bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of the Maastrichtian cooling on the marine nutrient regime—Evidence from midlatitudinal calcareous nannofossils
Authors: Linnert Christian , Engelke Julia , Wilmsen Markus , Mutterlose Jörg
Published: May 2016

The latest Campanian‐earliest Maastrichtian interval is well known as a period of intense climate cooling. This cooling caused a distinctive bipolar biogeographic distribution of calcareous nannofossil assemblages: High‐latitude settings were dominated by newly evolving endemic taxa, former cosmopolitan species disappeared at the same time, and equatorial communities experienced an invasion of cool water taxa. The impact of this cooling on northern midlatitude assemblages is, however, less well known. In order to overcome this gap we studied the Kronsmoor section (northwest Germany). This section provides a continuous upper Campanian—lower Maastrichtian succession with moderately to well preserved nannofossils. Uppermost Campanian assemblages are dominated by Prediscosphaera cretacea; other common taxa include Prediscosphaera stoveri, Watznaueria barnesiae, and Micula staurophora. The lower Maastrichtian is characterized by lower numbers of P. cretacea and frequent Kamptnerius magnificus, Arkhangelskiella cymbiformis, and Cribrosphaerella ehrenbergii. These changes reflect, in part, the Campanian‐Maastrichtian boundary cooling since some successful taxa (e.g., K. magnificus) are related to cool surface waters. Other shifts in the nannofossil communities were perhaps the result of a changing nutrient regime. Stronger latitudinal gradients may have increased wind velocities and thus the eolian input of ferruginous dust required by N‐fixing bacteria. The enhanced high‐latitude deep water formation probably changed the bottom water environment in disfavor of denitrificating organisms. A decline of chemical weathering and fluviatile transport may have reduced the amount of bioavailable phosphate. These processes led to an increased nitrate and a decreased phosphate content shifting the nutrient regime from nitrate toward phosphate limitation.
Impacts of artificial ocean alkalinization on the carbon cycle and climate in Earth system simulations
Authors: González Miriam Ferrer , Ilyina Tatiana
Published: May 2016

Using the state‐of‐the‐art emissions‐driven Max Planck Institute Earth system model, we explore the impacts of artificial ocean alkalinization (AOA) with a scenario based on the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) framework. Addition of 114 Pmol of alkalinity to the surface ocean stabilizes atmospheric CO2 concentration to RCP4.5 levels under RCP8.5 emissions. This scenario removes 940 GtC from the atmosphere and mitigates 1.5 K of global warming within this century. The climate adjusts to the lower CO2 concentration preventing the loss of sea ice and high sea level rise. Seawater pH and the carbonate saturation state (Ω) rise substantially above levels of the current decade. Pronounced differences in regional sensitivities to AOA are projected, with the Arctic Ocean and tropical oceans emerging as hot spots for biogeochemical changes induced by AOA. Thus, the CO2 mitigation potential of AOA comes at a price of an unprecedented ocean biogeochemistry perturbation with unknown ecological consequences.
Vulnerability of a semienclosed estuarine sea to ocean acidification in contrast with hypoxia
Authors: Ianson Debby , Allen Susan E. , Moore‐Maley Benjamin L. , Johannessen Sophia C. , Macdonald and Robie W.
Published: May 2016

The Strait of Georgia (SoG) is a large semienclosed estuary that spatially dominates the Salish Sea on the North American Pacific coast. The region is well populated, harbors significant aquaculture, and is vulnerable to climate change. We present the first inorganic carbon data collected in the SoG covering all seasons (2003 and 2010–2012) and put them into the context of local circulation and oxygen cycles. Results show that the SoG has a higher carbon content and lower pH than surrounding waters. Aragonite saturation horizons in the SoG do not become deeper than 20–30 m and shoal to the surface for extended periods. Furthermore, incoming upwelled “acidified” water from the outer coast actually increases local pH. Finally, intense mixing in the physically restricted channels connecting the SoG to the outer coast allows significant oxygen uptake but minimal CO2 out gassing, protecting the SoG from hypoxia but not from ocean acidification.
Space‐based remote imaging spectroscopy of the Aliso Canyon CH4 superemitter
Authors: Thompson D. R. , Thorpe A. K. , Frankenberg C. , Green R. O. , Duren R. , Guanter L. , Hollstein A. , Middleton E. , Ong L. , Ungar S.
Published: May 2016

The Aliso Canyon gas storage facility near Porter Ranch, California, produced a large accidental CH4 release from October 2015 to February 2016. The Hyperion imaging spectrometer on board the EO‐1 satellite successfully detected this event, achieving the first orbital attribution of CH4 to a single anthropogenic superemitter. Hyperion measured shortwave infrared signatures of CH4 near 2.3 μm at 0.01 μm spectral resolution and 30 m spatial resolution. It detected the plume on three overpasses, mapping its magnitude and morphology. These orbital observations were consistent with measurements by airborne instruments. We evaluate Hyperion instrument performance, draw implications for future orbital instruments, and extrapolate the potential for a global survey of CH4 superemitters.
Cloud regimes as phase transitions
Authors: Stechmann Samuel N. , Hottovy Scott
Published: May 2016

Clouds are repeatedly identified as a leading source of uncertainty in future climate predictions. Of particular importance are stratocumulus clouds, which can appear as either (i) closed cells that reflect solar radiation back to space or (ii) open cells that allow solar radiation to reach the Earth's surface. Here we show that these clouds regimes—open versus closed cells—fit the paradigm of a phase transition. In addition, this paradigm characterizes pockets of open cells as the interface between the open‐ and closed‐cell regimes, and it identifies shallow cumulus clouds as a regime of higher variability. This behavior can be understood using an idealized model for the dynamics of atmospheric water as a stochastic diffusion process. With this new conceptual viewpoint, ideas from statistical mechanics could potentially be used for understanding uncertainties related to clouds in the climate system and climate predictions.
Estimates of terms in Ohm's law during an encounter with an electron diffusion region
Authors: Torbert R. B. , Burch J. L. , Giles B. L. , Gershman D. , Pollock C. J. , Dorelli J. , Avanov L. , Argall M. R. , Shuster J. , Strangeway R. J. , Russell C. T. , Ergun R. E. , Wilder F. D. , Goodrich K. , Faith H. A. , Farrugia C. J. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Phan T. , Khotyaintsev Y. , Moore T. E. , Marklund G. , Daughton W. , Magnes W. , Kletzing C. A. , Bounds S.
Published: May 2016

We present measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission taken during a reconnection event on the dayside magnetopause which includes a passage through an electron diffusion region (EDR). The four MMS satellites were separated by about 10 km such that estimates of gradients and divergences allow a reasonable estimate of terms in the generalized Ohm's law, which is key to investigating the energy dissipation during reconnection. The strength and character of dissipation mechanisms determines how magnetic energy is released. We show that both electron pressure gradients and electron inertial effects are important, but not the only participants in reconnection near EDRs, since there are residuals of a few mV/m (~30–50%) of E + Ue × B (from the sum of these two terms) during the encounters. These results are compared to a simulation, which exhibits many of the observed features, but where relatively little residual is present.
Retrieval of eddy dynamics from SMOS sea surface salinity measurements in the Algerian Basin (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Isern‐Fontanet Jordi , Olmedo Estrella , Turiel Antonio , Ballabrera‐Poy Joaquim , García‐Ladona Emilio
Published: May 2016

The circulation in the Algerian Basin is characterized by the presence of fresh‐core eddies that propagate along the coast or at distances between 100 and 200 km from the coast. Enhancements in the processing of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) data have allowed to produce, for the first time, satellite sea surface salinity (SSS) maps in the Mediterranean Sea that capture the signature of Algerian eddies. SMOS data can be used to track them for long periods of time, especially during winter. SMOS SSS maps are well correlated with in situ measurements although the former has a smaller dynamical range. Despite this limitation, SMOS SSS maps capture the key dynamics of Algerian eddies allowing to retrieve velocities from SSS with the correct sign of vorticity.
Toward a chemical reanalysis in a coupled chemistry‐climate model: An evaluation of MOPITT CO assimilation and its impact on tropospheric composition
Authors: Gaubert B. , Arellano A. F. , Barré J. , Worden H. M. , Emmons L. K. , Tilmes S. , Buchholz R. R. , Vitt F. , Raeder K. , Collins N. , Anderson J. L. , Wiedinmyer C. , Martinez Alonso S. , Edwards D. P. , Andreae M. O. , Hannigan J. W. , Petri C. , Strong K. , Jones N.
Published: May 2016

We examine in detail a 1 year global reanalysis of carbon monoxide (CO) that is based on joint assimilation of conventional meteorological observations and Measurement of Pollution in The Troposphere (MOPITT) multispectral CO retrievals in the Community Earth System Model (CESM). Our focus is to assess the impact to the chemical system when CO distribution is constrained in a coupled full chemistry‐climate model like CESM. To do this, we first evaluate the joint reanalysis (MOPITT Reanalysis) against four sets of independent observations and compare its performance against a reanalysis with no MOPITT assimilation (Control Run). We then investigate the CO burden and chemical response with the aid of tagged sectoral CO tracers. We estimate the total tropospheric CO burden in 2002 (from ensemble mean and spread) to be 371 ± 12% Tg for MOPITT Reanalysis and 291 ± 9% Tg for Control Run. Our multispecies analysis of this difference suggests that (a) direct emissions of CO and hydrocarbons are too low in the inventory used in this study and (b) chemical oxidation, transport, and deposition processes are not accurately and consistently represented in the model. Increases in CO led to net reduction of OH and subsequent longer lifetime of CH4 (Control Run: 8.7 years versus MOPITT Reanalysis: 9.3 years). Yet at the same time, this increase led to 5–10% enhancement of Northern Hemisphere O3 and overall photochemical activity via HOx recycling. Such nonlinear effects further complicate the attribution to uncertainties in direct emissions alone. This has implications to chemistry‐climate modeling and inversion studies of longer‐lived species.
Agricultural fires in the southeastern U.S. during SEAC4RS: Emissions of trace gases and particles and evolution of ozone, reactive nitrogen, and organic aerosol
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Zhang Y. , Huey L. G. , Yokelson R. J. , Wang Y. , Jimenez J. L. , Campuzano‐Jost P. , Beyersdorf A. J. , Blake D. R. , Choi Y. , St. Clair J. M. , Crounse J. D. , Day D. A. , Diskin G. S. , Fried A. , Hall S. R. , Hanisco T. F. , King L. E. , Meinardi S. , Mikoviny T. , Palm B. B. , Peischl J. , Perring A. E. , Pollack I. B. , Ryerson T. B. , Sachse G. , Schwarz J. P. , Simpson I. J. , Tanner D. J. , Thornhill K. L. , Ullmann K. , Weber R. J. , Wennberg P. O. , Wisthaler A. , Wolfe G. M. , Ziemba L. D.
Published: May 2016

Emissions from 15 agricultural fires in the southeastern U.S. were measured from the NASA DC‐8 research aircraft during the summer 2013 Studies of Emissions and Atmospheric Composition, Clouds and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys (SEAC4RS) campaign. This study reports a detailed set of emission factors (EFs) for 25 trace gases and 6 fine particle species. The chemical evolution of the primary emissions in seven plumes was examined in detail for ~1.2 h. A Lagrangian plume cross‐section model was used to simulate the evolution of ozone (O3), reactive nitrogen species, and organic aerosol (OA). Observed EFs are generally consistent with previous measurements of crop residue burning, but the fires studied here emitted high amounts of SO2and fine particles, especially primary OA and chloride. Filter‐based measurements of aerosol light absorption implied that brown carbon (BrC) was ubiquitous in the plumes. In aged plumes, rapid production of O3, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), and nitrate was observed with ΔO3/ΔCO, ΔPAN/ΔNOy, and Δnitrate/ΔNOyreaching ~0.1, ~0.3, and ~0.3. For five selected cases, the model reasonably simulated O3formation but underestimated PAN formation. No significant evolution of OA mass or BrC absorption was observed. However, a consistent increase in oxygen‐to‐carbon (O/C) ratios of OA indicated that OA oxidation in the agricultural fire plumes was much faster than in urban and forest fire plumes. Finally, total annual SO2, NOx, and CO emissions from agricultural fires in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri were estimated (within a factor of ~2) to be equivalent to ~2% SO2from coal combustion and ~1% NOxand ~9% CO from mobile sources.
A large‐scale methane model by incorporating the surface water transport
Authors: Lu Xiaoliang , Zhuang Qianlai , Liu Yaling , Zhou Yuyu , Aghakouchak Amir
Published: May 2016

The effect of surface water movement on methane emissions is not explicitly considered in most of the current methane models. In this study, a surface water routing was coupled into our previously developed large‐scale methane model. The revised methane model was then used to simulate global methane emissions during 2006–2010. From our simulations, the global mean annual maximum inundation extent is 10.6 ± 1.9 km2 and the methane emission is 297 ± 11 Tg C/yr in the study period. In comparison to the currently used TOPMODEL‐based approach, we found that the incorporation of surface water routing leads to 24.7% increase in the annual maximum inundation extent and 30.8% increase in the methane emissions at the global scale for the study period, respectively. The effect of surface water transport on methane emissions varies in different regions: (1) the largest difference occurs in flat and moist regions, such as Eastern China; (2) high‐latitude regions, hot spots in methane emissions, show a small increase in both inundation extent and methane emissions with the consideration of surface water movement; and (3) in arid regions, the new model yields significantly larger maximum flooded areas and a relatively small increase in the methane emissions. Although surface water is a small component in the terrestrial water balance, it plays an important role in determining inundation extent and methane emissions, especially in flat regions. This study indicates that future quantification of methane emissions shall consider the effects of surface water transport.
Glacial onset predated Late Ordovician climate cooling
Authors: Pohl Alexandre , Donnadieu Yannick , Le Hir Guillaume , Ladant Jean‐Baptiste , Dumas Christophe , Alvarez‐Solas Jorge , Vandenbroucke Thijs R. A.
Published: May 2016

The Ordovician glaciation represents the acme of one of only three major icehouse periods in Earth's Phanerozoic history and is notorious for setting the scene for one of the “big five” mass extinction events. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that drove ice sheet growth remain poorly understood and the final extent of the ice sheet crudely constrained. Here using an Earth system model with an innovative coupling method between ocean, atmosphere, and land ice accounting for climate and ice sheet feedback processes, we report simulations portraying for the first time the detailed evolution of the Ordovician ice sheet. We show that the emergence of the ice sheet happened in two discrete phases. In a counterintuitive sequence of events, the continental ice sheet appeared suddenly in a warm climate. Only during the second act, and set against a background of decreasing atmospheric CO2, followed steeply dropping temperatures and extending sea ice. The comparison with abundant sedimentological, geochemical, and micropaleontological data suggests that glacial onset may have occurred as early as the Middle Ordovician Darriwilian, in agreement with recent studies reporting third‐order glacioeustatic cycles during the same period. The second step in ice sheet growth, typified by a sudden drop in tropical sea surface temperatures by ∼8°C and the further extension of a single, continental‐scale ice sheet over Gondwana, marked the onset of the Hirnantian glacial maximum. By suggesting the presence of an ice sheet over Gondwana throughout most of the Middle and Late Ordovician, our models embrace the emerging paradigm of an “early Paleozoic Ice Age.”
Hint1 gene deficiency enhances the supraspinal nociceptive sensitivity in mice
Authors: Liu Fei , Ma Jing , Liu Peng , Chu Zheng , Lei Gang , Jia Xiao‐di , Wang Jia‐bei , Dang Yong‐hui
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Previous studies have indicated a possible role of histidine triad nucleotide‐binding protein 1 (HINT1) on sustaining the regulatory crosstalk of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate acid glutamate receptors (NMDARs) and G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) such as the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR). Both receptors are present in the midbrain periaqueductal gray neurons, an area that plays a central role in the supraspinal antinociceptive process.

Methods

In the present study, a battery of pain‐related behavioral experiments was applied to Hint1 knockout, heterozygous and wild‐type mice. Both the male and female mice were investigated to assess the differences between genders.

Results

Hint1−/− mice presented significant shorter latency at 50°C in both male and female in hot plate test while no significant difference was found in tail filck test. In Von Frey hairs test Hint1−/− mice were more sensitive than Hint1+/+ mice, presenting a lower withdrawal threshold and enhanced relative frequency of paw withdrawal. The average flinches and licking time of Hint1−/− mice were more than that of Hint1+/+ mice in formalin test.

Conclusion

The absence of Hint1 gene‐enhanced supraspinal nociceptive sensitivity in mice, including thermal, mechanical and inflammatory hyperalgesia. Meanwhile, there was no certain evidence indicating the haploinsufficiency and gender differences of Hint1 gene in pain‐related behaviors.
Chemical Constituents in Hybrids of Ligularia tongolensis and L. cymbulifera: Chemical Introgression in L. tongolensis
Authors: Shimizu Anna , Hanai Ryo , Okamoto Yasuko , Tori Motoo , Yu Jiao‐Jun , Gong Xun , Kuroda Chiaki
Published: May 2016

Two samples with morphologies intermediate between Ligularia tongolensis and L. cymbulifera were collected in Desha, Sichuan Province, and one, in Pachahai, Yunnan Province, P. R. China. The DNA sequencing confirmed that the samples were hybrids of the two species. Tetradymol (1), the major compound of L. cymbulifera not found in L. tongolensis, was isolated from the hybrid samples collected at both locations, while furanoeremophilan‐15‐oic acid derivative 4, a compound characteristic to L. tongolensis, was found in the Pachahai hybrid but not in the Desha hybrids. Thus, the chemical consequence of hybridization can be variable. In addition, analysis of L. tongolensis samples at Pachahai indicated that introgression has been a mechanism of generating chemical diversity in the plant. Eleven compounds including three new ones were isolated.
New Cyclohexadepsipeptides from an Entomogenous Fungus Fusarium proliferatum and Their Cytotoxicity and Autophagy‐Inducing Activity
Authors: Tian Jin , Han Jun‐Jie , Zhang Xue , He Lu‐Wei , Zhang Yong‐Jie , Bao Li , Liu Hong‐Wei
Published: May 2016

Five new cyclohexadepsipeptides termed as enniatins R – V (1 – 5) and seven known cyclohexadepsipeptides (6 – 12) were isolated from the solid culture of Fusarium proliferatum, a fungus isolated from the cadaver of an unidentified insect collected in Tibet. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis. The X‐ray single‐crystal structure of 6 was reported for the first time. Enniatins R and S represented the first enniatins incorporating with an unusual 2,3‐dihydroxy‐isovaleric acid (Div) residue. The cytotoxicity and autophagy‐inducing activities of 1 – 12 were evaluated in vitro. Beauvenniatin F (11) exhibited strong cytotoxicity against K562/A (adriamycin‐resistant K562) with IC50 value of 3.78 μm, and also autophagy‐inducing activity at the concentration of 20 μm in GFP‐LC3 stable HeLa cells.
Phosphoramidate Ligation of Oligonucleotides in Nanoscale Structures
Authors: Kalinowski Matthäus , Haug Rüdiger , Said Hassan , Piasecka Sylwia , Kramer Markus , Richert Clemens
Published: May 2016

The folding of long DNA strands into designed nanostructures has evolved into an art. Being based on linear chains only, the resulting nanostructures cannot readily be transformed into covalently linked frameworks. Covalently linking strands in the context of folded DNA structures requires a robust method that avoids sterically demanding reagents or enzymes. Here we report chemical ligation of the 3′‐amino termini of oligonucleotides and 5′‐phosphorylated partner strands in templated reactions that produce phosphoramidate linkages. These reactions produce inter‐nucleotide linkages that are isoelectronic and largely isosteric to phosphodiesters. Ligations were performed at three levels of complexity, including the extension of branched DNA hybrids and the ligation of six scaffold strands in a small origami.
Benefits of a Paleolithic diet with and without supervised exercise on fat mass, insulin sensitivity, and glycemic control: a randomized controlled trial in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Otten Julia , Stomby Andreas , Waling Maria , Isaksson Andreas , Tellström Anna , Lundin‐Olsson Lillemor , Brage Søren , Ryberg Mats , Svensson Michael , Olsson Tommy
Published: May 2016

Background

Means to reduce future risk for cardiovascular disease in subjects with type 2 diabetes are urgently needed.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with type 2 diabetes (age 59 ± 8 years) followed a Paleolithic diet for 12 weeks. Participants were randomized to either standard care exercise recommendations (PD) or 1‐h supervised exercise sessions (aerobic exercise and resistance training) three times per week (PD‐EX).

Results

For the within group analyses, fat mass decreased by 5.7 kg (IQR: −6.6, −4.1; p < 0.001) in the PD group and by 6.7 kg (−8.2, −5.3; p < 0.001) in the PD‐EX group. Insulin sensitivity (HOMA‐IR) improved by 45% in the PD (p < 0.001) and PD‐EX (p < 0.001) groups. HbA1c decreased by 0.9% (−1.2, −0.6; p < 0.001) in the PD group and 1.1% (−1.7, −0.7; p < 0.01) in the PD‐EX group. Leptin decreased by 62% (p < 0.001) in the PD group and 42% (p < 0.001) in the PD‐EX group. Maximum oxygen uptake increased by 0.2 L/min (0.0, 0.3) in the PD‐EX group, and remained unchanged in the PD group (p < 0.01 for the difference between intervention groups). Male participants decreased lean mass by 2.6 kg (−3.6, −1.3) in the PD group and by 1.2 kg (−1.3, 1.0) in the PD‐EX group (p < 0.05 for the difference between intervention groups).

Conclusions

A Paleolithic diet improves fat mass and metabolic balance including insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, and leptin in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Supervised exercise training may not enhance the effects on these outcomes, but preserves lean mass in men and increases cardiovascular fitness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oestradiol levels may differ between premenopausal women, ages 18–50, with type 1 diabetes and matched controls
Authors: Hassan Lina Saleh , Monson Rebecca S. , Danielson Kirstie K.
Published: May 2016

Background

This study aimed to investigate whether oestradiol differs between premenopausal women with and without type 1 diabetes and whether levels are associated with such factors as age, reproductive history or diabetes management.

Methods

Oestradiol in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes (n = 89; age = 18–50 years; duration = 13–18 years) and age‐matched/race‐matched controls without diabetes (n = 76) was collected during a cross‐sectional ancillary study of the Wisconsin Diabetes Registry Study, a population‐based incident cohort. Total and bioavailable oestradiol and sex hormone‐binding globulin were compared using multivariable regression (e.g. adjusting for reproductive history).

Results

Adjusted mean total and bioavailable oestradiol did not differ overall by diabetes status (p ≥ 0.74), while adjusted mean sex hormone‐binding globulin was higher in type 1 diabetes women (p = 0.02). However, only in women with type 1 diabetes and not controls (interaction p = 0.0005) was total oestradiol positively associated with the duration of reproductive years with unsuppressed ovarian function (UnsuppOvFx = years since menarche minus years on hormonal contraceptives/pregnant/breastfeeding). When stratified into less than/equal to or greater than the median 9 years' duration of UnsuppOvFx, compared with controls, women with type 1 diabetes had significantly lower total oestradiol in the ≤9 years group [β = −43.2 pg mL−1 (−158.6 pmol L−1), p = 0.04] and significantly higher total oestradiol in the >9 years group [β = 53.9 pg mL−1 (197.9 pmol L−1), p = 0.04]. Results remained consistent during additional statistical adjustments and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Compared with controls, women with type 1 diabetes may have lower oestradiol when they have a shorter duration of UnsuppOvFx and higher oestradiol when they have a longer duration of UnsuppOvFx. Given the potential effects of insulin on ovarian function, oestradiol production may vary across the lifespan for women with type 1 diabetes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skin autofluorescence and peripheral neuropathy four years later in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rajaobelina K , Farges B , Nov S , Maury E , Cephise‐Velayoudom FL , Gin H , Helmer C , Rigalleau V
Published: May 2016

Objective

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in diabetes complications. We aimed to investigate whether the accumulation of AGEs measured by skin autofluorescence (sAF) was associated with signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and to sensitivity, pain, motor and autonomic function 4 years later in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

At baseline, 188 patients (age 51 years, diabetes duration 22 years) underwent skin autofluorescence measurement using the AGE Reader. Four years later, signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy were defined as the presence of neuropathic pain and/or feet sensory loss or foot ulceration. Neurological tests were systematically performed: vibration perception threshold by neuroesthesiometry, neuropathic pain by the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions score, muscle strength by dynamometry and electrochemical skin conductance. Multivariate analyses were adjusted by age, sex, height, body mass index, tobacco, HbA1c, diabetes duration, estimated glomerular filtration rate and albumin excretion rate.

Results

At the 4‐year follow‐up, 13.8% of patients had signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The baseline sAF was higher in those with signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (2.5 ± 0.7 vs 2.1 ± 0.5 arbitrary units (AU), p < 0.0005). In the multivariate analysis, a 1 SD higher skin autofluorescence at baseline was associated with an increased risk of signs of neuropathy (OR = 2.68, p = 0.01). All of the neurological tests were significantly altered in the highest quartile of the baseline sAF (>2.4 AU) compared with the lowest quartiles after multivariate adjustment.

Conclusion

This non‐invasive measurement of skin autofluorescence may have a value for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 1 diabetes and a potential clinical utility for detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of local land use and loss of forests on bats and nocturnal insects
Authors: Treitler Julia T. , Heim Olga , Tschapka Marco , Jung Kirsten
Published: May 2016

Land‐use intensification at local and landscape level poses a serious threat to biodiversity and affects species interactions and ecosystem function. It is thus important to understand how interrelated taxa respond to land‐use intensification and to consider the importance of different spatial scales. We investigated whether and how local land‐use intensity and landscape features affect the predator–prey interaction of bats and insects. Bats and nocturnal insects were assessed on 50 grassland sites in the Schorfheide‐Chorin. We analyzed the effect of local land use and distance to forested areas as a proxy for site accessibility on bats and insects and their biological interaction measured in bat's feeding activity. Insect abundance increased with higher land‐use intensity, while size and diversity of insects decreased. In contrast, bat activity, diversity, and species composition were determined by the distance to forested areas and only slightly by land‐use intensity. Feeding attempts of bats increased with higher insect abundance and diversity but decreased with insect size and distance to forested areas. Finally, our results revealed that near forested areas, the number of feeding attempts was much lower on grassland sites with high, compared to those with low land‐use intensity. In contrast, far from forests, the feeding attempts did not differ significantly between intensively and extensively managed grassland sites. We conclude that the two interrelated taxa, bats and insects, respond to land‐use intensification on very different scales. While insects respond to local land use, bats are rather influenced by surrounding landscape matrix. Hereby, proximity to forests reveals to be a prerequisite for higher bat species diversity and a higher rate of feeding attempts within the area. However, proximity to forest is not sufficient to compensate local high land‐use intensity. Thus, local land‐use intensification in combination with a loss of forest remnants weakens the interaction of bats and insects.
Baeckeins J and K, Two Novel C‐Methylated Biflavonoids from the Roots of Baeckea frutescens and Their Cytoprotective Activities
Authors: Jia Bei‐Xi , Jia Ao , Li Chao‐Jie , Zhao Hui‐Qin , Ren Feng‐Xiao , Liu Hong‐Min , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2016

Baeckea frutescens is an aromatic shrub used as ornamentals and as food flavor spices in the southern part of P. R. China. Two novel C‐methylated biflavonoids named baeckeins J (1) and K (2) were isolated from the roots of B. frutescens, which possessed the unique carbon skeleton conjugated of a flavonol and one isoflavanonol molecule via the linkages of C(2)–C(8*) and C(3)–O–C(7*). The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by analysis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS spectral data, and the absolute configuration for chiral C‐atoms C(2) and C(3) were assigned by CD spectrometry combined with quantum chemical calculations. In the bioassay, baeckeins J and K exhibited strong cytoprotective effects on H2O2‐induced oxidative cell death in PC12 cells.
Soil cracking effects on hydrological and erosive processes: a study case in Mediterranean cultivated vertisols
Authors: Inoubli Nesrine , Raclot Damien , Moussa Roger , Habaieb Hamadi , Le Bissonnais Yves
Published: May 2016

Shrink–swell soils, such as those in a Mediterranean climate regime, can cause changes in terms of hydrological and erosive responses because of the changing soil water storage conditions. Only a limited number of long‐term studies have focused on the impacts on both hydrological and erosive responses and their interactions in an agricultural environment. In this context, this study aims to document the dynamics of cracks, runoff and soil erosion within a small Mediterranean cultivated catchment and to quantify the influence of crack processes on the water and sediment supplied to a reservoir located at the catchment outlet using water and sediment measurements at a cultivated field outlet as baseline. Detailed monitoring of the presence of topsoil cracks was conducted within the Kamech catchment (ORE OMERE, Tunisia), and runoff and suspended sediment loads were continuously measured over a long period of time (2005–2012) at the outlets of a field (1.32 ha) and a catchment (263 ha). Analysis of the data showed that topsoil cracks were open approximately half of the year and that the rainfall regime and water table level conditions locally control the seasonal cracking dynamics. Topsoil cracks appeared to seriously affect the generation of runoff and sediment concentrations and, consequently, sediment yields, with similar dynamics observed at the field and catchment outlets. A similar time lag in the seasonality between water and sediment delivery was observed at these two scales: although the runoff rates were globally low during the presence of topsoil cracks, most sediment transport occurred during this period associated with very high sediment concentrations. This study underlines the importance of a good prediction of runoff during the presence of cracks for reservoir siltation considerations. In this context, the prediction of cracking effects on runoff and soil erosion is a key factor for the development of effective soil and water management strategies and downstream reservoir preservation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated pathway analysis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma implicates the axonemal dynein complex in the Malaysian cohort
Authors: Chin Yoon‐Ming , Tan Lu Ping , Abdul Aziz Norazlin , Mushiroda Taisei , Kubo Michiaki , Mohd Kornain Noor Kaslina , Tan Geok Wee , Khoo Alan Soo‐Beng , Krishnan Gopala , Pua Kin‐Choo , Yap Yoke‐Yeow , Teo Soo‐Hwang , Lim Paul Vey‐Hong , Nakamura Yusuke , Lum Chee Lun ,   The Malaysian NPC Study Group, Ng Ching‐Ching
Published: May 2016

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial squamous cell carcinoma on the mucosal lining of the nasopharynx. The etiology of NPC remains elusive despite many reported studies. Most studies employ a single platform approach, neglecting the cumulative influence of both the genome and transcriptome toward NPC development. We aim to employ an integrated pathway approach to identify dysregulated pathways linked to NPC. Our approach combines imputation NPC GWAS data from a Malaysian cohort as well as published expression data GSE12452 from both NPC and non‐NPC nasopharynx tissues. Pathway association for GWAS data was performed using MAGENTA while for expression data, GSA‐SNP was used with gene p values derived from differential expression values from GEO2R. Our study identified NPC association in the gene ontology (GO) axonemal dynein complex pathway (pGWAS-GSEA = 1.98 × 10−2; pExpr‐GSEA = 1.27 × 10−24; pBonf‐Combined = 4.15 × 10−21). This association was replicated in a separate cohort using gene expression data from NPC and non‐NPC nasopharynx tissues (pAmpliSeq‐GSEA = 6.56 × 10−4). Loss of function in the axonemal dynein complex causes impaired cilia function, leading to poor mucociliary clearance and subsequently upper or lower respiratory tract infection, the former of which includes the nasopharynx. Our approach illustrates the potential use of integrated pathway analysis in detecting gene sets involved in the development of NPC in the Malaysian cohort.
Lithium limits trimethyltin‐induced cytotoxicity and proinflammatory response in microglia without affecting the concurrent autophagy impairment
Authors: Fabrizi Cinzia , Pompili Elena , Somma Francesca , De Vito Stefania , Ciraci Viviana , Artico Marco , Lenzi Paola , Fornai Francesco , Fumagalli Lorenzo
Published: May 2016

Trimethyltin (TMT) is a highly toxic molecule present as an environmental contaminant causing neurodegeneration particularly of the limbic system both in humans and in rodents. We recently described the occurrence of impairment in the late stages of autophagy in TMT‐intoxicated astrocytes. Here we show that similarly to astrocytes also in microglia, TMT induces the precocious block of autophagy indicated by the accumulation of the autophagosome marker, microtubule associated protein light chain 3. Consistent with autophagy impairment we observe in TMT‐treated microglia the accumulation of p62/SQSTM1, a protein specifically degraded through this pathway. Lithium has been proved effective in limiting neurodegenerations and, in particular, in ameliorating symptoms of TMT intoxication in rodents. In our in vitro model, lithium displays a pro‐survival and anti‐inflammatory action reducing both cell death and the proinflammatory response of TMT‐treated microglia. In particular, lithium exerts these activities without reducing TMT‐induced accumulation of light chain 3 protein. In fact, the autophagic block imposed by TMT is unaffected by lithium administration. These results are of interest as defects in the execution of autophagy are frequently observed in neurodegenerative diseases and lithium is considered a promising therapeutic agent for these pathologies. Thus, it is relevant that this cation can still maintain its pro‐survival and anti‐inflammatory role in conditions of autophagy block. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of postharvest drying conditions on in vitro starch digestibility and estimated glycemic index of cooked non‐waxy long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Donlao Natthawuddhi , Ogawa Yukiharu
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Wet paddy needs to be dried to reduce its moisture content after harvesting. In this study, effects of postharvest drying condition on in vitro starch digestibility and estimated glycemic index of cooked rice (Oryza sativa L.) were investigated. Varying drying conditions, i.e. hot‐air drying at 40, 65, 90 and 115 °C, and sun drying were applied to raw paddy. After husking and polishing, polished grains were cooked using an electric rice cooker. Cooked samples were analyzed for their moisture content and amount of resistant and total starch. Five samples in both intact grain and slurry were digested under simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process. The in vitro starch digestion rate was measured and the hydrolysis index (HI) and estimated glycemic index (eGI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Cooked rice obtained from hot‐air drying showed relatively lower HI and eGI than that obtained from sun‐drying. Among samples from hot‐air drying treatment, eGI of cooked rice decreased with increasing drying temperature, except for the drying temperature of 115 °C. As a result, cooked rice from the hot‐air drying at 90 °C showed lowest eGI.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that cooked rice digestibility was affected by postharvest drying conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization of the process of aromatic and medicinal plant maceration in grape marc distillates to obtain herbal liqueurs and spirits
Authors: Rodríguez‐Solana Raquel , Vázquez‐Araújo Laura , Salgado José Manuel , Domínguez José Manuel , Cortés‐Diéguez Sandra
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Herbal liqueurs are alcoholic beverages produced by the maceration or distillation of aromatic and medicinal plants in alcohol, and are also highly valued for their medicinal properties. The process conditions, as well as the number and quantity of the plants employed, will have a great influence on the quality of the liqueur obtained. The aim of this research was to optimize these important variables.

RESULTS

A Box–Benhken experimental design was used to evaluate the independent variables: alcohol content, amount of plant and time during the experimental maceration of plants in grape marc distillate. Four plants were assessed, with the main compound of each plant representing the dependent variable evaluated with respect to following the evolution of the maceration process. Bisabolol oxide A in Matricaria recutita L., linalool in Coriander sativum L. and eucalyptol in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. were quantified using a gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector. Glycyrrhizic acid in Glycyrrhiza glabra L was determined using a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector. Other dependent variables were also evaluated: total phenolic content, color parameters and consumer preference (i.e. appearance).

CONCLUSION

The experimental designs allowed the selection of the optimal maceration conditions for each parameter, including the preference score of consumers: 70% (v/v) of ethanol, 40 g L−1 plant concentration and a maceration process of 3 weeks. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of elicitors on the evolution of grape phenolic compounds during the ripening period
Authors: Gómez‐Plaza Encarna , Bautista‐Ortín Ana B , Ruiz‐García Yolanda , Fernández‐Fernández José I , Gil‐Muñoz Rocío
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

The effect of the application of benzothiadiazole (BTH) and methyl jasmonate (MeJ) at veraison on the phenolic composition of grapes from three varieties (Monastrell, Syrah and Merlot) was studied during the ripening period, using HPLC techniques to measure flavonols, anthocyanins and tannins.

RESULTS

The effects of the treatments differed in the three varieties, and the maximum concentration of phenolic compounds was not always reached at the end of the ripening period but some days before harvest. At the end of ripening both treated Syrah grapes only differed from control grapes in the flavonol concentration, whereas MeJ‐treated Merlot grapes presented higher anthocyanin and skin tannin contents than the control and BTH‐treated grapes. Only the anthocyanin content was significantly higher in treated Monastrell grapes at the moment of harvest.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the moment of elicitor treatment should be more studied since differences between treated and control grapes were, in general greater several days before harvest in all three varieties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Using Landsat Images and Spectral Mixture Analysis to Assess Drivers of 21‐Year LULC Changes in Sudan
Authors: Dawelbait Mona , Dal Ferro Nicola , Morari Francesco
Published: May 2016

Landsat images acquired in 1987, 1999 and 2008 were selected to evaluate land use and land cover changes in three different ecological zones in the Republic of the Sudan: savannah (North Kordofan), semi‐desert (River Nile) and desert (Northern State). Maps of soil, vegetation and non‐photosynthetic material were built by spectral mixture analysis using endmembers spectra derived from images. Multitemporal comparison techniques were then applied to vegetation and soil maps to estimate the long‐term land degradation/re‐growth dynamics and to emphasize land cover variation over time and in space. Multitemporal comparisons have shown that site‐specific interactions between natural processes, climate variation and human activity played a pivotal role in land use and land cover change. In savannah, human activities strongly affected degradation phenomena. Expansion of villages triggered a change in land use and mismanagement of the natural resources, mainly caused by deforestation to supply wood for domestic uses. The degradation then promoted sand encroachment and dune migration. On average, 48% of the total area was subjected to medium (25–50%) and high (50–75%) land degradation. Differently, climatic constraints drove increasing degradation processes in semi‐desert and desert zones. The phenomenon was particularly severe in the desert zone. In each site, an inversion of the general trend was due to a land use change where forestry or agricultural projects were established, partly sustained in savannah by the positive rainfall trend of the last two decades. Site‐specific strategies that take into account the interactions of the driving factors at local scale are thus necessary to combat land degradation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High alkaline phosphatase activity in phosphate replete waters: The case of two macrotidal estuaries
Authors: Labry Claire , Delmas Daniel , Youenou Agnes , Quere Julien , Leynaert Aude , Fraisse Stephane , Raimonet Mélanie , Ragueneau Olivier
Published: May 2016

The occurrence of alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) that hydrolyses organic phosphorus into phosphate (PO4) is commonly related to PO4 deficiency of oceanic, coastal and fresh waters. APA is almost never investigated in PO4‐rich estuaries, since very low activities are expected to occur. As a consequence, microbial mineralization of organic phosphorus into PO4 has often been ignored in estuaries. In this study, we examined the importance of potential APA and the associated microbial dynamics in two estuaries, the Aulne and the Elorn (Northwestern France), presenting two different levels of PO4 concentrations. Unexpected high potential APA was observed in both estuaries. Values ranged from 50 to 506 nmol L−1 h−1, which range is usually found in very phosphorus‐limited environments. High potential APA values were observed in the oligohaline zone (salinity 5–15) in spring and summer, corresponding to a PO4 peak and a maximum bacterial production of particle‐attached bacteria. In all cases, high potential APA was associated with high suspended particulate matter and total particulate phosphorus. The low contribution of the 0.2–1 μm fraction to total APA, the strong correlation between particulate APA and bacterial biomass, and the close relationship between the production of particle‐attached bacteria and APA, suggested that high potential APA is mainly due to particle‐attached bacteria. These results suggest that the microbial mineralization of organic phosphorus may contribute to an estuarine PO4 production in spring and summer besides physicochemical processes.
Growth bands are an unreliable indicator of sea urchin age: Evidence from the laboratory and the literature
Authors: Narvaez Carla A. , Johnson Ladd E. , Sainte‐Marie Bernard
Published: May 2016

Knowledge of urchin age structure is crucial for understanding their ecosystem impacts and improving their management. In sclerochronology, translucent and opaque growth bands (TGB, OGB) in urchin ossicles are used to estimate age. An essential premise for using this technique is that one TGB and one OGB are formed every year, independent of urchin size or ossicle type. TGB and OGB addition are associated with slow and fast growth, respectively, and assumed to be added seasonally due to changes in water temperature. However, these assumptions are not unanimously supported by experiments, and validation attempts have not generated consensus. We conducted an experiment on Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis to test the validity of these assumptions and reviewed the literature to assess the use and validation of sclerochronology in urchins. The experiment demonstrated that the addition of TGB and OGB was not strictly related to temperature and was not consistent across urchin size‐classes or ossicle types. TGB were added in response to temporary stress, and no distinction on the basis of band width or pigmentation could be made between natural TGB and stress‐induced TGB. Only 52% of articles that used sclerochronology for aging urchins attempted any validation, and when the methodology was put under scrutiny, it was usually found to be wanting. More detailed studies are needed to address variability in growth bands deposition and endogenous and exogenous factors affecting this process. Sclerochronology in urchins should not be used until standardized procedures are able to provide accurate and precise interpretation of growth band addition.