bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of riparian vegetation width and substrate type on riffle beetle community structure
Authors: Braun Bruna M. , Pires Mateus M. , Stenert Cristina , Maltchik Leonardo , Kotzian Carla B.
Published: October 2017

Riffle beetle community structure is influenced by the preservation condition of stream riparian vegetation. Though, the width of riparian vegetation required to ensure conservation of stream insect communities is still controversial. Effects of alterations in riparian vegetation widths on stream insect community structure can be overcame by other environmental variables, like substrate type, hindering accurate assessments. We tested the effects of different riparian vegetation widths (>40, 30–15, 15–5 and <5 m) along with different substrate types (inorganic and organic) on riffle beetle community structure in southern Brazilian 4th‐ to 5th‐order streams. Riparian buffer widths and substrate types influenced riffle beetle community structure, but no interaction between them was observed. Reduced riparian vegetation widths downstream were associated with changes in riffle beetle dominant genera (Macrelmis predominated only in streams with narrowest riparian widths). Additionally, communities in organic substrates had lower equitability and different dominant genera (Hexacylloepus and Heterelmis) than inorganic ones. Our results showed that reductions in riparian vegetation were associated with water pollution and changes in riffle beetle community structure, suggesting that buffer strips narrower than 5 m are not adequate to maintain environmental integrity of southern Brazilian streams. These results have special importance for the conservation of stream insects in Brazil, as reductions up to less than 5 m in stream banks of small properties are allowed by the new Brazilian Forest Code, independently of stream order.
Positive predictive values of peripheral arterial and venous thrombosis codes in French hospital database
Authors: Prat Mandy , Derumeaux Hélène , Sailler Laurent , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Moulis Guillaume
Published: October 2017

French hospital database, called Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information (PMSI), covers all hospital stays in France (>66 million inhabitants). The aim of this study was to estimate the positive predictive values (PPVs) of primary diagnosis codes of peripheral arterial and venous thrombosis codes in the PMSI, encoded with the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. Data were extracted from the PMSI database of Toulouse University Hospital, south of France. We identified all the hospital stays in 2015 with a code of peripheral arterial or venous thrombosis as primary diagnosis. We randomly selected 100 stays for each category of thrombosis and reviewed the corresponding medical charts. The PPV of peripheral arterial thrombosis codes was 83.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 73.9–89.1, and the PPV of correct location of thrombosis was 81.0%, 95% CI: 72.2–87.5. The PPV of pulmonary embolism was 99.0%, 95% CI: 93.8–99.9. The PPV of peripheral venous thrombosis was 95.0%, 95% CI: 88.2–98.1, and the PPV of correct location of thrombosis was 85.0%, 95% CI: 76.7–90.7. Primary diagnoses of peripheral arterial and venous thrombosis demonstrated good PPVs in the PMSI.
Drug monitoring of sunitinib in patients with advanced solid tumors: a monocentric observational French study
Authors: Cabel Luc , Blanchet Benoit , Thomas‐Schoemann Audrey , Huillard Olivier , Bellesoeur Audrey , Cessot Anatole , Giroux Julie , Boudou‐Rouquette Pascaline , Coriat Romain , Vidal Michel , Saidu Nathaniel E. B. , Golmard Lisa , Alexandre Jérome , Goldwasser Francois
Published: October 2017

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) could be helpful in oral targeted therapies. Data are sparse to evaluate its impact on treatment management. This study aimed to determine a threshold value of plasma drug exposure associated with the occurrence of grade 3–4 toxicity, then the potential impact of TDM on clinical decision. Consecutive outpatients treated with sunitinib were prospectively monitored between days 21 and 28 of the first cycle, then monthly until disease progression. At each consultation, the composite AUCƬ,ss (sunitinib + active metabolite SU12662) was assayed. The decisions taken during each consultation were matched with AUCƬ,ss and compared to the decisional algorithm based on TDM. A total of 105 cancer patients and 288 consultations were matched with the closest AUCƬ,ss measurement. The majority (60%) of the patients had metastatic renal clear‐cell carcinoma (mRCC). Fifty‐five (52%) patients experienced grade 3–4 toxicity. Multivariate analysis identified composite AUCƬ,ss as a parameter independently associated with grade 3–4 toxicity (P < 0.0001). Using the ROC curve, the threshold value of composite AUCƬ,ss predicting grade ≥3 toxicity was 2150 ng/mL/h (CI 95%, 0.6–0.79%; P < 0.0001). At disease progression in patients with mRCC, AUCƬ,ss tended to be lower than the one assayed during the first cycle (1678 vs. 2004 ng/mL/h, respectively, P = 0.072). TDM could have changed the medical decision for sunitinib dosing in 30% of patients at the first cycle of treatment, and in 46% of the patients over the whole treatment course. TDM is routinely feasible and may both contribute to improve toxicity management and to identify sunitinib underexposure at the time of disease progression.
Metabolism and TAM functions—it takes two to tango
Authors: Mazzone Massimiliano , Menga Alessio , Castegna Alessandra
Published: October 2017

From the evidence on clinical studies and experimental mouse models we now know that tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) sustain tumor development in many different ways. They play a role in angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis formation. Additionally, TAMs interfere with natural killer and T‐cell antitumoral activities, producing an immune‐suppressive environment that protects tumor cell growth. This indicates that the tumoricidal activity of macrophages within the tumor microenviroment is lost due to an imbalance of the regulatory mechanisms underpinning these cells’ function. Since metabolism is emerging as a major modulator of macrophage function, metabolic changes in response to signals coming from cancer or other immune cells might promote this imbalance, enhancing the tumorigenic activities of TAMs. In this review we describe the novel, most recent findings on how metabolism shapes TAM functions or conversely, how TAMs influence the activity of other cells through metabolic mechanisms. The complete elucidation of the metabolic switches between pro‐ and antitumoral properties of macrophages, now still in its infancy, is destined to provide scientists with new instruments not only to understand but also to combat cancer.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ dynamics in cells and suspensions
Authors: Wacquier Benjamin , Romero Campos Hugo E. , González‐Vélez Virginia , Combettes Laurent , Dupont Geneviève
Published: October 2017

Mitochondria play a significant role in shaping cytosolic Ca2+ signals. Thus, transfer of Ca2+ across the mitochondrial membrane is much studied, not only in intact cells but also in artificial systems such as mitochondrial suspensions or permeabilised cells. Observed rates of Ca2+ changes vary by at least one order of magnitude. In this work, we investigate the relationship between the Ca2+ dynamics observed in various experimental conditions using a computational model calibrated on experimental data. Results confirm that mitochondrial Ca2+ exchange fluxes through the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger obey the same basic kinetics in cells and in suspensions, and emphasise the important role played by the high Ca2+ levels reached in mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes in intact cells. Tissue specificity can be ascribed to the different modes of regulation of the MCU by Ca2+, probably related to the specific levels of expression of the Ca2+ sensing regulator subunit of this channel. The model emphasises the importance of mitochondrial density and buffering in controlling the rate of Ca2+ exchanges with mitochondria, as verified experimentally. Finally, we show that heterogeneity between individual mitochondria can explain the large range of amplitudes and rates of rise in mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration that have been observed experimentally.
Molecular dissection of protein–protein interactions between integrin α5β1 and the Helicobacter pylori Cag type IV secretion system
Authors: Koelblen Thomas , Bergé Célia , Cherrier Mickaël V. , Brillet Karl , Jimenez‐Soto Luisa , Ballut Lionel , Takagi Junichi , Montserret Roland , Rousselle Patricia , Fischer Wolfgang , Haas Rainer , Fronzes Rémi , Terradot Laurent
Published: October 2017

The more severe strains of the bacterial human pathogen Helicobacter pylori produce a type IV secretion system (cagT4SS) to inject the oncoprotein cytotoxin‐associated gene A (CagA) into gastric cells. This syringe‐like molecular apparatus is prolonged by an external pilus that exploits integrins as receptors to mediate the injection of CagA. The molecular determinants of the interaction of the cagT4SS pilus with the integrin ectodomain are still poorly understood. In this study, we have used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to generate a comprehensive analysis of the protein–protein interactions between purified CagA, CagL, CagI, CagY repeat domain II (CagYRRII), CagY C‐terminal domain (CagYB10) and integrin α5β1 ectodomain (α5β1E) or headpiece domain (α5β1HP). We found that CagI, CagA, CagL and CagYB10 but not CagYRRII were able to interact with α5β1E with affinities similar to the one observed for α5β1E interaction with its physiological ligand fibronectin. We further showed that integrin activation and its associated conformational change increased CagA, CagL and CagYB10 affinities for the receptor. Furthermore, CagI did not interact with integrin unless the receptor was in open conformation. CagI, CagA but not CagL and CagYB10 interacted with the α5β1HP. Our SPR study also revealed novel interactions between CagA and CagL, CagA and CagYB10, and CagA and CagI. Altogether, our data map the network of interactions between host‐cell α5β1 integrin and the cagT4SS proteins and suggest that activation of the receptor promotes interactions with the secretion apparatus and possibly CagA injection.
Matrix approach to land carbon cycle modeling: A case study with the Community Land Model
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Lu Xingjie , Shi Zheng , Lawrence David , Koven Charles D. , Xia Jianyang , Du Zhenggang , Kluzek Erik , Luo Yiqi
Published: October 2017

The terrestrial carbon (C) cycle has been commonly represented by a series of C balance equations to track C influxes into and effluxes out of individual pools in earth system models (ESMs). This representation matches our understanding of C cycle processes well but makes it difficult to track model behaviors. It is also computationally expensive, limiting the ability to conduct comprehensive parametric sensitivity analyses. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a matrix approach, which reorganizes the C balance equations in the original ESM into one matrix equation without changing any modeled C cycle processes and mechanisms. We applied the matrix approach to the Community Land Model (CLM4.5) with vertically‐resolved biogeochemistry. The matrix equation exactly reproduces litter and soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics of the standard CLM4.5 across different spatial‐temporal scales. The matrix approach enables effective diagnosis of system properties such as C residence time and attribution of global change impacts to relevant processes. We illustrated, for example, the impacts of CO2 fertilization on litter and SOC dynamics can be easily decomposed into the relative contributions from C input, allocation of external C into different C pools, nitrogen regulation, altered soil environmental conditions, and vertical mixing along the soil profile. In addition, the matrix tool can accelerate model spin‐up, permit thorough parametric sensitivity tests, enable pool‐based data assimilation, and facilitate tracking and benchmarking of model behaviors. Overall, the matrix approach can make a broad range of future modeling activities more efficient and effective.
Ecosystem state shifts during long‐term development of an Amazonian peatland
Authors: Swindles Graeme T. , Morris Paul J. , Whitney Bronwen , Galloway Jennifer M. , Gałka Mariusz , Gallego‐Sala Angela , Macumber Andrew L. , Mullan Donal , Smith Mark W. , Amesbury Matthew J. , Roland Thomas P. , Sanei Hamed , Patterson R. Timothy , Sanderson Nicole , Parry Lauren , Charman Dan J. , Lopez Omar , Valderamma Elvis , Watson Elizabeth J. , Ivanovic Ruza F. , Valdes Paul J. , Turner T. Edward , Lähteenoja Outi
Published: October 2017

The most carbon (C)‐dense ecosystems of Amazonia are areas characterized by the presence of peatlands. However, Amazonian peatland ecosystems are poorly understood and are threatened by human activities. Here, we present an investigation into long‐term ecohydrological controls on C accumulation in an Amazonian peat dome. This site is the oldest peatland yet discovered in Amazonia (peat initiation ca. 8.9 ka BP), and developed in three stages: (i) peat initiated in an abandoned river channel with open water and aquatic plants; (ii) inundated forest swamp; and (iii) raised peat dome (since ca. 3.9 ka BP). Local burning occurred at least three times in the past 4,500 years. Two phases of particularly rapid C accumulation (ca. 6.6–6.1 and ca. 4.9–3.9 ka BP), potentially resulting from increased net primary productivity, were seemingly driven by drier conditions associated with widespread drought events. The association of drought phases with major ecosystem state shifts (open water wetland–forest swamp–peat dome) suggests a potential climatic control on the developmental trajectory of this tropical peatland. A third drought phase centred on ca. 1.8–1.1 ka BP led to markedly reduced C accumulation and potentially a hiatus during the peat dome stage. Our results suggest that future droughts may lead to phases of rapid C accumulation in some inundated tropical peat swamps, although this can lead ultimately to a shift to ombrotrophy and a subsequent return to slower C accumulation. Conversely, in ombrotrophic peat domes, droughts may lead to reduced C accumulation or even net loss of peat. Increased surface wetness at our site in recent decades may reflect a shift towards a wetter climate in western Amazonia. Amazonian peatlands represent important carbon stores and habitats, and are important archives of past climatic and ecological information. They should form key foci for conservation efforts.
Differential declines in Alaskan boreal forest vitality related to climate and competition
Authors: Trugman Anna T. , Medvigy David , Anderegg William R. L. , Pacala Stephen W.
Published: October 2017

Rapid warming and changes in water availability at high latitudes alter resource abundance, tree competition, and disturbance regimes. While these changes are expected to disrupt the functioning of boreal forests, their ultimate implications for forest composition are uncertain. In particular, recent site‐level studies of the Alaskan boreal forest have reported both increases and decreases in productivity over the past few decades. Here, we test the idea that variations in Alaskan forest growth and mortality rates are contingent on species composition. Using forest inventory measurements and climate data from plots located throughout interior and south‐central Alaska, we show significant growth and mortality responses associated with competition, midsummer vapor pressure deficit, and increased growing season length. The governing climate and competition processes differed substantially across species. Surprisingly, the most dramatic climate response occurred in the drought tolerant angiosperm species, trembling aspen, and linked high midsummer vapor pressure deficits to decreased growth and increased insect‐related mortality. Given that species composition in the Alaskan and western Canadian boreal forests is projected to shift toward early‐successional angiosperm species due to fire regime, these results underscore the potential for a reduction in boreal productivity stemming from increases in midsummer evaporative demand.
Simulating the onset of spring vegetation growth across the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Liu Qiang , Fu Yongshuo H. , Liu Yongwen , Janssens Ivan A. , Piao Shilong
Published: October 2017

Changes in the spring onset of vegetation growth in response to climate change can profoundly impact climate–biosphere interactions. Thus, robust simulation of spring onset is essential to accurately predict ecosystem responses and feedback to ongoing climate change. To date, the ability of vegetation phenology models to reproduce spatiotemporal patterns of spring onset at larger scales has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we took advantage of phenology observations via remote sensing to calibrate and evaluated six models, including both one‐phase (considering only forcing temperatures) and two‐phase (involving forcing, chilling, and photoperiod) models across the Northern Hemisphere between 1982 and 2012. Overall, we found that the model that integrated the photoperiod effect performed best at capturing spatiotemporal patterns of spring phenology in boreal and temperate forests. By contrast, all of the models performed poorly in simulating the onset of growth in grasslands. These results suggest that the photoperiod plays a role in controlling the onset of growth in most Northern Hemisphere forests, whereas other environmental factors (e.g., precipitation) should be considered when simulating the onset of growth in grasslands. We also found that the one‐phase model performed as well as the two‐phase models in boreal forests, which implies that the chilling requirement is probably fulfilled across most of the boreal zone. Conversely, two‐phase models performed better in temperate forests than the one‐phase model, suggesting that photoperiod and chilling play important roles in these temperate forests. Our results highlight the significance of including chilling and photoperiod effects in models of the spring onset of forest growth at large scales, and indicate that the consideration of additional drivers may be required for grasslands.
Temperature and soil fertility as regulators of tree line Scots pine growth and survival—implications for the acclimation capacity of northern populations
Authors: Rousi Matti , Possen Boy J. M. H. , Ruotsalainen Seppo , Silfver Tarja , Mikola Juha
Published: October 2017

The acclimation capacity of leading edge tree populations is crucially important in a warming climate. Theoretical considerations suggest that adaptation through genetic change is needed, but this may be a slow process. Both positive and catastrophic outcomes have been predicted, while empirical studies have lagged behind theory development. Here we present results of a 30‐year study of 55,000 Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees, planted in 15 common gardens in three consecutive years near and beyond the present Scots pine tree line. Our results show that, contrary to earlier predictions, even long‐distance transfers to the North can be successful when soil fertility is high. This suggests that present northern populations have a very high acclimation capacity. We also found that while temperature largely controls Scots pine growth, soil nutrient availability plays an important role—in concert with interpopulation genetic variation—in Scots pine survival and fitness in tree line conditions. These results suggest that rapid range expansions and substantial growth enhancements of Scots pine are possible in fertile sites as seed production and soil nutrient mineralization are both known to increase under a warming climate. Finally, as the ontogenetic pattern of tree mortality was highly site specific and unpredictable, our results emphasize the need for long‐term field trials when searching for the factors that control fitness of trees in the variable edaphic and climatic conditions of the far North.
Diversification in tropics and subtropics following the mid‐Miocene climate change: A case study of the spider genusNesticella
Authors: Ballarin Francesco , Li Shuqiang
Published: October 2017

Caves may offer suitable refugia for troglophilic invertebrates during periods of unfavourable climatic conditions because of their stable microclimates. As a consequence, allopatric divergence from their epigean counterparts may occur, leading to formation of truly hypogean communities (the Climatic Relict Hypothesis). Unlike the well‐studied effects of Pleistocene glaciations, we know little about how ancient climate changes drove the development of cave‐dwelling organisms living at both middle and lower latitudes. We investigate the evolutionary history of the troglophilic spider genusNesticella(Araneae, Nesticidae) in relation to Asian Neogene (23–2.6 Ma) climatic changes. Our analyses discern clear differences in the evolution of the two main clades ofNesticella, which occur in temperate/subtropical and tropical latitudes. Eastern AsianNesticellagradually evolved greater sedentariness and a strict subterranean lifestyle starting from the middle Miocene Epoch (~15–14 Ma) in conjunction with the progressive deterioration of the climate and vegetational shifts. Caves appear to have acted as refugia because of their internally uniform temperature and humidity, which allowed these spiders to survive increasing external seasonality and habitat loss. In contrast, a uniform accumulation of lineages, long‐lasting times for dispersals and the lack of a comparable habitat shifting characterized the tropical lineage. This difference in pattern likely owes to the mild effects of climate change at low latitudes and the consequent lack of strong climatic drivers in tropical environments. Thus, the mid‐Miocene climatic shift appears to be the major evolutionary force shaping the ecological differences between Asian troglophilic invertebrates and the driver of the permanent hypogean communities in middle latitudes.
Global climate change increases risk of crop yield losses and food insecurity in the tropical Andes
Authors: Tito Richard , Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Feeley Kenneth J.
Published: October 2017

One of the greatest current challenges to human society is ensuring adequate food production and security for a rapidly growing population under changing climatic conditions. Climate change, and specifically rising temperatures, will alter the suitability of areas for specific crops and cultivation systems. In order to maintain yields, farmers may be forced to change cultivation practices, the timing of cultivation, or even the type of crops grown. Alternatively, farmers can change the location where crops are cultivated (e.g., to higher elevations) to track suitable climates (in which case the plants will have to grow in different soils), as cultivated plants will otherwise have to tolerate warmer temperatures and possibly face novel enemies. We simulated these two last possible scenarios (for temperature increases of 1.3°C and 2.6°C) in the Peruvian Andes through a field experiment in which several traditionally grown varieties of potato and maize were planted at different elevations (and thus temperatures) using either the local soil or soil translocated from higher elevations. Maize production declined by 21%–29% in response to new soil conditions. The production of maize and potatoes declined by >87% when plants were grown under warmer temperatures, mainly as a result of the greater incidence of novel pests. Crop quality and value also declined under simulated migration and warming scenarios. We estimated that local farmers may experience severe economic losses of up to 2,300 US$ ha−1 yr−1. These findings reveal that climate change is a real and imminent threat to agriculture and that there is a pressing need to develop effective management strategies to reduce yield losses and prevent food insecurity. Importantly, such strategies should take into account the influences of non‐climatic and/or biotic factors (e.g., novel pests) on plant development.
Carbon sequestration and turnover in soil under the energy crop Miscanthus: repeated 13C natural abundance approach and literature synthesis
Authors: Zang Huadong , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Wen Yuan , Xu Xingliang , Dyckmans Jens , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: October 2017

The stability and turnover of soil organic matter (SOM) are a very important but poorly understood part of carbon (C) cycling. Conversion of C3 grassland to the C4 energy crop Miscanthus provides an ideal opportunity to quantify medium‐term SOM dynamics without disturbance (e.g., plowing), due to the natural shift in the δ13C signature of soil C. For the first time, we used a repeated 13C natural abundance approach to measure C turnover in a loamy Gleyic Cambisol after 9 and 21 years of Miscanthus cultivation. This is the longest C3–C4 vegetation change study on C turnover in soil under energy crops. SOM stocks under Miscanthus and reference grassland were similar down to 1 m depth. However, both increased between 9 and 21 years from 105 to 140 mg C ha−1 (P < 0.05), indicating nonsteady state of SOM. This calls for caution when estimating SOM turnover based on a single sampling. The mean residence time (MRT) of old C (>9 years) increased with depth from 19 years (0–10 cm) to 30–152 years (10–50 cm), and remained stable below 50 cm. From 41 literature observations, the average SOM increase after conversion from cropland or grassland to Miscanthus was 6.4 and 0.4 mg C ha−1, respectively. The MRT of total C in topsoil under Miscanthus remained stable at ~60 years, independent of plantation age, corroborating the idea that C dynamics are dominated by recycling processes rather than by C stabilization. In conclusion, growing Miscanthus on C‐poor arable soils caused immediate C sequestration because of higher C input and decreased SOM decomposition. However, after replacing grasslands with Miscanthus, SOM stocks remained stable and the MRT of old C3‐C increased strongly with depth.
Idaho forest growth response to post‐thinning energy biomass removal and complementary soil amendments
Authors: Sherman Lauren A. , Page‐Dumroese Deborah S. , Coleman Mark D.
Published: October 2017

Utilization of woody biomass for biofuel can help meet the need for renewable energy production. However, there is a concern biomass removal will deplete soil nutrients, having short‐ and long‐term effects on tree growth. This study aimed to develop short‐term indicators to assess the impacts of the first three years after small‐diameter woody biomass removal on forest productivity to establish optimal biomass retention levels for mixed‐conifer forests in the Inland Northwest region, and to evaluate the ability of soil amendments to compensate for potential adverse effects from biomass removal. We examined impacts of four biomass retention‐level treatments at two study locations: full biomass removal (0x), full biomass retention (1x), double biomass retention (2x), and unthinned control. We combined biomass retention with four soil amendment treatments: biochar (B), fertilizer (F), fertilizer and biochar combined (FB), and an untreated control (C). We considered treatment effects on basal area and total stem volume growth for all trees per plot (plot trees) and for the six largest trees per plot (crop trees). Biomass removal had no effect on plot (P > 0.40) or crop tree growth (P > 0.65) compared to normal biomass retention. High biomass retention (2x) decreased plot tree growth as compared to normal biomass retention (1x) levels (P < 0.05) after three years. This growth difference was not explained by soil moisture, temperature, or nutrient uptake. While there were strong tree growth differences between study locations, patterns of biomass and amendment treatment responses did not differ. Fertilizer increased basal area growth and total volume growth (P < 0.10) as expected, because nitrogen is limiting in the region. Biochar had no effect on tree growth (P > 0.47). Initial findings after three years suggest removing small‐diameter biomass for biofuel feedstocks is feasible in the Inland Northwest without negative impacts on tree growth.
Consensus, uncertainties and challenges for perennial bioenergy crops and land use
Authors: Whitaker Jeanette , Field John L. , Bernacchi Carl J. , Cerri Carlos E. P. , Ceulemans Reinhart , Davies Christian A. , DeLucia Evan H. , Donnison Iain S. , McCalmont Jon P. , Paustian Keith , Rowe Rebecca L. , Smith Pete , Thornley Patricia , McNamara Niall P.
Published: October 2017

Perennial bioenergy crops have significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation by substituting for fossil fuels; yet delivering significantGHGsavings will require substantial land‐use change, globally. Over the last decade, research has delivered improved understanding of the environmental benefits and risks of this transition to perennial bioenergy crops, addressing concerns that the impacts of land conversion to perennial bioenergy crops could result in increased rather than decreasedGHGemissions. For policymakers to assess the most cost‐effective and sustainable options for deployment and climate change mitigation, synthesis of these studies is needed to support evidence‐based decision making. In 2015, a workshop was convened with researchers, policymakers and industry/business representatives from theUK,EUand internationally. Outcomes from global research on bioenergy land‐use change were compared to identify areas of consensus, key uncertainties, and research priorities. Here, we discuss the strength of evidence for and against six consensus statements summarising the effects of land‐use change to perennial bioenergy crops on the cycling of carbon, nitrogen and water, in the context of the whole life‐cycle of bioenergy production. Our analysis suggests that the direct impacts of dedicated perennial bioenergy crops on soil carbon and nitrous oxide are increasingly well understood and are often consistent with significant life cycleGHGmitigation from bioenergy relative to conventional energy sources. We conclude that theGHGbalance of perennial bioenergy crop cultivation will often be favourable, with maximumGHGsavings achieved where crops are grown on soils with low carbon stocks and conservative nutrient application, accruing additional environmental benefits such as improved water quality. The analysis reported here demonstrates there is a mature and increasingly comprehensive evidence base on the environmental benefits and risks of bioenergy cultivation which can support the development of a sustainable bioenergy industry.
Sorafenib response in hepatocellular carcinoma: MicroRNAs as tuning forks
Authors: Kanthaje Shruthi , Makol Ankita , Chakraborti Anuradha
Published: October 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary liver malignancy that contributes towards the second most common cause of cancer‐related mortality. The targeted chemotherapeutic agent, sorafenib, is known to show a statistically significant but limited overall survival advantage in advanced HCC. However, the individual patient response towards sorafenib varies drastically, with most experiencing stable disease and few with partial response; complete response is very rare. Progressive disease despite the treatment is also evident in many patients, indicating drug resistance. These varied responses have been linked with the modulation of several intracellular signaling pathways. Notably, the regulation of these pathways through diverse operating biomolecules, including microRNAs (miRNAs), is the focus of recent studies. MicroRNAs are tiny, non‐coding RNA molecules that regulate the expression of several target genes. In addition, miRNAs are known to play a role in the progression of HCC carcinogenesis. Interestingly, miRNAs have also been identified to play differential roles in terms of sorafenib response in HCC such as biomarkers and functional modulation of cellular response to sorafenib, hence, they are also being therapeutically evaluated. This review outlines the role of reported miRNAs in different aspects of sorafenib response in HCC.
Health sciences libraries in the United States: new directions
Authors: Epstein Barbara A.
Published: October 2017

This article is the third in a series in this regular feature. The intention of the series is to look at important global developments in health science libraries. These articles will serve as a road map, describing the key changes in the field and exploring factors driving these changes. The present article by the current president of the Medical Library Association outlines two important developments in the United States. The topics chosen for consideration are national initiatives in the United States impacting health sciences libraries and librarians and enhanced roles for U.S. health sciences librarians in providing support for research.

J.M.
Habitat segregation by breeding origin in the declining populations of European Robins wintering in southern Iberia
Authors: De La Hera Iván , Fandos Guillermo , Fernández‐López Javier , Onrubia Alejandro , Pérez‐Rodríguez Antón , Pérez‐Tris Javier , Tellería José Luis
Published: October 2017

Mediterranean woodlands and associated shrub formations of southern Iberia are key habitats for conservation of migratory birds. In some bird species, migratory and sedentary conspecifics meet in these areas during winter, but our understanding of how each population group is distributed over available habitats and the factors that determine their spatial organization are still unclear. This seriously limits our ability to assess their vulnerability to ongoing environmental changes affecting wintering habitats in this region. We used hydrogen isotopic signatures of feathers (δDf) to shed light on the habitat distribution of seasonally sympatric European RobinErithacus rubeculapopulations wintering in Campo de Gibraltar that are currently facing a drastic decline. In contrast to previous studies that used morphological methods to distinguish the migratory behaviour of wintering Robins in this area, our isotopic approach revealed that sedentary Robins were not outcompeted upon the arrival of migrants and remained in the woodlands where they reproduce, which agrees with results obtained in other regions. Interestingly, we also found that migratory Robins with a closer breeding origin (higherδDfvalues) had a higher probability of occupying woodlands than did migrants coming from further away. Overall, our results suggest that the role of breeding origin in shaping the distribution of Robins during winter in Campo de Gibraltar is more relevant than the effects of sex, age or body size, which might facilitate the evolution of local adaptations for the exploitation of each habitat type.
Inhaled Cryptococcus neoformans elicits allergic airway inflammation independent of Nuclear Factor Kappa B signalling in lung epithelial cells
Authors: McDermott Andrew J. , Tumey Tyler A. , Huang Mingwei , Hull Christina M. , Klein Bruce S.
Published: October 2017

Pulmonary challenge with the ubiquitous fungus Cryptococcus neoformans results in allergic airway inflammation (AAI) characterized by robust recruitment of eosinophils and T cells producing type 2 cytokines to the lungs. Previous studies have demonstrated a critical role for Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF‐κB) activation within lung epithelial cells (LECs) in driving AAI in response to protein allergens, yet the role of LEC‐intrinsic NF‐κB in promoting AAI following exposure to C. neoformans is poorly understood. To investigate the role of LEC‐intrinsic NF‐κB in promoting AAI following C. neoformans challenge, we used IKK∆LEC mice, which lack canonical NF‐κB activation specifically within LECs. IKK∆LEC and littermate control mice were intranasally challenged with 106 CFU of C. neoformans strain 52D, and lung tissues were collected at 7, 14 and 21 days post infection to assess the development of AAI. Notably, the absence of epithelial NF‐κB signalling did not affect the magnitude or kinetics of lung eosinophilia when compared with the response in wild‐type control mice. The total numbers of lung T cells producing the type 2 cytokines interleukin‐5 and interleukin‐13 were also unchanged in IKK∆LEC mice. Furthermore, IKK∆LEC mice showed no defect in the recruitment of protective interferon‐γ‐producing CD4 T cells to the lungs, fungal clearance, or host survival compared with control mice. Immunofluorescence imaging surprisingly revealed no evidence of nuclear localization of NF‐κB in LECs in response to C. neoformans challenge, indicating that NF‐κB is not activated within these cells. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that NF‐κB signalling within LECs does not promote AAI observed in response to C. neoformans.
Crack propagation in silica from reactive classical molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Rimsza Jessica M. , Jones Reese E. , Criscenti Louise J.
Published: October 2017

Mechanistic insight into the process of crack growth can be obtained through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In this investigation of fracture propagation, a slit crack was introduced into an atomistic amorphous silica model and mode I stress was applied through far‐field loading until the crack propagates. Atomic displacements and forces and an Irving–Kirkwood method with a Lagrangian kernel estimator were used to calculate the J‐integral of classical fracture mechanics around the crack tip. The resulting fracture toughness (KIC), 0.76 ± 0.16 MPa√m, agrees with experimental values. In addition, the stress fields and dissipation energies around the slit crack indicate the development of an inelastic region ~30Å in diameter. This is one of the first reports of KIC values obtained from up‐scaled atomic‐level energies and stresses through the J‐integral. The application of the ReaxFF classical MD force field in this study provides the basis for future research into crack growth in multicomponent oxides in a variety of environmental conditions.
Coupled experimental phase diagram study and thermodynamic optimization of the Li2O–MgO–SiO2 system
Authors: Konar Bikram , Kim Dong‐Geun , Jung In‐Ho
Published: October 2017

A coupled key phase diagram study and critical evaluation and optimization of all available experimental data of the Li2O–MgO–SiO2 system was performed to obtain a set of Gibbs energy functions to reproduce all the reliable phase equilibria and thermodynamic data. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements and equilibration/quenching experiments were performed in the Li2SiO3–MgO and Li4SiO4–Mg2SiO4 sections, respectively, using sealed Pt capsules to prevent the volatile loss of Li. According to the present experimental results, Li2MgSiO4 is the only compound present in the Li4SiO4–Mg2SiO4 isopleth, which shows a peritectic melting at 1465 ± 6°C (1738 ± 6 K). The Modified Quasichemical Model, which considers short‐range ordering in the melt, was employed to describe the thermodynamic properties of the liquid phase. The Li4SiO4–Li2MgSiO4 and Mg2SiO4‐rich solid solutions were modeled using the Compound Energy Formalism.
High temperature electrode‐electrolyte interface formation between LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 and Li1.4Al0.4Ge1.6(PO4)3
Authors: Robinson J. Pierce , Kichambare Padmakar D. , Deiner Jay L. , Miller Ryan , Rottmayer Michael A. , Koenig Gary M.
Published: October 2017

All‐solid‐state lithium‐ion electrolytes offer substantial safety benefits compared to flammable liquid organic electrolytes. However, a great challenge in solid electrolyte batteries is forming a stable and ion conducting interface between the electrolyte and active material. This study investigates and characterizes a possible solid‐state electrode‐electrolyte pair for the high voltage active cathode material LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (LMNO) and electrolyte Li1+xAlxGe2‐x(PO4)3 (LAGP). In situ X‐ray diffraction measurements were taken on pressed pellets comprised of a blend of LMNO and LAGP during exposure to elevated temperatures to determine the product materials that form at the interface of LMNO and LAGP and the temperatures at which they form. In particular, above 600°C a material consistent with LiMnPO4 was formed. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were used to image the morphology and elemental compositions of product materials at the interface, and electrochemical characterization was performed on LMNO‐coated LAGP electrolyte pellet half cells. Although the voltage of Li/LAGP/LMNO assembled batteries was promising, thick interfacial phases resulted in high electrochemical resistance, demonstrating the need for further understanding and control over material processing in the LAGP/LMNO system to reduce interfacial resistance and improve electrochemical performance.
Hydrothermal synthesis of silicon oxide clad uranium oxide nanowires
Authors: He Lingfeng , Harp Jason M. , Wagner Adrian R. , Hoggan Rita E. , Tolman Kevin R.
Published: October 2017

A facile method to synthesize silicon oxide clad uranium oxide nanowires is presented. U3Si2, used as a precursor, was oxidized to produce uranium oxide nanocrystallites and amorphous silicon oxide under hydrothermal conditions at 300°C and a pressure of 7.8 × 106 Pa. The growth of uranium oxide nanowires was assisted by silicon oxide via assembling the uranium oxide nanocrystallites in an amorphous silicon oxide matrix. The microstructure and composition of silicon oxide clad uranium oxide nanowires were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDS. The uranium oxide in the nanowires was determined as UO2.34 with a fluoride cubic structure.
In situ synthesis of SiC nanowire porous layer on carbon/carbon composites
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Yulei , Sun Jia , Ren Jincui , Zhang Pengfei , Fu Yanqin , Wang Haohao , Zhang Leilei
Published: October 2017

SiC nanowire porous layer was synthesized in situ by a simple two‐step technique involving slurry painting and high temperature heat‐treatment without catalyst assist. The proposed method is effective and low‐cost, which can prepare plentiful and high‐purity SiC nanowires (SiCNWs). The microstructure of SiCNWs and the effects of heat‐treatment temperatures on the synthesis of SiCNWs were investigated in detail. Results show that the as‐synthesized NWs consisted of 3C–SiC, with the length of up to several hundred micrometers and the diameter of 50‐100 nm at 1500°C. Meanwhile, the diameter of SiCNW increases with the increasing of heat‐treatment temperature. The growth process of the SiCNWs can be controlled by the vapor‐solid growth mechanism. After introducing SiCNWs into the SiC coating prepared by pack cementation, the elastic modulus of the nanowire‐toughened SiC coating was increased by 35% compared to SiC coating without SiCNWs.
Supramolecular aggregation of aquaporin‐4 is different in muscle and brain: correlation with tissue susceptibility in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Rosito Stefania , Nicchia Grazia Paola , Palazzo Claudia , Lia Anna , Buccoliero Cinzia , Pisani Francesco , Svelto Maria , Trojano Maria , Frigeri Antonio
Published: October 2017

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by autoantibodies (NMO‐IgG) against the water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). Though AQP4 is also expressed outside the CNS, for example in skeletal muscle, patients with NMO generally do not show clinical/diagnostic evidence of skeletal muscle damage. Here, we have evaluated whether AQP4 supramolecular organization is at the basis of the different tissue susceptibility. Using immunofluorescence we found that while the sera of our cohort of patients with NMO gave typical perivascular staining in the CNS, they were largely negative in the skeletal muscle. This conclusion was obtained using human, rat and mouse skeletal muscle including the AQP4‐KO mouse. A biochemical analysis using a new size exclusion chromatography approach for AQP4 suprastructure fractionation revealed substantial differences in supramolecular AQP4 assemblies and isoform abundance between brain and skeletal muscle matching a lower binding affinity of NMO‐IgG to muscle compared to the brain. Super‐resolution microscopy analysis with g‐STED revealed different AQP4 organization in native tissues, while in the brain perivascular astrocyte endfoot membrane AQP4 was mainly organized in large interconnected and raft‐like clusters, in the sarcolemma of fast‐twitch fibres AQP4 aggregates often appeared as small, relatively isolated linear entities. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that AQP4 supramolecular structure is different in brain and skeletal muscle, which is likely to result in different tissues susceptibility to the NMO disease.
Safety of the batteries and power units used in insulin pumps: A pilot cross‐sectional study by the Association for the Study of Innovative Diabetes Treatment in Japan
Authors: Murata Takashi , Nirengi Shinsuke , Sakane Naoki , Kuroda Akio , Hirota Yushi , Matsuhisa Munehide , Namba Mitsuyoshi , Kobayashi Tetsuro ,   The Association for the Study of Innovative Diabetes Treatment in Japan (ASINDTJ)
Published: October 2017

Aims/Introduction

We investigated the safety of the batteries and power units used in insulin pumps in Japan.

Materials and Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to the 201 members of the Association for Innovative Diabetes Treatment in Japan.

Results

A total of 56 members responded, and among the 1,499 active devices, 66 had episodes of trouble related to the batteries and power units. The ratio of reported troubles to the number of insulin pumps was significantly higher in insulin pumps with a continuous glucose monitoring sensor compared with insulin pumps without a continuous glucose monitoring sensor (odds ratio 2.82, P < 0.05). The cause and the consequences varied. The brands of the batteries varied; alkaline batteries purchased at drug stores and other shops accounted for 19.7%. Termination of battery life within 72 h of use was reported most frequently (50.0%), suspension of the insulin pump (21.2%) and leakage of the battery fluid (4.5%) followed. A total of 53.2% of the reported insulin pumps needed to be replaced, and 37.1% of them recovered after replacement of the battery.

Conclusions

As trouble related to the batteries and power units of insulin pumps was frequent, practical guidance should be provided to respective patients regarding the use of reliable batteries, and to be well prepared for unexpected insulin pump failure.