bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant Betalains: Safety, Antioxidant Activity, Clinical Efficacy, and Bioavailability
Authors: Khan Mohammad Imtiyaj
Published: December 2015

Betalains are accepted food additives derived from vacuoles of plants belonging to about 17 families in the order Caryophyllales. These pigments are composed of a nitrogenous core structure, betalamic acid [4‐(2‐oxoethylidene)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid]. Betalamic acid condenses with imino compounds (cyclo‐DOPA and/or its glucosyl derivatives) or amines and/or their derivatives to form violet betacyanins (for example, betanin) and yellow betaxanthins (for example, indicaxanthin), respectively. Till date, structures of 75 betalains have been elucidated from plants under the order Caryophyllales. The extracted betalains are safe to consume and they act as micronutrients in the body. In vitro studies to highlight radical‐scavenging activity, cell culture studies to assess cytotoxicity and absorption of betalains, and proven clinical efficacies are compiled in this review. The literature on biological activity has not been analyzed for a synthesis of safety, clinical efficacy, and bioavailability to arrive at the concentrations required for the purported health benefits. Most betalains are under‐utilized in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations due to poor stability and lack of scientific reports highlighting their superior tinctorial strength including flourescence, water solubility, and functional value alongside their bioavailability. This is the first comprehensive review on the dietary safety, biological activity and bioavailability of betalains. Based on this review, for future debate and input from health professionals, a human daily intake of betanin and indicaxanthin can be proposed at 100 and 50 mg, respectively.
Detection and Characterization of Package Defects and Integrity Failure using Dynamic Scanning Infrared Thermography (DSIRT)
Authors: Morris Scott A.
Published: December 2015

A dynamic scanning infrared thermography (DSIRT) system developed at the Univ. of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign (UIUC) Packaging Lab relies on variation in transient thermal artifacts to indicate defects, and offers the possibility of characterization of many types of materials and structures. These include newer polymer and laminate‐based structures for shelf‐stable foods that lack a reliable, nondestructive method for inspection, which is a continuing safety issue.

Preliminary trials were conducted on a polyester/aluminum foil/polypropylene retort pouch laminate containing artificially‐induced failed seal and insulating inclusion defects ranging from 1 to 10 mm wide in the plane of the seal. The samples were placed in relative motion to a laterally positioned infrared laser, inducing heating through the plane of the seal. The emergent thermal artifact on the obverse side was sensed using either a bolometer camera or a thermopile sensor, with thermal anomalies indicating potential defects and the results of each sensors were compared.

The bolometer camera detected defects to the limit of its measured optical resolution—approximately 1 mm at 20 cm—although the lower‐resolution thermopile sensors were only capable of detecting 5 mm defects even at closer distances of approximately 5 mm. In addition, a supplementary magnification system was fitted to the bolometer camera which increased resolution but reduced field of view and would require a much higher frame rate to be useful. Automatic processing of the image data rapidly detected the model defects and can lead to development of an automated inspection system.  Much higher material throughput speeds are feasible using faster instruments, and the system is scalable.
Effect of Acylglycerol Composition and Fatty Acyl Chain Length on Lipid Digestion in pH‐Stat Digestion Model and Simulated In Vitro Digestion Model
Authors: Qi Jin F. , Jia Cai H. , Shin Jung A. , Woo Jeong M. , Wang Xiang Y. , Park Jong T. , Hong Soon T. , Lee K‐T.
Published: December 2015

In this study, a pH‐stat digestion model and a simulated in vitro digestion model were employed to evaluate the digestion degree of lipids depending on different acylglycerols and acyl chain length (that is, diacylglycerol [DAG] compared with soybean oil representing long‐chain triacylglycerol compared with medium‐chain triacylglycerol [MCT]). In the pH‐stat digestion model, differences were observed among the digestion degrees of 3 oils using digestion rate (k), digestion half‐time (t1/2), and digestion extent (Φmax). The results showed the digestion rate order was MCT > soybean oil > DAG. Accordingly, the order of digestion half‐times was MCT < soybean oil < DAG. In simulated in vitro digestion model, digestion rates (k′) and digestion half‐times (t′1/2) were also obtained and the results showed a digestion rate order of MCT (k′ = 0.068 min−1) > soybean oil (k′ = 0.037 min−1) > DAG (k′ = 0.024 min−1). Consequently, the order of digestion half‐times was MCT (t′1/2 = 10.20 min) < soybean oil (t′1/2 = 18.74 min) < DAG (t′1/2 = 29.08 min). The parameters obtained using the 2 models showed MCT was digested faster than soybean oil, and that soybean oil was digested faster than DAG.
Generation, Fractionation, and Characterization of Iron‐Chelating Protein Hydrolysate from Palm Kernel Cake Proteins
Authors: Zarei Mohammad , Ghanbari Rahele , Tajabadi Naser , Abdul‐Hamid Azizah , Bakar Fatimah Abu , Saari Nazamid
Published: December 2015

Palm kernel cake protein was hydrolyzed with different proteases namely papain, bromelain, subtilisin, flavourzyme, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pepsin to generate different protein hydrolysates. Peptide content and iron‐chelating activity of each hydrolysate were evaluated using O‐phthaldialdehyde‐based spectrophotometric method and ferrozine‐based colorimetric assay, respectively. The results revealed a positive correlation between peptide contents and iron‐chelating activities of the protein hydrolysates. Protein hydrolysate generated by papain exhibited the highest peptide content of 10.5 mM and highest iron‐chelating activity of 64.8% compared with the other hydrolysates. Profiling of the papain‐generated hydrolysate by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography fractionation indicated a direct association between peptide content and iron‐chelating activity in most of the fractions. Further fractionation using isoelectric focusing also revealed that protein hydrolysate with basic and neutral isoelectric point (pI) had the highest iron‐chelating activity, although a few fractions in the acidic range also exhibited good metal chelating potential. After identification and synthesis of papain‐generated peptides, GGIF and YLLLK showed among the highest iron‐chelating activities of 56% and 53%, whereas their IC50 were 1.4 and 0.2 μM, respectively.
Current Workforce Characteristics and Burnout in Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Authors: Gorelick Marc H. , Schremmer Robert , Ruch‐Ross Holly , Radabaugh Carrie , Selbst Steven
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Changes in health care delivery and graduate medical education have important consequences for the workforce in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM). This study compared career preparation and potential attrition of the PEM workforce with the prior assessment from 1998.

Methods

An e‐mail survey was sent to members of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on EM and to non‐AAP members board certified in PEM. Information on demographics, practice characteristics and professional activities, career preparation, future plans, and burnout (using two validated screening questions) was analyzed using standard descriptive statistics.

Results

Of 2,120 surveys mailed, 895 responses were received (40.8% response). Over half (53.7%) of respondents were female, compared with 44% in 1998. The majority (62.9%) practiced in the emergency department (ED) of a free‐standing children's hospital. The distribution of professional activities was similar to that reported in 1998, with the majority of time (60%) spent in direct patient care. Half indicated involvement in research, and almost half had dedicated time for other activities, including emergency medical services (7.3%), disaster (6.9%), child abuse (5.0%), transport (3.6%), toxicology (2.3% of respondents), and other (13.6%); additionally, 21.3% had dedicated time for quality/safety. Respondents were highly satisfied (95.6%) with fellowship preparation for clinical care, but less satisfied with preparation for research (49.2%) and administration (38.7%). However, satisfaction with nonclinical training was higher for those within 10 years of medical school graduation. Forty‐six percent plan to change clinical activity in the next 5 years, including reducing hours, changing shifts, or retiring. Overall, 11.9% of all respondents, including 20.1% of women and 2.6% of men (p < 0.001), report currently working part time. Large majorities endorsed feeling burned out at work (88.5%) or more callous toward people as a result of work (67.5%) at least monthly, with one in five reporting such feelings at least weekly.

Conclusions

While satisfaction with fellowship preparation for professional activities in PEM is improving, gaps remain in training in nonclinical skills. Symptoms of burnout are prevalent, and there is likely to be substantial attrition of PEM providers in the near future.
Are trees of intermediate density more facilitative? Canopy effects of four East African legume trees
Authors: Linstädter Anja , Bora Zinabu , Tolera Adugna , Angassa Ayana
Published: December 2015

Questions

Do East African legume trees differ in their canopy effects? Have species with intermediate canopy density more pronounced facilitative effects on understorey primary production, community composition and diversity? How are canopy effects related to species' encroachment status, and modulated by a local aridity gradient?

Location

Upland and lowland environments of the Borana rangelands, an arid thornbush savanna in southern Ethiopia.

Methods

We harnessed pastoralists' local ecological knowledge to rank the encroachment status of six legume tree species previously known as Acacia, and correlated this rank to a dendrometric proxy of canopy density. Vegetation relevés (1 m²) were placed in sub‐canopy and adjacent inter‐canopy habitats of four legume tree species that differed in canopy density and encroachment status (Vachellia bussei, V. drepanolobium, V. seyal, V. tortilis). Using mixed‐effects ANOVA, we evaluated effects of tree species and habitat (sub‐canopy or inter‐canopy) on total, forb and grass biomass, and on species diversity, comparing results for lowland and upland sites. Effects on floristic composition were assessed via PERMANOVA and NMDS.

Results

Species' encroachment status and canopy density were negatively correlated. Most pronounced facilitative effects (more frequent and larger differences between sub‐canopy and inter‐canopy habitats) were found for a species with intermediate canopy density (V. bussei). Diversity in its understorey vegetation increased up to 32% (total biomass: 29%, forb biomass: 40%). In contrast, the species with the most open canopy (V. drepanolobium; also the most encroaching species) never exerted significant facilitative effects. In contrast to expectations, canopy effects were more frequent in (climatically less arid) upland environments, probably due to a redistribution of water within the landscape. Large differences in facilitative effects across tree individuals indicate that a high intraspecific variability of canopy traits and/or small‐scale differences in abiotic site conditions have partly overridden species‐specific differences in canopy architecture.

Conclusion

Our study provides new insights on why encroaching legume tree species may decrease herbaceous production: they tend to have more open canopies, with small facilitative effects on sub‐canopy herbaceous production. We thus recommend promoting an open savanna with the tree layer dominated by species with a high facilitative potential to maintain forage provision and species diversity.
National Parks in Northern Sweden as Refuges for Illegal Killing of Large Carnivores
Authors: Rauset Geir Rune , Andrén Henrik , Swenson Jon E. , Samelius Gustaf , Segerström Peter , Zedrosser Andreas , Persson Jens
Published: December 2015

Large protected areas are often considered to be as important as population size in reducing extinction risk for large carnivores. However, the effectiveness of protected areas for large carnivore survival has rarely been tested where surrounding areas also provide suitable habitats. Using individual‐based long‐term data, we here show that three species of large carnivores all suffered higher risk of illegal killing inside three large national parks than in surrounding unprotected areas in northern Sweden. We suggest that this illegal killing is the result of low enforcement and public presence in these remote parks, which results in a low probability for poachers to be discovered. Our results demonstrate that size of protected areas alone may be a poor predictor of their conservation value for large carnivores. We warn against passive national park management and advocate considering the ecological and socioeconomic context present inside as well as outside protected areas.
Management of colorectal T1 carcinoma treated by endoscopic resection from the Western perspective
Authors: Bartel Michael J. , Brahmbhatt Bhaumik S. , Wallace Michael B.
Published: December 2015

Detection of early colorectal cancer is expected to rise in light of national colorectal cancer screening programs. This The present review article delineates current endoscopic risk assessments, differentiating invasive from non‐invasive neoplasia, for high likelihood of lymph node metastasis in early colorectal cancer, also termed high‐risk early colorectal cancer, and endoscopic and surgical resection methods from a Western hemisphere perspective.
Effectiveness of systematic training in the application of narrow‐band imaging international colorectal endoscopic (NICE) classification for optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps: Experience from a single center in China
Authors: Sikong Yinhe , Lin Xiangchun , Liu Kuiliang , Wu Jing , Lin Wu , Wei Nan , Jiang Guojun , Tai Weiping , Su Hui , Liu Hong , Meng Mingming
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of systematic training in the application of narrow‐band imaging (NBI) International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) classification for the prediction of the histology of colorectal polyps.

Methods

This is a single‐center study. In total, 260 still images of colorectal polyps from 225 patients were included. Two series of 130 images obtained using NBI and white light without magnification were distributed to 10 endoscopists—five highly experienced endoscopists (HEE group) and five less experienced endoscopists (LEE group)—for assessment using the NICE classification, before and after systematic training.

Results

Before systematic training, accuracy in both groups was 79.54% and specificity was relatively poor (HEE: 62.46%, LEE: 69.23%, P = 0.297). After systematic training, specificity significantly improved (HEE: 96.61%, LEE: 97.54%, P = 0.000 and P = 0.013, respectively). Accuracy also significantly increased to 94.93% and 96.46% in the HEE and LEE groups, respectively. Sensitivity and negative predictive value did not significantly improve in the post‐test; however, both were high in both the pre‐ and post‐test. The κ‐values in both groups were excellent (HEE: 0.93, LEE: 0.91). Among the components of the NICE classification, surface pattern yielded the highest performance, whereas color yielded the lowest.

Conclusion

Systematic, feedback‐based, training programs can help achieve high accuracy and good interobserver agreement in the application of the NICE classification for the prediction of the histology of colorectal polyps by endoscopists with different levels of experience.
Systematic review of the in vitro effects of statins on oral and perioral microorganisms
Authors: Ting Miriam , Whitaker Eugene J. , Albandar Jasim M.
Published: December 2015

Statins are medications administered orally and are widely used for lowering the blood cholesterol level. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of orally administered statins on microorganisms infecting oral and perioral tissues. We performed a systematic review of published studies of the in vitro antimicrobial effects of statins on bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google scholar. Studies show that most statins exhibit antimicrobial effects against various oral microorganisms. Simvastatin is most effective against the periodontal pathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, and against most dental plaque bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans. Statins also exhibit antiviral properties against human cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus, and have antifungal properties against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Zygomycetes spp. There were notable differences in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between different studies, which may be attributed to differences in study design. Further studies are warranted to ascertain if statins can be solubilized so that patients, who have been prescribed statins for cardiovascular diseases, can use the medication as a swish and swallow, giving patients the added benefit of the antimicrobial action topically in the mouth against infectious oral diseases.
Lidocaine response rate in aEEG‐confirmed neonatal seizures: Retrospective study of 413 full‐term and preterm infants
Authors: Weeke Lauren C. , Toet Mona C. , van Rooij Linda G. M. , Groenendaal Floris , Boylan Geraldine B. , Pressler Ronit M. , Hellström‐Westas Lena , van den Broek Marcel P. H. , de Vries Linda S.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To investigate the seizure response rate to lidocaine in a large cohort of infants who received lidocaine as second‐ or third‐line antiepileptic drug (AED) for neonatal seizures.

Methods

Full‐term (n = 319) and preterm (n = 94) infants, who received lidocaine for neonatal seizures confirmed on amplitude‐integrated EEG (aEEG), were studied retrospectively (January 1992–December 2012). Based on aEEG findings, the response was defined as good (>4 h no seizures, no need for rescue medication); intermediate (0–2 h no seizures, but rescue medication needed after 2–4 h); or no clear response (rescue medication needed <2 h).

Results

Lidocaine had a good or intermediate effect in 71.4%. The response rate was significantly lower in preterm (55.3%) than in full‐term infants (76.1%, p < 0.001). In full‐term infants the response to lidocaine was significantly better than midazolam as second‐line AED (21.4% vs. 12.7%, p = 0.049), and there was a trend for a higher response rate as third‐line AED (67.6% vs. 57%, p = 0.086). Both lidocaine and midazolam had a higher response rate as third‐line AED than as second‐line AED (p < 0.001). Factors associated with a good response to lidocaine were the following: higher gestational age, longer time between start of first seizure and administration of lidocaine, lidocaine as third‐line AED, use of new lidocaine regimens, diagnosis of stroke, use of digital aEEG, and hypothermia. Multivariable analysis of seizure response to lidocaine included lidocaine as second‐ or third‐line AED and seizure etiology.

Significance

Seizure response to lidocaine was seen in ~70%. The response rate was influenced by gestational age, underlying etiology, and timing of administration. Lidocaine had a significantly higher response rate than midazolam as second‐line AED, and there was a trend for a higher response rate as third‐line AED. Both lidocaine and midazolam had a higher response rate as third‐line compared to second‐line AED, which could be due to a pharmacologic synergistic mechanism between the two drugs.
Gross nitrous oxide production drives net nitrous oxide fluxes across a salt marsh landscape
Authors: Yang Wendy H. , Silver Whendee L.
Published: December 2015

Sea level rise will change inundation regimes in salt marshes, altering redox dynamics that control nitrification – a potential source of the potent greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O) – and denitrification, a major nitrogen (N) loss pathway in coastal ecosystems and both a source and sink of N2O. Measurements of net N2O fluxes alone yield little insight into the different effects of redox conditions on N2O production and consumption. We used in situ measurements of gross N2O fluxes across a salt marsh elevation gradient to determine how soil N2O emissions in coastal ecosystems may respond to future sea level rise. Soil redox declined as marsh elevation decreased, with lower soil nitrate and higher ferrous iron in the low marsh compared to the mid and high marshes (P < 0.001 for both). In addition, soil oxygen concentrations were lower in the low and mid‐marshes relative to the high marsh (P < 0.001). Net N2O fluxes differed significantly among marsh zones (P = 0.009), averaging 9.8 ± 5.4 μg N m−2 h−1, −2.2 ± 0.9 μg N m−2 h−1, and 0.67 ± 0.57 μg N m−2 h−1 in the low, mid, and high marshes, respectively. Both net N2O release and uptake were observed in the low and high marshes, but the mid‐marsh was consistently a net N2O sink. Gross N2O production was highest in the low marsh and lowest in the mid‐marsh (P = 0.02), whereas gross N2O consumption did not differ among marsh zones. Thus, variability in gross N2O production rates drove the differences in net N2O flux among marsh zones. Our results suggest that future studies should focus on elucidating controls on the processes producing, rather than consuming, N2O in salt marshes to improve our predictions of changes in net N2O fluxes caused by future sea level rise.
Nitrogen availability increases in a tundra ecosystem during five years of experimental permafrost thaw
Authors: Salmon Verity G. , Soucy Patrick , Mauritz Marguerite , Celis Gerardo , Natali Susan M. , Mack Michelle C. , Schuur Edward A. G.
Published: December 2015

Perennially frozen soil in high latitude ecosystems (permafrost) currently stores 1330–1580 Pg of carbon (C). As these ecosystems warm, the thaw and decomposition of permafrost is expected to release large amounts of C to the atmosphere. Fortunately, losses from the permafrost C pool will be partially offset by increased plant productivity. The degree to which plants are able to sequester C, however, will be determined by changing nitrogen (N) availability in these thawing soil profiles. N availability currently limits plant productivity in tundra ecosystems but plant access to N is expected improve as decomposition increases in speed and extends to deeper soil horizons. To evaluate the relationship between permafrost thaw and N availability, we monitored N cycling during 5 years of experimentally induced permafrost thaw at the Carbon in Permafrost Experimental Heating Research (CiPEHR) project. Inorganic N availability increased significantly in response to deeper thaw and greater soil moisture induced by Soil warming. This treatment also prompted a 23% increase in aboveground biomass and a 49% increase in foliar N pools. The sedge Eriophorum vaginatum responded most strongly to warming: this species explained 91% of the change in aboveground biomass during the 5 year period. Air warming had little impact when applied alone, but when applied in combination with Soil warming, growing season soil inorganic N availability was significantly reduced. These results demonstrate that there is a strong positive relationship between the depth of permafrost thaw and N availability in tundra ecosystems but that this relationship can be diminished by interactions between increased thaw, warmer air temperatures, and higher levels of soil moisture. Within 5 years of permafrost thaw, plants actively incorporate newly available N into biomass but C storage in live vascular plant biomass is unlikely to be greater than losses from deep soil C pools.
Spatial yield estimates of fast‐growing willow plantations for energy based on climatic variables in northern Europe
Authors: Mola‐Yudego Blas , Rahlf Johannes , Astrup Rasmus , Dimitriou Ioannis
Published: December 2015

Spatially accurate and reliable estimates from fast‐growing plantations are a key factor for planning energy supply. This study aimed to estimate the yield of biomass from short rotation willow plantations in northern Europe. The data were based on harvesting records from 1790 commercial plantations in Sweden, grouped into three ad hoc categories: low, middle and high performance. The predictors included climatic variables, allowing the spatial extrapolation to nearby countries. The modeling and spatialization of the estimates used boosted regression trees, a method based on machine learning. The average RMSE for the final models selected was 0.33, 0.39 and 1.91 (corresponding to R2 = 0.77, 0.88 and 0.45), for the low, medium and high performance categories, respectively. The models were then applied to obtain 1×1 km yield estimates in the rest of Sweden, as well as for Norway, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Baltic coast of Germany and Poland. The results demonstrated a large regional variation. For the first rotation under high performance conditions, the country averages were as follows: >7 odt ha−1 yr−1 in the Baltic coast of Germany, >6 odt ha−1 yr−1 in Denmark, >5 odt ha−1 yr−1 in the Baltic coast of Poland and between 4–5 odt ha−1 yr−1 in the rest. The results of this approach indicate that they can provide faster and more accurate predictions than previous modeling approaches and can offer interesting possibilities in the field of yield modeling.
Association between periodontitis and mortality in stages 3–5 chronic kidney disease: NHANES III and linked mortality study
Authors: Sharma Praveen , Dietrich Thomas , Ferro Charles J. , Cockwell Paul , Chapple Iain L.C.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Periodontitis may add to the systemic inflammatory burden in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), thereby contributing to an increased mortality rate. This study aimed to determine the association between periodontitis and mortality rate (all‐cause and cardiovascular disease‐related) in individuals with stage 3–5 CKD, hitherto referred to as “CKD”.

Methods

Survival analysis was carried out using the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and linked mortality data. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to assess the association between periodontitis and mortality, in individuals with CKD. This association was compared with the association between mortality and traditional risk factors in CKD mortality (diabetes, hypertension and smoking).

Results

Of the 13,784 participants eligible for analysis in NHANES III, 861 (6%) had CKD. The median follow‐up for this cohort was 14.3 years. Adjusting for confounders, the 10‐year all‐cause mortality rate for individuals with CKD increased from 32% (95% CI: 29–35%) to 41% (36–47%) with the addition of periodontitis. For diabetes, the 10‐year all‐cause mortality rate increased to 43% (38–49%).

Conclusion

There is a strong, association between periodontitis and increased mortality in individuals with CKD. Sources of chronic systemic inflammation (including periodontitis) may be important contributors to mortality in patients with CKD.
Supplemental lipoic acid relieves post‐weaning diarrhoea by decreasing intestinal permeability in rats
Authors: Fan P. , Tan Y. , Jin K. , Lin C. , Xia S. , Han B. , Zhang F. , Wu L. , Ma X.
Published: December 2015

Lipoic acid (LA) is a naturally existing substance which widely distributed in the cellular membranes and cytosol of animal cells. Its intracellular functions include quenching of free radicals and repairing oxidized proteins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LA on post‐weaning diarrhoea using a rat model. Sixty weaned rats were fed either a basal diet or a LA‐supplemented diet, or a zinc oxide (ZnO)‐supplemented diet as a positive control. Rats in the LA and ZnO groups had better performance and reduced incidence of diarrhoea (p < 0.05). Both LA and ZnO treatments enhanced intestinal homeostatic and architecture, significantly decreased urinary lactulose to mannitol ratios (p < 0.05) and increased the expression of the intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens protein‐1 (ZO‐1) (p < 0.05). LA significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced glutathione while decreasing the levels of oxidative glutathione and malondialdehyde in the intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05). Furthermore, an in vitro study indicated that supplementation with LA in IEC‐6 intestinal epithelial cells significantly enhanced the expression of OCLN and ZO‐1 under hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress. Collectively, these results suggest that LA relieves post‐weaning diarrhoea by reducing intestinal permeability and improving antioxidant indices.
Cooperation between two periplasmic copper chaperones is required for full activity of the cbb3‐type cytochrome c oxidase and copper homeostasis in Rhodobacter capsulatus
Authors: Trasnea Petru‐Iulian , Utz Marcel , Khalfaoui‐Hassani Bahia , Lagies Simon , Daldal Fevzi , Koch Hans‐Georg
Published: December 2015

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient that functions as a cofactor in several important enzymes, such as respiratory heme‐copper oxygen reductases. Yet, Cu is also toxic and therefore cells engage a highly coordinated Cu uptake and delivery system to prevent the accumulation of toxic Cu concentrations. In this study, we analyzed Cu delivery to the cbb3‐type cytochrome c oxidase (cbb3‐Cox) of Rhodobacter capsulatus. We identified the PCuAC‐like periplasmic chaperone PccA and analyzed its contribution to cbb3‐Cox assembly. Our data demonstrate that PccA is a Cu‐binding protein with a preference for Cu(I), which is required for efficient cbb3‐Cox assembly, in particular, at low Cu concentrations. By using in vivo and in vitro cross‐linking, we show that PccA forms a complex with the Sco1‐homologue SenC. This complex is stabilized in the absence of the cbb3‐Cox‐specific assembly factors CcoGHIS. In cells lacking SenC, the cytoplasmic Cu content is significantly increased, but the simultaneous absence of PccA prevents this Cu accumulation. These data demonstrate that the interplay between PccA and SenC not only is required for Cu delivery during cbb3‐Cox assembly but also regulates Cu homeostasis in R. capsulatus.
An antibody that confers plant disease resistance targets a membrane‐bound glyoxal oxidase in Fusarium
Authors: Song Xiu‐Shi , Xing Shu , Li He‐Ping , Zhang Jing‐Bo , Qu Bo , Jiang Jin‐He , Fan Chao , Yang Peng , Liu Jin‐Long , Hu Zu‐Quan , Xue Sheng , Liao Yu‐Cai
Published: December 2015

Plant germplasm resources with natural resistance against globally important toxigenic Fusarium are inadequate. CWP2, a Fusarium genus‐specific antibody, confers durable resistance to different Fusarium pathogens that infect cereals and other crops, producing mycotoxins. However, the nature of the CWP2 target is not known. Thus, investigation of the gene coding for the CWP2 antibody target will likely provide critical insights into the mechanism underlying the resistance mediated by this disease‐resistance antibody.

Immunoblots and mass spectrometry analysis of two‐dimensional electrophoresis gels containing cell wall proteins from Fusarium graminearum (Fg) revealed that a glyoxal oxidase (GLX) is the CWP2 antigen. Cellular localization studies showed that GLX is localized to the plasma membrane.

This GLX efficiently catalyzes hydrogen peroxide production; this enzymatic activity was specifically inhibited by the CWP2 antibody. GLX‐deletion strains of Fg, F. verticillioides (Fv) and F. oxysporum had significantly reduced virulence on plants. The GLX‐deletion Fg and Fv strains had markedly reduced mycotoxin accumulation, and the expression of key genes in mycotoxin metabolism was downregulated.

This study reveals a single gene‐encoded and highly conserved cellular surface antigen that is specifically recognized by the disease‐resistance antibody CWP2 and regulates both virulence and mycotoxin biosynthesis in Fusarium species.
Pathogenicity of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus towards leaves of three European ash species: Fraxinus excelsior, F. angustifolia and F. ornus
Authors: Schwanda K. , Kirisits T.
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to demonstrate the association of the ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus with leaf symptoms on Fraxinus excelsior and to test its pathogenicity towards leaves of three European ash species, F. excelsior, F. angustifolia and F. ornus, in wound inoculation experiments. On F. excelsior, H. fraxineus was isolated from 94% of leaf rachises with necrotic lesions and from 74% of necrotic leaflet midribs. Following wound inoculation of leaf rachises, in two separate experiments performed in 2010 and 2011, the ash dieback pathogen caused symptoms (necrotic rachis lesions, leaf wilting and premature leaf shedding) on all three ash species, while control leaves remained symptomless. Hymenoscyphus fraxineus was consistently reisolated from fungus‐inoculated rachises. All 10 isolates tested were pathogenic to the three ash species and varied in virulence. Koch's postulates for H. fraxineus as causal agent of leaf symptoms on F. excelsior were fulfilled in this study. Complemented with the isolation of the fungus from naturally infected, symptomatic leaf rachises of F. angustifolia and F. ornus in previous investigations, H. fraxineus was confirmed to be a leaf pathogen of these ash species as well. The leaf inoculation experiments showed that F. excelsior was highly susceptible to H. fraxineus, F. angustifolia was equally or slightly less susceptible, whereas F. ornus was the least affected species; however, F. ornus should also be regarded as a host tree for the ash dieback pathogen. This susceptibility ranking corresponds well with field observations and previous stem inoculation experiments.
The Effects of Revealed Information on Catastrophe Loss Projection Models’ Characterization of Risk: Damage Vulnerability Evidence from Florida
Authors: Karl J. Bradley , Medders Lorilee A. , Maroney Patrick F.
Published: December 2015

We examine whether the risk characterization estimated by catastrophic loss projection models is sensitive to the revelation of new information regarding risk type. We use commercial loss projection models from two widely employed modeling firms to estimate the expected hurricane losses of Florida Atlantic University's building stock, both including and excluding secondary information regarding hurricane mitigation features that influence damage vulnerability. We then compare the results of the models without and with this revealed information and find that the revelation of additional, secondary information influences modeled losses for the windstorm‐exposed university building stock, primarily evidenced by meaningful percent differences in the loss exceedance output indicated after secondary modifiers are incorporated in the analysis. Secondary risk characteristics for the data set studied appear to have substantially greater impact on probable maximum loss estimates than on average annual loss estimates. While it may be intuitively expected for catastrophe models to indicate that secondary risk characteristics hold value for reducing modeled losses, the finding that the primary value of secondary risk characteristics is in reduction of losses in the “tail” (low probability, high severity) events is less intuitive, and therefore especially interesting. Further, we address the benefit‐cost tradeoffs that commercial entities must consider when deciding whether to undergo the data collection necessary to include secondary information in modeling. Although we assert the long‐term benefit‐cost tradeoff is positive for virtually every entity, we acknowledge short‐term disincentives to such an effort.
On Estimation of the Noise Variance in High Dimensional Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Passemier Damien , Li Zhaoyuan , Yao Jianfeng
Published: December 2015

We develop new statistical theory for probabilistic principal component analysis models in high dimensions. The focus is the estimation of the noise variance, which is an important and unresolved issue when the number of variables is large in comparison with the sample size. We first unveil the reasons for an observed downward bias of the maximum likelihood estimator of the noise variance when the data dimension is high. We then propose a bias-corrected estimator by using random-matrix theory and establish its asymptotic normality. The superiority of the new and bias-corrected estimator over existing alternatives is checked by Monte Carlo experiments with various combinations of (p, n) (the dimension and sample size). Next, we construct a new criterion based on the bias-corrected estimator to determine the number of the principal components, and a consistent estimator is obtained. Its good performance is confirmed by a simulation study and real data analysis. The bias-corrected estimator is also used to derive new asymptotics for the related goodness-of-fit statistic under the high dimensional scheme.
Genome‐wide screen of genes imprinted in sorghum endosperm, and the roles of allelic differential cytosine methylation
Authors: Zhang Meishan , Li Ning , He Wenan , Zhang Huakun , Yang Wei , Liu Bao
Published: December 2015

Imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon referring to allele‐biased expression of certain genes depending on their parent of origin. Accumulated evidence suggests that, while imprinting is a conserved mechanism across kingdoms, the identities of the imprinted genes are largely species‐specific. Using deep RNA sequencing of endosperm 14 days after pollination in sorghum, 5683 genes (29.27% of the total 19 418 expressed genes) were found to harbor diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms between two parental lines. The analysis of parent‐of‐origin expression patterns in the endosperm of a pair of reciprocal F1 hybrids between the two sorghum lines led to identification of 101 genes with ≥ fivefold allelic expression difference in both hybrids, including 85 maternal expressed genes (MEGs) and 16 paternal expressed genes (PEGs). Thirty of these genes were previously identified as imprinted in endosperm of maize (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa) or Arabidopsis, while the remaining 71 genes are sorghum‐specific imprinted genes relative to these three plant species. Allele‐biased expression of virtually all of the 14 tested imprinted genes (nine MEGs and five PEGs) was validated by pyrosequencing using independent sources of RNA from various developmental stages and dissected parts of endosperm. Forty‐six imprinted genes (30 MEGs and 16 PEGs) were assayed by quantitative RT–PCR, and the majority of them showed endosperm‐specific or preferential expression relative to embryo and other tissues. DNA methylation analysis of the 5’ upstream region and gene body for seven imprinted genes indicated that, while three of the four PEGs were associated with hypomethylation of maternal alleles, no MEG was associated with allele‐differential methylation.
Impact of a 5‐year deferral from blood donation for men who have sex with men
Authors: O'Brien Sheila F. , Osmond Lori , Fan Wenli , Yi Qi‐Long , Goldman Mindy
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

The deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) changed from a permanent deferral since 1977 to a 5‐year deferral on July 22, 2013, in Canada. We assessed the impact on safety and adequacy of the blood supply at Canadian Blood Services.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rates were monitored from January 1, 2010, to July 21, 2015. Risk factors were assessed in notification interviews. Anonymous online surveys of male whole blood donors assessed compliance before and after implementation.

RESULTS

HIV rates were 0.2, 0.5, and 0.51 per 100,000 donations in 2010 to 2012; they were 0.54 and 0.22 in the first and second years after implementation (p = 0.8). Of four male HIV‐positive donors after implementation, three denied risk factors and one knew he had HIV. Before implementation 9669 of 19,437 (49.7%) donors participated in the survey, and after implementation, 6881 of 18,934 (36.3%). Before implementation 0.67% of male donors were noncompliant, and after implementation, 0.44%. There was no difference before versus after implementation in male donors with MSM history in the past 5 years (0.37% vs. 0.43%, p = 0.54). After implementation, eligible MSM donors increased (0.42% vs. 0.66%, p = 0.04), with approximately 500 more donors in 2014.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a 5‐year deferral for MSM had no impact on HIV rates in 2 years of postimplementation monitoring. Donor compliance improved after implementation due to MSM donors who were previously ineligible becoming eligible. There was no change in the percentage of male donors with recent male partners but there was a modest increase in eligible MSM in the donor pool.
Assessment of in vivo fetal growth and placental vascular function in a novel intrauterine growth restriction model of progressive uterine artery occlusion in guinea pigs
Authors: Herrera Emilio A. , Alegría René , Farias Marcelo , Díaz‐López Farah , Hernández Cherie , Uauy Ricardo , Regnault Timothy R. H. , Casanello Paola , Krause Bernardo J.
Published: December 2015

Key points

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with short‐ and long‐term detrimental cardiometabolic effects.

Mice and rats are commonly used to assess IUGR, but differences in placental and fetal developmental physiology relative to those in humans highlight the need for alternative small animal IUGR models.

We developed a guinea pig IUGR model by gradual occlusion of uterine arteries by ameroid constrictor implantation. In this model, reduced uterine blood flow was associated with IUGR, allowing in vivo assessment of fetal growth trajectory and umbilico‐placental vascular function in conscious animals.

The intervention induces placental vascular dysfunction and remodelling, as well as altered fetal abdominal growth resulting in an asymmetric IUGR and preserved brain growth.

Intra‐uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with short and long‐term metabolic and cardiovascular alterations. Mice and rats have been extensively used to study the effects of IUGR, but there are notable differences in fetal and placental physiology relative to those of humans that argue for alternative animal models. This study proposes that gradual occlusion of uterine arteries from mid‐gestation in pregnant guinea pigs produces a novel model to better assess human IUGR. Fetal biometry and in vivo placental vascular function were followed by sonography and Doppler of control pregnant guinea pigs and sows submitted to surgical placement of ameroid constrictors in both uterine arteries (IUGR) at mid‐gestation (35 days). The ameroid constrictors induced a reduction in the fetal abdominal circumference growth rate (0.205 cm day−1) compared to control (0.241 cm day−1, P < 0.001) without affecting biparietal diameter growth. Umbilical artery pulsatility and resistance indexes at 10 and 20 days after surgery were significantly higher in IUGR animals than controls (P < 0.01). These effects were associated with a decrease in the relative luminal area of placental chorionic arteries (21.3 ± 2.2% vs. 33.2 ± 2.7%, P < 0.01) in IUGR sows at near term. Uterine artery intervention reduced fetal (∼30%), placental (∼20%) and liver (∼50%) weights (P < 0.05), with an increased brain to liver ratio (P < 0.001) relative to the control group. These data demonstrate that the ameroid constrictor implantations in uterine arteries in pregnant guinea pigs lead to placental vascular dysfunction and altered fetal growth that induces asymmetric IUGR.
Time–Space Fractional Burger's Equation on Time Scales
Authors: Neamaty A. , Nategh M. , Agheli B.
Published: December 2015

This paper deals with a newly born fractional derivative and integral on time scales. A chain rule is derived, and the given indefinite integral is being discussed. Also, an application to the traffic flow problem with a fractional Burger's equation is presented.
Predicting and Measuring Surface Enlargement in Forward Rod Extrusion
Authors: Duran Deniz , Özdemir İzzet
Published: December 2015

Surface enlargement during bulk metal forming processes is one of the key parameters controlling the tribology at the tool-workpiece interface. Not only the surface roughness evolution but also the integrity of the lubricant layer critically reposes on surface enlargement. As an attempt to address this issue, in the first part of this work, a general, deformation gradient based surface enlargement description is implemented in a commercial finite element program. In the second part, forward rod extrusion tests with different area reductions are conducted using customized steel workpieces in which cylindrical copper rods are embedded through the depth. By sectioning the extruded parts and by identifying the position of the copper rods on the lateral surface, average surface enlargement values could be measured locally at different positions along the extrudate. Comparison of experiments and numerical predictions reveal that the deformation gradient based description performs reasonably well in capturing surface enlargement profiles both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Effect of Social Structuring in Self-Organizing Systems
Authors: Khani Newsha , Humann James , Jin Yan
Published: December 2015

Dealing with unforeseeable changing situations, often seen in exploratory and hazardous task domains, requires systems that can adapt to changing tasks and varying environments. The challenge for engineering design researchers and practitioners is how to design such adaptive systems. Taking advantage of the flexibility of multi-agent systems, a self-organizing systems approach has been proposed, in which mechanical cells or agents organize themselves as the environment and tasks change based on a set of predefined rules. To enable self-organizing systems to perform more realistic tasks, a two-field framework is introduced to capture task complexity and agent behaviors, and a rule-based social structuring mechanism is proposed to facilitate self-organizing for better performance. Computer simulation-based case studies were carried out to investigate how social structuring among agents, together with the size of agent population, can influence self-organizing system performance in the face of increasing task complexity. The simulation results provide design insights into task-driven social structures and their effect on the behavior and performance of self-organizing systems.
Anisotropic Mesh Adaptation and Topology Optimization in Three Dimensions
Authors: Ejlebjerg Jensen Kristian
Published: December 2015

Anisotropic mesh adaptation has been used to accelerate computation in several engineering fields, and we show that it can also be used for topology optimization. We use a combination of filtered continuous sensitivities and filtered design variables to drive the mesh adaptation. The filtered design variables are computed for this purpose only, while the filtered sensitivities are used as input to the optimizer. We test mesh independence for a cantilever problem and also show results for two other test cases. Finally, speedup relative to isotropic adaptation is estimated at 50 using average element aspect ratios.