , PEDROSO FIONA L.
Published: December 2014

The study was conducted to determine the optimum salinity levels (24ppt, 28 ppt, 32 ppt, 36 ppt and 40 ppt) for the survival and settlement ratesof H. asinina in a complete randomized design with three replicates each. Theexperimental animals were reared in 15 glass aquaria for the first run and inplexiglass for the second run. Feeding of Navicula spp. was done once a day.Temperature and dissolved oxygen were monitored throughout the experiment.Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA to determine significant differenceamong treatments at 0.05 level of significance using Social Package for SocialScience. Result of the first run showed that 32 ppt had the highest mean survival(1.50%) and mean settlement rate (1.84%). Similar result was also observed in32 ppt with highest mean survival (9.72%) and mean settlement rate (16.42%).Significant difference existed among treatments during the second run of theexperiment. Results showed that 28 ppt and 32 ppt were the optimum salinitylevels for survival and settlement rate of H. asinina. Further study should beconducted to determine the tolerance and settlement rates of H. asininalarvae tolower salinities until it reaches juvenile stage with first respiratory pore appearing.Keywords: Science, Haliotis asinina, survival, settlement, salinity levels, experimental design, Iloilo, Phiippines
Variation in Chlorophyll a and b in the Seagrass Halodule in Central Visayas, Philippines
Authors: WAGEY BILLY THEODORUS
Published: December 2014

Chlorophyll content of seagrass leaves varies among species and habitats byat least a factor of five, and shows plastic responses to seasonal variations in light availability as well as direct experimental manipulation. This study generally attempted to observe the relative amount of chlorophyll a, b content of Haloduleuninervis and Halodule pinifolia in Central Visayas, Philippines in relation tothese environmental factors which are: exposure, density, temperature, and lightintensity. Chlorophyll was determined using the equation of Jeffrey and Humprey(1975) whereas data gathered went through one way ANOVA followed byTukey’s Test. Significant variations were found in most photosynthetic parametersmeasured in this study. Overall, H. uninervis and H. pinifolia seems to obtainoptimal photosynthetic performances over a broad range of irradiances. Mainly,genus Halodule can be seen as a highlight species, which has also the ability to acclimate to low irradiances. in general, the result indicated that seagrasses tend to decrease the ratio of chlorophyll a:b by increasing the amount of chlorophyllb to compensate for the decline in light intensity in subtidal areas. Therefore, H.uninervis and H. pinifolia seem to have the ability of adjusting their chlorophyllcontent in performing optimal photosynthetic activity over a broad range of irradiance regimes.Keywords: Marine Ecology, chlorophyll content, seagrass, Halodule, experimental design,Philippines
Decisions on Building Stock Survival and Conservation in a Multi-Hazard Environment: Cultural and Functional Identity vs. Safety and Environment Values in Protected Areas
Authors: GOCIMAN CRISTINA OLGA , FLORESCU TIBERIU , MOSCU CRISTIAN IOSIF , GEORGESCU EMIL SEVER
Published: December 2014

Romania’s capital city, Bucharest, was struck by multi-hazards in its historybut has also suffered a huge trauma by demolition of 450 hectares, to build publicinstitutions in the 1980s, during the past regime. This zone is now a protectedarea, under the threats of climate and social changes. This research projectfinanced by the Romanian Ministry of National Education aimed to identifythe patterns of building blocks, in a balanced relationship between cultural,functional values, as an identity dimension, and the nature of safety, stabilityas state values (vulnerability), under earthquakes and other hazards. Functionalvalues were evaluated with respect to the Code significance categories, functionalzoning of the General Urban Plan and Law of quality in construction. Analysis ofcultural value observed the Law of Monuments, associated to 13 criteria suggestedby authors, resulting in six evaluation stages. The intervention works includedcurrent maintenance; conservative maintenance, using also strengthening;conservative works; restoration and strengthening; partial or global restricting,with possible demolition and reconstruction works; demolition; new building.New knowledge is represented by a methodology of evaluation and decisionmakingfor multi-levelinterventioncategories, to preserveurban memoryandpresentsa case study of Bucharest,Romania(Europe).Keywords: Environmental Science, multi-hazard environment, urban heritage,conservation and intervention approaches, evaluation of cultural identity andvulnerability value, disaster risk reduction, Romania
Clinical Impact of Intraoperative Navigation Using a Doppler Ultrasonographic Guided Vessel Tracking Technique for Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Maemura Kosei , Mataki Yuko , Kurahara Hiroshi , Iino Satoshi , Sakoda Masahiko , Ueno Shinichi , Shinchi Hiroyuki , Takao Sonshin , Natsugoe Shoji
Published: December 2014

During pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), early ligation of critical vessels such as the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) has been reported to reduce blood loss. Color Doppler flow imaging has become the useful diagnostic methods for the delineation of the anatomy. In this study, we assessed the utility of the intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography (Dop-US) guided vessel detection and tracking technique (Dop-Navi) for identifying critical arteries in order to reduce operative bleeding. Ninety patients who received PD for periampullary or pancreatic disease were enrolled. After 14 patients were excluded because of combined resection of portal vein or other organs, the remaining were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: patients for whom Dop-Navi was used (n = 37) and those for whom Dop-Navi was not used (n = 39; controls). We compared the ability of Dop-Navi to identify critical vessels to that of preoperative multi-detector computed tomography (MD-CT), using MD-CT data, as well as compared the perioperative status and postoperative outcome between the 2 patient groups. Intraoperative Dop-US was significantly superior to MD-CT in terms of identifying number of vessels and the ability to discriminate the IPDA from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) based on blood flow velocity. The Dop-Navi patients had shorter operation times (531 min versus 577 min; no significance) and smaller bleeding volumes (1120 mL versus 1590 mL; P < 0.01) than the control patients without increasing postoperative complications. Intraoperative Dop-Navi method allows surgeons to clearly identify the IPDA during PD and to avoid injuries to major arteries.
Open Surgery for Hepatic Hydatid Disease
Authors: Sozuer Erdogan , Akyuz Muhammet , Akbulut Sami
Published: December 2014

Hydatid disease is a zoonosis caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus. Humans are an intermediate host and are usually infected by direct contact with dogs or indirectly by contaminated foods. Hydatid disease mainly involves the liver and lungs. The disease can be asymptomatic. Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and computed tomography are used for diagnosis. The growth of hydatid cysts can lead to complications. Communication between bile duct and cysts is a common complication. The goal of treatment for hydatid disease is to eliminate the parasite with minimum morbidity and mortality. There are 3 treatment options: surgery, chemotherapy, and interventional procedures. Medical treatment has low cure and high recurrence rates. Percutaneous treatment can be performed in select cases. There are many surgical approaches for managing hydatid cysts, although there is no best surgical technique, and conservative and radical procedures are used. Conservative procedures are usually preferred in endemic areas and are easy to perform but are associated with high morbidity and recurrence rates. In these procedures, the parasite is sterilized using a scolicidal agent, and the cyst is evacuated. Radical procedures include hepatic resections and pericystectomy, which have high intraoperative risk and low recurrence rates. Radical procedures should be performed in hepatobiliary centers. The most common postoperative complications are biliary fistulas and cavity-related complications. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be used to diagnose and treat biliary system complications. Endoscopic sphincterotomy, biliary stenting, and nasobiliary tube drainage are effective for treating postoperative biliary fistulas.
Modeling the interaction between the solar wind and Saturn's magnetosphere by the AMR‐CESE‐MHD method
Authors: Wang Juan , Feng Xueshang , Du Aimin , Ge Yasong
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the space‐time conservation element and solution element (CESE) method in general curvilinear coordinates is successfully applied to the three‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the interaction between the solar wind and Saturn's magnetosphere on a six‐component grid system. As a new numerical model modified for the study of the interaction between the solar wind and Saturn's magnetosphere, we obtain the large‐scale configurations of Saturn's magnetosphere under the steady solar wind with due southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions. The numerical results clearly indicate that the global structure of Saturn's magnetosphere is strongly affected by the rotation of Saturn as well as by the solar wind. The subsolar standoff distances of the magnetopause and the bow shock in our model are consistent with those predicted by the data‐based empirical models. Our MHD results also show that a plasmoid forms in the magnetotail under the effect of the fast planetary rotation. However, somewhat differently from the previous models, we find that there are two flow vortices generated on the duskside under due southward IMF at Saturn. On the duskside, the clockwise one closer to the planet is excited by the velocity shear between the rotational flows and the sunward flows, while the anticlockwise one is generated from the velocity shear between the tailward flows along the magnetopause and the sunward flows.
Mechanical Surface Modification of Lithium Metal: Towards Improved Li Metal Anode Performance by Directed Li Plating
Authors: Ryou Myung‐Hyun , Lee Yong Min , Lee Yunju , Winter Martin , Bieker Peter
Published: December 2014

The effect of mechanical surface modification on the performance of lithium (Li) metal foil electrodes is systematically investigated. The applied micro‐needle surface treatment technique for Li metal has various advantages. 1) This economical and efficient technique is able to cover a wide range of surface area with a simple rolling process, which can be easily conducted. 2) This technique achieves improved rate capability and cycling stability, as well as a reduced interfacial resistance. The micro‐needle treatment improves the rate capability by 20% (0.750 mAh at a rate of 7C) and increases the cycling stability by 200% (85% of the initial discharge capacity after 150 cycles) compared to untreated bare Li metal (0.626 mAh at a rate of 7C, 85% of the initial discharge capacity after only 70 cycles). 3) This technique efficiently suppresses Li formation of high surface area Li during the Li deposition process, as preferred sites for controlled Li plating are generated.
Salience network and parahippocampal dopamine dysfunction in memory‐impaired Parkinson disease
Authors: Christopher Leigh , Duff‐Canning Sarah , Koshimori Yuko , Segura Barbara , Boileau Isabelle , Chen Robert , Lang Anthony E. , Houle Sylvain , Rusjan Pablo , Strafella Antonio P.
Published: December 2014

Objective

Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are vulnerable to dementia and frequently experience memory deficits. This could be the result of dopamine dysfunction in corticostriatal networks (salience, central executive networks, and striatum) and/or the medial temporal lobe. Our aim was to investigate whether dopamine dysfunction in these regions contributes to memory impairment in PD.

Methods

We used positron emission tomography imaging to compare D2 receptor availability in the cortex and striatal (limbic and associative) dopamine neuron integrity in 4 groups: memory‐impaired PD (amnestic MCI; n = 9), PD with nonamnestic MCI (n = 10), PD without MCI (n = 11), and healthy controls (n = 14). Subjects were administered a full neuropsychological test battery for cognitive performance.

Results

Memory‐impaired patients demonstrated more significant reductions in D2 receptor binding in the salience network (insular cortex and anterior cingulate cortex [ACC] and the right parahippocampal gyrus [PHG]) compared to healthy controls and patients with no MCI. They also presented reductions in the right insula and right ACC compared to nonamnestic MCI patients. D2 levels were correlated with memory performance in the right PHG and left insula of amnestic patients and with executive performance in the bilateral insula and left ACC of all MCI patients. Associative striatal dopamine denervation was significant in all PD patients.

Interpretation

Dopaminergic differences in the salience network and the medial temporal lobe contribute to memory impairment in PD. Furthermore, these findings indicate the vulnerability of the salience network in PD and its potential role in memory and executive dysfunction. Ann Neurol 2015;77:269–280
Palladium nanoparticles supported on cucurbit[6]uril: an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the Suzuki reaction under mild conditions
Authors: Karami K. , Haghighat Naeini N.
Published: December 2014

A new NC palladacycle was synthesized and supported on cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]). The CB[6]‐supported palladium was used as an efficient nanocatalyst for the Suzuki reaction. In these reactions various aryl halides were reacted with arylboronic acids in H2O–EtOH at both room temperature and 40 °C. The obtained Pd nanocatalyst exhibited excellent reactivity and stability in CC bond formation, which confirms that the catalyst is a completely active heterogeneous species. The Pd nanocatalyst was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“The sum of all human knowledge”: A systematic review of scholarly research on the content ofWikipedia
Authors: Mesgari Mostafa , Okoli Chitu , Mehdi Mohamad , Nielsen Finn Årup , Lanamäki Arto
Published: December 2014

Wikipedia may be the best‐developed attempt thus far to gather all human knowledge in one place. Its accomplishments in this regard have made it a point of inquiry for researchers from different fields of knowledge. A decade of research has thrown light on many aspects of the Wikipedia community, its processes, and its content. However, due to the variety of fields inquiring about Wikipedia and the limited synthesis of the extensive research, there is little consensus on many aspects of Wikipedia's content as an encyclopedic collection of human knowledge. This study addresses the issue by systematically reviewing 110 peer‐reviewed publications on Wikipedia content, summarizing the current findings, and highlighting the major research trends. Two major streams of research are identified: the quality of Wikipedia content (including comprehensiveness, currency, readability, and reliability) and the size of Wikipedia. Moreover, we present the key research trends in terms of the domains of inquiry, research design, data source, and data gathering methods. This review synthesizes scholarly understanding of Wikipedia content and paves the way for future studies.
Argue, observe, assess: Measuring disciplinary identities and differences through socio‐epistemic discourse
Authors: Demarest Bradford , Sugimoto Cassidy R.
Published: December 2014

Calls for interdisciplinary collaboration have become increasingly common in the face of large‐scale complex problems (including climate change, economic inequality, and education, among others); however, outcomes of such collaborations have been mixed, due, among other things, to the so‐called “translation problem” in interdisciplinary research. This article presents a potential solution: an empirical approach to quantitatively measure both the degree and nature of differences among disciplinary tongues through the social and epistemic terms used (a research area we refer to as discourse epistemetrics), in a case study comparing dissertations in philosophy, psychology, and physics. Using a support‐vector model of machine learning to classify disciplines based on relative frequencies of social and epistemic terms, we were able to markedly improve accuracy over a random selection baseline (distinguishing between disciplines with as high as 90% accuracy) as well as acquire sets of most indicative terms for each discipline by their relative presence or absence. These lists were then considered in light of findings of sociological and epistemological studies of disciplines and found to validate the approach's measure of social and epistemic disciplinary identities and contrasts. Based on the findings of our study, we conclude by considering the beneficiaries of research in this area, including bibliometricians, students, and science policy makers, among others, as well as laying out a research program that expands the number of disciplines, considers shifts in socio‐epistemic identities over time and applies these methods to nonacademic epistemological communities (e.g., political groups).
Fruits, vegetables, and bladder cancer risk: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vieira Ana R. , Vingeliene Snieguole , Chan Doris S. M. , Aune Dagfinn , Abar Leila , Navarro Rosenblatt Deborah , Greenwood Darren C. , Norat Teresa
Published: December 2014

Smoking is estimated to cause about half of all bladder cancer cases. Case–control studies have provided evidence of an inverse association between fruit and vegetable intake and bladder cancer risk. As part of the World Cancer Research/American Institute for Cancer Research Continuous Update Project, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies to assess the dose–response relationship between fruit and vegetables and incidence and mortality of bladder cancer. We searched PubMed up to December 2013 for relevant prospective studies. We conducted highest compared with lowest meta‐analyses and dose–response meta‐analyses using random effects models to estimate summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and used restricted cubic splines to examine possible nonlinear associations. Fifteen prospective studies were included in the review. The summary RR for an increase of 1 serving/day (80 g) were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.99) I2 = 0%, eight studies for fruits and vegetables, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94–1.00, I2 = 10%, 10 studies) for vegetables and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00, I2 = 0%, 12 studies) for fruits. Results were similar in men and women and in current, former and nonsmokers. Amongst fruits and vegetables subgroups, for citrus fruits the summary RR for the highest compared with the lowest intake was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76–0.99, I2 = 0%, eight studies) and for cruciferous vegetables there was evidence of a nonlinear relationship (P = 0.001). The current evidence from cohort studies is not consistent with a role for fruits and vegetables in preventing bladder cancer.
Reducing wireless multi‐hop delay via RSU re‐routing in vehicular wireless networks
Authors: Wang Kuo‐Lung , Wang Tsan‐Pin , Tseng Chien‐Chao
Published: December 2014

Vehicular wireless networks offer wireless multi‐hop communications between vehicles and roadside units (RSUs). To reduce deployment cost, the distance between two RSUs could be long; that is, the communications between an RSU and a vehicle may be carried out through multi‐hops among intermediate vehicles. When a vehicle is driven from one RSU to another, the wireless multi‐hop delay becomes more serious as the number of multi‐hop relays increases. The wireless multi‐hop delay is critical for some emergency service. For instance, in a traffic accident, when a patient was sent to the hospital by ambulance, the life information of the patient must be transmitted to the hospital on time through the multi‐hop wireless network. If the ambulance is moved from one RSU to another, the wireless multi‐hop delay becomes more and more serious as the ambulance is closing to another RSU. In this paper, we propose an RSU re‐routing strategy that dynamically alters multi‐hop communications until the best RSU with the shortest path using location information is found. Moreover, we compare the proposed strategy with the existing strategy in terms of broadcasting costs, re‐routing delay, and wireless multi‐hop delay of data transmission. Performance results show that the proposed strategy can reduce the wireless multi‐hop delay significantly. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discovery of novel vitamin D‐regulated proteins in INS‐1 cells: a proteomic approach
Authors: Pepaj Milaim , Bredahl May K. , Gjerlaugsen Nina , Bornstedt Mette E. , Thorsby Per M.
Published: December 2014

Background

Experimental evidence indicates that vitamin D may have a beneficial role in pancreatic β‐cell function. Global gene expression studies have shown that the active metabolite 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25‐(OH)2D3] modulates genes involved in ion transport, lipid metabolism and insulin secretion.

Methods

We employed stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture in combination with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to quantitatively assess the impact of two vitamin D metabolites, 1,25‐(OH)2D3 and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25‐(OH)D3], on global protein expression on a model rat β‐cell line, insulinoma‐derived INS‐1 cells.

Results

Although treatment with 1,25‐(OH)2D3 resulted in 31 differentially expressed proteins, 25‐(OH)D3 had no impact on protein expression. Of these 31 proteins, 29 were upregulated, whereas two showed a decrease in abundance. Proteins whose expression levels markedly increased in the presence of 1,25‐(OH)2D3 included Crat, Hmgn2, Protein Tmsbl1 and Gdap1. One of the most important findings in this study is upregulation of proteins implicated in insulin granule motility and insulin exocytosis, suggesting a positive effect on insulin secretion. Moreover, modulation of several membrane transport proteins suggests that 1,25‐(OH)2D3 has an impact on the homeostatic regulation of ions, which is critical for most functions in the β‐cell.

Conclusions

In this study, we discovered a number of novel 1,25‐(OH)2D3‐regulated proteins, which may contribute to a better understanding of the reported beneficial effects of vitamin D on pancreatic β‐cells. All in all, our findings should pave the way for future studies providing insights into molecular mechanisms by which 1,25‐(OH)2D3 regulates protein expression in pancreatic β‐cells. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The risks of learning: confounding detection and demographic trend when using count‐based indices for population monitoring
Authors: Gervasi Vincenzo , Brøseth Henrik , Gimenez Olivier , Nilsen Erlend B. , Linnell John D. C.
Published: December 2014

Theory recognizes that a treatment of the detection process is required to avoid producing biased estimates of population rate of change. Still, one of three monitoring programmes on animal or plant populations is focused on simply counting individuals or other fixed visible structures, such as natal dens, nests, tree cavities. This type of monitoring design poses concerns about the possibility to respect the assumption of constant detection, as the information acquired in a given year about the spatial distribution of reproductive sites can provide a higher chance to detect the species in subsequent years. We developed an individual‐based simulation model, which evaluates how the accumulation of knowledge about the spatial distribution of a population process can affect the accuracy of population growth rate estimates, when using simple count‐based indices. Then, we assessed the relative importance of each parameter in affecting monitoring performance. We also present the case of wolverines (Gulo gulo) in southern Scandinavia as an example of a monitoring system with an intrinsic tendency to accumulate knowledge and increase detectability. When the occupation of a nest or den is temporally autocorrelated, the monitoring system is prone to increase its knowledge with time. This happens also when there is no intensification in monitoring effort and no change in the monitoring conditions. Such accumulated knowledge is likely to increase detection probability with time and can produce severe bias in the estimation of the rate and direction of population change over time. We recommend that a systematic sampling of the population process under study and an explicit treatment of the underlying detection process should be implemented whenever economic and logistical constraints permit, as failure to include detection probability in the estimation of population growth rate can lead to serious bias and severe consequences for management and conservation.
MODISTools – downloading and processing MODIS remotely sensed data in R
Authors: Tuck Sean L. , Phillips Helen R.P. , Hintzen Rogier E. , Scharlemann Jörn P.W. , Purvis Andy , Hudson Lawrence N.
Published: December 2014

Remotely sensed data – available at medium to high resolution across global spatial and temporal scales – are a valuable resource for ecologists. In particular, products from NASA's MODerate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), providing twice‐daily global coverage, have been widely used for ecological applications. We present MODISTools, an R package designed to improve the accessing, downloading, and processing of remotely sensed MODIS data. MODISTools automates the process of data downloading and processing from any number of locations, time periods, and MODIS products. This automation reduces the risk of human error, and the researcher effort required compared to manual per‐location downloads. The package will be particularly useful for ecological studies that include multiple sites, such as meta‐analyses, observation networks, and globally distributed experiments. We give examples of the simple, reproducible workflow that MODISTools provides and of the checks that are carried out in the process. The end product is in a format that is amenable to statistical modeling. We analyzed the relationship between species richness across multiple higher taxa observed at 526 sites in temperate forests and vegetation indices, measures of aboveground net primary productivity. We downloaded MODIS derived vegetation index time series for each location where the species richness had been sampled, and summarized the data into three measures: maximum time‐series value, temporal mean, and temporal variability. On average, species richness covaried positively with our vegetation index measures. Different higher taxa show different positive relationships with vegetation indices. Models had high R2 values, suggesting higher taxon identity and a gradient of vegetation index together explain most of the variation in species richness in our data. MODISTools can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms, and is available from CRAN and GitHub (https://github.com/seantuck12/MODISTools).
Translocation of a polymer through a nanopore starting from a confining nanotube
Authors: Sean David , de Haan Hendrick W. , Slater Gary W.
Published: December 2014

In this manuscript, Langevin Dynamics simulations and Tension‐Propagation theory are used to investigate the forced translocation of a polymer from a confining tube through a nanopore situated at one of the tube's ends. The diameter of the tube allows for a control over the polymer conformations: decreasing the tube diameter reduces the number of conformations available to the polymer chain both before and during translocation. As the tube diameter is decreased, the translocation time is observed to increase. Interestingly, while the width of the distribution of translocation times is reduced if the chain starts in a tube, it reaches a maximum for weakly confining tubes. A Tension‐Propagation approach is developed for the tube‐nanopore setup in the strongly driven limit. Good agreement between the simulations and the theory allows for an exploration of the underlying physical mechanisms, including the calculation of an effective pore friction and the assessing of the impact of monomer crowding on the trans side.
Proposed design models for the asymmetric friction connection
Authors: Khoo Hsen‐Han , Clifton Charles , MacRae Gregory , Zhou Hao , Ramhormozian Shahab
Published: December 2014

The Asymmetric Friction Connection (AFC) remains elastic during moderate earthquake shaking but slides and dissipates energy through friction during severe earthquake shaking. The sliding friction forces developed are dependent on the clamping force in the connection which is provided by fully tensioned bolts which pass through slotted holes. During sliding these bolts are subject to moment and shear as well as axial force. Moment–shear–axial force interaction reduces the clamping axial force on the sliding interfaces thereby reducing the sliding shear resistance (Vss). Two methods to evaluate the moment–shear–axial force interaction have been proposed so that the sliding shear strength can be quantified, but as yet, these methods are not robust. This paper describes the results of 60 tests undertaken to improve the two methods, namely the moment–shear–axial force bolt model and the effective coefficient of friction method, for AFCs with high hardness steel shims. The bolts were M16 to M30 bolts and cleat thicknesses ranged from 12 mm to 25 mm. It is shown that either method may be used in design as the results obtained are similar. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction between nickel and cobalt toxicity in Enchytraeus crypticus is due to competitive uptake
Authors: He Erkai , Baas Jan , Van Gestel Cornelis A.M.
Published: December 2014

Uptake and toxicity of Ni-Co mixtures in Enchytraeus crypticus were determined after 4 d, 7 d, 10 d, and 14 d exposure. Generally, body concentrations of Ni and Co increased with increasing exposure concentrations. Ni body concentration was significantly reduced in the presence of Co, whereas Ni only marginally affected Co uptake. When expressed as free ion activities, individual toxicity of Ni and Co increased with time, with median lethal concentrations (LC50) decreasing from 78.3 μM and 511 μM at 4 d to 40.4 μM and 393 μM at 14 d, respectively. When expressed as body concentrations, LC50BodyNi remained constant with time whereas LC50BodyCo increased during the first 7 d but remained stable afterwards. As identified by the MIXTOX model, interactions between Ni and Co were mainly antagonistic when based on free ion activities, however, no interaction was observed when based on body concentrations. A process-based model, incorporating exposure time to analyze the mechanisms underlying the dynamic mixture toxicity confirmed the differences in toxicokinetics of the 2 metals. The author's findings suggest that body concentrations, which incorporate bioaccumulation processes, are time-independent and can act as a more constant indicator of metal toxicity. The observed antagonism was mainly caused by competition between Co and Ni for binding sites and subsequent inhibition of Ni uptake. This competitive interaction occurred at the uptake level (toxicokinetics), but not at the target level (toxicodynamics). Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;9999:1–10. © 2014 SETAC
Chemotherapy of WAP‐T mouse mammary carcinomas aggravates tumor phenotype and enhances tumor cell dissemination
Authors: Jannasch Katharina , Wegwitz Florian , Lenfert Eva , Maenz Claudia , Deppert Wolfgang , Alves Frauke
Published: December 2014

In this study, the effects of the standard chemotherapy, cyclophosphamide/adriamycin/5‐fluorouracil (CAF) on tumor growth, dissemination and recurrence after orthotopic implantation of murine G‐2 cells were analyzed in the syngeneic immunocompetent whey acidic protein‐T mouse model (Wegwitz et al., PLoS One 2010; 5:e12103; Schulze‐Garg et al., Oncogene 2000; 19:1028–37). Single‐dose CAF treatment reduced tumor size significantly, but was not able to eradicate all tumor cells, as recurrent tumor growth was observed 4 weeks after CAF treatment. Nine days after CAF treatment, residual tumors showed features of regressive alterations and were composed of mesenchymal‐like tumor cells, infiltrating immune cells and some tumor‐associated fibroblasts with an intense deposition of collagen. Recurrent tumors were characterized by coagulative necrosis and less tumor cell differentiation compared with untreated tumors, suggesting a more aggressive tumor phenotype. In support, tumor cell dissemination was strongly enhanced in mice that had developed recurrent tumors in comparison with untreated controls, although only few disseminated tumor cells could be detected in various organs 9 days after CAF application. In vitro experiments revealed that CAF treatment of G‐2 cells eliminates the vast majority of epithelial tumor cells, whereas tumor cells with a mesenchymal phenotype survive. These results together with the in vivo findings suggest that tumor cells that underwent epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and/or exhibit stem‐cell‐like properties are difficult to eliminate using one round of CAF chemotherapy. The model system described here provides a valuable tool for the characterization of the effects of chemotherapeutic regimens on recurrent tumor growth and on tumor cell dissemination, thereby enabling the development and preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies to target mammary carcinomas.
HPV16 E5 expression induces switching from FGFR2b to FGFR2c and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Ranieri Danilo , Belleudi Francesca , Magenta Alessandra , Torrisi Maria Rosaria
Published: December 2014

The E5 oncoprotein of the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16 E5) deregulates epithelial homeostasis through the modulation of receptor tyrosine kinases and their signaling. Accordingly, the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b/KGFR), epithelial splicing transcript variant of the FGFR2, is down‐modulated by the viral protein expression, leading to impairment of keratinocyte differentiation. Here, we report that, in cell models of transfected human keratinocytes as well as in cervical epithelial cells containing episomal HPV16, the down‐regulation of FGFR2b induced by 16E5 is associated with the aberrant expression of the mesenchymal FGFR2c isoform as a consequence of splicing switch: in fact, quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that this molecular event is transcriptionally regulated by the epithelial splicing regulatory proteins 1 and 2 (ESRP1 and ESRP2) and is able to produce effects synergistic with those caused by TGFβ treatment. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that this altered FGFR2 splicing leads to changes in the specificity for the ligands FGFs and in the cellular response, triggering epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Through 16E5 or FGFR2 silencing as well as inhibition of FGFR2 activity we demonstrated the direct role of the viral protein in the receptor isoform switching and EMT, suggesting that these early molecular events during HPV infection might represent additional mechanisms driving cervical transformation and tumor progression.
Deciphering a pathway of Halobacterium salinarum N‐glycosylation
Authors: Kandiba Lina , Eichler Jerry
Published: December 2014

Genomic analysis points to N‐glycosylation as being a common posttranslational modification in Archaea. To date, however, pathways of archaeal N‐glycosylation have only been described for few species. With this in mind, the similarities of N‐linked glycans decorating glycoproteins in the haloarchaea Haloferax volcanii and Halobacterium salinarum directed a series of bioinformatics, genetic, and biochemical experiments designed to describe that Hbt. salinarum pathway responsible for biogenesis of one of the two N‐linked oligosaccharides described in this species. As in Hfx. volcanii, where agl (archaeal glycosylation) genes that encode proteins responsible for the assembly and attachment of a pentasaccharide to target protein Asn residues are clustered in the genome, Hbt. salinarum also contains a group of clustered homologous genes (VNG1048G‐VNG1068G). Introduction of these Hbt. salinarum genes into Hfx. volcanii mutant strains deleted of the homologous sequence restored the lost activity. Moreover, transcription of the Hbt. salinarum genes in the native host, as well as in vitro biochemical confirmation of the predicted functions of several of the products of these genes provided further support for assignments made following bioinformatics and genetic experiments. Based on the results obtained in this study, the first description of an N‐glycosylation pathway in Hbt. salinarum is offered.
Heat stress during in vitro fertilization decreases fertilization success by disrupting anti‐polyspermy systems of the oocytes
Authors: Sakatani Miki , Yamanaka Kenichi , Balboula Ahmed Z. , Takenouchi Naoki , Takahashi Masashi
Published: December 2014

Low pregnancy rates during the summer are due, in part, to reduced fertilization. Given that elevated temperature is associated with this season, we investigated the effect of heat stress during fertilization using an in vitro model. Three experiments were performed to determine the mechanism by which exposure to elevated temperature disrupts fertilization. Oocytes were fertilized for 6 hr at 38.5°C or 41.0°C or 40.0°C with non‐pre‐incubated sperm, or for 6 hr at 38.5°C with sperm that had been pre‐incubated at 38.5°C or 41.0°C for 4 hr. In each experiment, zygotes were cultured at 38.5°C in 5% CO2 and 5% O2. Rates of cleavage and blasocyst formation were reduced when fertilization occurs at elevated temperatures. The percent of sperm classified as alive, using fluorescein diacetate labeling, was decreased by pre‐incubation and fertilization at 40.0°C. Although no difference was observed in sperm penetration rate, polyspermy tended to be increased by heat stress during fertilization. The zona pellucidae of zygotes formed following fertilization at 40.0°C for 6 hr were more sensitive to digestion with pronase. Furthermore, these zygotes exhibited higher hydrogen peroxide levels, measured by 2,7‐dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate staining, and showed increased transcript abundance for HSPA1A, a gene involved in the heat‐shock response, but decreased transcript abundance for UCHL1, a gene involved in preventing polyspermy. Results indicate that heat stress during fertilization is lethal to sperm, and causes oxidative stress, altered transcript abundance, and a defective block to polyspermy in the zygote. Thus, an increase in polyspermy is likely one cause of the reduced competency of zygotes fertilized under elevated temperatures to develop to the blastocyst stage. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 36–47, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deterministic Modeling of Copolymer Microstructure: Composition Drift and Sequence Patterns
Authors: Kryven Ivan , Iedema Piet D.
Published: December 2014

A concept of a population balance is applied to study evolving structures of propagating linear copolymer chains. As a result, a general numerical toolbox was developed capable to handle various copolymerization mechanisms utilizing two‐dimensional distributions as means of system description. The method was applied to free radical copolymerization of styrene–acrylonitrile explaining peculiar bimodality in chain length distribution observed for asymmetrical initial monomer ratios.
Long‐term adherence to daily controller medication in children with asthma: The role of outpatient clinic visits
Authors: Keemink Yvette S. , Klok Ted , Brand Paul L.P.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To investigate changes in inhaled corticosteroids adherence, both before and after a scheduled follow‐up visit, in young children in a comprehensive asthma management program.

Study design

One‐year prospective follow‐up study in 104 asthmatic children (mean age 4.8 years). Adherence to inhaled corticosteroids was assessed using electronic (Smartinhaler®) devices. We assessed changes in adherence before and after clinic visits. A  > 10% increase in adherence in the 3 days preceding a clinic visit was considered to reflect clinically relevant white coat adherence (WCA) if it exceeded background variation in adherence (median change >0, and increase larger than adherence changes after a clinic visit).

Results

Overall adherence was high (median 85%). A pre‐visit increase in adherence of >10% was demonstrated in 17 patients (22%), but the median change in adherence around a clinic visit was 0. There were no significant differences in changes in adherence between the days before or after a visit (P > 0.2). The median coefficient of variation in adherence was 9%, and did not significantly differ between children with and without a pre‐visit increase in adherence (P = 0.12). Twelve patients (15.4%) showed an increase of adherence in the month following a clinic visit; their overall mean (SE) adherence was slightly lower (73% (4.6%)) than those without such an increase (80% (2.2%), P = 0.054).

Conclusions

There was no WCA in children with asthma enrolled in a comprehensive asthma management program with high overall adherence. This suggests that WCA in pediatric chronic conditions primarily occurs against the background of low overall adherence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:1060–1064. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treating dyspnea with morphine sulfate in nonverbal children with neurological impairment
Authors: Hauer Julie M.
Published: December 2014

Children with severe neurological impairment (NI) are at risk for recurrent respiratory illness with risk for associated distressing respiratory symptoms as respiratory exacerbations become more frequent. Evidence for treating dyspnea in adults with severe pulmonary disease offers interventions for consideration, including morphine sulfate. This case series of four individuals with severe NI reviews the benefit from morphine for respiratory distress. Information includes descriptors of distress, starting dose, and dose increases. This is the first report to review the use of morphine for the treatment of dyspnea in nonverbal children with severe impairment of the central nervous system. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:E9–E12. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence and characteristics of tracheal cobblestoning in children
Authors: Dave Mital H. , Gerber Andreas , Bailey Martin , Gysin Claudine , Hoeve Hans , Hammer Juerg , Nicolai Thomas , Weiss Markus
Published: December 2014

Background

Tracheal follicular pattern or so‐called tracheal cobblestoning is a poorly described entity in the literature and is depicted as a nodular or lumpy appearance of the tracheal wall mucosa suggesting tracheal irritation from factors like gastro‐esophageal reflux (GERD) or pulmonary infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tracheal cobblestones in a large pediatric population.

Methods

A large database of rigid tracheoscopies recorded in children (0–6 years of age) undergoing general anesthesia with planned tracheal intubation for elective surgical procedures was retrospectively analyzed. Tracheoscopy records were reviewed by five pediatric airway experts (authors 3–7). Data were compared using the Mann–Whitney test, chi‐square or Fisher exact test as appropriate (P < 0.05).

Results

A total of 971 rigid tracheoscopy records were analyzed. The median age of the patients was 3.3 years (range 0.4–6.0 yrs). Cobblestones were present in 377 out of 971 patients (38.8%) with a male to female prevalence of 254 (40.6%)/123 (35.5%). None of the children under four months of age showed the presence of cobblestones. The prevalence of cobblestones was significantly less in patients under 3 years of age compared to over 3 years (P < 0.01). There was no association between prevalence of cobblestones and GERD, current or recent respiratory infection or concomitant enlarged tonsils.

Conclusion

The prevalence of tracheal cobblestones in otherwise healthy children is high and is not associated with GERD or respiratory infection. The gender and age related differences are novel interesting findings that require further investigations. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:995–999. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.