bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating seed dispersal distance: A comparison of methods using animal movement and plant genetic data on two primate‐dispersed Neotropical plant species
Authors: Gelmi‐Candusso Tiziana A. , Bialozyt Ronald , Slana Darja , Zárate Gómez Ricardo , Heymann Eckhard W. , Heer Katrin
Published: July 2019

Seed dispersal distance (SDD) critically influences the survival of seedlings, spatial patterns of genetic diversity within plant populations, and gene flow among plant populations. In animal‐dispersed species, foraging behavior and movement patterns determine SDD. Direct observations of seed dispersal events by animals in natural plant populations are mostly constrained by the high mobility and low visibility of seed dispersers. Therefore, diverse alternative methods are used to estimate seed dispersal distance, but direct comparisons of these approaches within the same seed dispersal system are mostly missing.

We investigated two plant species with different life history traits, Leonia cymosa and Parkia panurensis, exclusively dispersed by two tamarin species, Saguinus mystax and Leontocebus nigrifrons. We compared SDD estimates obtained from direct observations, genetic identification of mother plants from seed coats, parentage analysis of seedlings/saplings, and phenomenological and mechanistic modeling approaches.

SDD derived from the different methods ranged between 158 and 201 m for P. panurensis and between 178 and 318 m for L. cymosa. In P. panurensis, the modeling approaches resulted in moderately higher estimates than observations and genotyping of seed coats. In L. cymosa, parentage analysis resulted in a lower estimate than all other methods. Overall, SDD estimates for P. panurensis (179 ± 16 m; mean ± SD) were significantly lower than for L. cymosa (266 ± 59 m; mean ± SD).

Differences among methods were related to processes of the seed dispersal loop integrated by the respective methods (e.g., seed deposition or seedling distribution). We discuss the merits and limitations of each method and highlight the aspects to be considered when comparing SDD derived from different methodologies. Differences among plant species were related to differences in reproductive traits influencing gut passage time and feeding behavior, highlighting the importance of plant traits on animal‐mediated seed dispersal distance.
Behavioral modifications lead to disparate demographic consequences in two sympatric species
Authors: Tanner Evan P. , Orange Jeremy P. , Davis Craig A. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Fuhlendorf Samuel D.
Published: July 2019

Life‐history theory suggests species that typically have a large number of offspring and high adult mortality may make decisions that benefit offspring survival in exchange for increased adult risks. Such behavioral adaptations are essential to understanding how demographic performance is linked to habitat selection during this important life‐history stage. Though studies have illustrated negative fitness consequences to attendant adults or potential fitness benefits to associated offspring because of adaptive habitat selection during brood rearing, equivocal relationships could arise if both aspects of this reproductive trade‐off are not assessed simultaneously. To better understand how adaptive habitat selection during brood rearing influences demographics, we studied the brood survival, attendant parental survival, and space use of two sympatric ground‐nesting bird species, the northern bobwhite (hereafter: “bobwhite”; Colinus virgininanus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata). During the 2013–2014 breeding seasons, we estimated habitat suitability across two grains (2 m and 30 m) for both species and determined how adult space use of these areas influenced individual chick survival and parental risk. We found the proportion of a brood's home range containing highly suitable areas significantly increased bobwhite chick survival (β = 0.02, SE = 0.006). Additionally, adult weekly survival for bobwhite was greater for individuals not actively brooding offspring (0.9716, SE = 0.0054) as compared to brooding adults (0.8928, SE = 0.0006). Conversely, brood habitat suitability did not influence scaled quail chick survival during our study, nor did we detect a survival cost for adults that were actively brooding offspring. Our research illustrates the importance of understanding life‐history strategies and how they might influence relationships between adaptive habitat selection and demographic parameters.
Neighboring Carbonyl Group Assisted Hydration of Unsymmetrical Aryl Alkynes Overriding Regular Selectivity
Authors: Mendhekar Kishor L. , Pradhan Tapas R. , Mallampudi N. Arjunreddy , Mohapatra Debendra K.
Published: July 2019

A mild and highly regioselective gold‐catalyzed hydration of γ‐acetoxy aryl alkynes leading to anti‐Markovnikov products by the assistance of a neighboring carbonyl group is presented. The reaction procedure operates under room temperature conditions with broad functional group tolerance in presence of more than stoichiometric amount of water to access two different types of acyloins in good to excellent yields. Acetate protected acyloins were produced from primary and secondary substrates, while tertiary ones react differently to give free‐acyloins under identical conditions. The mechanistic pathways for such divergent functionalization were deduced from isotopic mechanistic results.
Maintenance of quality of life improvement for patients with chronic pain and obesity after interdisciplinary multimodal pain rehabilitation – A study using the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation
Authors: Dong Huan‐Ji , Larsson Britt , Rivano Fischer Marcelo , Gerdle Björn
Published: July 2019

Background

Throughout the world many people have both obesity and chronic pain, comorbidities that decrease Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). It is uncertain whether patients with comorbid obesity can maintain improved HRQoL after Interdisciplinary Multimodal Pain Rehabilitation (IMMPR).

Methods

Data from 2016, 2017, and 2018 were obtained from a national pain database for Swedish specialized pain clinics and collected at three time points: Pre‐IMMPR; Post‐ IMMPR; and 12‐month follow‐up (FU‐IMMPR). Participants (N = 872) reported body weight, height, pain aspects, and HRQoL (RAND 36‐Item Health Survey). Severe obesity (Body Mass Index, BMI ≥35 kg/m2) was defined according to WHO classifications. We used linear mixed regression models to examine BMI group differences in HRQoL over time.

Results

More than 25% of patients (224/872) were obese and nearly 30% (63/224) of these were severely obese. All BMI groups improved significantly in both physical and mental composites of HRQoL after IMMPR (Pre‐ vs. Post‐IMMPR, p < .001). The improvements were maintained at a 12‐month follow‐up (Post‐ vs. FU‐IMMPR, p > .05). The severe obesity group had the lowest physical health score and least improvement (pre‐ vs. FU‐IMMPR, Cohen's d = o.422, small effect size). Severe obesity had negative impact on physical health (β = −4.39, p < .05) after controlling for sociodemographic factors and pain aspects.

Conclusion

Improvements in HRQoL after IMMPR were achieved and maintained across all weights, including patients with comorbid obesity. Only severe obesity was negatively associated with physical health aspects of HRQoL.

Significance

Patients with chronic pain and comorbid obesity achieve sustained Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) improvements from Interdisciplinary Multimodal Pain Rehabilitation (IMMPR). This finding suggests that rehabilitation professionals should consider using IMMPR for patients with comorbid obesity even though their improvement may not reach the same level as for non‐obese patients.
An Electrochemical Sensor for the Detection of Cu2+ Based on Gold Nanoflowers‐modifed Electrode and DNAzyme Functionalized Au@MIL‐101 (Fe)
Authors: Xu Shengpan , Dai Benlin , Xu Jiming , Jiang Ling , Huang He
Published: July 2019

In this study, we developed an electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of Cu2+ based on gold nanoflowers (AuNFs)‐modified electrode and DNAzyme functionalized Au@MIL‐101(Fe) (MIL: Materials of Institute Lavoisier). The AuNFs‐modified indium tin oxide modified conductive glass electrode(AuNFs/ITO) prepared via electrodeposition showed improved electronic transport properties and provided more active sites to adsorb large amounts of oligonucleotide substrate (DNA1) via thiol‐gold bonds. The stable Au@MIL‐101(Fe) could guarantee the sensitivity because of its intrinsic peroxidase mimic property, while the Cu2+‐dependent DNA‐cleaving DNAzyme linked to Au@MIL‐101(Fe) achieved the selectivity toward Cu2+. After the DNAzyme substrate strand (DNA2) was cleaved into two parts due to the presence of Cu2+, the oligonucleotide fragment linked to MIL‐101(Fe) was able to hybridize with DNA1 adsorbed onto the surface of AuNFs/ITO. Due to the peroxidase‐like catalytic activity of MIL‐101(Fe) and the affinity recognition property of DNAzyme toward Cu2+, the electrochemical biosensor showed a sensitive detection range from 0.001 to 100 μM, a detection limit of 0.457 nM and a high selectivity, demonstrating its potential for Cu2+ detection in real environmental samples.
Preparation and thermal properties of lauric acid/myristyl alcohol as a novel binary eutectic phase change material for indoor thermal comfort
Authors: Chinnasamy Veerakumar , Appukuttan Sreekumar
Published: July 2019

This work is about the preparation and studies on lauric acid‐ myristyl alcohol solid‐to‐liquid binary eutectic phase change material used for indoor thermal comfort. The binary eutectic mixture consisting of lauric acid (40%) and myristyl alcohol (60%) is prepared, and its thermal properties are investigated. From the differential scanning calorimetric results, it is evidenced that the developed phase change material (PCM) possesses a melting temperature and a latent heat of 21.3°C and 151.5 kJ kg−1, respectively. The freezing temperature and latent heat are 19.9°C and 151.6 kJ kg−1, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy results confirm that the eutectic PCM is chemically stable. The accelerated thermal cycling test proves that the developed eutectic PCM is thermally stable upto 1000 thermal cycles. The thermogravimetric results revealed that the degradation of developed eutectic PCM occurs at a temperature of 165°C, which is higher than the application temperature. Also, the results of corrosion test with the construction materials such as Cu, Al, and stainless steel are presented with necessary recommendations for using it in real‐time applications. The developed novel eutectic PCM has significant potential for using it in an indoor thermal comfort application.
Wetland Management Strategy to Reduce Mercury in Water and Bioaccumulation in Fish
Authors: Ackerman Joshua T. , Fleck Jacob A. , Eagles-Smith Collin A. , Marvin-DiPasquale Mark , Windham-Myers Lisamarie , Herzog Mark P. , McQuillen Harry L.
Published: July 2019

Wetland environments provide numerous ecosystem services but also facilitate methylmercury (MeHg) production and bioaccumulation. We developed a wetland-management technique to reduce MeHg concentrations in wetland fish and water. We physically modified seasonal wetlands by constructing open- and deep-water treatment cells at the downstream end of seasonal wetlands to promote naturally occurring MeHg-removal processes. We assessed the effectiveness of reducing mercury (Hg) concentrations in surface water and western mosquitofish that were caged at specific locations within 4 control and 4 treatment wetlands. Methylmercury concentrations in wetland water were successfully decreased within treatment cells during only the third year of study; however, treatment cells were not effective for reducing total Hg concentrations. Furthermore, treatment cells were not effective for reducing total Hg concentrations in wetland fish. Mercury concentrations in fish were not correlated with total Hg concentrations in filtered, particulate, or whole water; and the slope of the correlation with water MeHg concentrations differed between months. Fish total Hg concentrations were weakly correlated with water MeHg concentrations in April when fish were introduced into cages but were not correlated in May when fish were retrieved from cages. Fish total Hg concentrations were greater in treatment wetlands than in control wetlands the year after the treatment wetlands’ construction but declined by the second year. During the third year, fish total Hg concentrations increased in both control and treatment wetlands after an unexpected regional flooding event. Overall, we found limited support for the use of open- and deep-water treatment cells at the downstream end of wetlands to reduce MeHg concentrations in water but not fish. We suggest that additional evaluation over a longer period of time is necessary. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2178–2196. Published 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work, and as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America..

Abstract

We developed a wetland-management technique to reduce methylmercury concentrations in wetland fish and water. We physically modified seasonal wetlands by constructing open- and deep-water treatment cells at the downstream end of seasonal wetlands to promote naturally occurring methylmercury-removal processes.
DNA Double-Strand Breaks in Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) from Bjørnøya in the Norwegian Arctic
Authors: Neerland Eirik D. , Bytingsvik Jenny , Nikiforov Vladimir A. , Evenset Anita , Krøkje Åse
Published: July 2019

High levels of organochlorine contaminants (OCs) have been found in arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from Lake Ellasjøen, Bjørnøya (Norwegian Arctic). The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential genotoxic effect of environmental organochlorine contaminant exposure in arctic char from Ellasjøen compared with arctic char from the low-contaminated Lake Laksvatn nearby. Blood was analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis and image data analysis to quantify the fraction of total DNA that migrated into the gel (DNA-FTM) as a relative measure of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Analysis by GC-MS of muscle samples showed an average 43 times higher concentration of ΣOCs in arctic char from Ellasjøen (n = 18) compared with Laksvatn char (n = 21). Char from Lake Ellasjøen had a much higher frequency of DSBs, as measured by DNA-FTM, than char from Lake Laksvatn. Principal component analysis and multiple linear regressions show that there was a significant positive relationship between DSBs and levels of organochlorine contaminants in the char. In addition, DSBs were less frequent in reproductively mature char than in immature char. The results suggest that organochlorine contaminants are genotoxic to arctic char. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2405–2413. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC

Abstract

Higher concentrations of organochlorines were associated with more DNA double-strand breaks in arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from 2 lakes on Bjørnøya, Norwegian Arctic. Fewer DNA double-strand breaks were observed in fish closer to the end of the reproductive cycle (spawning).
The what and where of primate field research may be failing primate conservation
Authors: Bezanson Michelle , McNamara Allison
Published: July 2019

With approximately 30% of nonhuman primate species listed as critically endangered, the window of opportunity to conserve primates is closing fast. In this article, we focus on the degree to which publications in field primatology are biased in favor of particular taxa and field sites. We examined more than 29,000 peer‐reviewed articles and identified 876 field visits to 349 field sites. We found a highly clumped distribution by site and species. We also examined publication ethical statements and the extent to which they acknowledged local human communities (<5%). Due to a lack of consistency across publications, we provide recommendations for improving ethical statements and for evaluating research impact. Given the plight of primate biodiversity, these results suggest broader coverage of primate species and geographies, as well as more attention to the local human communities whose support is necessary if the intent is to have primate species in the wild in the 22nd century.
Earliest Carboniferous stromatolites from the Qianheishan Formation, Dashuigou section, northwestern China: Implications for microbial proliferation after the end‐Devonian mass extinction
Authors: Yao Le , Aretz Markus , Chen Jitao , Qi Yuping
Published: July 2019

Earliest Carboniferous stromatolites were found in the Qianheishan (QHS) Formation in the Dashuigou section, Gansu Province, northwestern China. These stromatolites are exposed in a conglomerate‐dominated succession of about 22.5 m in thickness, which can be traced laterally for more than 200 m in outcrop. They consist mainly of micrite, peloids, oncoids, silt‐sized quartz grains, and sparry calcite with rare fine to coarse quartz grains and bioclasts. The occurrence of marine fossils (e.g., bryozoans) and fenestral structures in the stromatolites suggests that they developed in intertidal environments. Three types of stromatolite laminae were distinguished including micritic laminae, grain‐dominated mixed laminae, and micrite‐dominated mixed laminae. These laminae are separated by thin micritic crusts and form two lamination styles of repetitive lamination and alternating lamination. The development of grain‐rich and micrite‐rich laminae in the stromatolites implies that they were formed by the combination of microbial baffling, binding, and calcification. Facies analysis suggests that growth and demise of the stromatolites were controlled by relative sea‐level changes. They grew during a continuous relative sea‐level rise, indicated by variations in their thickness and morphology. Stromatolites change from thin‐bedded laminar forms in the lower part of the studied interval to medium‐bedded wavy‐laminar forms and thick‐bedded domal forms in the middle and upper parts, respectively. Their demise was triggered by dramatic relative sea‐level fall, evidenced from the sandstone facies overlying the stromatolite interval. The occurrence of the QHS stromatolites provides an excellent example for microbial proliferation and profound changes in the marine biosphere after the end‐Devonian Hangenberg extinction event.
Epigenetic modifier gene mutations‐positive AML patients with intermediate‐risk karyotypes benefit from decitabine with CAG regimen
Authors: Xu Qingyu , Li Yan , Jing Yu , Lv Na , Wang Lili , Li Yonghui , Yu Li
Published: July 2019

It remains unclear whether there is a relationship between therapeutic effects of hypomethylating agents (HMAs) and epigenetic modifier gene mutations (EMMs) in patients with cytogenetically intermediate‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (IR‐AML). Based on targeted‐capture sequencing, we retrospectively analyzed the correlation between EMMs and prognosis in 83 IR‐AML patients treated with decitabine in combination with cytarabine, aclarubicin hydrochloride and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (DCAG, n = 35) or “7 + 3” induction regimens (n = 48). In the multivariate analyses, EMM (+) patients did not show any statistically significant difference in remission rates from EMM (−) patients in the DCAG group (p > 0.05), but achieved inferior complete remission (CR; p = 0.03) and overall remission rates (ORR; p = 0.04) after the first course of standard induction regimens (p < 0.05). In the EMM (−) cohort, the DCAG group showed the tendency of adverse total CR (p = 0.06). Besides, DCAG group with EMMs achieved the best survival outcome independent of baseline characteristics, whereas it was opposite in EMM (+) patients receiving standard induction regimens (p < 0.05). Additionally, in the EMM (+) cohort, the survival rate of isolated DCAG group was statistically similar to that of the combination of standard chemotherapies and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) (p > 0.40), whereas patients who received only standard regimens had the worst survival rate (0.0%, p < 0.01). It can be concluded that the EMMs might be regarded as the potentially predictive biomarkers of better response to DCAG in IR‐AML patients.
TOWARDS MORE EFFECTIVE IRRIGATION WATER USAGE BY EMPLOYING LAND SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR VARIOUS IRRIGATION TECHNIQUES
Authors: Miháliková Markéta , Dengiz Orhan
Published: July 2019

Improvement of agricultural water management by implementing more efficient irrigation methods is essential for sustainable use of water and soil resources. The main objective was to assess and compare the use of parametric evaluation (PM) and multi‐criteria assessment (MCA) in the decision and planning process of irrigation management by land suitability assessment of three irrigation techniques. Land and soil properties were determined and assessed, and suitability maps were produced for surface, sprinkler and drip irrigation methods in the Çarşamba Delta plain (Black Sea region, Turkey; 972.2 ha). MCA was more flexible and sensitive due to the analytical hierarchy process and thus better reflected real conditions, than the widely used PM. In both approaches, drip irrigation was the most suitable. The main restricting factors in all irrigation systems in this area were slope, soil depth and soil texture. Results demonstrated that the arability of 33% (PM) or 30% (MCA) of the study area would be improved by employing drip irrigation instead of surface or sprinkler irrigation. Maps show where the change of traditional surface irrigation system should start. Such a change would be projected into better water use efficiency and more efficient use of soil while reducing degradation processes, namely soil erosion. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MuRF1 and MuRF2 are key players in skeletal muscle regeneration involving myogenic deficit and deregulation of the chromatin‐remodeling complex
Authors: Moriscot Anselmo Sigari , Baptista Igor Luchini , Silva William José , Silvestre João Guilherme , Adams Volker , Gasch Alexander , Bogomolovas Julius , Labeit Siegfried
Published: July 2019

Background

Skeletal muscle regeneration is a powerful and highly synchronized process and it is well described that intracellular pathways related to anabolic responses are readily activated. On the other hand, the role of catabolic pathways in the skeletal muscle regenerative response is much less understood. In the present study, we hypothesized that MuRF1, a key gene involved in skeletal muscle mass loss, and its close counterpart MuRF2 play a role in skeletal muscle regeneration.

Methods and results

Wild type, single MuRF1 knock out, single MuRF2 knock out and double MuRF1&2 dKO mice had their tibialis anterior muscle injured by a single round of 4 sequential injections of cardiotoxin (CTX‐10ūM, 5ūl each injection) spread along the length of the muscle. The animals were killed after 1, 3, 10 and 28 days after injury and the muscles were used to address general histology, satellite cells, myogenic markers and apoptosis. In addition, we silenced MuRF1 and MuRF2 in a primary myogenic cell culture to evaluate myogenesis and BAF57, a SWI/SNF chromatin‐remodeling complex component. Finally, we employed Chromatin Immuno Precipitation assays to investigate whether MuRF1 associates with the myogenic promoters MyoD and myogenin. After cardiotoxin (CTX) injection, MuRF1 and MuRF2 expression was strongly increased and spread out inside the remaining fibers and also along satellite cells. In line with a critical role during regeneration, MuRF1&2 dKO deficient injured muscles were unable to properly regenerate. In addition, dKO injured muscle failed to express activators of the myogenic program, Myf‐5, FHL2 and MARP2, while myogenin levels were normally increased. Accordingly, siRNA reduced levels of MuRF1 and MuRF2 caused a severe myogenic deficit in primary myogenic cells, without any proliferation deficiency. Finally, in MuRF1&2 siRNA knockdown studies and Chromatin Immuno Precipitation analysis of primary myogenic cultures we have shown an impaired nuclear clearance of BAF57 and a shortage in chromatin remodeling as a likely mechanism underlying the deficient myogenic differentiation.

Conclusion

In summary, our results indicate a key cooperative role of the E3 ligases MuRF1 and MuRF2 in skeletal muscle regenerative response and myogenesis by inducing chromatin opening at myogenic promoters after BAF57 removal during muscle regeneration.
Shedding light on fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy: Applications in biomedical imaging and therapies
Authors: Al‐Gubory Kaïs H.
Published: July 2019

Discoveries of major importance in life sciences and preclinical research are linked to the invention of microscopes that enable imaging of cells and their microstructures. Imaging technologies involving in vivo procedures using fluorescent dyes that permit labelling of cells have been developed over the last two decades. Fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy (FCFM) is an imaging technology equipped with fiber‐optic probes to deliver light to organs and tissues of live animals. This enables not only in vivo detection of fluorescent signals and visualization of cells, but also the study of dynamic processes, such cell proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis, under physiological and pathological conditions. This will allow the diagnosis of diseased organs and tissues and the evaluation of the efficacy of new therapies in animal models of human diseases. The aim of this report is to shed light on FCFM and its potential medical applications and discusses some factors that compromise the reliability and reproducibility of monitoring biological processes by FCFM. This report also highlights the issues concerning animal experimentation and welfare, and the contributions of FCFM to the 3Rs principals, replacement, reduction and refinement.
Associations between quantitative evaluation of bowel wall microvascular flow by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and indices of disease activity in Crohn's disease patients using both bolus and infusion techniques
Authors: Zezos Petros , Zittan Eran , Islam Shadman , Hudson John , Ben‐Bassat Ofer , Nazarian Amin , Steinhart Hillary A. , Silverberg Mark S. , Atri Mostafa
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The aim is to investigate whether baseline contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) correlates with indices of activity in Crohn's disease (CD) and can predict response to medical treatment.

Methods

In this prospective study, symptomatic CD patients underwent baseline CEUS performed with Definity using both bolus and infusion methods. Time‐intensity curves (TIC), peak intensity (PI), and area under curve (AUC) from a region of interest over the diseased bowel were calculated for both bolus and infusion acquisitions. We used Mann‐Whitney U test for continuous and chi‐square/two‐tailed Fisher's exact test for categorical variable comparison and Spearman's correlation coefficient to correlate clinical score and CEUS kinetic parameters.

Results

Twenty‐one patients (9 men, 12 women, median age 32 years) were accrued. Fifteen patients had clinically active disease defined as Harvey‐Bradshaw Index (HBI) score ≥5. Median values of baseline CEUS parameters PI (bolus: 26 vs 8.86; P = .023 and perfusion: 7.6 vs 3.2; P = .009) and AUC (bolus: 769 vs 248.8; P = .036 and perfusion: 188.9 vs 73.9; P = .012) differed significantly in patients with active vs inactive disease. Nine patients with active disease underwent escalated or new treatment. Five were nonresponders. Responders had higher median values of baseline parameters (PI, bolus: 35 vs 18.8; P = .556, and perfusion: 7.6 vs 3.9; P = 190), (AUC, bolus: 1473.9 vs 314; P = .111, and perfusion: 154.7 vs 74.4, P = .286).

Conclusions

CEUS kinetic parameters correlate with clinical and laboratory indices and are significantly higher in patients with active disease. The responders had higher CEUS kinetic parameters than nonresponders that did not reach statistical significance in our small cohort.
Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy: Implications for authentication of misidentified herbal drugs
Authors: Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultana Shazia , Lubna  , Anjum Farida , Ozdemir Fethi Ahmet , Tariq Akash , Nazir Abdul , Yaseen Ghulam , Aabidin Sheikh Zain Ul , Gul Hina , Rehman Shafiq ur
Published: July 2019

Plant‐based drugs have reached remarkable acceptability as therapeutic remedy for various diseases due to the adverse effects of contemporary medicines. This increasing popularity of herbal drugs leads to a growing herbal market for the development of plant‐based drugs, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Herbal drug adulteration is a complex problem which currently has undeniable consequences on health and nutrition. Ambiguities in nomenclature, misidentification and resemblance of colour and texture of the crude herbal drugs are the major causes of adulteration. Three different species commercially marketed under the same trade name Halion are Lepidium apetalum, Asparagus officinalis, and Lepidium didymum. The genuine source of Halion is Lepidium apetalum, which is authenticated by using basic and advanced taxonomic techniques. Morphology, anatomy and palynology of the misidentified sources were done using light and scanning electron microscopic techniques for authentication. This study may help to set microscopic techniques as a tool to achieve quality and standardization of the genuine source of the herbal drug. Phytochemical analysis and biological screening is needed for the further establishment of authenticity and quality of herbal drugs.
High‐resolution bathymetric mapping reveals subaqueous glacial landforms in the Arctic alpine lake Tarfala, Sweden
Authors: Kirchner Nina , Noormets Riko , Kuttenkeuler Jakob , Erstorp Elias Strandell , Holmlund Erik Schytt , Rosqvist Gunhild , Holmlund Per , Wennbom Marika , Karlin Torbjörn
Published: July 2019

In Arctic alpine regions, glacio‐lacustrine environments respond sensitively to variations in climate conditions, impacting, for example,glacier extent and rendering former ice‐contact lakes into ice distal lakes and vice versa. Lakefloors may hold morphological records of past glacier extent, but remoteness and long periods of ice cover on such lakes make acquisition of high‐resolution bathymetric datasets challenging. Lake Tarfala and Kebnepakte Glacier, located in the Kebnekaise mountains, northern Sweden, comprise a small, dynamic glacio‐lacustrine system holding a climate archive that is not well studied. Using an autonomous surface vessel, a high‐resolution bathymetric dataset for Lake Tarfala was acquired in 2016, from which previously undiscovered end moraines and a potential grounding line feature were identified. For Kebnepakte Glacier, structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry was used to reconstruct its shape from photographs taken in 1910 and 1945. Combining these methods connects the glacial landform record identified at the lakefloor with the centennial‐scale dynamic behaviour of Kebnepakte Glacier. During its maximum 20th century extent, attained c. 1910, Kebnepakte Glacier reached far into Lake Tarfala, but had retreated onto land by 1945, at an average of 7.9 m year–1. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Roadkill distribution at the wildland‐urban interface
Authors: Kreling Samantha E. S. , Gaynor Kaitlyn M. , Coon Courtney A. C.
Published: July 2019

The growing wildland‐urban interface is a frontier of human‐wildlife conflict worldwide. Where natural and developed areas meet, there is potential for negative interactions between humans and wild animals, including wildlife‐vehicle collisions. Understanding the environmental and anthropogenic factors leading to these collisions can inform transportation and habitat planning, with an objective of reducing animal mortality and human costs. We investigated spatial, temporal, and species‐specific patterns of roadkill on Interstate‐280 (I‐280) in California, USA, and examined the effects of land cover, fencing, lighting, and traffic. The highway is situated just south of San Francisco, dividing a large wildlife refuge to the west from dense residential areas to the east, and therefore presents a major barrier to wildlife movement. Areas with a higher percentage of developed land east of I‐280 and areas with more open space on the west side of I‐280 were associated with an increase in overall roadkill, suggesting that hard boundaries at the wildland‐urban interface may be zones of high risk for dispersing animals. This pattern was especially strong for raccoons (Procyon lotor) and black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus). The presence of lighting correlated with increased roadkill with the exception of coyote (Canis latrans). Contrary to our expectations, we found weak evidence that fencing increases roadkill, perhaps because animals become trapped on roadways or because fencing is not sufficient to block access to the road by wildlife. Finally, we found strong evidence for roadkill seasonality, correlated with differences in movement and dispersal across life‐history stages. We highlight the value of citizen‐science datasets for monitoring human‐wildlife conflict and suggest potential mitigation measures to reduce the negative effects of wildlife‐vehicle collisions for people and wildlife. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Simplified Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Ceramides using a Common Collision Energy
Authors: Picklo Matthew J. , Hanson Benjamin K. , Bukowski Michael R.
Published: July 2019

Ceramides (CER) are biologically active sphingolipid precursors that are mechanistically linked to several pathogenic states including cancer, insulin resistance, and neurodegeneration. CER are commonly quantified through mass spectrometry‐based methods founded upon a product ion scan (PIS) in positive mode to produce a characteristic m/z 264 ion. The ionization efficiency (IE) of CER species decreases with an increase in CER mass, thus quantitation of CER typically involves application of mass‐dependent response factors (RF) for each CER species. In this work, we observed that the RF were systematically dependent on the number of fatty acid acyl carbons and the collision energy (CE) used to generate the m/z 264 ion. Using these complimentary trends, we determined an “isosbestic” CE where the RF for all CER species were equivalent, allowing for CER quantitation without postcollection correction factors. A comparison of this common CE/common RF method to the multiple RF method demonstrated good agreement between the two methods. Use of the common CE/common RF method will reduce data processing and reduce the use of multiple CER species standards.
Robotic mapping of mixing and dispersion of augmented surface water in a drought frequent reservoir
Authors: Rogowski Peter , Merrifield Sophia , Ding Li , Terrill Eric , Gesiriech Gannon
Published: July 2019

The spatial and temporal evolution of an introduced dye tracer in a small reservoir was observed using a robotic autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), providing quantifiable data of the convective processes which drive transport and mixing. The tracer served as a surrogate for advanced treated water that has been proposed to be introduced into a reservoir as part of an overall system for efficient water reclamation, a critical management tool for addressing water issues facing the southwest. While emergent autonomous technology has been widely applied in the field of oceanography, applications in the field of limnology remain limited. Here, we introduce survey methods used to map the evolution of the introduced dye, which was influenced by differential cooling of the reservoir. A cooling event during the study modified the diurnal cycle of the reservoir, generating horizontal temperature gradients that caused the dye to migrate quickly out of the shallow side‐arm where it was introduced. The dispersion of the dye throughout the reservoir was well captured by the sampling resolution of the AUV providing three‐dimensional data sets of complex convective processes that were used to validate a numerical lake/reservoir model. The operational efficiency, adaptive sampling capabilities, and resolution of observations make the AUV an appealing alternative compared to traditional boat‐based survey methods for rapidly assessing reservoirs. Survey method limitations, advantages, and future recommendations are discussed. The study demonstrates the utility of an AUV in a small reservoir, providing the framework for increased use of high‐resolution mobile instrument platforms in future limnology studies.
Effects of Azomite- and Sea Salt-Supplemented Diets on Growth, Feed Conversion Efficiency, Survival, and Resistance against Edwardsiella ictaluri in Channel Catfish Fingerlings
Authors: Aarattuthodiyil Suja , Wise David , Byars Todd , Lucas Penelope , Li Menghe
Published: July 2019

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary azomite (0.25% or 0.50%) or sea salt (0.5% or 1.0%) on the growth performance and disease resistance of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Channel Catfish fingerlings were fed diets that were supplemented with graded levels of azomite or sea salt for 9 weeks in trial 1 and for 5 weeks in trial 2. The growth parameters (weight gain and feed conversion ratio) and survival rate were determined at the end of the feeding trials. The resistance of the fish against Edwardsiella ictaluri infection was also evaluated in those that were fed diets containing 0.5% azomite or 1.0% sea salt in trial 2. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the growth performance of the fish that were fed azomite- or sea salt-supplemented diets compared with control animals (P > 0.05). The mortality rate of Channel Catfish 28 d after the E. ictaluri challenge did not differ significantly between groups receiving different dietary treatments. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with azomite or sea salt at the tested levels had no significant effect on either growth performance or disease resistance against E. ictaluri in Channel Catfish fingerlings.
Application of surface waves for detecting lateral variations: buried inclined plane
Authors: Hashemi Jokar Mehdi , Rahnema Hossein , Boaga Jacopo , Cassiani Giorgio , Strobbia Claudio
Published: July 2019

In this paper, using synthetic and real data, we tested the capability of surface wave‐based methods for detecting subsoil lateral variations across an inclined slope. Simplified soil structures at different inclination angles were considered following an advanced 2D finite‐element modelling approach. Different values of inclination angle (10°–170° at 10° steps), spatial sampling rate and synthetic array length were used in different subsoil models to see the effects. It was found that, as low inclination angles (smaller than 40° with respect to the horizontal axis) are not detectable using the surface wave methods based on offset‐phase angle (X–ϕ), such methods are not able to correctly recognize the location of possible lateral variations at such inclination angles. On the other hand, for intermediate inclination angles (i.e. between 40° and 140°), the X–ϕ approach was successfully used to determine the exact location of the lateral variations for a wide range of frequencies, thereby opening new perspectives for the application of surface waves for detecting laterally inclined layers.
The effect of alginate on the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of nano calcium carbonate‐filled polylactic acid composites
Authors: Gao Chengtao , Guo Jianbing , Xie Haibo
Published: July 2019

Traditional plasticizers to modify polylactic acid (PLA) usually leads to limited biodegradation, due to its inherent non‐biodegradability of additives. In this work, we report a melt blending method to modify PLA using the alginic acid and two different alginates combined with nano CaCO3, a fully sustainable and biodegradable component. And, the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of the composites are investigated. We demonstrated that the filled samples show a lower tensile strength and higher impact strength which means a toughening effect occurs. Dynamic mechanical analysis experiments showed that the calcium alginate‐filled samples show higher performances than other filled samples not only in static mechanical but also dynamic mechanical properties. The fracture morphology of the samples shows that a better interfacial reaction has been constituted for gel calcium alginate between CaCO3 and PLA. Nevertheless, the thermogravimetric analysis results indicate that a lower thermal stability has been achieved in alginate filled samples. Chemorheological study indicated the alginate‐filled samples also show a lower modulus and viscosity than neat PLA. It was found that the complex viscosity decrease with the addition of alginates, in comparison with PLA/CaCO3 composites, and the samples filled with calcium alginate show a higher viscosity than those of sodium alginate and alginic acid. The alginate derivatives showed interesting potential as new green plastic additives attributed to origin from the biodegradable natural resources with a polymeric matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1882–1888, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Injection molding with an additive manufactured tool
Authors: Simpson Patrick , Zakula Autumn D. , Nelson Jake , Dworshak Jeremy K. , Johnson Eric M. , Ulven Chad A.
Published: July 2019

This study examines the viability of using additively manufactured injection molding tools for short run proof‐of‐concept plastic parts by assessing the quantity and quality of molded parts. Prototyping injection molded parts traditionally can be very expensive, but with improved additive manufacturing materials and techniques such costs could be reduced. To prove this, plastic tools were made by using PolyJet and Fused Deposition Modeling out of Digital ABS, FullCure 720, and ULTEM 1010 materials in this study. The test tools were then compared to the standard P20 metal tool by molding acetal, polycarbonate (PC), and polypropylene (PP) in each tool type. The molded parts were analyzed for processing effects on part shrink, physical, and mechanical properties. Testing concluded that parts molded with additively manufactured tools performed comparably to parts made on a P20 tool. However, the quantity of satisfactory parts molded in acetal and PC were consistent with the literature at 10–100 parts. Conversely, molding in PP suggested that processing with additive manufactured tools could exceed 250 parts. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1911–1918, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Condensation regulation of packaged strawberries under fluctuating storage temperature
Authors: Bovi Graziele G. , Caleb Oluwafemi J. , Rauh Cornelia , Mahajan Pramod V.
Published: July 2019

Disruption in cold chain during distribution and retail could have a significant impact on in‐package condensation of optimally designed packaged fresh produce. The aim of this work was to regulate in‐package condensation and evaluate the performance of different packaging design systems for strawberries under fluctuating temperatures (between 10°C and 20°C) for 5 days. The design included the use of condensation control strategies, namely, enhanced permeable films (NatureFlex and Xtend) and FruitPad of different fructose content (0%, 20%, 30%, 35%, and 40%). Package performance was evaluated in terms of headspace gas composition, mass loss, condensation, physico‐chemical changes, and visual and ortho‐nasal quality evaluation. Percentage mass loss of packaged strawberries ranged from 0.6% to 4% and was 33% for unpackaged. Results also showed that compared with the control sample, both strategies (enhanced permeable films and FruitPads) were effective in reducing condensation. In addition, transpirational water loss, results of the water absorbed by the FruitPads and transferred through the films were used to understand the packaging design needs under fluctuating temperature.
Measurement of gut microbial metabolites in cardiometabolic health and translational research
Authors: Wu Wei‐Kai , Hsu Cheng‐Chih , Sheen Lee‐Yan , Wu Ming‐Shiang
Published: July 2019

The human gut microbiota is a functioning endocrine organ and stands at the intersection between dietary components and health or disease. There are very many microbial metabolites with numerous structures and functions arising from the gut microbial fermentation of foods and become signals for biological communication in the human body. These small molecules can be absorbed and delivered to distant organs through the circulatory system to build the gut–systemic axis. The gut microbial metabolomes are thus believed to play important roles in regulating cardiometabolic health and provide opportunities in mechanistic research and new drug discovery. Measurement of these novel microbial metabolites in clinical samples may serve as a tool for investigating disease biomarkers. In the past decade, the development of untargeted and targeted metabolomics approaches using NMR, LC/MS, and GC/MS has contributed to the exploration of gut microbial metabolomes in cardiometabolic health and disease. Some important targets are currently being translated into clinical applications. In this review article, we introduce an oral carnitine challenge test developed as an example to demonstrate the potential applications in personalized nutrition based on the function of gut microbiota. It is a method taking the gut microbiota as a bioreactor and provides fermentable materials as inputs and measures the outputs of targeted microbial byproducts in the blood or urine. This challenge test may be extended to measure metabolites from microbial fermentation related to other endocrinological or inflammatory diseases. We review current gut metabolome research approaches and propose a gut microbial functional measurement using a challenge test. We suggest that the maturation in measuring gut microbial metabolites may provide an important piece to complete the puzzle of precision medicine.
Clinical review of ejaculatory dysfunction
Authors: Otani Toshikazu
Published: July 2019

Background

Ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) is a complex pathological condition compared to erectile dysfunction (ED). A definitive classification of EjD is not established, and treatment is often delayed. Owing to its association with infertility, EjD is a serious concern, particularly in men of reproductive age.

Methods

The authors performed a literature search to identify the latest articles and overseas guidelines for review.

Results

Our new classification categorizes men into two groups as follows: (1) men with inability to ejaculate (retrograde ejaculation, anejaculation, intravaginal ejaculatory dysfunction) and (2) men requiring an abnormal time for ejaculation (premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation). In Japan, the number of men presenting with an inability to ejaculate is greater than those presenting with premature ejaculation. Pharmacotherapy is the first‐line treatment for the management of these EjD patients. Behavioral therapy is added to pharmacotherapy depending on the case. Penile vibratory stimulation or electroejaculation is indicated in some men with retrograde ejaculation and anejaculation. In cases who hope for a baby, assisted reproductive technology should be simultaneously considered not to waste time.

Conclusion

It is important to distinguish between EjD and ED and accurately diagnose the type of EjD for optimal treatment of this condition.
Stability of switched systems with limiting average dwell time
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Lu Jianquan , Lou Yijun
Published: July 2019

In this paper, the stability problems of a class of switched systems with limiting average dwell time (ADT) are concerned. The common ADT is improved to a form of limit, and the limiting ADT even can be infinite. Different from previous results, in order to take full advantage of stabilizing switchings, switching‐dependent switched parameters are first used to describe the relationship of two consecutive activated switchings. Then, stability criteria of switched systems with limiting ADT are established, which are less conservative comparing with the existing results. Additionally, some stability criteria of switched systems including continuous‐time and discrete‐time cases are derived. Finally, the validity and effectiveness of our results are elucidated by numerical examples.