bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burning the legacy? Influence of wildfire reburn on dead wood dynamics in a temperate conifer forest
Authors: Donato Daniel C. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Campbell John L.
Published: June 2016

Dynamics of dead wood, a key component of forest structure, are not well described for mixed‐severity fire regimes with widely varying fire intervals. A prominent form of such variation is when two stand‐replacing fires occur in rapid succession, commonly termed an early‐seral “reburn.” These events are thought to strongly influence dead wood abundance in a regenerating forest, but this hypothesis has scarcely been tested. We measured dead wood following two overlapping wildfires in conifer‐dominated forests of the Klamath Mountains, Oregon (USA), to assess whether reburning (15‐yr interval, with >90% vegetation mortality) resulted in lower dead wood abundance and altered character relative to once‐burned stands, and how any differences may project through succession. Total dead wood mass (standing + down) following the reburn (169 ± 83 Mg/ha [95%CI]) was 45% lower than after a single fire (309 ± 87 Mg/ha). Lower levels in reburn stands were due to, in roughly equal parts, additional combustion and greater time for decay. Although a single fire in mature forest both consumed and created dead wood (by killing large live trees), a reburn only consumed dead wood (few large live trees to kill). Charred biomass (black carbon generation) was higher in reburned stands by a factor of 2 for logs and 8 for snags. Projecting these stands forward (notwithstanding future disturbances) suggests: (1) the near‐halving of dead‐wood mass in reburn stands will persist for ~50 yr until the recruitment of new material begins, and (2) the reburn signature on dead wood abundance will remain apparent for over a century. These findings demonstrate how a single stochastic variation in disturbance interval can impart lasting influence on dead‐wood succession, reinforcing the notion that many temperate forests exist in a state of dead‐wood disequilibrium governed by site‐specific disturbance history. Accounting for such variation in disturbance impacts is crucial to better understanding forests with complex mixed‐severity disturbance regimes and with increasing stochasticity under climatic change.
Eutrophication triggers contrasting multilevel feedbacks on litter accumulation and decomposition in fens
Authors: Emsens W.‐J. , Aggenbach C. J. S. , Grootjans A. P. , Nfor E. E. , Schoelynck J. , Struyf E. , van Diggelen R.
Published: June 2016

Eutrophication is a major threat for the persistence of nutrient‐poor fens, as multilevel feedbacks on decomposition rates could trigger carbon loss and increase nutrient cycling. Here, we experimentally investigate the effects of macronutrient (NPK) enrichment on litter quality of six species of sedge (Carex sp.), which we relate to litter decomposition rates in a nutrient‐poor and nutrient‐rich environment. Our research focused on four levels: we examined how eutrophication alters (1) fresh litter production (“productivity shift”), (2) litter stoichiometry within the same species (“intraspecific shift”), (3) overall litter stoichiometry of the vegetation under the prediction that low‐competitive species are outcompeted by fast‐growing competitors (“interspecific shift”), and (4) litter decomposition rates due to an altered external environment (e.g., shifts in microbial activity; “exogenous shift”). Eutrophication triggered a strong increase in fresh litter production. Moreover, individuals of the same species produced litter with lower C:N and C:P ratios, higher K contents, and lower lignin, Ca and Mg contents (intraspecific shift), which increased litter decomposability. In addition, species typical for eutrophic conditions produced more easily degradable litter than did species typical for nutrient‐poor conditions (interspecific shift). However, the effects of nutrient loading of the external environment (exogenous shift) were contradictory. Here, interactions between litter type and ambient nutrient level indicate that the (exogenous) effects of eutrophication on litter decomposition rates are strongly dependent of litter quality. Moreover, parameters of litter quality only correlated with decomposition rates for litter incubated in nutrient‐poor environments, but not in eutrophic environments. This suggests that rates of litter decomposition can be uncoupled from litter stoichiometry under eutrophic conditions. In conclusion, our results show that eutrophication affects litter accumulation and ‐decomposition at multiple levels, in which stimulatory and inhibitory effects interact. The cumulative effect of these interactions ultimately determine whether peatlands remain sinks or become sources of carbon under eutrophic conditions.
Consequences of toxic secondary compounds in nectar for mutualist bees and antagonist butterflies
Authors: Jones Patricia L. , Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: June 2016

Attraction of mutualists and defense against antagonists are critical challenges for most organisms and can be especially acute for plants with pollinating and non‐pollinating flower visitors. Secondary compounds in flowers have been hypothesized to adaptively mediate attraction of mutualists and defense against antagonists, but this hypothesis has rarely been tested. The tissues of milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) contain toxic cardenolides that have long been studied as chemical defenses against herbivores. Milkweed nectar also contains cardenolides, and we have examined the impact of manipulating cardenolides in nectar on the foraging choices of two flower visitors: generalist bumble bees, Bombus impatiens, which are mutualistic pollinators, and specialist monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, which are herbivores as larvae and ineffective pollinators as adults. Although individual bumble bees in single foraging bouts showed no avoidance of cardenolides at the highest natural concentrations reported for milkweeds, a pattern of deterrence did arise when entire colonies were allowed to forage for several days. Monarch butterflies were not deterred by the presence of cardenolides in nectar when foraging from flowers, but laid fewer eggs on plants paired with cardenolide‐laced flowers compared to controls. Thus, although deterrence of bumble bees by cardenolides may only occur after extensive foraging, a primary effect of nectar cardenolides appears to be reduction of monarch butterfly oviposition.
Stream drying drives microbial ammonia oxidation and first‐flush nitrate export
Authors: Merbt Stephanie N. , Proia Lorenzo , Prosser James I. , Martí Eugènia , Casamayor Emilio O. , von Schiller Daniel
Published: June 2016

Stream microbial communities and associated processes are influenced by environmental fluctuations that may ultimately dictate nutrient export. Discharge fluctuations caused by intermittent stream flow are increasing worldwide in response to global change. We examined the impact of flow cessation and drying on in‐stream nitrogen cycling. We determined archaeal (AOA) and bacterial ammonia oxidizer (AOB) abundance and ammonia oxidation activity in surface and deep sediments from different sites along the Fuirosos stream (Spain) subjected to contrasting hydrological conditions (i.e., running water, isolated pools, and dry streambeds). AOA were more abundant than AOB, with no major changes across hydrological conditions or sediment layers. However, ammonia oxidation activity and sediment nitrate content increased with the degree of stream drying, especially in surface sediments. Upscaling of our results shows that ammonia oxidation in dry streambeds can contribute considerably (~50%) to the high nitrate export typically observed in intermittent streams during first‐flush events following flow reconnection. Our study illustrates how the dry channels of intermittent streams can be potential hotspots of ammonia oxidation. Consequently, shifts in the duration, spatial extent and severity of intermittent flow can play a decisive role in shaping nitrogen cycling and export along fluvial networks in response to global change.
Development and validation of a novel microwave assisted extraction method for fish lipids
Authors: Costa Débora dos Santos Venâncio , Bragagnolo Neura
Published: June 2016

A novel microwave assisted extraction (MAE) method for fish lipids was optimized by means of a central composite design and validated using a fish tissue standard reference material (SRM, 1946, NIST). Scanning electron microscopy showed that MAE caused total disruption of the fish tissue, thus lipid migration to the extraction solvent was more efficient and faster in comparison to the Folch method. The lipid content of the SRM obtained by MAE (10.1 ± 0.2 g/100 g) was similar to that declared on the certificate (10.2 ± 0.5 g/100 g). The use of microwave energy did not alter the fatty acid composition of the fish nor formed lipid oxidation derived compounds at higher levels than in the Folch method. The MAE method was applied to fishes with different lipid contents, tilapia, pacu, and hake. MAE is a fast and robust technique with low solvent consumption when compared to the Folch method.

Practical applications: MAE presented the following advantages over the Folch method: the lipids can be extracted from up to 12 samples simultaneously, it reduces the extraction time by up to 90%, produces less residues, reduces solvent consumption proportionaly to the mass used by up to 25%, and contributes to a reduction in toxicity in the environment by substituting chloroform with ethyl acetate.

The MAE method was applied to fishes with different lipid contents, tilapia, pacu, and hake.
From Evangelist to Utilization‐Focused Evaluator
Authors: Patton Michael Quinn
Published: June 2016

Patton tells stories about how he became a youth revivalist, a missionary for his church, and then a humanist. He makes connections between these experiences and his utilization‐focused approach to evaluation.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in thyroid surgery: Clinical pathways and resources consumption
Authors: Ferrari Cesare Carlo , Rausei Stefano , Amico Francesco , Boni Luigi , Chiang Feng‐Yu , Wu Che‐Wei , Kim Hoon Yub , Dionigi Gianlorenzo
Published: June 2016

Background

The impact of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury management in thyroid surgery seems to be relevant to patients, National Healthcare System (NHS), and society.

Methods

We studied resource consumption in the management of patients with RLN injury versus noninjured patients investigating 3 perspectives (patients, NHS, and society) in 5 clinical pathways.

Results

Direct medical costs supported by the NHS range from a minimum of euro (€) 79.46 to a maximum of € 3261.95. From the patient's perspective, the direct medical costs supported by the patient increased from a minimum of € 3.60 to a maximum of € 499.45. Productivity losses were accounted in € 156 per day per patient. From the NHS perspective, the percentage increase ranged from 43.25% to 98.14%. From the patient's perspective, it ranged from 51.52% to 80.60%.

Conclusion

The analysis shows a significant economic impact of RLN injury management, which varies depending on the damage, duration, and severity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708–1716, 2016
Determinants of Liquidity (Re)Allocation and the Decision to Cross‐List or Cross‐Delist
Authors: Füss Roland , Hommel Ulrich , Plagge Jan‐Carl
Published: June 2016

This paper examines the factors influencing the liquidity allocation between local and foreign dual listings. Based on a comprehensive data set covering the period between 2001 and 2011, empirical results suggest that the fraction of trading in the foreign listing decreases with a higher degree of stock market integration measured as the stock price correlation with the world market. Furthermore, the analysis of individual cross‐listings reveals that both an improvement of a country's state of economic development and a better regulatory environment significantly affect the allocation of trading. While an improvement in economic development increases both local and foreign liquidity, a strengthening of regulatory standards leads to a decrease in trading volumes at foreign exchanges. Finally, the liquidity share in the foreign listing is found to decrease over time, a trend that turns out to be driven by developing rather than by developed markets. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wide‐field time‐gated photoluminescence microscopy for fast ultrahigh‐sensitivity imaging of photoluminescent probes
Authors: Razali Wan A. W. , Sreenivasan Varun K. A. , Bradac Carlo , Connor Mark , Goldys Ewa M. , Zvyagin Andrei V.
Published: June 2016

Fluorescence microscopy is a fundamental technique for the life sciences, where biocompatible and photostable photoluminescence probes in combination with fast and sensitive imaging systems are continually transforming this field. A wide‐field time‐gated photoluminescence microscopy system customised for ultrasensitive imaging of unique nanoruby probes with long photoluminescence lifetime is described. The detection sensitivity derived from the long photoluminescence lifetime of the nanoruby makes it possible to discriminate signals from unwanted autofluorescence background and laser backscatter by employing a time‐gated image acquisition mode. This mode enabled several‐fold improvement of the photoluminescence imaging contrast of discrete nanorubies dispersed on a coverslip. It enabled recovery of the photoluminescence signal emanating from discrete nanorubies when covered by a layer of an organic fluorescent dye, which were otherwise invisible without the use of spectral filtering approaches. Time‐gated imaging also facilitated high sensitivity detection of nanorubies in a biological environment of cultured cells. Finally, we monitor the binding kinetics of nanorubies to a functionalised substrate, which exemplified a real‐time assay in biological fluids.

3D‐pseudo colour images of nanorubies immersed in a highly fluorescent dye solution. Nanoruby photoluminescence is subdued by that of the dye in continuous excitation/imaging (left), however it can be recovered by time‐gated imaging (right). At the bottom is schematic diagram of nanoruby assay in a biological fluid.

magnified image

3D‐pseudo colour images of nanorubies immersed in a highly fluorescent dye solution. Nanoruby photoluminescence is subdued by that of the dye in continuous excitation/imaging (left), however it can be recovered by time‐gated imaging (right). At the bottom is schematic diagram of nanoruby assay in a biological fluid.
Increase of forage dryness induces differentiated anatomical response in the sheep rumen compartments
Authors: Scocco Paola , Mercati Francesca , Tardella Federico Maria , Catorci Andrea
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate how the Surface Enlargement Factor (SEF) and the epithelial keratinization degree of sheep rumen change in response to phytomass production, and to forage fiber and water content during the pasture vegetative cycle. The study used eighteen sheep nourished with dry hay and cereals during the winter season and with fresh hay during the pasture vegetative cycle. We collected samples from rumen indicative regions for two consecutive years characterized by different rainfall and pasture productivity values. We evaluated the densities (D) of rumen papillae to estimate the rumen SEF, and the keratinization percentage of the epithelial lining; these parameters showed differentiated modifications in the four ruminal analyzed compartments in response to pasture seasonal conditions. In addition, we performed Canonical Redundancy Analysis (RDA) on the “keratinization and SEF” matrix constrained by phytomass, water, and crude fiber contents of pasture at different time in the two considered years to highlight how rumen features answer to pasture conditions. Atrium (A) and ventral sac (VS) keratinization showed a strict positive correlation to crude fiber, while SEF of VS was positively related to phytomass and forage water content. The degree of keratinization of the rumen VS epithelium proved to be a useful parameter for evaluating anatomical variations in the short term period related to pasture features; in addition, its monitoring could be carried out through biopsy, thus avoiding the killing of animals. The study also leads to the application of the 3Rs (Replacement; Reduction; and Refinement). Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:738–743, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytotoxic effects of extract ofAcmella oleraceae(Jambú) inRhipicephalus microplusfemales ticks
Authors: de Oliveira Patrícia rosa , de Carvalho Castro Karina Neoob , Anholeto Luis Adriano , Camargo Mathias Maria Izabel
Published: June 2016

The present study analyzed the effects of different concentrations of the hexane extract ofA. oleraceae(HEAO) (Jambú) on the germ cells of semi‐engorgedRhipicephalus microplusfemale ticks, through a morpho‐histological study, evaluating the effectiveness of the extract in the genesis of the individuals. To perform this analysis, 100 semi‐engorged females were divided into five groups with 20 individuals each: groups I and II, respectively constituted by distilled water control and 50% ethanol + 1% DMSO, and groups III, IV, and V constituted by treatment with HEAO in the concentrations of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/mL, respectively. All the ticks were immersed in the different concentrations of the extract or in distilled water for 5 minutes, dried and conditioned in BOD incubator for 7 days. The individuals of the treatment groups revealed the action of this extract showing alterations in the germ cells of the females from the different groups when compared with those from the groups I and II (control groups). These alterations were mainly related to the size and shape of the oocytes; number of yolk granules; presence, number, size and location of vacuoles in the cytoplasm of all the germ cells; and the presence of nuclear alterations in these cells as well. Thus, it was demonstrated that the concentrations of HEAO affected the germ cells ofR. microplusticks. The effects of the extract are similar to those caused by renowned and efficient chemical products used to control these ticks.Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:744–753, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospects of medium specific activity 177Lu in targeted therapy of prostate cancer using 177Lu‐labeled PSMA inhibitor
Authors: Chakraborty Sudipta , Chakravarty Rubel , Shetty Priyalata , Vimalnath K. V. , Sen Ishita B. , Dash Ashutosh
Published: June 2016

Targeted radionuclide therapy using 177Lu‐labeled peptidomimetic inhibitor of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) viz. PSMA‐617 is emerging as one the most effective strategies for management of metastatic prostate cancer, which is one of the leading causes of cancer related death. The aim of the present study is to develop a robust and easily adaptable protocol for formulation of therapeutic dose of 177Lu‐PSMA‐617 at hospital radiopharmacy using moderate specific activity 177Lu available at an affordable cost. Extensive radiochemical studies were performed to optimize the required [PSMA‐617] / [Lu] ratio and other parameters to formulate 7.4 GBq dose of 177Lu‐PSMA‐617. Based on these, 7.4 GBq therapeutic dose of 177Lu‐PSMA‐617 was formulated by incubating 160 µg of PSMA‐617 with indigenously produced 177LuCl3 (555 GBq/µg specific activity of 177Lu) at 90 °C for 30 min. The radiochemical purity of the formulation was 98.3 ± 0.6% (n = 7) which was retained to the extent of >95% after 7 d in normal saline at room temperature and >96% after 2 d in human serum at 37 °C. Preliminary clinical studies showed specific targeting of the agent in the lesion sites and similar physiological distribution as in diagnostic 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 PET scans performed earlier. The developed optimized protocol for formulating therapeutic dose of 177Lu‐PSMA‐617 could be useful for large number of nuclear medicine therapy clinics across the world having access to moderate specific activity 177Lu at an affordable cost.
LRRK2 knockdown in zebrafish causes developmental defects, neuronal loss, and synuclein aggregation
Authors: Prabhudesai Shubhangi , Bensabeur Fatima Zahra , Abdullah Rashed , Basak Indranil , Baez Solange , Alves Guido , Holtzman Nathalia G. , Larsen Jan Petter , Møller Simon Geir
Published: June 2016

Although mutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most common cause of genetic Parkinson's disease, their function is largely unknown. LRRK2 is pleiotropic in nature, shown to be involved in neurodegeneration and in more peripheral processes, including kidney functions, in rats and mice. Recent studies in zebrafish have shown conflicting evidence that removal of the LRRK2 WD40 domain may or may not affect dopaminergic neurons and/or locomotion. This study shows that ∼50% LRRK2 knockdown in zebrafish causes not only neuronal loss but also developmental perturbations such as axis curvature defects, ocular abnormalities, and edema in the eyes, lens, and otic vesicles. We further show that LRRK2 knockdown results in significant neuronal loss, including a reduction of dopaminergic neurons. Immunofluorescence demonstrates that endogenous LRRK2 is expressed in the lens, brain, heart, spinal cord, and kidney (pronephros), which mirror the LRRK2 morphant phenotypes observed. LRRK2 knockdown results further in the concomitant upregulation of β‐synuclein, PARK13, and SOD1 and causes β‐synuclein aggregation in the diencephalon, midbrain, hindbrain, and postoptic commissure. LRRK2 knockdown causes mislocalization of the Na+/K+ ATPase protein in the pronephric ducts, suggesting that the edema might be linked to renal malfunction and that LRRK2 might be associated with pronephric duct epithelial cell differentiation. Combined, our study shows that LRRK2 has multifaceted roles in zebrafish and that zebrafish represent a complementary model to further our understanding of this central protein. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prostaglandin E2 promotes neural proliferation and differentiation and regulates Wnt target gene expression
Authors: Wong Christine T. , Ussyshkin Netta , Ahmad Eizaaz , Rai‐Bhogal Ravneet , Li Hongyan , Crawford Dorota A.
Published: June 2016

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an endogenous lipid molecule that regulates important physiological functions, including calcium signaling, neuronal plasticity, and immune responses. Exogenous factors such as diet, exposure to immunological agents, toxic chemicals, and drugs can influence PGE2 levels in the developing brain and have been associated with autism disorders. This study seeks to determine whether changes in PGE2 level can alter the behavior of undifferentiated and differentiating neuroectodermal (NE‐4C) stem cells and whether PGE2 signaling impinges on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathways. We show that PGE2 increases proliferation of undifferentiated NE‐4C stem cells. PGE2 also promotes the progression of NE‐4C stem cell differentiation into neuronal‐lineage cells, which is apparent by accelerated appearance of neuronal clusters (neurospheres) and earlier expression of the neuronal marker microtubule‐associated protein tau. Furthermore, PGE2 alters the expression of downstream Wnt‐regulated genes previously associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. In undifferentiated stem cells, PGE2 downregulates Ptgs2 expression and upregulates Mmp9 and Ccnd1 expression. In differentiating neuronal cells, PGE2 causes upregulation of Wnt3, Tcf4, and Ccnd1. The convergence of the PGE2 and the Wnt pathways is also apparent through increased expression of active β‐catenin, a key signaling component of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathways. This study provides novel evidence that PGE2 influences progression of neuronal development and influences Wnt target gene expression. We discuss how these findings could have potential implications for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Precipitation trends and teleconnections identified using quantile regressions over Xinjiang, China
Authors: Tan Xuezhi , Shao Dongguo
Published: June 2016

Precipitation in Xinjiang, China, was modelled with covariates, such as time and climate indices, using quantile regressions. Compared to a frequentist quantile regression, a Bayesian quantile regression tended to generate smoother and narrower band confidence intervals of quantile regression coefficients, especially at extremely high and low quantile levels. A full picture of temporal trends at quantile levels from 0.01 to 0.99 indicates that the wet season (May to August) precipitation in Northern Xinjiang and the western regions of Southern Xinjiang showed statistically significant increases with different magnitudes over all quantile levels. However, the wet season precipitation in South‐eastern Xinjiang decreased at some quantile levels. The Eastern Atlantic/Western Russia (EAWR) pattern was the most significant large‐scale climate pattern that influenced wet season precipitation when compared to other studied patterns, i.e. the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the Northern Oscillation (NO), the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The quantile regression coefficients associated with theEAWRindex positively increased from low to high quantile levels. TheENSOsignificantly affected the extremely high wet season precipitation in Xinjiang. El Niño increased and La Niña decreased wet season precipitation in Northern Xinjiang, with different magnitudes at different quantile levels. Other climate patterns, i.e. theAMO,PDO,NO,NAOandAO, did not evidently affect the wet season precipitation conditional on theENSOandEAWR. These findings suggest that the predictability of seasonal precipitation over Xinjiang can be improved by incorporating indices associated with theENSOandEAWRas model predictors.
Non‐destructive evaluation of bacteria‐infected watermelon seeds using visible/near‐infrared hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Lee Hoonsoo , Kim Moon S. , Song Yu‐Rim , Oh Chang‐Sik , Lim Hyoun‐Sub , Lee Wang‐Hee , Kang Jum‐Soon , Cho Byoung‐Kwan
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

There is a need to minimize economic damage by sorting infected seeds from healthy seeds before seeding. However, current methods of detecting infected seeds, such as seedling grow‐out, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the real‐time PCR have a critical drawbacks in that they are time‐consuming, labor‐intensive and destructive procedures. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of visible/near‐infrared (Vis/NIR) hyperspectral imaging system for detecting bacteria‐infected watermelon seeds.

RESULTS

A hyperspectral Vis/NIR reflectance imaging system (spectral region of 400–1000 nm) was constructed to obtain hyperspectral reflectance images for 336 bacteria‐infected watermelon seeds, which were then subjected to partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) and a least‐squares support vector machine (LS‐SVM) to classify bacteria‐infected watermelon seeds from healthy watermelon seeds. The developed system detected bacteria‐infected watermelon seeds with an accuracy > 90% (PLS‐DA: 91.7%, LS‐SVM: 90.5%), suggesting that the Vis/NIR hyperspectral imaging system is effective for quarantining bacteria‐infected watermelon seeds.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study show that it is possible to use the Vis/NIR hyperspectral imaging system for detecting bacteria‐infected watermelon seeds. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐Temperature Study of 2‐Methyl Furan and 2‐Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Combustion
Authors: Jouzdani Shirin , Eldeeb Mazen A. , Zhang Lingshu , Akih‐Kumgeh Ben
Published: June 2016

The ignition behavior of methyl furan (2‐MF) and methyl tetrahydrofuran (2‐MTHF) is investigated using the shock tube technique. Experiments are carried out using homogeneous gaseous mixtures of fuel, oxygen, and argon with equivalence ratios, ϕ, of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 at average pressures of 3 and 12 atm over a temperature range of 1060–1300 K. In addition to ignition delay time measurements, fuel concentration time histories during ignition and pyrolysis of 2‐MTHF are obtained by means of laser absorption spectroscopy using a He–Ne laser at a fixed wavelength of 3.39 µm. With respect to ignition delay times, it is observed that under similar conditions of equivalence ratio and argon/oxygen ratio (D), 2‐MTHF has longer ignition delay times than 2‐MF at 3 atm. In addition, 2‐MTHF has longer ignition delay times than 2‐MF at higher temperatures for the case of 12 atm and under the same conditions of ϕ and D. The higher reactivity of 2‐MF, as indicated by shorter ignition delay times, is attributed to differences in chemical structure, whereby weaker C–H bond sites are more readily susceptible to radical attack than in 2‐MTHF. It is observed that ignition delay times of 2‐MTHF decrease with increasing equivalence ratio at 12 atm for fixed argon/oxygen ratio. Ignition delay times are compared with model predictions using recent chemical kinetic models of both fuels, showing that both models generally predict shorter ignition delay times than measured. The relatively higher absorption cross section of 2‐MTHF at 3.39 µm allows for its concentration time histories to be determined and compared to model predictions. In line with the observed discrepancy in ignition predictions, predicted 2‐MTHF concentration profiles are such that the fuel is shown to be more rapidly consumed than observed in the experiments. The study advances understanding of the combustion chemistry of these cyclic ethers that are potential alternative fuels.
Runoff Development and Soil Erosion in a Wet Tropical Montane Setting under Coffee Cultivation
Authors: Ramos‐Scharrón Carlos E. , Thomaz Edivaldo L.
Published: June 2016

The western interior portions of Puerto Rico offer optimal climatic conditions for coffee cultivation. However, land and water degradation result when abrupt topographic relief and high annual rainfall combine with forest conversion for coffee farming. Small‐scale rainfall simulation experiments were conducted to quantify runoff and erosion from four land surface types (i.e., mulched, weed‐covered, and bare soils under active cultivation, and unpaved roads) representative of coffee farms in Puerto Rico. Results show that mulch‐covered soils had runoff coefficients similar to those from undisturbed forested conditions (~4%), and that they eroded at rates about a quarter of those for bare cultivated soils. Weed‐covered soils had surprisingly high runoff coefficients (~70%), yet their erosion rates were only three‐fourths of those for bare soils. Annualized erosion rates from unpaved roads were 65 Mg ha−1 y−1, or ten times greater than bare soils and about a hundred times higher than weed‐ or mulch‐covered surfaces. Farm‐scale sediment production estimates amount to ~11 Mg ha−1 y−1, about two‐orders of magnitude higher than under forested conditions. At the farm‐scale, only 2 – 8% of the total sediment is potentially attributable to cultivated hillslopes. In contrast, unpaved roads may account for over 90% of the sediment budget, even though they comprise only 15% of the farm surface area. Therefore, while providing mulch or a vegetative cover to bare cultivated soils should be part of effective soil management, mitigating the effects of coffee cultivation on downstream water resources must focus on the unpaved road network as the primary sediment source. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Mulching with Vegetative Residues on Soil Water Erosion and Water Balance in an Oxisol Cropped by Cassava in East Cameroon
Authors: Nishigaki Tomohiro , Shibata Makoto , Sugihara Soh , Mvondo‐Ze Antoine David , Araki Shigeru , Funakawa Shinya
Published: June 2016

Soil water erosion is a major agricultural concern in tropical Africa with high precipitation and low soil fertility where Oxisols are generally distributed. A field experiment was conducted in east Cameroon during the rainy season in 2013 to investigate the effects of surface mulching with the residues of Imperata cylindrica on soil losses and surface runoff water generation in a cassava cropland on an Oxisol. Three treatments were established using two small plots for each treatment: bare plot (BA), cassava plot (CA) and cassava with mulch plot (CM). Soil loss and surface runoff water were measured, and water budgets of rainfall, surface runoff and soil moisture within rainfall events were measured in all treatment plots. Runoff coefficients in all treatment plots were suppressed below 8·0% because the large volume of large pores of surface soil of Oxisols contributed to the high drainage capacity over a rainy season even under wet soil moisture conditions. Total soil loss in CM was decreased by 49% compared with that in BA and CA, despite there not being a large difference in runoff water among treatments. These results suggest that surface mulching with the residues of I. cylindrica can substantially suppress soil losses caused by particle detachment by raindrops, while it maintain soil surface with originally high permeability in cassava croplands on Oxisols. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postoperative Rehabilitation Strategies Used by Adults With Cochlear Implants: A Pilot Study
Authors: Harris Michael S. , Capretta Natalie R. , Henning Shirley C. , Feeney Laura , Pitt Mark A. , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: June 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Aural rehabilitation is not standardized for adults after cochlear implantation. Most cochlear implant (CI) centers in the United States do not routinely enroll adult CI users in focused postoperative rehabilitation programs due to poor reimbursement and lack of data supporting (or refuting) the efficacy of any one specific approach. Consequently, patients generally assume a self‐driven approach toward rehabilitation. This exploratory pilot study examined rehabilitation strategies pursued by adults with CIs and associated these strategies with speech recognition and CI‐specific quality of life (QOL).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study of 23 postlingually deafened adults with CIs.

Methods

Participants responded to an open‐ended questionnaire regarding rehabilitation strategies. A subset underwent in‐depth interviews. Thematic content analysis was applied to the questionnaires and interview transcripts. Participants also underwent word recognition testing and completed a CI‐related QOL measure. Participants were classified as having good or poor performance (upper or lower quartile for speech recognition) and high or low QOL (upper or lower quartile for QOL). Rehabilitation themes were compared and contrasted among groups.

Results

Five rehabilitation themes were identified: 1) Preimplant expectations of postoperative performance, 2) personal motivation, 3) social support, 4) specific rehabilitation strategies, and 5) patient‐perceived role of the audiologist. Patients with good speech recognition and high QOL tended to pursue more active rehabilitation and had greater social support. Patient expectations and motivation played significant roles in postoperative QOL.

Conclusion

Postoperative patient‐driven rehabilitation strategies are highly variable but appear to relate to outcomes. Larger‐scale extensions of this pilot study are needed.
Some characterizations of upper doubling conditions on metric measure spaces
Authors: Tan Chaoqiang , Li Ji
Published: June 2016

We provide several equivalent characterizations for the upper doubling condition introduced in the framework of T. Hytönen for non‐homogeneous metric measure spaces. We also introduce the “smooth strong upper doubling” condition and provide equivalent characterizations, which is related to the development of Littlewood–Paley theory on this non‐homogeneous setting.
Fredholm theory connected with a Douglis–Nirenberg system of differential equations over an exterior region in
Authors: Faierman M.
Published: June 2016

We consider a boundary problem over an exterior subregion of for a Douglis–Nirenberg system of differential operators under limited smoothness asumptions and under the assumption of parameter‐ellipticity in a closed sector in the complex plane with vertex at the origin. We pose the problem in an Sobolev–Bessel potential space setting, , and denote by the operator induced in this setting by the boundary problem under null boundary conditions. We then derive results pertaining to the Fredholm theory for for values of the spectral parameter λ lying in as well as results pertaining to the invariance of the Fredholm domain of with p.
Sensory Tricks for Cervical Levodopa‐induced Dyskinesia in Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Shin Hae‐Won , Ryu Ho‐Sung , Kim Juyeon , Kim Mi‐Jung , Hallett Mark , Chung Sun Ju
Published: June 2016

View Supplementary Video 1

Choreiform or dystonic movement in the craniocervical region can occur as levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID). “Sensory tricks” are various alleviating maneuvers for the relief of abnormal postures in patients who have idiopathic focal dystonia, particularly those who have cervical dystonia. The authors report on three men with Parkinson's disease who had been receiving levodopa for more than 3 years and presented with involuntary neck movements during the drug on period. In all three patients, cervical LIDs appeared during the drug on period and completely disappeared during the drug off period. The effects of using sensory tricks to markedly improve the symptoms of cervical LID were studied. In all patients, the cervical LIDs improved more efficiently when sensory tricks were performed on the patient by another person (passive tricks) than by the patient himself (self‐sensory tricks). The unique features of the sensory tricks for cervical LID in the current patients may be important clinical evidence of abnormal sensorimotor integration in patients who have PD with LID.
Musician's Dystonia as the Initial Presentation of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Castro Caldas Ana , Correia Guedes Leonor , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Coelho Miguel
Published: June 2016

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Estimation of bladder contractility from intravesical pressure–volume measurements
Authors: Fry Christopher H. , Gammie Andrew , Drake Marcus John , Abrams Paul , Kitney Darryl Graham , Vahabi Bahareh
Published: June 2016

Aims

To describe parameters from urodynamic pressure recordings that describe urinary bladder contractility through the use of principles of muscle mechanics.

Methods

Subtracted detrusor pressure and voided flow were recorded from patients undergoing filling cystometry. The isovolumetric increase of detrusor pressure, P, of a voluntary bladder contraction before voiding was used to generate a plot of (dP/dt)/P versus P. Extrapolation of the plot to the y‐axis and the x‐axis generated a contractility parameter, vCE (the maximum rate of pressure development) and the maximum isovolumetric pressure, P0, respectively. Similar curves were obtained in ex vivo pig bladders with different concentrations of the inotropic agent carbachol and shown in a supplement.

Results

Values of vCE, but not P0, diminished with age in female subjects. vCE was most significantly associated with the 20–80% duration of isovolumetric contraction t20–80; and a weaker association with maximum flow rate and BCI in women. P0 was not associated with any urodynamic variable in women, but in men was with t20–80 and isovolumetric pressure indices.

Conclusions

The rate of isovolumetric subtracted detrusor pressure (t20–80) increase shows a very significant association with indices of bladder contractility as derived from a derived force–velocity curve. We propose that t20–80 is a detrusor contractility parameter (DCP). Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1009–1014, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical efficacy and safety of mirabegron and imidafenacin in women with overactive bladder: A randomized crossover study (the MICRO study)
Authors: Torimoto Kazumasa , Matsushita Chie , Yamada Atsushi , Goto Daisuke , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Hosokawa Yukinari , Miyake Makito , Aoki Katsuya , Hirayama Akihide , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: June 2016

Aims

We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of mirabegron, a β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, and imidafenacin, an anticholinergic agent, in overactive bladder patients.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, prospective randomized cross‐over study at 5 hospitals in Japan from December 2012 to June 2015. We enrolled female patients with overactive bladder aged ≥50 years, who had never received treatment for the condition. The patients were assigned to Group A or B. Group A patients were administered mirabegron (50 mg per day) for 8 weeks, followed by a 2‐week washout period, and then imidafenacin (0.2 mg per day) for 8 weeks. This order of drug administration was reversed in Group B.

Results

A total of 33 and 18 patients in Group A and 37 and 26 patients in Group B continued to receive treatment at weeks 8 and 18, respectively. Mirabegron administration significantly improved overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), the urinary frequency per 24 hr, voided volume per micturition, and number of nocturia episodes per night at week 8. Moreover, imidafenacin administration improved all these variables, except for the number of nocturia episodes per night at week 8. No significant difference was observed in the drug effects between mirabegron and imidafenacin. Although imidafenacin administration significantly increased the scores for dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation, mirabegron administration did not.

Conclusions

Mirabegron and imidafenacin have the same efficacy. Imidafenacin administration is associated with a higher rate of dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation as compared to mirabegron administration. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1097–1103, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The review of versatile application of collagen
Authors: Sionkowska Alina , Skrzyński Sławomir , Śmiechowski Krzysztof , Kołodziejczak Agata
Published: June 2016

This review reports recent advances in the versatile application of collagen. Collagen materials have attracted great attention because they exhibit properties required in cosmetic preparations, in the biomedical field, and in the tanning industry leading to leather production. Herein, the structure and application of collagen are discussed in general, and detailed examples are also drawn from scientific literature and practical work. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imprinted survival genes preclude loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 7 in cancer cells
Authors: Boot Arnoud , Oosting Jan , de Miranda Noel FCC , Zhang Yinghui , Corver Willem E , van de Water Bob , Morreau Hans , van Wezel Tom
Published: June 2016

The genomes of a wide range of cancers, including colon, breast, and thyroid cancers, frequently show copy number gains of chromosome 7 and rarely show loss of heterozygosity. The molecular basis for this phenomenon is unknown. Strikingly, oncocytic follicular thyroid carcinomas can display an extreme genomic profile, with homozygosity of all chromosomes except for chromosome 7. The observation that homozygosity of chromosome 7 is never observed suggests that retention of heterozygosity is essential for cells. We hypothesized that cell survival genes are genetically imprinted on either of two copies of chromosome 7, which thwarts loss of heterozygosity at this chromosome in cancer cells. By employing a DNA methylation screen and gene expression analysis, we identified six imprinted genes that force retention of heterozygosity on chromosome 7. Subsequent knockdown of gene expression showed that CALCR, COPG2, GRB10, KLF14, MEST, and PEG10 were essential for cancer cell survival, resulting in reduced cell proliferation, G1‐phase arrest, and increased apoptosis. We propose that imprinted cell survival genes provide a genetic basis for retention of chromosome 7 heterozygosity in cancer cells. The monoallelically expressed cell survival genes identified in this study, and the cellular pathways that they are involved in, offer new therapeutic targets for the treatment of tumours showing retention of heterozygosity on chromosome 7. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of MgO nanofiller to the physicochemical and ionic liquid retention properties of PEMA‐MgTf2‐EMITFSI nanocomposite polymer electrolytes
Authors: Zain N.F. , Zainal N. , Mohamed N.S.
Published: June 2016

Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes were prepared by dispersing different compositions of nanosized magnesium oxide (MgO) as ceramic nanofiller in poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA)−20 wt% magnesium triflate (MgTf2)−40 wt% 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (EMITFSI) electrolytes. The role of ionic liquid, magnesium salt, and ceramic nanofiller were visualized by various physical and electrochemical analyses including scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, electrical impedance spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetry. The improvement of ionic liquid retention property has been observed by formation of free standing films of PEMA–40 wt% EMITFSI–20 wt% MgTf2dispersed with MgO. The smoothness of the films’ surface observed in SEM images suggested the amorphous nature of the films. The room temperature ionic conductivity was improved up to 10−5S/cm by the incorporation of 1 wt% of MgO nanofiller in the polymer electrolytes. Temperature dependent ionic conductivity showed the Arrhenius‐like behavior with ionic conductivity of 3.78 × 10−4S/cm at 100°C. The polymer electrolyte also showed enhanced electrochemical stability window. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1500–1506, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphological, thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of high density polyethylene reinforced with Illite clay
Authors: Raji Marya , Essabir Hamid , Essassi El Mokhtar , Rodrigue Denis , Bouhfid Rachid , Qaiss Abou el Kacem
Published: June 2016

In this work, Illite (natural Moroccan clay) was selected to reinforce high density polyethylene (HDPE) and to determine the efficiency of styrene‐(ethylene‐butene)‐styrene triblock copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) as a coupling agent. The composites were prepared by extrusion followed by injection molding of various clay contents (5–40 wt%). From the samples produced, the morphological, thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties were measured. The results showed that interfacial adhesion was improved with coupling agent addition leading to increased Young's modulus, as well as higher tensile strength, and strain at yield. Nevertheless, the maximum value for the composites without SEBS‐g‐MA (57% modulus increase) was obtained at 20 wt% compared to 15 wt% for the composites with SEBS‐g‐MA (45% modulus increase). The thermal stability of the composites also increased with clay content, especially when the coupling agent was added. Finally, water absorption tests revealed that the composites have a higher tendency to absorb water with increasing clay content, but the use of a coupling agent substantially reduced this problem. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1522–1533, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers