bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recycling of lipid-extracted hydrolysate as nitrogen supplementation for production of thraustochytrid biomass
Authors: Lowrey Joshua , Armenta Roberto E , Brooks Marianne S
Published: May 2016

Efficient resource usage is important for cost-effective microalgae production, where the incorporation of waste streams and recycled water into the process has great potential. This study builds upon emerging research on nutrient recycling in thraustochytrid production, where waste streams are recovered after lipid extraction and recycled into future cultures. This research investigates the nitrogen flux of recycled hydrolysate derived from enzymatic lipid extraction of thraustochytrid biomass. Results indicated the proteinaceous content of the recycled hydrolysate can offset the need to supply fresh nitrogen in a secondary culture, without detrimental impact upon the produced biomass. The treatment employing the recycled hydrolysate with no nitrogen addition accumulated 14.86 g L−1 of biomass in 141 h with 43.3 % (w/w) lipid content compared to the control which had 9.26 g L−1 and 46.9 % (w/w), respectively. This improved nutrient efficiency and wastewater recovery represents considerable potential for enhanced resource efficiency of commercial thraustochytrid production.
Modeling problem behaviors in a nationally representative sample of adolescents
Authors: O'Connor Kate L. , Dolphin Louise , Fitzgerald Amanda , Dooley Barbara
Published: May 2016

Research on multiple problem behaviors has focused on the concept of Problem Behavior Syndrome (PBS). Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) is a complex and comprehensive social‐psychological framework designed to explain the development of a range of problem behaviors. This study examines the structure of PBS and the applicability of PBT in adolescents. Participants were 6062 adolescents; aged 12–19 (51.3% female) who took part in the My World Survey‐Second Level (MWS‐SL). Regarding PBS, Confirmatory Factor Analysis established that problem behaviors, such as alcohol and drug use loaded significantly onto a single, latent construct for males and females. Using Structural Equation Modeling, the PBT framework was found to be a good fit for males and females. Socio‐demographic, perceived environment system and personality accounted for over 40% of the variance in problem behaviors for males and females. Our findings have important implications for understanding how differences in engaging in problem behaviors vary by gender.
8,9-Dehydrohispanolone-15,16-lactol diterpene prevents LPS-triggered inflammatory responses by inhibiting endothelial activation
Authors: Jiménez-García Lidia , Través Paqui G. , López-Fontal Raquel , Herranz Sandra , Higueras María Angeles , de las Heras Beatriz , Hortelano Sonsoles , Luque Alfonso
Published: May 2016

Endothelial activation contributes to lung inflammatory disorders by inducing leucocyte recruitment to pulmonary parenchyma. Consequently, vascular-targeted therapies constitute promising strategies for the treatment of inflammatory pathologies. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of 8,9-dehydrohispanolone-15,16-lactol diterpene (DT) on lung endothelium during inflammation. Lung endothelial cells pre-treated with DT and activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) exhibited reduced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Cxcl10, Ccl5 and Cxcl1, whereas the anti-inflammatory molecules IL1r2 and IL-10 were induced. Consistent with this result, DT pre-treatment inhibited nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation, by interfering with IκBα phosphorylation, and consequently NF-κB transcriptional activity in endothelium activated by LPS or TNF-α. Furthermore, DT, probably through p38 signalling, induced transcriptional activation of genes containing activator protein 1 (AP-1)-binding elements. Inhibition of p38 prevented IL1r2 mRNA expression in endothelium incubated with DT alone or in combination with LPS or TNF-α. Accordingly, conditioned medium (CM) from these cells failed to stimulate leucocytes as measured by a reduction in adhesive ability of the leucocyte cell line J774 to fibronectin (FN). Additionally, DT reduced the expression of the endothelial adhesion molecules E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) after activation. Similarly, expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 molecules on the lung endothelial layer of C57/BL6 mice pre-treated with DT and challenged with LPS were unchanged. Finally, inhibition of vascular adhesion molecule expression by DT decreased the interaction of J774 cells with lung endothelial cells in an inflammatory environment. Our findings establish DT as a novel endothelial inhibitor for the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases triggered by Gram-negative bacteria or by the associated cytokine TNF-α.
Vlasov modelling of laser-driven collisionless shock acceleration of protons
Authors: Svedung Wettervik B. , DuBois T. C. , Fülöp T.
Published: May 2016

Ion acceleration due to the interaction between a short high-intensity laser pulse and a moderately overdense plasma target is studied using Eulerian Vlasov–Maxwell simulations. The effects of variations in the plasma density profile and laser pulse parameters are investigated, and the interplay of collisionless shock and target normal sheath acceleration is analyzed. It is shown that the use of a layered-target with a combination of light and heavy ions, on the front and rear side, respectively, yields a strong quasi-static sheath-field on the rear side of the heavy-ion part of the target. This sheath-field increases the energy of the shock-accelerated ions while preserving their mono-energeticity.
Investigation of the operating characteristics of a 12-cavity rising-sun relativistic magnetron with diffraction output using particle-in-cell simulations
Authors: Liu M. , Huang Z. , Fuks M. I. , Jiang W. , Schamiloglu E. , Liu C.
Published: May 2016

We report on the performance of a 12-cavity rising-sun relativistic magnetron with diffraction output (12-cavity rising-sun RMDO). Particle-in-cell simulations show an electronic efficiency of 70% for a gigawatt output power 12-cavity rising-sun RMDO with a transparent cathode operating in the π mode for an applied voltage of U∼400 kV ±50 kV. When the RMDO is driven by the “F” transparent cathode, which is a coaxial transparent cathode, the axial leakage current can be reduced by about 50%.
Electromagnetic fluctuation spectra of collective oscillations in magnetized Maxwellian plasmas for parallel wave vectors
Authors: Vafin S. , Schlickeiser R. , Yoon P. H.
Published: May 2016

The general electromagnetic fluctuation theory for magnetized plasmas is used to calculate the steady-state wave number spectra and total electromagnetic field strength of low-frequency collective weakly damped eigenmodes with parallel wavevectors in a Maxwellian electron-proton plasma. These result from the equilibrium of spontaneous emission and collisionless damping, and they represent the minimum electromagnetic fluctuations guaranteed in quiet thermal space plasmas, including the interstellar and interplanetary medium. Depending on the plasma beta, the ratio of |δB|/B0 can be as high as 10−12.
Population genetics of self-incompatibility in a clade of relict cliff-dwelling plant species
Authors: Silva Jose L. , Brennan Adrian C. , Mejías José A.
Published: May 2016

The mating systems of species in small or fragmented populations impact upon their persistence. Small self-incompatible (SI) populations risk losing S allele diversity, responsible for the SI response, by drift thereby limiting mate availability and leading to population decline or SI system breakdown. But populations of relict and/or endemic species have resisted these demographic conditions over long periods suggesting their mating systems have adapted. To address a lack of empirical data on this topic, we studied the SI systems of three relict cliff-dwelling species of Sonchus section Pustulati (Asteraceae): S. masguindalii , S. fragilis and S. pustulatus in the western Mediterranean region. We performed controlled pollinations within and between individuals to measure index of SI (ISI) expression and identify S alleles in multiple population samples. Sonchus masguindalii and S. pustulatus showed strong SI (ISI = 0.6–1.0) compared to S. fragilis (ISI = 0.1–0.7). Just five S alleles were estimated for Spanish S. pustulatus and a moderate 11-15 S alleles for Moroccan S. pustulatus and S. fragilis , respectively. The fact that autonomous fruit set was generally improved by active self-pollination in self-compatible S. fragilis suggests that individuals with weak SI can show a wide range of outcrossing levels dependent on the degree of self or outcross pollen that pollinators bear. We conclude that frequent S allele dominance interactions that mask the incompatibility interactions of recessive S alleles leading to higher mate availability and partial breakdown of SI leading to mixed mating, both contribute to reproductive resilience in this group.
High-yield methods for accurate two-alternative visual psychophysics in head-fixed mice
Authors: Burgess Christopher P , Lak Armin , Steinmetz Nicholas A , Zatka-Haas Peter , Bai Reddy Charu , Jacobs Elina A K , Linden Jennifer F , Paton Joseph J , Ranson Adam , Soares Sofia , Schröder Sylvia , Wells Miles J , Wool Lauren E , Harris Kenneth D , Carandini Matteo
Published: May 2016

Research in neuroscience relies increasingly on the mouse, a mammalian species that affords unparalleled genetic tractability and brain atlases. Here we introduce high-yield methods for probing mouse visual decisions. Mice are head-fixed, which facilitates repeatable visual stimulation, eye tracking, and brain access. They turn a steering wheel to make two-alternative choices, forced or unforced. Learning is rapid thanks to intuitive coupling of stimuli to wheel position. The mouse decisions deliver high-quality psychometric curves for detection and discrimination, and conform to the predictions of a simple probabilistic observer model. The task is readily paired with two-photon imaging of cortical activity. Optogenetic inactivation reveals that the task requires the visual cortex. Mice are motivated to perform the task by fluid reward or optogenetic stimulation of dopaminergic neurons. This stimulation elicits larger number of trials and faster learning. These methods provide a platform to accurately probe mouse vision and its neural basis.
Adolescent Social Isolation as a Model of Heightened Vulnerability to Comorbid Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Butler Tracy R. , Karkhanis Anushree N. , Jones Sara R. , Weiner Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2016

Individuals diagnosed with anxiety‐related illnesses are at increased risk of developing alcoholism, exhibit a telescoped progression of this disease and fare worse in recovery, relative to alcoholics that do not suffer from a comorbid anxiety disorder. Similarly, preclinical evidence supports the notion that stress and anxiety represent major risk factors for the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Despite the importance of understanding the link between anxiety and alcoholism, much remains unknown about the neurobiological substrates underlying this relationship. One stumbling block has been the lack of animal models that reliably reproduce the spectrum of behaviors associated with increased vulnerability to these diseases. Here, we review the literature that has examined the behavioral and neurobiological outcomes of a simple rodent adolescent social isolation procedure and discuss its validity as a model of vulnerability to comorbid anxiety disorders and alcoholism. Recent studies have provided strong evidence that adolescent social isolation of male rats leads to the expression of a variety of behaviors linked with increased vulnerability to anxiety and/or AUD, including deficits in sensory gating and fear extinction, and increases in anxiety measures and ethanol drinking. Neurobiological studies are beginning to identify mesolimbic adaptations that may contribute to the behavioral phenotype engendered by this model. Some of these changes include increased excitability of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons and pyramidal cells in the basolateral amygdala and significant alterations in baseline and stimulated catecholamine signaling. A growing body of evidence suggests that adolescent social isolation may represent a reliable rodent model of heightened vulnerability to anxiety disorders and alcoholism in male rats. These studies provide initial support for the face, construct, and predictive validity of this model and highlight its utility in identifying neurobiological adaptations associated with increased risk of developing these disorders.
Concomitant Caffeine Increases Binge Consumption of Ethanol in Adolescent and Adult Mice, But Produces Additive Motor Stimulation Only in Adolescent Animals
Authors: Fritz Brandon M. , Quoilin Caroline , Kasten Chelsea R. , Smoker Michael , Boehm Stephen L.
Published: May 2016

Background

Binge co‐consumption of highly caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) has become a common practice among adolescents/young adults and has been associated with an increased incidence of hazardous behaviors. Animal models are critical in advancing our understanding the neurobehavioral consequences of this form of binge drinking. Surprisingly, virtually no work has explored caffeine and EtOH co‐consumption or its long‐term consequences in adolescent animals. The primary objective of the current study was to extend a previously established mouse model of voluntary binge caffeine and EtOH co‐consumption to explore adolescent consumption and responses compared to adults.

Methods

Adolescent and adult male C57BL/6J mice had daily limited access to caffeine (0.03% w/v), EtOH (20% v/v), a combined EtOH/caffeine solution, or water for 14 days via the binge‐like drinking paradigm, drinking‐in‐the‐dark (DID). Home cage locomotor activity was measured during DID in a subset of mice. Following DID, all mice rested for 18 days so that adolescents reached adulthood, whereupon all mice underwent 7 days of continuous access 2‐bottle choice drinking for 10% (v/v) EtOH or water.

Results

Co‐consumption with caffeine significantly increased EtOH intake and resultant blood ethanol concentrations in both adolescent and adult mice. In addition, adolescent mice exhibited a uniquely robust locomotor stimulant response to caffeine and EtOH co‐consumption. Later EtOH intake and preference was not influenced, however, by prior fluid consumption history via DID.

Conclusions

Together with findings from the human literature, our results suggest that caffeine co‐consumption may positively influence binge alcohol consumption in adolescents/young adults. Importantly, this age group may be particularly sensitive to the additive stimulant effects of caffeinated alcohol consumption, an effect which may be related to the high incidence of associated negative outcomes in this population. These observations are particularly concerning considering the heightened plasticity of the adolescent brain.
Explaining the discrepancy in the mediating role of attitude in the TAM
Authors: López‐Bonilla Luis Miguel , López‐Bonilla Jesús Manuel
Published: May 2016

The debate about the role of attitude in the technology acceptance model (TAM) seems to have re‐emerged in two prestigious journals in the field of educational technology. Among the publications on this debate, there are authors in favour of excluding the attitude of TAM, whereas others are in favour of including it. These opinions are derived from the results that both groups have obtained in their researches. We have wondered whether the methodology used in these studies could have influenced the results obtained and whether different statistical tools may lead to different conclusions. Two alternatives models were compared: TAM with attitude (TAM‐O) and TAM without attitude (TAM‐R). To detect the influence of different methodological tools, two structural equations modelling (SEM) approaches were used for analysis: covariance‐based SEM (CB‐SEM) and partial least squares SEM (PLS‐SEM). We found that if PLS‐SEM method is used, TAM‐O is a better model than TAM‐R, whereas if CB‐SEM is used, TAM‐R is better than TAM‐O. We face a paradox that is explained by the influence of the methodology.
Effects of the instructor's pointing gestures on learning performance in video lectures
Authors: Pi Zhongling , Hong Jianzhong , Yang Jiumin
Published: May 2016

Recent research on video lectures has indicated that the instructor's pointing gestures facilitate learning performance. This study examined whether the instructor's pointing gestures were superior to nonhuman cues in enhancing video lectures learning, and second, if there was a positive effect, what the underlying mechanisms of the effect might be. There were three kinds of video lectures in the study: one with the instructor's pointing gestures, one with nonhuman cues, and one without any cues. Eighty‐four Chinese undergraduates were randomly assigned to view one of the three video lectures in a laboratory. As hypothesized, the results of analyses of variance showed that the instructor's pointing gestures improved learning performance more than the nonhuman cues and no‐cues conditions. The pointing gestures directed the learners’ visual attention to the relevant learning content of PowerPoint (PPT) slides in the video lecture. This suggests that the instructor's pointing gestures can be a valuable means to improve learning performance in video lectures, in particular PPT slides with much learning information.
Role of prostate artery embolization in the management of refractory haematuria of prostatic origin
Authors: Pereira Keith , Halpern Joshua A. , McClure Timothy D. , Lewis Nicholas A. , Kably Isaam , Bhatia Shivank , Hu Jim C.
Published: May 2016

Prostatic haematuria is among the most common genitourinary complaints of emergency room visits, distressing and troublesome to men and a challenging clinical problem to the treating physician. The most common aetiologies of prostatic haematuria include benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Prostatic haematuria usually resolves with conservative and medical methods; failure of these interventions results in refractory haematuria of prostatic origin (RHPO), a potentially life‐threatening scenario. Several different treatments have been described, with varying degrees of success. Patients with RHPO are often elderly and unfit for radical surgery. Prostate artery embolization (PAE) has evolved as a safe and effective technique in the management of RHPO. Use of a superselective approach optimizes clinical success while minimizing complications. This minimally invasive approach improves patients with haemodynamic instability, serves as a bridge to elective surgery, and is a highly effective treatment for RHPO. It may obviate the need for more invasive and morbid surgical therapies. The aim of the present review was to describe the current management of RHPO and the technique of PAE and to review its efficacy and associated morbidity.
One‐Year‐Olds Think Creatively, Just Like Their Parents
Authors: Hoicka Elena , Mowat Rachael , Kirkwood Joanne , Kerr Tiffany , Carberry Megan , Bijvoet‐van den Berg Simone
Published: May 2016

Creativity is an essential human ability, allowing adaptation and survival. Twenty‐nine 1‐year‐olds and their parents were tested on divergent thinking (DT), a measure of creative potential counting how many ideas one can generate. Toddlers' and parents' DT was moderately to highly correlated. Toddlers showed a wide range of DT scores, which were reliable on retesting. This is the first study to show children think divergently as early as 1 year. This research also suggests 1‐year‐olds' DT is related to parents', opening up future research into whether this relationship is due to genetics and/or social learning at its emergence. Understanding DT at its emergence could allow for interventions while neurological development is most plastic, which could improve DT across the life span.
Parental Feeding and Child Eating: An Investigation of Reciprocal Effects
Authors: Steinsbekk Silje , Belsky Jay , Wichstrøm Lars
Published: May 2016

Parental feeding practices and children's eating behavior are consistently related to childhood obesity. However, it is not known whether parents’ feeding practices predict obesogenic eating behavior or vice versa. In a Norwegian cohort (n = 797), it was found that greater parental use of food as a reward (instrumental feeding) when children were 6 predicted increased emotional overeating and food responsiveness, whereas greater parental encouragement to eat forecasted increased enjoyment of food 2 years later. No evidence of child effects emerged. Although children's eating behavior is relatively stable and established at an early age, findings suggest that parental feeding practices can serve as targets of intervention to prevent the development of obesogenic eating behavior.
Utility and cost‐effectiveness of molecular testing in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology
Authors: Labourier Emmanuel
Published: May 2016

Context

Molecular testing on biopsies from thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology can improve patient management by preventing unnecessary surgeries on benign nodules.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the health outcome benefits and cost‐effectiveness of molecular testing in nodules with AUS/FLUS or FN/SFN cytology.

Design

The initial diagnosis and treatment of a hypothetical cohort of adult U.S. patients with solitary thyroid nodules ≥1 cm was simulated by decision analytic modelling using Medicare cost estimates for three management strategies, standard of care without molecular testing (StC), gene expression classifier (GEC) and mutation and miRNA testing (MMT).

Results

Gene expression classifier decreased the rate of unnecessary surgeries by 32% relative to StC, yielding incremental costs of $1008 per patient or $5070 per unnecessary surgery avoided. MMT decreased the surgery rate by 67%, yielding incremental savings of −$1384 per patient or −$3170 per unnecessary surgery avoided. Results remained robust in deterministic sensitivity analyses; MMT was dominant for every variable tested. Independent of cancer prevalence, MMT yielded 52% fewer unnecessary surgeries relative to GEC #bib70% fewer two‐stage thyroidectomies and correctly identified 70% more benign nodules. Test specificity had to be >68% for molecular testing to be cost‐effective and decrease by >50% the rate of unnecessary surgeries performed on benign nodules.

Conclusions

Molecular testing with high benign diagnostic yield can generate both positive health outcomes (less surgeries) and positive economic outputs (cost savings). These results are consistent with previously reported cost‐utility data and provide valuable insights for informed decision‐making by patients, physicians and payers.
The influence of the distance between narrow implants and the adjacent teeth on marginal bone levels
Authors: Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Padial‐Molina Miguel , Nilsson Peter , King Paul , Worsaae Nils , Schramm Alexander , Maiorana Carlo
Published: May 2016

Objective

To investigate how the distance between narrow implants and adjacent teeth influences the marginal bone levels (MBL) up to 3 years after placement.

Material and Methods

A prospective, single‐arm, multicenter clinical study was designed to include patients missing 12, 22, 32, 31, 41 or 42 teeth. Implants of 3.0 mm diameter and different lengths were used in the study. One‐stage surgery was performed and healing abutments placed during the 6–10 weeks healing period. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed at implant installation, loading, and at the 6, 12, 24 and 36‐months follow‐up visits.

Results

Eighty‐three implants were placed in 59 patients. A total of 48 implants were placed in narrow implant‐to‐tooth spaces (percentile 25, 0.83(0.25) mm), 80 in regular spaces (percentile 25 < x < 75, 1.59(0.26) mm) and 47 in wide spaces (percentile 75, 2.61(0.51) mm). ImplantMBLchange from restoration delivery to 36 months was of 0.50(0.79), 0.50(0.98) and 0.00(0.55) mm in the narrow, regular and wide distance groups (P = 0.005, Mann–WhitneyU‐test). Changes inMBLon the adjacent teeth were not significant.

Conclusion

The distance between narrow‐diameter implants and the adjacent teeth does not influence the marginal bone levels neither at the implant or the tooth side. In this study, less marginal bone loss occurred in the narrower spaces.
Epidemiology of iron deficiency anaemia in four European countries: a population‐based study in primary care
Authors: Levi Miriam , Rosselli Matteo , Simonetti Monica , Brignoli Ovidio , Cancian Maurizio , Masotti Adriana , Pegoraro Valeria , Cataldo Nazarena , Heiman Franca , Chelo Manuela , Cricelli Iacopo , Cricelli Claudio , Lapi Francesco
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a global public health concern, being responsible for about 800 000 deaths per year worldwide. To date, few studies have investigated the epidemiology of IDA in Europe. This study therefore aimed to assess the incidence rate and determinants of IDA in four European countries.

Methods

Demographic and clinical information was obtained from four national primary care databases, respectively, for Italy, Belgium, Germany and Spain. IDA‐related determinants were estimated using multivariable Cox regression.

Results

The annual incidence rates of IDA ranged between 7.2 and 13.96 per 1000 person‐years. The estimates were higher in Spain and Germany. Females, younger and older patients were at greater risk of IDA, as well as those suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, pregnant women and those with history of menometrorrhagia, and aspirin and/or antacids users. A Charlson Index >0 was a significant determinant of IDA in all countries.

Conclusions

The use of primary care databases allowed us to assess the incidence rate and determinants of IDA in four European countries. Given the crucial role of general practitioners in the diagnosis and management of this condition, our findings may contribute to increase the awareness of IDA among physicians as well as to reduce its occurrence among at‐risk patients.
Exercising arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in horses: Review of the literature and comparative aspects
Authors: Navas de Solis C.
Published: May 2016

Arrhythmias are common in equine athletes during and immediately after exercise. Many of these rhythm variations are not clinically relevant. In horses, a link between different exercising arrhythmias and poor performance or between exercising arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) is strongly suspected but not fully understood or proven. SCD during races or competitions is rare, but has catastrophic consequences for the safety of the human partner and public perceptions of welfare during equestrian sports. This review summarises current knowledge of equine exercise arrhythmias and their implications in SCD and compares existing principles and recommendations for equine subjects with those for human athletes.
Larval connectivity across temperature gradients and its potential effect on heat tolerance in coral populations
Authors: Kleypas Joan A. , Thompson Diane M. , Castruccio Frederic S. , Curchitser Enrique N. , Pinsky Malin , Watson James R.
Published: May 2016

Coral reefs are increasingly exposed to elevated temperatures that can cause coral bleaching and high levels of mortality of corals and associated organisms. The temperature threshold for coral bleaching depends on the acclimation and adaptation of corals to the local maximum temperature regime. However, because of larval dispersal, coral populations can receive larvae from corals that are adapted to very different temperature regimes. We combine an offline particle tracking routine with output from a high‐resolution physical oceanographic model to investigate whether connectivity of coral larvae between reefs of different thermal regimes could alter the thermal stress threshold of corals. Our results suggest that larval transport between reefs of widely varying temperatures is likely in the Coral Triangle and that accounting for this connectivity may be important in bleaching predictions. This has important implications in conservation planning, because connectivity may allow some reefs to have an inherited heat tolerance that is higher or lower than predicted based on local conditions alone.
Regional atmospheric cooling and wetting effect of permafrost thaw‐induced boreal forest loss
Authors: Helbig Manuel , Wischnewski Karoline , Kljun Natascha , Chasmer Laura E. , Quinton William L. , Detto Matteo , Sonnentag Oliver
Published: May 2016

In the sporadic permafrost zone of North America, thaw‐induced boreal forest loss is leading to permafrost‐free wetland expansion. These land cover changes alter landscape‐scale surface properties with potentially large, however, still unknown impacts on regional climates. In this study, we combine nested eddy covariance flux tower measurements with satellite remote sensing to characterize the impacts of boreal forest loss on albedo, eco‐physiological and aerodynamic surface properties, and turbulent energy fluxes of a lowland boreal forest region in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Planetary boundary layer modelling is used to estimate the potential forest loss impact on regional air temperature and atmospheric moisture. We show that thaw‐induced conversion of forests to wetlands increases albedo: and bulk surface conductance for water vapour and decreases aerodynamic surface temperature. At the same time, heat transfer efficiency is reduced. These shifts in land surface properties increase latent at the expense of sensible heat fluxes, thus, drastically reducing Bowen ratios. Due to the lower albedo of forests and their masking effect of highly reflective snow, available energy is lower in wetlands, especially in late winter. Modelling results demonstrate that a conversion of a present‐day boreal forest–wetland to a hypothetical homogeneous wetland landscape could induce a near‐surface cooling effect on regional air temperatures of up to 3–4 °C in late winter and 1–2 °C in summer. An atmospheric wetting effect in summer is indicated by a maximum increase in water vapour mixing ratios of 2 mmol mol−1. At the same time, maximum boundary layer heights are reduced by about a third of the original height. In fall, simulated air temperature and atmospheric moisture between the two scenarios do not differ. Therefore, permafrost thaw‐induced boreal forest loss may modify regional precipitation patterns and slow down regional warming trends.
Transgenic Crops in Latin America: Expropriation, Negative Value and the State
Authors: Otero Gerardo , Lapegna Pablo
Published: May 2016

This paper introduces a symposium on transgenic crops and neoliberalism in Latin America. We address the question: What is the relationship between the neoliberal food regime and transgenic crops in Latin American agriculture? Our goals are, first, to provide the main conceptual definitions and analytical parameters to contextualize the case studies that follow; and, second, using the findings of our contributors as our empirical stepping stone, to briefly elaborate the concepts of expropriation, accumulation by dispossession and negative value as the primary consequences of the neoliberal food regime. We also offer a brief description of each of the papers in the symposium that follows, linking them to our theoretical proposal. We hope this symposium will help in further exploration of the connection between GM crops and the larger dynamics of capitalist development worldwide.
Poisoned, Dispossessed and Excluded: A Critique of the Neoliberal Soy Regime in Paraguay
Authors: Ezquerro‐Cañete Arturo
Published: May 2016

This paper challenges the recent hailing of agricultural biotechnology as a panacea for food insecurity and rural poverty in countries of the global South. Based on an empirical investigation of the neoliberal soy regime in Paraguay, I document how the profound transformation of this country's agricultural mode of production over the past two decades, spurred by the neoliberal restructuring of agriculture and the biorevolution, has jeopardized rural livelihoods. In particular, I demonstrate how the transgenic soyization of Paraguay's agriculture has led to an increased concentration of landholdings, as well as the displacement and disempowerment of peasants and rural labourers who have been rendered surplus to the requirements of agribusiness capital. At the same time, the consolidation of this new agro‐industrial model has fostered a growing dependence on agrochemicals that compromise environmental quality and human health. Thus, I argue, a development policy based on industrial monocropping of genetically modified (GM) soy is inappropriate, unsustainable and unethical.
Dental caries and periodontal disease among U.S. pregnant women and nonpregnant women of reproductive age, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2004
Authors: Azofeifa Alejandro , Yeung Lorraine F. , Alverson C. J. , Beltrán‐Aguilar Eugenio
Published: May 2016

Objectives

This study assessed and compared the prevalence and severity of dental caries and the prevalence of periodontal disease among pregnant and nonpregnant women of reproductive age (15–44 years) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NHANES (1999–2004).

Methods

Estimates were derived from a sample of 897 pregnant women and 3,971 nonpregnant women. Chi‐square and two‐sample t‐tests were used to assess differences between groups stratified by age, race/ethnicity, education, and poverty. Bonferroni method was applied to adjust for multiple comparisons.

Results

In general, there were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence estimates of dental caries and periodontal disease between pregnant women and nonpregnant women. However, results showed significant differences when stratified by sociodemographic characteristics. For example, the prevalence of untreated dental caries among women aged 15–24 years was significantly higher in pregnant women than in nonpregnant women (41 percent versus 24 percent, P = 0.001). Regardless of their pregnancy status, racial/ethnic minorities or women with less education or lower family income had higher prevalence of untreated dental caries, severity of dental caries, and periodontal disease compared to the respective reference groups of non‐Hispanic whites or women with more education or higher family income.

Conclusion

Results of this study show few clinical differences in dental caries and periodontal disease between pregnant and nonpregnant women but persistent disparities by sociodemographic characteristics. In order to reduce oral health disparities in the United States, it is important to improve access to oral health care particularly among vulnerable groups. Integrating oral health into the overall health care could benefit and improve women's oral health outcomes.
Effect of vitamin D on gastrointestinal symptoms and health‐related quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome patients: a randomized double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Abbasnezhad A. , Amani R. , Hajiani E. , Alavinejad P. , Cheraghian B. , Ghadiri A.
Published: May 2016

Background

Low‐grade mucosal inflammation and immune activation are involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Furthermore, IBS symptoms are associated with a significantly higher prevalence of psychological distress, which in itself results into an impaired quality of life (QoL). Vitamin D could ameliorate the symptoms of patients suffering from IBS through its beneficial effects on psychological factors and inflammation.

Methods

A total of 90 IBS patients participated in this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Participants were randomly selected to receive either 50 000 IU vitamin D3 or a placebo fortnightly for a period of 6 months. Patients reported their IBS symptoms at the baseline and monthly during intervention periods. The IBS severity score system (IBSSS) and IBS‐specific QoL questionnaires were used at the baseline and postintervention.

Key Results

Over the 6‐month intervention period, a significantly greater improvement in IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and distention, flatulence, rumbling, and overall gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (except dissatisfaction with bowel habits) was observed in the patients receiving vitamin D as compared to the placebo group. The IBSSS and the IBS‐QoL scores in the vitamin D group significantly improved compared to the placebo group postintervention (mean IBSSS score change: −53.82 ± 23.3 vs −16.85 ± 25.01, p < 0.001, respectively; mean IBS‐QoL score change: 14.26 ± 3 vs 11 ± 2.34, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions & Inferences

Vitamin D seems to be an effective and safe option to improve QoL and symptoms of IBS. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02579902).
In situ embryo rescue for generation of wide intra‐ and interspecific hybrids of Panicum virgatum L.
Authors: Kausch Albert P. , Tilelli Michael , Hague Joel , Heffelfinger Christopher , Cunha David , Moreno Maria , Dellaporta Stephen L. , Nelson Kimberly
Published: May 2016

Wide crosses have been used for decades as a method for transferring novel genetic material and traits in plant breeding. Historically, many products of wide crosses require tedious and inefficient surgical embryo rescue prior to embryo abortion to recover single plantlets. We have utilized transgenic switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L. cv Alamo) as a pollen donor in conjunction with antibiotic or herbicide selection for recovery of intra‐and interspecific F1 crosses by using developing ovules from the female parent and selecting for embryogenic cultures derived from the in situ immature embryo. Using this approach, several intravarietial crosses were generated between transgenic Alamo and the switchgrass varieties Kanlow, Blackwell and Cave‐in‐Rock as well as an interspecific cross with Atlantic coastal panicgrass. This procedure selected F1 embryogenic callus produced from the developing embryo contained within isolated immature ovules. Several clonal plants were successfully regenerated from each cross. Southern blot, PCR, phenotypic analyses and genomic analysis confirmed F1 hybrids. Using genotyping‐by‐sequencing shows the hybridization of the recovered plants by determining the ratio of transgressive markers to total compared markers between parents and their potential offspring. The ratio of transgressive markers to total compared markers was significantly lower between parents and their predicted offspring than between parents and offspring unrelated to them. This approach provides the possibility to move useful transgenes into varieties that are recalcitrant to direct transformation which can be optionally segregated thus useful to create new hybrids, as well as recovery of wide crosses that are either difficult or impossible using traditional techniques.
Identification and molecular characterization of the nicotianamine synthase gene family in bread wheat
Authors: Bonneau Julien , Baumann Ute , Beasley Jesse , Li Yuan , Johnson Alexander A. T.
Published: May 2016

Nicotianamine (NA) is a non‐protein amino acid involved in fundamental aspects of metal uptake, transport and homeostasis in all plants and constitutes the biosynthetic precursor of mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs) in graminaceous plant species. Nicotianamine synthase (NAS) genes, which encode enzymes that synthesize NA from S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM), are differentially regulated by iron (Fe) status in most plant species and plant genomes have been found to contain anywhere from 1 to 9 NAS genes. This study describes the identification of 21 NAS genes in the hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genome and their phylogenetic classification into two distinct clades. The TaNAS genes are highly expressed during germination, seedling growth and reproductive development. Fourteen of the clade I NAS genes were up‐regulated in root tissues under conditions of Fe deficiency. Protein sequence analyses revealed the presence of endocytosis motifs in all of the wheat NAS proteins as well as chloroplast, mitochondrial and secretory transit peptide signals in four proteins. These results greatly expand our knowledge of NAS gene families in graminaceous plant species as well as the genetics underlying Fe nutrition in bread wheat.
Differential expression of microRNAs and potential targets under drought stress in barley
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Sanchez‐Ferrero Juan Carlos , Langridge Peter , Milne Linda , Chowdhury Jamil , Brien Chris , Tricker Penny J.
Published: May 2016

Drought is a crucial environmental constraint limiting crop production in many parts of the world. microRNA (miRNA) based gene regulation has been shown to act in several pathways, including crop response to drought stress. Sequence based profiling and computational analysis have revealed hundreds of miRNAs and their potential targets in different plant species under various stress conditions, but few have been biologically verified. In this study, 11 candidate miRNAs were tested for their expression profiles in barley. Differences in accumulation of only four miRNAs (Ath‐miR169b, Osa‐miR1432, Hv‐miRx5 and Hv‐miR166b/c) were observed between drought‐treated and well‐watered barley in four genotypes. miRNA targets were predicted using degradome analysis of two, different genotypes, and genotype‐specific target cleavage was observed. Inverse correlation of mature miRNA accumulation with miRNA target transcripts was also genotype dependent under drought treatment. Drought‐responsive miRNAs accumulated predominantly in mesophyll tissues. Our results demonstrate genotype‐specific miRNA regulation under drought stress and evidence for their role in mediating expression of target genes for abiotic stress response in barley.
A mutation in the Cdon gene potentiates congenital nevus development mediated by NRASQ61K
Authors: Chitsazan Arash , Ferguson Blake , Ram Ramesh , Mukhopadhyay Pamela , Handoko Herlina Y. , Gabrielli Brian , Soyer Peter H , Morahan Grant , Walker Graeme J.
Published: May 2016

Congenital nevi develop before birth and sometimes cover large areas of the body. They are presumed to arise from the acquisition of a gene mutation in an embryonic melanocyte that becomes trapped in the dermis during development. Mice bearing the Cdk4R24C::Tyr‐NRASQ61K transgenes develop congenital nevus‐like lesions by post‐natal day 10, from melanocytes escaping the confines of hair follicles. We interbred these mice with the collaborative cross (CC), a resource that enables identification of modifier genes for complex diseases (those where multiple genes are involved). We examined variation in nevus cell density in 66 CC strains and mapped a large‐effect quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling nevus cell density to murine chromosome 9. The best candidate for a gene that exacerbates congenital nevus development in the context of an NRAS mutation is Cdon, a positive regulator of sonic hedgehog (Shh) that is expressed mainly in keratinocytes.
Examining Sample Rate, Sample Time, and Test Replication for Reducing Uncertainty in Steady Timewise Experiments
Authors: Ferrar Anthony M.
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the ways that sample rate, sample time, and number of test replications can affect the random uncertainty in a measurement. Typical steady timewise experiments seek the average values of measured variables. Even in this case, sample rate and sample time can affect the signal standard deviations and yield different random uncertainty estimates. In addition, many random error sources vary slowly relative to the test time and take on a single value. Test replications can convert systematic uncertainties to random uncertainties by allowing their values to change from test to test. The goal is to record individual tests at a sample rate and time that capture the short timescale error sources, and to replicate tests on the scale of long timescale error sources. This paper presents how to leverage these effects to reduce the overall uncertainty of a measured result without increasing the cost of the experiment.
Octopamine connects nutrient cues to lipid metabolism upon nutrient deprivation
Authors: Tao Jun , Ma Yi-Cheng , Yang Zhong-Shan , Zou Cheng-Gang , Zhang Ke-Qin
Published: May 2016

Octopamine acts as a metabolic sensor that links environmental nutrient signals to energy homeostasis in
C. elegans
.
North Atlantic salinity as a predictor of Sahel rainfall
Authors: Li Laifang , Schmitt Raymond W. , Ummenhofer Caroline C. , Karnauskas Kristopher B.
Published: May 2016

Springtime North Atlantic sea surface salinity provides significant predictive utility for summer rainfall in the African Sahel.
A global quantification of “normal” sleep schedules using smartphone data
Authors: Walch Olivia J. , Cochran Amy , Forger Daniel B.
Published: May 2016

Using data collected through smartphones, we assess the effects of age, sex, lighting, and home country on sleep.
Culturing Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803 with N
2
and CO
2
in a Diel Regime Reveals Multiphase Glycogen Dynamics with Low Maintenance Costs
Authors: Angermayr S. Andreas , van Alphen Pascal , Hasdemir Dicle , Kramer Gertjan , Iqbal Muzamal , van Grondelle Wilmar , Hoefsloot Huub C. , Choi Young Hae , Hellingwerf Klaas J.
Published: May 2016

Investigating the physiology of cyanobacteria cultured under a diel light regime is relevant for a better understanding of the resulting growth characteristics and for specific biotechnological applications that are foreseen for these photosynthetic organisms. Here, we present the results of a multiomics study of the model cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
sp. strain PCC 6803, cultured in a lab-scale photobioreactor in physiological conditions relevant for large-scale culturing. The culture was sparged with N
2
and CO
2
, leading to an anoxic environment during the dark period. Growth followed the availability of light. Metabolite analysis performed with
1
H nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that amino acids involved in nitrogen and sulfur assimilation showed elevated levels in the light. Most protein levels, analyzed through mass spectrometry, remained rather stable. However, several high-light-response proteins and stress-response proteins showed distinct changes at the onset of the light period. Microarray-based transcript analysis found common patterns of ∼56% of the transcriptome following the diel regime. These oscillating transcripts could be grouped coarsely into genes that were upregulated and downregulated in the dark period. The accumulated glycogen was degraded in the anaerobic environment in the dark. A small part was degraded gradually, reflecting basic maintenance requirements of the cells in darkness. Surprisingly, the largest part was degraded rapidly in a short time span at the end of the dark period. This degradation could allow rapid formation of metabolic intermediates at the end of the dark period, preparing the cells for the resumption of growth at the start of the light period.

IMPORTANCE
Industrial-scale biotechnological applications are anticipated for cyanobacteria. We simulated large-scale high-cell-density culturing of
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803 under a diel light regime in a lab-scale photobioreactor. In BG-11 medium,
Synechocystis
grew only in the light. Metabolite analysis grouped the collected samples according to the light and dark conditions. Proteome analysis suggested that the majority of enzyme-activity regulation was not hierarchical but rather occurred through enzyme activity regulation. An abrupt light-on condition induced high-light-stress proteins. Transcript analysis showed distinct patterns for the light and dark periods. Glycogen gradually accumulated in the light and was rapidly consumed in the last quarter of the dark period. This suggests that the circadian clock primed the cellular machinery for immediate resumption of growth in the light.