bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bivariate flow cytometric analysis and sorting of different types of maize starch grains
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Feng Jiaojiao , Wang Heng , Zhu Jianchu , Zhong Yuyue , Liu Linsan , Xu Shutu , Zhang Renhe , Zhang Xinghua , Xue Jiquan , Guo Dongwei
Published: October 2017

Particle‐size distribution, granular structure, and composition significantly affect the physicochemical properties, rheological properties, and nutritional function of starch. Flow cytometry and flow sorting are widely considered convenient and efficient ways of classifying and separating natural biological particles or other substances into subpopulations, respectively, based on the differential response of each component to stimulation by a light beam; the results allow for the correlation analysis of parameters. In this study, different types of starches isolated from waxy maize, sweet maize, high‐amylose maize, pop maize, and normal maize were initially classified into various subgroups by flow cytometer and then collected through flow sorting to observe their morphology and particle‐size distribution. The results showed that a 0.25% Gelzan solution served as an optimal reagent for keeping individual starch particles homogeneously dispersed in suspension for a relatively long time. The bivariate flow cytometric population distributions indicated that the starches of normal maize, sweet maize, and pop maize were divided into two subgroups, whereas high‐amylose maize starch had only one subgroup. Waxy maize starch, conversely, showed three subpopulations. The subgroups sorted by flow cytometer were determined and verified in terms of morphology and granule size by scanning electron microscopy and laser particle distribution analyzer. Results showed that flow cytometry can be regarded as a novel method for classifying and sorting starch granules. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Gut feelings: Studying enteric nervous system development, function, and disease in the zebrafish model system
Authors: Ganz Julia
Published: October 2017

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest part of the peripheral nervous system and is entirely neural crest–derived. It provides the intrinsic innervation of the gut, controlling different aspects of gut function, such as motility. In this review, we will discuss key points of Zebrafish ENS development, genes, and signaling pathways regulating ENS development, as well as contributions of the Zebrafish model system to better understand ENS disorders. During their migration, enteric progenitor cells (EPCs) display a gradient of developmental states based on their proliferative and migratory characteristics, and show spatiotemporal heterogeneity based on gene expression patterns. Many genes and signaling pathways that regulate the migration and proliferation of EPCs have been identified, but later stages of ENS development, especially steps of neuronal and glial differentiation, remain poorly understood. In recent years, Zebrafish have become increasingly important to test candidate genes for ENS disorders (e.g., from genome‐wide association studies), to identify environmental influences on ENS development (e.g., through large‐scale drug screens), and to investigate the role the gut microbiota play in ENS development and disease. With its unique advantages as a model organism, Zebrafish will continue to contribute to a better understanding of ENS development, function, and disease. Developmental Dynamics 247:268–278, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Why are nitrogen‐fixing trees rare at higher compared to lower latitudes?
Authors: Menge Duncan N. L. , Batterman Sarah A. , Hedin Lars O. , Liao Wenying , Pacala Stephen W. , Taylor Benton N.
Published: October 2017

Symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation provides a dominant source of new N to the terrestrial biosphere, yet in many cases the abundance of N‐fixing trees appears paradoxical. N‐fixing trees, which should be favored when N is limiting, are rare in higher latitude forests where N limitation is common, but are abundant in many lower latitude forests where N limitation is rare. Here, we develop a graphical and mathematical model to resolve the paradox. We use the model to demonstrate that N fixation is not necessarily cost effective under all degrees of N limitation, as intuition suggests. Rather, N fixation is only cost effective when N limitation is sufficiently severe. This general finding, specific versions of which have also emerged from other models, would explain sustained moderate N limitation because N‐fixing trees would either turn N fixation off or be outcompeted under moderate N limitation. From this finding, four general hypothesis classes emerge to resolve the apparent paradox of N limitation and N‐fixing tree abundance across latitude. The first hypothesis is that N limitation is less common at higher latitudes. This hypothesis contradicts prevailing evidence, so is unlikely, but the following three hypotheses all seem likely. The second hypothesis, which is new, is that even if N limitation is more common at higher latitudes, more severe N limitation might be more common at lower latitudes because of the capacity for higher N demand. Third, N fixation might be cost effective under milder N limitation at lower latitudes but only under more severe N limitation at higher latitudes. This third hypothesis class generalizes previous hypotheses and suggests new specific hypotheses. For example, greater trade‐offs between N fixation and N use efficiency, soil N uptake, or plant turnover at higher compared to lower latitudes would make N fixation cost effective only under more severe N limitation at higher latitudes. Fourth, N‐fixing trees might adjust N fixation more at lower than at higher latitudes. This framework provides new hypotheses to explain the latitudinal abundance distribution of N‐fixing trees, and also provides a new way to visualize them. Therefore, it can help explain the seemingly paradoxical persistence of N limitation in many higher latitude forests.
GC‐MS Characterization of Hydroxy Fatty Acids Generated From Lipid Oxidation in Vegetable Oils
Authors: Xia Wei , Budge Suzanne M.
Published: October 2017

Lipid oxidation has long been described as following a radical chain reaction mechanism, where hydrogen abstraction is considered the preferred pathway. Hydroxy compounds are, in theory, major products formed from hydrogen abstraction but their presence is rarely monitored. In this study, a GC‐MS technique to characterize hydroxy fatty acids (FA) formed during the oxidation of sunflower and canola oils is described. First, hydroxy FA in oxidized oils are methylated and isolated from non‐oxygenated structures using solid phase extraction (SPE). Then they are converted into their trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives using a N,O‐bis (trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA)‐pyridine method and identified by their electron ionization (EI) and positive chemical ionization (PCI) spectra. Separation of most isomeric hydroxy FA with very similar structures is accomplished using a DB‐23 capillary column with (50%‐cyanopropyl)‐methylpolysiloxane phase. The fragmentation patterns of the TMS derivatives are discussed in detail and several easily applicable rules for spectral interpretations are presented. The major hydroxy FA arising from oxidation of sunflower and canola oils are allylic and conjugated structures, specifically 8‐, 9‐, 10‐, and 11‐hydroxyoctadecenoic acid (OH‐C18:1) and 9‐ and 13‐hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (OH‐C18:2).

Practical Applications: Unsaturated hydroxy FA are potential indicators of hydrogen abstraction reactions by FA alkoxyl radicals during lipid oxidation. A prerequisite for the quantification of these hydroxy FA is knowledge of their structures. In this work a GC‐MS method, coupled with SPE and TMS derivatization, to characterize the hydroxy FA derived from oxidation of vegetable oils, which will enable future quantifications of these compounds is employed. In addition, the use of EI and PCI spectra provided clear strategies to interpret mass spectra for both saturated and unsaturated hydroxy FA. The fragmentation patterns in EI and PCI presented in this paper will benefit future studies on identification or quantification of both saturated and unsaturated hydroxy FA in other lipid samples.

Hydroxy fatty acids in oils are methylated and isolated using solid phase extraction. They are converted into their trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives, which enabled identification by the electron ionization and positive chemical ionization spectra. Here, the fragmentation patterns of the TMS derivatives are discussed in detail and several easily applicable rules for spectral interpretations are presented.
Effects of electrothermal vortices on insulator‐based dielectrophoresis for circulating tumor cell separation
Authors: Aghilinejad Arian , Aghaamoo Mohammad , Chen Xiaolin , Xu Jie
Published: October 2017

Insulator‐based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) is a powerful technique for separation and manipulation of bioparticles. In recent years, iDEP designs using arrays of insulating posts have shown promising results toward reaching high‐efficiency bioparticle manipulation. Joule heating (JH) and electrothermal (ET) flows have been observed in iDEP microdevices and significantly affecting their performances. In this research, we utilize mathematical modeling to study, iDEP technique and the effects of JH and ET flow on device performance and propose a separation scenario for selective trapping of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). A robust numerical model is developed to calculate the distribution of electric and fluid flow fields in the presence of JH and ET flow, and predict the cells’ trajectory inside the system. Our results indicate that JH not only induces temperature rise in the system, but also may alter the design iDEP separation scenario by inducing ET vortices that affect the cell's trajectory. To investigate the impact of JH‐induced ET flow characteristics and vortex generation on separation efficiency, we introduce a dimensionless force ratio encompassing the effects of electrical field, drag forces, JH, and ET flow. Interestingly, it was found that ET flows can be used to significantly enhance the separation efficiency, even in higher inlet flow rates. Lastly, the effect of post geometry has been discussed.
Role of interferon regulatory factor 1 in governing Treg depletion, Th1 polarization, inflammasome activation and antitumor efficacy of cyclophosphamide
Authors: Buccione Carla , Fragale Alessandra , Polverino Federica , Ziccheddu Giovanna , Aricò Eleonora , Belardelli Filippo , Proietti Enrico , Battistini Angela , Moschella Federica
Published: October 2017

The antitumor effectiveness of cyclophosphamide (CTX) and other chemotherapeutics was shown to rely not only on direct cytotoxicity but also on immunogenic tumor cell death and systemic immunomodulatory mechanisms, including regulatory T cell (Treg) depletion, Th1 cell polarization, type I interferon (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokine production. IFN regulatory factor (IRF)‐1 is a transcriptional regulator of IFNs and IFN‐inducible genes, involved in the control of Th1 and Treg differentiation and in sterile inflammation. Aim of this study was to explore the role of IRF‐1 in CTX‐induced antitumor effects and related immune activities. This study shows for the first time that IRF‐1 is important for the antitumor efficacy of CTX in mice. Moreover, experiments in tumor‐bearing C57BL/6 mice showed that Irf1 gene expression in the spleen was transiently increased following CTX administration and correlated with the induction of Th1 cell expansion and of Il12p40 gene expression, which is the main Th1‐driving cytokine. At the same time, CTX administration reduced both Foxp3 expression and Treg cell percentages. These effects were abrogated in Irf1−/− mice. Further experiments showed that the gene and/or protein expression of caspase‐1, iNOS, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and CXCL10 and the levels of nitric oxide were modulated following CTX in an IRF‐1‐direct‐ or ‐indirect‐dependent manner, and highlighted the importance of caspase‐1 in driving the sterile inflammatory response to CTX. Our data identify IRF‐1 as important for the antitumor efficacy of CTX and for the regulation of many immunomodulatory activities of CTX, such as Th1 polarization, Treg depletion and inflammation.
High-Intensity Resistance and Impact Training Improves Bone Mineral Density and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: The LIFTMOR Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Watson Steven L , Weeks Benjamin K , Weis Lisa J , Harding Amy T , Horan Sean A , Beck Belinda R
Published: October 2017

Optimal osteogenic mechanical loading requires the application of high-magnitude strains at high rates. High-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) applies such loads but is not traditionally recommended for individuals with osteoporosis because of a perceived high risk of fracture. The purpose of the LIFTMOR trial was to determine the efficacy and to monitor adverse events of HiRIT to reduce parameters of risk for fracture in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Postmenopausal women with low bone mass (T-score < –1.0, screened for conditions and medications that influence bone and physical function) were recruited and randomized to either 8 months of twice-weekly, 30-minute, supervised HiRIT (5 sets of 5 repetitions, >85% 1 repetition maximum) or a home-based, low-intensity exercise program (CON). Pre- and post-intervention testing included lumbar spine and proximal femur bone mineral density (BMD) and measures of functional performance (timed up-and-go, functional reach, 5 times sit-to-stand, back and leg strength). A total of 101 women (aged 65 ± 5 years, 161.8 ± 5.9 cm, 63.1 ± 10.4 kg) participated in the trial. HiRIT (n = 49) effects were superior to CON (n = 52) for lumbar spine (LS) BMD (2.9 ± 2.8% versus –1.2 ± 2.8%, p < 0.001), femoral neck (FN) BMD (0.3 ± 2.6% versus –1.9 ± 2.6%, p = 0.004), FN cortical thickness (13.6 ± 16.6% versus 6.3 ± 16.6%, p = 0.014), height (0.2 ± 0.5 cm versus –0.2 ± 0.5 cm, p = 0.004), and all functional performance measures (p < 0.001). Compliance was high (HiRIT 92 ± 11%; CON 85 ± 24%) in both groups, with only one adverse event reported (HiRIT: minor lower back spasm, 2/70 missed training sessions). Our novel, brief HiRIT program enhances indices of bone strength and functional performance in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Contrary to current opinion, HiRIT was efficacious and induced no adverse events under highly supervised conditions for our sample of otherwise healthy postmenopausal women with low to very low bone mass. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of trail receptor 1 (DR4) polymorphisms C626G and A683C as risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Alsalawy Naglaa F. , Darwish Rania K. , Kamal Manal M. , ElTaweel Ahmed E. , Shousha Hend I. , Elbaz Tamer M.
Published: October 2017

Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) plays an important role in many cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study is to investigate the association of the DR4 polymorphisms C626G (Thr209Arg, rs20575) and A683C (Glu228Ala, rs20576) with the occurrence of HCC in Egyptian patients chronically infected with HCV. The study included 80 patients with HCV‐related HCC (group 1) and 80 patients with HCV‐related liver cirrhosis (group 2) who are naïve to treatment. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Genotyping of TRAIL receptor DR4 polymorphism C626G rs20575 and A683C rs20576 SNP was done by Real‐Time PCR using taqman probes technology. The mean age of HCC patients was 57.6 ± 8.4 years with 62 patients (77.5%) were males. While group 2 mean age was 49.5 ± 10.29 years with 50% were males. The frequency distribution of rs20575 genotypes showed a statistically significant difference between the two studied groups (P = 0.02), the carriers of the C allele were 2.01 times more likely to develop HCC than the carriers of the G allele (P = 0.003), while no significant difference in rs20576 genotypes distribution was found between the studied groups (P = 0.680). On combining the carriers of C allele of rs20575 and the carriers of A allele of rs20576, a significant difference was detected (P > 0.001) with 2.85 higher risk of HCC development in patients who carried both genetic risk alleles simultaneously. The significant difference in DR4 polymorphisms among HCC and cirrhotic patients suggests their role as potential risk factors of HCC development.
Usutu virus in cerebrospinal fluid: A 2‐year survey in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Cordey Samuel , Vieille Gael , Turin Lara , Kaiser Laurent
Published: October 2017

In 2009, the Usutu virus (USUV) was first reported as a cause of human neuroinvasive disorders. In Switzerland, USUV has been detected in wild birds with a seroprevalence of up to 6.59% in captive specimens sampled from zoo enclosures. This study investigates the clinical prevalence of USUV in human acute neuroinvasive disorders in Switzerland. Two hundred and fifty‐eight cerebrospinal fluid samples collected between 2015 and 2017 for routine clinical care in a tertiary level hospital (Geneva) were tested for USUV by rRT‐PCR. No samples were found positive, suggesting the absence, or the extremely low circulation of USUV in Western Switzerland.
Bone remodeling and mechanobiology around implants: Insights from small animal imaging
Authors: Li Zihui , Müller Ralph , Ruffoni Davide
Published: October 2017

Anchorage of orthopedic implants depends on the interfacial bonding between the implant and the host bone as well as on the mass and microstructure of peri‐implant bone, with all these factors being continuously regulated by the biological process of bone (re)modeling. In osteoporotic bone, implant integration may be jeopardized not only by lower peri‐implant bone quality but also by reduced intrinsic regeneration ability. The first aim of this review is to provide a critical overview of the influence of osteoporosis on bone regeneration post‐implantation. Mechanical stimulation can trigger bone formation and inhibit bone resorption; thus, judicious administration of mechanical loading can be used as an effective non‐pharmacological treatment to enhance implant anchorage. Our second aim is to report recent achievements on the application of external mechanical stimulation to improve the quantity of peri‐implant bone. The review focuses on peri‐implant bone changes in osteoporotic conditions and following mechanical loading, prevalently using small animals and in vivo monitoring approaches. We intend to demonstrate the necessity to reveal new biological information on peri‐implant bone mechanobiology to better target implant anchorage and fracture fixation in osteoporotic conditions. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:584–593, 2018.
Mechanobiology of young and aging tendons: In vivo studies with treadmill running
Authors: Thampatty Bhavani P. , Wang James H‐C.
Published: October 2017

Tendons are unique in the sense that they are constantly subjected to large mechanical loads and that they contain tendon‐specific cells, including tenocytes and tendon stem/progenitor cells. The responses of these cells to mechanical loads can be anabolic or catabolic and as a result, change the biological properties of the tendon itself that may be beneficial or detrimental. On the other hand, aging also induces aberrant changes in cellular expression of various genes and production of various types of matrix proteins in the tendon, and consequently lead to tendon degeneration and impaired healing in aging tendons; both could be improved by moderate physiological mechanical loading such as treadmill running. This article gives an overview on the mechanobiology research of young and aging animal tendons using treadmill running model. The challenges in such treadmill running studies are also discussed. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:557–565, 2018.
In vivo correlates between daily physical activity and intervertebral disc health
Authors: Bowden Jennifer A. , Bowden Anton E. , Wang Haonan , Hager Ron L. , LeCheminant James D. , Mitchell Ulrike H.
Published: October 2017

Physical activity impacts health and disease in multiple body tissues including the intervertebral discs. Fluid flow within the disc is an indicator of disc health that can be observed using diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We monitored activity levels of 26 participants, age 35–55 yrs, using Actigraph accelerometers for 4 days to evaluate vigorous‐intensity activity, moderate to vigorous intensity activity, and sedentary time. Participants underwent structural and diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate intervertebral disc health and fluid flow. They also underwent bone density scans, carotid artery ultrasounds, a treadmill test, and a physical exam for pain, range of motion, and instability. These measures were used to correlate MRI indicators of intervertebral disc health with participant activity levels. Participants with any vigorous‐intensity physical activity compared with no vigorous‐intensity activity had significantly greater L5/S1 apparent diffusion coefficient values (p = 0.002), corresponding to higher freedom of diffusive movement for cellular nutrients and metabolic waste. Sagittal T2 values in the L5/S1 were also higher (p = 0.004), corresponding to a higher water content in the discs. Higher apparent diffusion coefficients were also found in participants with more than 30 min compared with less than 30 min of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (p = 0.03), and in participants with less than 67% awake time as sedentary time compared with more than 67% sedentary time (p = 0.03). Increased dynamic loading through physical activity and decreased static loading from sedentary time benefit intervertebral disc health. Physical activity, particularly vigorous activity, is beneficial in helping maintain intervertebral disc health. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1313–1323, 2018.
Detecting small‐study effects and funnel plot asymmetry in meta‐analysis of survival data: A comparison of new and existing tests
Authors: Debray Thomas P. A. , Moons Karel G. M. , Riley Richard D.
Published: October 2017

Small‐study effects are a common threat in systematic reviews and may indicate publication bias. Their existence is often verified by visual inspection of the funnel plot. Formal tests to assess the presence of funnel plot asymmetry typically estimate the association between the reported effect size and their standard error, the total sample size, or the inverse of the total sample size. In this paper, we demonstrate that the application of these tests may be less appropriate in meta‐analysis of survival data, where censoring influences statistical significance of the hazard ratio. We subsequently propose 2 new tests that are based on the total number of observed events and adopt a multiplicative variance component. We compare the performance of the various funnel plot asymmetry tests in an extensive simulation study where we varied the true hazard ratio (0.5 to 1), the number of published trials (N=10 to 100), the degree of censoring within trials (0% to 90%), and the mechanism leading to participant dropout (noninformative versus informative). Results demonstrate that previous well‐known tests for detecting funnel plot asymmetry suffer from low power or excessive type‐I error rates in meta‐analysis of survival data, particularly when trials are affected by participant dropout. Because our novel test (adopting estimates of the asymptotic precision as study weights) yields reasonable power and maintains appropriate type‐I error rates, we recommend its use to evaluate funnel plot asymmetry in meta‐analysis of survival data. The use of funnel plot asymmetry tests should, however, be avoided when there are few trials available for any meta‐analysis.
Analysis of six active components in Radix tinosporae by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Yikun , Zhou Wei , Mao Zhenkun , Liao Xiaoyan , Chen Zilin
Published: October 2017

Nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry has advantages for the analysis of active components in herbs. Here, a rapid nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry method was developed to separate, identify, and quantify palmatin, columbin, cepharanthine, menisperine, magnoflorine, and 20‐hydroxyecdysone in Radix tinosporae. Electrospray ionization MS1‐3 spectra of the six components were collected and possible cleavage pathways of main fragment ions were elucidated. The conditions that could affect separation, such as the composition of running buffer and applied voltage, were studied, and the conditions that could affect the mass spectrometry detection, such as the composition and flow rate of sheath liquid, the pressure of nitrogen gas, and the temperature and flow rate of the dry gas, were also optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the correlation coefficient was >0.99. The relative standard deviations of migration time and peak areas were <10%. The recoveries were calculated to be 99.31–107.80% in real samples. It has been demonstrated that the proposed method has good potential to be applied to determine the six bioactive components in Radix tinosporae.
Inefficiency of evolutionarily relevant selection in ungulate trophy hunting
Authors: Heffelfinger James R.
Published: October 2017

Differentially harvesting individual animals with specific traits has led some to argue that such selection can cause evolutionary change that may be detrimental to the species, especially if those traits are related positively to individual fitness. Most hunters are not selective in the type of animal they take, satisfied instead to harvest any legal animal. In a few exceptions, however, regulations may limit hunters to harvest animals of a minimum size or age regardless of their personal choice. Using information from a broad range of aquatic and terrestrial systems exposed to a myriad of potential and operational selective pressures, several authors have made expansive generalizations about selective harvest and its applicability to ungulates. Harvest‐based selection can potentially be intensive enough to be relevant in an evolutionary sense, but phenotypic changes consistent with hunter selection are otherwise confounded with multiple environmental influences. Factors such as age, genetic contribution of females, nutrition, maternal effects, epigenetics, patterns of mating success, gene linkage, gene flow, refugia, date of birth, and other factors affecting selection interact with harvest to impede unidirectional evolution of a trait. The intensity of selection determines potential for evolutionary change in a meaningful temporal framework. Indeed, only under severe intensity, and strict selection on a trait, could human harvest prompt evolutionary changes in that trait. Broad generalizations across populations or ecological systems can yield erroneous extrapolations and inappropriate assumptions. Removal of males expressing a variety of horn or antler sizes, including some very large males, does not inevitably represent directional artificial selection unless the selective pressures are intensive enough to cause a unidirectional shift in allele frequencies that may act on some relevant life‐history trait or process. Here I review the topic of harvest‐based selection in male ungulates and discuss the inefficiency of trophy hunting in changing genetic expression of phenotype. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Barred owl habitat selection in west coast forests
Authors: Irwin Larry L. , Rock Dennis F. , Rock Suzanne C.
Published: October 2017

The invasion of the Pacific Northwest, USA by northern barred owls (Strix varia) is a conservation conundrum because it contributes to lingering declines in populations of northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina). We evaluated factors influencing nocturnal (i.e., foraging) habitat selection by northern barred owls using a repeated‐studies design and information‐theoretic methods across 3 Pacific Northwest study areas, each containing a broad range of forest and environmental conditions. We constructed discrete‐choice resource selection functions (RSF) based upon telemetry points linked to forest inventory plots and map‐based physical environmental metrics within home ranges of radio‐tagged barred owls at Chehalis, Washington (n = 16), Springfield, Oregon (n = 22), and Arcata, California (n = 15). A general RSF based upon pooling data across study areas suggested barred owls selectively hunted for prey in lower‐slope positions on southerly aspects often near streams at low elevations, and often within red alder (Alnus rubra) dominated stands or in moderately dense patches of medium‐ and large‐diameter coniferous trees close to patches containing nests. The relative probability of use decreased with increasing densities of small‐diameter trees, suggesting barred owls avoided clearcuts and young plantations. These general patterns were modified by study‐area variation in tree species composition and density. Study‐area‐specific factors that were associated positively with barred owl habitat selection included increasing basal area of western redcedar (Thuja plicata) and red alder at Chehalis and increasing densities of western redcedar and basal area of bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) at Springfield. At Arcata, high densities of Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) trees and increasing basal area of tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) were negatively associated with barred owl habitat selection. Seasonal patterns of habitat selection did not differ dramatically although model coefficients suggested selection for specific tree species was weaker in the non‐breeding season and barred owls did not seek topographic situations that provided thermo‐regulatory benefits. The information may help inform conservation strategies for reducing competition between barred owls and northern spotted owls or perhaps in predicting colonization of new areas by barred owls. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Design of a multichannel potentiostat and its application to corrosion testing of a nickel‐aluminum bronze
Authors: Linhardt Paul , Kührer Saskia , Ball Günther , Biezma Maria V.
Published: October 2017

A setup for potentiostatic testing of eight specimens at different potentials in a common electrolyte pool was developed. The potentiostat requires only one reference electrode and one counter electrode to control all working electrodes and its design is easily scalable with respect to the number of channels. The system is applied to assess the effect of chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate in fresh water‐typical concentration on a nickel‐aluminum bronze, assuming some anodic polarization by stainless steel with and without microbially induced ennoblement. Chloride and sulfate activate corrosion, bicarbonate has a passivating effect, and its combination with chloride and sulfate promotes localized corrosion. The susceptibility of nickel‐aluminum bronze to localized corrosion may be high in fresh water when polarized anodically. Potentiostatic corrosion testing may yield practically relevant results for systems with slow kinetics.
Nanoengineered Thermoresponsive Magnetic Nanoparticles for Drug Controlled Release
Authors: Imanifard Saeedeh , Zarrabi Ali , Zarepour Atefeh , Jafari Milad , Khosravi Arezoo , Razmjou Amir
Published: October 2017

Magnetic core–shell nanoparticles are one of the most interesting nanocarriers. Smart polymers can be attached to nanoparticles as a suitable shell. Cancer tissues, with higher temperature than normal one, are one of the best targets for these systems in which the polymeric shell shrinks and thus drugs are released. The aim of this research is to synthesize such a smart nanocarrier with a thermoresponsive shell. Magnetic nanoparticles are coated with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide). Afterward, the as prepared nanoparticles are analyzed through different characterization methods (scanning electron microscope, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, carbon–hydrogen–nitrogen–sulfur elemental analysis, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy) and their response to the temperature is investigated in different temperatures (37 and 40 °C). Results demonstrate that a biocompatible nanocarrier with the average size of about 35 nm and 83% entrapment efficiency for curcumin is successfully synthesized. The drug release process shows a controlled behavior over temperature. It has an increasing trend by increasing the temperature from 4 to 37 °C and then to 40 °C. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of drug loaded nanocarrier is obviously increased at 40 °C compared to 37 °C. It can be concluded that this new smart nanotheranostics agent can be successfully applied for cancer treatment.
The effects of NRF2 modulation on the initiation and progression of chemically and genetically induced lung cancer
Authors: Tao Shasha , Rojo de la Vega Montserrat , Chapman Eli , Ooi Aikseng , Zhang Donna D.
Published: October 2017

Targeting the transcription factor NRF2 has been recognized as a feasible strategy for cancer prevention and treatment, but many of the mechanistic details underlying its role in cancer development and progression are lacking. Therefore, careful mechanistic studies of the NRF2 pathway in cancer initiation and progression are needed to identify which therapeutic avenue—activation or inhibition—is appropriate in a given context. Moreover, while numerous reports confirm the protective effect of NRF2 activation against chemical carcinogenesis little is known of its role in cancer arising from spontaneous mutations. Here, we tested the effects of NRF2 modulation (activation by sulforaphane or inhibition by brusatol) in lung carcinogenesis using a chemical (vinyl carbamate) model in A/J mice and a genetic (conditional KrasG12D oncogene expression, to simulate spontaneous oncogene mutation) model in C57BL/6J mice. Mice were treated with NRF2 modulators before carcinogen exposure or KrasG12D expression to test the role of NRF2 in cancer initiation, or treated after tumor development to test the role of NRF2 in cancer progression. Lung tissues were analyzed to determine tumor burden, as well as status of NRF2 and KRAS pathways. Additionally, proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative DNA damage were assessed. Overall, NRF2 activation prevents initiation of chemically induced cancer, but promotes progression of pre‐existing tumors regardless of chemical or genetic etiology. Once tumors are initiated, NRF2 inhibition is effective against the progression of chemically and spontaneously induced tumors. These results have important implications for NRF2‐targeted cancer prevention and intervention strategies.
An 8‐channel transceiver 7‐channel receive RF coil setup for high SNR ultrahigh‐field MRI of the shoulder at 7T
Authors: Rietsch Stefan H. G. , Pfaffenrot Viktor , Bitz Andreas K. , Orzada Stephan , Brunheim Sascha , Lazik‐Palm Andrea , Theysohn Jens M. , Ladd Mark E. , Quick Harald H. , Kraff Oliver
Published: October 2017

Purpose

In this work, we present an 8‐channel transceiver (Tx/Rx) 7‐channel receive (Rx) radiofrequency (RF) coil setup for 7 T ultrahigh‐field MR imaging of the shoulder.

Methods

A C‐shaped 8‐channel Tx/Rx coil was combined with an anatomically close‐fitting 7‐channel Rx‐only coil. The safety and performance parameters of this coil setup were evaluated on the bench and in phantom experiments. The 7 T MR imaging performance of the shoulder RF coil setup was evaluated in in vivo measurements using a 3D DESS, a 2D PD‐weighted TSE sequence, and safety supervision based on virtual observation points.

Results

Distinct SNR gain and acceleration capabilities provided by the additional 7‐channel Rx‐only coil were demonstrated in phantom and in vivo measurements. The power efficiency indicated good performance of each channel and a maximum B1+ of 19 μT if the hardware RF power limits of the MR system were exploited. MR imaging of the shoulder was demonstrated with clinically excellent image quality and submillimeter spatial resolution.

Conclusions

The presented 8‐channel transceiver 7‐channel receive RF coil setup was successfully applied for in vivo 7 T MRI of the shoulder providing a clear SNR gain vs the transceiver array without the additional receive array. Homogeneous images across the shoulder region were obtained using 8‐channel subject‐specific phase‐only RF shimming.
Portal MV imaging with thin‐film high‐energy current X‐ray detectors: A Monte Carlo study
Authors: Liu Bo , Zygmanski Piotr , Sajo Erno
Published: October 2017

Purpose

We investigate the potential of the recently introduced high‐energy current (HEC) thin‐film detector as an alternative design to existing electronic portal imaging devices (EPID). The HEC radiation detectors employ multiple nano‐/micrometer layers made of disparate atomic number (Z) conductors separated by solid or gaseous (e.g., air) dielectrics. The HEC detector may be designed as an external structure or an auxiliary device integrated into the existing EPID.

Method

Using Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations, we compare the image contrast of a HEC detector to that of a commercial EPID device (AS500) for a 2.5 MV X‐ray beam. The detector response was modeled using a series of monoenergetic incident photons with detector signal scored as the energy deposition in the air gaps (HEC) and in the phosphor layer (EPID). Las Vegas (LV) phantom was employed to test the spatial resolution and contrast of the single‐ and multielement HEC detector. The HEC detector pixel size was the same as for AS500 (0.78 mm × 0.78 mm). In addition, image contrast of a water/bone phantom using both the multielement HEC and EPID detectors was simulated and compared.

Results

The HEC detector has higher relative response to low‐energy photons compared to EPID. The multielement HEC has 32.3 times greater response at 100 keV than at 500 keV, while the EPID without copper plate shows a factor of 6.8 between the same energies. LV phantom images indicate that the image contrast is approximately the same for single‐ and multielement HEC detectors, but the latter has lower noise. Both single‐ and multielement HEC could resolve a 2 mm diameter hole with an image magnification factor of 1.2. In the present design, the HEC detector has much less material (9.66 mg/cm2 gold) compared to EPID (133 mg/cm2 Gd2O2S) to interact with incident photons. For imaging bony structures, the HEC detector needs about nine times greater photon flux as the EPID to acquire data at same uncertainty level. Despite this, the HEC sensor requires less than 1 cGy dose to obtain images with statistical uncertainty better than 2.5%. In the case when the field diameter is 10 cm, the multielement HEC image contrast is 14.3% higher than that of EPID with copper removed. When the field diameter is decreased to 5 cm, HEC contrast is 27.1% better than the EPID contrast.

Conclusion

It is demonstrated that the image contrast of HEC detectors are comparable and in some cases better than that of the standard EPID design. This opens a potential for complementary HEC and EPID designs that may better utilize the kV portion of the spectrum.
Uncertainty in FTTH splitter installation
Authors: Żotkiewicz Mateusz
Published: October 2017

In this article, a problem of rational splitter installation in Fiber‐to‐the‐Home (FTTH) networks is considered. The most expensive and time consuming part of the FTTH deployment is trenching and other labor involved in cable installation. When cables are deployed, the operator can start to connect customers to the network. However, the process still requires expenditures for both passive (splitters) and active (ONUs, OLT cards) equipment. First, we define an optimization problem of rational selection of splitters in the process of connecting new customers to a network. Second, we present two methods for handling the problem. The methods are named SpliSeals (Splitter Selection Algorithms). They take into account the actual take‐up rate and customer arrival patters to minimize the total expected cost of installed splitters. The average cost savings the presented algorithms can provide over rational, computer unaided methods exceed 10%, reaching almost 20% in some groups of cases, or even 40% in particular test cases. SpliSeals not only can be used to minimize the deployment cost of FTTH networks but also to assess the impact of uncertainty on network designs returned by automated methods. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 71(2), 153–165 2018
Surface modification of cellulosic materials for polyethylene composite applications
Authors: Chimeni Désiré Yomeni , Koumba Yoya Georges , Stevanovic Tatjana , Rodrigue Denis
Published: October 2017

Cellulose fibers obtained from aspen wood via the Organosolv pulping method were surface modified by maleated polyethylene (MAPE) in a xylene solution to improve their adhesion/dispersion in 30% wt. filled linear medium density polyethylene composites. The chemical analysis of unmodified and modified fibers as well as morphological, rheological, and mechanical characterizations of their composites showed that successful MAPE grafting on the fibers' surface was achieved leading to a substantial improvement of the fiber‐matrix interfacial quality as tensile strength improved by 29% when compared with the composites containing unmodified fibers. The treatment also improved the rigidity and creep resistance of these composites which is highly suitable for building and construction applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E202–E213, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Renal Transplant Acute Rejection with Lower Mycophenolate Mofetil Dosing and Proton Pump Inhibitors or Histamine‐2 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Patel Kajal S. , Stephany Brian R. , Barnes Julie F. , Bauer Seth R. , Spinner Michael L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Pharmacokinetic data show reduced mycophenolic acid levels in renal transplant recipients taking mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) concomitantly. This reduced exposure could increase rejection risk. The typical initial MMF dose post renal transplantation is 2 g/day, which often requires dose reduction secondary to side effects. Existing studies have not shown significant acute rejection differences for patients taking MMF‐PPI versus patients taking MMF‐ranitidine.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes in renal transplant recipients receiving a lower MMF dose than previously studied (1.5 g/day) and either a PPI or histamine‐2 receptor antagonist (H2RA).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included adult subjects receiving a renal transplant between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2013. Comparison groups were defined based on acid‐suppressing therapy class prescribed at discharge from transplantation. The primary outcome was acute rejection incidence within 1 year posttransplantation.

Results

Of 728 renal transplant recipients screened, 522 were included: 183 taking a PPI and 339 taking an H2RA. There was no significant difference in acute rejection within 1 year (H2RA 19% versus PPI 14%, p=0.12) or 3 months (4% vs 5%, p=0.44, respectively) posttransplantation. Maintenance immunosuppression (MMF dose and tacrolimus troughs) was similar between groups at 3 months and 1 year. Graft and patient survivals were favorable (> 95%), and graft function at 1 year was stable and similar between groups.

Conclusion

Despite taking lower MMF doses than previously studied, subjects on a PPI compared to an H2RA were not at increased risk of acute rejection within 1 year posttransplantation.
Data‐Independent Acquisition‐Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Potential Biomarkers of Kidney Cancer
Authors: Song Yimeng , Zhong Lijun , Zhou Juntuo , Lu Min , Xing Tianying , Ma Lulin , Shen Jing
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant and metastatic cancer with 95% mortality, and clear cell RCC (ccRCC) is the most observed among the five major subtypes of RCC. Specific biomarkers that can distinguish cancer tissues from adjacent normal tissues should be developed to diagnose this disease in early stages and conduct a reliable prognostic evaluation.

Experimental design

Data‐independent acquisition (DIA) strategy has been widely employed in proteomic analysis because of various advantages, including enhanced protein coverage and reliable data acquisition. In this study, a DIA workflow is constructed on a quadrupole‐Orbitrap LC‐MS platform to reveal dysregulated proteins between ccRCC and adjacent normal tissues.

Results

More than 4000 proteins are identified, 436 of these proteins are dysregulated in ccRCC tissues. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that multiple pathways and Gene Ontology items are strongly associated with ccRCC. The expression levels of L‐lactate dehydrogenase A chain, annexin A4, nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase, and perilipin‐2 examined through RT‐qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry confirm the validity of the proteomic analysis results.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The proposed DIA workflow yields optimum time efficiency and data reliability and provides a good choice for proteomic analysis in biological and clinical studies, and these dysregulated proteins might be potential biomarkers for ccRCC diagnosis.
A New Insight to the Color Change Phenomenon of TATB: Structural Color
Authors: Tian Xianqing , Wang Xinfeng , Yu Kun , Sun Jie , Xiao Dan
Published: October 2017

The color change phenomenon of 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) has puzzled the energetic researchers for decades. Many efforts have been dedicated to identifying the “colored TATB”, however, hardly any of well‐established evidences have been ascertained. After detailed reviewing the literatures, we herein propose a new insight to survey the coloration of TATB. And a 3D photonic crystal model has been proposed to elucidate the color change phenomenon of TATB. Coloration behavior of the TATB is confirmed by home‐made TATB thin film. It is proved that the coloration of TATB is a physical appearance, structural color.
Structural and Electronic Properties of Defect‐Free and Defect‐Containing Polypropylene: A Computational Study by van der Waals Density‐Functional Method
Authors: Nguyen Huy‐Viet , Pham Thinh H.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a study on structural and electronic properties of bulk polypropylene – one of the fastest growing engineering plastics – based on density‐functional calculations. The use of recently developed non‐local van der Waals functionals to approximate the exchange–correlation energy is crucial for a good description of structural properties. Various types of chemical imperfections, their impacts on electronic properties of polypropylene are also studied.