bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specificity of herbivore‐induced responses in an invasive species, Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed)
Authors: Liu Mu , Zhou Fang , Pan Xiaoyun , Zhang Zhijie , Traw Milton B. , Li Bo
Published: November 2017

Herbivory‐induced responses in plants can both negatively affect subsequently colonizing herbivores and mitigate the effect of herbivory on the host. However, it is still less known whether plants exhibit specific responses to specialist and generalist herbivores in non‐secondary metabolite traits and how specificity to specialists and generalists differs between invasive and native plant populations. We exposed an invasive plant, Alternanthera philoxeroides, to Agasicles hygrophila (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae; specialist), Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae; generalist), manual clipping, or application of exogenous jasmonic acid and examined both the specificity of elicitation in traits of fitness (e.g., aboveground biomass), morphology (e.g., root:shoot ratio), and chemistry (e.g., C/N ratio and lignin), and specificity of effect on the subsequent performance of A. hygrophila and S. litura. Then, we assessed variation of the specificity between invasive and native populations (USA and Argentina, respectively). The results showed S. litura induced higher branching intensity and specific leaf area but lower C/N ratio than A. hygrophila, whereas A. hygrophila induced higher trichome density than S. litura. The negative effect of induction on subsequent larval growth was greater for S. litura than for A. hygrophila. Invasive populations had a weaker response to S. litura than to A. hygrophila in triterpenoid saponins and C/N ratio, while native populations responded similarly to these two herbivores. The specific effect on the two herbivores feeding on induced plants did not vary between invasive and native populations. Overall, we demonstrate specificity of elicitation to specialist and generalist herbivores in non‐secondary metabolite traits, and that the generalist is more susceptible to induction than the specialist. Furthermore, chemical responses specific to specialist and generalist herbivores only exist in the invasive populations, consistent with an evolutionary change in specificity in the invasive populations.
Ignorance can be evolutionarily beneficial
Authors: Field Jared M. , Bonsall Michael B.
Published: November 2017

Information is increasingly being viewed as a resource used by organisms to increase their fitness. Indeed, it has been formally shown that there is a sensible way to assign a reproductive value to information and it is non‐negative. However, all of this work assumed that information collection is cost‐free. Here, we account for such a cost and provide conditions for when the reproductive value of information will be negative. In these instances, counterintuitively, it is in the interest of the organism to remain ignorant. We link our results to empirical studies where Bayesian behavior appears to break down in complex environments and provide an alternative explanation of lowered arousal thresholds in the evolution of sleep.
Tracking plant preference for higher‐quality mycorrhizal symbionts under varying CO2 conditions over multiple generations
Authors: Werner Gijsbert D. A. , Zhou Yeling , Pieterse Corné M. J. , Kiers E. Toby
Published: November 2017

The symbiosis between plants and root‐colonizing arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is one of the most ecologically important examples of interspecific cooperation in the world. AM fungi provide benefits to plants; in return plants allocate carbon resources to fungi, preferentially allocating more resources to higher‐quality fungi. However, preferential allocations from plants to symbionts may vary with environmental context, particularly when resource availability affects the relative value of symbiotic services. We ask how differences in atmospheric CO2‐levels influence root colonization dynamics between AMF species that differ in their quality as symbiotic partners. We find that with increasing CO2‐conditions and over multiple plant generations, the more beneficial fungal species is able to achieve a relatively higher abundance. This suggests that increasing atmospheric carbon supply enables plants to more effectively allocate carbon to higher‐quality mutualists, and over time helps reduce lower‐quality AM abundance. Our results illustrate how environmental context may affect the extent to which organisms structure interactions with their mutualistic partners and have potential implications for mutualism stability and persistence under global change.
A holistic approach to determine tree structural complexity based on laser scanning data and fractal analysis
Authors: Seidel Dominik
Published: November 2017

The three‐dimensional forest structure affects many ecosystem functions and services provided by forests. As forests are made of trees it seems reasonable to approach their structure by investigating individual tree structure. Based on three‐dimensional point clouds from laser scanning, a newly developed holistic approach is presented that enables to calculate the box dimension as a measure of structural complexity of individual trees using fractal analysis. It was found that the box dimension of trees was significantly different among the tested species, among trees belonging to the same species but exposed to different growing conditions (at gap vs. forest interior) or to different kinds of competition (intraspecific vs. interspecific). Furthermore, it was shown that the box dimension is positively related to the trees’ growth rate. The box dimension was identified as an easy to calculate measure that integrates the effect of several external drivers of tree structure, such as competition strength and type, while simultaneously providing information on structure‐related properties, like tree growth.
Coordination‐Induced Spin‐State Switching with Nickel(II) salpn Complexes: Electronic versus Steric Effects and Influence of Intermolecular Interactions
Authors: Brandenburg Hannah , Krahmer Jan , Fischer Kim , Schwager Bettina , Flöser Benedikt , Näther Christian , Tuczek Felix
Published: November 2017

Four nickel(II) salpn (salicylidenepropylene iminate) complexes are investigated concerning their capability to perform CISSS (coordination‐induced spin‐state switching). To this end, pyridine titration experiments are performed with the nickel salpn complexes [Ni(salpn)], [Ni(salpntBuCF3)], [Ni(salpnCF3)] and [Ni(salpnSbenz)]. The electronic‐structural changes are monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy and Evans NMR spectroscopy. Association constants (K1s and K2), as well as thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG), for the binding of pyridine are determined. In comparison with porphyrins and porphyrin‐derived systems investigated earlier, the salpn systems exhibit quite different coordination properties. In particular, the fluorinated systems show the formation of dimers due to CH–π and π–π stacking. On the other hand, the investigated compounds coordinate axial ligands with affinities comparable with those of the porphyrin‐based analogs. This renders them eligible for the preparation of LD‐CISSS (light‐driven CISSS) systems, which, in turn, may be applied as functional MRI contrast agents.
Regioselective Synthesis of [6,6]‐Open and [5,6]‐Closed C70(CF3)8[CH2] Methanofullerenes with Rapid [6,6]‐to‐[5,6] Phototransformation
Authors: Semivrazhskaya Olesya O. , Belov Nikita M. , Rybalchenko Alexey V. , Markov Vitaliy Yu. , Ioffe Ilya N. , Lukonina Natalia S. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Kemnitz Erhard , Goryunkov Alexey A.
Published: November 2017

Fullerene derivatives with >CH2 addends in [6,6]‐open or [5,6]‐closed configuration are uncommon of fullerene derivatives, but they are readily accessible via treatment of Cs‐C70(CF3)8 with diazomethane followed by thermolysis or photolysis. Both thermodynamic and kinetic factors favor regioselective addition of diazomethane at the near‐equatorial [5,6]‐double bond of Cs‐C70(CF3)8 to give a thermally labile pyrazoline intermediate. Thermal extrusion of N2 from the latter is a kinetically controlled process with orbital symmetry controlled Woodward–Hoffmann‐allowed mechanism. It quantitatively yields the less thermodynamically favorable [6,6]‐open isomer of C70(CF3)8[CH2] homofullerene, but the latter turns out to be capable of unexpectedly rapid quantitative phototransformation into the thermodynamically preferable [5,6]‐closed methanofullerene isomer. The transformation involves the manifold of the triplet states that facilitate the required cleavage of the Ccage–CH2 bonds.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) based on thread, paper, and fabric
Authors: Gonzalez Ariana , Gaines Michelle , Gallegos Laura Y. , Guevara Ricardo , Gomez Frank A.
Published: November 2017

This paper describes enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) utilizing microfluidic thread/paper‐based analytical devices (μTPAD), microfluidic fabric‐based analytical devices (μFAD), and microfluidic thread‐based analytical devices (μTAD). Here, the quantitative detection of biotinylated goat anti‐mouse IgG (system one) and rabbit IgG (system two) antibodies via colorimetric analysis is detailed. In both systems, antibody is spotted on the detection site and subjected to a series of washes, addition of streptavidin‐alkaline phosphatase (Strep‐ALP) (system 1) or alkaline phosphatase (ALP)‐conjugated secondary antibody (system 2), and colorimetric substrate. The devices are scanned and analyzed yielding a correlation between inverse yellow (or purple) intensity. For system one, a linear range of detection at low concentrations of streptavidin‐alkaline phosphatase (Strep‐ALP) was observed befire the enzyme reached a Vmax. At higher concentrations of Strep‐ALP, saturation is achieved for both the μTPAD and μFAD devices. For system two, the IC50 values obtained for the non‐trifurcated and trifurcated μTADs were determined to be 180.2 fmol/zone and 133.8 fmol/zone, respectively. The IC50 value was demonstrated to be 1034 fmol/zone and 208.6 fmol/zone for the μTPADs and μFADs, respectively. For all devices the lowest concentration of Strep‐ALP or rabbit IgG used in the assay was 3.75 × 10−4 mg/mL and 0.7 fmol/zone, respectively. The development of this technology should further facilitate the use of these platforms for ELISA to detect and quantitate antibodies.
Real‐time force control for servo‐hydraulic actuator systems using adaptive time series compensator and compliance springs
Authors: Chae Yunbyeong , Rabiee Ramin , Dursun Abdullah , Kim Chul‐Young
Published: November 2017

Servo‐hydraulic actuators have been widely used for experimental studies in engineering. They can be controlled in either displacement or force control mode depending on the purpose of a test. It is necessary to control the actuators in real time when the rate‐dependency effect of a test specimen needs to be accounted for under dynamic loads. Real‐time hybrid simulation (RTHS) and effective force testing (EFT) method, which can consider the rate‐dependency effect, have been known as viable alternatives to the shake table testing method. Due to the lack of knowledge in real‐time force control, however, the structures that can be tested with RTHS and EFT are fairly limited. For instance, satisfying the force boundary condition for axially stiff members is a challenging task in RTHS, while EFT has a difficulty to be implemented for nonlinear structures. In order to resolve these issues, this paper introduces new real‐time force control methods utilizing the adaptive time series (ATS) compensator and compliance springs. Unlike existing methods, the proposed force control methods do not require the structural modeling of a test structure, making it easy to be implemented especially for nonlinear structures. The force tracking performance of the proposed methods is evaluated for a small‐scale steel mass block system with a magneto‐rheological damper subjected to various target forces. Accuracy, time delay, and resonance response of these methods are discussed along with their force control performance for an axially stiff member. Overall, a satisfactory force tracking performance was observed by using the proposed force control methods.
Optimum dynamic characteristic control approach for building mass damper design
Authors: Wang Shiang‐Jung , Lee Bo‐Han , Chuang Wei‐Chu , Chang Kuo‐Chun
Published: November 2017

A new seismic design manner, namely building mass damper (BMD), which is inspired from a combination of mid‐story isolation and tuned mass damper design concepts, recently attracts immense attention. It is mainly because that the use of partial structural mass of the building as an energy absorber in the BMD design can overcome the drawback of limited response reduction due to insufficient added tuned mass in the conventional tuned mass damper design. In this study, an optimum BMD (OBMD) design approach, namely optimum dynamic characteristic control approach, based on a simplified 3‐lumped‐mass structure model is proposed to seismically protect both the superstructure (or tuned mass) and the substructure (or primary structure), respectively, above and below the control layer. A series of sensitivity analyses and experimental studies on different parameters, including mass, frequency, and damping ratios, of a building model designed with a BMD system were conducted. The test results verify the practical feasibility of the BMD concept as well as the effectiveness of the proposed OBMD design. Furthermore, by comparing with the numerical results of a mid‐story isolated counterpart, it is demonstrated that the proposed OBMD design can have a comparable and even better control performance.
Shape Optimization of PEMFC Flow‐channel Cross‐Sections
Authors: Korkischko I. , Carmo B. S. , Fonseca F. C.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents the modeling, simulation and optimization of a single channel proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) using computational fluid dynamics methods. The shape optimization of the flow‐channels was employed to improve the electrical performance of the fuel cell. The maximization of the current density was the objective function of the single‐objective optimization problem, the upper and lower widths of the flow channels were the control variables and a cross‐section area restriction was imposed. The optimized flow‐channel PEMFC presented improved current generation characteristics, showing higher current and power densities and a more uniform current density distribution than the rectangular flow‐channel.
AHNS Series: Do you know your guidelines? Principles of treatment for locally advanced or unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fulcher Cory D. , Haigentz Missak , Ow Thomas J. ,   The Education Committee of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS)
Published: November 2017

This article is a continuation of the “Do You Know Your Guidelines” series, initiated by the Education committee of the American Head and Neck Society. Treatment guidelines for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are reviewed here, including the critical roles of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and the recent application of immunotherapy agents. We will be limiting this discussion to include cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. It should be noted that much of the article pertains to human papillomavirus (HPV)‐negative oropharyngeal cancer where applicable, as HPV‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma carries a different natural history, different prognosis, and now different staging criteria. Additionally, the article will not include information on nasopharyngeal or sinus cancers, as these latter topics are covered in separate “Do you know your guidelines?” installments and these diagnoses carry somewhat different approaches to diagnosis and management that diverge from the focus of this article.
Actin cytoskeleton remodeling drives epithelial‐mesenchymal transition for hepatoma invasion and metastasis in mice
Authors: Peng Jei‐Ming , Bera Rabindranath , Chiou Chih‐Yung , Yu Ming‐Chin , Chen Tse‐Chin , Chen Chia‐Wei , Wang Tsung‐Rui , Chiang Wan‐Ling , Chai Shin‐Pei , Wei Yongkun , Wang Huamin , Hung Mien‐Chie , Hsieh Sen‐Yung
Published: November 2017

High invasiveness is a hallmark of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Large tumors predict invasion and metastasis. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanisms whereby large tumors tend to undergo EMT remain unclear. We conducted a subgenome‐wide screen and identified KLHL23 as an HCC invasion suppressor by inhibiting EMT. KLHL23 binds to actin and suppresses actin polymerization. KLHL23 silencing induced filopodium and lamellipodium formation. Moreover, EMT was suppressed by KLHL23 through its action on actin dynamics. Traditionally, actin cytoskeleton remodeling is downstream of EMT reprogramming. It is therefore intriguing to ask why and how KLHL23 inversely regulates EMT. Activation of actin cytoskeleton remodeling by either KLHL23 silencing or treatment with actin cytoskeleton modulators augmented cellular hypoxic responses in a cell‐density–dependent manner, resulting in hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) and Notch signals and subsequent EMT. Environmental hypoxia did not induce EMT unless actin cytoskeleton remodeling was simultaneously activated and only when cells were at high density. The resulting EMT was reversed by either adenosine 5′‐triphosphate supplementation or actin polymerization inhibitors. Down‐regulation of KLHL23 was associated with invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis of HCC and pancreatic cancer. Correlations of tumor size with EMT and inverse association of expression of KLHL23 with HIF/Notch signals were further validated in patient‐derived xenograft HCCs in mice. Conclusion: Simultaneously activation of actin cytoskeleton remodeling by intrinsic (such as KLHL23 down‐regulation) or microenvironment cues is crucial for cell‐density–dependent and hypoxia‐mediated EMT, providing a mechanistic link between large tumor size and invasion/metastasis. Our findings provide a means of developing the prevention and treatment strategies for tumor invasion and metastasis. (Hepatology 2018;67:2226‐2243).
Government helper and citizen advocate? A case study of the multiple roles and pressures facing a nongovernmental organization contracted by government to strengthen community health in northern India
Authors: Scott Kerry , George Asha S. , Harvey Steven A. , Mondal Shinjini , Patel Gupteswar , VR Raman , Sheikh Kabir
Published: November 2017

While nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) can potentially strengthen valuable citizen political engagement, NGOs that are increasingly oriented towards donor and government contracts may instead contribute to depoliticizing development. Amidst competing pressures, NGO experiences and agency in managing multiple roles require examination. We present a qualitative case study of an NGO implementing a government‐designed intervention to strengthen Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) in rural north India. Despite a challenging context of community scepticism and poor government services, the NGO did successfully form VHSNCs by harnessing its respected interlocutor status, preexisting relationships, and ability to “sell” the VHSNC as a mechanism for improving local well‐being. While the VHSNC enabled community members to voice concerns to government officials, improvements often failed to meet community expectations. NGO staff endured community frustration on one hand and rebuffs from lower‐level officials on the other, while feeling undersupported by the government contract. Consequently, although contracted to strengthen a community institution, the NGO increasingly worked alongside VHSNC members to try to strengthen the public sector. Contrary to assumptions that NGOs become “tamed” through taking government contracts, being contracted to deliver inputs for community participation was intertwined with microlevel political action, though this came at a cost to the NGO.
Constant performance in balance and proprioception tests across the menstrual cycle – a pilot study in well trained female ice hockey players on hormonal contraception
Authors: Legerlotz Kirsten , Bey Marie Elena , Götz Susann , Böhlke Nikolai
Published: November 2017

Introduction

It has yet to be explained why female athletes appear to suffer more often from non‐contact ligament injuries during the first half of the menstrual cycle. Fluctuations in balance, caused by impaired proprioception due to increased fluid retention, may be relevant factors contributing to this anomaly in distribution. The aim of this study was therefore to uncover relationships between dynamic stability, proprioception and fluid retention in association with the menstrual cycle as a possible explanation for the observed changes in injury rates.

Methods

Nine healthy, female, well trained ice hockey players on hormonal contraception with regular cycles were tested at least twelve times during one menstrual cycle. Bioimpedance analysis was applied to investigate body composition and fluid distribution. A joint position sense test was performed to characterize changes in proprioception, while unexpected perturbations on a balance board were used to obtain measures for dynamic postural control.

Results

No distinct changes in proprioception, dynamic stability and fluid retention were identified across the menstrual cycle in this population. Weak correlations were found between parameters for dynamic stability and proprioception.

Conclusion

Variations in proprioception, dynamic stability and fluid retention seem unlikely to be major contributors to injury risk peaks, at least in this population of healthy trained athletes using hormonal contraception.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of some Novel Pyrazoloquinoline, Pyrazolyltetrazine, and Thiazolidinone Derivatives
Authors: El‐Bordany Eman A. , Abdel Aziz Ahmed , Abou‐Elmagd Wael S. I. , Hashem Ahmed I.
Published: November 2017

2‐Chloroquinoline‐3‐carboxaldehyde and 1,3‐diphenylpyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde were condensed with thiocarbohydrazide and malonic acid hydrazide derivatives. The condensation products obtained were converted into pyrazolidinoquinoline, pyrazoloquinoline, pyrrazolyl tetrazine, and thiazolidinone derivatives. The structures of all the products obtained were elucidated from their analytical and spectral data.
Association of Serum Vitamin D Level and Carotid Atherosclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Fu‐Hua , Liu Tian , Xu Lei , Zhang Lei , Zhou Xiao‐Bo
Published: November 2017

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis. To explore the potential link of the serum vitamin D level with carotid atherosclerosis, this meta‐analysis assessed the correlation between vitamin D and carotid intima‐media thickness as well as carotid atherosclerotic plaque. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until the end of March 2017. Clinical studies investigating the relationship between vitamin D and carotid atherosclerosis were included. The outcome data were extracted according to the inclusion criteria and pooled for an effect estimate by a random‐effects model. Of the 506 initially retrieved studies, 11 studies involving a total of 16,434 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale scores suggested that the included studies were of high quality. The pooled effects estimate showed that the serum vitamin D level was negatively associated with carotid atherosclerosis (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93–0.96), with substantial heterogeneity among the individual studies (I2 = 54%). Furthermore, a subgroup analysis suggested that hypovitaminosis D was associated with an 0.85‐fold decrease in the odds of having a higher carotid intima‐media thickness (95% CI, 0.76–0.96; P < .05; I2 = 69%). Additionally, the pooled analysis also indicated that the serum vitamin D level was a protective factor against increased carotid plaque (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.97; P < .05; I2 = 29%). Funnel plots and the Egger regression test showed the absence of a publication bias. In this meta‐analysis, we comprehensively revealed a close link between vitamin D deficiency and carotid atherosclerosis. Patients with hypovitaminosis D might have extra requirements for preventive and therapeutic measures against early atherosclerosis, thus reducing the cardiovascular disease risk in the long term.
Potential treatment for vocal fold scar with pirfenidone
Authors: Kodama Haruka , Kumai Yoshihiko , Nishimoto Kohei , Toya Yutaka , Miyamaru Satoru , Furushima Shinobu , Yumoto Eiji
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Pirfenidone (PFD) is a strong antifibrotic agent that has been clinically approved in Japan for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We examined the antifibrotic effects of PFD on fibroblasts isolated from scarred vocal folds (VFs) of ferrets in vitro.

Study Design

Prospective animal experiments with controls.

Methods

Scar fibroblasts (SFs) were isolated from scarred VFs that had been electrocauterized 2 weeks before harvesting (N = 4). Normal fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated from intact VFs (N = 4). SFs and NFs were incubated in the presence of 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), with or without PFD. After the 48‐hour incubation, mRNA expression levels of α smooth muscle actin (αSMA), TGF‐β1, collagen type I, and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) were examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry with anti‐αSMA anti‐collagen type I and phosphorylated Smad (p‐Smad)2/3 antibodies in SFs with or without PFD was performed. SFs and NFs were cultured in collagen gel with or without PFD for 48 hours, and the extent of gel contraction was examined quantitatively.

Results

PFD treatment significantly (P < .05) decreased mRNA expression of collagen type I, significantly increased mRNA expression of TGF‐β1 and HAS2, and significantly suppressed collagen gel contraction. However, it did not have a significant effect on the expression of αSMA. The expression of p‐Smad2/3 in the nucleus was faded with PFD, possibly demonstrating the suppression of translocation of p‐Smad2/3 from cytoplasm to nucleus with PFD.

Conclusions

This is the first report to demonstrate the in vitro antifibrotic effects of PFD on fibroblasts isolated from scarred VFs of ferrets.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E171–E177, 2018
Oral sampling methods are associated with differences in immune marker concentrations
Authors: Fakhry Carole , Qeadan Fares , Gilman Robert H. , Yori Pablo , Kosek Margaret , Patterson Nicole , Eisele David W. , Gourin Christine G. , Chitguppi Chandala , Marks Morgan , Gravitt Patti
Published: November 2017

Objective

To determine whether the concentration and distribution of immune markers in paired oral samples were similar.

Study Type

Clinical research.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Paired saliva and oral secretions (OS) samples were collected. The concentration of immune markers was estimated using Luminex multiplex assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA). For each sample, the concentration of respective immune markers was normalized to total protein present and log‐transformed. Median concentrations of immune markers were compared between both types of samples. Intermarker correlation in each sampling method and across sampling methods was evaluated.

Results

There were 90 study participants. Concentrations of immune markers in saliva samples were significantly different from concentrations in OS samples. Oral secretions samples showed higher concentrations of immunoregulatory markers, whereas the saliva samples contained proinflammatory markers in higher concentration.

Conclusion

The immune marker profile in saliva samples is distinct from the immune marker profile in paired OS samples.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 128:E214–E221, 2018
Genetically engineering Crambe abyssinica—A potentially high‐value oil crop for salt land improvement
Authors: Qi Weicong , Tinnenbroek‐Capel Iris E. M. , Salentijn Elma M. J. , Zhang Zhao , Huang Bangquan , Cheng Jihua , Shao Hongbo , Visser Richard G. F. , Krens Frans A. , Van Loo Eibertus N.
Published: November 2017

Crambe abyssinica (crambe) is a new industrial oil crop that can grow on saline soil and tolerates salty water irrigation. Genetically engineered crambe in which the seed‐oil composition is manipulated for more erucic acid and less polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) would be highly beneficial to industry. In this research, lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase 2 RNA interference (CaLPAT2‐RNAi) was introduced into the crambe genome to manipulate its oil composition. The result showed in comparison with wild type, CaLPAT2‐RNAi could significantly reduce linoleic and linolenic acid content, simultaneously increasing erucic acid content. Systematic metabolism engineering was then carried out to further study CaLPAT2‐RNAi, combined with the overexpression of Brassica napus fatty acid elongase (BnFAE), Limnanthes douglasii LPAT (LdLPAT), and RNAi of endogenous fatty acid desaturase 2 (CaFAD2‐RNAi). Oil composition analysis on the tranformants' seeds showed that (a) with CaFAD2‐RNAi, PUFA content could be dramatically decreased, in comparison with BnFAE + LdLPAT + CaFAD2‐RNAi, and BnFAE + LdLPAT + CaFAD2‐RNAi + CaLPAT2‐RNAi seeds showed lower linolenic acid content; (b) BnFAE + LdLPAT + CaFAD2‐RNAi + CaLPAT2‐RNAi could increase the erucic acid content in crambe seed oil from less than 66.6% to 71.6%, whereas the highest erucic acid content of BnFAE + LdLPAT + CaFAD2‐RNAi was 79.2%; (c) although the four‐gene combination could not increase the erucic acid content of seed oil to a higher level than the others, it led to increased carbon resource deposited into C22:1 and C18:1 moieties and lower PUFA. Summarily, the present research indicates that suppression of LPAT2 is a new, promising strategy for seed‐oil biosynthesis pathway engineering, which would increase the value of crambe oil.
The physiological response of seven strains of picophytoplankton to light, and its representation in a dynamic photosynthesis model
Authors: Stawiarski Beate , Buitenhuis Erik T. , Fallens Mehera
Published: November 2017

Picophytoplankton dominate the phytoplankton community in wide ocean areas and are considered efficient in the acquisition of light compared to other phytoplankton groups. To quantify their photophysiological parameters we use three strains of picoprokaryotes and four strains of picoeukaryotes. We measure the acclimated response of the exponential growth rates and chlorophyll a (Chl a) to carbon ratios, as well as the instantaneous response of photosynthesis rates at 5–7 light intensities. We then use a dynamic photosynthesis model (Geider et al. ) and extend it with a photoinhibition term. We derive five photophysiological parameters: the maximum rate of photosynthesis (), the affinity to light (αchl), the photoinhibition term (βchl), the respiration rate (resp), and the maximum Chl a to carbon ratio (θmax). We show that is significantly lower for picoprokaryotes than for picoeukaryotes and increases significantly with increasing cell size. In turn, αchl decreases significantly with increasing maximum growth rate (μmax). The latter finding is contrary to a previously reported relationship for phytoplankton, but agrees with theoretical assumptions based on size. The higher efficiency in light acquisition gives picoprokaryotes an advantage in light limited environments at the expense of their maximum growth rate. In addition, our results indicate that the accumulation of long‐term damage through photoinhibition during acclimation is not well represented by the dynamic photosynthesis model. Hence, we would recommend to distinguish between the effects of irreversible damage (on a time scale of days) on growth rates and of reversible damage (on a time scale of minutes) on photosynthesis rates.
De novo amino acid synthesis and turnover during N2 fixation
Authors: Loick‐Wilde Natalie , Weber Sarah C. , Eglite Elvita , Liskow Iris , Schulz‐Bull Detlef , Wasmund Norbert , Wodarg Dirk , Montoya Joseph P.
Published: November 2017

Cyanobacteria are the main autotrophs and N2‐fixing (diazotrophic) organisms in large parts of the oligotrophic global ocean, where generally all heterotrophic production depends on their activity. Amino acids (AAs) from cyanobacteria are essential macronutrients for these heterotrophic food webs, yet little is known about the de novo synthesis of AAs during N2 fixation. Through a combination of bulk and amino acid nitrogen (AAN) specific analyses of field based N2 fixation experiments, we demonstrate that the de novo synthesis of 13 AAs accounted for the majority of bulk N2 fixation rates at four stations in the central Baltic Sea in July 2015. Slow AA turnover times of 87 ± 14 d coincided with low phosphate concentrations and high cell‐carbon biomasses of unicellular cyanobacteria. Very fast turnover times of 17 ± 3 d coincided with high phosphate concentrations and undecayed Nodularia spumigena cells, but unexpectedly also with phosphate depletion and decayed N. spumigena cells. In a decayed bloom, volumetric N2 fixation rates into AAN provided a much better estimate of the net incorporation of N2 into biomass than fixation into bulk nitrogen that rather reflected gross N2 fixation. In an undecayed bloom, the turnover times of 13 AAs can be predicted from a single bulk N2 fixation rate. This is the first direct evidence that the very late, decayed stage of a cyanobacteria bloom can be a flashpoint of very fast AA turnover during N2 fixation with hitherto uncharacterized consequences for heterotrophic food webs and diazotroph N inputs to the global ocean.
Comparison of hybrid and cross fragmentation patterns in terms of phaco time and corneal effects
Authors: Asena Bilgehan Sezgin , Kaskaloglu Mahmut
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To compare two different fragmentation patterns in femtosecond laser‐assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) in terms of phaco values, postoperative endothelial cell count (ECC) and corneal thickness (CT).

Methods

This non‐randomized, retrospective cross‐sectional study included patients with senile cataract of grade 3 who underwent FLACS using the LenSx laser system. In Group 1 (32 eyes), lens fragmentation was created as a cross pattern. In Group 2 (35 eyes), lens fragmentation was created as a hybrid pattern. Intraoperative measurements were of the femtosecond procedure time, the ultrasound (US) total time, effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) and mean phacoemulsification power (MPP). Postoperative measurements were of CT and ECC at day 1, day 7 and 4 weeks after surgery.

Results

MPP and the US total time were significantly less with the hybrid pattern (P < 0.001, and P = 0.003). The EPT did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.266). The CT increased significantly in Group 1 from pre‐operative to first day after surgery (28.1 ± 14.9 in Group 1, and 9.8 ± 15.3 in Group 2) (P < 0.001). The loss in ECC as a percentage was significantly greater in Group 1, 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after surgery (P = 0.18, 0.49 and 0.07, respectively).

Conclusion

The hybrid fragmentation method resulted in less time spent with the phaco being on and with less phaco power. It also caused less loss in ECC and milder changes in CT during the early post‐operative time. 50:319–323, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local Glass Transition Temperature Tg(z) Profile in Polystyrene next to Polybutadiene with and without Plasticization Effects
Authors: Kasavan Benjamin L. , Baglay Roman R. , Roth Connie B.
Published: November 2017

Rubber toughening of glassy polystyrene (PS) has been manufactured commercially for decades as high impact polystyrene, where rubbery poly‐butadiene (PB) inclusions are added to modify the PS matrix response to deformation and impact. In this study, measurements of the local glass transition temperature Tg(z) of PS next to PB rubber are presented, expanding the previous data to a polymer with a much lower Tg value (PB Tgbulk = −96 °C). After accounting for a small molecule additive present in the commercial PB sample that would otherwise migrate over to the PS domain causing plasticization, it is found that the Tg(z) profile in PS next to PB is consistent with previous results. It is also demonstrated that these broad and asymmetric experimentally observed Tg(z) profiles are not caused by the migration of low molecular weight chains across the interface by comparing samples made with two different poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) molecular weights.
Influence of parameterization of soil processes on numerical forecasts of vertical profiles of air potential temperature
Authors: Duniec Grzegorz , Mazur Andrzej
Published: November 2017

Very complex physical processes occurring in the soil have an influence on the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer. These processes, together with sub‐grid processes, in general, must be parameterized. A good description of soil (micro)physics, fluid dynamics in porous media, soil dynamics, the water and thermal cycle in soil, and the soil–plants–water–atmosphere relation affects the quality of numerical weather forecasts. The current parameterization of soil's physical processes in the COSMO meteorological model was initially prepared 40 years ago for numerical models with a poor resolution of several kilometres. Nowadays, operational numerical models work with a resolution that has been enhanced significantly. In order to improve the quality of numerical weather prediction, existing parameterizations should be adequately changed. This research was focused on the case of ‘bare soil’. The influence of the changed parameterization of water flux through the soil on forecasts of vertical profiles of potential temperature for the dry and moist cases is presented.
Long‐time behavior of solution for the compressible Navier‐Stokes‐Maxwell equations in
Authors: Mi Yongsheng , Gao Jincheng
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we are concerned with optimal decay rates for higher‐order spatial derivatives of classical solution to the compressible Navier‐Stokes‐Maxwell equations in three‐dimensional whole space. If the initial perturbation is small in
‐norm, we apply the Fourier splitting method to establish optimal decay rates for the second‐order spatial derivatives of a solution. As a by‐product, the rate of classical solution converging to the constant equilibrium state in
‐norm is
.
Bioavailability of Terpenes and Postprandial Effect on Human Antioxidant Potential. An Open‐Label Study in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Papada Efstathia , Gioxari Aristea , Brieudes Vincent , Amerikanou Charalampia , Halabalaki Maria , Skaltsounis Alexios Leandros , Smyrnioudis Ilias , Kaliora Andriana C.
Published: November 2017

Scope

To assess bioavailability of terpenes in human plasma and their effect on oxidative stress biomarkers.

Methods and results

In this open‐label and single arm postprandial trial, seventeen healthy male volunteers (20–40 years old) follow a low‐phytochemical diet for 5 days. Next, after overnight fasting, volunteers consume Mastiha powder (a natural resin rich in terpenes) dispersed in water. Blood samples are collected on time points 0 h (before ingestion) and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h (post‐ingestion). Ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography high‐resolution MS (UHPLC‐HRMS/MS) is applied for high throughput analysis of plasma. Serum resistance to oxidation and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) levels are measured. UHPLC‐HRMS/MS analysis shows that major terpenes are bioavailable since 0.5 h after administration, reaching a peak between 2 h and 4 h. Serum resistance to oxidation, expressed as difference of tLAG (time point‐0 h), starts to increase from 0.5 h. This increase reaches statistical significance at 4 h (402.3 ± 65.0 s), peaks at 6 h (524.6 ± 62.9 s), and remains statistically significant until 24 h (424.2 ± 48.0 s). oxLDL levels, expressed as %change from 0 h, are reduced significantly from time point‐1 h until time point‐6 h.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate the terpene bioavailability pattern after oral administration of Mastiha. Terpenes are potential mediators of antioxidant defense in vivo.
Suitability of microDiamond detectors for the determination of absorbed dose to water around high‐dose‐rate 192Ir brachytherapy sources
Authors: Kaveckyte Vaiva , Malusek Alexandr , Benmakhlouf Hamza , Alm Carlsson Gudrun , Carlsson Tedgren Åsa
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Experimental dosimetry of high‐dose‐rate (HDR) 192Ir brachytherapy (BT) sources is complicated due to high dose and dose‐rate gradients, and softening of photon energy spectrum with depth. A single crystal synthetic diamond detector microDiamond (PTW 60019, Freiburg, Germany) has a small active volume, high sensitivity, direct readout, and nearly water‐equivalent active volume. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of microDiamond detectors for the determination of absorbed dose to water around HDR 192Ir BT sources. Three microDiamond detectors were used, allowing for the comparison of their properties.

Methods

In‐phantom measurements were performed using microSelectron and VariSource iX HDR 192Ir BT treatment units. Their treatment planning systems (TPSs), Oncentra (v. 4.3) and BrachyVision (v. 13.6), respectively, were used to create irradiation plans for a cubic PMMA phantom with the microDiamond positioned at one of three source‐to‐detector distances (SDDs) (1.5, 2.5, and 5.5 cm) at a time. The source was stepped in increments of 0.5 cm over a total length of 6 cm to yield absorbed dose of 2 Gy at the nominal reference‐point of the detector. Detectors were calibrated in 60Co beam in terms of absorbed dose to water, and Monte Carlo (MC) calculated beam quality correction factors were applied to account for absorbed‐dose energy dependence. Phantom correction factors were applied to account for differences in dimensions between the measurement phantom and a water phantom used for absorbed dose calculations made with a TPS. The same measurements were made with all three of the detectors. Additionally, dose‐rate dependence and stability of the detectors were evaluated in 60Co beam.

Results

The percentage differences between experimentally determined and TPS‐calculated absorbed doses to water were from −1.3% to +2.9%. The values agreed to within experimental uncertainties, which were from 1.9% to 4.3% (k = 2) depending on the detector, SDD and treatment delivery unit. No dose‐rate or intrinsic energy dependence corrections were applied. All microDiamonds were comparable in terms of preirradiation dose, stability of the readings and energy response, and showed a good agreement.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the microDiamond is potentially suitable for the determination of absorbed dose to water around HDR 192Ir BT sources and may be used for independent verification of TPS's calculations, as well as for QA measurements of HDR 192Ir BT treatment delivery units at clinical sites.
Characterization of 90Y‐SPECT/CT self‐calibration approaches on the quantification of voxel‐level absorbed doses following 90Y‐microsphere selective internal radiation therapy
Authors: Balagopal Anjali , Kappadath S. Cheenu
Published: November 2017

Purpose

90Y‐microsphere selective internal radiation therapy (90Y‐SIRT or 90Y‐radioembolization) is used in the management of unresectable liver tumors. 90Y‐SIRT presents a unique situation where the total 90Y activity inside the liver can be determined with high accuracy (> 95%). 90Y bremsstrahlung single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) can be self‐calibrated to provide quantitative images that facilitate voxel‐level absorbed dose calculations. We investigated the effects of different approaches for 90Y‐SPECT self‐calibration on the quantification of absorbed doses following 90Y‐SIRT.

Methods

90Y bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT images of 31 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, collected following 90Y‐SIRT, were analyzed, yielding 48 tumor and 31 normal liver contours. We validated the accuracy of absorbed doses calculated by a commercial software against those calculated using Monte Carlo‐based radiation transport. The software package was used to analyze the following definitions of SPECT volume of interest used for 90Y‐SPECT self‐calibration: (a) SPECT field‐of‐view (FOV), (b) chest‐abdomen contour, (c) total liver contour, (d) total liver contour expanded by 5 mm, and (e) total liver contour contracted by 5 mm. Linear correlation and Bland–Altman analysis were performed for tumor and normal liver tissue absorbed dose volume histogram metrics between the five different approaches for 90Y‐SPECT self‐calibration.

Results

The mean dose calculated using the commercial software was within 3% of Monte Carlo for tumors and normal liver tissues. The tumor mean dose calculated using the chest‐abdomen calibration was within 2% of that calculated using the SPECT FOV, whereas the doses calculated using the total liver contour, expanded total liver contour, and contracted total liver contour were within 68%, 47%, and 107%, respectively, of doses calculated using the SPECT FOV. The normal liver tissue mean dose calculated using the chest‐abdomen contour was within 1.3% of that calculated using the SPECT FOV, whereas the doses calculated using the total liver contour, expanded total liver contour, and contracted total liver contour were within 73%, 50%, and 114%, respectively, of doses calculated using the SPECT FOV.

Conclusions

The mean error of < 3% for commercial software can be considered clinically acceptable for 90Y‐SIRT dosimetry. Absorbed dose quantification using 90Y‐SPECT self‐calibration with the chest‐abdomen contour was equivalent to that calculated using the SPECT FOV, but self‐calibration with the total liver contour yielded substantially higher (~70%) dose values. The large biases revealed by our study suggest that consistent absorbed dose calculation approaches are essential when comparing 90Y‐SIRT dosimetry between different clinical studies.
Equid prey acquisition and ArchaicHomoadaptability at the early Late Pleistocene site of Xujiayao, China
Authors: Li J. S. , Bunn H. T. , Zhang S. Q. , Gao X.
Published: November 2017

Besides active hunting by hominins, there are two methods of scavenging that can provide primary access to intact ungulate carcasses: first‐access scavenging from nonpredator‐related accidents and early‐access aggressive scavenging from carnivore kills. Patterns in mortality profiles of prey animals at archaeological sites provide evidence of prey acquisition strategies, which is an important factor in reconstructing hominin adaptability. The Xujiayao site is an early Late Pleistocene site in the Nihewan Basin, China. Its faunal assemblage is dominated byEquus przewalskiiandEquus hemionus. Evidence from previous taphonomic analysis has implied that ArchaicHomowas the dominant taphonomic agent in the accumulation of the animal remains. This research applies mortality profile analysis to determine a follow‐up question: how were the equid carcasses acquired? The results of this study indicate that ArchaicHomoat Xujiayao probably used both active hunting and scavenging to acquire equids in the early period (lower cultural layer) but mainly used active hunting in the later period (upper cultural layer) due to the fact that the climate changed to much colder conditions in the later period. This research provides new information on the subsistence adaptations of ArchaicHomoin northern latitudinal climates of China in the early Late Pleistocene.