bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global White Matter Hypoperfusion on CT Predicts Larger Infarcts and Hemorrhagic Transformation after Acute Ischemia
Authors: Bivard Andrew , Cheng Xin , Lin Long‐Ting , Levi Christopher , Spratt Neil , Kleinig Tim , O'Brien Billy , Butcher Kenneth , Lou Min , Zhang Jing‐Fen , Sylaja PN , Cao Wen‐Jie , Jannes Jim , Dong Qiang , Parsons Mark
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Presence of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) on MRI is a marker of cerebral small vessel disease and is associated with increased small vessel stroke and increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after thrombolysis.

Aim

We sought to determine whether white matter hypoperfusion (WMHP) on perfusion CT (CTP) was related to WMH, and if WMHP predisposed to acute lacunar stroke subtype and HT after thrombolysis.

Methods

Acute ischemic stroke patients within 12 h of symptom onset at 2 centers were prospectively recruited between 2011 and 2013 for the International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry. Participants routinely underwent baseline CT imaging, including CTP, and follow‐up imaging with MRI at 24 h.

Results

Of 229 ischemic stroke patients, 108 were Caucasians and 121 Chinese. In the contralateral white matter, patients with acute lacunar stroke had lower cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV), compared to those with other stroke subtypes (P = 0.041). There were 46 patients with HT, and WMHP was associated with increased risk of HT (R2 = 0.417, P = 0.002). Compared to previously reported predictors of HT, WMHP performed better than infarct core volume (R2 = 0.341, P = 0.034), very low CBV volume (R2 = 0.249, P = 0.026), and severely delayed perfusion (Tmax>14 second R2 = 0.372, P = 0.011). Patients with WMHP also had larger acute infarcts and increased infarct growth compared to those without WMHP (mean 28 mL vs. 13 mL P < 0.001).

Conclusion

White matter hypoperfusion remote to the acutely ischemic region on CTP is a marker of small vessel disease and was associated with increased HT, larger acute infarct cores, and greater infarct growth.
Position Emission Tomography/Single‐Photon Emission Tomography Neuroimaging for Detection of Premotor Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zou Jing , Weng Rui‐Hui , Chen Zhao‐Yu , Wei Xiao‐Bo , Wang Rui , Chen Dan , Xia Ying , Wang Qing
Published: January 2016

Premotor Parkinson's disease (PD) refers to a prodromal stage of Parkinson's disease (PD) during which nonmotor clinical features may be present. Currently, it is difficult to make an early diagnosis for premotor PD. Molecular imaging with position emission tomography (PET) or single‐photon emission tomography (SPECT) offers a wide variety of tools for overcoming this difficulty. Indeed, molecular imaging techniques may play a crucial role in diagnosing, monitoring and evaluating the individuals with the risk for PD. For example, dopaminergic dysfunctions can be identified by detecting the expression of vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) to evaluate the conditions of dopaminergic terminals functions in high‐risk individuals of PD. This detection provides a sensitive and specific measurement of nonmotor symptoms (NMS) such as olfactory dysfunction, sleep disorders, and psychiatric symptoms in the high‐risk patients, especially at the premotor phase. Molecular imaging technique is capable of detecting the dysfunction of serotonergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic systems that are typically associated with premotor manifestations. This review discusses the importance of SPECT/PET applications in the detection of premotor markers preceding motor abnormalities with highlighting their great potential for early and accurate diagnosis of premotor symptoms of PD and its scientific significance.
Real‐time detection of p‐phenylenediamine penetration into human skin by in vivoRaman spectroscopy
Authors: Pot Laura Marjolijn , Coenraads Pieter‐Jan , Blömeke Brunhilde , Puppels Gerwin J. , Caspers Peter J.
Published: January 2016

Background

Penetration, autoxidation and N‐acetylation of p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) have been studied in vitro and ex vivo. However, a clear understanding of in vivo PPD penetration and the formation of PPD derivatives is lacking.

Objectives

To obtain insights into the in vivo penetration, clearance and formation of PPD derivatives in human skin.

Methods

Patch test chambers containing PPD 1% pet. were applied to the forearms of two human volunteers, with increasing application times. Non‐invasive Raman microspectroscopy was used for detection of PPD (derivatives) in skin at several follow‐up times.

Results

Application of a PPD 1% pet. patch for 30 min resulted in substantial amounts of PPD in the stratum corneum of 90 mg PPD/g keratin. PPD contents were highest after three applications for 1 h each (330 mg PPD/g keratin), followed by single applications for 2 h 40 min, 2 h, and 23 h. The PPD half‐time in the skin was 3 h. No spectral contributions of Bandrowski's base, monoacetyl‐PPD and diacetyl‐PPD were detected.

Conclusions

We have gained insights into the in vivo penetration of PPD in human skin by using non‐invasive Raman spectroscopy. Penetration into the skin was fast, and the PPD concentrations detected in the stratum corneum were high. PPD was detected in both the stratum corneum and the viable epidermis. Oxidized or acetylated PPD derivatives could not be detected.
Long‐term outcome of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with acute respiratory failure following intensive care unit discharge in Turkey
Authors: Ocal Serpil , Ortac Ersoy Ebru , Ozturk Ozge , Hayran Mutlu , Topeli Arzu , Coplu Lutfi
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a globally significant cause of mortality, although COPD mortality varies from country to country, and across different regions within each country. The primary objective of this study was to determine the mortality rates of COPD patients who present with acute respiratory failure (ARF) to a tertiary care referral center in different stages of their follow‐up (ICU, in‐hospital and after discharge). The secondary objective was to determine factors associated with mortality in this group of patients.

Results

Medical records of consecutive COPD patients over a 10‐year period were reviewed.The study included 147 patients. Of these, 72 were treated initially with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), and 12 of these required intubation after NIPPV failed. Therefore, 86 patients were intubated for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), while NIPPV was succesful in 60 patients. Survival time was independently associated with advanced age, high APACHE II score, co‐morbidity and the need for IMV. The cumulative mortality was 27% in the medical ICU and 31% in hospital following ICU discharge. The mortality rate at 1, 2 and 5 years was 54%, 66% and 84%, respectively.

Conclusion

COPD patients admitted to the ICU for ARF have an approximately 70% chance of leaving hospital alive, but half of these may die in the first 6 months after discharge. The risk factors related to mortality were advanced age, high APACHE II score, co‐morbidity and IMV requirement.
Pneumococcal urinary antigen test: diagnostic yield and impact on antibiotic treatment
Authors: Laijen Wendy , Snijders Dominic , Boersma Wim G.
Published: January 2016

Background

The pneumococcal urinary antigen test (PUAT) is commonly used for the etiological diagnosis of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and can be useful for targeting pathogen‐directed therapy.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of the PUAT and the impact of a positive PUAT result on antibiotic treatment in patients with CAP in a clinical non‐research setting.

Methods

Adults hospitalized with CAP between January 2005 and November 2007 were studied retrospectively. All patients were tested by PUAT. The sensitivity of the PUAT was determined and changes in antibiotic therapy were assessed.

Results

A total of 681 patients with CAP were included. The microorganism most frequently identified was Streptococcus pneumoniae. It was found in 95 (14.0%) patients, and the PUAT increased the diagnostic yield to a total of 184 (27.0%) patients. The S. pneumoniae antigen was detected in 37 of 55 patients with definitive pneumococcal pneumonia (67.3%). Pneumococcal urinary antigen was positive in 56 of 95 pneumococcal cases (definite and probable), resulting in an overall test sensitivity of 59.0%. Positive results of the PUAT led physicians to narrow the spectrum of antibiotic treatment in 69 (45.1%) patients.

Conclusions

The PUAT is a useful method for early detection of S. pneumoniae in patients with CAP, but the test was less sensitive in this clinical setting than prospective studies indicated. The PUAT results led physicians to narrow the spectrum of antibiotic treatment in approximately half of the relevant cases, which limited the impact of a positive PUAT.
The clinical and molecular epidemiology of pre‐transplant vancomycin‐resistant enterococci colonization among liver transplant recipients
Authors: Banach David B. , Peaper David R. , Fortune Brett E. , Emre Sukru , Dembry Louise M.
Published: January 2016

Vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE) infections cause significant morbidity in liver transplant recipients. The epidemiology and impact of pre‐transplant colonization with VRE among patients who undergo liver transplantation are poorly understood. We conducted an observational cohort study to identify risk factors and outcomes associated with pre‐transplant VRE colonization and described the molecular diversity among VRE strains colonizing patients who undergo liver transplantation. Perirectal VRE surveillance cultures were performed prior to transplantation. Repetitive sequence‐based polymerase chain reaction (rep‐PCR) testing was used to identify clonality among VRE isolates. Of 61 patients who underwent pre‐transplant VRE surveillance and subsequent liver transplantation, 27 (44%) were colonized with VRE. In multivariate analysis, pre‐transplant VRE colonization was associated with central venous catheterization (OR 9.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.3–70.2, p = 0.03) and rifaximin use (OR 15.4, 95% CI 1.5–159.7, p = 0.02). Pre‐transplant VRE colonization was associated with more hospital days post‐transplant (26.6 vs. 16.1 d, p = 0.04). Of VRE‐colonized patients analyzed with rep‐PCR, 68% were colonized with the same strain as another patient in the cohort. Active surveillance identifies VRE‐colonized patients who may benefit from targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis and enhanced infection prevention measures to prevent VRE spread. The relationship between rifaximin receipt and VRE colonization warrants further study. The identification of similar VRE isolates may suggest linked transmission during pre‐transplant hospitalizations, which should be further investigated in prospective studies.
Influence of RMB Cross‐border Settlement on the Chinese Economy
Authors: Xu Qiyuan , He Fan
Published: January 2016

In 2014, the amount of RMB cross‐border settlement had reached RMB7.6tn. It is important to evaluate the potential influence of RMB internationalization on China's macroeconomy. In the present study, a framework that includes monetary supply and demand was created to analyze the influences of RMB cross‐border settlement on China's domestic interest rate, asset price and foreign exchange reserves. It is found that RMB settlement in different BOP items leads to very different effects on China's real economy and the financial market. Based on the analysis, we provide a framework of the policy priorities for RMB internationalization, with the RMB cross‐border settlement items divided into three groups with different priorities. Meanwhile, to support RMB internationalization, exchange rate reforms should be adopted as a priority and a prudent attitude maintained regarding capital account liberalization.
Complements or Substitutes? Culture–Technology Interactions in Healthcare
Authors: Queenan Carrie C. , Kull Thomas J. , Devaraj Sarv
Published: January 2016

The U.S. government recommends that hospitals adopt Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) systems to improve the quality problems that plague U.S. hospitals. However, CPOE studies show mixed results. We hypothesize that CPOE effectiveness depends on the prevalence of patient safety culture within a hospital. Using organizational information processing theory, we describe how patient safety culture and CPOE enable healthcare organizations to better process information. Specifically, we posit that CPOE complements some aspects of patient safety culture and substitutes for others. Using ridge regression, we empirically test this proposition using data from 268 hospitals and multiple data sources. Results show that while CPOE complements the patient safety dimensions of handoffs and transitions, feedback and communication about error, and organizational learning, CPOE substitutes for the dimension of management support for safety, in the context of our dependent variable. As organizations work to implement new systems, this research can help decision‐makers understand how culture impacts such initiatives and account for culture when anticipating effects.
Mechanisms for Increasing Sourcing from Capacity‐Constrained Local Suppliers
Authors: Tongarlak Mustafa Hayri , Lee Deishin , Ata Baris
Published: January 2016

The fresh produce supply chain is characterized by large (mainstream) farms that are located far from consumers, and capacity‐constrained (local) farms that are located close to the consumer. In this setting, we study: (i) how leadtime and capacity asymmetry between mainstream and local farms affect a retail grocer's order policy for fresh produce, and (ii) how various operational mechanisms can increase the amount sourced from local farms. We show that this supply chain structure is disadvantageous for local suppliers (farms) because it induces the retailer to treat the local supply as a de facto responsive supply without paying a premium for the responsiveness. This disadvantage is exacerbated when the retailer's objective is to achieve a high service level. We study three mechanisms that can improve conditions for local farms: working with an intermediary, backhauling, and a retail order policy, purchase guarantee, that explicitly supports local farms. The intermediary and backhauling mechanisms help the local farm by making local supply more attractive to the retailer, inducing her to order more locally sourced produce. The intermediary reduces the retailer's overstock and stockout costs whereas backhauling increases the average margin. The purchase guarantee order policy helps local farms at the expense of retail profit. However, we show that purchase guarantee and backhauling are complementary mechanisms that together can benefit the retailer and local farms.
CUSTOMER OWNERSHIP AND QUALITY PROVISION IN PUBLIC SERVICES UNDER ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION
Authors: Abrardi Laura , Colombo Luca , Mori Pier Angelo
Published: January 2016

The implementation of projects producing external effects is often a source of disagreement and conflict between hosting and nonhosting communities. The article focuses on the impact of participatory ownership on conflict resolution and social welfare in the presence of asymmetric information and imperfect quality monitoring. We show that in such situations the participatory solution may help solve deadlocks that money transfers to a for‐profit operator cannot solve. The analysis highlights three main factors behind this fact. First, a customer‐owned cooperative internalizes, at least partially, the external effects generated by the project. Second, the alignment of cooperative members' preferences with those of the social planner reduces (in some cases eliminates) the distortions caused by information asymmetries. Third, cooperatives require less costly monitoring than their for‐profit counterparts. We also show that cooperatives' productive inefficiency with respect to for‐profits may emerge endogenously as a consequence of a lower pressure to compete on costs for the market. (JEL H23, L33, P13)
A new non‐parametric method for analyzing replicated point patterns in ecology
Authors: Ramón Pablo , de la Cruz Marcelino , Chacón‐Labella Julia , Escudero Adrián
Published: January 2016

Most ecological studies that involve point pattern analyses are based on a single plot, which prevent the separation of the effects of various processes that could act simultaneously, as well as limiting the conclusions that can be extracted from these studies. However, considering the spatial distribution of individuals in several plots as replicates of the same process could help to differentiate its specific effects from those of other confounding processes. Thus, we introduce a new method for analyzing spatial point patterns that are replicated according to a two‐factorial design. By summarizing the spatial patterns asK‐functions, the proposed method computes the averageK‐functions for each level of the two factors (i.e. predictors) and for each combination of levels, before estimating the sum of squared deviations from the overall meanK‐function. Inferences of the strength of the relationship between the predictors, their interaction, and the spatial structure are made based on a non‐parametric bootstrap procedure, which considers the dependency among spatial scales. We illustrate the proposed approach based on an analysis of the effects of altitude (with two levels: low and high) and slope (with two levels: flat and steep slopes) on the spatial pattern ofCroton wagneri, a dominant shrub in an Andean dry scrubland. Our method detected a significant effect of the interaction between slope and altitude, which could not have been detected using current point pattern analysis methodology. The prevalence of single‐plot analysis in ecological studies may be due to a lack of familiarity with appropriate methods for replicated point patterns, as well as the greater complexity of these methods and the absence of appropriate software. Our approach can be applied to a significant number of ecological questions while maintaining a simple, understandable, and easily reportable methodological framework.
The importance of globalisation in driving the introduction and establishment of alien species in Europe
Authors: Amano Tatsuya , Coverdale Rebecca , Peh Kelvin S.‐H.
Published: January 2016

Understanding the role of globalisation in promoting introduction and establishment of alien species is an important step towards successful management of biological invasions. We aimed to quantify the taxon‐dependent association of globalisation with the introduction and establishment of alien species in Europe. The availability of the KOF index of globalisation that measures all economic, social and political dimensions of global connectivity enables a study of this factor. Based on an extensive database of alien species, we used model selections based on the Akaike information criterion and hierarchical partitioning to identify the importance of globalisation in predicting the number of all introduced species and established species of ten mainly terrestrial taxa in countries across Europe. The association of globalisation with alien species establishment varied depending on taxon type. While the gross domestic product (GDP) of countries was a strong predictor for all but one taxon, globalisation was also found to be an important predictor for three taxa including those of high (e.g. insects) and low mobility (e.g. magnoliophyta). Globalisation explained 3.1 to 22% independently, and 5.5 to 35% jointly with other variables, of among‐country variations in the number of established alien species. The effect of globalisation on the distribution of all introduced species is not substantially different from that on the established alien species. This study highlights how globalisation among habitat availability and environmental conditions can determine the patterns of alien species introduction and establishment across Europe. The results also emphasise the varying degree of importance between different taxa. Knowledge of the relative significance of various pathways with regard to different taxa is important for correctly focusing efforts to reduce the spread of these species.
Stable partial migration under a genetic threshold model of migratory behaviour
Authors: Cobben Marleen M. P. , van Noordwijk Arie J.
Published: January 2016

Many species show migratory behaviour in response to seasonal changes in environmental conditions. A peculiar, yet widespread phenomenon is partial migration, when a single population consists of both migratory and non‐migratory individuals. There are still many open questions regarding the stability and evolutionary significance of such populations. For passerines the inheritance of migratory activity is best described by the threshold model of quantitative genetics. Such a model has not yet been employed in theoretical studies, in which stability of partially migratory populations is usually linked to group differences in survival or reproduction. Here we develop a parsimonious model featuring a conditional genetic threshold for passerine migratory behaviour under which stable partial migration can be observed, and we explore the resulting selection landscape. Our model results show a cline in migratory behaviour across the landscape, from fully migratory populations to fully residential populations, with a fairly wide zone of partially migratory populations, which is stable in both time and space under a wide range of parameter settings. Temporal stability of the zone is linked with the yearly variance in both migration survival and resident winter survival. In contrast to other theoretical studies, we show that density dependence in winter survival is not essential for observing partially migratory populations. In addition, we observe that selection on the genetic threshold value occurs mainly at the borders of the zone of partial migration. This result suggests that fully migratory and fully residential populations in areas far from the zone of partial migration can harbour genetic diversity that allows the appearance of the alternative phenotype under (a wide range of) different conditions.
Olfactory cues used in host‐habitat location and host location by the parasitoid Cotesia urabae
Authors: Avila G.A. , Withers T.M. , Holwell G.I.
Published: January 2016

There is a growing body of evidence that many hymenopteran parasitoids make use of olfaction as the primary mechanism to detect and locate hosts. In this study, a series of bioassays was conducted to investigate the orientation behaviour of the gum leaf skeletonizer larval parasitoid Cotesia urabae Austin & Allen (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in both Y‐tube and four‐arm olfactometers. In a Y‐tube olfactometer, male C. urabae were attracted only to virgin conspecific females. Host‐plant leaves, damaged leaves, host larvae, and host larvae feeding on leaves were highly attractive to female C. urabae, whereas host frass and conspecific males were not. The multiple‐comparison bioassay conducted in a four‐arm olfactometer clearly indicates that C. urabae females were significantly more attracted to the host Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) larvae feeding on Eucalyptus fastigata H Deane & Maiden (Myrtaceae) leaves than to any other of the odour sources tested. The results of this study show that C. urabae individuals responded to chemical cues specific to the host plant and target host insect, and support hypotheses that unreliable cues are not utilized for host location by specific natural enemies.
How predation by Podisus nigrispinus is influenced by developmental stage and density of its prey Alabama argillacea
Authors: dos Santos Bárbara Davis B. , Ramalho Francisco S. , Malaquias José B. , Lira Aline C. S. , Pachú Jéssica K. S. , Fernandes Francisco S. , Zanuncio José C.
Published: January 2016

The functional response of a predator to the density of its prey is affected by several factors, including the prey's developmental stage. This study evaluated the functional response of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) females to fourth instars and pupae of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an important pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., Malvaceae) in Brazil. The prey were exposed to the predator for 12 and 24 h, and in densities of 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 items per predator female. The predation data were subjected to polynomial regression logistic analysis to determine the type of functional response. Holling and Rogers' equations were used to estimate parameters such as attack rate and handling time. Podisus nigrispinus females showed functional response types II and III by preying on larvae and pupae, respectively. The attack rate and handling time did not differ between the 12 and 24 h exposure times. Predation rate was higher at higher larval and pupal densities; predation was highest at a density of 30 prey items per female, and it was similar at 18 and 24 prey per predator. Understanding the interaction of predators and their food resources helps to optimize biological control strategies. It also helps the decision‐making and the improvement of release techniques of P. nigrispinus in the field.
PCDH19‐related epilepsy in two mosaic male patients
Authors: Terracciano Alessandra , Trivisano Marina , Cusmai Raffaella , De Palma Luca , Fusco Lucia , Compagnucci Claudia , Bertini Enrico , Vigevano Federico , Specchio Nicola
Published: January 2016

PCDH19 gene mutations have been recently associated with an epileptic syndrome characterized by focal and generalized seizures. The PCDH19 gene (Xq22.1) has an unusual X‐linked inheritance with a selective involvement for female subjects. A cellular interference mechanism has been hypothesized and male patients can manifest epilepsy only in the case of a mosaicism. So far about 100 female patients, and only one symptomatic male have been described. Using targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) approach we found a PCDH19 point mutation in two male patients with a clinical picture suggestive of PCDH19‐related epilepsy. The system allowed us to verify that the two c.1352 C>T; p.(Pro451Leu) and c.918C>G; p.(Tyr306*) variants occurred in mosaic status. Mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Up to now, the traditional molecular screening for PCDH19‐related epilepsy has been targeted to all females with early onset epilepsy with or without cognitive impairment. Male patients were generally excluded. We describe for the first time two mosaic PCDH19 point mutations in two male patients with a clinical picture suggestive of PCDH19‐related epilepsy. This finding opens new opportunities for the molecular diagnoses in patients with a peculiar type of epilepsy that remains undiagnosed in male patients.
PET hypermetabolism in medically resistant childhood epilepsy: Incidence, associations, and surgical outcome
Authors: Bansal Lalit , Miller Ian , Hyslop Ann , Bhatia Sanjiv , Duchowny Michael , Jayakar Prasanna
Published: January 2016

Objective

We observed several children with medically resistant epilepsy demonstrating focal positron emission tomography (PET) hypermetabolism, a finding rarely reported and of questionable significance. We therefore retrospectively reviewed the incidence of hypermetabolic PET, and its relationship to electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and to the outcome of epilepsy surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 498 PET brain studies in patients with medically resistant childhood epilepsy for evidence of hypermetabolism. In patients with PET hypermetabolism, we correlated metabolic abnormality with the scalp EEG and MRI findings. In a subset of patients who underwent surgical resection, we further correlated the PET findings with histopathologic and surgical outcomes.

Results

Focal PET hypermetabolism was identified in 33 (6.6%) of 498 studies. The region of hypermetabolism correlated with a spike count of ≥10 per minute in 26 of 32 concomitant scalp EEG studies and 18 of 21 lesions evident on MRI. In 17 patients who underwent surgical resection, PET hypermetabolism further correlated with regions revealing almost continuous epileptiform discharges on the intracranial EEG and with histopathologically malformative tissue. At a minimum follow‐up of 1 year postsurgery (median 33 months), 7 (50%) of 14 patients had Engel's class I outcome, 4 patients had class II, and 2 had class III outcome, whereas one patient was unchanged. At last follow‐up, seizure freedom was noted in five of seven patients with focal PET hypermetabolism alone versus three of eight patients with PET hypometabolism.

Significance

Focal PET hypermetabolism is associated with high spike frequency on scalp EEG and can occur in the absence of ictal events during the peri‐injection period. Correlation with intracranial EEG usually corroborates the highly epileptogenic pathophysiologic state. Cortical malformations constitute the most common pathologic substrate, and resection of the hypermetabolic PET region may facilitate favorable outcomes. These observations indicate that focal PET hypermetabolism is an important marker of the epileptogenic zone and may represent its epicenter.
Soil–plant–atmosphere conditions regulating convective cloud formation above southeastern US pine plantations
Authors: Manoli Gabriele , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Novick Kimberly , Oishi Andrew Christopher , Noormets Asko , Marani Marco , Katul Gabriel
Published: January 2016

Loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda L.) occupy more than 20% of the forested area in the southern United States, represent more than 50% of the standing pine volume in this region, and remove from the atmosphere about 500 g C m per year through net ecosystem exchange. Hence, their significance as a major regional carbon sink can hardly be disputed. What is disputed is whether the proliferation of young plantations replacing old forest in the southern United States will alter key aspects of the hydrologic cycle, including convective rainfall, which is the focus of the present work. Ecosystem fluxes of sensible () and latent heat (LE) and large‐scale, slowly evolving free atmospheric temperature and water vapor content are known to be first‐order controls on the formation of convective clouds in the atmospheric boundary layer. These controlling processes are here described by a zero‐order analytical model aimed at assessing how plantations of different ages may regulate the persistence and transition of the atmospheric system between cloudy and cloudless conditions. Using the analytical model together with field observations, the roles of ecosystem and LE on convective cloud formation are explored relative to the entrainment of heat and moisture from the free atmosphere. Our results demonstrate that cloudy–cloudless regimes at the land surface are regulated by a nonlinear relation between the Bowen ratio and root‐zone soil water content, suggesting that young/mature pines ecosystems have the ability to recirculate available water (through rainfall predisposition mechanisms). Such nonlinearity was not detected in a much older pine stand, suggesting a higher tolerance to drought but a limited control on boundary layer dynamics. These results enable the generation of hypotheses about the impacts on convective cloud formation driven by afforestation/deforestation and groundwater depletion projected to increase following increased human population in the southeastern United States.
Echinometra sea urchins acclimatized to elevated pCO2 at volcanic vents outperform those under present‐day pCO2 conditions
Authors: Uthicke Sven , Ebert Thomas , Liddy Michelle , Johansson Charlotte , Fabricius Katharina E. , Lamare Miles
Published: January 2016

Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations will significantly reduce ocean pH during the 21st century (ocean acidification, OA). This may hamper calcification in marine organisms such as corals and echinoderms, as shown in many laboratory‐based experiments. Sea urchins are considered highly vulnerable to OA. We studied an Echinometra species on natural volcanic CO2 vents in Papua New Guinea, where they are CO2‐acclimatized and also subjected to secondary ecological changes from elevated CO2. Near the vent site, the urchins experienced large daily variations in pH (>1 unit) and pCO2 (>2000 ppm) and average pH values (pHT 7.73) much below those expected under the most pessimistic future emission scenarios. Growth was measured over a 17‐month period using tetracycline tagging of the calcareous feeding lanterns. Average‐sized urchins grew more than twice as fast at the vent compared with those at an adjacent control site and assumed larger sizes at the vent compared to the control site and two other sites at another reef near‐by. A small reduction in gonad weight was detected at the vents, but no differences in mortality, respiration, or degree of test calcification were detected between urchins from vent and control populations. Thus, urchins did not only persist but actually ‘thrived’ under extreme CO2 conditions. We suggest an ecological basis for this response: Increased algal productivity under increased pCO2 provided more food at the vent, resulting in higher growth rates. The wider implication of our observation is that laboratory studies on non‐acclimatized specimens, which typically do not consider ecological changes, can lead to erroneous conclusions on responses to global change.
Variation in parental rearing expenditure triggers short‐term physiological effects on offspring in a long‐lived seabird
Authors: González‐Medina Erick , Castillo‐Guerrero José Alfredo , Santiago‐Quesada Francisco , Villegas Auxiliadora , Masero José A. , Sánchez‐Guzmán Juan M. , Fernández Guillermo
Published: January 2016

Parental care in long‐lived bird species involves a trade‐off between the benefits of increasing the effort expended on current offspring and the costs that this represents for future reproductive output. Under regimes of high environmental variability, long‐lived seabirds can adjust their breeding effort to buffer the negative effects of this variability on their offspring. However, the potential impacts of variation in breeding effort on offspring physiology in the short term and on longer‐term survival are poorly understood. In this study, we manipulated brood age through a cross‐fostering experiment to assess whether increasing or decreasing parental reproductive expenditure led to costs in Blue‐footed Booby Sula nebouxii chicks. Specifically, we tested the consequences of altered parental reproductive expenditure on the offspring's physiological condition (plasma metabolites, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L) and body condition index (BCI)) and survival. Offspring from broods in which parental investment was experimentally increased showed a lower BCI and lower alkaline phosphatase levels and higher H/L ratios than controls. Conversely, offspring showed the opposite pattern when reproductive expenditure was experimentally decreased. We observed no effects of manipulation of parental investment on triglyceride levels or on survival rates. Although our findings suggest that Blue‐footed Booby parents have the ability to adjust their breeding effort according to the demands of their offspring, parental effort could influence the effect of hatching order by suppressing the aggressive tendency of the senior chick.
La1.7Ca0.3Ni0.75Cu0.25O4‐δ‐Layered Perovskite as Cathode on La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 or Ce0.8Gd0.2O2 Electrolyte for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Myung Jae‐ha , Shin Tae Ho , Huang Xiubing , Savaniu Cristian , Irvine John
Published: January 2016

La2NiO4+δ‐based oxides, mixed ionic–electronic conductors with K2NiF4‐type structure, have been considerably investigated in recent decades as electrode materials for advanced solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) due to their high electrical conductivity and oxidation reduction reaction (ORR) activity. In this study, La1.7Ca0.3Ni0.75Cu0.25O4+δ was investigated as a potential cathode on La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 electrolyte support. Furthermore, La1.7Ca0.3Ni0.75Cu0.25O4+δ was examined on thin Ce0.8Gd0.2O2 (GDC) electrolyte with Ni‐GDC anode support for intermediate temperature SOFCs (IT‐SOFCs). La1.7Ca0.3Ni0.75Cu0.25O4‐δ cathode with gadolinium doped ceria (GDC) electrolyte and NiO‐GDC anode support showed a maximum power density of 0.75 W/cm2 in H2 and lower polarization resistance, Rp (<0.1 Ω cm2), in impedance spectroscopy at 700°C.
Improved analysis of sinigrin in Ethiopian mustard
Authors: Yuan Deyun , Shim Youn Young , Reaney Martin J.T. , Meda Venkatesh
Published: January 2016

An ion‐pair reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the analysis of sinigrin in Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) seed and seed fractions. Separation was compared on several RP‐HPLC columns (Inertsil® ODS‐4 C18 and ZORBAX® Eclipse XDB‐C18) with an isocratic eluent containing 100% aqueous (aq.) tetramethylammonium bromide (10 mm, pH 5.0). Sinigrin retention was affected by HPLC variables including the type of ion‐pair reagent, buffer strength and pH, acetonitrile concentration, column temperature and eluent flow rate. Partial validation demonstrated this optimised chromatographic condition to be linear, accurate and precise. Multistage extraction using 70% (v/v) aq. methanol was more efficient than 50% (v/v) aq. acetonitrile. In addition, the matrix effect and recovery rate as well as processing efficiency of the analytical protocol were determined. This method is suitable for high throughput analysis of sinigrin in Ethiopian mustard seed and seed fractions.
The phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of soluble and bound extracts in selected dietary spices and medicinal herbs
Authors: Chan Chak‐Lun , Gan Ren‐You , Corke Harold
Published: January 2016

Phenolic compounds, commonly found in plant‐based foods, exist in free or bound form. Despite much research on the soluble phenolics in spices and herbs, their bound phenolics have not been intensively investigated. In this study, six common dietary spices and medicinal herbs (Padang cassia, oregano, clove, Chinese cassia, Japanese knotweed and peel of pomegranate) were selected to evaluate and compare their phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity in soluble extracts (SEs) and bound extracts (BEs). Generally, the samples had high total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, with lower levels in the BEs. From the HPLC results, (+)‐catechin, (−)‐epicatechin, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol were the major phenolic compounds in the SEs, and gallic acid, p‐coumaric acid and ellagic acid in the BEs. Phenolic compounds are likely the major contributors to the antioxidant capacity of these plant samples. Overall, these dietary spices and medicinal herbs can be excellent sources of natural antioxidant phenolics.
Ultrasound‐based, in‐line monitoring of anaerobe yeast fermentation: model, sensor design and process application
Authors: Hoche Sven , Krause Daniel , Hussein Mohamed A. , Becker Thomas
Published: January 2016

In order to implement process analytical technology in beer manufacturing, an ultrasound‐based in‐line sensor was developed which is capable to determine sound velocity and density via the multiple reflection method. Based on a systematic study of the ternary system water–maltose–ethanol, two models were established to estimate the critical process parameters: sugar and ethanol mass fraction. The sound velocity‐based model showed unreasonable high errors although temperature variations and deviations due to dissolved CO2 were corrected. In contrast, the sound velocity–density–temperature model provided an average root mean square error of 0.53%g/g sugar and 0.26%g/g ethanol content for the main fermentation. Method, sensor and model showed the capability to capture the process signature which may be related to product and process quality.
Phosphorylation of peptidoglycan from Lactobacillus acidophilus and its immunoregulatory function
Authors: Wu Zhen , Pan Daodong , Zeng Xiaoqun , Sun Yangying , Cao Jinxuan
Published: January 2016

Peptidoglycan (PG) is available from a wide variety of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and is the main structure of cell wall components. Phosphorylated modification would bring new properties such as the potential antioxidant activities and antiviral capability to an organic molecule. In the present work, small molecular fragments of PG (derived from Lactobacillus acidophilus) hydrolysed by mutanolysin were phosphorylated under optimal conditions. P‐PG had a monomer molecular structure of GlcNAC[PO3]–MurNAC–Ala–Glu–Lys–Ala, with a molecular mass of 884 Da and a phosphorus content of 8.9%. P‐PG displayed some immunoregulatory activity in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compared with the LPS‐stimulated group, the addition of P‐PG inhibited the secretion of GM‐CSF, TNF‐α and IL‐1 in a dose‐dependent manner. The effect of 50 μg mL−1 of P‐PG was more significant than 50 μg mL−1 of PG. Lower fluorescence of lysosomes was observed in P‐PG‐treated RAW 264.7 cells may also reveal some immune defence function in the LPS‐induced macrophages.
Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of peptide fractions from flaxseed protein hydrolysed by protease from Bacillus altitudinis HK02
Authors: Hwang Chin‐Fa , Chen Yi‐An , Luo Chen , Chiang Wen‐Dee
Published: January 2016

Flaxseed protein (FP) hydrolysates by crude protease of strain Bacillus altitudinis HK02 were further separated into five fractions by ultrafiltration membranes with a molecular weight cut‐off of 10, 5, 3 and 1 kDa for the analysis of antioxidant activities and antibacterial ability. The results demonstrated that the fraction of 1‐ to 3‐kDa peptides exhibited higher antioxidant activities on the free radical‐scavenging ability and the reducing power than those of Vit C, Vit E, BHA and other fractions. The fraction with a low molecular weight (<1 kDa) of peptides demonstrated the highest ferrous ion‐chelating ability and a higher inhibition of lipid peroxidation than BHA and other fractions. Moreover, it also exhibited the best growth inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The results, including the concentration‐dependent effect of peptides fractions, demonstrated that it is feasible to derive functional ingredients of natural antioxidants along with antimicrobial activity from FPs hydrolysed by protease from B. altitudinis HK02.
Incorporation of canola proteins extracted by electroactivated solutions in gluten‐free biscuit formulation of rice–buckwheat flour blend: assessment of quality characteristics and textural properties of the product
Authors: Gerzhova Alina , Mondor Martin , Benali Marzouk , Aider Mohammed
Published: January 2016

Canola proteins extracted by electroactivated solutions were incorporated to gluten‐free biscuits made from blend of rice and buckwheat flours. Physical and textural properties were significantly influenced by these proteins. Isolates and concentrates did not behave in a similar way. A significant increase in diameter was noted for all of the supplemented samples. An increase in thickness was observed for the samples added with protein concentrate, whereas the spread ratio decreased for all the samples compared to control. The hardness of biscuits decreased with the addition of the proteins as compared to the control. The changes in biscuit hardness or fracture strength were in line with the changes in dough hardness. Biscuits containing protein concentrate had lighter, more aerated texture as shown by scanning electron microscopy with lesser amounts of gelatinised starch, indicating improved gas‐holding capacity and more stabilised structure. Protein‐supplemented biscuits have lower moisture and water activity.
The role of compositing cereals with legumes to alleviate protein energy malnutrition in Africa
Authors: Temba Makumba C. , Njobeh Patrick B. , Adebo Oluwafemi A. , Olugbile Adetola O. , Kayitesi Eugenie
Published: January 2016

Protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) is a problem in Africa and other developing nations of the world. Food Agriculture Organization's statistics reveal that in Africa, more than one in four people are undernourished. Cereals are a major staple in many African homes contributing significant amounts of energy, protein, but limiting in essential amino acid lysine, legumes on the other hand are protein and amino acid rich foods, but also lacking in sulphur‐containing amino acids. Hence, a combination of cereals with legumes would improve the protein and nutrient density of the subsequent food products. Probably due to their high nutritional values, these food products are susceptible to deterioration and fungal contamination, accompanied by the production of mycotoxins. This review therefore, appraises various works in literature on the use of these crops to produce composite food products and their potential to address the obstinate problem of PEM, including, the problems that could arise during processing and storage of these protein‐rich fractions.
Aroma compounds in fresh and dried mango fruit (Mangifera indica L. cv. Kent): impact of drying on volatile composition
Authors: Bonneau Adeline , Boulanger Renaud , Lebrun Marc , Maraval Isabelle , Gunata Ziya
Published: January 2016

Volatile compounds from fresh and dried mango were extracted by the solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE) technique and analysed by GC‐MS. Forty‐one and fifty five volatile compounds were identified in fresh and dried mango, respectively. Monoterpenes, followed by sesquiterpenes, lactones and alcohols were the major compounds. Drying induced substantial losses of several compounds. The total amount of volatiles decreased by about 59%. These losses could be mainly attributed to the evaporation of the volatiles during drying, the extent of which seemed to increase with the hydrophobicity and Henry's law constant of the compounds. However, new compounds appeared and enrichment of some compounds was observed after drying. Limonene, β‐myrcene, δ‐3‐carene, β‐caryophyllene, γ‐butyrolactone and 3‐methylbutyl butanoate were found to be flavour contributors in both products on the basis of the odour activity values (OAVs). Mesifuran displayed high OAV only in fresh fruit while hexanal and heptanal only in dried mango.
Thermal treatments affect the polyphenol profile and increase antioxidant capacity in five varieties of edible bean milks
Authors: Gan Ren‐You , Lui Wing‐Yee , Wu Kao , Corke Harold
Published: January 2016

We investigated the influence of two thermal treatments, steaming and boiling, on polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity in milks from five edible bean varieties, including green mung bean milk, yellow and black soya bean milk, rice bean milk and white cow gram milk. The two thermal treatments had different influences on polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity with steaming better than boiling in increasing total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity in edible bean milks. In particular, steaming substantially increased soya bean isoflavone glucosides in the two soya bean milks. Bioconversion between polyphenols, the release of bound polyphenols and the induction of Maillard reaction products could contribute to the increase in TPC and antioxidant capacity in some edible bean milks. Therefore, it is recommended to steam edible bean milk for consumption, and edible bean milk containing antioxidant polyphenols can be developed into functional drinks with potential health benefits.
Three new HLA class II alleles: DRB1*08:70, DQA1*01:13 and DQA1*03:01:03
Authors: Balas A. , Planelles D. , García‐Sánchez F. , Prior C. , Vicario J. L.
Published: January 2016

Three novel HLA class II alleles, DRB1*08:70, DQA1*01:13 and DQA1*03:01:03, were characterized.