bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ozone pollution will compromise efforts to increase global wheat production
Authors: Mills Gina , Sharps Katrina , Simpson David , Pleijel Håkan , Broberg Malin , Uddling Johan , Jaramillo Fernando , Davies William J , Dentener Frank , Van den Berg Maurits , Agrawal Madhoolika , Agrawal Shahibhushan B. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A. , Büker Patrick , Emberson Lisa , Feng Zhaozhong , Harmens Harry , Hayes Felicity , Kobayashi Kazuhiko , Paoletti Elena , Van Dingenen Rita
Published: March 2018

Introduction of high‐performing crop cultivars and crop/soil water management practices that increase the stomatal uptake of carbon dioxide and photosynthesis will be instrumental in realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of achieving food security. To date, however, global assessments of how to increase crop yield have failed to consider the negative effects of tropospheric ozone, a gaseous pollutant that enters the leaf stomatal pores of plants along with carbon dioxide, and is increasing in concentration globally, particularly in rapidly developing countries. Earlier studies have simply estimated that the largest effects are in the areas with the highest ozone concentrations. Using a modelling method that accounts for the effects of soil moisture deficit and meteorological factors on the stomatal uptake of ozone, we show for the first time that ozone impacts on wheat yield are particularly large in humid rain‐fed and irrigated areas of major wheat‐producing countries (e.g. United States, France, India, China and Russia). Averaged over 2010–2012, we estimate that ozone reduces wheat yields by a mean 9.9% in the northern hemisphere and 6.2% in the southern hemisphere, corresponding to some 85 Tg (million tonnes) of lost grain. Total production losses in developing countries receiving Official Development Assistance are 50% higher than those in developed countries, potentially reducing the possibility of achieving UN SDG2. Crucially, our analysis shows that ozone could reduce the potential yield benefits of increasing irrigation usage in response to climate change because added irrigation increases the uptake and subsequent negative effects of the pollutant. We show that mitigation of air pollution in a changing climate could play a vital role in achieving the above‐mentioned UN SDG, while also contributing to other SDGs related to human health and well‐being, ecosystems and climate change.
Agricultural diversification as an important strategy for achieving food security in Africa
Authors: Waha Katharina , van Wijk Mark T. , Fritz Steffen , See Linda , Thornton Philip K. , Wichern Jannike , Herrero Mario
Published: March 2018

Farmers in Africa have long adapted to climatic and other risks by diversifying their farming activities. Using a multi‐scale approach, we explore the relationship between farming diversity and food security and the diversification potential of African agriculture and its limits on the household and continental scale. On the household scale, we use agricultural surveys from more than 28,000 households located in 18 African countries. In a next step, we use the relationship between rainfall, rainfall variability, and farming diversity to determine the available diversification options for farmers on the continental scale. On the household scale, we show that households with greater farming diversity are more successful in meeting their consumption needs, but only up to a certain level of diversity per ha cropland and more often if food can be purchased from off‐farm income or income from farm sales. More diverse farming systems can contribute to household food security; however, the relationship is influenced by other factors, for example, the market orientation of a household, livestock ownership, nonagricultural employment opportunities, and available land resources. On the continental scale, the greatest opportunities for diversification of food crops, cash crops, and livestock are located in areas with 500–1,000 mm annual rainfall and 17%–22% rainfall variability. Forty‐three percent of the African cropland lacks these opportunities at present which may hamper the ability of agricultural systems to respond to climate change. While sustainable intensification practices that increase yields have received most attention to date, our study suggests that a shift in the research and policy paradigm toward agricultural diversification options may be necessary.
FREEWAT, a Free and Open Source, GIS‐Integrated, Hydrological Modeling Platform
Authors: Foglia Laura , Borsi Iacopo , Mehl Steffen , De Filippis Giovanna , Cannata Massimiliano , Vasquez‐Suñe Enric , Criollo Rotman , Rossetto Rudy
Published: March 2018

Article impact statement: free and open source tools to boost application and usage of surface−/groundwater models for effective water resource management.
Impacts of a Rural Subdivision on Groundwater Quality: Results of Long‐Term Monitoring
Authors: Rayne Todd W. , Bradbury Kenneth R. , Krause Jacob J.
Published: March 2018

A rural subdivision in south central Wisconsin was instrumented with monitoring wells and lysimeters before, during, and after its construction to examine the impacts of the unsewered subdivision on groundwater quality and quantity. Prior to construction, the 78‐acre (32 ha) site was farmland. Sixteen homes were constructed beginning in 2003. Initial monitoring from 2002 to 2005 showed that groundwater beneath the site had been impacted by previous agricultural use, with nitrate‐N values as high as 30 mg/L and some detections of the herbicide atrazine. Our 12‐year study shows that the transition from agricultural to residential land use has changed groundwater quality in both negative and positive ways. Although groundwater elevations showed typical seasonal fluctuations each year, there were no measurable changes in groundwater levels or general flow directions during the 12‐year study period. Chloride values increased in many wells, possibly as a result of road salting or water softener discharge. Nitrate concentrations varied spatially and temporally over the study period, with some initial concentrations substantially above the drinking water standard. In some wells, nitrate and atrazine levels have declined substantially since agriculture ceased. However, atrazine was still present at trace concentrations throughout the site in 2014. Wastewater tracers show there are small but detectable impacts from septic effluent on groundwater quality. Particle traces based on a groundwater flow model are consistent with the hypothesis that septic leachate has impacted groundwater quality.
The development of search filters for adverse effects of surgical interventions in medline and Embase
Authors: Golder Su , Wright Kath , Loke Yoon Kong
Published: March 2018

Background

Search filter development for adverse effects has tended to focus on retrieving studies of drug interventions. However, a different approach is required for surgical interventions.

Objective

To develop and validate search filters for medline and Embase for the adverse effects of surgical interventions.

Methods

Systematic reviews of surgical interventions where the primary focus was to evaluate adverse effect(s) were sought. The included studies within these reviews were divided randomly into a development set, evaluation set and validation set. Using word frequency analysis we constructed a sensitivity maximising search strategy and this was tested in the evaluation and validation set.

Results

Three hundred and fifty eight papers were included from 19 surgical intervention reviews. Three hundred and fifty two papers were available on medline and 348 were available on Embase. Generic adverse effects search strategies in medline and Embase could achieve approximately 90% relative recall. Recall could be further improved with the addition of specific adverse effects terms to the search strategies.

Conclusion

We have derived and validated a novel search filter that has reasonable performance for identifying adverse effects of surgical interventions in medline and Embase. However, we appreciate the limitations of our methods, and recommend further research on larger sample sizes and prospective systematic reviews.
Solid papillary breast carcinomas resembling the tall cell variant of papillary thyroid neoplasms (solid papillary carcinomas with reverse polarity) harbour recurrent mutations affecting IDH2 and PIK3CA: a validation cohort
Authors: Lozada John R , Basili Thais , Pareja Fresia , Alemar Barbara , Paula Arnaud Da Cruz , Gularte‐Merida Rodrigo , Giri Dilip D , Querzoli Patricia , Cserni Gabor , Rakha Emad A , Foschini Maria P , Reis‐Filho Jorge S , Brogi Edi , Weigelt Britta , Geyer Felipe C
Published: March 2018

Aims

Solid papillary breast carcinoma resembling the tall cell variant of papillary thyroid neoplasms (BPTC), also known as solid papillary carcinoma with reverse polarity, is a rare histological type of breast cancer that resembles morphologically the tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. BPTCs are characterised by IDH2 R172 hotspot somatic mutations or mutually exclusive TET2 somatic mutations, concurrently with mutations affecting PI3K pathway‐related genes. We sought to characterise their histology and investigate the frequency of IDH2 and PIK3CA mutations in an independent cohort of BPTCs, as well as in conventional solid papillary carcinomas (SPCs).

Methods and results

Six BPTCs, not previously analysed molecularly, and 10 SPCs were reviewed centrally. Tumour DNA was extracted from microdissected histological sections and subjected to Sanger sequencing of the IDH2 R172 hotspot locus and exons 9 and 20 of PIK3CA. All six BPTCs were characterised by solid, papillary and follicular architecture with circumscribed, invasive tumour nodules composed of epithelial cells with reverse polarity. IDH2 mutations were identified in all six BPTCs (three R172S, two R172T and one R172G), four of which also harboured PIK3CA mutations (two H1047R, one Q546K and one Q546R). By contrast, all SPCs lacked IDH2 mutations, while one of 10 harboured a PIK3CA mutation (H1047R).

Conclusion

We validated the presence of IDH2 R172 hotspot mutations and PIK3CA hotspot mutations in 100% and 67% BPTCs tested, respectively, and documented absence of IDH2 R172 mutations in SPCs. These findings confirm the genotypical–phenotypical correlation reported previously in BPTC, which constitutes an entity distinct from conventional SPC.
Deformation path of amygdules in basic schists in Itoshima area, northern Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Yamasaki Yukiko , Ikeda Takeshi
Published: March 2018

A deformation path of amygdules in basic schists that underwent contact metamorphism in Itoshima area, northern Kyushu, Japan, has been revealed using shape and internal microstructure of the amygdules. The amygdules are filled mainly with plagioclase that was recrystallized during the contact metamorphism. Crystal size of the plagioclase decreases with increasing aspect ratio of the amygdules. Some amygdules with low‐aspect ratio contain plagioclase showing flat twin boundaries. This suggests that such amygdules were undeformed after peak of the contact metamorphism and preserved the strain accumulated until then, which probably includes prograde stage of the contact metamorphism and former regional Renge metamorphism. In contrast, the amygdules with high‐aspect ratio underwent superimposition of deformation taking place after peak of the contact metamorphism. The strain analysis shows the constriction types for the former amygdules while the plane‐strain types for the latter. This reveals a deformation path of the amygdules such that the constrictional strain before the peak of contact metamorphism was partially overprinted by later flattening strain, showing the apparent plane‐strain types.
Spring migratory routes and stopover duration of satellite‐tracked Eurasian Teals Anas crecca wintering in Italy
Authors: Giunchi Dimitri , Baldaccini Natale E. , Lenzoni Alfonso , Luschi Paolo , Sorrenti Michele , Cerritelli Giulia , Vanni Lorenzo
Published: March 2018

Identifying an organism's migratory strategies and routes has important implications for conservation. For most species of European ducks, information on the general course of migration, revealed by ringing recoveries, is available, whereas tracking data on migratory movements are limited to the largest species. In the present paper, we report the results of a tracking study on 29 Eurasian Teals, the smallest European duck, captured during the wintering period at three Italian sites. The departure date of spring migration was determined for 21 individuals, and for 15 the entire spring migratory route was reconstructed. Most ducks departed from wintering grounds between mid‐February and March following straight and direct routes along the Black Sea‐Mediterranean flyway. The breeding sites, usually reached by May, were spread from central to north‐Eastern Europe to east of the Urals. The migratory speed was slow (approximately 36 km/day on average) because most birds stopped for several weeks at stopover sites, mainly in south‐eastern Europe, especially at the very beginning of migration. The active flight migration segments were covered at much higher speeds, up to 872 km/day. Stopover duration tended to be shorter when birds were closer to their breeding site. These results, based on the largest satellite tracking effort for this species, revealed for the first time the main features of the migratory strategies of individual Teals wintering in Europe, such as the migration timing and speed and stopover localization and duration.
Identification of potential source and sink areas for butterflies on the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Pulido‐Pastor Antonio , Márquez Ana Luz , García‐Barros Enrique , Real Raimundo
Published: March 2018

The dynamic analysis of geographical distribution is relevant to identify the processes that underlie any changes of geographical ranges. This is an essential element of both biogeography and conservation biology. Fuzzy logic, in particular the fuzzy concept of favourability for species occurrence, helps to perform a dynamic interpretation of the internal complexity of species ranges.

We modelled the distributions of the 222 Iberian butterflies using favourability functions and 92 environmental variables (spatial, climatic, topographic, geological and indicators of human activity). We obtained a significant environmental favourability model for each butterfly.

We identified the potential sources and sinks in the distribution area of each butterfly species using their respective favourability and presence–absence maps, considering as sources only those areas with high favourability where the butterfly is present, and sinks only those areas with low favourability where the butterfly is present too.

The source areas for the Iberian butterflies are concentrated in the north of the peninsula, mainly in the mountain ranges (Cantabrian Range, Pyrenees and Central Range). Sink areas are more dispersed all around the peninsula. We found a concentration of sink locations in eastern Iberia (Alicante and Murcia provinces) and in the southwestern area (Doñana National Park).

This may be helpful when implementing conservation measures, by providing a biogeographical dynamic interpretation of the roles of different parts of the distribution range of the species. Preserving the processes that link sources with sinks is critical for maintaining or improving the sustainability of populations.
Near visual acuity of dental hygienists with and without magnification
Authors: Eichenberger M , Perrin P , Sieber KR , Lussi A
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was (i) to evaluate the visual performance of dental hygienists in their clinical environment and (ii) to analyse the relationship between self‐assessed and objectively measured visual acuity.

Methods

The near visual acuity of 191 dental hygienists and dental hygiene students was self‐assessed with a visual analogue scale and objectively measured with miniaturized visual tests in a simulated clinical setting. The visual acuity was also measured with magnification aids if they were part of the individual clinical equipment. The influence of age and magnification on the near visual acuity was analysed.

Results

The visual performance with respect to dental working distance showed a variability of 300% in the dimension of the smallest recognized structure. A weak positive correlation between the self‐assessed and objectively measured visual performance (Spearman's rank correlation = 0.27) and a highly significant impact of the test person's age and the use of loupes (both P < .0001) were found. Test subjects ≥40 years exhibited a similar visual acuity when using loupes compared to the visual acuity of test subjects <40 years without loupes.

Conclusions

The visual performance with respect to dental working distance cannot be self‐assessed and varies individually. Dental hygienists and students of dental hygiene with a weak near visual acuity were not aware of their deficiencies. Optical aids should be used to compensate for individual visual deficiencies and are mandatory above an age of 40 years due to the effects of presbyopia.
Efficacy of chlorhexidine as a final irrigant in one‐visit root canal treatment: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Miçooğulları Kurt S. , Çalışkan M. K.
Published: March 2018

Aim

To evaluate postoperative pain and radiographic evidence of periapical healing in teeth with apical periodontitis treated in one visit with an additional final irrigation using 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and to compare the results with conventional two‐visit root canal treatment (RCT) with an intracanal calcium hydroxide (CH) dressing as a control group.

Methodology

Ninety asymptomatic maxillary anterior teeth with periapical lesions were treated by a single operator. Root canals were prepared using the step‐back technique with manual instrumentation with 2.5% NaOCl and 5% EDTA as irrigants. Half of the teeth were randomly assigned to the one‐visit (OV) group and received an additional final rinse with 2% CHX before canal filling. The other teeth were treated in two visits (TV) with a CH paste made by mixing CH powder and distilled water as an interappointment dressing. All patients were recalled and investigated clinically and radiographically for 24 months. Postoperative pain at 24–48 h and changes in apical bone density indicating radiographic healing were evaluated statistically using the Mann–Whitney U‐test followed by the Friedman and the Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05).

Results

There were no significant differences between two groups regarding the incidence of postoperative pain at 24 h (OV group 50% no pain, 47.6% mild, 2.4% moderate pain/TV group 55% no pain, 42.5% mild, 2.5% moderate pain) and at 48 h (OV group 95% no pain, 5% mild pain/TV group 98% no pain, 2% mild pain). None of the patients reported severe postoperative pain, swelling and/or flare‐ups during the follow‐up period. There was no significant difference in the radiographic healing rates (OV group 97.6% PAI 1 and/or PAI 2 and 2.4% PAI 3/TV group 95% PAI 1 and/or PAI 2 and 5% PAI 3; P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Both groups provided favourable and similar postoperative pain and periapical healing rates at 24 months. Thus, one‐visit RCT with a final rinse with 2% CHX is an acceptable alternative to two‐visit RCT with CH as temporary dressing in maxillary anterior teeth.
A study on the effect of presence of CeO2 and benzotriazole on activation of self‐healing mechanism in ZrO2 ceramic‐based coating
Authors: Mersagh Dezfuli Saeid , Sabzi Masoud
Published: March 2018

In this study, the effect of presence of CeO2 and benzotriazole inhibitor agent on activation of self‐healing reactions and the corrosion behavior of ZrO2 ceramic‐based coating are evaluated. The ZrO2 and ZrO2‐CeO2‐benzotriazole ceramic‐based coatings were synthesized using sol–gel process and heat treated at 150°C. Afterward, X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM) were utilized to evaluate the phase analysis and morphology of these coatings. In addition, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) was used for elemental analysis of obtained coatings. Corrosion and self‐healing behavior of the coatings were investigated in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The results of XRD analysis revealed the amorphous nature of both coatings. FE‐SEM observations and EDS analysis results showed the presence of benzotriazole inhibitor agent and self‐healing reactions in the cracks and defects of ZrO2‐CeO2‐benzotriazole ceramic‐based coating. Moreover, results of electrochemical tests revealed that the presence of CeO2 and benzotriazole inhibitor agent in the ZrO2 ceramic‐based coating results in intense increases in the corrosion resistance of this coating by activating the self‐healing mechanism and forming passive layers.
The synthesis and mechanical properties of high pure Ti2Al(Sn)C solid solution
Authors: Cai Leping , Huang Zhenying , Hu Wenqiang , Lei Cong , Wo Shaoshuai , Li Xinkang , Zhai Hongxiang , Zhou Yang
Published: March 2018

High pure Ti2Al(1−x)SnxC (x = 0‐1) powders were synthesized using Ti, Al, Sn, and TiC powders as raw materials by pressureless sintering method. The influence of sintering temperature and raw material ratio on the purity of Ti2AlC and Ti2Al0.8Sn0.2C powders were investigated. The results show that pure Ti2AlC and Ti2Al0.8Sn0.2C powders were obtained from the mixed raw materials ratio of Ti:1.1Al:0.9TiC and Ti:0.9Al:0.2Sn:0.9TiC at 1450°C, respectively. Subsequently, fully dense Ti2AlC and Ti2Al0.8Sn0.2C bulks were prepared using mechanically alloying and hot pressed sintering method. The Vickers hardness of Ti2AlC and Ti2Al0.8Sn0.2C approaches approximately about 6 GPa and 4 GPa, the flexural strength was measured to be 650 ± 36 MPa and 521 ± 33 MPa, respectively. Microstructural analysis reveals that grain delamination, kink bands, and crack deflection occurred around the indentation area and at the fracture surface.
Foaming during nuclear waste melter feeds conversion to glass: Application of evolved gas analysis
Authors: Hujova Miroslava , Pokorny Richard , Klouzek Jaroslav , Lee Seungmin , Traverso Joseph J. , Schweiger Michael J. , Kruger Albert A. , Hrma Pavel
Published: March 2018

During the final stages of batch‐to‐glass conversion in a waste‐glass melter, gases evolving in the cold cap produce primary foam, the formation and collapse of which control the glass production rate via its effect on heat transfer to the reacting batch. We performed quantitative evolved gas analysis (EGA) for several HLW melter feeds with temperatures ranging from 100 to 1150°C, the whole temperature span in a cold cap. EGA results were supplemented with visual observation of batch‐to‐glass transition using the feed expansion tests. Upon heating, most of the gases—mainly H2O, CO2, NO, NO2, N2, and O2—evolve at temperatures below 700°C and escape directly to the atmosphere through open porosity. However, as open porosity closes when enough glass‐forming melt appears at ~720°C, the residual gas evolution leads to the formation of primary foam. We found that primary foaming is mostly caused by the decomposition of residual carbonates, though oxygen evolution from iron‐redox reaction can also play a role. We also show that the gas evolution shifts to a higher temperature when the heating rate increases. The implications for the mathematical modeling of foam layer in the cold cap are presented.
Immune privilege disruption in folliculotropic mycosis fungoides: investigation of major histocompatibility complex antigen expression
Authors: Deonizio Janyana M. D. , Guitart Joan , Yazdan Pedram , Mulinari‐Brenner Fabiane , Sotto Mirian N. , Sanches José A.
Published: March 2018

Background

Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) is a cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma mainly affecting the hair follicle, which seems to represent a place of immune privilege phenomenon.

Objectives

To explore a possible role of immune privilege (IP) in FMF analyzing the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry for HLA‐G and MHC‐II was performed to formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded cutaneous skin biopsies of FMF patients (n = 43), conventional mycosis fungoides (CMF; n = 13), alopecia areata (AA; n = 13), and normal scalp skin (NS; n = 12).

Results

HLA‐G expression was lower in FMF (34%: 14/41) and CMF (18%: 2/11) groups compared to alopecia areata (92%:11/12) and normal scalp skin group (100%: 12/12). MHC‐II expression in hair follicle was greater in the FMF group (18/42: 43%) compared to AA (0%) and NS (0%). HLA‐G and MHC‐II expression in cellular infiltrate had no difference among FMF and CMF groups and was different compared to the AA group.

Conclusions

Our data support the hypothesis of disruption of immune privilege based on the lower expression of HLA‐G and higher expression of MHC‐II in the follicular epithelium in mycosis fungoides compared to alopecia areata and normal scalp skin. The lack of difference between FMF and CMF groups did not support the role of these molecules as a driver of folliculotropism. The expression of MHC molecules seems to be different between neoplastic and inflammatory infiltrates. The definitive significance of expression of the MHC molecules remains unclear, and more studies are necessary to fully understand the role of these molecules in cutaneous lymphomas.
Addition of crude tiger nut protein extract affects stiffness of enzymatically cross‐linked dairy proteins
Authors: Kizzie‐Hayford Nazir , Raak Norbert , Jaros Doris , Rohm Harald
Published: March 2018

The influence of crude tiger nut protein extract on the gel properties of enzymatically cross‐linked dairy proteins was investigated. Enzymatic cross‐linking of dairy proteins in the presence of crude tiger nut proteins caused the formation of larger casein polymers and increased the degree of polymerisation. Gel stiffness of acidified products containing whey proteins was higher when cross‐linking occurred in the presence of crude tiger nut proteins. The results are relevant for improving the textural characteristics of acidified aqueous tiger nut extract (tiger nut milk) enriched in dairy proteins.
Hydrolysed collagen from Lates calcarifer skin: its acute toxicity and impact on cell proliferation and collagen production of fibroblasts
Authors: Benjakul Soottawat , Karnjanapratum Supatra , Visessanguan Wonnop
Published: March 2018

Acute toxicity in Wistar rat and the impact of hydrolysed collagen (HC) from seabass skin on in vitro cell proliferation and collagen production were studied using L929 fibroblasts. HC was rich in glycine (326 residue/1000 residue) and imino acids (196 residue/1000 residue). MALDI mass spectrum of HC showed several low MW peptides with MW range of 1050–1330 Da as the major components. Based on acute oral cytotoxicity test in Wistar rat, HC was considered as safe with LD50 value higher than 5000 mg kg−1 body. HC could promote L929 cell growth, especially when used in combination with vitamin C (VitC) at a ratio of 2:1. HC/VitC (2:1) mixture also exhibited the higher enhancement effect on collagen production of L929 cells, compared with HC or VitC alone. Thus, HC could be a promising candidate for biological applications, especially in combination with VitC, as nutraceuticals for skin care.
Oestrogen‐related receptor reduces vitellogenin expression by crosstalk with the ecdysone receptor pathway in female silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Shen G. , Wu J. , Han C. , Liu H. , Xu Y. , Zhang H. , Lin Y. , Xia Q.
Published: March 2018

Oestrogen‐related receptor (ERR) is involved in oestrogen receptor (ER) signalling pathways owing to its similarity to ER in terms of domain structure and co‐activator and response elements. Although insects lack ER, they harbour an ERR gene that is thought to modulate metabolism and energy conversion via an unknown mechanism. The present study investigated the function of ERR in insects using female silkworm (Bombyx mori, Bm). We found that the expression of B. mori vitellogenin (BmVg) and B. mori ERR (BmERR) in the fat bodies of female silkworms at different stages of development exhibited alternating patterns, and RNA interference of BmERR in females induced BmVg transcription, resulting in an increase in egg weight relative to the control. Furthermore, BmERR was found to be involved in regulating the transcription of BmVg through an oestrogen‐related receptor response element (ERRE) in the promoter of the BmVg gene, as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, cell transfection assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. In summary, our results indicate that BmERR bound to the ERRE motif in the BmVg promoter reducing the expression of BmVg in the fat body of the female silkworm. To our surprise, the ERRE also showed the ability to bind the ecdysone receptor (BmEcR) and ultraspiracle complex. Thus, we surmise that ERR participates in steroid hormone signalling by engaging in crosstalk with the ER pathway in vertebrates and with the EcR pathway in insects.
Bombyx mori epidermal growth factor receptor is required for nucleopolyhedrovirus replication
Authors: Jin S. , Cheng T. , Guo Y. , Lin P. , Zhao P. , Liu C. , Kusakabe T. , Xia Q.
Published: March 2018

Baculovirus–host interactions are important models for studying the biological control of lepidopteran pests. Research on baculovirus–host interactions has focussed on baculovirus manipulation of cellular signalling pathways, including the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signalling pathways. However, the mechanism underlying ERK and PI3K/Akt activation and function in response to baculovirus infection remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that baculovirus activated the Bombyx mori ERK and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways via the B. mori epidermal growth factor receptor (BmEGFR). To further characterize the function of the BmEGFR/ERK signalling pathway in baculovirus replication, we calculated genome‐wide changes in kinase–chromatin interactions for ERK after baculovirus infection using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high‐throughput sequencing. A Gene Ontology analysis showed that virus infection had effects on the biological regulation, cellular process and metabolic process pathways. Moreover, ERK was shown to regulate the transcription of late viral genes. Taken together, our results suggest that baculoviruses manipulate components of the host cell machinery for replication via modulation of the BmEGFR signalling pathway.
Xenopus laevis macrophage‐like cells produce XCL‐1, an intelectin family serum lectin that recognizes bacteria
Authors: Nagata Saburo
Published: March 2018

Xenopus laevis Ca2+‐dependent lectin‐1 (XCL‐1) is an intelectin family serum lectin that selectively recognizes carbohydrate chains on the bacterial cell surface. Immunofluorescence examination of control spleen tissues from normal X. laevis revealed cells producing XCL‐1 (XCL‐1+ cells) exclusively in red pulps. Intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused a marked increase in the number of XCL‐1+ cells in red pulps on day 3, followed by a rapid decrease to near control levels by day 7. XCL‐1+ cells were also detected in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), and their numbers increased upon LPS injection until day 7. The XCL‐1+ cells exhibited the morphological characteristics of macrophages, with a large oval or lobulated nucleus and abundant cytoplasm with vacuoles and dendritic projections. Western blot analyses revealed concurrent increases in XCL‐1 levels in the spleen, PBLs, and PECs. When LPS‐stimulated frogs were intraperitoneally injected with paraformaldehyde‐fixed, green fluorescent protein‐labeled E. coli cells (GFP‐Eco), these were phagocytosed by XCL‐1+ PECs. The purified XCL‐1 protein agglutinated GFP‐Eco in a Ca2+‐dependent manner, which was blocked effectively by xylose and partly by LPS and Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan, but not by sucrose. These results indicate that X. laevis macrophage‐like cells produce XCL‐1 and suggest that XCL‐1 promotes the clearance of invaded bacteria by facilitating phagocytosis.
Immunological effects of placental extracellular vesicles
Authors: Tong Mancy , Abrahams Vikki M , Chamley Lawrence W
Published: March 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) extruded by the human placenta are increasingly being recognized as an essential mode of feto‐maternal communication. In the past two decades, there has been an explosion of research into the roles that placental EVs play in modulating the maternal immune and cardiovascular systems during healthy pregnancies, as well as how this communication is altered in obstetric diseases. This review aims to introduce readers to the processes of placental EV formation and the cargos they carry, and also to collate and summarize the published literature that investigates the immunological effects of placental EVs throughout human pregnancy.
Hepatocellular carcinoma over three decades in Victoria, Australia: epidemiology, diagnosis and trends, 1984–2013
Authors: Carville Kylie S. , MacLachlan Jennifer H. , Thursfield Vicky , Cowie Benjamin C.
Published: March 2018

Background

Liver cancer continues to be a health priority in Australia, with the majority attributable to preventable causes, and certain populations at higher risk.

Aims

Epidemiological assessment of incidence, trends and distribution to inform prevention, and reassessment of data in light of recent changes to registry case definitions.

Methods

Reported cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Victoria, Australia, 1984–2013, were obtained from the Victorian Cancer Registry. Demographic characteristics were examined, incidence and survival assessed using Poisson and Cox regression, and geographic distribution mapped. Incidence was compared before and after inclusion of non‐histologically confirmed cases in Registry data to assess impacts on incidence trends.

Results

Diagnoses of HCC rose substantially between 1984 and 2013, increasing sixfold from 0.9 to 5.9 per 100 000. The rate of increase per year accelerated from 5.3% between 1984 and 2003 to 9.5% between 2004 and 2013. Cases were disproportionately male (80%), median age at diagnosis was 66 years and 53% were born overseas. Even during 2004–2013, 5‐year survival was only 16%, although higher among younger people, metropolitan residents and people born overseas. Incidence showed strong geographic clustering. The proportion of cases diagnosed clinically increased from 1% during 1984–2004 to 43% in 2009–2013. The revised case definition added 993 cases (27.3% of total).

Conclusion

Cases of HCC are becoming increasingly common, and revised incidence estimates highlight the impact of case definitions in the context of changing diagnostic approaches. The ongoing burden, disproportionate population distribution and low survival emphasise the importance of prevention and early detection as a public health imperative.
Seed treatment with nano‐iron (III) oxide enhances germination, seeding growth and salinity tolerance of sorghum
Authors: Maswada H. F. , Djanaguiraman M. , Prasad P. V. V.
Published: March 2018

In recent decades, nanoparticles have been intensively applied in agriculture. Two experiments were carried out to demonstrate the potential of nano‐iron oxide (n‐Fe2O3) as seed treatment (soaking and priming) at different concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100 and 500 mg/L) for enhancing sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) germination and seedling growth under non‐stressed conditions (Experiment I), and to investigate the impacts of n‐Fe2O3 seed priming treatments (0, 10, 50, 100 and 500 mg/L) on growth, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchange, water relations and lipid peroxidation under salt stress (150 mmol NaCl solution) (Experiment II). Results indicated that seed soaking with n‐Fe2O3 at 10 mg/L was the best treatment in improving speed and per cent of germination, while seed priming with n‐Fe2O3 at 50 and 100 mg/L was the most effective treatment in improving seedling (12 days old) growth. Salt stress decreased chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, relative water content, osmotic potential and growth, along with increased lipid peroxidation. Among chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, the photosynthetic performance index of PSII (PIABS) was the most salt‐responsive. Seed priming with n‐Fe2O3 at 500 mg/L increased sorghum growth (45 days old), through increased photosystem II efficiency, chlorophyll index, photosynthetic rate and relative water content with decreased lipid peroxidation. Overall, this study indicated that use of n‐Fe2O3 as a pre‐sowing seed treatment can enhance germination and seedling growth of sorghum and protect from negative impacts of salinity stress.
A novel method to prepare self‐lubricity of Si3N4/Ag composite: Microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties
Authors: Liu Jiongjie , Wang Zixi , Yin Bing , Yang Jun , Sun Qichun , Liu Yulin , Tan Hui , Qiao Zhuhui
Published: March 2018

Si3N4/Ag composites were firstly prepared through SPS technology, using Si3N4 and AgNO3 as raw materials. Utilizing the coordination bonding of Ag+ ions with nitrogen atoms of Si3N4, in situ generated Ag particles about 1 μm were tightly anchored on Si3N4 surface, thereby preventing the outflow of silver during sintering process. Meanwhile, smaller silver particles about 20 nm were located at the grain boundaries of Si3N4, which effectively improved the mechanical and tribological properties of Si3N4‐based composites. Finally, the Si3N4/Ag composites reinforced by Ag particles showed a friction coefficient of 0.48 ± 0.01, wear rate of 1.79 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1 and fracture toughness of 7.05 ± 0.2 MPa m1/2, respectively.
Solidification of welded SiC–ZrB2–ZrC ceramics
Authors: King Derek S. , Watts Jeremy L. , Cissel Kathleen S. , Kadhim Ali H. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: March 2018

A silicon carbide‐based ceramic, containing 50 vol% SiC, 35 vol% ZrB2, and 15 vol% ZrC was plasma arc welded to produce continuous fusion joints with varying penetration depth. The parent material was preheated to 1450°C and arc welding was successfully implemented for joining of the parent material. A current of 138 A, plasma flow rate of ~1 L/min or ~0.5 L/min, and welding speed of ~8 cm/min were utilized for repeated joining, with full penetration fusion zones along the entire length of the joints. Solidification was determined to occur through the crystallization of β‐SiC (3C), then the simultaneous solidification of SiC and ZrB2, and lastly through the simultaneous solidification of SiC, ZrB2, and ZrC through a ternary eutectic reaction. The ternary eutectic composition was determined to be 35.3 ± 2.2 vol% SiC, 39.3 ± 3.8 vol% ZrB2, and 25.4 ± 3.0 vol% ZrC. A dual fusion zone microstructure was always observed due to convective melt pool mixing. The SiC content at the edge of the fusion zone was 57 vol%, while SiC content at the center of the fusion zone was 42 vol% although the overall SiC content was still nominally 50 vol% throughout the entire fusion zone.
Degradation of Nextel™ 610‐based oxide‐oxide ceramic composites by aluminum oxychloride decomposition products
Authors: Hay Randall S. , Keller Kristin A. , Zawada Larry P. , Jacobson Nathan S. , Fair Geoff E.
Published: March 2018

Nextel™ 610 alumina fibers and alumina‐YAG (yttrium‐aluminum garnet) matrices were used to make oxide‐oxide ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) with and without monazite (LaPO4) fiber‐matrix interfaces. Twelve sequential aluminum oxychloride (AlOCl) infiltrations with 1 hour heat treatments at 1100°C and a final 1 hour heat treatment at 1200°C were used for matrix densification. This matrix processing sequence severely degraded CMC mechanical properties. CMC tensile strengths and interlaminar tensile (ILT) strengths were less than 10 MPa and 1 MPa, respectively. Axial fracture of Nextel™ 610 fibers was observed after ILT testing, highlighting the extreme degradation of fiber strength. Extensive characterization was done to attempt to determine the responsible degradation mechanisms. Changes in Nextel™ 610 fiber microstructure after CMC processing were characterized by optical microscopy, SEM, and extensively by TEM. In AlOCl degraded fibers, grain boundaries near the fiber surface were wetted with a glass that contained Y2O3/SiO2 or Y2O3/La2O3/P2O5/SiO2, and near‐surface pores were partially filled with Al2O3. This glass must also contain some Al2O3 and initially some chlorine. AlOCl decomposition products were predicted using the FactSage® Thermochemical code, and were characterized by mass spectrometry. Effects of AlOCl precursors on monazite coated and uncoated Nextel™ 610 fibers tow and filament strength were evaluated. A mechanism for the severe degradation of the oxide‐oxide CMCs and Nextel™ 610 fibers that involves subcritical crack growth promoted by release of chlorine containing species during breakdown of intergranular glasses in an anhydrous environment is proposed.
Foam glass obtained through high‐pressure sintering
Authors: Østergaard Martin B. , Petersen Rasmus R. , König Jakob , Bockowski Michal , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: March 2018

Foam glasses are usually prepared through a chemical approach, that is, by mixing glass powder with foaming agents, and heating the mixture to a temperature above the softening point (106.6 Pa s) of the glass. The foaming agents release gas, enabling expansion of the sintered glass. Here, we use a physical foaming approach to prepare foam glass. First, closed pores filled with inert gases (He, Ar, or N2) are physically introduced into a glass body by sintering cathode ray tube (CRT) panel glass powder at high gas pressure (5‐25 MPa) at 640°C and, then cooled to room temperature. The sintered bodies are subjected to a second heat treatment above the glass transition temperature at atmospheric pressure. This heat treatment causes expansion of the pores due to high internal gas pressure. We found that the foaming ability strongly depends on the gas pressure applied during sintering, and on the kinetic diameters of the gases. The pressure for attaining maximum expansion, that is, lowest density and highest porosity, is found to be around 20 MPa.
Adaptation and evaluation of the Family Involvement and Alienation Questionnaire for use in the care of older people, psychiatric care, palliative care and diabetes care
Authors: Ewertzon Mats , Alvariza Anette , Winnberg Elisabeth , Leksell Janeth , Andershed Birgitta , Goliath Ida , Momeni Pardis , Kneck Åsa , Skott Maria , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: March 2018

Aim

To adapt the Family Involvement and Alienation Questionnaire (FIAQ) for use in the care of older people, psychiatric care, palliative care and diabetes care and to evaluate its validity and reliability.

Background

Involvement in the professional care has proven to be important for family members. However, they have described feelings of alienation in relation to how they experienced the professionals’ approach. To explore this issue, a broad instrument that can be used in different care contexts is needed.

Design

A psychometric evaluation study, with a cross‐sectional design.

Method

The content validity of the FIAQ was evaluated during 2014 by cognitive interviews with 15 family members to adults in different care contexts. Psychometric evaluation was then conducted (2015–2016). A sample of 325 family members participated, 103 of whom in a test–retest evaluation. Both parametric and non‐parametric methods were used.

Results

The content validity revealed that the questionnaire was generally understood and considered to be relevant and retrievable by family members in the contexts of the care of older people, psychiatric care, palliative care and diabetes care. Furthermore, the FIAQ (Revised), demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties in terms of data quality, homogeneity, unidimensionality (factor structure), internal consistency and test–retest reliability.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence that the FIAQ (Revised) is reliable and valid for use in further research and in quality assessment in the contexts of the care of older people, psychiatric care, palliative care and diabetes care.
Financial reporting quality and corporate innovation
Authors: Park KoEun
Published: March 2018

This paper examines the relationship of financial reporting to corporate innovation. Given the importance of a high‐quality information system and coordination to innovation, I predict a positive association between financial reporting quality and future innovation. My empirical evidence is consistent with this prediction. I also find some evidence that the positive association between financial reporting quality and innovation is more pronounced for firms with intensive internal research and development activities and for firms in competitive industries. The main findings are robust to using an instrumental variable approach as well as controlling for alternative explanations. I find that firms with high‐quality financial reporting transform investment inputs into greater innovation outcomes and firm value. This study provides additional insight into the role of financial reporting quality and its relation to the real economy.
Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension: A nationwide cross‐sectional study in Lebanon
Authors: Cherfan Michelle , Blacher Jacques , Asmar Roland , Chahine Mirna N. , Zeidan Rouba K. , Farah Rita , Salameh Pascale
Published: March 2018

There is limited epidemiologic data on hypertension (HTN) in Lebanon. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of HTN in the adult Lebanese population and evaluate the association between dietary and psychological factors on systolic blood pressure (SBP). Cross‐sectional analyses were conducted using a multistage cluster sample across Lebanon. A total of 2014 participants were included. The prevalence and control rates of HTN were 31.2% and 28.7%, respectively. In women, educational level and physical activity were negatively associated with HTN (P < .05 for both) and adherence to the Lebanese Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower SBP. Other factors were associated with HTN in men. There was no relationship with SBP and psychological distress. Of the modifiable risk factors, body mass index persisted as the only contributory factor in both sexes (P < .01). Accordingly, prevention of HTN at the population level should focus mainly on overweight prevention.