bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of 3D curvature in the iliac crest: Ontogeny and implications for sex determination in juveniles
Authors: Wilson Laura A. B. , Ives Rachel , Humphrey Louise T.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Sex‐specific differences in the shape of the iliac crest have been reported based on quantification of simplified curvature using two‐dimensional variables or qualitative identification of faint/marked S‐shaped curvature. An objective and quantitative approach for the evaluation of iliac crest curvature in juveniles was developed. Using three‐dimensional data, ontogenetic variation in iliac curvature was investigated in relation to size and chronological age and its accuracy for sex estimation among juveniles was evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Three‐dimensional geometric morphometric landmarks were collected from virtual models of 53 surface‐scanned ilia and used to: (1) quantify differences between male and female shape, and (2) to calculate a measure of sinuosity by extracting linear measurements relative to a plane constructed in virtual space.

Results

Males were found to exhibit on average more pronounced curvature of the iliac crest than females in equivalent age groups, and the difference between sexes was more marked on the posterior section of the bone than on the anterior section. Classification accuracy was higher for measurements of sinuosity relative to a three‐dimensional plane (62–87%) than for landmarks describing crest shape (64–74%).

Conclusions

An increased likelihood of correct male identification (reduced rate of false positive identification) was observed in older children (>5 years). This reflects divergence of male and female iliac crest shape with size (or age), and the development of a unique, more curved iliac crest shape in males. The results suggest more conspicuous male trait expression than female trait expression.
Thin‐Film Transformation of NH4PbI3 to CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite: A Methylamine‐Induced Conversion–Healing Process
Authors: Zong Yingxia , Zhou Yuanyuan , Ju Minggang , Garces Hector F. , Krause Amanda R. , Ji Fuxiang , Cui Guanglei , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Padture Nitin P. , Pang Shuping
Published: October 2016

Methylamine‐induced thin‐film transformation at room‐temperature is discovered, where a porous, rough, polycrystalline NH4PbI3 non‐perovskite thin film converts stepwise into a dense, ultrasmooth, textured CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite thin film. Owing to the beneficial phase/structural development of the thin film, its photovoltaic properties undergo dramatic enhancement during this NH4PbI3‐to‐CH3NH3PbI3 transformation process. The chemical origins of this transformation are studied at various length scales.
Mediating Order and Modulating Porosity by Controlled Hydrolysis in a Phosphonate Monoester Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Gelfand Benjamin S. , Huynh Racheal P. S. , Mah Roger K. , Shimizu George K. H.
Published: October 2016

A crystalline and permanently porous copper phosphonate monoester framework has been synthesized from a tetraaryl trigonal phosphonate monoester linker. This material has a surface area over 1000 m2 g−1, as measured by N2 sorption, the highest reported for a phosphonate‐based metal–organic framework (MOF). The monoesters result in hydrophobic pore surfaces that give a low heat of adsorption for CO2 and low calculated selectivity for CO2 over N2 and CH4 in binary mixtures. By careful manipulation of synthetic conditions, it is possible to selectively remove some of the monoesters lining the pore to form a hydrogen phosphonate while giving an isomorphous structure. This increases the affinity of the framework for CO2 giving higher ambient uptake, higher heat of adsorption, and much higher calculated selectivity for CO2 over both N2 and CH4. Formation of the acid groups is noteworthy as complexation with the parent acid gives a different structure.
Carboxylated Photoswitchable Diarylethenes for Biolabeling and Super‐Resolution RESOLFT Microscopy
Authors: Roubinet Benoît , Bossi Mariano L. , Alt Philipp , Leutenegger Marcel , Shojaei Heydar , Schnorrenberg Sebastian , Nizamov Shamil , Irie Masahiro , Belov Vladimir N. , Hell Stefan W.
Published: October 2016

Reversibly photoswitchable 1,2‐bis(2‐ethyl‐6‐phenyl‐1‐benzothiophene‐1,1‐dioxide‐3‐yl)perfluorocyclopentenes (EBT) having fluorescent “closed” forms were decorated with four or eight carboxylic groups and attached to antibodies. Low aggregation, efficient photoswitching in aqueous buffers, specific staining of cellular structures, and good photophysical properties were demonstrated. Alternating light pulses of UV and blue light induce numerous reversible photochemical transformations between two stables states with distinct structures. Using relatively low light intensities, EBTs were applied in biology‐related super‐resolution microscopy based on the reversible saturable (switchable) optical linear fluorescence transitions (RESOLFT) and demonstrated optical resolution of 75 nm.
Separation of an azeotropic mixture of dimethyl carbonate and methanol via partial heat integration pressure swing distillation
Authors: Zhang Qingrui , Peng Jiayao , Zhang Kai
Published: October 2016

A method for dimethyl carbonate and methanol separation using pressure swing distillation is presented, and the optimum design is proposed by minimizing the total annual cost as the objective function. It is revealed that compared with no heat integration pressure swing distillation (HIPSD), partial HIPSD reduces the total annual cost by 20.01%. This paper presents a criterion for selection of the temperature control stage in the low‐pressure column (LPC), the temperature profile of which is quite close to linear. Additionally, the influences of the temperature stage in the LPC on the dynamic responses in the partial HIPSD are investigated. The results show that the composition/temperature cascade control structure with stage 10 or 31 selected as the control stage in the LPC can achieve efficient controllability of the process, even for large feed flow rates and composition disturbances. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved shape memory effects in multiwalled‐carbon‐nano‐tube reinforced thermosetting polyurethane composites
Authors: Prasad Harish Chandra , Hashmi S. A. R , Naik Ajay , Bhargaw Hari Narayan
Published: October 2016

Shape memory thermosetting polyurethane (SMPU) composites containing different amount of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) ranging from 0 to 0.250 phr were prepared. The shape memory behavior, tensile stress, and recovery stress were determined by using conventional thermomechanical cycle; however, the modified thermomechanical cycle designated as progressive stretch–relax–stretch (PSRS) cycle was also employed to create shape memory effects in studied composites. The test was carried out in water bath which was equipped with an electric heater, temperature controller, and tensile stress and strain measuring setup. The recovery and tensile stresses both were showing higher values for PSRS samples as compared with conventional samples. Loading of MWCNT improved the recovery stress of SMPU, thereby confirming reinforcing effect. The maximum recovery stress of 2.17 MPa for 0.188 phr MWCNT loading was observed as compared with 1.09 MPa of unreinforced SMPU specimen. The recovery time was also improved on reinforcement as demonstrated in this article. The morphology of fractured surface and degree of dispersion of MWCNT was studied using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. The impact on glass transition temperature was also observed for MWCNT reinforcement on SMPU, which depends on the degree of dispersion and loading of MWCNT in the specimen. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 44389.
Flavonoids and Their Glycosides as Anti‐amyloidogenic Compounds: Aβ1–42 Interaction Studies to Gain New Insights into Their Potential for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Guzzi Cinzia , Colombo Laura , Luigi Ada De , Salmona Mario , Nicotra Francesco , Airoldi Cristina
Published: October 2016

Combining NMR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, biochemical and in vitro toxicity assays, we characterized the effect of flavonoid glycosylation, a chemical modification found very frequently in nature, on their ability to recognize and bind Aβ1–42 oligomers, preventing their aggregation and their neurotoxicity. Our data allow the elucidation of their structure–activity relationships, showing that glycosylation has a modest impact on flavonoid affinity for Aβ oligomers but, at the same time, increases both solubility and chemical stability, thus promoting their beneficial properties against Alzheimer's disease (AD). As flavonoids and their glycosides are widely available in natural foods, our results provide important information for the evaluation of the role of a flavonoid‐rich diet for the prevention of AD. In addition, the structural data collected can be exploited for the rational design of more potent Aβ oligomer inhibitors, useful for the development of new therapies against AD.
Prenatal exposure to environmental factors and congenital limb defects
Authors: Alexander Peter G. , Clark Karen L. , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: October 2016

Limb congenital defects afflict approximately 0.6:1000 live births. In addition to genetic factors, prenatal exposure to drugs and environmental toxicants, represents a major contributing factor to limb defects. Examples of well‐recognized limb teratogenic agents include thalidomide, warfarin, valproic acid, misoprostol, and phenytoin. While the mechanism by which these agents cause dymorphogenesis is increasingly clear, prediction of the limb teratogenicity of many thousands of as yet uncharacterized environmental factors (pollutants) remains inexact. This is limited by the insufficiencies of currently available models. Specifically, in vivo approaches using guideline animal models have inherently deficient predictive power due to genomic and anatomic differences that complicate mechanistic comparisons. On the other hand, in vitro two‐dimensional (2D) cell cultures, while accessible for cellular and molecular experimentation, do not reflect the three‐dimensional (3D) morphogenetic events in vivo nor systemic influences. More robust and accessible models based on human cells that accurately replicate specific processes of embryonic limb development are needed to enhance limb teratogenesis prediction and to permit mechanistic analysis of the adverse outcome pathways. Recent advances in elucidating mechanisms of normal development will aid in the development of process‐specific 3D cell cultures within specialized bioreactors to support multicellular microtissues or organoid constructs that will lead to increased understanding of cell functions, cell‐to‐cell signaling, pathway networks, and mechanisms of toxicity. The promise is prompting researchers to look to such 3D microphysiological systems to help sort out complex and often subtle interactions relevant to developmental malformations that would not be evident by standard 2D cell culture testing. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:243–273, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancement of cell internalization and photostability of red and green emitter quantum dots upon entrapment in novel cationic nanoliposomes
Authors: Samadikhah Hamid Reza , Nikkhah Maryam , Hosseinkhani Saman
Published: October 2016

Two quantum dots (QDs), a green emitter, CdSe and a red emitter, CdSe with ZnS shell are encapsulated into novel liposomes in two different formulations including cationic liposomes. Quantum dots have proven themselves as powerful inorganic fluorescent probes, especially for long‐term, multiplexed imaging and detection. Upon delivery into a cell, in endocytic vesicles such as endosomes, their fluorescence is quenched. We have investigated the potential toxic effects, photophysical properties and cell internalization of QDs in new formulation of liposomes as an in vitro vesicle model. Entrapment of QDs into liposomes is brought about with a decrease in their intrinsic fluorescence and toxicities and an increase in their photostability and lifetime. The biomimetic lipid bilayer of liposomes provides high biocompatibility, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of fluorescent nanoparticles for biological recognition in vitro and in vivo. The prepared lipodots could effectively prevent QDs from photo‐oxidation during storage and when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Moreover, the flow cytometry of HEK 293 T cells showed that the cell internalization of encapsulated QDs in (DSPC/CHO/DOPE/DOAB) liposome is enhanced 10 times compared with non‐encapsulated QD (bare QDs).
A New Method for Preventing Corrosion Failure: Thiourea and Hexamethylenetetramine as Inhibitor for Copper
Authors: Wang Yun , Hu Jun , Wang Yuqi , Yu Lijun
Published: October 2016

To investigate the inhibition mechanism of combined thiourea and hexamethylenetetramine as a corrosion inhibitor on the surface of copper in 0.5 MHClsolution, the electrochemical properties were measured by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The generated film was examined by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the properties of thiourea and hexamethylenetetramine. The results suggest that the inhibitors can form strong bonds on the surface of copper. The combination of thiourea and hexamethylenetetramine resulted in stable films, which could inhibit the cathodic and anodic reactions and greatly reduce the diffusion of corrosive particles.
Controllable Reassembly of a Dynamic Metallocage: From Thermodynamic Control to Kinetic Control
Authors: Liu Luyao , Lyu Guangxun , Liu Caiping , Jiang Feilong , Yuan Daqiang , Sun Qingfu , Zhou Kang , Chen Qihui , Hong Maochun
Published: October 2016

A temperature‐ and anion‐induced coordination‐driven self‐assembly system based on a dynamic Ag6L4 metallocage was developed. Induced by SbF6− anions, both kinetically controlled [Ag3L2(SbF6)3]n and thermodynamically controlled [Ag2L2(SbF6)2]n can be reassembled from discrete Ag6L4(SbF6)6 metallocages at 30 °C, and increasing the temperature to 40 °C results in selective inhibition of the kinetic product. Under the influence of BF4− anions, dynamic Ag6L4(BF4)6 metallocages self‐assemble into the thermodynamically controlled polycage at 25 °C, and lowing the temperature to 0 °C leads to selective inhibition of the thermodynamic product. Thus, both kinetically and thermodynamically controlled assembly processes in a dynamic system can be selectively driven by suitable external stimuli.
Combustion synthesized hierarchically porous Mn3O4 for catalytic degradation of methyl orange
Authors: Dong Chengjun , Liu Xu , Guan Hongtao , Xiao Xuechun , Wang Yude
Published: October 2016

Hierarchically porous Mn3O4 has been synthesized via a facile solution combustion synthesis using Mn(NO3)2 · 4H2O as an oxidizer and ethylene glycolc (EG) as a fuel. The thermal analysis indicated that the combustion reaction can be initiated at a low temperature (126–140 °C). The obtained Mn3O4 appeared as a hierarchical network with well‐connected poroes. At room temperature, the porous Mn3O4 was found to be highly effective for catalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in the presence of acid.
Higher copeptin levels are associated with worse outcome in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sahin Irfan , Gungor Baris , Ozkaynak Berk , Uzun Fatih , Küçük Suat Hayri , Avci Ilhan Iker , Ozal Ender , Ayça Burak , Cetın Sukru , Okuyan Ertugrul , Dinckal Mustafa Hakan
Published: October 2016

Background

Correlation of increased copeptin levels with various cardiovascular diseases has been described. The clinical use of copeptin levels in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has not been investigated before.

Hypothesis

In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of copeptin levels in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods

HCM was defined as presence of left ventricular wall thickness ≥15 mm in a subject without any concomitant disease that may cause left ventricular hypertrophy. Levels of copeptin and plasma N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were evaluated prospectively in 24 obstructive HCM patients, 36 nonobstructive HCM patients, and 36 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects. Blood samples were collected in the morning between 7 and 9 am after overnight fasting. Patients were followed for 24 months. Hospitalization with diagnosis of heart failure/arrhythmia, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation, and cardiac mortality were accepted as adverse cardiac events.

Results

Copeptin and NT‐proBNP levels were higher in the HCM group compared with controls (14.1 vs 8.4 pmol/L, P < 0.01; and 383 vs 44 pg/mL, P < 0.01, respectively). Copeptin and NT‐proBNP levels were higher in the obstructive HCM subgroup compared with the nonobstructive HCM subgroup (18.3 vs 13.1 pmol/L, P < 0.01; and 717 vs 223 pg/mL, P < 0.01, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, copeptin and NT‐proBNP levels remained as independent predictors of heart failure (P < 0.01 for both) and adverse cardiac events (P < 0.01 for both).

Conclusions

Copeptin and NT‐proBNP levels were significantly higher in patients with obstructive HCM, and higher levels were associated with worse outcome.
In vivo quantification of magnetically labelled cells by MRI relaxometry
Authors: Gimenez Ulysse , Lajous Hélène , El Atifi Michèle , Bidart Marie , Auboiroux Vincent , Fries Pascal Henry , Berger François , Lahrech Hana
Published: October 2016

Cellular MRI, which visualizes magnetically labelled cells (cells*), is an active research field for in vivo cell therapy and tracking. The simultaneous relaxation rate measurements (R2*, R2, R1) are the basis of a quantitative cellular MRI method proposed here. U937 cells were labelled with Molday ION Rhodamine B, a bi‐functional superparamagnetic and fluorescent nanoparticle (U937*). U937* viability and proliferation were not affected in vitro. In vitro relaxometry was performed in a cell concentration range of [2.5 × 104–108] cells/mL. These measurements show the existence of complementary cell concentration intervals where these rates vary linearly. The juxtaposition of these intervals delineates a wide cell concentration range over which one of the relaxation rates in a voxel of an in vivo image can be converted into an absolute cell concentration. The linear regime was found at high concentrations for R1 in the range of [106– 2 × 108] cells/mL, at intermediate concentrations for R2 in [2.5 × 105– 5 × 107] cells/mL and at low concentrations for R2* in [8 × 104– 5 × 106] cells/mL. In vivo relaxometry was performed in a longitudinal study, with labelled U937 cells injected into a U87 glioma mouse model. Using in vitro data, maps of in vivo U937* concentrations were obtained by converting one of the in vivo relaxation rates to cell concentration maps. MRI results were compared with the corresponding optical images of the same brains, showing the usefulness of our method to accurately follow therapeutic cell biodistribution in a longitudinal study. Results also demonstrate that the method quantifies a large range of magnetically labelled cells*. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capacity Decay Mitigation by Asymmetric Positive/Negative Electrolyte Volumes in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Park Jong Ho , Park Jung Jin , Park O Ok , Yang Jung Hoon
Published: October 2016

Capacity decay in vanadium redox flow batteries during charge–discharge cycling has become an important issue because it lowers the practical energy density of the battery. The battery capacity tends to drop rapidly within the first tens of cycles and then drops more gradually over subsequent cycles during long‐term operation. This paper analyzes and discusses the reasons for this early capacity decay. The imbalanced crossover rate of vanadium species was found to remain high until the total difference in vanadium concentration between the positive and negative electrolytes reached almost 1 mol dm−3. To minimize the initial crossover imbalance, we introduced an asymmetric volume ratio between the positive and negative electrolytes during cell operation. Changing this ratio significantly reduced the capacity fading rate of the battery during the early cycles and improved its capacity retention at steady state. As an example, the practical energy density of the battery increased from 15.5 to 25.2 Wh L−1 simply after reduction of the positive volume by 25 %.
Forest management scenarios in a changing climate: trade‐offs between carbon, timber, and old forest
Authors: Creutzburg Megan K. , Scheller Robert M. , Lucash Melissa S. , LeDuc Stephen D. , Johnson Mark G.
Published: October 2016

Balancing economic, ecological, and social values has long been a challenge in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, where conflict over timber harvest and old‐growth habitat on public lands has been contentious for the past several decades. The Northwest Forest Plan, adopted two decades ago to guide management on federal lands, is currently being revised as the region searches for a balance between sustainable timber yields and habitat for sensitive species. In addition, climate change imposes a high degree of uncertainty on future forest productivity, sustainability of timber harvest, wildfire risk, and species habitat. We evaluated the long‐term, landscape‐scale trade‐offs among carbon (C) storage, timber yield, and old forest habitat given projected climate change and shifts in forest management policy across 2.1 million hectares of forests in the Oregon Coast Range. Projections highlight the divergence between private and public lands under business‐as‐usual forest management, where private industrial forests are heavily harvested and many public (especially federal) lands increase C and old forest over time but provide little timber. Three alternative management scenarios altering the amount and type of timber harvest show widely varying levels of ecosystem C and old‐forest habitat. On federal lands, ecological forestry practices also allowed a simultaneous increase in old forest and natural early‐seral habitat. The ecosystem C implications of shifts away from current practices were large, with current practices retaining up to 105 Tg more C than the alternative scenarios by the end of the century. Our results suggest climate change is likely to increase forest productivity by 30–41% and total ecosystem C storage by 11–15% over the next century as warmer winter temperatures allow greater forest productivity in cooler months. These gains in C storage are unlikely to be offset by wildfire under climate change, due to the legacy of management and effective fire suppression. Our scenarios of future conditions can inform policy makers, land managers, and the public about the potential effects of land management alternatives, climate change, and the trade‐offs that are inherent to management and policy in the region.
Outcomes of three universal eating disorder risk reduction programs by participants with higher and lower baseline shape and weight concern
Authors: Wilksch Simon M. , Paxton Susan J. , Byrne Susan M. , Austin S. Bryn , O'Shea Anne , Wade Tracey D.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To investigate if baseline shape and weight concern (SWC) moderated outcomes in Prevention Across the Spectrum, a randomized‐controlled trial (RCT) of 3 school‐based programs aimed at reducing eating disorder and obesity risk factors.

Method

N = 1,316 Grade 7 and 8 girls and boys (M age = 13.21 years) across three Australian states were randomly allocated to: Media Smart; Life Smart; Helping, Encouraging, Listening and Protecting Peers Initiative (HELPP) or control (usual school class). Moderation was explored by testing interaction effects for group (Media Smart; Life Smart; HELPP; Control) × moderator (SWC: higher‐SWC; lower‐SWC) × time (post‐program; 6‐month follow‐up; 12‐month follow‐up), with baseline risk factor scores entered as covariates.

Results

Moderation effects were found for shape concern, weight concern, eating concern, regular eating (i.e., meal skipping), physical activity, body dissatisfaction, dieting, and perfectionism. Post‐hoc testing found eating concern at post‐program was the only variable where higher‐SWC Media Smart participants experienced a reduction in risk relative to controls. Both higher‐SWC Life Smart and HELPP participants reported an increase in eating concern relative to controls and both groups were skipping more meals than controls at 12‐month follow‐up. Amongst lower‐SWC participants, Media Smart was the only group to experience a benefit relative to controls (physical activity).

Conclusions

This study highlights the need for moderator analyses to become more routinely conducted in universal trials, to ensure that participants across baseline risk levels are benefiting and not harmed from program participation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:66–75)
Dispersal and group formation dynamics in a rare and endangered temperate forest bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus, Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Santos João D. , Meyer Christoph F. J. , Ibáñez Carlos , Popa‐Lisseanu Ana G. , Juste Javier
Published: October 2016

For elusive mammals like bats, colonization of new areas and colony formation are poorly understood, as is their relationship with the genetic structure of populations. Understanding dispersal and group formation behaviors is critical not only for a better comprehension of mammalian social dynamics, but also for guiding conservation efforts of rare and endangered species. Using nuclear and mitochondrial markers, we studied patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation among and within breeding colonies of giant noctule bats (Nyctalus lasiopterus), their relation to a new colony still in formation, and the impact of this ongoing process on the regionwide genetic makeup. Nuclear differentiation among colonies was relatively low and mostly nonsignificant. Mitochondrial variation followed this pattern, contrasting with findings for other temperate bat species. Our results suggest that this may indicate a recent population expansion. On average, female giant noctules were not more closely related to other colony members than to foreign individuals. This was also true for members of the newly forming colony and those of another, older group sampled shortly after its formation, suggesting that contrary to findings for other temperate bats, giant noctule colonies are not founded by relatives. However, mother–daughter pairs were found in the same populations more often than expected under random dispersal. Given this indication of philopatry, the lack of mitochondrial differentiation among most colonies in the region is probably due to the combination of a recent population expansion and group formation events.
Diversity and resilience of the wood‐feeding higher termite Mironasutitermes shangchengensis gut microbiota in response to temporal and diet variations
Authors: Wang Ying , Su Lijuan , Huang Shi , Bo Cunpei , Yang Sen , Li Yan , Wang Fengqin , Xie Hui , Xu Jian , Song Andong
Published: October 2016

Termites are considered among the most efficient bioreactors, with high capacities for lignocellulose degradation and utilization. Recently, several studies have characterized the gut microbiota of diverse termites. However, the temporal dynamics of the gut microbiota within a given termite with dietary diversity are poorly understood. Here, we employed 16S rDNA barcoded pyrosequencing analysis to investigate temporal changes in bacterial diversity and richness of the gut microbiota of wood‐feeding higher termite Mironasutitermes shangchengensis under three lignocellulose content‐based diets that feature wood, corn stalks, and filter paper. Compositions of the predominant termite gut residents were largely constant among the gut microbiomes under different diets, but each diet caused specific changes in the bacterial composition over time. Notably, microbial communities exhibited an unexpectedly strong resilience during continuous feeding on both corn stalks and filter paper. Members of five bacterial phyla, that is, Spirochaetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Tenericutes, and Acidobacteria, were strongly associated with the resilience. These findings provide insights into the stability of the gut microbiota in higher termites and have important implications for the future design of robust bioreactors for lignocellulose degradation and utilization.
Putting the behavior into animal movement modeling: Improved activity budgets from use of ancillary tag information
Authors: Bestley Sophie , Jonsen Ian , Harcourt Robert G. , Hindell Mark A. , Gales Nicholas J.
Published: October 2016

Animal movement research relies on biotelemetry, and telemetry‐based locations are increasingly augmented with ancillary information. This presents an underutilized opportunity to enhance movement process models. Given tags designed to record specific behaviors, efforts are increasing to update movement models beyond reliance solely upon horizontal movement information to improve inference of space use and activity budgets. We present two state‐space models adapted to incorporate ancillary data to inform three discrete movement states: directed, resident, and an activity state. These were developed for two case studies: (1) a “haulout” model for Weddell seals, and (2) an “activity” model for Antarctic fur seals which intersperse periods of diving activity and inactivity. The methodology is easily implementable with any ancillary data that can be expressed as a proportion (or binary) indicator. A comparison of the models augmented with ancillary information and unaugmented models confirmed that many behavioral states appeared mischaracterized in the latter. Important changes in subsequent activity budgets occurred. Haulout accounted for 0.17 of the overall Weddell seal time budget, with the estimated proportion of time spent in a resident state reduced from a posterior median of 0.69 (0.65–0.73; 95% HPDI) to 0.54 (0.50–0.58 HPDI). The drop was more dramatic in the Antarctic fur seal case, from 0.57 (0.52–0.63 HPDI) to 0.22 (0.20–0.25 HPDI), with 0.35 (0.31–0.39 HPDI) of time spent in the inactive (nondiving) state. These findings reinforce previously raised contentions about the drawbacks of behavioral states inferred solely from horizontal movements. Our findings have implications for assessing habitat requirements; estimating energetics and consumption; and management efforts such as mitigating fisheries interactions. Combining multiple sources of information within integrated frameworks should improve inference of relationships between movement decisions and fitness, the interplay between resource and habitat dependencies, and their changes at the population and landscape level.
Host‐mediated shift in the cold tolerance of an invasive insect
Authors: Morey Amy C. , Venette Robert C. , Nystrom Santacruz Erica C. , Mosca Laurel A. , Hutchison W. D.
Published: October 2016

While many insects cannot survive the formation of ice within their bodies, a few species can. On the evolutionary continuum from freeze‐intolerant (i.e., freeze‐avoidant) to freeze‐tolerant insects, intermediates likely exist that can withstand some ice formation, but not enough to be considered fully freeze tolerant. Theory suggests that freeze tolerance should be favored over freeze avoidance among individuals that have low relative fitness before exposure to cold. For phytophagous insects, numerous studies have shown that host (or nutrition) can affect fitness and cold‐tolerance strategy, respectively, but no research has investigated whether changes in fitness caused by different hosts of polyphagous species could lead to systematic changes in cold‐tolerance strategy. We tested this relationship with the invasive, polyphagous moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker). Host affected components of fitness, such as larval survivorship rates, pupal mass, and immature developmental times. Host species also caused a dramatic change in survival of late‐instar larvae after the onset of freezing—from less than 8% to nearly 80%. The degree of survival after the onset of freezing was inversely correlated with components of fitness in the absence of cold exposure. Our research is the first empirical evidence of an evolutionary mechanism that may drive changes in cold‐tolerance strategies. Additionally, characterizing the effects of host plants on insect cold tolerance will enhance forecasts of invasive species dynamics, especially under climate change.
Light and nutrient supply mediate intraspecific variation in the nutrient stoichiometry of juvenile fish
Authors: Downs Kelsea N. , Hayes Nicole M. , Rock Amber M. , Vanni Michael J. , González María J.
Published: October 2016

Intraspecific variation in the nutrient stoichiometry of animals and their waste products can be substantial, but the factors mediating this variation are unclear. We experimentally manipulated light, nutrient supply, and nutrient ratio (N:P) in a field experiment to generate variation in algal quantity and elemental composition, and assessed the stoichiometric responses of juvenile carnivorous fish (bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus). Algal quantity (primary production) and stoichiometry (ratios of carbon [C], nitrogen [N], and phosphorus [P]) varied greatly in response to manipulations, as did bluegill body and excretion stoichiometry. Algal primary production (PPr) was greatest at high light and high P supply (HL HP). Algal stoichiometry responded in accordance with the light:nutrient hypothesis; that is, C:P ratios were highest at HL LP and lowest at LL HP. Variation in fish body stoichiometry was strongly related to basal resource supply (PPr), while excretion stoichiometry was driven by both PPr and algal stoichiometry. Bluegill growth and body C and N concentrations were highest at HL HN and lowest at LL LN, whereas body P showed the opposite pattern. Thus, bluegill body C:P, C:N, and N:P were highest under HL HN and lowest under LL LN. Per capita excretion rates of bluegill were strongly related to body mass and hence were highest at HL HN, where fish grew largest. However, P excretion rates normalized for body mass increased with phytoplankton P and zooplankton production. In accordance with ecological stoichiometry theory, N:P excretion ratio increased with basal resource (algal) N:P and decreased with estimated bluegill P ingestion. Variation in both body and excretion stoichiometry in this single cohort of fish was comparable to or exceeded variation observed in other studies of bluegill stoichiometry across multiple ecosystems. Our results illustrate the pronounced intraspecific variation in carnivore nutrient stoichiometry as a function of basal resource quantity and quality.
Temporal segmentation of animal trajectories informed by habitat use
Authors: van Toor Mariëlle L. , Newman Scott H. , Takekawa John Y. , Wegmann Martin , Safi Kamran
Published: October 2016

Most animals live in seasonal environments and experience very different conditions throughout the year. Behavioral strategies like migration, hibernation, and a life cycle adapted to the local seasonality help to cope with fluctuations in environmental conditions. Thus, how an individual utilizes the environment depends both on the current availability of habitat and the behavioral prerequisites of the individual at that time. While the increasing availability and richness of animal movement data has facilitated the development of algorithms that classify behavior by movement geometry, changes in the environmental correlates of animal movement have so far not been exploited for a behavioral annotation. Here, we suggest a method that uses these changes in individual–environment associations to divide animal location data into segments of higher ecological coherence, which we term niche segmentation. We use time series of random forest models to evaluate the transferability of habitat use over time to cluster observational data accordingly. We show that our method is able to identify relevant changes in habitat use corresponding to both changes in the availability of habitat and how it was used using simulated data, and apply our method to a tracking data set of common teal (Anas crecca). The niche segmentation proved to be robust, and segmented habitat suitability outperformed models neglecting the temporal dynamics of habitat use. Overall, we show that it is possible to classify animal trajectories based on changes of habitat use similar to geometric segmentation algorithms. We conclude that such an environmentally informed classification of animal trajectories can provide new insights into an individuals' behavior and enables us to make sensible predictions of how suitable areas might be connected by movement in space and time.
Exploration of conditioned pain modulation effect on long‐term potentiation‐like pain amplification in humans
Authors: Xia W. , Mørch C.D. , Matre D. , Andersen O.K.
Published: October 2016

Background

This study aimed to explore conditioned pain modulation (CPM) effect on long‐term potentiation (LTP)‐like pain amplification induced by cutaneous 10‐Hz conditioning electrical stimulation (CES).

Methods

Conditioned pain modulation was induced by cold pressor conditioning stimulus (CPCS) (4 °C) which was applied immediately before CES in the active session. In the control session, water with a temperature of 32 °C was used. Twenty subjects participated in two sessions in a randomized crossover design with at least 1‐week interval. Perceptual intensity ratings to single electrical stimulation (SES) at the conditioned skin site and to pinprick and light‐stroking stimuli in the immediate vicinity of the CES electrodes were measured . Superficial blood flow (SBF), skin temperature (ST) and heat pain threshold (HPT) were measured covering both homotopic and heterotopic skin. The pain intensities during CES process were measured and short‐form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF‐MPQ) was used for assessing CES pain experience.

Results

Cold pressor conditioning stimulus reduced pain perception increments to weak pinprick and light‐stroking stimuli after 10‐Hz CES compared with the control session. Moreover, CPCS resulted in lower pain intensity ratings during CES process but without affecting the SF‐MPQ scores between two sessions. The SBF and ST increased after CES and then gradually declined but without differences between CPCS and control sessions. CPM did not affect HPT and pain intensity increments to SES.

Conclusions

The CPCS inhibited heterotopic perception amplification to weak mechanical stimuli after CES. The results indicate that endogenous descending inhibitory systems might play a role against development of non‐nociceptive perception amplificatory states (e.g. allodynia).

Significance

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) may play a role in inhibiting the pain amplificatory process at the central nervous system and prompting central desensitization. CPM has a special inhibition effect for the development of perception amplification to non‐painful mechanical stimuli.
Noncholinergic Penile Erection in Mice Lacking the Gene for Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: BURNETT ARTHUR L. , CHANG ALEX G. , CRONE JULIE K. , HUANG PAUL L. , SEZEN SENA F.
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT: With the current understanding that nitric oxide (NO) mediates penile erection, the endothelial isoform of NO synthase (eNOS) has been implicated in this function. We undertook this study applying transgenic mice with targeted deletion of the eNOS gene (eNOS‐/‐ mice) as an experimental approach to evaluate the importance of eNOS in cholinergically stimulated erectile function in vivo. Combined pharmacostimulation with intracavernosal carbachol (3 ng) administration and submaximal cavernous nerve (CN) electrical stimulation (16 Hz, 5 millisecond, 1 V) simultaneous with intracavernosal pressure (ICP) monitoring, and both biochemical assay of NO synthase activity and Western blot analysis of eNOS protein content in penile tissue, were performed on eNOS‐/‐ mice and wild‐type controls. Combined intracavernosal carbachol administration and submaximal CN electrical stimulation raised the recorded ICP, elicited by CN electrical stimulation alone in wild‐type mice (from 35.7 ± 2.7 to 48.1 ± 5.5 mm Hg, P < .05) but not in eNOS‐/‐ mice (from 54.9 ± 6.3 to 51.0 ± 9.5 mm Hg, not significant [NS]). Pretreatment with the nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME; 100 mg intracavernosally) blocked electrically stimulated ICP responses in eNOS‐/‐ mice to baseline levels (37.8 ± 4.4 vs 12.7 ± 4.0 mm Hg, P < .05). In penes of eNOS‐/‐ mice, approximately 60% NO synthase activity of wild‐type penis levels was retained (NS), and eNOS protein was absent. We concluded that eNOS‐/‐ mice preserve erectile function on the basis of a noncholinergic but NO‐dependent mechanism and that eNOS physiologically mediates penile erection under cholinergic stimulation.
Peptidergic Innervation of Blood Vessels and Interstitial Cells in the Testis of the Cat
Authors: SUBURO ANGELA M. , CHIOCCHIO SARA R. , SOLER M. VALERIA CANTÓ , NIEPONICE ALEJANDRO , TRAMEZZANI JUAN H.
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT: We studied the innervation of the cat testis using a panel of antisera against the following neuronal markers: protein gene product 9.5 (PGP), neuropeptide Y, C‐terminal peptide of neuropeptide Y, galanin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide, and substance P. Immunoreactivity against PGP, a general neuronal label, demonstrated the arrangement of fibers from the superior spermatic nerve (SSN) in the testicular pedicle and the cephalic testicular pole, and those of the inferior spermatic nerve (ISN) along the vas deferens and the inferior testicular ligament. The testicular parenchyma exhibited a very rich innervation, mainly distributed to blood vessels and Leydig cell nests, but also in close association with seminiferous tubules. Numerous peptidergic fibers were present in the SSN and ISN, albeit in different proportions. Thus, VIP‐immunoreactive fibers were almost absent in the SSN, but were the most abundant subpopulation of the ISN. The testicular interstitium contained numerous peptidergic fibers, associated with blood vessels, interstitial Leydig cells, and seminiferous tubules. Similar fibers were related to the rete testis. Parenchymatous VIP‐immunoreactive nerves disappeared after bilateral vasectomy. Stimulation of the ISN under experimental conditions was associated with an increase of blood flow, and induced a large release of VIP into the spermatic vein. The extensive and selective distribution of nerve fibers within the cat testicular parenchyma supports the importance of spermatic nerves for testicular function. Furthermore, the differences in the fiber composition of the SSN and ISN can be correlated with their opposing effects on testosterone secretion and testicular blood flow.
p53 and Fas Are Sequential Mechanisms of Testicular Germ Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Yin Yizhong , Stahl Brandon C. , Dewolf William C. , Morgentaler Abraham
Published: October 2016

Testicular germ cell apoptosis in the cryptorchid testis is induced by abdominal heat stress. p53‐dependent apoptosis appears responsible for the initial phase of germ cell loss in experimental cryptorchidism based on a 3‐day delay of apoptosis in p53−1− mice. However, the mechanisms underlying the subsequent p53‐independent apoptosis have not been identified. Although studies have suggested that Fas plays a role in testicular germ cell apoptosis, no direct evidence has been shown. To test the hypothesis that Fas is involved in testicular germ cell apoptosis and is responsible for the p53‐independent phase of apoptosis in the cryptorchid testis, p53−1, Ipr/lpr (a spontaneous mutation in the Fas gene, which causes autoimmune disease) double‐mutant mice were generated and unilateral cryptorchidism was induced in these mice. It was found that testicular weight reduction and germ cell apoptosis were delayed by an additional 3 days, and the Fas production increased in the time frame of p53‐independent apoptosis in the experimental cryptorchid testis of wild‐type mice. These results suggest that Fas is involved in testicular germ cell apoptosis, and that Fas‐dependent apoptosis is responsible for the p53‐independent phase of germ cell apoptosis in the cryptorchid testis. The cascade of testicular germ cell apoptosis in response to heat stress implies the existence of sequential quality control mechanisms in spermatogenesis.
Pilot Study of the Endothelin‐A Receptor Selective Antagonist BMS‐193884 for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Kim Noel N. , Dhir Vinita , Azadzoi Kazem M. , Traish Abdulmaged M. , Flaherty Elizabeth , Goldstein Irwin
Published: October 2016

Endothelins have been postulated to be important regulators of penile erectile function. The endothelin‐A receptor antagonist BMS‐193884 was evaluated as a treatment for mild‐to‐moderate erectile dysfunction in an animal model and in human volunteer subjects. In laboratory studies, organ bath preparations of rabbit and human penile cavernosal tissue strips were incubated with BMS‐193884 and exposed to increasing concentrations of endothelins. In rabbit tissue, 1 μM BMS‐193884 significantly inhibited contraction to ET‐1, ET‐2, and ET‐3 by 34.5%, 42.9%, and 100%, respectively. In human tissue, 1 μM BMS‐193884 inhibited contraction to ET‐2 by 44.4%. In rabbit tissue strips contracted with 20 nM of ET‐1 or ET‐2, BMS‐193884 caused dose‐dependent relaxation with EC50 values of 107.2 ± 32.3 nM and 1.7 ± 0.5 nM, respectively. In anesthetized male rabbits, intravenous administration of BMS‐193884 (systemic plasma concentration 50 and 100 nM) increased the duration of pelvic nerve‐stimulated penile erection. To further assess the safety and efficacy of BMS‐193884, 53 men diagnosed with mild‐to‐moderate erectile dysfunction were administered oral placebo or 100 mg BMS‐193884 in a double‐blind fashion. Evaluations were based on 1) erectile function testing during 2 in‐office visits and 2) diary and questionnaire data of 4 intercourse attempts over 2‐4 weeks of home use. Although the drug was well tolerated, BMS‐193884 did not significantly improve erectile function during office visits or home use when compared to placebo. Thus, BMS‐193884 facilitated cavernosal smooth muscle relaxation ex vivo and prolonged penile tumescence in vivo. In contrast, a pilot clinical study failed to show enhancement of erectile response in men with mild‐to‐moderate erectile dysfunction. The disparity between the laboratory and clinical studies suggests that there may be differences between species with regard to the role of endothelin in erectile function.