bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostate tumor DNA methylation is associated with cigarette smoking and adverse prostate cancer outcomes
Authors: Shui Irene M. , Wong Chao‐Jen , Zhao Shanshan , Kolb Suzanne , Ebot Ericka M. , Geybels Milan S. , Rubicz Rohina , Wright Jonathan L. , Lin Daniel W. , Klotzle Brandy , Bibikova Marina , Fan Jian‐Bing , Ostrander Elaine A. , Feng Ziding , Stanford Janet L.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

DNA methylation has been hypothesized as a mechanism for explaining the association between smoking and adverse prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes. This study was aimed at assessing whether smoking is associated with prostate tumor DNA methylation and whether these alterations may explain in part the association of smoking with PCa recurrence and mortality.

METHODS

A total of 523 men had radical prostatectomy as their primary treatment, detailed smoking history data, long‐term follow‐up for PCa outcomes, and tumor tissue profiled for DNA methylation. Ninety percent of the men also had matched tumor gene expression data. A methylome‐wide analysis was conducted to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by smoking status. To select potential functionally relevant DMRs, their correlation with the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of corresponding genes was evaluated. Finally, a smoking‐related methylation score based on the top‐ranked DMRs was created to assess its association with PCa outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty DMRs were associated with smoking status, and 10 of these were strongly correlated with mRNA expression (aldehyde oxidase 1 [AOX1], claudin 5 [CLDN5], early B‐cell factor 1 [EBF1], homeobox A7 [HOXA7], lectin galactoside‐binding soluble 3 [LGALS3], microtubule‐associated protein τ [MAPT], protocadherin γ A [PCDHGA]/protocadherin γ B [PCDHGB], paraoxonase 3 [PON3], synaptonemal complex protein 2 like [SYCP2L], and zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 12 [ZSCAN12]). Men who were in the highest tertile for the smoking‐methylation score derived from these DMRs had a higher risk of recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42‐3.72) and lethal disease (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.65‐11.78) in comparison with men in the lower 2 tertiles.

CONCLUSIONS

This integrative molecular epidemiology study supports the hypothesis that smoking‐associated tumor DNA methylation changes may explain at least part of the association between smoking and adverse PCa outcomes. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and understand the implications for improving patient outcomes.Cancer2016;122:2168–77. ©2016 American Cancer Society.
Molecular Property Optimizations with Boundary Conditions through the Best First Search Scheme
Authors: De Vleeschouwer Freija , Geerlings Paul , De Proft Frank
Published: May 2016

The front cover artwork is provided by the General Chemistry group of the Free University of Brussels. The image shows how information gathered from single‐property optimizations can be exploited to effectively, efficiently, and rationally design novel compounds with multiple desired properties, especially when constraints are applicable. Read the full text of the Concept at 10.1002/cphc.201501189.
Influence of oxidization temperature on Zn(O,S) films deposited by electron beam evaporation
Authors: Chen Chao , Cheng Shuying , Zhang Hong , Zhou Haifang , Jia Hongjie
Published: May 2016

Zn(O,S) films were fabricated by oxidizing ZnS thin films deposited by electron beam evaporation method onto glass substrates at temperatures of 350–500℃ for 2 h in an atmosphere of oxygen. The XRD and EDX confirmed that the Zn(O,S) films were obtained successfully. The influence of the oxidization temperature on the optical and electrical properties of the Zn(O,S) thin films was investigated. The experimental results show that the Zn(O,S) thin film oxidized at the temperature of 400℃ exhibits better properties than others, with the transmittance of 86% in the visible region, the band gap energy of 3.36 eV and the resistivity of 3.22 × 103 Ω·cm, which makes it a potential buffer layer of solar cell.
Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol over Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon‐Supported Iron Catalysts
Authors: Li Jiang , Liu Jun‐ling , Zhou Hong‐jun , Fu Yao
Published: May 2016

Iron‐based heterogeneous catalysts, which were generally prepared by pyrolysis of iron complexes on supports at elevated temperature, were found to be capable of catalyzing the transfer hydrogenation of furfural (FF) to furfuryl alcohol (FFA). The effects of metal precursor, nitrogen precursor, pyrolysis temperature, and support on catalytic performance were examined thoroughly, and a comprehensive study of the reaction parameters was also performed. The highest selectivity of FFA reached 83.0 % with a FF conversion of 91.6 % under the optimal reaction condition. Catalyst characterization suggested that iron cations coordinated by pyridinic nitrogen functionalities were responsible for the enhanced catalytic activity. The iron catalyst could be recycled without significant loss of catalytic activity for five runs, and the destruction of the nitrogen–iron species, the presence of crystallized Fe2O3 phase, and the pore structure change were the main reasons for catalyst deactivation.
Factorization of 3‐Point Static Structure Functions in 3D Yukawa Liquids
Authors: Magyar P. , Hartmann P. , Kalman G.J. , Golden K. I. , Donkó Z.
Published: May 2016

In many‐body systems the convolution approximation states that the 3‐point static structure function, S(3)(k1, k2), can approximately be “factorized” in terms of the 2‐point counterpart, S(2)(k1). We investigate the validity of this approximation in 3‐dimensional strongly‐coupled Yukawa liquids: the factorization is tested for specific arrangements of the wave vectors k1 and k2, with molecular dynamics simulations. With the increase of the coupling parameter we find a breakdown of factorization, of which a notable example is the appearance of negative values of S(3)(k1, k2), whereas the approximate factorized form is restricted to positive values. These negative values – based on the quadratic Fluctuation‐Dissipation Theorem – imply that the quadratic part of the density response of the system changes sign with wave number. Our simulations that incorporate an external potential energy perturbation clearly confirm this behavior. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Usage of Ray Tracing Transfer Matrix to Mitigate the Stray Light for ITER Spectroscopy
Authors: Kajita S. , Veshchev E. , Barnsley R. , Walsh M.
Published: May 2016

Stray light formed by the reflection of photons on inner wall from a bright divertor region can be a serious issue in spectroscopic measurement systems in ITER. In this study, we propose a method to mitigate the influence of stray light using a ray tracing analysis. Usually, a ray tracing simulation requires a time consuming runs. We constructed transfer matrices based on the ray tracing simulation results and used them to demonstrate the influence of stray light. It is shown that the transfer matrix can be used to reconstruct the emission profile by considering the influence of the stray light without any additional ray tracing runs. Mitigation of the stray light in ITER divertor impurity monitor was demonstrated, and a method of prediction of the stray light level for the scrape off layer spectroscopy from divertor region was proposed. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fire management strategies to maintain species population processes in a fragmented landscape of fire‐interval extremes
Authors: Tulloch Ayesha I. T. , Pichancourt Jean‐Baptiste , Gosper Carl R. , Sanders Angela , Chadès Iadine
Published: May 2016

Changed fire regimes have led to declines of fire‐regime‐adapted species and loss of biodiversity globally. Fire affects population processes of growth, reproduction, and dispersal in different ways, but there is little guidance about the best fire regime(s) to maintain species population processes in fire‐prone ecosystems. We use a process‐based approach to determine the best range of fire intervals for keystone plant species in a highly modified Mediterranean ecosystem in southwestern Australia where current fire regimes vary. In highly fragmented areas, fires are few due to limited ignitions and active suppression of wildfire on private land, while in highly connected protected areas fires are frequent and extensive. Using matrix population models, we predict population growth of seven Banksia species under different environmental conditions and patch connectivity, and evaluate the sensitivity of species survival to different fire management strategies and burning intervals. We discover that contrasting, complementary patterns of species life‐histories with time since fire result in no single best fire regime. All strategies result in the local patch extinction of at least one species. A small number of burning strategies secure complementary species sets depending on connectivity and post‐fire growing conditions. A strategy of no fire always leads to fewer species persisting than prescribed fire or random wildfire, while too‐frequent or too‐rare burning regimes lead to the possible local extinction of all species. In low landscape connectivity, we find a smaller range of suitable fire intervals, and strategies of prescribed or random burning result in a lower number of species with positive growth rates after 100 years on average compared with burning high connectivity patches. Prescribed fire may reduce or increase extinction risk when applied in combination with wildfire depending on patch connectivity. Poor growing conditions result in a significantly reduced number of species exhibiting positive growth rates after 100 years of management. By exploring the consequences of managing fire, we are able to identify which species are likely to disappear under a given fire regime. Identifying the appropriate complementarity of fire intervals, and their species‐specific as well as community‐level consequences, is crucial to reduce local extinctions of species in fragmented fire‐prone landscapes.
Influence of oil type on formation, structure, thermal, and physical properties of monoglyceride‐based organogel
Authors: Valoppi Fabio , Calligaris Sonia , Barba Luisa , Šegatin Nataša , Poklar Ulrih Nataša , Nicoli Maria Cristina
Published: May 2016

This research studied the possible relation between oil properties and structure and physical properties of saturated monoglyceride (MG)‐based organogels. To this aim different oils (castor, cod liver, corn, extra virgin olive, flax‐seed, peanut and sunflower oil, and mixture of medium chain triacylglycerols (MCT)) were used to prepare organogels by adding 10% w/w of monoglycerides. The fatty acid composition, viscosity, and dielectric properties of oils were measured. Then, organogels were characterized for crystallization induction time, dielectric properties, firmness, rheological behavior, thermal properties, crystal morphology by polarized light microscopy, and crystal polymorphism by synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.

Results acquired showed that the addition of MG in different types of oils led to the formation of organogels with different properties. In all cases, β polymorph formed in the system irrespective of oil type. Regarding oils containing long chain fatty acids, gel firmness, and other structural parameters correlated well with the dielectric constant and/or viscosity of oils: increasing oil viscosity or decreasing oil dielectric constant, firmness and rheological parameters linearly increased. On the other hand, these correlations cannot be found including in the statistical analysis castor oil or MCT, probably due to the higher ability of these oils to make dipole–dipole rotation as well as the higher solubility of MG in castor oil.

Practical applications: Oil gelation (organogelation) is a relative novel strategy to convert liquid oils into structured systems that has attracted food scientists and industry managers looking for solutions to reduce saturated/trans fats, deliver bioactive molecules, and minimize oil migration in foods. Results acquired in this research highlight that the choice of oil to be structured by means of saturated monoglycerides could affect the final gel structure. These findings could be useful in the attempt to applied organogels in different food products having different physical properties.

This research studies the effect of oil properties on structure and physical properties of saturated monoglyceride‐based organogels. Results show that only the dielectric constant and/or viscosity of long chain fatty acid oils correlated well with gel firmness and other structural parameters.
Distribution of glucosinolates in camelina seed fractions by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Yuan Deyun , Shim Youn Young , Shen Jianheng , Jadhav Pramodkumar D. , Meda Venkatesh , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: May 2016

High glucosinolate concentrations were detected and identified in camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz.) seed fractions using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS) in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Total glucosinolate quantitation was performed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry using N,N‐dimethylformamide as an internal standard. Individual glucosinolate concentrations were determined by analysis on extracted ion chromatograms generated by a MS detector. Distribution of glucosinolates in C. sativa seed fractions during pressing is reported.

Practical applications: HPLC‐ESI‐MS and HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS using monolithic HPLC columns were used to detect, quantify, and identify the three major glucosinolates in Camelina sativa L. and fractions of C. sativa produced by processing. Quantitative extracted ion MS chromatograms afforded excellent quantitation of individual glucosinolates. The use of monolithic HPLC columns enabled rapid analysis of these samples.

Schematic of a proposed dehulling system for Camelina sativa seed.
Improving phospholipase activity of PLA1 by protein engineering and its effects on oil degumming
Authors: An Qun , Wang Fanghua , Lan Dongming , Khan Faez Iqbal , Durrani Rabia , Yang Bo , Wang Yonghua
Published: May 2016

Enzymatic activity is important characteristic of enzymes for industrial application, which can be improved by protein engineering. PLA1 is a biocatalyst applied in phospholipid modification for its phospholipase activity and had obtained board attention for its application in oil degumming. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that three charged residues, R81, R84, and E87 located in the lid of the protein, may affect the conformational change of lid thus influence the activity of the enzyme. In the current study, mutagenesis of these residues was conducted with protein engineering. Five mutants such as R81A, R84A, R84M, R84K, and E87Q with higher phospholipase activity were screened out. Biochemical properties analysis showed that all of them had identical optimal pH value with wild‐type, while the optimal temperature was decreased to be 50°C and the kcat/KM was improved. Degumming soybean oil, three of five mutants, R81A, R84M, and E87Q, decreased phosphorous content lower than 8.3 mg/kg within 3 h, which was highly improved compared with wild‐type. R84M decrease phosphorus content less than 5 mg/kg within 5 h. These findings not only permit optimization of enzyme performance in degumming but also shed light on the application of bioinformatics techniques and protein engineering techniques on industry application.

Practical applications: The results support that design proteins according to bioinformatics and protein engineering is desirable and the phospholipase with higher activity is more suitable for oil degumming.

The phospholipase activity of PLA1 can be improved by protein engineering based on bioinformatics analysis. With its properties of hydrolyzing sn‐1 position ester bond of phospholipids, nonhydratable phospholipids were converted into their hydratable forms, PLA1 can be applied in oil degumming. PLA1 with higher phospholipase activity is more likely to suitable for oil degumming since it could decrease the phosphorous content of oil lower than 10 mg/kg within shorter reaction, which showed great potencial for degumming application.
Electrochemical Detection Using an Engraved Microchip – Capillary Electrophoresis Platform
Authors: Caxico de Abreu Fabiane , Costa Elton Elias M.
Published: May 2016

The present study describes a simple strategy to integrate electrochemical detection with an assembled microchip‐capillary electrophoresis platform. The electrochemical cell was integrated with a microfluidic device consisting of five plastic squares interconnected with fused silica capillaries, forming a four‐way injection cross between the separation channel and three side‐arms (each of 15 mm in length) acting as buffer/sample reservoirs. The performance of the system was evaluated using electrodes made with either carbon ink, carbon nanotubes, or gold and under different experimental conditions of pH, capillary length, and injection time. Using this system it was possible to separate the neurotransmitters dopamine and cathecol and to quantify phenol from a real sample using a linear calibration curve with a calculated LOD of 0.7 µM. A similar concept was applied to determine glucose, by including a pre‐reactor filled with beads modified with glucose oxidase (GOx). The latter system was used to determine glucose in a commercial sample, with a recovery of 95.2 %. Overall, the presented approach represents a simple, inexpensive, and versatile approach to integrate electrochemical detection with CE separations without requiring access to microfabrication facilities.
Wellbore integrity factors for CO2 storage in oil and gas producing areas in the Midwest United States
Authors: Sminchak J.R. , Moody Mark , Gupta Neeraj , Larsen Glenn
Published: May 2016

The condition of legacy oil and gas wells is an important issue for geologic CO2 storage projects. Many regions with large CO2 point sources coincide with historical oil and gas fields. This is especially apparent in the Midwestern United States, where over one million oil and gas wells are present dating back to the late 1800s. To investigate wellbore integrity factors in this region, the condition of oil and gas wells in Michigan and Ohio was summarized based on well status, depth, construction, age, and plugging specifications. To better understand the impact of well integrity on a local scale, six test study areas were also analyzed. These hypothetical test study areas were based on subsurface area necessary for an industrial scale CO2 storage application. Detailed records were used to categorize well conditions, and corrective actions necessary to repair the wells were then assigned. The results of the test study area analysis provide a real representation of the level of effort necessary to prepare sites for CO2 storage. Actions may involve relatively low‐effort tasks to examine wellheads or more extensive well re‐entry and plugging. The analysis indicated that many areas may have hundreds of wells, but no wells penetrating the deeper CO2 storage zones. At sites where many wells require corrective action, it may be challenging to efficiently plug and abandon wells. Options such as testing wellhead pressures, surface monitoring of CO2 leakage, and less extensive plugging requirements may help offset costs associated with remediating a large number of wells. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasmalemmal and mitochondrial Na+‐Ca2+ exchange in neuroglia
Authors: Parpura Vladimir , Sekler Israel , Fern Robert
Published: May 2016

In the absence of the electrical signaling for which neurons are so highly specialized, GLIA rely on the slow propagation of ionic signals to mediate network events such as Ca2+ and Na+ waves. Glia differ from neurons in another important way, they are replete with a high density of ionic‐transport proteins that are essential for them to fulfil their basic functions as guardians of the intra and extra‐cellular milieux. Both the signaling and the homeostatic properties of glial cells are therefore particularly dependent upon the regulation of the two principle physiological metal cations, Ca2+ and Na+. For both ions, glia express high‐affinity/low capacity ATP‐fuelled pumps that can rapidly move small numbers of ions against an electro‐chemical gradient. For both Ca2+ and Na+ regulation, a single transporter family, the Na+‐Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), is used to maintain cellular ion homeostasis over the longer term and under conditions of prolonged or acute ionic dysregulation in astrocytes, oligodendroglia and microglia. Our understanding of glial NCX, both plasmalemmal and mitochondrial, is undergoing the kind of transformation that our understanding of glial cells, in general, has undergone in recent decades. These exchange proteins are becoming increasingly recognized for their essential roles in intracellular homeostasis while their signaling functions are starting to come to light. This review summarizes these key aspects and highlights the many areas where work has yet to begin in this rapidly evolving field. GLIA 2016;64:1646–1654
Prognostic significance of metabolic tumor volume in patients with piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy
Authors: Yabuki Kenichiro , Sano Daisuke , Shiono Osamu , Arai Yasuhiro , Takahashi Hideaki , Chiba Yoshihiro , Tanabe Teruhiko , Nishimura Goshi , Takahashi Masahiro , Taguchi Takahide , Kaneta Tomohiro , Hata Masaharu , Oridate Nobuhiko
Published: May 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prognostic significance of the pretreatment metabolic tumor volume (MTV) in patients with piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiation‐based therapy.

Methods

This retrospective study included 100 patients with piriform sinus carcinomas who had received treatment by radiation‐based therapy. The MTV values were obtained from pretreatment positron emission tomography (PET). The association between clinical factors, including the MTV, and survival was analyzed.

Results

Kaplan–Meier estimates revealed the 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were significantly poorer for patients with a high MTV compared to those with a low MTV. In the multivariate analysis, MTV (p < .001), nodal metastasis (p = .011), and applied chemotherapy regimen (p = .004) were found to be independent prognostic factors for DFS.

Conclusion

The locoregional MTV is a prognostic factor for DFS in patients with piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiation‐based therapy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708–1716, 2016
The June 2013 Alberta Catastrophic Flooding Event: Part 1—Climatological aspects and hydrometeorological features
Authors: Liu A. Q. , Mooney C. , Szeto K. , Thériault J. M. , Kochtubajda B. , Stewart R. E. , Boodoo S. , Goodson R. , Li Y. , Pomeroy J.
Published: May 2016

In June 2013, excessive rainfall associated with an intense weather system triggered severe flooding in southern Alberta, which became the costliest natural disaster in Canadian history. This article provides an overview of the climatological aspects and large‐scale hydrometeorological features associated with the flooding event based upon information from a variety of sources, including satellite data, upper air soundings, surface observations and operational model analyses. The results show that multiple factors combined to create this unusually severe event. The event was characterized by a slow‐moving upper level low pressure system west of Alberta, blocked by an upper level ridge, while an associated well‐organized surface low pressure system kept southern Alberta, especially the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, in continuous precipitation for up to two days. Results from air parcel trajectory analysis show that a significant amount of the moisture originated from the central Great Plains, transported into Alberta by a southeasterly low level jet. The event was first dominated by significant thunderstorm activity, and then evolved into continuous precipitation supported by the synoptic‐scale low pressure system. Both the thunderstorm activity and upslope winds associated with the low pressure system produced large rainfall amounts. A comparison with previous similar events occurring in the same region suggests that the synoptic‐scale features associated with the 2013 rainfall event were not particularly intense; however, its storm environment was the most convectively unstable. The system also exhibited a relatively high freezing level, which resulted in rain, rather than snow, mainly falling over the still snow‐covered mountainous areas. Melting associated with this rain‐on‐snow scenario likely contributed to downstream flooding. Furthermore, above‐normal snowfall in the preceding spring helped to maintain snow in the high‐elevation areas, which facilitated the rain‐on‐snow event. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal Emotion Socialization, Depressive Symptoms and Child Emotion Regulation: Child Emotionality as a Moderator
Authors: Wu Qiong , Feng Xin , Hooper Emma , Ku Seulki
Published: May 2016

This study tested a model of children's emotionality as a moderator of the links between maternal emotion socialization and depressive symptoms and child emotion regulation. Participants were 128 mother–preschooler dyads. Child emotion expression and emotion regulation strategies were assessed observationally during a disappointment task, and a principal component analysis revealed three factors: passive soothing (including sadness and comfort seeking), negative focus on distress (including anger, focus on distress and low active distraction) and positive engagement (including positive emotion, active play and passive waiting, which was loaded negatively). Hierarchical linear regression models revealed that child positive emotionality (PE) and negative emotionality (NE) moderated the links between maternal support/positive emotion expression and child emotion regulation strategies. In particular, children's low PE exacerbated the association between lack of maternal support and child passive soothing, whereas high PE enhanced the association between maternal positive expression and reduced negative focus on distress. Furthermore, the associations of mothers' support and reduced passive soothing and negative focus on distress, as well as the association between mothers' positive expression and child positive engagement, were stronger for children with low levels of NE, compared with those with average and high levels of NE. Findings partially support a diathesis–stress model in understanding the effects of both child characteristics and the familial influence on child emotion regulation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lack of genotoxic mechanisms in early‐stage furan‐induced hepatocellular tumorigenesis in gpt delta rats
Authors: Hibi Daisuke , Yokoo Yu , Suzuki Yuta , Ishii Yuji , Jin Meilan , Kijima Aki , Nohmi Takehiko , Nishikawa Akiyoshi , Umemura Takashi
Published: May 2016

Furan has been used as an intermediate in the chemical‐manufacturing industry and has been shown to contaminate various foods. Although furan induces hepatocellular tumors in rodents, equivocal results from in vitro and in vivo mutagenicity tests have caused controversy regarding the involvement of genotoxic mechanisms in furan‐induced carcinogenesis. In the present study, to elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying furan‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis, a comprehensive medium‐term analysis was conducted using gpt delta rats treated with furan at carcinogenic doses for 13 weeks. In the liver, the frequencies of gpt and Spi‐ mutants derived mainly from point and deletion mutations, respectively, were not changed, and there were no furan‐specific gpt mutations in furan‐treated rats. In contrast, the number and area of glutathione S‐transferase placental form (GST‐P)‐ positive foci were significantly increased in the high‐dose group. Also, the ratio of PCNA‐positive hepatocytes was significantly elevated in the same group, as supported by significant increases in cyclin d1 and cyclin e1 mRNA levels. Thus, it is highly probable that cell proliferation, but not genotoxic mechanisms, contribute to the development of GST‐P foci in furan‐treated rats. Based on the close relationship between GST‐P and neoplastic hepatocytes, these data allowed us to hypothesize that cell proliferation following signal transduction other than the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK pathway may play a crucial role in early‐stage furan‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ TEM studies of micron‐sized all‐solid‐state fluoride ion batteries: Preparation, prospects, and challenges
Authors: Hammad Fawey Mohammed , Chakravadhanula Venkata Sai Kiran , Reddy Munnangi Anji , Rongeat Carine , Scherer Torsten , Hahn Horst , Fichtner Maximilian , Kübel Christian
Published: May 2016

Trustworthy preparation and contacting of micron‐sized batteries is an essential task to enable reliable in situ TEM studies during electrochemical biasing. Some of the challenges and solutions for the preparation of all‐solid‐state batteries for in situ TEM electrochemical studies are discussed using an optimized focused ion beam (FIB) approach. In particular redeposition, resistivity, porosity of the electrodes/electrolyte and leakage current are addressed. Overcoming these challenges, an all‐solid‐state fluoride ion battery has been prepared as a model system for in situ TEM electrochemical biasing studies and first results on a Bi/La0.9Ba0.1F2.9 half‐cell are presented. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:615–624, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of acid erosion and remineralization on enamel and three different dental materials: FT‐Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis
Authors: Soares Luís Eduardo Silva , Soares Ana Lúcia Silva , De Oliveira Rodrigo , Nahórny Sidnei
Published: May 2016

Objectives

FT‐Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to test the hypothesis that the beverage consumption or mouthwash utilization would change the chemistry of dental materials and enamel inorganic content.Material and Methods: Bovine enamel samples (n = 36) each received two cavity preparations (n = 72), each pair filled with one of three dental materials (R: nanofilled composite resin, GIC: glass–ionomer cement, RMGIC: resin‐modified GIC). Furthermore, they were treated with three different solutions (S: artificial saliva, E: erosion/Pepsi Twist or EM: erosion + mouthwash/Colgate Plax).Results: Reduction of carbonate content of enamel was greater in RE than RS (P < 0.01). Increment of carbonate was greater in GICEM than in GICE and GICS (P < 0.01;P < 0.001). Significant material degradation was found in RE, REM, GICE, and GICEM than in RS and GICS (P < 0.01;P < 0.001). SEM showed clear enamel demineralization after erosion. Material degradation was greater after E and EM than S. GIC and RMGIC materials had a positive effect against acid erosion in the adjacent enamel after remineralization with mouthwash.Conclusions: The beverage and mouthwash utilization would change R and GIC chemical properties.Clinical Relevance: A professional should periodically monitor the glass–ionomer and resin restorations, as they degrade over time under erosive challenges and mouthwash utilization.Microsc. Res. Tech., 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:646–656, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloning, Characterization, and Expression Profile of Estrogen Receptor in Common Chinese Cuttlefish, Sepiella japonica
Authors: Lü Zhen‐Ming , Liu Wan , Liu Li‐Qin , Wang Tian‐Ming , Shi Hui‐Lai , Ping Hong‐Ling , Chi Chang‐Feng , Yang Jing‐Wen , Wu Chang‐Wen
Published: May 2016

Sex steroid hormones are widely detected in molluscs and play important roles in sex determination, gonadal tissue maturation, and gametogenesis. Nevertheless, the signaling pathways of sex steroids in cephalopod have not yet been clearly elucidated. In the present study, a full‐length sequence encoding the estrogen receptor (ER) was isolated from common Chinese cuttlefish, Sepiella japonica. The sjER cDNA clone was found to contain 1,788 nucleotides including a 1,470 bp open reading frame encoding 489 amino acid (aa) residues. The deduced ER protein consisted of six nuclear receptor characteristic domains. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, the ER DNA‐binding domain and ligand‐binding domain are highly conserved compared to other mollusc ERs. Highest aa identities were found for sjER with common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) ER (89%) and pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) ER (61%). Tissue expression analysis confirmed that sjER was widely distributed among tissues and predominantly expressed in the brain, liver, gonad (testis and ovary), and other accessory sexual gland (nidamental gland). The ER expression was temporally upregulated in the brain, liver, and ovary during the early sexual maturation period in S. japonica, which is coincident with the fluctuation of ovary estradiol content. These suggest that sjER may be involved in regulating the reproductive cycle of S. japonica. A fusion protein transient transfections assay showed that sjER was mainly located in the nucleus, suggesting a possible orthodox working mechanism of S. japonica ER in the nucleus through a ligand‐dependent activation of specific gene transcription.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Screening of Fused Heterocyclic Pyridines
Authors: El‐Remaily Mahmoud A. A. , Elhady O. M. , Abdel‐Raheem Eman M. M.
Published: May 2016

In an attempt to find a new class of antimicrobial agents, a series of pyridoxazepine, pyridothiazepine, triazepine, naphthyridine, pyridopyrimidine, and other related products containing pyridine moiety were synthesized via the reaction of 2‐amino‐6‐chloro‐3,5‐dicyanopyridine 1 with nucleophilic chemical reagents. These compounds were screened for cytotoxicity and their antimicrobial activity. Most of products showed inhibitory effect.
The response of epiphytic bacteria on Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hara (Hydrocharitaceae) to increasing nutrient loadings
Authors: Cai Xianlei , Yao Ling , Gao Guang , Xie Yinfeng , Zhang Yingying , Tang Xiangming
Published: May 2016

To investigate the effects of water column nutrient loading on epiphytic bacteria, we determined the abundance and community composition of epiphytic bacteria on the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hara during the growth season (June–October) under four different nutrient concentrations (nitrogen (N)‐phosphorus (P) in mg L−1: 0.5‐0.05, 1.0‐0.1, 5.0‐0.5, 10.0‐1.0; hereafter NP‐1, NP‐2, NP‐3, NP‐4, respectively), using epifluorescence microscopy method and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analysis, respectively. Relative to low nutrient conditions (NP‐1), there was no significant effect on the epiphytic bacterial community, and even a decrease in the number of epiphytic bacteria, which linked to the well growth status of host macrophytes at moderate nutrient conditions (NP‐2). However, further nutrient enrichment induced significant increase in the abundance of epiphytic bacteria, and marked changes in the community structures of epiphytic bacteria. Furthermore, at high nutrient conditions, epiphytic bacterial communities varied widely temporally, and were not stable compared with those at the lower nutrient conditions. These results indicated that the effects of nutrient enrichment on epiphytic bacteria were nonlinear and dependent on the nutrient concentrations in the water.
Effect of various microorganisms on phosphorus uptake from insoluble Ca‐phosphates by cucumber plants
Authors: García‐López Ana M. , Avilés Manuel , Delgado Antonio
Published: May 2016

Rhizospheric microorganisms can increase P availability to plants. The objective of this work was to elucidate the effects of two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and biocontrol agents (Bacillus subtilis QST713 and B. Amyloliquefaciens FZB24), a biocontrol agent (the fungus Trichoderma asperellum T34), and Aspergillus niger CBS513.88 on P uptake from insoluble Ca‐phosphates by plants. An experiment involving microbial cultivation in liquid media and three involving cultivation of cucumber plants in a siliceous growing medium fertilized with 40 mg P kg−1 as phosphate rock (PR), a calcareous medium supplied with the same fertilizer, and one fertilized with KH2PO4 or PR at 200 mg P kg−1 were conducted. In spite of the observed PR solubilization in liquid culture, not all the microorganisms improved P uptake by plants from this P source. The effect of each microorganism also differed depending on the plant‐growing medium, revealing that its P‐solubilizing activity was affected by pH and P concentration in the medium. Overall, best results were obtained with Bacillus subtilis QST713 which increased P uptake from the siliceous growing medium and the calcareous medium fertilized with 200 mg P kg−1. Improved P nutrition of plants was the result not only of increased P solubilization, but also of enhanced ability of plants to absorb P. The other microorganisms studied provided less promising results despite the P mobilizing strategies they exhibited in the liquid culture (acidification and organic anion exudation). Therefore, these cannot be the only mechanisms contributing to P uptake by plants. Our results support the ability of B. subtilis QST713 to enhance the use of PR as a P source for calcareous soils or to improve uptake of residual P in the form of sparingly soluble Ca‐phosphates.
Application of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the determination of oxygenated volatile organic compounds in effluents from the production of petroleum bitumen
Authors: Boczkaj Grzegorz , Makoś Patrycja , Przyjazny Andrzej
Published: May 2016

We present a new procedure for the determination of oxygenated volatile organic compounds in samples of postoxidative effluents from the production of petroleum bitumens using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The eight extraction parameters were optimized for 43 oxygenated volatile organic compounds. The detection limits obtained ranged from 0.07 to 0.82 μg/mL for most of the analytes, the precision was good (relative standard deviation below 2.91% at the 5 μg/mL level and 4.75% at the limit of quantification), the recoveries for the majority of compounds varied from 70.6 to 118.9%, and the linear range was wide, which demonstrates the usefulness of the procedure. The developed procedure was used for the determination of oxygenated volatile organic compounds in samples of raw postoxidative effluents and in effluents after chemical treatment. In total, 23 compounds at concentration levels from 0.37 to 32.95 μg/mL were identified in real samples. The same samples were also analyzed in the SCAN mode, which resulted in four more phenol derivatives being identified and tentatively determined. The studies demonstrated the need for monitoring volatile organic compounds content in effluents following various treatments due to the formation of secondary oxygenated volatile organic compounds.
Desert bighorn sheep lambing habitat: Parturition, nursery, and predation sites
Authors: Karsch Rebekah C. , Cain James W. , Rominger Eric M. , Goldstein Elise J.
Published: May 2016

Fitness of female ungulates is determined by neonate survival and lifetime reproductive success. Therefore, adult female ungulates should adopt behaviors and habitat selection patterns that enhance survival of neonates during parturition and lactation. Parturition site location may play an important role in neonatal mortality of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana) when lambs are especially vulnerable to predation, but parturition sites are rarely documented for this species. Our objectives were to assess environmental characteristics at desert bighorn parturition, lamb nursery, and predation sites and to assess differences in habitat characteristics between parturition sites and nursery group sites, and predation sites and nursery group sites. We used vaginal implant transmitters (VITs) to identify parturition sites and capture neonates. We then compared elevation, slope, terrain ruggedness, and visibility at parturition, nursery, and lamb predation sites with paired random sites and compared characteristics of parturition sites and lamb predation sites to those of nursery sites. When compared to random sites, odds of a site being a parturition site were highest at intermediate slopes and decreased with increasing female visibility. Odds of a site being a predation site increased with decreasing visibility. When compared to nursery group sites, odds of a site being a parturition site had a quadratic relationship with elevation and slope, with odds being highest at intermediate elevations and intermediate slopes. When we compared predation sites to nursery sites, odds of a site being a predation were highest at low elevation areas with high visibility and high elevation areas with low visibility likely because of differences in hunting strategies of coyote (Canis latrans) and puma (Puma concolor). Parturition sites were lower in elevation and slope than nursery sites. Understanding selection of parturition sites by adult females and how habitat characteristics at these sites differ from those at predation and nursery sites can provide insight into strategies employed by female desert bighorn sheep and other species during and after parturition to promote neonate survival. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Targeting season and age for optimizing control of invasive rabbits
Authors: Wells Konstans , Cassey Phillip , Sinclair Ron G. , Mutze Greg J. , Peacock David E. , Lacy Robert C. , Cooke Brian D. , O'Hara Robert B. , Brook Barry W. , Fordham Damien A.
Published: May 2016

The effectiveness of invasive species control can be influenced by seasonal fluctuations in reproduction in response to environmental conditions. However, it is difficult to determine how demography and environmental conditions affect the efficacy of different control efforts from field trials alone. We incorporated an ontogenetic growth model into a hierarchical Bayesian mark‐recapture model to estimate age‐structured seasonal survival rates for European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Australia, based on a >15‐year data set. We integrated this demographic information into an individual‐based simulation model, which reproduces seasonal birth‐death processes, to test the effectiveness of pest‐management schemes that differed in intensity, specificity to age groups, and seasonal timing. Control measures that were simulated to affect only juveniles had a negligible effect on population size, whereas targeting subadults and adults led to considerable population declines when applied after the breeding season. Management that affected rabbits of all age groups caused significant population reductions. However, even repeated control efforts that caused 95% mortality each year only resulted in predictions of local population extirpation after an average of 119 calendar weeks in the absence of immigration. Our simulation study supports the use of pest rabbit control methods that account for demographic dynamics explicitly, and target those individuals with high reproductive potential. More broadly, we show that local and temporal population extirpation, or recovery, depends largely on the trade‐off between control intensity and frequency for species with recurrent population oscillations. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Sinking phytoplankton associated with carbon flux in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Durkin Colleen A. , Van Mooy Benjamin A. S. , Dyhrman Sonya T. , Buesseler Ken O.
Published: May 2016

The composition of sinking particles and the mechanisms leading to their transport ultimately control how much carbon is naturally sequestered in the deep ocean by the “biological pump.” While detrital particles often contain much of the sinking carbon, sinking of intact phytoplankton cells can also contribute to carbon export, which represents a direct flux of carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean by circumventing the surface ocean food web. Phytoplankton that contributed to carbon flux were identified in sinking material collected by short‐term sediment trap deployments conducted along a transect off the eastern shore of South America. Particulate organic carbon flux at 125 m depth did not change significantly along the transect. Instead, changes occurred in the composition and association of phytoplankton with detrital particles. The fluxes of diatoms, coccolithophores, dinoflagellates, and nano‐sized cells at 125 m were unrelated to the overlying surface population abundances, indicating that functional‐group specific transport mechanisms were variable across locations. The dominant export mechanism of phytoplankton at each station was putatively identified by principal component analysis and fell into one of three categories; (1) transport and sinking of individual, viable diatom cells, (2) transport by aggregates and fecal pellets, or (3) enhanced export of coccolithophores through direct settling and/or aggregation.
Outcomes of liver transplantation with liver grafts from pediatric donors used in adult recipients
Authors: Croome Kristopher P. , Lee David D. , Burns Justin M. , Saucedo‐Crespo Hector , Perry Dana K. , Nguyen Justin H. , Taner C. Burcin ,   Mayo Clinic Collaborative in Transplant Research and Outcomes
Published: May 2016

Although there is an agreement that liver grafts from pediatric donors (PDs) should ideally be used for pediatric patients, there remain situations when these grafts are turned down for pediatric recipients and are then offered to adult recipients. The present study aimed to investigate the outcomes of using these grafts for liver transplantation (LT) in adult patients. Data from all patients undergoing LT between 2002 and 2014 were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Analysis and Research file. Adult recipients undergoing LT were divided into 2 groups: those receiving a pediatric liver graft (pediatric‐to‐adult group) and those receiving a liver graft from adult donors (adult‐to‐adult group). A separate subgroup analysis comparing the PDs used for adult recipients and those used for pediatric recipients was also performed. Patient and graft survival were not significantly different between pediatric‐to‐adult and adult‐to‐adult groups (P = 0.08 and P = 0.21, respectively). Hepatic artery thrombosis as the cause for graft loss was higher in the pediatric‐to‐adult group (3.6%) than the adult‐to‐adult group (1.9%; P < 0.001). A subanalysis looking at the pediatric‐to‐adult group found that patients with a predicted graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio (GRWR) < 0.8 had a higher 90‐day graft loss rate than those with a GRWR ≥ 0.8 (39% versus 9%; P < 0.001). PDs used for adult recipients had a higher proportion of donors with elevated aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (20% vs. 12%; P < 0.001), elevated creatinine (11% vs. 4%; P < 0.001), donation after cardiac death donors (12% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.001), and were hepatitis B virus core positive (1% vs. 0.3%; P = 0.002) than PDs used for pediatric recipients. In conclusion, acceptable patient and graft survival can be achieved with the use of pediatric liver grafts in adult recipients, when these grafts have been determined to be inappropriate for usage in the pediatric population. Liver Transplantation 22 1099–1106 2016 AASLD