bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Semiautomated Fractional Limb Volume Tool for Rapid and Reproducible Fetal Soft Tissue Assessment
Authors: Mack Lauren M. , Kim Sung Yoon , Lee Sungmin , Sangi-Haghpeykar Haleh , Lee Wesley
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to document the reproducibility and efficiency of a semiautomated image analysis tool that rapidly provides fetal fractional limb volume measurements. Fifty pregnant women underwent 3‐dimensional sonographic examinations for fractional arm and thigh volumes at a mean menstrual age of 31.3 weeks. Manual and semiautomated fractional limb volume measurements were calculated, with the semiautomated measurements calculated by novel software (5D Limb Vol; Samsung Medison, Seoul, Korea). The software applies an image transformation method based on the major axis length, minor axis length, and limb center coordinates. A transformed image is used to perform a global optimization technique for determination of an optimal limb soft tissue boundary. Bland‐Altman analysis defined bias with 95% limits of agreement (LOA) between methods, and timing differences between manual versus automated methods were compared by a paired t test. Bland‐Altman analysis indicated an acceptable bias with 95% LOA between the manual and semiautomated methods: mean arm volume ± SD, 1.7% ± 4.6% (95% LOA, −7.3% to 10.7%); and mean thigh volume, 0.0% ± 3.8% (95% LOA, −7.5% to 7.5%). The computer‐assisted software completed measurements about 5 times faster compared to manual tracings. In conclusion, semiautomated fractional limb volume measurements are significantly faster to calculate when compared to a manual procedure. These results are reproducible and are likely to reduce operator dependency. The addition of computer‐assisted fractional limb volume to standard biometry may improve the precision of estimated fetal weight by adding a soft tissue component to the weight estimation process.
Century‐scale causal relationships between global dry/wet conditions and the state of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
Authors: Sun Qiaohong , Miao Chiyuan , AghaKouchak Amir , Duan Qingyun
Published: June 2016

The Granger causality test is used to examine the effects of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on global dry/wet conditions. The results show robust relationships between dry/wet conditions and the ocean states, as assessed through a multi‐index (standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index and standardized precipitation index) and multiscale (3 months and 12 months) evaluation. The influence of ENSO events is widespread, dominating about 38% of the global land surface (excluding Antarctica). Southern and western North America, northern South America, and eastern Russia are influenced by the PDO. The NAO influences not only dry/wet conditions in Europe but also dry/wet conditions in northern Africa. Similarly, climate variability in southern Europe and northern Africa may be due to the concurrence of the ENSO and the NAO. Knowledge of the spatial influence of ocean states on global dry/wet conditions is valuable for improving drought and flood forecasting.
Romantic Historiography and The Paradoxes of Historicist Architecture
Authors: Bergdoll Barry
Published: June 2016

The various revivals that characterized the buildings and polemics of nineteenth‐century architecture have received much attention. This chapter proposes a reading of the subject in terms of underlying theories of history and of models for imitation. The transition from a neoclassical notion of architecture as based on an intangible but immutable ideal to a romantic notion of architecture as related to a dynamic principle of change is shown to have been a more complex evolution than a radical paradigm shift. Architectural positions articulated in the newly lively architectural press can best be understood if they are juxtaposed with the actual production of buildings. This is studied here by comparing two exemplary buildings, each of which had ambitions to offer lessons in the relationship between modern architectural design and the main lines of historical development in past phases of national architecture. Appropriately, these are two of the first ever purpose‐built buildings to house influential schools of architecture: Félix Duban's École des Beaux‐Arts complex in Paris and Karl Friedrich Schinkel's Bauakademie (Buildling Academy) in Berlin, veritable contemporaries.
Thermosensitive Polypeptide Hydrogels as a Platform for ROS‐Triggered Cargo Release with Innate Cytoprotective Ability under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Xu Qinghua , He Chaoliang , Ren Kaixuan , Xiao Chunsheng , Chen Xuesi
Published: June 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in cell signaling pathways, while increased production of ROS may disrupt cellular homeostasis, giving rise to a series of diseases. Therefore, materials responding to ROS at physiological levels are of great significance. In this work, a novel ROS‐responsive thermogelling hydrogel based on methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(l‐methionine) diblock copolymers is designed and synthesized. The mechanism for solution‐to‐hydrogel (sol‐gel) phase transitions of the copolymer aqueous solutions is studied. Incubation of the hydrogels in the presence of peroxide hydrogen (H2O2 ) displays a H2O2‐responsive degradation process. The hydrogels containing Rhodamine 6G exhibit sustained release profiles that are accelerated in response to H2O2. An innate cytoprotective ability of the hydrogels is revealed by incubation of L929 cells with the hydrogels under oxidative stress, which reduces H2O2‐mediated cell death. ROS produced by activated macrophages can accelerate the erosion of the hydrogel, suggesting that the hydrogel is also responsive to pathological level of H2O2. Meanwhile, the poly(l‐methionine)‐based hydrogels degrade within 6 weeks after subcutaneous injection into rats, with a good biocompatibility in vivo. Overall, the injectable, ROS‐responsive hydrogels may serve as promising platforms for sustained drug delivery and cell‐based therapies in treatment of diseases with local oxidative stress.
Design of parallel cyclones based on stability analysis
Authors: Zhang Chenxi , Wang Qi , Jia Zhao , Muhammad Usman , Qian Weizhong , Wei Fei
Published: June 2016

The uniform distribution of gas solids flow across parallel cyclones is required for high efficiency. In this study, we introduced mass flow rate ratio between solids and gas (CT) to present multi‐phase interaction. And the direct Liapunov method is used to detect the instability of uniformity. Due to the special symmetry in this system, the criterion can be simplified into identifying the concavity (concave or convex) of pressure drop across a single cyclone with respect to CT. Then, based on the stability analysis of uniformity, a novel design principle is provided to prevent non‐uniform distribution at dense phase. The effect of geometrical factor, i.e. dimensionless vortex finder diameter dr, on the stability of uniformity has been further investigated. The phase diagram, illustrating the effects of both operational parameter (CT) and geometrical parameter (dr) on stability of uniformity is calculated to give a clue of designing a robust parallel cyclones system. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 4251–4258, 2016
Consistent inter‐individual differences in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in Boldness‐Shyness, Stress‐Activity, and Exploration‐Avoidance
Authors: Šlipogor Vedrana , Gunhold‐de Oliveira Tina , Tadić Zoran , Massen Jorg J.M. , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: June 2016

The study of animal personality, defined as consistent inter‐individual differences in correlated behavioral traits stable throughout time and/or contexts, has recently become one of the fastest growing areas in animal biology, with study species ranging from insects to non‐human primates. The latter have, however, only occasionally been tested with standardized experiments. Instead their personality has usually been assessed using questionnaires. Therefore, this study aimed to test 21 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) living in three family groups, in five different experiments, and their corresponding controls. We found that behavioral differences between our animals were not only consistent over time, but also across different contexts. Moreover, the consistent behaviors formed a construct of four major non‐social personality components: Boldness‐Shyness in Foraging, Boldness‐Shyness in Predation, Stress‐Activity, and Exploration‐Avoidance. We found no sex or age differences in these components, but our results did reveal differences in Exploration‐Avoidance between the three family groups. As social environment can have a large influence on behavior of individuals, our results may suggest group‐level similarity in personality (i.e., “group personality”) in common marmosets, a species living in highly cohesive social groups. Am. J. Primatol. 78:961–973, 2016. © 2016 The Authors.American Journal of Primatologypublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Personality in wild bonobos (Pan paniscus)
Authors: Garai Cintia , Weiss Alexander , Arnaud Coline , Furuichi Takeshi
Published: June 2016

To understand the evolution of personality structure requires examining personality dimensions in multiple species using a common set of traits. Little research has been conducted on personality in wild populations of nonhuman primates. Using behavioral observations and questionnaire ratings, we examined factors influencing personality in 16 wild bonobos (Pan paniscus) at Wamba, Luo Scientific Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We extracted five factors from 31 of the items from the Hominoid Personality Questionnaire (HPQ) and three factors from observed behaviors. The HPQ factors were labeled UnemotionalityQ, FriendlinessQ, AggressivenessQ, IrritabilityQ, and ActivityQ. The behavioral factors were labeled GroomingB, PlayfulnessB, and IntroversionB. We established the convergent and divergent validity of these factors by obtaining correlations between the HPQ and behavioral factors. We tested for sex differences and found that males were significantly higher on IntroversionBand significantly lower in IrritabilityQ. We then tested for age differences and found that FriendlinessQwas lower and AggressivenessQwas higher in older individuals. Finally, we found that, among males, hierarchical rank was associated with higher AggressivenessQ. These findings contrast with findings in chimpanzees in ways consistent with known species differences. For one, consistent with the more egalitarian structure of bonobo society, we did not identify a clear Dominance factor. Also, the results related to sex differences were consistent with previous findings that reveal closer bonds between female bonobos than female chimpanzees. These findings highlight the importance of studying personality in closely related species and the need to consider species’ socioecology when studying personality. Am. J. Primatol. 78:1178–1189, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on nonisothermal crystallization of PP in a wide range of cooling rates analyzed by fast scanning DSC
Authors: Suksut Buncha , Schlarb Alois K.
Published: June 2016

The influence of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the crystallization behavior of polypropylene was investigated by conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fast scanning DSC measurements. The data obtained from both methods were estimated for the first time using the Lauritzen‐Hoffmann equation to analyze the behavior over a wide cooling range under nonisothermal conditions. This provides more reliable values of nucleation parameters (Kg) and surface free energy (σe). The variation of the effective energy (ΔE) was determined with the Kissinger method. Regardless of the cooling rate, both Kg and σe indicate the role of titania as a nucleating agent enhances the crystallization rate. However, the ΔE denotes that TiO2 acts as an obstacle to the mobility of chain segments at cooling rates below 150 °C/s, while, in contrast, the presence of titania enhances the chain mobility at cooling rates above 150 °C/s. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43944.
Boron Nitride Nanosheets (BNNSs) Chemically Modified by “Grafting‐From” Polymerization of Poly(caprolactone) for Thermally Conductive Polymer Composites
Authors: Lee Jinseong , Jung Haejong , Yu Seunggun , Man Cho Suk , Tiwari Vimal K. , Babu Velusamy Dhinesh , Park Cheolmin
Published: June 2016

To meet the growing demand for rapid heat dissipation in electronic devices to ensure their reliable performance with a high level of safety, many polymer composites with thermally conductive but electrically insulating 2D boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are being developed. Here we present an efficient way to enhance the thermal conductivity (TC) of a polymer composite by means of “grafting‐from” polymerization of a poly(caprolactone) (PCL) onto BNNSs. The BNNSs, which were exfoliated from bulk BN by means of ultra‐sonication, were prepared by means of radical oxidation. These oxidized BNNSs (oxi‐BNNSs) were employed as initiators for subsequent ring‐opening polymerization of PCL, which successfully resulted in PCL chemically grafted onto BNNSs (PCL‐g‐BNNSs). The excellent dispersion of PCL‐g‐BNNSs in common solvents allowed us to readily fabricate a polymer composite that contained PCL‐g‐BNNSs embedded in a PCL matrix, and the composite showed TC values that were five and nine times greater in the out‐of‐plane and in‐plane mode, respectively, than those of pristine PCL.
The autism symptom interview, school‐age: A brief telephone interview to identify autism spectrum disorders in 5‐to‐12‐year‐old children
Authors: Bishop Somer L. , Huerta Marisela , Gotham Katherine , Alexandra Havdahl Karoline , Pickles Andrew , Duncan Amie , Hus Bal Vanessa , Croen Lisa , Lord Catherine
Published: June 2016

This study reports on the initial validation of the Autism Symptom Interview (ASI), School‐Age, a brief (15–20 min) phone interview derived from questions from the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R). The ASI, School‐Age was administered by interviewers with minimal training to parents of children ages 5 to 12 who had all been previously identified with (or referred for assessment of) ASD or another neurodevelopmental disorder. Children then underwent a comprehensive assessment to determine a best‐estimate clinical diagnosis of ASD (n = 159) or non‐ASD (e.g. language disorder, intellectual disability, ADHD; n = 130). Clinicians who conducted the assessments were blind to ASI results. ROC analyses compared ASI scores to clinical diagnosis. Due to the small number of participants with non‐ASD diagnoses who were classified as nonverbal (i.e. not yet using phrases on a daily basis), it was not possible to assess sensitivity and specificity of the nonverbal algorithm in this sample. The verbal algorithm yielded a sensitivity of 0.87 (95% CI = 0.81–0.92) and a specificity of 0.62 (95% CI = 0.53–0.70). When used in conjunction with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), sensitivity and specificity were 0.82 (95% CI = 0.74–0.88) and 0.92 (95% CI = 0.86–0.96), respectively. Internal consistency and test‐retest reliability were both excellent. Particularly for verbal school age children, the ASI may serve as a useful tool to more quickly ascertain or classify children with ASD for research or clinical triaging purposes. Additional data collection is underway to determine the utility of the ASI in children who are younger and/or nonverbal. Autism Res 2017, 10: 78–88. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organizational topology of brain and its relationship to ADHD in adolescents with d‐transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Schmithorst Vincent J. , Panigrahy Ashok , Gaynor J. William , Watson Christopher G. , Lee Vince , Bellinger David C. , Rivkin Michael J. , Newburger Jane W.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Little is currently known about the impact of congenital heart disease (CHD) on the organization of large‐scale brain networks in relation to neurobehavioral outcome. We investigated whether CHD might impact ADHD symptoms via changes in brain structural network topology in a cohort of adolescents with d‐transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA) repaired with the arterial switch operation in early infancy and referent subjects. We also explored whether these effects might be modified by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, as the APOE ε2 allele has been associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes after repair of d‐TGA in infancy.

Methods

We applied graph analysis techniques to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data obtained from 47 d‐TGA adolescents and 29 healthy referents to construct measures of structural topology at the global and regional levels. We developed statistical mediation models revealing the respective contributions of d‐TGA, APOE genotype, and structural network topology on ADHD outcome as measured by the Connors ADHD/DSM‐IV Scales (CADS).

Results

Changes in overall network connectivity, integration, and segregation mediated worse ADHD outcomes in d‐TGA patients compared to healthy referents; these changes were predominantly in the left and right intrahemispheric regional subnetworks. Exploratory analysis revealed that network topology also mediated detrimental effects of the APOE ε4 allele but improved neurobehavioral outcomes for the APOE ε2 allele.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that disruption of organization of large‐scale networks may contribute to neurobehavioral dysfunction in adolescents with CHD and that this effect may interact with APOE genotype.
Generation of Stable Transgenic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) by Agrobacterium‐Mediated Transformation
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Jun , Gao Caixia
Published: June 2016

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the staple food for more than half of the world's population, and has also become an important model monocot. As a result, numerous genetic transformation protocols have been developed to improve and better understand this particular agronomic plant. Here we introduce a convenient transformation method using Agrobacterium. The explants used are embryogenic calli derived from mature seeds, which are easily obtained and can be used all year round. After selection and regeneration, transformants are obtained from resistant calli cultured on the regeneration medium. This protocol has been used to generate transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) in as little as 4 months. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Improved Transient Expression System Using Arabidopsis Protoplasts
Authors: Cao Yangrong , Li Hong , Pham An Q. , Stacey Gary
Published: June 2016

Transient gene expression in protoplasts provides a powerful tool to study protein expression, protein localization, protein‐protein association, and gene expression regulation, etc. There are several methods including electroporation, which have been reported to introduce DNA into protoplasts. However, one of the best methods used is polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐mediated transfection. Here, we describe an improved PEG‐mediated transformation method including preparation of protoplasts, PEG‐mediated transformation, and, by way of example, expression of the AtLYK5 gene (AT2G33580) in protoplasts. The protoplast transient expression system provides unique capabilities to support cell‐based experiments involved in plant biochemistry and physiology. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Extraction and Analysis of Terpenes/Terpenoids
Authors: Jiang Zuodong , Kempinski Chase , Chappell Joe
Published: June 2016

Terpenes/terpenoids constitute one of the largest classes of natural products, due to the incredible chemical diversity that can arise from the biochemical transformations of relatively simple prenyl diphosphate starter units. All terpenes/terpenoids comprise a hydrocarbon backbone generated from various length prenyl diphosphates (a polymer chain of prenyl units). Upon ionization (removal) of the diphosphate group, the remaining allylic carbocation intermediates can be coaxed down complex chemical cascades leading to diverse linear and cyclized hydrocarbon backbones that can be further modified with a wide range of functional groups (e.g., alcohols or ketones) and substituent additions (e.g., sugars or fatty acids). Because of this chemical diversity, terpenes/terpenoids have great industrial uses as flavors, fragrances, high grade lubricants, biofuels, agricultural chemicals, and medicines. The protocols presented here focus on the extraction of terpenes/terpenoids from various plant sources and have been divided into extraction methods for terpenes/terpenoids with various levels of chemical decoration—from relatively small, nonpolar, volatile hydrocarbons to substantially large molecules with greater physical complexity due to chemical modifications. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as a Catalyst for Gas‐Phase Oxidation of Ethanol to Acetaldehyde
Authors: Wang Jia , Huang Rui , Feng Zhenbao , Liu Hongyang , Su Dangsheng
Published: June 2016

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were directly used as a sustainable and green catalyst to convert ethanol into acetaldehyde in the presence of molecular oxygen. The C=O groups generated on the nanocarbon surface were demonstrated as active sites for the selective oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde. The transformation of disordered carbon debris on the CNT surface to ordered graphitic structures induced by thermal‐treatment significantly enhanced the stability of the active C=O groups, and thus the catalytic performance. A high reactivity with approximately 60 % ethanol conversion and 93 % acetaldehyde selectivity was obtained over the optimized CNT catalyst at 270 °C. More importantly, the catalytic performance was quite stable even after 500 h, which is comparable with a supported gold catalyst. The robust catalytic performance displayed the potential application of CNTs in the industrial catalysis field.
Application of Concanavalin A during immune responsiveness skin‐swelling tests facilitates measurement interpretation in mammalian ecology
Authors: Bílková Barbora , Albrecht Tomáš , Chudíčková Milada , Holáň Vladimír , Piálek Jaroslav , Vinkler Michal
Published: June 2016

The skin‐swelling test is a simple and widespread method used in field ecological research to estimate cellular immune responsiveness in animals. This immunoecological test is based on measuring the magnitude of tissue swelling response at specific times following subcutaneous application of an experimental pro‐inflammatory stimulant. In the vast majority of studies across vertebrate taxa, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is used as a universal stimulant. Given the complexity of immune response activation pathways of PHA, however, interpretation of test results can be ambiguous. Goal of this study was to improve methodology of the skin‐swelling test to decrease this ambiguity. Here, we present an alternative protocol aimed at facilitating interpretation of skin‐swelling data for mammals. Based on previous evidence suggesting that mammalian T cells are readily activated by Concanavalin A (ConA) in vitro, we compared cellular immune responses in vivo to PHA and ConA as an alternative pro‐inflammatory stimulant in mice. We measured magnitude of tissue swelling and compared it with intensity of blood cell infiltration into tissue over a 72‐hour interval. Our results corroborate that PHA and ConA show important differences in both dynamics and response amplitude in rodents. ConA induces stronger swelling with a distinct leukocyte activity pattern and higher pro‐inflammatory cytokine (interleukin 6 [IL‐6] and interferon gamma[IFN‐γ]) expression than PHA during peak response (24‐h post‐treatment). Furthermore, unlike PHA, magnitude of swelling was positively associated with cellular activity (number of neutrophils infiltrating tissue) following ConA injection. We conclude that ConA is the more suitable stimulant for skin‐swelling tests in mammals. This is because of the molecular binding specificity in the two lectins, that is, ConA specifically activates T cells while PHA also triggers erythroagglutination. We propose that ConA be used in all future ecological testing in mammals as it exhibits better performance and its application facilitates immunological interpretation of skin‐swelling test results.
Pyrogenic fuels produced by savanna trees can engineer humid savannas
Authors: Platt William J. , Ellair Darin P. , Huffman Jean M. , Potts Stephen E. , Beckage Brian
Published: June 2016

Natural fires ignited by lightning strikes following droughts frequently are posited as the ecological mechanism maintaining discontinuous tree cover and grass‐dominated ground layers in savannas. Such fires, however, may not reliably maintain humid savannas. We propose that savanna trees producing pyrogenic shed leaves might engineer fire characteristics, affecting ground‐layer plants in ways that maintain humid savannas. We explored our hypothesis in a high‐rainfall, frequently burned pine savanna in which the dominant tree, longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), produces resinous needles that become highly flammable when shed and dried. We postulated that pyrogenic needles should have much greater influence on fire characteristics at ground level, and hence post‐fire responses of dominant shrubs and grasses, than other abundant fine fuels (shed oak leaves and grass culms). We further reasoned that these effects should increase with amounts of needles. We managed site conditions that affect fuels (time since fire, dominant vegetation), manipulated amounts of needles in ground‐layer plots, prescribed burned the plots, and measured fire characteristics at ground level. We also measured characteristics of ground‐layer oaks and grasses before, then 2 and 8 months after fires. We tested our hypotheses regarding effects of pyrogenic pine fuels on fire characteristics and vegetation regrowth and explored direct and indirect effects of fuels on fire characteristics and vegetation using a structural equation model. Pine needles influenced fire characteristics, elevating maximum temperature increases, durations of heating above 60°C, and fine fuel consumption considerably above measurements when fuels only included other savanna plants. Presence of pine needles depressed post‐fire numbers of oak stems and grass culms, especially in the interior of grass genets, as well as post‐fire flowering of grasses. The structural equation model indicated strong direct and indirect pathways from pine needles to post‐fire responses of oaks and grasses. The experimental field tests of hypotheses, bolstered by structural equation modeling, indicate pyrogenic fine fuels modify characteristics of prescribed fires at ground level, negatively affecting dominant ground‐layer oaks and grasses. Frequent fires fueled by pyrogenic needles should maintain humid savannas and generate spatial pyrodiversity that affects composition and dynamics of pine savanna ground‐layer vegetation.
Optimal dynamic spatial sampling
Authors: Bohorquez Martha , Giraldo Ramon , Mateu Jorge
Published: June 2016

This paper provides new tools for dynamic spatial sampling designs to find the optimal spatial mean estimation and the optimal spatial prediction, based on the temporal variation of the spatial dependence structure. We propose to model the time series formed by the sequence of the spatial covariance parameter estimators, taking into account the uncertainty associated with the estimations. A discussion of useful properties and techniques for estimation and forecasting under a variety of scenarios, including continuous time, is presented. An intensive simulation study is developed for a number of combinations of several time series lengths, spatial sample sizes, time series models, and covariance spatial functions. The methodology is applied to a network of air quality in Bogotá, Colombia, where we find the location of a mobile station that optimizes the spatial mean estimation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity of three strobilurins (kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin, and trifloxystrobin) on Daphnia magna
Authors: Cui Feng , Chai Tingting , Liu Xiaoxu , Wang Chengju
Published: June 2016

Strobilurins constitute a new class of fungicides that is the most widely used in the world. The present study was conducted to investigate the aquatic toxicity of 3 common strobilurin fungicides (kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin, and trifloxystrobin) to Daphnia magna. The neonate acute immobilization test showed that the 48-h 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin, and trifloxystrobin were 443.3 µg/L, 20.9 µg/L, and 23.0 µg/L, respectively. In addition, the 3 strobilurins significantly induced activity of the important detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) in D. magna, and there was a significant positive relationship between GST activity and immobility of D. magna after acute exposure. The 3 strobilurins showed higher toxicity to D. magna embryos, and the 48-h EC50 were 157.3 µg/L, 3.9 µg/L, and 1.7 µg/L for kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin, and trifloxystrobin, respectively. The 21-d chronic test revealed that the strobilurins could also significantly affect the reproduction, development, and growth of D. magna at sublethal concentrations. The lowest-observed-effect concentrations of kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin, and trifloxystrobin for reproduction were 20 µg/L, 0.15 µg/L, and 0.2 µg/L, respectively, which were close to environmental concentrations. The findings indicate that strobilurin fungicides are very toxic to D. magna and they are sufficient to cause harm to D. magna at environmentally relevant concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:182–189. © 2016 SETAC
Paclitaxel‐releasing mesenchymal stromal cells inhibit the growth of multiple myeloma cells in a dynamic 3D culture system
Authors: Bonomi Arianna , Steimberg Nathalie , Benetti Anna , Berenzi Angiola , Alessandri Giulio , Pascucci Luisa , Boniotti Jennifer , Coccè Valentina , Sordi Valeria , Pessina Augusto , Mazzoleni Giovanna
Published: June 2016

Multiple myeloma is an aggressive tumour able to suppress osteoblastogenesis probably mediated by bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSCs) that can also support plasma cell growth/survival. The use of MSCs for multiple myeloma therapy is a controversial topic because of the contradictory results on the capacity of MSCs to inhibit or to promote cancer growth. Our previous studies demonstrated that MSCs could be loaded with Paclitaxel (PTX) and used to deliver the drug in situ in amount affecting tumour growth (in vitro and in vivo). Therefore, independently on the discussed action of MSCs in myeloma, MSCs could represent a ‘trojan horse’ to vehicle and deliver anti‐tumour agents into bone marrow. This study confirms, by an in vitro 3D dynamic culture system, that PTX loaded BM‐MSCs (PTXr‐MSCs) are active on the proliferation of RPMI 8226, a human myeloma cell line. Our results demonstrated a dramatic suppression of myeloma cell growth by PTXr‐MSCs, suggesting that drug loaded MSCs could be a tool to deliver drug into the bone marrow. Drug releasing MSCs provide a therapeutic approach to potentiate the existing treatments against a very aggressive malignancy as multiple myeloma. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Green HRM Practices on Employee Workplace Green Behavior: The Role of Psychological Green Climate and Employee Green Values
Authors: Dumont Jenny , Shen Jie , Deng Xin
Published: June 2016

As an emerging concept, green human resource management (green HRM) has been conceptualized to influence employee workplace green behavior. This research empirically tested this link. We first developed measures for green HRM, and then drew on the behavioral HRM and psychological climate literature along with the supplies‐values fit theory, to test a conceptual model integrating the effects of psychological green climate and individual green values. Results revealed that green HRM both directly and indirectly influenced in‐role green behavior, but only indirectly influenced extra‐role green behavior, through the mediation of psychological green climate. Individual green values moderated the effect of psychological green climate on extra‐role green behavior, but it did not moderate the effect of either green HRM or psychological green climate on in‐role green behavior. These findings indicate that green HRM affects both employee in‐role and extra‐role workplace green behavior; however, this occurs through different social and psychological processes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationships among Negative Emotionality, Responsive Parenting and Early Socio‐cognitive Development in Korean Children
Authors: Cha Kijoo
Published: June 2016

The present study examined the interplay among negative emotionality, responsive parenting and socio‐cognitive developmental outcomes (i.e., communication, personal‐social and problem‐solving outcomes) in about 1620 Korean children using three waves of longitudinal data spanning the first 2 years of their life. Results from the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrated that there were moderate to low degrees of stability in negative emotionality, responsive parenting and socio‐cognitive developmental outcomes from infancy to toddlerhood. Evidence for reciprocity in the parent–child relationship was found; responsive parenting predicted higher levels of subsequent child communication (in infancy and toddlerhood), and infants' higher problem‐solving ability predicted higher responsive parenting in toddlerhood. Overall, the cross‐age associations among the variables were similar between boys and girls, but some different patterns were observed: when controlling for family contextual factors and the within‐time correlations, negative emotionality at an earlier point significantly predicted lower responsive parenting at a later point and vice versa only in girls during infancy, but neither in boys nor in toddlerhood. The implications of these findings are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal Bone Acquisition With Early-Life HIV Infection: Role of Immune Activation and Senescent Osteogenic Precursors
Authors: Manavalan John S , Arpadi Stephen , Tharmarajah Shenthuraan , Shah Jayesh , Zhang Chiyuan A , Foca Marc , Neu Natalie , Bell David L , Nishiyama Kyle K , Kousteni Stavroula , Yin Michael T
Published: June 2016

Chronic immune activation associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may have negative consequences on bone acquisition in individuals infected with HIV early in life. Bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitecture were characterized in 38 HIV-infected men on antiretroviral therapy (18 perinatally-infected, 20 adolescence-infected) and 20 uninfected men age 20 to 25 years by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT). Flow cytometry was utilized to measure CD4+/CD8+ activation (HLADR+CD38+) and senescence (CD28–CD57+) and to quantify circulating osteogenic precursor (COP) cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using antibodies to RUNX2 and osteocalcin (OCN). Telomere lengths were measured in sorted COP cells using qPCR. DXA-derived areal BMD Z-scores and HRpQCT-derived volumetric BMD (vBMD) measures were lower in HIV-infected than uninfected men. Proportion of activated and senescent CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were higher in HIV-infected than uninfected men. The percentage of COP cells (mean ± SE) was lower in HIV-infected than uninfected (0.19% ± 0.02% versus 0.43% ± 0.06%; p < 0.0001) men, and also lower in perinatally-infected than adolescence-infected men (0.15% ± 0.02% versus 0.22% ± 0.03%; p < 0.04). A higher proportion of COP cells correlated with higher bone stiffness, a measure of bone strength, whereas a higher proportion of activated CD4+ T cells correlated with lower BMD and stiffness and lower proportion of COP cells. T cell activation with HIV-infection was associated with decreased numbers of osteogenic precursors as well as lower peak bone mass and bone strength. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comparative proteome analysis reveals proteins involved in salt adaptation in Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida
Authors: Chuang Min‐Yuan , Tsai Wei‐Chen , Kuo Tsun‐Yung , Chen Han‐Min , Chen Wei‐Jung
Published: June 2016

Proteomic approaches were applied to investigate whether Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp) can directly sense and respond to growth conditions under different salinities, 0.85% and 3.5% NaCl concentrations, mimicking the osmotic conditions in host and marine water bodies, respectively. Proteins significantly altered were analyzed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE), liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF MS/MS) and bioinformatics analysis, thus resulting in 16 outer membrane proteins (OMPs), 12 inner membrane proteins (IMPs), and 20 cytoplasmic proteins (CPs). Quantitative real‐time PCR was also applied to monitor the mRNA expression level of these target proteins. Cluster of orthologous groups of protein (COG) analysis revealed that when shifting from 3.5% to 0.85% salinity, the majority of the up‐regulated proteins were involved in posttranslational modification, protein turnover, and chaperones, while the down‐regulated proteins were mainly related to energy production and conversion, compatible solutes (carbohydrates, amino acids and their derivatives) biogenesis and transport. Differentially expressed proteins identified in the current study could be used to elucidate the salt adaptation mechanisms of Phdp during their transition between host cells and the marine habitats.
Oleaginous yeasts from Antarctica: Screening and preliminary approach on lipid accumulation
Authors: Viñarta Silvana C. , Angelicola M. Virginia , Barros J. Maximiliano , Fernández Pablo M. , Mac Cormak Walter , Aybar Manuel J. , de Figueroa Lucía I.C.
Published: June 2016

The capability of 17 Rhodotorula spp. isolated from Antarctica to accumulate intracellular lipids in nitrogen‐limited medium was investigated. As results, 10 isolates were selected by Nile red staining, while 12 isolates were selected as oleaginous by analysis of total lipid content (20.4–73%, w/w of dry biomass). The higher lipid production and accumulation was exhibited for six strains belonging to three species of Rhodotorula (Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula glacialis, and Rhodotorula laryngis). This is the first report where R. laryngis have been identified within oleaginous specie. Lipid accumulation was evaluated comparatively in two nitrogen‐limited glucose‐based media (MI and MII). MI (low C/N ratio) was more suitable for biomass and lipid production while in MII (high C/N ratio) total lipid content was improved. R. glutinis R4, R. glacialis R15, and R. glutinis R48 showed high lipid concentrations (4.65–6.93 g L−1) and they were able to accumulate large amounts of lipids per gram of biomass (47–77%, w/w). A similar profile in fatty acids composition and content of neutral lipids to vegetable oils was observed, indicating that lipids produced by oleaginous Antarctic yeasts can be considered an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production. Antarctica represents an important source of oleaginous yeasts with adaptive capabilities to accumulate considerable amounts of lipids with biotechnological interest at 15 °C and 25 °C.
Modelling daily rainfall with climatological predictors: Poisson‐gamma generalized linear modelling approach
Authors: Yunus Rossita M. , Hasan Masud M. , Razak Nuradhiathy A. , Zubairi Yong Z. , Dunn Peter K.
Published: June 2016

Generalized linear models (GLMs) are used in understanding the impact of predictors on a dependent variable. The aim of this study is to fitGLMsto daily rainfall totals using potential predictors. First, the appropriate probability distributions within a specific family, the Tweedie family, were determined for daily rainfall totals from four stations of Peninsular Malaysia from 1983 to 2012. Within the Tweedie family, the Poisson Gamma (PG) distribution was found appropriate to model both components: occurrence (dry/wet days) and amount (rainfall totals on wet days) of rainfall simultaneously. Then, thePG‐GLMswere fitted to rainfall data with a sine term, a cosine term, lagged rainfall,NINO3.4 and Southern oscillation index (SOI) as predictors. Finally, the models were compared using the Likelihood ratio test and the Akaike information criterion. Initially, considering the cyclic pattern of rainfall data, models with only sine and cosine terms (the base model) were fitted. Then the lagged rainfall and climatological variables were added each time to the base model. DiagnosticQQplots indicate that the models fit the data well. The models were fitted using the first 60% of data and validated using the remainder. The models capture the various characteristics of observed datasets reasonably well. Including single climatological variables in the model significantly improves the fit compared to the base model with lagged rainfall (except for the south‐east coastal station, Mersing), however, including both climatological predictors in the same model does not improve the model significantly. The model withSOIis only favoured for the east coastal station, Kuala Terengganu, and the model withNINO3.4 fits better to the inland and west coastal stations. The models are useful in understanding the impact of the studied climatological variables and to predict the amount and probability of rainfall.
Quantitative analysis of multiple components based on liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry in full scan mode
Authors: Xu Min Li , Li Bao Qiong , Wang Xue , Chen Jing , Zhai Hong Lin
Published: June 2016

Although liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry in full scan mode can obtain all the signals simultaneously in a large range and low cost, it is rarely used in quantitative analysis due to several problems such as chromatographic drifts and peak overlap. In this paper, we propose a Tchebichef moment method for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of three active compounds in Qingrejiedu oral liquid based on three‐dimensional spectra in full scan mode of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. After the Tchebichef moments were calculated directly from the spectra, the quantitative linear models for three active compounds were established by stepwise regression. All the correlation coefficients were more than 0.9978. The limits of detection and limits of quantitation were less than 0.11 and 0.49 μg/mL, respectively. The intra‐ and interday precisions were less than 6.54 and 9.47%, while the recovery ranged from 102.56 to 112.15%. Owing to the advantages of multi‐resolution and inherent invariance properties, Tchebichef moments could provide favorable results even in the situation of peaks shifting and overlapping, unknown interferences and noise signals, so it could be applied to the analysis of three‐dimensional spectra in full scan mode of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry.
Winter diet and hunting success of Canada lynx in Colorado
Authors: Ivan Jacob S. , Shenk Tanya M.
Published: June 2016

Information regarding the diet of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) at the southernmost extent of its range is critical for managing the species under current and predicted climate conditions. Therefore, from 1999–2009, we investigated winter diet and hunting strategies of Canada lynx in Colorado, USA by tracking individuals in the snow to identify sites where lynx encountered and killed prey. Similar to other parts of lynx range, snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) were the primary winter food in Colorado, especially when considering total biomass consumed. Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) comprised the bulk of the remaining food items and were a substantial occurrence during several years, which is consistent with previous hypotheses regarding the diet of lynx in southerly populations. Lynx successfully captured snowshoe hares on 31% of attempts and red squirrels on 47% of attempts, similar to lynx in other regions. In contrast to other populations, the majority of chases of both prey species were initiated while actively hunting rather than by ambush and this behavior did not change through time. We found evidence for snowshoe hare refugia during winter; hunting success for hares peaked at sites with approximately 3,000 stems/ha, but was lower in more dense vegetation where hare densities were greater. Given this finding and the apparent importance of red squirrels as alternate prey, we suggest that management for lynx in the southern Rocky Mountains, USA, focus on maintenance of mature, uneven‐aged Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii)‐subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) stands. Such stands naturally provide patches of dense and open habitats juxtaposed closely together that should simultaneously facilitate high hare densities (and refuge from predation) and accessibility to hares by lynx. Mature trees in such stands also provide abundant cone crops to sustain populations of red squirrels for use as alternate prey. © 2016 The Authors.Journal of Wildlife Managementpublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Proximate influences on female dispersal in white‐tailed deer
Authors: Lutz Clayton L. , Diefenbach Duane R. , Rosenberry Christopher S.
Published: June 2016

Ultimate causes of animal dispersal have been hypothesized to benefit the dispersing individual because dispersal reduces competition for local resources, potential for inbreeding, and competition for breeding partners. However, proximate cues influence important features of dispersal behavior, including when dispersal occurs, how long it lasts, and direction, straightness, and distance of the dispersal path. Therefore, proximate cues that affect dispersal influence ecological processes (e.g., population dynamics, disease transmission, gene flow). We captured and radio‐marked 277 juvenile female white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), of which 27 dispersed, to evaluate dispersal behavior and to determine proximate cues that may influence dispersal behavior. Female dispersal largely occurred at 1 year of age and coincided with the fawning season. Dispersal paths varied but generally were non‐linear and prolonged. Physical landscape features (i.e., roadways, rivers, residential areas) influenced dispersal path direction and where dispersal terminated. Additionally, forays outside of the natal range that did not result in dispersal occurred among 52% of global positioning system (GPS)‐collared deer (n = 25) during the dispersal period. Our results suggest intra‐specific social interactions and physical landscape features influence dispersal behavior in female deer. Female dispersal behavior, particularly the lack of directionality, the semi‐permeable nature of physical barriers, and the frequency of forays outside of the natal range, should be considered in regard to population management and controlling the spread of disease. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.