bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the Effect of Water Pressure on Plasma and Cavitation Bubble Induced by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid of Silver and Missed Variations of Observable Nanoparticle Features
Authors: Dell'Aglio Marcella , Santagata Antonio , Valenza Gabriele , De Stradis Angelo , De Giacomo Alessandro
Published: January 2017

In this work the effects of the pressure between 1–150 Bar on pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) during the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in water was investigated. The produced NPs are the results of two different well‐known stages which are the plasma and the bubble evolution occurring until the generated material is released into the solution. The main aim of this work is to show which roles is played by the variation of water pressure on the laser induced plasma and the cavitation bubble dynamics during the NPs formation. Their implication on the comprehension of the as‐produced NPs formation mechanisms is treated. The typical timescales of the different stages occurring in water at different pressures have been studied by optical emission spectroscopy (OES), imaging and shadowgraph experiments. Finally surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for characterization of the material released in solution, have been used.
Minimum spanning tree–based delay‐aware mobile sink traversal in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Nitesh Kumar , Azharuddin Md , Jana Prasanta
Published: January 2017

Energy efficient data collection in a delay‐bound application is a challenging issue for mobile sink–based wireless sensor networks. Many researchers have proposed the concept of rendezvous points (RPs) to design the path for the mobile sink. Rendezvous points are the locations in the network where the mobile sink halts and collects data from the nearby sensor nodes. However, the selection of RPs for the design of path has a significant impact on timely data collection from the network. In this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm for selection of the RPs for efficient design of mobile sink trajectory in delay‐bound applications of wireless sensor networks. The algorithm is based on a virtual path and minimum spanning tree and shown to maximize network lifetime. We perform extensive simulations on the proposed algorithm and compare results with the existing algorithms to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm of various performance metrics.
Pairwise beta diversity resolves an underappreciated source of confusion in calculating species turnover
Authors: Marion Zachary H. , Fordyce James A. , Fitzpatrick Benjamin M.
Published: January 2017

Beta diversity is an important metric in ecology quantifying differentiation or disparity in composition among communities, ecosystems, or phenotypes. To compare systems with different sizes (N, number of units within a system), beta diversity is often converted to related indices such as turnover or local/regional differentiation. Here we use simulations to demonstrate that these naive measures of dissimilarity depend on sample size and design. We show that when N is the number of sampled units (e.g., quadrats) rather than the “true” number of communities in the system (if such exists), these differentiation measures are biased estimators. We propose using average pairwise dissimilarity as an intuitive solution. That is, instead of attempting to estimate an N‐community measure, we advocate estimating the expected dissimilarity between any random pair of communities (or sampling units)—especially when the “true” N is unknown or undefined. Fortunately, measures of pairwise dissimilarity or overlap have been used in ecology for decades, and their properties are well known. Using the same simulations, we show that average pairwise metrics give consistent and unbiased estimates regardless of the number of survey units sampled. We advocate pairwise dissimilarity as a general standardization to ensure commensurability of different study systems.
The nonlinear effect of alkyl chain length in the membrane interactions of phenolipids: Evidence by X‐ray diffraction analysis
Authors: Durand Erwann , Jacob Robert F. , Sherratt Samuel , Lecomte Jérôme , Baréa Bruno , Villeneuve Pierre , Mason R. Preston
Published: January 2017

Despite the evidence supporting a relationship between phenolipid's alkyl chain length and their interaction/affinity with membranes, such a connection has not been directly evaluated. In this study, the membrane interactions of rosmarinic acid, and its corresponding alkyl esters having 4 carbon (RC4), 8 carbon (RC8), 10 carbon (RC10), and 16 carbon (RC16) have been investigated via small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) approaches in model membrane liposomes. The results of this work show significant differences between the tested phenolipids with respect to their interaction and location within the lipid bilayer. Both membrane affinity and penetration depth follow a nonlinear behavior. They have been shown to increase as a function of increasing alkyl chain length until a threshold is reached for medium alkyl chain, beyond which any lengthening of the chain results in a collapse. RC8 show the highest affinity for the membrane, whereas RC10 constitute a critical chain length from which the penetration depth decreases. The X‐ray scattering analyses seem to perfectly correlate with the phenolipids’ activities (antioxidant and membranes crossing) previously observed both in biological system and in formulated lipid dispersions.

Practical applications: Phenolic compounds are potent antioxidants that may play an important role as well in biological system as in formulated lipid dispersions. However, their activity is often limited by low solubility or bioavailability. Lipophilization of phenolic compounds may increase their solubility in lipophilic matrices, conferring better antioxidant protection for food or nonfood application. In biological system, lipophilization may contribute to easier penetration of antioxidants through lipid bilayer of cell membranes, which can significantly increase their bioavailability. Despite the evidence supporting a relationship between phenolipid's alkyl chain length and their interaction/affinity with membranes, such a relationship has not been directly evaluated. Investigation of membrane interactions between phenolic and its lipophilic derivative, via SAXS approaches in model membrane liposomes, provide new knowledge about this class of compound with the perspective to be used as substances with maintained or improved biological properties for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

An X‐ray diffraction analysis highlighted different membrane affinity and nonlinear penetration depth of a series of phenolipids (rosmarinic acid, and its corresponding alkyl esters having 4 carbon (RC4), 8 carbon (RC8), 10 carbon (RC10), and 16 carbon (RC16)). The results seem to perfectly correlate with the phenolipids’ activities (antioxidant and membranes crossing) previously observed both in biological system and in formulated lipid dispersions.
Insights into the Scholl Coupling Reaction: A Key Transformation of Relevance to the Synthesis of Graphenes and Related Systems
Authors: Little Mark S. , Yeates Stephen G. , Alwattar Aula A. , Heard Kane W. J. , Raftery James , Edwards Alyn C. , Parry Adam. V. S. , Quayle Peter
Published: January 2017

The Scholl‐type reactions of 4,10‐disubstituted chrysene derivatives proceeded by variegated and unexpected oxidation/coupling pathways. These observations serve as a cautionary note when attempting to employ the Scholl reaction in target‐oriented materials synthesis.
Local deformation‐based design of minimal‐disturbance arm damper for retrofitting steel moment‐resisting frames
Authors: Lavan Oren , Sato Miho , Kurata Masahiro , Lei Zhang
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a design approach for seismic rehabilitation of frames having a beam‐collapse mechanism using a technique termed minimal‐disturbance seismic rehabilitation. This technique pursues enhancing the seismic performance of buildings with the intention of improving the continuity of business. It minimizes obstruction of the visual and physical space of building users and the use of heavy construction equipment and work requiring fire permit (welding/cutting). The developed design approach is simple to use. Yet it leads to designs that limit the beams' plastic rotations to allowable values, while minimizing the number of locations where devices are installed and the devise dimensions. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the design approach and the rehabilitation technique is numerically studied through retrofitting a four‐story steel moment‐resisting frame. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A finite volume scheme preserving extremum principle for convection–diffusion equations on polygonal meshes
Authors: Zhang Qi , Sheng Zhiqiang , Yuan Guangwei
Published: January 2017

We propose a nonlinear finite volume scheme for convection–diffusion equation on polygonal meshes and prove that the discrete solution of the scheme satisfies the discrete extremum principle. The approximation of diffusive flux is based on an adaptive approach of choosing stencil in the construction of discrete normal flux, and the approximation of convection flux is based on the second‐order upwind method with proper slope limiter. Our scheme is locally conservative and has only cell‐centered unknowns. Numerical results show that our scheme can preserve discrete extremum principle and has almost second‐order accuracy. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
China's Response to the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Huang Yanzhong
Published: January 2017

Beginning in March 2014, West Africa has endured the largest outbreak of Ebola viral disease (EVD) in history. The crisis highlighted the role of China in addressing public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC). Through bilateral and multilateral channels, China kicked off its largest ever humanitarian mission in addressing a PHEIC. The unprecedented generosity served the domestic needs to prevent EVD from spreading into China, but it was also consistent with China's foreign policy objective to pursue soft power in Africa. While its total funding to EVD control in West Africa was no match of top donors like the United States, it becomes much more impressive when adjusted for gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. As Beijing becomes more sensitive to disease outbreaks overseas and as the scope of its humanitarian engagement grows and diversifies, the space for China's cooperation with international actors over global health governance is expected to further expand.
Extremely Cost‐Effective and Efficient Solar Vapor Generation under Nonconcentrated Illumination Using Thermally Isolated Black Paper
Authors: Liu Zhejun , Song Haomin , Ji Dengxin , Li Chenyu , Cheney Alec , Liu Youhai , Zhang Nan , Zeng Xie , Chen Borui , Gao Jun , Li Yuesheng , Liu Xiang , Aga Diana , Jiang Suhua , Yu Zongfu , Gan Qiaoqiang
Published: January 2017

Passive solar vapor generation represents a promising and environmentally benign method of water purification/desalination. However, conventional solar steam generation techniques usually rely on costly and cumbersome optical concentration systems and have relatively low efficiency due to bulk heating of the entire liquid volume. Here, an efficient strategy using extremely low‐cost materials, i.e., carbon black (powder), hydrophilic porous paper, and expanded polystyrene foam is reported. Due to the excellent thermal insulation between the surface liquid and the bulk volume of the water and the suppressed radiative and convective losses from the absorber surface to the adjacent heated vapor, a record thermal efficiency of ≈88% is obtained under 1 sun without concentration, corresponding to the evaporation rate of 1.28 kg (m2 h)−1. When scaled up to a 100 cm2 array in a portable solar water still system and placed in an outdoor environment, the freshwater generation rate is 2.4 times of that of a leading commercial product. By simultaneously addressing both the need for high‐efficiency operation as well as production cost limitations, this system can provide an approach for individuals to purify water for personal needs, which is particularly suitable for undeveloped regions with limited/no access to electricity.
Environmental history of an urban wetland: from degraded colonial resource to nature conservation area
Authors: Simpson Greg , Newsome David
Published: January 2017

This paper provides an account of the environmental history of a landlocked coastal wetland and the surrounding nature space (Lake Claremont) located within a large Australian city (Perth, Western Australia). We document the processes and behaviour that led to significant negative change over time and report on recent work to restore the lake and its surrounding ecosystem. The reported community‐initiated actions reflect changing human values and add to the accumulating evidence that the increasing trend of restoring greenspace to native ecosystems (nature space) brings about social and conservation benefits within the urban fabric. Moreover, this narrative also indicates that significant progress can be made in recovering and expanding ecological components and natural values within a relatively short period. Implications for city planners and land managers are self‐evident with regard to what can be achieved and the values that communities now place on naturally functioning urban wetlands. Furthermore, the presence of wetlands such as Lake Claremont in the urban fabric is seen to enhance the liveability of the surrounding city by offering a convenient way for residents and tourists to connect with nature and the outdoors and realise the health benefits that the lake can provide. This case study adds to the body of work that identifies and describes the growing importance of urban wetlands in urban landscapes and provides a clear example of what can be achieved at the local community level and with local government support.
Neutrophils promote hepatic metastasis growth through fibroblast growth factor 2–dependent angiogenesis in mice
Authors: Gordon‐Weeks Alex N. , Lim Su Y. , Yuzhalin Arseniy E. , Jones Keaton , Markelc Bostjan , Kim K. Jin , Buzzelli Jon N. , Fokas Emmanouil , Cao Yunhong , Smart Sean , Muschel Ruth
Published: January 2017

Hepatic metastases are amenable to ablation; however, many patients are not suitable candidates for such therapy and recurrence is common. The tumor microenvironment is known to be essential for metastatic growth, yet identification of plausible targets for cancer therapy in the microenvironment has proven elusive. We found that human colorectal cancer liver metastases and murine gastrointestinal experimental liver metastases are infiltrated by neutrophils. Plasticity in neutrophils has recently been shown to lead to both protumor and antitumor effects. Here, neutrophils promoted the growth of hepatic metastases, given that depletion of neutrophils in already established, experimental, murine liver metastases led to diminished metastatic growth. Decreased growth was associated with reductions in vascular density and branching suggestive of vessel normalization. Metastasis‐associated neutrophils expressed substantially more fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) than naïve neutrophils, indicating neutrophil polarization by the tumor microenvironment. Administration of FGF2 neutralizing antibody to mice bearing experimental liver metastases phenocopied neutrophil depletion by reducing liver metastatic colony growth, vascular density, and branching. Conclusion: Here, we show, using FGF2 as an example, that identification of factors responsible for the protumoral effects of infiltrating myeloid cells can be used to target established liver metastases. Such therapies could be utilized to limit disease progression and potentiate the effects of standard ablative therapies. (Hepatology 2017;65:1920‐1935).
The human longevity gene homolog INDY and interleukin‐6 interact in hepatic lipid metabolism
Authors: von Loeffelholz Christian , Lieske Stefanie , Neuschäfer‐Rube Frank , Willmes Diana M. , Raschzok Nathanael , Sauer Igor M. , König Jörg , Fromm Martin F. , Horn Paul , Chatzigeorgiou Antonios , Pathe‐Neuschäfer‐Rube Andrea , Jordan Jens , Pfeiffer Andreas F.H. , Mingrone Geltrude , Bornstein Stefan R. , Stroehle Peter , Harms Christoph , Wunderlich F. Thomas , Helfand Stephen L. , Bernier Michel , de Cabo Rafael , Shulman Gerald I. , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Püschel Gerhard P. , Birkenfeld Andreas L.
Published: January 2017

Reduced expression of the Indy (“I am Not Dead, Yet”) gene in lower organisms promotes longevity in a manner akin to caloric restriction. Deletion of the mammalian homolog of Indy (mIndy, Slc13a5) encoding for a plasma membrane–associated citrate transporter expressed highly in the liver, protects mice from high‐fat diet–induced and aging‐induced obesity and hepatic fat accumulation through a mechanism resembling caloric restriction. We studied a possible role of mIndy in human hepatic fat metabolism. In obese, insulin‐resistant patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatic mIndy expression was increased and mIndy expression was also independently associated with hepatic steatosis. In nonhuman primates, a 2‐year high‐fat, high‐sucrose diet increased hepatic mIndy expression. Liver microarray analysis showed that high mIndy expression was associated with pathways involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and immunological processes. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was identified as a regulator of mIndy by binding to its cognate receptor. Studies in human primary hepatocytes confirmed that IL‐6 markedly induced mIndy transcription through the IL‐6 receptor and activation of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and a putative start site of the human mIndy promoter was determined. Activation of the IL‐6–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway stimulated mIndy expression, enhanced cytoplasmic citrate influx, and augmented hepatic lipogenesis in vivo. In contrast, deletion of mIndy completely prevented the stimulating effect of IL‐6 on citrate uptake and reduced hepatic lipogenesis. These data show that mIndy is increased in liver of obese humans and nonhuman primates with NALFD. Moreover, our data identify mIndy as a target gene of IL‐6 and determine novel functions of IL‐6 through mINDY. Conclusion: Targeting human mINDY may have therapeutic potential in obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00005450. (Hepatology 2017;66:616–630).
Rapid vacuum sintering: A novel technique for fabricating fluorapatite ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Denry Isabelle , Goudouri Ourania‐Menti , Harless Jeffrey , Holloway Julie A.
Published: January 2017

Macroporous bioceramic scaffolds are often fabricated via the foam replica technique, based on polymeric foam impregnation with a glass slurry, followed by slow heat treatment to allow for drying, polymeric burnout, and sintering of the glass particles. As a consequence, the process is time consuming and complicated by concurrent crystallization of the glass, often leading to incomplete sintering. Our goal was to investigate the effect of heating rate on sintering behavior, architecture, and mechanical properties of fluorapatite‐based glass and glass‐ceramic scaffolds. Glass scaffolds were prepared and sintered by rapid vacuum sintering (RVS) at 785°C under vacuum at a fast heating rate (55°C/min.) or without vacuum at a slow heating rate (2°C/min.). Two additional groups were further crystallized at 775°C/1 h. XRD confirmed the presence of fluorapatite for crystallized scaffolds. All groups presented interconnected porosity with a pore size in the 500 μm range. Scaffolds produced by RVS exhibited an excellent degree of sintering while scaffolds produced by slow sintering were incompletely sintered. The mean compressive strength was significantly higher for the RVS groups (1.52 ± 0.55 and 1.72 ± 0.61 MPa) compared to the slow‐sintered groups (0.54 ± 0.30 and 0.45 ± 0.26 MPa). Meanwhile, the total production time was reduced by more than 12 h by using the RVS technique. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 291–299, 2018.
Reference values for kaolin‐activated thromboelastography in volunteers of Anhui Province in China
Authors: Sun Jun‐Bo , Bian Mao‐Hong , Zhong Tao , Lu Ying‐Yu , Zhu Bang‐Qiang , Wen Hui‐Qin , Hu Hai‐Liang
Published: January 2017

Background

The assessment of the coagulation status using thromboelastography (TEG) in Chinese population has less been reported. This study aimed to establish reliable reference values for kaolin‐activated TEG in Chinese volunteers.

Methods

A total of 1681 Chinese adult individuals were recruited for this study. The reference individuals were stratified by gender and age, and the TEG values were measured on the basis of strict quality control. The 95% reference values were determined using nonparametric statistical methods.

Results

The sex‐related 95% reference values were reaction time (R):4.2‐8.7 minutes; clotting time (K): 1.2‐3.2 minutes; alpha angle (α): 47.0‐72.3 degree; maximum amplitude (MA): 49.1‐70.5 mm for males, and R: 3.7‐9.0 minutes; K: 1.0‐3.2 minutes; α: 48.4‐74.4 degree; MA: 46.8‐72.4 mm for females. Also, the TEG parameters indicated a relatively more hypercoagulable profile in both female and elder groups.

Conclusions

This study established the reference values for kaolin‐activated TEG in the target Chinese population, which might provide a reference for both clinical and laboratory studies.
Diagnostic performance of procalcitonin, presepsin, and C‐reactive protein in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Ebihara Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Kiyoko , Ishida Akaru , Maeda Tomoya , Takahashi Naoki , Taji Yoshitada , Asou Norio , Ikebuchi Kenji
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Infections represent a major complication of hematological malignancies. C‐reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) have been used as diagnostic biomarkers of infections, but do not produce definitive findings. Recently, a new biomarker, presepsin, has been used as a diagnostic tool for detecting infections in the fields of emergency and neonatal medicine. However, the usefulness of presepsin for identifying infections in patients with hematological malignancies, including those who develop febrile neutropenia, remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the utility of PCT, presepsin, and CRP as biomarkers of infections during 49 febrile episodes that occurred in 28 patients with hematological malignancies.

Results

The levels of PCT, but not those of CRP or presepsin, were significantly higher in the infection group than in the uninfected group (P<.03), indicating that PCT might be a more sensitive biomarker of infections. No differences in presepsin levels were detected between the patients with and without neutropenia, or between the infected and uninfected patients with neutropenia, indicating that presepsin might have less diagnostic value in patients with neutropenia.

Conclusions

We conclude that PCT might provide additional information and could be used in combination with other biomarkers to detect infections in patients with hematological malignancies.
Combined ipsilateral limb use score as an index of motor deficits and neurorestoration in parkinsonian rats
Authors: Leikas Juuso V. , Kääriäinen Tiina M. , Jalkanen Aaro J. , Lehtonen Marko , Rantamäki Tomi , Forsberg Markus M.
Published: January 2017

Our aim was to apply a robust non‐drug induced sensorimotor test battery to assess the efficacy of neurorestorative therapies on the motor deficits caused by partial unilateral 6‐OHDA lesion mimicking early stage PD. Since the 6‐OHDA lesion protocols to induce partial DA depletion in striatum vary extensively between laboratories, we evaluated the associations between different intrastriatal 6‐OHDA doses (1 X 0‐20 and 2 X 0‐30 µg), striatal DA depletion (HPLC‐ECD) and D‐amphetamine induced rotation to identify a lesion protocol that would produce 40‐60% striatal DA depletion. Doses ≥ 6 µg produced a significant DA depletion (ANOVA, P < 0.0001). 6‐OHDA dose range (6‐14 µg) causing 40‐60% DA depletion induced very variable rotational responses. Next, intrastriatal 1 × 10 and 1 × 14 µg doses were compared with a full lesion (10 µg into the medial forebrain bundle) with regard to their effects on adjusting step, cylinder, and vibrissae test performance. A combined ipsilateral score (average of each test) was found more sensitive in distinguishing between different lesions than any test alone. Finally, five‐week treadmill exercise starting two weeks post‐lesion was able to restore impaired limb use (combined score; mixed model, P < 0.05) and striatal DA depletion (ANOVA, P < 0.05) in rats with partial lesion (1 × 10 µg). Notably, D‐amphetamine induced rotation significantly decreased between weeks one to seven post‐lesion (t‐test, P < 0.01). In conclusion, intrastriatal 1 × 10 µg of 6‐OHDA produces 40‐60% striatal DA depletion robustly, and the combined ipsilateral score provides an efficient means for testing of the efficacy of neurorestorative or neuroprotective treatments for PD. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Land–atmosphere–aerosol coupling in North China during 2000–2013
Authors: Wei Jiangfeng , Jin Qinjian , Yang Zong‐Liang , Zhou Liming
Published: January 2017

North China is one of the most densely populated regions in the world. To its west, north, and northwest, the world's largest afforestation project has been going on for decades. At the same time, North China has been suffering from air pollution because of its large fossil fuel consumption. Here we show that the changes in land cover and aerosol concentration are coupled with the variations of land surface temperature, cloud cover, and surface solar radiation during the summer 2000–2013. Model experiments show that the interannual variation of aerosol concentration in North China is mainly a result of the varying atmospheric circulation. The increasing vegetation cover due to afforestation has enhanced surface evapotranspiration (ET) and cooled the local surface, and precipitation is observed to be increasing with ET. The model with prescribed increasing vegetation cover can simulate the increasing ET but cannot reproduce the increasing precipitation. Although this may be caused by model biases, the lack of aerosol processes in the model could also be a potential cause.
Biocompatibility, bone healing, and safety evaluation in rabbits with an IlluminOss bone stabilization system
Authors: McSweeney Amanda L. , Zani Brett G. , Baird Rose , Stanley James R. L. , Hayward Alison , Markham Peter M. , Kopia Gregory A. , Edelman Elazer R. , Rabiner Robert
Published: January 2017

Bone healing, biocompatibility, and safety employing the IlluminOss System (IS), comprised of an inflatable balloon filled with photopolymerizable liquid monomer, was evaluated in New Zealand white rabbits. Successful bone healing and callus remodeling over 6 months was demonstrated radiologically and histologically with IS implants in fenestrated femoral cortices. Biocompatibility was demonstrated with IS implants in brushed, flushed femoral intramedullary spaces, eliciting no adverse, local, or systemic responses and with similar biocompatibility to K‐wires in contralateral femurs up to 1 year post‐implant. Lastly simulated clinical failures demonstrated the safety of IS implants up to 1 year in the presence of liquid or polymerized polymer within the intramedullary space. Polymerized material displayed cortical bone and vasculature effects comparable to mechanical disruption of the endosteum. In the clinically unlikely scenario with no remediation or polymerization, a high dose monomer injection resulted in marked necrosis of cortical bone, as well as associated vasculature, endosteum, and bone marrow. Overall, when polymerized and hardened within bone intramedullary spaces, this light curable monomer system may provide a safe and effective method for fracture stabilization. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2181–2190, 2017.
Non‐destructive assessment of grapevine water status in the field using a portable NIR spectrophotometer
Authors: Tardaguila Javier , Fernández‐Novales Juan , Gutiérrez Salvador , Diago Maria Paz
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Until now, the majority of methods employed to assess grapevine water status have been destructive, time‐intensive, costly and provide information of a limited number of samples, thus the ability of revealing within‐field water status variability is reduced. The goal of this work was to evaluate the capability of non‐invasive, portable near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy acquired in the field, to assess the grapevine water status in diverse varieties, grown under different environmental conditions, in a fast and reliable way. The research was conducted 2 weeks before harvest in 2012, in two commercial vineyards, planted with eight different varieties. Spectral measurements were acquired in the field on the adaxial and abaxial sides of 160 individual leaves (20 leaves per variety) using a commercially available handheld spectrophotometer (1600–2400 nm).

RESULTS

Principal component analysis (PCA) and modified partial least squares (MPLS) were used to interpret the spectra and to develop reliable prediction models for stem water potential (Ψs) (cross‐validation correlation coefficient (rcv) ranged from 0.77 to 0.93, and standard error of cross validation (SECV) ranged from 0.10 to 0.23), and leaf relative water content (RWC) (rcv ranged from 0.66 to 0.81, and SECV between 1.93 and 3.20). The performance differences between models built from abaxial and adaxial‐acquired spectra is also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The capability of non‐invasive NIR spectroscopy to reliably assess the grapevine water status under field conditions was proved. This technique can be a suitable and promising tool to appraise within‐field variability of plant water status, helpful to define optimised irrigation strategies in the wine industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Gelation of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) minced muscle as affected by pressure and thermal treatments at low salt concentration
Authors: Truong Binh Q , Buckow Roman , Nguyen Minh H , Furst John
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Barramundi minced muscle with salt 10 g kg−1 and 20 g kg−1 added is gelled by different combinations of pressurisation (300, 400 and 500 MPa at 4 °C for 10 min), cooking (0.1 MPa, 90 °C for 30 min) and setting (0.1 MPa, 50 °C for 2 h) to improve mechanical properties of barramundi gels and reduce salt added to barramundi gels.

RESULTS

At the low salt concentration of 10 g kg−1, pressurisation prior to cooking (P–C) treatment induced barramundi gels with comparable mechanical properties and water‐holding capacity to those of conventional heat induced (HI) gels with 20 g kg−1 added salt. At salt concentration of 20 g kg−1, pressurisation prior to setting (P–S) and P–C gels exhibited higher mechanical properties and water‐holding capacity as compared to HI gels. Scanning electron microscopy images showed a smooth and dense microstructure of P–C and P–S gels whereas the microstructure of HI gels is rough and less compact.

CONCLUSIONS

P–C treatment can reduce salt concentration added to barramundi gels to 10 g kg−1. P–S and P–C treatment can result in higher mechanical and functional properties of barramundi gels at conventional salt concentration (20 g kg−1) as compared to HI gels. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Postoperative mortality following multi‐modality therapy for pancreatic cancer: Analysis of the SEER‐Medicare data
Authors: Nayar Preethy , Chandak Aastha , Gupta Niodita , Yu Fang , Qiu Fang , Ganti Apar Kishor , Are Chandrakanth
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine post‐operative mortality for elderly pancreatic cancer patients treated with multi‐modality therapy.

Methods

Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Medicare linked data were used to examine differences in mortality between patients who underwent pancreatectomy alone and those who had early (within 12 weeks) and late (after 12 weeks) adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy).

Results

Among 4,105 patients who underwent pancreatectomy between 1991 and 2008, 1‐year mortality (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.71; P‐value = 0.000; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.60–0.85) and 6‐month mortality (OR = 0.44; P‐value = 0.000; 95%CI: 0.35–0.53) following pancreatectomy were significantly lower in the group that underwent pancreatectomy with early adjuvant therapy. Late adjuvant therapy group also had lower 1 year (OR = 0.51; P‐value = 0.000; 95%CI: 0.43–0.61) and 6 months (OR = 0.14; P‐value = 0.000; 95%CI: 0.10–0.17) mortality, compared to surgery alone.

Conclusions

Post‐operative outcomes were better for patients treated with surgery with adjuvant therapy, with the late adjuvant therapy group having the best outcomes (lowest odds of 6 month and 1‐year mortality following surgery). J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:158–163. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Side effects from intense pulsed light: Importance of skin pigmentation, fluence level and ultraviolet radiation—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thaysen‐Petersen Daniel , Erlendsson Andres M. , Nash J.F. , Beerwerth Frank , Philipsen Peter A. , Wulf Hans C. , Paasch Uwe , Haedersdal Merete
Published: January 2017

Background and Objective

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a mainstream treatment for hair removal. Side effects after IPL are known, but risk factors remain to be investigated. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of skin pigmentation, fluence level, and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on IPL‐induced side effects.

Methods

The study was a blinded, randomized intra‐individual controlled trial including 16 healthy subjects with Fitzpatrick Skin Types (FST) II–V. Three test areas were each divided into four sites, randomized to a single IPL exposure of 22, 34, 46 J/cm2 or triple stacking of 46 J/cm2. Areas were subsequently randomized to no UVR or single solar‐simulated UVR exposure of 3 Standard Erythema Dose at 30 minutes or 24 hours after IPL. Each area had a corresponding control, resulting in 15 treatment sites. Follow‐up visits were scheduled up to 4 weeks after IPL. Outcome measures were: (i) blinded clinical skin reactions; (ii) objectively measured erythema and pigmentation; (iii) pain measured by visual analog scale (VAS); (iv) histology (H&E, Fontana–Masson); and (v) mRNA‐expression of p53.

Results

Fifteen subjects with FST II–IV completed the protocol. IPL induced a wide range of skin reactions, including erythema (87% of subjects), purpura (27%), blisters (20%), edema (13%), crusting (13%), hyper‐ (60%), and hypopigmentation (20%). Darker skin pigmentation and increasing IPL fluence were determinants for IPL‐induced side effects (P ≤ 0.002), while a single exposure of UVR did not exacerbate side effects (P ≥ 0.180). Clinical findings were confirmed objectively by reflectance spectrometry and qualitatively by histological changes in skin architecture, inflammatory infiltration, and pigmentation. Marker of cellular DNA damage, that is, p53, did not increase after IPL (P ≥ 0.24).

Conclusions

Skin pigmentation and IPL fluence are major determinants of side effects after IPL exposure, while a single exposure to three SED of UVR at 30 minutes or 24 hours after IPL, does not amplify such side effects. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:88–96, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel immune function biomarker identifies patients at risk of clinical events early following liver transplantation
Authors: Sood Siddharth , Haifer Craig , Yu Lijia , Pavlovic Julie , Churilov Leonid , Gow Paul J. , Jones Robert M. , Angus Peter W. , Visvanathan Kumar , Testro Adam G.
Published: January 2017

Balancing immunosuppression after liver transplant is difficult, with clinical events common. We investigate whether a novel immune biomarker based on a laboratory platform with widespread availability that measures interferon γ (IFNγ) after stimulation with a lyophilized ball containing an adaptive and innate immune stimulant can predict events following transplantation. A total of 75 adult transplant recipients were prospectively monitored in a blinded, observational study; 55/75 (73.3%) patients experienced a total of 89 clinical events. Most events occurred within the first month. Low week 1 results were significantly associated with risk of early infection (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.74; P = 0.008). IFNγ ≤ 1.30 IU/mL (likelihood ratio positive, 1.93; sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 63.0%) was associated with the highest risk for infection with minimal rejection risk. Nearly half the cohort (27/60, 45.0%) expressed IFNγ ≤ 1.30 IU/mL. Moreover, an elevated week 1 result was significantly associated with the risk of rejection within the first month after transplant (AUROC, 0.77; P = 0.002), but no episodes of infection. On multivariate logistic regression, IFNγ ≥ 4.49 IU/mL (odds ratio, 4.75) may be an independent predictor of rejection (P = 0.05). In conclusion, low IFNγ suggesting oversuppression is associated with infections, whereas high IFNγ indicating undersuppression is associated with rejection. This assay offers the potential to allow individualization and optimization of immunosuppression that could fundamentally alter the way patients are managed following transplantation. Liver Transplantation 23 487–497 2017 AASLD.
Corrosion behavior of 316L austenitic steel processed by selective laser melting, hot‐isostatic pressing, and casting
Authors: Geenen K. , Röttger A. , Theisen W.
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the corrosion behavior of grade 316L austenitic steel processed by casting, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), selective laser melting (SLM), and SLM + HIP. Electrochemical results showed that the SLM‐densified specimen exhibited poorer corrosion resistance than specimens processed by casting and hot isostatic pressing in solution‐annealed condition. Microstructural investigations revealed that the SLM‐densified specimen had a fine‐grained microstructure but comparatively higher porosity, which negatively influenced corrosion resistance. Additional HIP treatment further worsened corrosion resistance. The HIP process does not significantly reduce porosity compared to the SLM process, which can be attributed to the argon atmosphere used when manufacturing the SLM samples. Nevertheless, it was possible to reduce the crack density via HIP treatment and the formerly lamellar oxides underwent spheroidization.
The localised corrosion associated with individual second phase particles in AA7075‐T6: A study by SEM, EDX, AES, SKPFM and FIB‐SEM
Authors: Mallinson C. F. , Yates P. M. , Baker M. A. , Castle J. E. , Harvey A. , Watts Jj F.
Published: January 2017

To investigate the role of intermetallic particles in the localised corrosion of AA7075‐T6, three particles were monitored over 16 h immersion in 3.5 wt% KCl solution. These were examined using Auger electron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscopy. Despite similar Volta potential measurements, the corrosion microchemistry varied significantly with composition. A Al7Cu2Fe intermetallic resulted in trenching while a (Al,Cu)6(Fe,Cu) intermetallic showed crevice corrosion and sub‐surface intergranular corrosion and a Al12Fe3Si intermetallic appeared to be galvanically inactive but showed crevice formation at the matrix interface and sub‐surface intergranular corrosion.
Investigation of Synthetic Spider Silk Crystallinity and Alignment via Electrothermal, Pyroelectric, Literature XRD, and Tensile Techniques
Authors: Munro Troy , Putzeys Tristan , Copeland Cameron G. , Xing Changhu , Lewis Randolph V. , Ban Heng , Glorieux Christ , Wubbenhorst Michael
Published: January 2017

The processes used to create synthetic spider silk greatly affect the properties of the produced fibers. This paper investigates the effect of process variations during artificial spinning on the thermal and mechanical properties of the produced silk. Property values are also compared to the ones of the natural dragline silk of theNephila clavipesspider, and to unprocessed (as‐spun) synthetic silk. Structural characterization by scanning pyroelectric microscopy is employed to provide insight into the axial orientation of the crystalline regions of the fiber and is supported by X‐ray diffraction data. The results show that stretching and passage through liquid baths induce crystal formation and axial alignment in synthetic fibers, but with different structural organization than natural silks. Furthermore, an increase in thermal diffusivity and elastic modulus is observed with decreasing fiber diameter, trending toward properties of natural fiber. This effect seems to be related to silk fibers being subjected to a radial gradient during production.

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N‐acylhomoserine lactone‐regulation of genes mediating motility and pathogenicity in Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tabaci 11528
Authors: Cheng Feifei , Ma Anzhou , Luo Jinxue , Zhuang Xuliang , Zhuang Guoqiang
Published: January 2017

Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tabaci 11528 (P. syringae 11528) is a phytopathogen that causes wild‐fire disease in soybean and tobacco plants. It utilizes a cell density‐dependent regulation system known as quorum sensing (QS). In its QS system, the psyI is responsible for the biosynthesis of N‐acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). By comparing the transcripts from P. syringae 11528 wild‐type strain with those of the ΔpsyI mutant using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) technology, 1118 AHL‐regulated genes were identified in the transition from exponential to stationary growth phase. Numerous AHL‐regulated genes involved in pathogenicity were negatively controlled, including genes linked to flagella, chemotaxis, pilus, extracellular polysaccharides, secretion systems, and two‐component system. Moreover, gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the most pronounced regulation was associated with bacterial motility. Finally, phenotypic assays showed that QS‐regulated traits were involved in epiphytic growth of pathogens and disease development in plants. These findings imply that the AHL‐mediated QS system in P. syringae 11528 plays significant roles in distinct stages of interactions between plants and pathogens, including early plant colonization and late plant infection.
Maternal high salt diet altered Adenosine‐mediated vasodilatation via PKA/BK channel pathway in offspring rats
Authors: Wu Jue , Li Na , Liu Yanping , Li Weisheng , He Axin , Zhu Di , Feng Xueqin , Liu Bailin , Shi Ruixiu , Zhang Yujuan , Lv Juanxiu , Xu Zhice
Published: January 2017

Scope

High salt (HS) diets are related to cardiovascular diseases, and prenatal HS was suggested to increase risks of coronary artery diseases in the offspring. This study tested the hypothesis that prenatal HS may influence Adenosine‐induced vasodilatation via protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in coronary arteries.

Methods and results

Sprague–Dawley rats were fed with 8% salt diet for gestation, the control was fed with 0.3% salt diet. Coronary arteries from male adult offspring were tested for K+ channels and Adenosine signal pathways. Adenosine‐mediated vasodilatation was reduced in coronary arteries in HS. There was no difference in gene expression of A2A receptors between the two groups. After pretreatment with PKA inhibitor, vasodilatation to Adenosine was decreased to a smaller extent in HS than that in control. Forskolin (activator of adenylate cyclase)‐mediated vasodilatation was decreased in HS. Iberiotoxin (large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel [BK channel] inhibitor) attenuated Forskolin‐induced vasodilatation in control, not in HS group. Currents of BK channels decreased in coronary artery smooth muscle cells, and PKA‐modulated BK channel functions were declined. Protein levels of BK β1 and PKA C‐subunits in coronary arteries of HS offspring were reduced.

Conclusions

Prenatal HS diets altered Adenosine‐mediated coronary artery vasodilatation in the offspring, which was linked to downregulation of cAMP/PKA/BK channel pathway.
Comment on: Polarity effects and apparent ion recombination in microionization chambers Med. Phys. 43(5), 2141–2152 (2016)
Authors: Brivio D. , Sajo E. , Zygmanski P.
Published: January 2017

In a recent paper of Miller et al. (Med. Phys. 43(5), 2141–2152 (2016), the voltage dependence polarity effect of microionization chambers was studied. It was identified that polarity effect arises from the difference in electric potential between the collecting electrode and the guard electrode, which in turn deforms the electric field and affects the charge collection. Nevertheless, the cause of such potential difference has not been identified. In this letter, we explain that the electric potential perturbation arises from the work function difference of the disparate materials electrodes (collecting vs guard electrodes in the particular case).
The Effect of halloysite on structure and properties of polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibers
Authors: Švachová Veronika , Khunová Viera , Pavliňák David , Fohlerová Zdenka , Vojtová Lucy
Published: January 2017

The work explores the effects of halloysite nanotubes (HNT) on the structure and properties of ε‐polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/Gel) nanofibers. Electrospun nanofibers containing 8 wt% Gel and 8 wt% PCL have been prepared by using tissue‐friendly solvent—acetic acid. The HNT content in nanofibers has been varied from 0.5 up to 6.0 wt%. The results revealed significant effect of HNT on the obtained nanofiber structure and fiber diameter. Nanofibers with lower HNT concentration provided fibrous structure with HNT particles located predominantly inside the individual fibers. In the case of nanofibers with 6 wt% HNT, the individual particles as well as the agglomerates of HNT have been detected. The highest improvement of mechanical properties (strength—from 1.3 ± 0.1 MPa to 2.2 ± 0.2 MPa and elongation—from 17.5 ± 5.0% to 61.1 ±7.7%) has been achieved when the content of HNT in nanofibers was equal to 0.5 wt%. The addition of HNT also improved the thermal stability and reduced the crystallinity of PCL/Gel nanofibers. The proliferation of NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts on PCL/Gel nanofibers was qualitatively observed using fluorescence microscopy. The cells appeared well adhered and characterized by normal fibroblastic behavior on all examined nanofibers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:506–512, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers