bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the influence of provenance to soil quality enhanced stress reaction of young beech trees to summer drought
Authors: Buhk Constanze , Kämmer Marcel , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Jentsch Anke , Kreyling Jürgen , Jungkunst Hermann F.
Published: October 2016

Climate projections propose that drought stress will become challenging for establishing trees. The magnitude of stress is dependent on tree species, provenance, and most likely also highly influenced by soil quality. European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is of major ecological and economical importance in Central European forests. The species has an especially wide physiological and ecological amplitude enabling growth under various soil conditions within its distribution area in Central Europe. We studied the effects of extreme drought on beech saplings (second year) of four climatically distinct provenances growing on different soils (sandy loam and loamy sand) in a full factorial pot experiment. Foliar δ13C, δ15N, C, and N as well as above‐ and belowground growth parameters served as measures for stress level and plant growth. Low‐quality soil enhanced the effect of drought compared with qualitatively better soil for the above‐ and belowground growth parameters, but foliar δ13C values revealed that plant stress was still remarkable in loamy soil. For beeches of one provenance, negative sandy soil effects were clearly smaller than for the others, whereas for another provenance drought effects in sandy soil were sometimes fatal. Foliar δ15N was correlated with plant size during the experiment. Plasticity of beech provenances in their reaction to drought versus control conditions varied clearly. Although a general trend of declining growth under control or drought conditions in sandy soil was found compared to loamy soil, the magnitude of the effect of soil quality was highly provenance specific. Provenances seemed to show adaptations not only to drought but also to soil quality. Accordingly, scientists should integrate information about climatic pre‐adaptation and soil quality within the home range of populations for species distribution modeling and foresters should evaluate soil quality and climatic parameters when choosing donor populations for reforestation projects.
Population genetic isolation and limited connectivity in the purple finch (Haemorhous purpureus)
Authors: Macfarlane Colin Bran Alexander , Natola Libby , Brown Mike W. , Burg Theresa M.
Published: October 2016

Using a combination of mitochondrial and z‐linked sequences, microsatellite data, and spatio‐geographic modeling, we examined historical and contemporary factors influencing the population genetic structure of the purple finch (Haemorhous purpureus). Mitochondrial DNA data show the presence of two distinct groups corresponding to the two subspecies, H. p. purpureus and H. p. californicus. The two subspecies likely survived in separate refugia during the last glacial maximum, one on the Pacific Coast and one east of the Rocky Mountains, and now remain distinct lineages with little evidence of gene flow between them. Southwestern British Columbia is a notable exception, as subspecies mixing between central British Columbia and Vancouver Island populations suggests a possible contact zone in this region. Z‐linked data support two mitochondrial groups; however, Coastal Oregon and central British Columbia sites show evidence of mixing. Contemporary population structure based on microsatellite data identified at least six genetic clusters: three H. p. purpureus clusters, two H. p. californicus clusters, and one mixed cluster, which likely resulted from high site fidelity and isolation by distance, combined with sexual selection on morphological characters reinforcing subspecies differences.
A kinetic study on how C/N ratio affects energy consumption of composting of rose oil‐processing wastes with caged layer manure and straw
Authors: Onursal E. , Ekinci K.
Published: October 2016

Composting process parameters such as C/N ratio, moisture content, and temperature are well studied, but limited knowledge exists on energy consumption of the process itself. In this study, co‐composting of rose oil‐processing wastes (ROPW) with caged layer manure and straw was performed to optimize the system in terms of energy use. Intermittent aeration applied to the five compost mixtures with initial C/N ratios of 12.81, 21.37, 24.66, 29.22, and 37.41 was conducted using fifteen identical cylindrical reactors with volume of 60 L. O2 and CO2 concentrations, compost temperature, dry matter loss, organic matter loss, electrical conductivity, and pH were measured. A first‐order kinetic model based on material mass balance was applied to determine kinetic parameters such as decomposition rate and compost equilibrium mass. An equation describing specific energy per initial dry mass of composting as a function of initial C/N ratio was presented and used to optimize initial C/N ratio to maximize composting of ROPW to reach a given level of compost mass ratio. The maximum decomposition, based on dry matter loss, occurred at the initial C/N ratio of 30.18 was 0.032 kg kg−1 day−1. Initial C/N ratio to minimize specific energy use of ROPW composting with caged layer to reach a given level of compost ratio of 0.82 was 29.11. Composting operation can be performed at this initial C/N ratio (29.11) to minimize airflow to keep the power requirement low while still operating the system efficiently. This helps to reduce the energy required for ROPW composting with caged layer to reach a given compost mass ratio. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 129–137, 2017
Floodplain downed wood volumes: a comparison across three biomes
Authors: Lininger Katherine B. , Wohl Ellen , Sutfin Nicholas A. , Rose Joshua R.
Published: October 2016

Downed large wood (LW) in floodplains provides habitat and nutrients for diverse organisms, influences hydraulics and sedimentation during overbank flows, and affects channel form and lateral migration. Very few studies, however, have quantified LW volumes in floodplains that are unaltered by human disturbance. We compare LW volumes in relatively unaltered floodplains of semiarid boreal lowland, subtropical lowland, and semiarid temperate mountain rivers in the United States. Average volumes of downed LW are 42.3 m3 ha−1, 50.4 m3 ha−1, and 116.3 m3 ha−1 in the semiarid boreal, subtropical, and semiarid temperate sites, respectively. Observed patterns support the hypothesis that the largest downed LW volumes occur in the semiarid temperate mountain sites, which is likely linked to a combination of moderate‐to‐high net primary productivity, temperature‐limited decomposition rates, and resulting slow wood turnover time. Floodplain LW volumes differ among vegetation types within the semiarid boreal and semiarid temperate mountain regions, reflecting differences in species composition. Lateral channel migration and flooding influence vegetation communities in the semiarid boreal sites, which in turn influences floodplain LW loads. Other forms of disturbance such as fires, insect infestations, and blowdowns can increase LW volumes in the semiarid boreal and semiarid temperate mountain sites, where rates of wood decay are relatively slow compared with the subtropical lowland sites. Although sediment is the largest floodplain carbon reservoir, floodplain LW stores substantial amounts of organic carbon and can influence floodplain sediment storage. In our study sites, floodplain LW volumes are lower than those in adjacent channels, but are higher than those in upland (i.e. non‐floodplain) forests. Given the important ecological and physical effects of floodplain LW, efforts to add LW to river corridors as part of restoration activities, and the need to quantify carbon stocks within river corridors, we urge others to quantify floodplain and instream LW volumes in diverse environments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral treatment and liver‐related complications in hepatitis delta
Authors: Wranke Anika , Serrano Beatriz Calle , Heidrich Benjamin , Kirschner Janina , Bremer Birgit , Lehmann Patrick , Hardtke Svenja , Deterding Katja , Port Kerstin , Westphal Max , Manns Michael P. , Cornberg Markus , Wedemeyer Heiner
Published: October 2016

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is the most severe form of viral hepatitis. Pegylated interferon alfa (PEG‐IFNα) is effective in only 25%‐30% of patients and is associated with frequent side effects. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical long‐term outcome of hepatitis delta in relation to different antiviral treatment strategies. We studied 136 anti‐HDV‐positive patients who were followed for at least 6 months in a retrospective single‐center cohort (mean time of follow‐up, 5.2 years; range, 0.6‐18.8). Liver cirrhosis was already present in 62 patients at first presentation. Twenty‐nine percent of patients did not receive any antiviral treatment, 38% were treated with interferon alfa (IFNα)‐based therapies, and 33% received nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) only. Clinical endpoints defined as hepatic decompensation (ascites, encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding), hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and liver‐related death developed in 55 patients (40%). Patients who received IFNα‐based therapies developed clinical endpoints less frequently than those treated with NA (P = 0.02; HR, 4.0) or untreated patients (P = 0.05; HR, 2.2; 17%, 64%, and 44%), respectively, which was significant in both chi‐square and Kaplan‐Meier analysis. In addition, considering various clinical and virological parameters, IFNα therapy was independently associated with a more benign clinical long‐term outcome in multivariate logistic regression analysis (P = 0.04; odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.07‐0.9). Loss of HDV RNA during follow‐up was more frequent in IFNα‐treated patients and strongly linked with a lower likelihood to experience liver‐related complications. Conclusion: IFNα‐based antiviral therapy of hepatitis delta was independently associated with a lower likelihood for clinical disease progression. Durable undetectability of HDV RNA is a valid surrogate endpoint in the treatment of hepatitis delta. (Hepatology 2017;65:414‐425).
Short‐duration treatment with elbasvir/grazoprevir and sofosbuvir for hepatitis C: A randomized trial
Authors: Lawitz Eric , Poordad Fred , Gutierrez Julio A. , Wells Jennifer T. , Landaverde Carmen E. , Evans Barbara , Howe Anita , Huang Hsueh‐Cheng , Li Jerry Jing , Hwang Peggy , Dutko Frank J. , Robertson Michael , Wahl Janice , Barr Eliav , Haber Barbara
Published: October 2016

Direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) represent the standard of care for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Combining DAAs with different mechanisms may allow for shorter treatment durations that are effective across multiple genotypes. The aim of the C‐SWIFT study was to identify the minimum effective treatment duration across multiple genotypes. C‐SWIFT was an open‐label, single‐center trial in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic HCV genotype (GT)1 or 3 infection. All patients received elbasvir (EBR) 50 mg/grazoprevir (GZR) 100 mg with sofosbuvir (SOF) 400 mg for 4‐12 weeks. Patients with GT1 infection who failed therapy were eligible for retreatment with EBR/GZR+SOF and ribavirin for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virological response [SVR]12 (SVR of HCV RNA <15 IU/mL 12 weeks after the end of therapy). Rates of SVR12 were 32% (10 of 31) and 87% (26 of 30) in patients without cirrhosis with GT1 infection treated for 4 and 6 weeks and 80% (16 of 20) and 81% (17 of 21) in GT1‐infected patients with cirrhosis treated for 6 and 8 weeks. Among GT3‐infected patients without cirrhosis, SVR12 was 93% (14 of 15) and 100% (14 of 14) after 8 and 12 weeks. SVR12 in GT3‐infected patients with cirrhosis was 83% (10 of 12) after 12 weeks of treatment. Twenty‐three GT1‐infected patients who relapsed following initial treatment completed retreatment; all achieved SVR12. In the initial treatment phase, there was one serious adverse event of pneumonia, which led to treatment discontinuation, and during retreatment, 1 patient discontinued ribavirin because of pruritus. Conclusion: Data from this study support the use of 8‐week treatment regimens that maintain high efficacy, even for patients with HCV GT3 infection. Retreatment of patients who failed short‐duration therapy was achieved through extended treatment duration and addition of ribavirin. (Hepatology 2017;65:439‐450).
Long noncoding RNA MEG3 induces cholestatic liver injury by interaction with PTBP1 to facilitate shp mRNA decay
Authors: Zhang Li , Yang Zhihong , Trottier Jocelyn , Barbier Olivier , Wang Li
Published: October 2016

Bile acids (BAs) play critical physiological functions in cholesterol homeostasis, and deregulation of BA metabolism causes cholestatic liver injury. The long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) was recently shown as a potential tumor suppressor; however, its basic hepatic function remains elusive. Using RNA pull‐down with biotin‐labeled sense or anti‐sense MEG 3RNA followed by mass spectrometry, we identified RNA‐binding protein polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein 1 (PTBP1) as a MEG3 interacting protein and validated their interaction by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Bioinformatics analysis revealed putative binding sites for PTBP1 within the coding region (CDS) of small heterodimer partner (SHP), a key repressor of BA biosynthesis. Forced expression of MEG3 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells guided and facilitated PTBP1 binding to the Shp CDS, resulting in Shp mRNA decay. Transient overexpression of MEG3 RNA in vivo in mouse liver caused rapid Shp mRNA degradation and cholestatic liver injury, which was accompanied by the disruption of BA homeostasis, elevation of liver enzymes, as well as dysregulation of BA synthetic enzymes and metabolic genes. Interestingly, RNA sequencing coupled with quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed a drastic induction of MEG3 RNA in Shp−/−
liver. SHP inhibited MEG3 gene transcription by repressing cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) transactivation of the MEG3 promoter. In addition, the expression of MEG3 and PTBP1 was activated in human fibrotic and cirrhotic livers. Conclusion: MEG3 causes cholestasis by serving as a guide RNA scaffold to recruit PTBP1 to destabilize Shp mRNA. SHP in turn represses CREB‐mediated activation of MEG3 expression in a feedback‐regulatory fashion. (Hepatology 2017;65:604‐615).
The effect of particle size on the genotoxicity of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Xia Qiyue , Li Hongxia , Liu Ying , Zhang Shuyang , Feng Qiyi , Xiao Kai
Published: October 2016

Despite the increasing biomedical applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), their toxicological effects need to be thoroughly understood. In the present study, the genotoxic potential of commercially available AuNPs with varying size (5, 20, and 50 nm) were assessed using a battery of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assays. In the comet assay, 20 and 50 nm AuNPs did not induce obvious DNA damage in HepG2 cells at the tested concentrations, whereas 5 nm NPs induced a dose‐dependent increment in DNA damage after 24‐h exposure. Furthermore, 5 nm AuNPs induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase in response to DNA damage, and promoted the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the chromosomal aberration test, AuNPs exposure did not increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells. In the standard in vivo micronucleus test, no obvious increase in the frequency of micronucleus formation was found in mice after 4 day exposure of AuNPs. However, when the exposure period was extended to 14 days, 5 nm AuNPs presented significant clastogenic damage, with a dose‐dependent increase of micronuclei frequencies. This finding suggests that particle size plays an important role in determining the genotoxicity of AuNPs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 710–719, 2017.
Lung inflammation caused by long‐term exposure to titanium dioxide in mice involving in NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Dong , Zhou Jie‐Lu , Hong Fashui , Zhang Yu‐Qing
Published: October 2016

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are used in many fields, such as paints, medicine additives, food additives, sunscreens, and agriculture. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism behind the formation of inflammation induced by TiO2 NPs. ICR mice were exposed to TiO2 NPs through intragastric administration at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight every day for 90 consecutive days. The experiment suggested that long‐term exposure to TiO2 NPs resulted in an obvious inflammatory response in mice lung tissues, which led to a thickened alveoli septum, lung hyperemia, and titanium accumulation. Furthermore, our results show that TiO2 NPs exposure remarkably altered the expression of inflammation‐related cytokines, with increases in proinflammatory cytokines—such as nucleic factor‐κB, interferon‐α, interferon‐β, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, cyclo‐oxygen‐ase, interleukin‐8, interferon‐inducible protein‐10, and platelet‐derived growth factor AB—and decreases in anti‐inflammatory cytokines—such as inhibitor of NF‐κB suppressor of cytokine signaling 1, endothelin 1, peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptors‐γ, and peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptors coactivator‐1α. This finding indicated that TiO2 NPs cause lung inflammation in mice after intragastric administration, primarily through the NF‐κB signaling pathways. Therefore, more attention should be placed on the application of TiO2 NPs and their potential long‐term effects, especially in human beings. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 720–727, 2017.
Effect of matrix metalloproteinase‐mediated matrix degradation on glioblastoma cell behavior in 3D PEG‐based hydrogels
Authors: Wang Christine , Tong Xinming , Jiang Xinyi , Yang Fan
Published: October 2016

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain tumor with median survival of 12 months. To improve clinical outcomes, it is critical to develop in vitro models that support GBM proliferation and invasion for deciphering tumor progression and screening drug candidates. A key hallmark of GBM cells is their extreme invasiveness, a process mediated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐mediated degradation of the extracellular matrix. We recently reported the development of a MMP‐degradable, poly(ethylene‐glycol)‐based hydrogel platform for culturing GBM cells. In the present study, we modulated the percentage of MMP‐degradable crosslinks in 3D hydrogels to analyze the effects of MMP‐degradability on GBM fates. Using an immortalized GBM cell line (U87) as a model cell type, our results showed that MMP‐degradability was not required for supporting GBM proliferation. All hydrogel formulations supported robust GBM proliferation, up to 10 fold after 14 days. However, MMP‐degradability was essential for facilitating tumor spreading, and 50% MMP‐degradable hydrogels were sufficient to enable both robust tumor cell proliferation and spreading in 3D. The findings of this study highlight the importance of modulating MMP‐degradability in engineering 3D in vitro brain cancer models and may be applied for engineering in vitro models for other cancer types. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 770–778, 2017.
Skeletal muscle patch engineering on synthetic and acellular human skeletal muscle originated scaffolds
Authors: Ay Birol , Karaoz Erdal , Kesemenli Cumhur C. , Kenar Halime
Published: October 2016

The reconstruction of skeletal muscle tissue is currently performed by transplanting a muscle tissue graft from local or distant sites of the patient's body, but this practice leads to donor site morbidity in case of large defects. With the aim of providing an alternative treatment approach, skeletal muscle tissue formation potential of human myoblasts and human menstrual blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMB‐MSCs) on synthetic [poly(l‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone), 70:30] scaffolds with oriented microfibers, human muscle extracellular matrix (ECM), and their hybrids was investigated in this study. The reactive muscle ECM pieces were chemically crosslinked to the synthetic scaffolds to produce the hybrids. Cell proliferation assay WST‐1, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and immunostaining were carried out after culturing the cells on the scaffolds. The ECM and the synthetic scaffolds were effective in promoting spontaneous myotube formation from human myoblasts. Anisotropic muscle patch formation was more successful when human myoblasts were grown on the synthetic scaffolds. Nonetheless, spontaneous differentiation could not be induced in hMB‐MSCs on any type of the scaffolds. Human myoblast‐synthetic scaffold combination is promising as a skeletal muscle patch, and can be improved further to serve as a fast integrating functional patch by introducing vascular and neuronal networks to the structure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 879–890, 2017.
Let‐7i‐Induced Atg4B Suppression Is Essential for Autophagy of Placental Trophoblast in Preeclampsia
Authors: Xu Yinyan , Huang Xinyan , Xie Juan , Chen Yanni , Fu Jing , Wang Li
Published: October 2016

Autophagy, identified as type II programmed cell death, has already been known to be involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE), which is a gestational disease with high morbidity. The present study aims to investigate the functional role of let‐7i, a miRNA, in trophoblastic autophagy. Placental tissue used in this study was collected from patients with severe preeclampsia (SPE) or normal pregnant women. A decreased level of let‐7i was found in placenta of SPE. In addition, autophagic vacuoles were observed in SPE and the expression of microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) II/I was elevated. In vitro, let‐7i mimics suppressed the autophagic activities in human HTR‐8/SVneo trophoblast cell line (HTR‐8) and human placental choriocarcinoma cell line JEG‐3, whereas let‐7i inhibitor enhanced the activities. As a potential target of let‐7i, autophagy‐related 4B cysteine peptidase (Atg4B) had an increased expression level in SPE. As expected, the increased expression of Atg4B was negatively regulated by let‐7i using dual luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, these trophoblast‐like cells transfected with the let‐7i mimic or inhibitors resulted in a significant change of Atg4B in both mRNA and protein level. More importantly, Atg4B overexpression could partly reverse let‐7i mimic‐reduced LC3II/I levels; whereas Atg4B silencing partly attenuated let‐7i inhibitor‐induced the level of LC3II/I expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that let‐7i is able to regulate autophagic activity via regulating Atg4B expression, which might contribute to the pathogenesis of PE. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2581–2589, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Undergraduate Students' Beliefs about Engineering Problem Solving
Authors: McNeill Nathan J. , Douglas Elliot P. , Koro‐Ljungberg Mirka , Therriault David J. , Krause Ilana
Published: October 2016

Background

Problem solving is considered to be a central activity of engineering practice. While some studies have shown how various beliefs affect students' abilities to solve problems, studies are needed that explicitly examine the beliefs and assumptions students bring to the problem‐solving process.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this qualitative research was to describe students' engineering problem‐solving processes and develop a conceptual model that illustrates students' beliefs about problem solving. Our research question was, What beliefs do students have about engineering problem solving?

Design/Method

We analyzed data from retrospective semistructured interviews carried out after a problem‐solving session. We interviewed nine engineering students about the processes they used to solve the problems and the assumptions and beliefs that guided their problem solving. We then used grounded theory to identify and analyze statements from the interviews and to develop a conceptual model of student beliefs.

Results

The resulting model has five major categories: the problem‐solving process itself, the role of classroom problems, the role of workplace problems, personal characteristics that affect problem solving, and resources that assist problem solving. Students identify a sharp distinction between classroom problems and workplace problems.

Conclusions

Our conceptual model provides an initial framework for understanding how students' beliefs affect their approaches to engineering problems. In contrast to stage models, our model shows that students' epistemic beliefs about problem solving are contextual. Future work is needed to understand the limits and extend the applicability of our model.
The need for organization of laparoscopic liver resection
Authors: Cherqui Daniel , Wakabayashi Go , Geller David A. , Buell Joseph F. , Han Ho‐Seong , Soubrane Olivier , O'Rourke Nicholas ,   on behalf of the International Laparoscopic Liver Society
Published: October 2016

In this article, we present the rationale for creating a new society aiming at organizing laparoscopic liver surgery. It has been named International Laparoscopic Liver Society (ILLS). Its main mission is to facilitate the diffusion and education of laparoscopic liver resection for meaningful improvements in patient care. This will include organization of a biannual congress dedicated to laparoscopic liver resection, coordination of international registries, helping in the education of surgeons wishing to learn these techniques including travel grants, provide a website serving as a forum supporting collaboration between surgeons interested in the advancement of laparoscopic liver resection techniques (http://www.ills.global/). ILLS aims at working in collaboration with existing HPB societies.
The Laterosensory Canal System in Epigean and Subterranean Ituglanis (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae), With Comments About Troglomorphism and the Phylogeny of the Genus
Authors: Rizzato Pedro Pereira , Bichuette Maria Elina
Published: October 2016

The laterosensory system is a mechanosensory modality involved in many aspects of fish biology and behavior. Laterosensory perception may be crucial for individual survival, especially in habitats where other sensory modalities are generally useless, such as the permanently aphotic subterranean environment. In the present study, we describe the laterosensory canal system of epigean and subterranean species of the genus Ituglanis (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae). With seven independent colonizations of the subterranean environment in a limited geographical range coupled with a high diversity of epigean forms, the genus is an excellent model for the study of morphological specialization to hypogean life. The comparison between epigean and subterranean species reveals a trend toward reduction of the laterosensory canal system in the subterranean species, coupled with higher intraspecific variability and asymmetry. This trend is mirrored in other subterranean fishes and in species living in different confined spaces, like the interstitial environment. Therefore, we propose that the reduction of the laterosensory canal system should be regarded as a troglomorphic (= cave‐related) character for subterranean fishes. We also comment about the patterns of the laterosensory canal system in trichomycterids and use the diversity of this system among species of Ituglanis to infer phylogenetic relationships within the genus. J. Morphol. 278:4–28, 2017. ©© 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
Herbal and prescription weight loss products: awareness among pharmacists about efficacy and safety
Authors: Shamsher Areeg A. A. , Nadeem Nada , Nadeem Verda , Mutib Khawla O. , Mutib Nasiba O. , Charoo Naseem A.
Published: October 2016

Background

Weight loss medications that were traditionally considered safe and effective are associated with severe adverse effects.

Aim

The present work seeks to disseminate awareness about the effectiveness and safety of weight loss medications.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study was performed across the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates involving 250 registered pharmacists. Pre‐designed open‐ended questionnaires comprising of four sections were employed to collect responses from the pharmacists.

Results

The mean responses indicated that 98% of pharmacists dispense prescription weight loss medications, and 96% of the pharmacists also stock herbal products. The number of pharmacists who provided patient counselling was 32.7% from which feedback was received in 59.2% of cases after the administration of medications. Pharmacists' opinions on the occurrence of adverse effects can be rank ordered as kidney stone > diarrhoea > hypertension > dizziness > weakness > fever. Physical activity and diet control were the preferred weight loss measures. In all, 81.8% reasoned that prescription weight loss products have severe adverse effects and their use should be restricted, thereby leading to the low recommendation level (30.21%). In comparison, 93% believed that adverse effects of herbal products are less. Healthy weight management services were available in only 10.96% of pharmacies although 98.3% of participants recommended such services.

Conclusion

The knowledge void pertaining to the use of herbal medications and weight management was discerned in this study and rigorous and quality training for healthcare professionals is proposed.
Predictors of breeding site occupancy by amphibians in montane landscapes
Authors: Groff Luke A. , Loftin Cynthia S. , Calhoun Aram J.K.
Published: October 2016

Ecological relationships and processes vary across species’ geographic distributions, life stages and spatial, and temporal scales. Montane landscapes are characterized by low wetland densities, rugged topographies, and cold climates. Consequently, aquatic‐dependent and low‐vagility ectothermic species (e.g., pool‐breeding amphibians) may exhibit unique ecological associations in montane landscapes. We evaluated the relative importance of breeding‐ and landscape‐scale features associated with spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) wetland occupancy in Maine's Upper Montane‐Alpine Zone ecoregion, and we determined whether models performed better when the inclusive landscape‐scale covariates were estimated with topography‐weighted or circular buffers. We surveyed 135 potential breeding sites during May 2013–June 2014 and evaluated environmental relationships with multi‐season implicit dynamics occupancy models. Breeding site occupancy by both species was influenced solely by breeding‐scale habitat features. Spotted salamander occupancy probabilities increased with previous or current beaver (Castor canadensis) presence, and models generally were better supported when the inclusive landscape‐scale covariates were estimated with topography‐weighted rather than circular buffers. Wood frog occupancy probabilities increased with site area and percent shallows, but neither buffer type was better supported than the other. Model rank order and support varied between buffer types, but model inferences did not. Our results suggest pool‐breeding amphibian conservation in montane Maine include measures to maintain beaver populations and large wetlands with proportionally large areas of shallows ≤1‐m deep. Inconsistencies between our study and previous studies substantiate the value of region‐specific research for augmenting species’ conservation management plans and suggest the application of out‐of‐region inferences may promote ineffective conservation. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Applying the USLE Family of Models at the Sparacia (South Italy) Experimental Site
Authors: Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito , Pampalone Vincenzo
Published: October 2016

Soil erosion is a key process to understand the land degradation, and modelling of soil erosion will help to understand the process and to foresee its impacts. The applicability of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) at event scale is affected by the fact that USLE rainfall erosivity factor does not take into account runoff explicitly. USLE‐M and USLE‐MM, including the effect of runoff in the event rainfall–runoff erosivity factor, are characterized by a better capacity to predict event soil loss. The specific objectives of this paper were (i) to determine the suitable parameterization of USLE, USLE‐M and USLE‐MM by using the dataseries of Sparacia experimental site and (ii) to evaluate their performances at both event and annual scale. The measurements allowed to establish the relationships for calculating the factors of USLE, USLE‐M and USLE‐MM usable at the Sparacia experimental area. At first, for slope‐length values greater than 33 m, the calibration of USLE model at event scale pointed out that sediment delivery processes, that is processes involving deposition of the transported eroded soil particles, occur. The analysis showed that USLE and USLE‐M tend to overestimate low event soil losses, while for USLE‐MM, this tendency is less pronounced. However, the USLE‐MM performed better than USLE and USLE‐M and was able to reproduce better than other two models the highest soil loss values that are the most interesting from a practical point of view. The results obtained at annual scale were generally consistent with those obtained at event scale. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling Hot Spots of Soil Loss by Wind Erosion (SoLoWind) in Western Saxony, Germany
Authors: Schmidt Simon , Meusburger Katrin , de Figueiredo Tomás , Alewell Christine
Published: October 2016

While it needs yet to be assessed whether or not wind erosion in Western Saxony is a major point of concern regarding land degradation and fertility, it has already been recognized that considerable off‐site effects of wind erosion in the adjacent regions of Saxony‐Anhalt and Brandenburg are connected to the spread of herbicides, pesticides and dust. So far, no wind erosion assessment for Western Saxony, Germany, exists. The wind erosion model previously applied for Germany (DIN standard 19706) is considering neither changes in wind direction over time nor influences of field size. This study aims to provide a first assessment of wind erosion for Western Saxony by extending the existing DIN model to a multidirectional model on soil loss by wind (SoLoWind) with new controlling factors (changing wind directions, soil cover, mean field length and mean protection zone) combined by fuzzy logic. SoLoWind is used for a local off‐site effect evaluation in combination with high‐resolution wind speed and wind direction data at a section of the highway A72. The model attributes 3·6% of the arable fields in Western Saxony to the very‐high‐wind erosion risk class. A relationship between larger fields (greater than 116 ha) and higher proportions (51·7%) of very‐high‐wind erosion risk can be observed. Sections of the highway A72 might be under high risk according to the modelled off‐site effects of wind erosion. The presented applications showed the potential of SoLoWind to support and consult management for protection measures on a regional scale. © 2016 The Authors. Land Degradation and Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Processing of multibeam water column image data for automated bubble/seep detection and repeated mapping
Authors: Urban Peter , Köser Kevin , Greinert Jens
Published: October 2016

Water Column Imaging Multibeam Echosounder Systems (MBES) are effective and sensitive tools for investigating free gas (bubble) release and its rise through the water column. The main advantages of MBES are the detection range and lateral coverage in the water column and at the seafloor; furthermore, they are becoming increasingly available on research vessels worldwide. However, high noise levels and systematic artefacts due to side‐lobe induced signal interference degrade MBES Water Column Images (WCIs) and hampered automated bubble detection and related gas seepage investigations. We present a new technique advancing automated detection of bubble streams and moving toward a quantitative gas‐release assessment. It is shown that bubble streams can be detected reliably by their spatio‐temporal behavior even when they are discontinuous in WCI data. Using assumptions about the bubble rising trajectories, bubble release spots at the seafloor can be traced even if the source location is obscured by acoustic noise or unwanted acoustic targets. A map with acoustic response and source locations of bubbles being released can be produced and serves as a starting point for more detailed quantitative analyses. The efficiency of the method has been assessed at a methane seep site in the Dutch North Sea. Multiple survey lines are merged to a detailed acoustic map of the area. Processed results are in good agreement with manual investigations of the WCI data as well as ROV‐based video analysis.
Non‐canonical expression patterns and evolutionary rates of sex‐biased genes in a seasonal fish
Authors: Machado Miguel P. , Matos Isa , Grosso Ana R. , Schartl Manfred , Coelho Maria M.
Published: October 2016

Sex determination is a highly variable process that utilizes many different mechanisms to initiate the cascade of differentiation processes. The molecular pathways controlling sexual development are less conserved than previously assumed, and appear to require active maintenance in some species; indeed, the developmental decision of gonad phenotype in gonochoristic species is not fixed at an early developmental stage. Much of the knowledge about sex determination mechanisms was derived from research on gonochoristic, non‐seasonal breeders. In this study, the transcriptome of resting adult gonads of a seasonal breeder, the endangered Iberian cyprinid fish Squalius pyrenaicus, was analyzed to assess the expression patterns and evolutionary rates of sex‐biased genes that could be involved in maintenance of gonad identity as well as in sex determination. Remarkably, some crucial female genes—such as aromatase cyp19a1a, estrogen receptor esr1a, and foxl2—were expressed more abundantly in S. pyrenaicus testis than in ovaries. Moreover, contrary to the higher evolutionary rate changes observed in male‐biased genes, higher dN/dS ratios were observed for female‐biased genes than for male‐biased genes in S. pyrenaicus. These results help unravel the impact of seasonality in sex determination mechanisms and the evolution of genes, and highlight the need to study fish at different gonadal maturation states to understand the function of sex‐biased genes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 1102–1115, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CREB activity is required for luteinizing hormone‐induced the expression of EGF‐like factors
Authors: Wang Yakun , Hao Xiaoqiong , Yang Jing , Li Jia , Zhang Meijia
Published: October 2016

A surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland induces the expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like factors, which triggers oocyte maturation, cumulus expansion, and ovulation. How LH induces EGF‐like factor expression is unclear. In the present study, a rapid increase of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) was observed after the activation of LH receptor by human chorionic gonadotropin. Large antral follicles from equine chorionic gonadotropin‐primed mice were cultured in medium with LH to stimulate the expression of EGF‐like factors. CREB phosphorylation was increased in granulosa cells; conversely KG‐501, a CREB functional inhibitor, significantly reduced LH‐induced gene expression of EGF‐like factors, oocyte meiotic resumption, and cumulus cell expansion. Reduction of CREB expression by Creb siRNA also repressed LH‐induced expression of EGF‐like factors in cultured granulosa cells. Inactivation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK3/1) by U0126 inhibited LH‐induced CREB phosphorylation and EGF‐like factors gene expression, whereas the activation of LH receptor increased Akt/protein kinase B phosphorylation, which is involved in LH‐induced CREB phosphorylation and the expression of EGF‐like factors. Thus, LH induces MAPK3/1 and Akt activation, both of which are required for the CREB‐promoted expression of EGF‐like factors in granulosa cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 1116–1127, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectrally selective three‐dimensional dynamic balanced steady‐state free precession for hyperpolarized C‐13 metabolic imaging with spectrally selective radiofrequency pulses
Authors: Shang Hong , Sukumar Subramaniam , von Morze Cornelius , Bok Robert A. , Marco‐Rius Irene , Kerr Adam , Reed Galen D. , Milshteyn Eugene , Ohliger Michael A. , Kurhanewicz John , Larson Peder E.Z. , Pauly John M. , Vigneron Daniel B.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) sequences can provide superior signal‐to‐noise ratio efficiency for hyperpolarized (HP) carbon‐13 (13C) magnetic resonance imaging by efficiently utilizing the nonrecoverable magnetization, but managing their spectral response is challenging in the context of metabolic imaging. A new spectrally selective bSSFP sequence was developed for fast imaging of multiple HP 13C metabolites with high spatiotemporal resolution.

Theory and Methods

This novel approach for bSSFP spectral selectivity incorporates optimized short‐duration spectrally selective radiofrequency pulses within a bSSFP pulse train and a carefully chosen repetition time to avoid banding artifacts.

Results

The sequence enabled subsecond 3D dynamic spectrally selective imaging of 13C metabolites of copolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and [13C]urea at 2‐mm isotropic resolution, with excellent spectral selectivity (∼100:1). The sequence was successfully tested in phantom studies and in vivo studies with normal mice.

Conclusion

This sequence is expected to benefit applications requiring dynamic volumetric imaging of metabolically active 13C compounds at high spatiotemporal resolution, including preclinical studies at high field and, potentially, clinical studies. Magn Reson Med 78:963–975, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female anorectal dysfunction
Authors: Sultan Abdul H. , Monga Ash , Lee Joseph , Emmanuel Anton , Norton Christine , Santoro Giulio , Hull Tracy , Berghmans Bary , Brody Stuart , Haylen Bernard T.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

The terminology for anorectal dysfunction in women has long been in need of a specific clinically‐based Consensus Report.

Methods

This Report combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted on Committee by experts in their fields to form a Joint IUGA/ICS Working Group on Female Anorectal Terminology. Appropriate core clinical categories and sub classifications were developed to give an alphanumeric coding to each definition. An extensive process of twenty rounds of internal and external review was developed to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision‐making by collective opinion (consensus).

Results

A Terminology Report for anorectal dysfunction, encompassing over 130 separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically based with the most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user‐friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different specialty groups involved in female pelvic floor dysfunction. Female‐specific anorectal investigations and imaging (ultrasound, radiology and MRI) has been included whilst appropriate figures have been included to supplement and help clarify the text. Interval review (5–10 years) is anticipated to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible.

Conclusion

A consensus‐based Terminology Report for female anorectal dysfunction terminology has been produced aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and a stimulus for research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:10–34, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and The International Urogynecological Association.
Exploration of efficient reduced‐order modeling and a posteriori error estimation
Authors: Chaudhry J.H. , Estep D. , Gunzburger M.
Published: October 2016

Efficient algorithms are considered for the computation of a reduced‐order model based on the proper orthogonal decomposition methodology for the solution of parameterized elliptic partial differential equations. The method relies on partitioning the parameter space into subdomains based on the properties of the solution space and then forming a reduced basis for each of the subdomains. This yields more efficient offline and online stages for the proper orthogonal decomposition method. We extend these ideas for inexpensive adjoint based a posteriori error estimation of both the expensive finite element method solutions and the reduced‐order model solutions, for a single and multiple quantities of interest. Various numerical results indicate the efficacy of the approach. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐mechanical studies on the effect of various stress‐states on ductile damage and failure
Authors: Hagenbrock Vanessa , Gerke Steffen , Brünig Michael
Published: October 2016

The paper deals with the effect of different stress states on damage and failure behavior of ductile materials. To be able to model these effects a continuum damage model has been proposed taking into account the dependence of the stress intensity, the stress triaxiality and the Lode parameter on the constitutive equations. The model is based on the introduction of damaged and fictitious undamaged configurations. Only experiments are not adequate enough to determine all constitutive parameters. Therefore, additional three‐dimensional micro‐mechanical simulations of representative volume elements have been performed to get more insight in the complex damage mechanisms. These simulations cover a wide range of different void sizes, void shapes and void distributions. After all, the results from the micro‐mechanical simulations are used to propose the damage equations and to identify corresponding parameters. (© 2016 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Nonlocal Zero‐Equation Turbulence Model and a Deficit‐Power Law of the Wall with a Dynamical Critical Phenomenon
Authors: Egolf Peter W. , Hutter Kolumban
Published: October 2016

This article supports a deficit power law for ‘wall’ turbulent shear flows. For infinite Reynolds number flow the model predicts a power, which is a quadratic irrationality in good agreement with experiments (relative error less than one percent). (© 2016 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)