bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of incubation temperature on sea turtle hatchling quality
Authors: BOOTH David T.
Published: January 2017

Since the 1980s it has been known that incubation temperature influences the sex ratio of sea turtle hatchlings emerging from their nests, and there has been much speculation on how global climate change might threaten sea turtle populations by raising nest temperatures and causing highly female‐biased hatchling sex ratios. More recently, studies have indicated that incubation temperature can also influence the size and locomotor performance of sea turtle hatchlings. Here I review recent studies that have explored the influence of incubation temperature on sea turtle hatchling quality in terms of hatchling morphology and locomotor performance. I also discuss the likely underlying mechanisms responsible for incubation temperature‐induced differences in hatchling locomotor performance, and how an increase in nest temperature associated with global warming might affect recruitment of sea turtle hatchlings.
Adoption of international financial reporting standards and the cost of adverse selection
Authors: Katselas Dean , Rosov Sviatoslav
Published: January 2017

This paper tests whether the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) reduces the cost of adverse selection. We find that adverse selection costs fall only for firms that adoptIFRSbefore the mandated date. We also find that firms in countries with well‐developed local reporting standards do not benefit from improved transparency as a result ofIFRSadoption. We also find thatIFRSadoption relies on strong local enforcement to have any significant impact on transparency. We conclude thatIFRSadoption may be less effective if local standards are well‐developed, or are poorly enforced.
Comprehensive candidate gene analysis for symptomatic or asymptomatic outcomes of Leishmania infantum infection in Brazil
Authors: Weirather Jason L. , Duggal Priya , Nascimento Eliana L. , Monteiro Gloria R. , Martins Daniella R. , Lacerda Henio G. , Fakiola Michaela , Blackwell Jenefer M. , Jeronimo Selma M. B. , Wilson Mary E.
Published: January 2017

Genetic risk factors contribute to asymptomatic versus symptomatic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) outcomes following infection with Leishmania infantum. We therefore carried out a family‐based (n = 918 post–quality control fully genotyped and phenotyped individuals) candidate gene study for symptomatic VL or asymptomatic delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test phenotypes in highly endemic neighborhoods of northeast Brazil. A total of 248 SNPs were genotyped in 42 genes selected as candidates on the basis of prior genetic, immunological, and transcriptional profiling studies. The most significant association with the VL phenotype was with SNP rs6785358 (P = 5.7e‐04; pcorrected = 0.026) 3.8 kb upstream of TGFBR2, the gene encoding the type 2 receptor for transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). A second inhibitory member of the TGBβ superfamily signaling pathway, SMAD7, was associated with the DTH phenotype (SNP rs7238442: P = 0.001; pcorrected = 0.051). The most significant association for the DTH phenotype was with SNP rs10800309 (P = –8.4e‐06; pcorrected = 3.9e‐04) situated 3.1 kb upstream of FCGR2A, the gene encoding the low‐affinity IIa receptor for the Fc fragment of IgG. Overall, our results imply a role for IgG‐mediated inflammation in determining DTH associated with asymptomatic infection and contribute to growing evidence that the TGFβ pathway is important in the immunopathogenesis of VL.
Early high school engagement in students with attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Zendarski Nardia , Sciberras Emma , Mensah Fiona , Hiscock Harriet
Published: January 2017

Background

Students with attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continue to languish behind their peers with regard to academic achievement and education attainment. School engagement is potentially modifiable, and targeting engagement may be a means to improve education outcomes.

Aims

To investigate school engagement for students with ADHD during the crucial high school transition period and to identify factors associated with low school engagement.

Sample

Participants are adolescents (12–15 years) in the first and third year of high school with diagnosed ADHD (n = 130). Participants were recruited from 21 paediatric practices.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study assessing school engagement. Data were collected through direct assessment and child, parent, and teacher surveys. School engagement is measured as student attitudes to school (cognitive and emotional) and suspension rates (behavioural). Multivariable regression analyses examined student, family, and school factors affecting engagement.

Results

In comparison with state data, students with ADHD in the first year of high school were less motivated (p < .01) and less connected to peers (p < .01). Overall, there was no discordance in third year attitudes. There were high rates of suspension in both years in comparison to state‐wide suspensions (21% vs. 6%, p < .01). Explanatory factors for poor attitudes include adolescent depression, poor adolescent supervision, and devaluing education. Conduct problems and increased hyperactivity were related to increased likelihood of being suspended, whilst higher cognitive ability, family socio‐economic status, and independent schools reduced risk.

Conclusions

Potentially modifiable individual and family factors including adolescent depression, behavioural problems, education values, and family supervision could be targeted to better manage the high school transition for students with ADHD.
From genetics to epigenetics: new insights into keloid scarring
Authors: He Yongjing , Deng Zhenjun , Alghamdi Mansour , Lu Lechun , Fear Mark W. , He Li
Published: January 2017

Keloid scarring is a dermal fibroproliferative response characterized by excessive and progressive deposition of collagen; aetiology and molecular pathology underlying keloid formation and progression remain unclear. Genetic predisposition is important in the pathogenic processes of keloid formation, however, environmental factors and epigenetic mechanisms may also play pivotal roles. Epigenetic modification is a recent area of investigation in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of keloid scarring and there is increasing evidence that epigenetic changes may play a role in induction and persistent activation of fibroblasts in keloid scars. Here we have reviewed three epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation, histone modification and the role of non‐coding RNAs. We also review the evidence that these mechanisms may play a role in keloid formation ‐ in future, it may be possible that epigenetic markers may be used instead of prognostic or diagnostic markers here. However, there is a significant amount of work required to increase our current understanding of the role of epigenetic modification in keloid disease.
Good outcome of living donor liver transplantation in drug‐induced acute liver failure: A single‐center experience
Authors: Choudhary Narendra Singh , Saigal Sanjiv , Saraf Neeraj , Rastogi Amit , Goja Sanjay , Bhangui Prashant , Vohra Vijay , Govil Deepak , Soin Arvinder S.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Drug‐induced acute liver failure (ALF) is associated with high mortality. There is limited literature on results of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Material and Methods

The study was conducted at a tertiary care center in North India. All patients who received LDLT for drug‐induced ALF were included. The data are shown as median (IQR).

Results

A total of 18 patients (15 females and three males), aged 34 (25‐45) years, underwent LDLT for drug‐induced liver injury (DILI)‐related ALF. Etiology of ALF was antitubercular medications (n=14), orlistat (n=1), flutamide (n=1), and complementary alternative medications (n=2). The baseline parameters were as following: bilirubin 17.7 (16.3‐23.8) mg/dL, INR 3.3 (2.5‐4.0), jaundice encephalopathy interval 6 (3‐17.5) days, arterial ammonia 109 μmol/L (73‐215), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 24 (18‐33), grade of encephalopathy 2 (1‐4), which progressed to grade 3 (3‐4) before transplantation. All patients underwent right lobe LDLT; hospital stay was 17 (13‐22) days, and ICU stay was 5 (5‐7) days. Two patients died in the first month after liver transplantation due to sepsis and multi‐organ failure; the rest of the patients are alive and doing well at a follow‐up of 50 (4‐82 months).

Conclusion

Good outcomes can be obtained by LDLT for drug‐induced ALF.
“We Hardly Ever Talk about It”: Emotional Responsive Attunement in Couples after a Child's Death
Authors: Hooghe An , Rosenblatt Paul C. , Rober Peter
Published: January 2017

Within Western cultural traditions, the idea that parents should talk about the death of their child with each other is deeply rooted. However, across bereaved parent couples there are wide variations in communication about their grief with each other. In this study, we explored the experiences of bereaved couples related to the process of talking and not talking. We used a thematic coding approach to analyze 20 interviews with 26 bereaved parents (11 interviewed as couples, four as individuals). Four main meanings emerged out of our analysis: not talking because of the inadequacy and pointlessness of words in grief, not talking as a way to regulate emotions in daily life, not talking as an expression of a personal, intimate process, and not talking because the partner has the same loss but a different grief process. In addition, we found that the process of talking and not talking can partly be understood as an emotional responsive process on an intrapersonal and interpersonal level. In this process partners search for a bearable distance from their own grief and their partner's, and attune with their relational context. A better understanding of this process is sought in a dialectical approach, emphasizing the value of both talking and not talking in a tense relationship with each other. Implications for clinical work are described.
A decade of boreal rich fen greenhouse gas fluxes in response to natural and experimental water table variability
Authors: Olefeldt David , Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Harden Jennifer , Kane Evan , McGuire A. David , Waldrop Mark P. , Turetsky Merritt R.
Published: January 2017

Rich fens are common boreal ecosystems with distinct hydrology, biogeochemistry and ecology that influence their carbon (C) balance. We present growing season soil chamber methane emission (FCH4), ecosystem respiration (ER), net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and gross primary production (GPP) fluxes from a 9‐years water table manipulation experiment in an Alaskan rich fen. The study included major flood and drought years, where wetting and drying treatments further modified the severity of droughts. Results support previous findings from peatlands that drought causes reduced magnitude of growing seasonFCH4,GPPandNEE, thus reducing or reversing their C sink function. Experimentally exacerbated droughts further reduced the capacity for the fen to act as a C sink by causing shifts in vegetation and thus reducing magnitude of maximum growing seasonGPPin subsequent flood years by ~15% compared to control plots. Conversely, water table position had only a weak influence onER, but dominant contribution toERswitched from autotrophic respiration in wet years to heterotrophic in dry years. Droughts did not cause inter‐annual lag effects onERin this rich fen, as has been observed in several nutrient‐poor peatlands. WhileERwas dependent on soil temperatures at 2 cm depth,FCH4was linked to soil temperatures at 25 cm. Inter‐annual variability of deep soil temperatures was in turn dependent on wetness rather than air temperature, and higherFCH4in flooded years was thus equally due to increased methane production at depth and decreased methane oxidation near the surface. Short‐term fluctuations in wetness caused significant lag effects onFCH4, but droughts caused no inter‐annual lag effects onFCH4. Our results show that frequency and severity of droughts and floods can have characteristic effects on the exchange of greenhouse gases, and emphasize the need to project future hydrological regimes in rich fens.
Regional variation in the temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition in China's forests and grasslands
Authors: Liu Yuan , He Nianpeng , Zhu Jianxing , Xu Li , Yu Guirui , Niu Shuli , Sun Xiaomin , Wen Xuefa
Published: January 2017

How to assess the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and its regional variation with high accuracy is one of the largest uncertainties in determining the intensity and direction of the global carbon (C) cycle in response to climate change. In this study, we collected a series of soils from 22 forest sites and 30 grassland sites across China to explore regional variation inQ10and its underlying mechanisms. We conducted a novel incubation experiment with periodically changing temperature (5–30 °C), while continuously measuring soil microbial respiration rates. The results showed thatQ10varied significantly across different ecosystems, ranging from 1.16 to 3.19 (mean 1.63).Q10was ordered as follows: alpine grasslands (2.01) > temperate grasslands (1.81) > tropical forests (1.59) > temperate forests (1.55) > subtropical forests (1.52). TheQ10of grasslands (1.90) was significantly higher than that of forests (1.54). Furthermore,Q10significantly increased with increasing altitude and decreased with increasing longitude. Environmental variables and substrate properties together explained 52% of total variation inQ10across all sites. Overall,pHand soil electrical conductivity primarily explained spatial variation inQ10. The general negative relationships betweenQ10and substrate quality among all ecosystem types supported the C quality temperature (CQT) hypothesis at a large scale, which indicated that soils with low quality should have higher temperature sensitivity. Furthermore, alpine grasslands, which had the highestQ10, were predicted to be more sensitive to climate change under the scenario of global warming.
Effects of Lactobacillus buchneri as a silage inoculant or probiotic on in vitro organic matter digestibility, gas production and volatile fatty acids of low dry‐matter whole‐crop maize silage
Authors: Rabelo C. H. S. , Basso F. C. , Lara E. C. , Jorge L. G. O. , Härter C. J. , Mari L. J. , Reis R. A.
Published: January 2017

Our objective was to investigate Lactobacillus buchneri as a silage inoculant or probiotic on in vitro ruminal measurements of low dry‐matter whole‐crop maize silage. In vitro gas production was conducted using untreated (without inoculant) and inoculated (treated with L. buchneri CNCM I‐4323 at 1 × 105 cfu g−1 of fresh forage) maize silages (wet‐ground) incubated with three different ruminal inocula, in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Ruminal fluids were collected from wethers consuming (i) untreated maize silage (RF‐U); (ii) inoculated maize silage (RF‐I); and (iii) untreated maize silage with a daily dose of L. buchneri CNCM I‐4323 administered directly into the rumen (1 × 107 cfu g−1 of supplied silage [LB‐probiotic]). Gas production was consistently higher when inoculated silage was used as the substrate of fermentation, compared to the untreated silage. When untreated silage was used as substrate, the total volatile fatty acid concentration was higher using RF‐I and LB‐probiotic inocula, compared to the RF‐U inoculum, at 9 hr and at 48 hr of fermentation. It is concluded that L. buchneri should be used as a silage inoculant rather than as a probiotic because it alters fermentation within the silo thereby improving silage quality and enabling some benefits for ruminal fermentation.
Use of novel attraction compounds increases monitoring success of a rare beetle, Elater ferrugineus
Authors: Harvey Deborah J. , Harvey Hannah , Harvey Rachael P. , Kadej Marcin , Hedenström Erik , Gange Alan C. , Finch Paul
Published: January 2017

The use of pheromones to determine distributions of rare saproxylic insects is an increasingly popular technique. Pheromones may, however, also be used to elucidate the biology of these cryptic species, a vital requirement if they are to be accurately monitored and conserved.

We used non‐invasive aerial trapping to compare the effectiveness of chemicals produced by Elater ferrugineus L (Coleoptera: Elateridae), namely 7‐methyloctyl (Z)‐4‐decenoate (the female‐produced sex pheromone), and male compounds (geranyl and neryl acetone and 6‐methyl‐5‐heptene‐2‐one). The male compounds were identified using headspace analysis by solid phase micro‐extraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.

We discovered that males only produce these two compounds after having been attracted to a female, and that this serves to attract further males to a female.

Such compounds do not appear to attract females but for a species that has a short activity period and is non‐feeding in the adult stage, may ensure breeding success when populations are low.

By marking all beetles caught, we were able to demonstrate that recapture rate using this method is low (approximately 11% of total captures annually). Therefore, the method does not limit dispersal or breeding opportunities, making it a valuable tool for monitoring endangered saproxylic beetle species.
Hidradenitis suppurativa treated with tetracycline in combination with colchicine: a prospective series of 20 patients
Authors: Armyra Kalliopi , Kouris Anargyros , Markantoni Vasiliki , Katsambas Andreas , Kontochristopoulos George
Published: January 2017

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder of the follicular epithelium.

Objectives

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of tetracycline with colchicine in the treatment of HS.

Methods

Twenty patients (10 women and 10 men) with HS were included in an open, prospective, pilot study. All patients were treated with 100 mg minocycline administered orally once per day in combination with 0.5 mg colchicine administered twice per day for 6 months followed by a maintenance regimen of 0.5 mg colchicine administered orally twice per day for 3 months. Patients were examined at baseline and thereafter every 3 months for a total of 9 months. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated using a physician's global assessment (PGA) scale, the Hurley scoring system, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Results

A significant improvement in clinical manifestation was reflected in scores on the Hurley scoring system and DLQI. According to the PGA, patients achieved substantial improvement or complete remission. Clinically, all patients started to show signs of improvement within the first 3 months of therapy and continued to improve over the next 6 months.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the combination of the anti‐inflammatory actions of colchicine and minocycline is effective in disease control in HS. Colchicine emerged as a safe option for the maintenance of the obtained result.
Tracing the evolution of EU images using a case‐study of Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Kelly Serena
Published: January 2017

Positioned within the multidisciplinary scholarly fields of political psychology, our analysis follows an interdisciplinary approach, linking the study of EU images (from international relations (IR), political science and EU Studies) to the notion of conceptual metaphors (cognitive linguistics). Our research uses a novel empirical tool – a four‐tiered model of conceptual metaphors (Zhabotynska, 2011) to assess how meanings are formed in the construction of EU images in third countries. Using a case‐study of Australian and New Zealand elites, the paper contributes to EU foreign policy scholarship through the description of a systematic algorithm for tracing the ‘mapping of emotions’ towards the EU from beyond its borders. Metaphors are understood as a cognitive device for translating emotions, but empirical analysis of emotions is nascent in IR studies. Assessing EU external images over time in an empirically‐informed and systematic way is a further novel contribution from this body of research.
Aboriginal prisoners and cognitive impairment: the impact of dual disadvantage on Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Authors: Shepherd S. M. , Ogloff J. R. P. , Shea D. , Pfeifer J. E. , Paradies Y.
Published: January 2017

Background

Negligible information is available regarding the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) needs of Aboriginal Australian individuals in custody with cognitive impairment. This is problematic given that Aboriginal people with cognitive impairment often experience dual disadvantage in the context of the justice system. This study sought to ascertain the relationship between cognitive impairment and mental health/cultural needs (SEWB) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody.

Method

A sample of 122 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were administered a culturally themed semi‐structured questionnaire in custodial settings in Victoria, Australia. The questionnaire included measures of cognitive impairment, SEWB and forensic needs. Analyses were performed to determine differences in the presence of SEWB and unmet custodial needs by level of cognitive impairment.

Results

Findings revealed a diminished level of wellbeing for cognitively impaired participants across several factors. Cognitive impairment was associated with poorer coping mechanisms, additional experiences of racism, difficulties handling emotions, discomfort around non‐Aboriginal people and reduced access to meaningful activities in custody. All participants regardless of their level of impairment recognised the importance of cultural engagement; however, cognitively impaired participants had greater difficulty accessing/practicing cultural activities.

Conclusions

Culturally responsive disability assistance should be available at all phases of the justice system for Indigenous people with cognitive impairment to ensure that equitable care is accessible and needs are addressed.
The 6‐min mastication test: a unique test to assess endurance of continuous chewing, normal values, reliability, reproducibility and usability in patients with mitochondrial disease
Authors: van den Engel‐Hoek L. , Knuijt S. , van Gerven M. H. J. C. , Lagarde M. L. J. , Groothuis J. T. , de Groot I. J. M. , Janssen M. C. H.
Published: January 2017

In patients with mitochondrial disease, fatigue and muscle problems are the most common complaints. They also experience these complaints during mastication. To measure endurance of continuous mastication in patients with mitochondrial diseases, the 6‐min mastication test (6MMT) was developed. This study included the collection of normal data for the 6MMT in a healthy population (children and adults). During 6 min of continuous mastication on a chew tube chewing cycles per minute, total amount of chewing cycles and the difference between minute 1 (M1) and minute 6 (M2) were collected in 271 healthy participants (5–80 years old). These results were compared with those of nine paediatric and 25 adult patients with a mitochondrial disease. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were collected directly after the test and after 5 min. A qualitative rating was made on masticatory movements. The reproducibility of the 6MMT in the healthy population with an interval of approximately 2 weeks was good. The inter‐rater reliability for the observations was excellent. The patient group demonstrated lower total amount of chewing cycles or had greater differences between M1 and M6. The 6MMT is a reliable and objective test to assess endurance of continuous chewing. It demonstrates the ability of healthy children and adults to chew during 6 min with a highly stable frequency of mastication movements. The test may give an explanation for the masticatory problems in patient groups, who are complaining of pain and fatigue during mastication.
Prediction of Genetic Variation in Stocks of Offspring and Its Correlation with Viability and Growth Rate
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Dariusz , Dobosz Stefan , Kaczor Aleksandra
Published: January 2017

This study tested the accuracy of predictions of genetic variation with Genassemblage 1.0 software and investigated whether offspring with greater genetic variation have higher survivability in aquaculture conditions than offspring with less genetic variation. To achieve these aims, microsatellite polymorphism was used to determine genetic variation in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss, spawners and progeny. Spawning pairs were assembled based on the estimated genetic variation of their offspring. The offspring were divided into two groups: (H) group had higher expected values of heterozygosity (0.93) and allelic richness (41), whereas (L) group had lower expected values (0.63 and 31). The heterozygosity, survivability, and growth rate of these groups were recorded. The observed heterozygosity was 0.93 in (H) group and 0.62 in (L) group. (H) group had slightly higher survivability (89.8%) than (L) group (87.6%), but this difference was not significant (p≥ 0.05), possibly due to residual tetrasomy in the rainbow trout genome. In the offspring, predicted and observed variations were very similar, indicating that Genassemblage 1.0 accurately predicts genetic variation in progeny.
Health effects of resistant starch
Authors: Lockyer S. , Nugent A. P.
Published: January 2017

The merits of a fibre‐rich diet are well documented. Resistant starch (RS) is a form of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and, as such, is classified as a type of dietary fibre. RS can be categorised as one of five types (RS1–5), some of which occur naturally in foods such as bananas, potatoes, grains and legumes and some of which are produced or modified commercially, and incorporated into food products. This review describes human evidence on the health effects of RS consumption, with the aim of identifying any benefits of RS‐rich foods and RS as a functional ingredient. The reduced glycaemic response consistently reported with RS consumption, when compared with digestible carbohydrate, has resulted in an approved European Union health claim. Thus, RS‐rich foods may be particularly useful for managing diabetes. There appears to be little impact of RS on other metabolic markers, such as blood pressure and plasma lipids, though data are comparatively limited. Promising results on markers of gut health suggest that further research may lead to the classification of RS as a prebiotic. Microbial fermentation of RS in the large intestine to produce short‐chain fatty acids likely underpins some of its biological effects, including increasing satiety. However, effects on appetite have not resulted in notable changes in bodyweight after long‐term consumption. Emerging research suggests potential for RS as an ingredient in oral rehydration solutions and in the treatment of chronic kidney disease. Overall, RS possesses positive properties as a healthy food component.
Relation between cognitive and hedonic responses to a meal
Authors: Ciccantelli B. , Pribic T. , Malagelada C. , Accarino A. , Azpiroz F.
Published: January 2017

Background

Ingestion of a meal induces cognitive and hedonic sensations and our aim was to determine the relation between both dimensions.

Methods

In three groups of healthy non‐obese men (n=10 per group) three types of meals with equivalent levels of palatability were tested: a liquid meal, a solid‐liquid low‐calorie meal, and a solid‐liquid high‐calorie meal. The cognitive and hedonic responses were measured on 10‐cm scales before and during the 30‐minute postprandial period.

Key Results

The liquid meal induced a relatively strong cognitive response with satiation (4.7±0.7 score increment), fullness (3.3±0.7 score increment), and inhibition of desire of eating a food of choice; in contrast, its impact on sensation of digestive well‐being and satisfaction was not significant (0.7±0.7 score increment). The high‐calorie solid‐liquid meal, with larger volume load and caloric content, induced much lower satiation (2.4±0.8 score increment; P=.041 vs liquid meal) and fullness sensation (1.3±0.6 score increment; P=.031 vs liquid meal), but a markedly higher level of satisfaction (2.7±0.4 score increment; P=.021 vs liquid meal); the low‐calorie mixed meal had less prominent effects with significantly lower satisfaction (1.0±0.4 score increment; P=.039 vs high‐calorie meal).

Conclusions and Inferences

The cognitive (satiation, fullness) and hedonic responses (satisfaction) to meals with equivalent levels of palatability, that is, equally likable, are dissociable. The characteristics of meals in terms of satiation and rewarding power could be adapted to specific clinical targets, whether nutritional supplementation or restriction.
The scaling of the hydraulic architecture in poplar leaves
Authors: Carvalho Mónica R. , Turgeon Robert , Owens Thomas , Niklas Karl J.
Published: January 2017

Although much is known about the hydraulics of xylem, the hydraulic interconnectivity and dimensional scaling of phloem with respect to xylem in leaves has not been adequately studied to test alternative hydraulic architectural rules such as da Vinci's rule or Murray's rule, or physiological models such as Münch's Pressure Flow hypothesis.

Using confocal and electron microscopy as well as mathematical analyses, we examined the hydraulic architecture of the mature leaves of the model species Populus tremula × alba across all seven hierarchical orders of the vascular branching.

We show that: phloem and xylem conductive areas increase from minor to major veins; the sum of the conductive areas for each vein order increases exponentially from major to minor veins; the volume of individual sieve tube and vessel members increases from minor to major veins; and phloem conductive area scales isometrically with respect to xylem area across all vein orders.

The application of first principles to our data shows that conductive areas scale according to da Vinci's rule and not according to Murray's rule, and that the phloem network in poplar leaves can generate the pressure gradient envisioned in Münch's hypothesis.
Did trees grow up to the light, up to the wind, or down to the water? How modern high productivity colors perception of early plant evolution
Authors: Boyce C. Kevin , Fan Ying , Zwieniecki Maciej A.
Published: January 2017

Contents

Summary
552

I.
Introduction
552

II.
Productivity before the angiosperm radiation
553

III.
Reaching for the light?
554

IV.
Why trees?
555

V.
Conclusions
555

Acknowledgements
556

References
556

Flowering plants can be far more productive than other living land plants. Evidence is reviewed that productivity would have been uniformly lower and less CO2‐responsive before angiosperm evolution, particularly during the early evolution of vascular plants and forests in the Devonian and Carboniferous. This introduces important challenges because paleoecological interpretations have been rooted in understanding of modern angiosperm‐dominated ecosystems. One key example is tree evolution: although often thought to reflect competition for light, light limitation is unlikely for plants with such low photosynthetic potential. Instead, during this early evolution, the capacities of trees for enhanced propagule dispersal, greater leaf area, and deep‐rooting access to nutrients and the water table are all deemed more fundamental potential drivers than light.
Left Atrial Substrate Modification Targeting Low‐Voltage Areas for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: BLANDINO ALESSANDRO , BIANCHI FRANCESCA , GROSSI STEFANO , BIONDI‐ZOCCAI GIUSEPPE , CONTE MARIA ROSA , GAIDO LUCA , GAITA FIORENZO , SCAGLIONE MARCO , RAMETTA FRANCESCO
Published: January 2017

Background

This meta‐analysis aims to assess the impact of a voltage‐guided substrate modification by targeting low‐voltage area (LVA) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and references reporting AF ablation and “voltage* OR substrate* OR fibrosis OR fibrotic area*” were screened and studies included if matching inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Six studies were included. Patients enrolled were 885 (517 in the study group and 368 in the control group). Median age was 60 years; 92% had nonparoxysmal AF. At a mean follow‐up of 17 months, 70% of patients in the study group vs. 43% in the control group were free from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrences (odds ratio [OR] = 3.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22–5.24). LVA ablation in addition to PVI was more effective than PVI alone and PVI + conventional wide empirical ablation (70% vs. 43%, OR = 3.41, 95% CI 2.22–5.24), without increasing the adverse event rate (2.5% vs. 6%, OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.15–1.26). Compared to PVI + conventional wide empirical ablation, LVA ablation reduced the occurrence of postablation AT (14% vs. 46%, OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.07–0.37), procedure time (176 min vs. 220 min, OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.24–0.56), fluoroscopy time (25 min vs. 31 min, OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.12–0.39), and radiofrequency time (55 min vs. 90 min, OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.27–0.90).

Conclusions

A voltage‐guided substrate modification by targeting LVA in addition to PVI is more effective, safer, and holds a lower proarrhythmic potential than conventional ablation approaches. Further randomized studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
The metabolic sensor AKIN10 modulates the Arabidopsis circadian clock in a light‐dependent manner
Authors: Shin Jieun , Sánchez‐Villarreal Alfredo , Davis Amanda M. , Du Shen‐xiu , Berendzen Kenneth W. , Koncz Csaba , Ding Zhaojun , Li Cuiling , Davis Seth J.
Published: January 2017

Plants generate rhythmic metabolism during the repetitive day/night cycle. The circadian clock produces internal biological rhythms to synchronize numerous metabolic processes such that they occur at the required time of day. Metabolism conversely influences clock function by controlling circadian period and phase and the expression of core‐clock genes. Here, we show that AKIN10, a catalytic subunit of the evolutionarily conserved key energy sensor sucrose non‐fermenting 1 (Snf1)‐related kinase 1 (SnRK1) complex, plays an important role in the circadian clock. Elevated AKIN10 expression led to delayed peak expression of the circadian clock evening‐element GIGANTEA (GI) under diurnal conditions. Moreover, it lengthened clock period specifically under light conditions. Genetic analysis showed that the clock regulator TIME FOR COFFEE (TIC) is required for this effect of AKIN10. Taken together, we propose that AKIN10 conditionally works in a circadian clock input pathway to the circadian oscillator.
Head injuries in children′s football—results from two prospective cohort studies in four European countries
Authors: Faude O. , Rössler R. , Junge A. , aus der Fünten K. , Chomiak J. , Verhagen E. , Beaudouin F. , Dvorak J. , Feddermann‐Demont N.
Published: January 2017

Head injuries are considered harmful in children. We analyzed head and neck injuries in organized football in 7‐ to 12‐year‐old children. Data for this analysis were obtained from a prospective cohort study over two consecutive football seasons in two European countries, and a randomized intervention trial over one season in four European countries. Football exposure and injuries were documented through an online database. Detailed information regarding injury characteristics and medical follow‐up was retrieved from coaches, children and parents by phone. Thirty‐nine head injuries and one neck injury (5% of all 791 injuries) were documented during 9933 player‐seasons (total football exposure 688 045 hours). The incidence was 0.25 [95%CI 0.15, 0.35] head/neck injuries per 1000 match hours (N=23 match injuries) and 0.03 [95%CI 0.02, 0.03] per 1000 training hours. Eleven concussions (27.5%), nine head contusions (22.5%), eight lacerations or abrasions (20%), two nose fractures (2.5%), and two dental injuries (2.5%) occurred. The remaining eight injuries were nose bleeding or other minor injuries. Thirty injuries (75%) resulted from contact with another player, and ten injuries were due to collision with an object, falling or a hit by the ball. Whereas 70% of all head injuries (N=28) were due to frontal impacts, 73% of concussions (N=8) resulted from an impact to the occiput. The incidence and severity of head injuries in children′s football are low. Coaches and parents, however, should be sensitized regarding the potential of concussions, particularly after an impact to the occiput.
Compassionate use experience with high‐titer respiratory syncytical virus (RSV) immunoglobulin in RSV‐infected immunocompromised persons
Authors: Falsey Ann R. , Koval Christine , DeVincenzo John P. , Walsh Edward E.
Published: January 2017

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may cause fatal lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in immunocompromised patients. Ribavirin with or without standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is frequently given although efficacy is debated. Infusion of IVIG with high levels of neutralizing antibody against RSV may offer benefit in these patients.

Methods

RI‐001 contains standardized levels of high‐titer anti‐RSV neutralizing antibody and was provided for compassionate use to 15 patients with RSV LRTI who either failed conventional therapy or had significant risk of progression. Patients were treated on day 1 with RI‐001 1500 mg/kg, followed 2 days later with 750 mg/kg. Pre‐ and post‐infusion sera were measured for RSV neutralizing antibody. Patient data were analyzed for safety related to infusion of RI‐001, and clinical outcomes.

Results

Patients ranged in age from 2 months to 71 years and 80% had hematologic malignancy or were bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Administration was well tolerated. Pre‐infusion neutralizing titers ranged from 51 to 1765 geometric mean titer (mean 646±519) and all patients demonstrated at least a 4‐fold rise (mean 6410±4470) 5‐10 days post infusion. Eleven of 15 improved and were discharged from the hospital. Days from positive RSV test to RI‐001 treatment was shorter in survivors compared to non‐survivors (4.4±2.8 vs. 20.3±21.0 days, P=.02).

Conclusion

Administration of RI‐001 was well tolerated and resulted in significant increases in serum neutralizing antibody titers to RSV. Our data suggest that early identification of RSV and treatment with RI‐001 may offer benefit.
A Neural Dynamic Model Generates Descriptions of Object‐Oriented Actions
Authors: Richter Mathis , Lins Jonas , Schöner Gregor
Published: January 2017

Describing actions entails that relations between objects are discovered. A pervasively neural account of this process requires that fundamental problems are solved: the neural pointer problem, the binding problem, and the problem of generating discrete processing steps from time‐continuous neural processes. We present a prototypical solution to these problems in a neural dynamic model that comprises dynamic neural fields holding representations close to sensorimotor surfaces as well as dynamic neural nodes holding discrete, language‐like representations. Making the connection between these two types of representations enables the model to describe actions as well as to perceptually ground movement phrases—all based on real visual input. We demonstrate how the dynamic neural processes autonomously generate the processing steps required to describe or ground object‐oriented actions. By solving the fundamental problems of neural pointing, binding, and emergent discrete processing, the model may be a first but critical step toward a systematic neural processing account of higher cognition.
A Finite-Time Consensus Framework Over Time-Varying Graph Topologies With Temporal Constraints
Authors: Kan Zhen , Yucelen Tansel , Doucette Emily , Pasiliao Eduardo
Published: January 2017

Finite-time consensus has attracted significant research interest due to its wide applications in multiagent systems. Various results have been developed to enable multiagent systems to complete desired tasks in finite-time. However, most existing results in the literature can only ensure finite-time consensus without considering temporal constraints, where the time used to achieve consensus cannot be preset arbitrarily and is generally determined by the system initial conditions, prohibiting its application in time-sensitive tasks. Motivated to achieve consensus within a desired time frame, user-specified finite-time consensus is developed in the present work for a multiagent system to ensure consensus at a prespecified time instant. The interaction among agents (e.g., communication and information exchange) is modeled as a time-varying graph, where each edge is associated with a time-varying weight representing the time-varying interaction between neighboring agents. Consensus over such time-varying graph is then proven based on a time transformation and is guaranteed to be completed within a prespecified time frame. To demonstrate the developed framework, finite-time rendezvous of a multiagent system is considered as an example application, where agents with limited communication capabilities are desired to meet at a common location at a preset time instant with constraints on preserving global network connectivity. A numerical simulation is provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the developed result.
Adaptive Control of a Piezoelectric Valve for Fluid-Borne Noise Reduction in a Hydraulic Buck Converter
Authors: Pan Min
Published: January 2017

The hydraulic buck converter (HBC) is a novel high-bandwidth and energy-efficient device which can adjust or control flow and pressure by a means that does not rely on throttling the flow and dissipation of power. However, the nature of a HBC can cause severe fluid-borne noise (FBN), which is the unsteady pressure or flow in the fluid-filled hydraulic circuit. This is due to the operation nature of a high-speed switching valve of the device. The FBN creates fluctuating forces on the pipes which lead to system structure-borne noise that develops air-borne noise reaching to 85 dB. Thus, there is a need for an effective method that does not impair the system performance and efficiency to reduce the FBN. This paper describes the first investigation of an active controller for FBN cancellation in a HBC based on in-series and by-pass structures. The dynamics and the noise problem of the HBC are investigated using the analytical models. A piezoelectrically actuated hydraulic valve with a fast response and high force is applied as the adaptive FBN attenuator. The performance and robustness of the designed noise controller were studied with different operating conditions of a HBC. Simulated and experimental results show that excellent noise cancellation (30 dB) was achieved. The proposed active attenuator is a very promising solution for FBN attenuation in modern digital hydraulic systems which promise high energy efficiency but suffer severe noise or vibration problems in practice.
Material Dependence of the Contact Behavior of Oscillating Microprobes—Modeling and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Bohm Sebastian , Goj Boris , Dittrich Lars , Dressler Lothar , Hoffmann Martin
Published: January 2017

Oscillating microprobes avoid high stress and the sticking effect during contact between microprobe and measured surface. The full performance and application scope of oscillating microprobes can be explored and utilized once the reliable prediction of the microprobe contact behavior is understood. Here, an improved contact model considering adhesion forces, surface roughness, and viscoelastic damping for oscillating microprobes is presented and it is validated by exemplary measurements utilizing a uniaxially oscillating electrostatic microprobe. These results show that the nondestructive identification of material classes seems to be feasible by evaluating the phase shift between the sinusoidal signals of sensor and actuator, respectively.
Evaluation of Formability Under Different Deformation Modes for TWIP900 Steel
Authors: Kilic Suleyman , Ozturk Fahrettin
Published: January 2017

Automotive manufacturers always seek high strength and high formability materials for automotive bodies. Advanced high strength steels (AHSS) are excellent candidates for this purpose. These steels generally show a reasonable degree of formability, in addition to their high strength. One particular type is the twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel, which is a high manganese austenite steel, and represents a second generation in AHSS. In this study, comprehensive deformation analysis of TWIP900CR steel including tensile, bending, Erichsen, and deep drawing of cylindrical cups tests is made. Finite element simulation of U and V shaped bending processes is also performed. Results indicate that the TWIP steel has good mechanical properties and high formability. However, springback is quite significant. The coining force should be considered in order to reduce the amount of springback. For springback prediction, it is found that the Yld2000-2d material model has better prediction capability than the Hill48 model.
Mechanical Behavior of Carbon Nanotube Forests Grown With Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition: Pristine and Conformally Coated
Authors: Pour Shahid Saeed Abadi Parisa , Maschmann Matthew R. , Hodson Stephen L. , Fisher Timothy S. , Baur Jeffery W. , Graham Samuel , Cola Baratunde A.
Published: January 2017

Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is a well-known method for the synthesis of carbon nanotube (CNT) forests with the electric field in the plasma sheath being responsible for the vertical orientation of CNTs. Here, we investigate the deformation mechanism and mechanical properties of pristine and conformally coated PECVD CNT forests under compressive loading. Our in situ indentation experiments reveal that local buckles form along the height of pristine CNTs progressing downward from the starting point at the tips. For CNT forests coated from their roots to top with alumina using atomic layer deposition (ALD), the deformation mechanism depends strongly on the coating thickness. The buckling behavior does not change significantly when the coating is 5-nm thick. However, with a 10-nm-thick coating, the nanotubes fracture—that is, at both the CNT core and alumina coating. Ex situ indentation experiments with a flat punch reveal 8- and 22-fold increase in stiffness with the 5- and 10-nm coating, respectively. Comparing the behavior of the PECVD forests with CNTs grown with thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) shows that the mechanical behavior of PECVD CNTs depends on their characteristic morphology caused by the growth parameters including plasma. Our findings could serve as guidelines for tailoring the properties of CNT structures for various applications in which CNT compliance or deformation plays a critical role.