bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-stratified perioperative mortality after urological surgeries
Authors: Wallace Brendan , Breau Rodney H. , Cnossen Sonya , Knee Christopher , McIsaac Daniel , Mallick Ranjeeta , Cagiannos Ilias , Morash Christopher , Lavallee Luke T.
Published: March 2018

Introduction: More elderly patients are presenting for surgical consultation. Understanding the risk of mortality by age group after urological surgery is important for patient selection and counselling.Methods: A historical cohort study of The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2006–2015 was performed. Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for similar surgical procedures were grouped for analyses. Urological procedures commonly performed in elderly patients were identified and stratified by patient age and surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopic/robotic). The primary outcome was the absolute risk of death by 30 days stratified by age for each surgical procedure. The secondary outcome was risk of death by surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopic/robotic).Results: Twelve urological procedures were reviewed including 124 262 patients. A total of 1011 (0.8%) deaths occurred by 30 days after surgery. The procedure with the highest incidence of mortality by 30 days was open nephroureterectomy (2.9 %). In patients 80 years and over, the procedure with the highest incidence of death was open radical nephrectomy (5.32%). There was an increased risk of mortality with increasing age group for all procedures. Unadjusted risk of mortality was consistently higher in patients who receive open compared to laparoscopic surgery.Conclusions: There is an increasing risk of mortality with age and with open surgical approach in urology. Knowledge regarding the absolute risk of mortality in patients receiving common urological surgeries may improve patient selection and counselling.
Identifying the use and barriers to the adoption of renal tumour biopsy in the management of small renal masses
Authors: Richard Patrick O. , Martin Lisa , Lavallée Luke T. , Violette Philippe D. , Komisarenko Maria , Evans Andrew J. , Jain Kunal , Jewett Michael A.S. , Finelli Antonio
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Renal tumour biopsies (RTBs) can provide the histology of small renal masses (SRMs) prior to treatment decisionmaking. However, many urologists are reluctant to use RTB as a standard of care. This study characterizes the current use of RTB in the management of SRMs and identifies barriers to a more widespread adoption.Methods: A web-based survey was sent to members of the Canadian and Quebec Urological Associations who had registered email address (n=767) in June 2016. The survey examined physicians’ practice patterns, RTB use, and potential barriers to RTB. Chi-squared tests were used to assess for differences between respondents.Results: The response rate was 29% (n=223), of which 188 respondents were eligible. A minority of respondents (12%) perform RTB in >75% of cases, while 53% never perform or perform RTB in <25% of cases. Respondents with urological oncology fellowship training were more likely to request a biopsy than their colleagues without such training. The most frequent management-related reason for not using routine RTB was a belief that biopsy won’t alter management, while the most frequent pathology-related reason was the risk of obtaining a false-negative or a non-diagnostic biopsy.Conclusions: Adoption of RTBs remains low in Canada. Concerns about the accuracy of RTB and its ability to change clinical practice are the largest barriers to adoption. A knowledge translation strategy is needed to address these concerns. Future studies are also required in order to define where RTB is most valuable and how to best to implement it.
Perception of Secondary School Teachers for the Importance of Implementing the Ivan Illich's Deschooling Principles in the Educational Learning Process in Jordan
Authors: Al-Zboon Mohammad Saleem , Al-Maalouf Lina Majed , AlTashah Ghunaim Humoud , Awamrah Abdel Salam Fahad Al
Published: March 2018

This study aimed at exploring the perception of secondary school teachers for the importance of implementing the Ivan Illich's Deschooling principles in the educational learning process in Jordan. For that the researchers adopted the descriptive analysis methodology through the use of the questionnaire as a study tool on a sample of (100) secondary school teachers in the three regions of Jordan (Middle Region, North Region and South Region). The study concluded that there is no significant difference between the levels of educational qualification and gender at the level of (α=0.05) in the degree of secondary school teachers' perception of the importance of applying the Deschooling principles of Ivan Illich in the educational learning process. And the researchers recommended that to re-examine the objectives of education in the light of a renewed vision for sustainable human and social development that is equitable and can be applied together, and in this vision we should take into account the social, environmental and economic dimensions of the comprehensive development processes and linking them to education processes.
The Paradox of the End without End
Authors: Vander Laan David ,   The Society of Christian Philosophers
Published: March 2018

In much of Christian thought humans are taken to have an ultimate end, understood as the highest attainable good. Christians also anticipate “the life everlasting.” Together these ideas generate a paradox. If the end can be reached in a finite amount of time, some longer-lasting state will be better still, so the purported end is not the highest good after all. But if the end is to possess some good forever, then it will never be reached. So it seems an everlasting being cannot have an ultimate end—a conclusion that apparently makes human life pointless. How can the paradox be solved?
Crisis or Struggle? A Language of Natality as a Struggle for Education
Authors: Bergdahl Lovisa
Published: March 2018

Taking its point of departure in the connotations to war and violence inherent in what is here called the ‘language of crisis’ (Jantzen), the purpose of this article is to explore what it might mean to reassess the language of educational change and policy reform in the imagery of natality and birth (Arendt). If the task in a ‘crisis’ is to fi ght against the crisis, eff ectively and forcefully, the argument of the paper is that the root metaphors of natality and birth puts into play an imagery that makes possible a relational language for educational change and reform. If the language we use has performative consequences, the question explored is what a ‘language of natality’ can make possible as a language of struggle for education.
L’accompagnement : symétrie dans les asymétries ?
Authors: BOUCENNA Sephora
Published: March 2018

Cet article présente une analyse de deux entretiens d’accompagnement vécus par une formatrice d’adultes et un directeur d’établissement fondamental et menés par une enseignante universitaire et un conseiller pédagogique. Cette analyse permet d’interroger la nature de « la mise au service de l’accompagné » par l’accompagnateur. Se mettre au service d’autrui implique-t-il systématiquement une relation symétrique comme cela est décrit dans la littérature ? Il apparait que lors de ces deux entretiens l’asymétrie soit bien présente et ne s’inscrit pas une dimension relationnelle mais dans une comparaison à soi.
Benthos Expert Network: Findings and recommendations from the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program’s State of the Arctic Marine Biodiversity Report (SAMBR)
Authors: Roy Virginie , Jørgensen Lis Lindal , Archambault Philippe , Blicher Martin , Denisenko Nina , Guðmundsson Guðmundur , Iken Katrin , Sørensen Jan , Anisimova Natalia , Behe Carolina , Denisenko Stanislav , Metcalf Vera , Olafsdóttir Steinunn , Schiøtte Tom , Tendal Ole , Ravelo Alexandra M. , Kędra Monika , Piepenburg Dieter
Published: March 2018

Currently, > 4,000 macro- and megabenthic invertebrate species are known from Arctic seas, representing the majority of marine faunal diversity in this region. This estimate is expected to increase with future studies. Benthic invertebrates are important ecosystem components as food for fishes, marine mammals, seabirds and humans. The Benthos Expert Network of the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP) aggregated and reviewed information on the population status and trends of macro- and megabenthic invertebrates across eight Arctic Marine Areas as well as the state of current monitoring efforts for these communities. Drivers are affecting benthic communities on a variety of scales, ranging from pan-Arctic (related to climate change, such as warming, ice decline and acidification) to regional or local scales (such as trawling, river/glacier discharge, and invasive species). Long-term benthic monitoring efforts have largely focused on macro- and megabenthic communities of the Chukchi and Barents Seas. Recently, they are increasing in waters off Greenland and Iceland, as well as in the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea. All other Arctic Marine Areas are lacking long-term monitoring. The presentation will summarize current level of knowledge and monitoring across the Arctic, drivers of observed trends, and knowledge and monitoring gaps.
Evaluation of buriti endocarp as lignocellulosic substrate for second generation ethanol production
Authors: Rodrigues Plínio R , Araújo Mateus FL , Rocha Tamarah L , Veloso Ronnie Von S , Pantoja Lílian A , Santos Alexandre S
Published: March 2018

The production of lignocellulosic ethanol is one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels, however, this technology still faces many challenges related to the viability of the alcohol in the market. In this paper the endocarp of buriti fruit was assessed for ethanol production. The whole fruit was characterized physically and chemically and its endocarp submitted to acid and alkaline pre-treatments, which were optimized through the use of surface response methodology for removal of hemicellulose and lignin, respectively. Hemicellulose content was reduced by 88% after acid pretreatment. Alkaline pre-treatment reduced the lignin content in the recovered biomass from 11.8% to 4.2% and increased the concentration of the cellulosic fraction to 88.5%. The pre-treated biomass was saccharified by the action of cellulolytic enzymes and, in the optimized condition, was able to produce 110 g of glucose per L of hydrolyzate. Alcoholic fermentation of the enzymatic hydrolyzate bio-catalized by Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in a fermented medium with 4.3% ethanol and YP/S of 0.33.
Fast cyclic stimulus flashing modulates perception of bi-stable figure
Authors: Vaitkevicius Henrikas , Vanagas Vygandas , Soliunas Alvydas , Svegzda Algimantas , Bliumas Remigijus , Stanikunas Rytis , Kulikowski Janus J
Published: March 2018

Many experiments have demonstrated that the rhythms in the brain influence an initial information processing. We investigated whether the alternation rate of the perception of a Necker cube depended on the degree of synchronization between two streams of spikes, one stemming from an external flashing image and the other from the action of an internal impulse stream. Knowing how a flickering stimulus with a given frequency and duration affects the alternation rate of bi-stable perception we could estimate properties of the internal signal. As the internal spike frequency is difficult to control, we varied the frequency of the flicker stimulus. Our results show that the duration of the dominant stimulus perception depends on the frequency or duration of the flashing stimuli. The values of the stimuli, at which the changes of the duration of the perceived image was maximal, we have called ‘extremal’. While changing the flash duration, the extremal parameters repeated periodically at 4ms intervals. Increasing the duration of the extremal stimuli by less than 4 ms shortens the duration of the dominant stimulus perception. Hence we may conclude that it is not the stimulus duration but the accurate coincidence (timing) of the moments of switching on of external stimuli to match the internal stimuli which explains our experimental results.
Reproductive ecology of the Beal’s-eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei)
Authors: Lin Liu , Hu Qing Ru , Fong Jonathan Julio , Yang Jiang Bo , Chen Zhong Dong , Zhou Fei Yu , Wang Ji Chao , Xiao Fan Rong , Shi Hai Tao
Published: March 2018

The Beal’s-eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) is endemic to southeastern China and endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Knowledge of S. bealei ecology is lacking and this study provides baseline information of its reproduction in a natural environment. We studied the reproductive ecology of S. bealei using X-ray, spool-and-line tracking, and direct observation. Six nesting females were successfully tracked and their nesting behaviors were documented in detail. Females produced only one clutch per year, with a mean clutch size of 2.2 eggs (range 1–3). The white, hard-shelled eggs were ellipsoidal with a mean length of 45.50 mm, a mean width of 23.20 mm, and mean weight of 14.8 g. The relative clutch mass (RCM) was 9.47%, while the relative egg mass (REM) was 4.60%. The mean incubation period was 94.7 days with a mean nest temperature of 25.08°C. Hatchlings had a mean weight of 9.7 g, carapace length of 40.1 mm, carapace width of 33.3 mm, carapace height of 17.4 mm, plastron length of 31.6 mm, and plastron width of 25.4 mm. The results of this study provide important information to formulate conservation plan and ex-situ breeding for this endangered species.
Marine Genetic Resources, the Nagoya Protocol and the Law of the Sea
Authors: Zajderman Sabine
Published: March 2018

The access and benefit-sharing (ABS) of marine genetic resources (MGRs) within national jurisdiction have received very little interest among scholars and in international discussions. This may seem somewhat surprising given the fact that the vast majority of MGRs with potential for scientific discovery and industrial applications, including deep-sea organisms, are currently predominantly sourced within national jurisdiction. Such neglect is regrettable. Many countries could undoubtedly benefit from better guidance on how to implement effective national ABS regulatory frameworks that address the governance of MRGs and marine bioprospecting activities in sea areas under their jurisdiction. Familiarising the scientific community with the evolving international framework governing the access and utilisation of those resources would be just as relevant. With this in mind, this contribution will examine the interplay between the Law of the Sea and the Nagoya Protocol, the two primary international instruments setting out the conditions for the ABS of MGRs within national jurisdiction and provide an overview of the core provisions on the various rights and obligations of coastal States (providers of MGRs) and researching States (users of MGRs) under both instruments. Finally, the importance of the involvement of the scientific community in the international ABS process will be highlighted.
Prescribing Antibiotics: General Practitioners Dealing with “Non-Medical Issues”?
Authors: Pedersen Inge Kryger , Jepsen Kim Sune
Published: March 2018

The medical professions will lose an indispensable tool in clinical practice if even simple infections cannot be cured because antibiotics have lost effectiveness. This article presents results from an exploratory enquiry into “good doctoring” in the case of antibiotic prescribing at a time when the knowledge base in the healthcare field is shifting. Drawing on in-depth interviews about diagnosing and prescribing, the article demonstrates how the problem of antimicrobial resistance is understood and engaged with by Danish general practitioners. When general practitioners speak of managing “non-medical issues,” they refer to routines, clinical expertise, experiences with their patients, and decision-making based more on contextual circumstances than molecular conditions—and on the fact that such conditions can be hard to assess. This article’s contribution to knowledge about how new and global health problems challenge professional actors affirms the importance of such a research agenda and the need for further exploration of the core problems posed by transnational sociology of professions.
Detection of PCV2e strains in Southeast China
Authors: Liu Jiankui , Wei Chunhua , Dai Ailing , Lin Zhifeng , Fan Kewei , Fan Jianlin , Liu Jiayue , Luo Manlin , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2018

Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) has been prevalent in swine herds in China since 2002, causing severe economic loss to the pig industry. The number of live pigs in southeast China is > 20 million. Since information on the genetic variation of PCV2 in the Fujian province is limited, the objective of the present work was to investigate the epidemiological and evolutionary characteristics of PCV2 in southeast China from 2013 to 2017. Of the 685 samples collected from 90 different swine herds from 2013 to 2017, 356 samples from 84 different swine herds were positive for PCV2. PCV2a, PCV2b, PCV2d, and PCV2e co-existed in the Fujian province, with PCV2d being the predominant circulating strain in swineherds and PCV2e being reported for the first time in China. Strikingly, PCV2-FJ-water DNA comes from contaminated river water and not infected animals. Sequence comparison among all isolates indicated that 95 isolates shared approximately 78.7%–100% nucleotide identity and 74.5%–100% amino acid identity for open reading frame 2 (ORF2). Amino acid alignment showed that the Cap protein of PCV2e differed markedly from those of PCV2a, PCV2b, PCV2c, and PCV2d. These results indicated that various PCV2 genotypes exist in China, and that PCV2 is continuously evolving, leading to rapid emergence of new variant stains.
A Cascade‐Targeting Nanocapsule for Enhanced Photothermal Tumor Therapy with Aid of Autophagy Inhibition
Authors: Wu Xilong , Wu Yundi , Wang Zhiyong , Liu Lixin , Sun Chengxin , Chen Yongming , Wang Chun
Published: March 2018

Autophagy is a homeostatic lysosome‐dependent metabolic process to eliminate damaged or dysfunctional cellular organelles, which is closely associated with tumor progression. Indocyanine green (ICG) can convert NIR light energy to localized heat for cancer cell and tissue ablation. However, the effect of autophagy modulation on ICG‐mediated photothermal therapy remains unknown. In this study, it is found that primaquine (PQ) suppresses autophagy flux at a late stage through the impeding fusion of the autophagosome with the lysosome to form an autophagolysosome, leading to cell apoptosis or necrosis. This autophagosome–lysosome fusion inhibitory effect and the autophagosome accumulation are more evident in the photothermal therapy combined with autophagy inhibition. Motivated by this notable effect, a cascade‐targeting nanocapsule (HCP) is constructed using an organic solvent‐free strategy to coencapsulate PQ and ICG. By targeting the cluster designation 44 molecule and sequentially enhancing the cell‐penetrating peptide‐mediated endocytosis, the codelivery of PQ/ICG by HCP achieves selective recognition and reinforces the internalization by MCF‐7 cells to exert a synergistic therapeutic effect on MCF‐7 cells both in vitro and in vivo. The HCP system for the photothermal and autophagy inhibition combination therapy represents a novel strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.
3D Interconnected Mesoporous Alumina with Loaded Hemoglobin as a Highly Active Electrochemical Biosensor for H2O2
Authors: Yang Xuanyu , Cheng Xiaowei , Song Hongyuan , Ma Junhao , Pan Panpan , Elzatahry Ahmed A. , Su Jiacan , Deng Yonghui
Published: March 2018

Alumina is one of the most common and stable metal oxides in nature, which has been developed as a novel adsorbent in enrichment of biomolecules due to its excellent affinity to phosphor or amino groups. In this study, ordered mesoporous alumina (OMA) with interconnected mesopores and surface acidic property is synthesized through a solvent evaporation induced co‐assembly process using poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐polystyrene (PEO‐b‐PS) diblock copolymer as a template and aluminium acetylacetonate (Al(acac)3) as the aluminium source. The pore size (12.1–19.7 nm), pore window size (3.5–9.0 nm) and surface acidity (0.092–0.165 mmol g−1) can be precisely adjusted. The highly porous structure endows the OMA materials with high hemoglobin (Hb) immobilization capacity (170 mg g−1). The obtained Hb@OMA composite is used as an electrocatalyst of biosensor for convienet and fast detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with a low H2O2 detection limit of 1.7 × 10−8
m and a wide linear range of 2.5 × 10−8 to 5.0 × 10−5
m. Moreover, the Hb@OMA sensors show a good performance in real time detection of H2O2 released from Homo sapiens bone osteosarcoma, indicating their potential application in complex biological processes.
Protein Bricks: 2D and 3D Bio‐Nanostructures with Shape and Function on Demand
Authors: Jiang Jianjuan , Zhang Shaoqing , Qian Zhigang , Qin Nan , Song Wenwen , Sun Long , Zhou Zhitao , Shi Zhifeng , Chen Liang , Li Xinxin , Mao Ying , Kaplan David L. , Gilbert Corder Stephanie N. , Chen Xinzhong , Liu Mengkun , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. , Xia Xiaoxia , Tao Tiger H.
Published: March 2018

Precise patterning of polymer‐based biomaterials for functional bio‐nanostructures has extensive applications including biosensing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Remarkable progress is made in both top‐down (based on lithographic methods) and bottom‐up (via self‐assembly) approaches with natural and synthetic biopolymers. However, most methods only yield 2D and pseudo‐3D structures with restricted geometries and functionalities. Here, it is reported that precise nanostructuring on genetically engineered spider silk by accurately directing ion and electron beam interactions with the protein's matrix at the nanoscale to create well‐defined 2D bionanopatterns and further assemble 3D bionanoarchitectures with shape and function on demand, termed “Protein Bricks.” The added control over protein sequence and molecular weight of recombinant spider silk via genetic engineering provides unprecedented lithographic resolution (approaching the molecular limit), sharpness, and biological functions compared to natural proteins. This approach provides a facile method for patterning and immobilizing functional molecules within nanoscopic, hierarchical protein structures, which sheds light on a wide range of biomedical applications such as structure‐enhanced fluorescence and biomimetic microenvironments for controlling cell fate.
Cell Membrane Coating Nanotechnology
Authors: Fang Ronnie H. , Kroll Ashley V. , Gao Weiwei , Zhang Liangfang
Published: March 2018

Nanoparticle‐based therapeutic, prevention, and detection modalities have the potential to greatly impact how diseases are diagnosed and managed in the clinic. With the wide range of nanomaterials available, the rational design of nanocarriers on an application‐specific basis has become increasingly commonplace. Here, a comprehensive overview is provided on an emerging platform: cell‐membrane‐coating nanotechnology. As a fundamental unit of biology, cells carry out a wide range of functions, including the remarkable ability to interface and interact with their surrounding environment. Instead of attempting to replicate such functions via synthetic techniques, researchers are now directly leveraging naturally derived cell membranes as a means of bestowing nanoparticles with enhanced biointerfacing capabilities. This top‐down technique is facile, highly generalizable, and has the potential to greatly augment existing nanocarriers. Further, the introduction of a natural membrane substrate onto nanoparticles surfaces has enabled additional applications beyond those traditionally associated with nanomedicine. Despite its relative youth, there exists an impressive body of literature on cell membrane coating, which is covered here in detail. Overall, there is still significant room for development, as researchers continue to refine existing workflows while finding new and exciting applications that can take advantage of this developing technology.
Plasmonic Sensing and Modulation Based on Fano Resonances
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Gan Fengyuan , Wang Yujia , Li Guozhou
Published: March 2018

The rapid developments in nanotechnology and plasmonics allow the manipulation of light at nanometer scales, such as light propagation and resonances. Differing from the symmetric Lorentzian‐like profiles in the conventional resonances, Fano resonances, which originate from the interference of different resonant modes, exhibit obviously asymmetric spectral profiles. Based on lineshape engineering, the Fano resonances with sharp asymmetric profiles exhibit a small linewidth and a high spectral contrast by exploiting different mechanisms and designing various metallic nanostructures. Both of the above properties in the sharp Fano resonances have significant applications in nanoscale plasmonic sensors and modulators. This review summarizes the underlying mechanism of the Fano resonances in various metallic nanostructures. Then, practical applications of the Fano resonances in nanoscale plasmonic sensing and modulation are reviewed. At last, the development and challenges of plasmonic sensing and modulation based on Fano resonances are discussed.
Circular Dichroism in Higher‐Order Diffraction Beams from Chiral Quasiplanar Nanostructures
Authors: Kuppe Christian , Williams Calum , You Jie , Collins Joel T. , Gordeev Sergey N. , Wilkinson Timothy D. , Panoiu Nicolae‐Coriolan , Valev Ventsislav K.
Published: March 2018

Miniaturization down to the nanoscale has enabled a new paradigm of ultrathin optical devices, capable of manipulating the direction, polarization, and frequency of light. Great interest is drawn by the promising prospects of deep‐subwavelength material dimensions. However, interesting properties and opportunities offered by structures with sizes comparable to the wavelength of light appear to have been overlooked. Here, quasiplanar chiral arrays made of gold are considered and show that higher‐order diffracted beams can yield extremely large chiroptical responses for optical frequencies. The chosen sample geometry demonstrates spectrally tunable polarization conversion and extremely large circular dichroism. Experimental and numerical data are in good agreement, for both sample chiral forms, and for the complementary geometries under Babinet's principle. Specifically, the experimental results show that the fractional circular dichroism (CD) can be as high as 20%, in the third‐order diffraction beam. Based on the numerical results, a great potential for improvement is anticipated, which makes higher‐order diffraction CD a very promising candidate for ultrathin optical applications.
Advanced GeSn/SiGeSn Group IV Heterostructure Lasers
Authors: von den Driesch Nils , Stange Daniela , Rainko Denis , Povstugar Ivan , Zaumseil Peter , Capellini Giovanni , Schröder Thomas , Denneulin Thibaud , Ikonic Zoran , Hartmann Jean‐Michel , Sigg Hans , Mantl Siegfried , Grützmacher Detlev , Buca Dan
Published: March 2018

Growth and characterization of advanced group IV semiconductor materials with CMOS‐compatible applications are demonstrated, both in photonics. The investigated GeSn/SiGeSn heterostructures combine direct bandgap GeSn active layers with indirect gap ternary SiGeSn claddings, a design proven its worth already decades ago in the III–V material system. Different types of double heterostructures and multi‐quantum wells (MQWs) are epitaxially grown with varying well thicknesses and barriers. The retaining high material quality of those complex structures is probed by advanced characterization methods, such as atom probe tomography and dark‐field electron holography to extract composition parameters and strain, used further for band structure calculations. Special emphasis is put on the impact of carrier confinement and quantization effects, evaluated by photoluminescence and validated by theoretical calculations. As shown, particularly MQW heterostructures promise the highest potential for efficient next generation complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible group IV lasers.
UV Resonance Raman Study of Apoptosis, Platinum‐Based Drugs, and Human Cell Lines
Authors: Geng Jiafeng , Aioub Mena , El‐Sayed Mostafa A. , Barry Bridgette A.
Published: March 2018

As a noninvasive molecular analysis technique, ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy represents a label‐free method suitable for characterizing biomolecules. Using UVRR spectroscopy, we collected spectral fingerprints of UV absorbing cellular components, including proteins, nucleic acids, and unsaturated lipids. This knowledge was used to guide the assignment of spectra derived from intact human cell lines (i. e., HSC‐3 and HaCaT) and from the apoptotic events induced by cisplatin. Notably, a jet‐flow system was employed to generate flowing cell suspensions during UVRR measurements, minimizing UV‐induced damage. A spectral marker is established based on the ratio of Raman intensities at 1488 and 1655 cm−1; this ratio correlates to the level of cell death due to apoptosis. Collectively, this work demonstrates that UVRR spectroscopy is a sensitive and informative probe of cellular physiology and molecular composition. The molecular insight obtained from UVRR measurements can be used to improve understanding of therapeutic treatment and to guide drug development and the choice of therapeutic agents.
The potential influence of Atlantic salmonSalmo salarand brown troutSalmo truttaon density and breeding of the white‐throated dipperCinclus cinclus
Authors: Nilsson Anna L. K. , L'Abée‐Lund Jan Henning , Vøllestad L. Asbjørn , Jerstad Kurt , Larsen Bjørn Mejdell , Røstad Ole Wiggo , Saltveit Svein Jakob , Skaugen Thomas , Stenseth Nils C. , Walseng Bjørn
Published: March 2018

Interactions between birds and fish are often overlooked in aquatic ecosystems. We studied the influence of Atlantic salmon and brown trout on the breeding population size and reproductive output of the white‐throated dipper in a Norwegian river. Acidic precipitation led to the extinction of salmon, but salmon recolonized after liming was initiated in 1991. We compared the dipper population size and reproductive output before (1978–1992) and after (1993–2014) salmon recolonization. Despite a rapid and substantial increase in juvenile salmon, the breeding dipper population size and reproductive output were not influenced by juvenile salmon, trout, or total salmonid density. This might be due to different feeding strategies in salmonids and dippers, where salmonids are mainly feeding on drift, while the dipper is a benthic feeder. The correlation between the size of the dipper population upstream and downstream of a salmonid migratory barrier was similar before and after recolonization, indicating that the downstream territories were not less attractive after the recolonization of salmon. Upstream dipper breeding success rates declined before the recolonization event and increased after, indicating improved water quality due to liming, and increasing invertebrate prey abundances and biodiversity. Surprisingly, upstream the migratory barrier, juvenile trout had a weak positive effect on the dipper population size, indicating that dippers may prey upon small trout. It is possible that wider downstream reaches might have higher abundances of alternative food, rending juvenile trout unimportant as prey. Abiotic factors such as winter temperatures and acidic precipitation with subsequent liming, potentially mediated by prey abundance, seem to play the most important role in the life history of the dipper.
The role of the reef flat in coral reef trophodynamics: Past, present, and future
Authors: Bellwood David R. , Tebbett Sterling B. , Bellwood Orpha , Mihalitsis Michalis , Morais Renato A. , Streit Robert P. , Fulton Christopher J.
Published: March 2018

The reef flat is one of the largest and most distinctive habitats on coral reefs, yet its role in reef trophodynamics is poorly understood. Evolutionary evidence suggests that reef flat colonization by grazing fishes was a major innovation that permitted the exploitation of new space and trophic resources. However, the reef flat is hydrodynamically challenging, subject to high predation risks and covered with sediments that inhibit feeding by grazers. To explore these opposing influences, we examine the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) as a model system. We focus on grazing herbivores that directly access algal primary productivity in the epilithic algal matrix (EAM). By assessing abundance, biomass, and potential fish productivity, we explore the potential of the reef flat to support key ecosystem processes and its ability to maintain fisheries yields. On the GBR, the reef flat is, by far, the most important habitat for turf‐grazing fishes, supporting an estimated 79% of individuals and 58% of the total biomass of grazing surgeonfishes, parrotfishes, and rabbitfishes. Approximately 59% of all (reef‐wide) turf algal productivity is removed by reef flat grazers. The flat also supports approximately 75% of all grazer biomass growth. Our results highlight the evolutionary and ecological benefits of occupying shallow‐water habitats (permitting a ninefold population increase). The acquisition of key locomotor and feeding traits has enabled fishes to access the trophic benefits of the reef flat, outweighing the costs imposed by water movement, predation, and sediments. Benthic assemblages on reefs in the future may increasingly resemble those seen on reef flats today, with low coral cover, limited topographic complexity, and extensive EAM. Reef flat grazing fishes may therefore play an increasingly important role in key ecosystem processes and in sustaining future fisheries yields.
Structural and functional responses of plant communities to climate change‐mediated alterations in the hydrology of riparian areas in temperate Europe
Authors: Baattrup‐Pedersen Annette , Garssen Annemarie , Göthe Emma , Hoffmann Carl Christian , Oddershede Andrea , Riis Tenna , van Bodegom Peter M. , Larsen Søren E. , Soons Merel
Published: March 2018

The hydrology of riparian areas changes rapidly these years because of climate change‐mediated alterations in precipitation patterns. In this study, we used a large‐scale in situ experimental approach to explore effects of drought and flooding on plant taxonomic diversity and functional trait composition in riparian areas in temperate Europe. We found significant effects of flooding and drought in all study areas, the effects being most pronounced under flooded conditions. In near‐stream areas, taxonomic diversity initially declined in response to both drought and flooding (although not significantly so in all years) and remained stable under drought conditions, whereas the decline continued under flooded conditions. For most traits, we found clear indications that the functional diversity also declined under flooded conditions, particularly in near‐stream areas, indicating that fewer strategies succeeded under flooded conditions. Consistent changes in community mean trait values were also identified, but fewer than expected. This can have several, not mutually exclusive, explanations. First, different adaptive strategies may coexist in a community. Second, intraspecific variability was not considered for any of the traits. For example, many species can elongate shoots and petioles that enable them to survive shallow, prolonged flooding but such abilities will not be captured when applying mean trait values. Third, we only followed the communities for 3 years. Flooding excludes species intolerant of the altered hydrology, whereas the establishment of new species relies on time‐dependent processes, for instance the dispersal and establishment of species within the areas. We expect that altered precipitation patterns will have profound consequences for riparian vegetation in temperate Europe. Riparian areas will experience loss of taxonomic and functional diversity and, over time, possibly also alterations in community trait responses that may have cascading effects on ecosystem functioning.
The effect of gut microbiota elimination in Drosophila melanogaster: A how‐to guide for host–microbiota studies
Authors: Heys Chloe , Lizé Anne , Blow Frances , White Lewis , Darby Alistair , Lewis Zenobia J.
Published: March 2018

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in the effects of the microbiota on the host. Increasingly, we are coming to understand the importance of the gut microbiota in modulating host physiology, ecology, behavior, and evolution. One method utilized to evaluate the effect of the microbiota is to suppress or eliminate it, and compare the effect on the host with that of untreated individuals. In this study, we evaluate some of these commonly used methods in the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. We test the efficacy of a low‐dose streptomycin diet, egg dechorionation, and an axenic or sterile diet, in the removal of gut bacteria within this species in a fully factorial design. We further determine potential side effects of these methods on host physiology by performing a series of standard physiological assays. Our results showed that individuals from all treatments took significantly longer to develop, and weighed less, compared to normal flies. Males and females that had undergone egg dechorionation weighed significantly less than streptomycin reared individuals. Similarly, axenic female flies, but not males, were much less active when analyzed in a locomotion assay. All methods decreased the egg to adult survival, with egg dechorionation inducing significantly higher mortality. We conclude that low‐dose streptomycin added to the dietary media is more effective at removing the gut bacteria than egg dechorionation and has somewhat less detrimental effects to host physiology. More importantly, this method is the most practical and reliable for use in behavioral research. Our study raises the important issue that the efficacy of and impacts on the host of these methods require investigation in a case‐by‐case manner, rather than assuming homogeneity across species and laboratories.
The role of the right temporo–parietal junction in social decision‐making
Authors: Bitsch Florian , Berger Philipp , Nagels Arne , Falkenberg Irina , Straube Benjamin
Published: March 2018

Identifying someone else's noncooperative intentions can prevent exploitation in social interactions. Hence, the inference of another person's mental state might be most pronounced in order to improve social decision‐making. Here, we tested the hypothesis that brain regions associated with Theory of Mind (ToM), particularly the right temporo–parietal junction (rTPJ), show higher neural responses when interacting with a selfish person and that the rTPJ‐activity as well as cooperative tendencies will change over time. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a modified prisoner's dilemma game in which 20 participants interacted with three fictive playing partners who behaved according to stable strategies either competitively, cooperatively or randomly during seven interaction blocks. The rTPJ and the posterior–medial prefrontal cortex showed higher activity during the interaction with a competitive compared with a cooperative playing partner. Only the rTPJ showed a high response during an early interaction phase, which preceded participants increase in defective decisions. Enhanced functional connectivity between the rTPJ and the left hippocampus suggests that social cognition and learning processes co‐occur when behavioral adaptation seems beneficial.
Exploiting the use of physical information for the calibration of a lumped hydrological model
Authors: Manfreda Salvatore , Mita Leonardo , Dal Sasso Silvano Fortunato , Samela Caterina , Mancusi Leonardo
Published: March 2018

In hydrological modelling, the challenge is to identify an optimal strategy to exploit tools and available observations in order to enhance model reliability. The increasing availability of data promotes the use of new calibration techniques able to make use of additional information on river basins. In the present study, a lumped hydrological model—designed with the aim of utilizing remotely sensed data—is introduced and calibrated, adopting four different schemes that adopt, to varying extents, available physical information. The physically consistent conceptualization of the hydrological model used allowed development of a step by step calibration based on a combination of information, such as remotely sensed data describing snow cover, recession curves obtained from streamflow measurements, and time series of surface run‐off obtained with a baseflow mathematical filter applied to the streamflow time‐series. Results suggest that the use of physical information in the calibration procedure tends to increase model reliability with respect to approaches where the parameters are calibrated using an overall statistic based, considerably or exclusively, on streamflow data.
Investigation of the relationship between runoff and atmospheric oscillations, sea surface temperature, and local‐scale climate variables in theYellow Riverheadwaters region
Authors: Chu Haibo , Wei Jiahua , Li Jiaye , Li Tiejian
Published: March 2018

The Yellow River headwaters region (YRHR) contributes nearly 40% of total flow in the Yellow River basin, which is suffering from a serious water shortage problem. Investigation of the relationship between runoff and climate variables is important for understanding the variation trend of runoff in the YRHR under global climate change. Global and local climate variables, including the West Pacific subtropical high; northern hemisphere polar vortex (NH); Tibetan Plateau Index B (TPI‐B); southern oscillation index; sea surface temperature; and precipitation, evaporation, and temperature, were fully considered to explore the relationship with runoff at Jimai, Maqu, and Tangnaihai stations from 1956 to 2014. The results reveal that runoff had a decreasing trend, which will likely be maintained in the future, and there was a significant change in runoff around 1995 at all stations. Correlation analysis indicated that runoff was dominated by precipitation, NH, temperature, and TPI‐B, and a substantial correlation was observed with sea surface temperature and evaporation, but there was little correlation with West Pacific subtropical high and southern oscillation index. Furthermore, impacts of climate change on runoff variations were distinctly different at different temporal scales. Three dominant runoff periodicities were identified by a singular spectrum analysis‐multitaper method and continuous wavelet transform, that is, 1.0‐, 6.9‐, and 24.8‐year runoff periodicities. In addition, runoff was positively correlated with temperature at a 1‐year periodicity, negatively correlated with TPI‐B at a 6.9‐year periodicity, and positively correlated with NH at a 24.8‐year periodicity, that is, temperature, TPI‐B, and NH‐controlled runoff at annual, interannual, and interdecadal scales. Further, all analyses of the stations in the YRHR showed excellent consistency. The results will provide valuable information for water resource management in the YRHR.
How important is groundwater availability and stream perenniality to riparian and floodplain tree growth?
Authors: Pettit Neil E. , Froend Ray H.
Published: March 2018

Riparian vegetation is important for stream functioning and as a major landscape feature. For many riparian plants, shallow groundwater is an important source of water, particularly in areas where rainfall is low, either annually or seasonally, and when extended dry conditions prevail for all or part of the year. The nature of tree water relationships is highly complex. Therefore, we used multiple lines of evidence to determine the water sources used by the dominant tree species Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum), growing in riparian and floodplain areas with varying depth to groundwater and stream perenniality. Dendrometer bands were used to measure diel, seasonal, and annual patterns of tree water use and growth. Water stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) in plant xylem, soil water, and groundwater were measured to determine spatial and temporal patterns in plant water source use. Our results indicated riparian trees located on relatively shallow groundwater had greater growth rates, larger diel responses in stem diameter, and were less reactive to extended dry periods, than trees in areas of deep groundwater. These results were supported by isotope analysis that suggested all trees used groundwater when soil water stores were depleted at the end of the dry season, and this was most pronounced for trees with shallow groundwater. Trees may experience more frequent periods of water deficit stress and undergo reduced productivity in scenarios where water table accessibility is reduced, such as drawdown from groundwater pumping activities or periods of reduced rainfall recharge. The ability of trees to adapt to changing groundwater conditions may depend on the speed of change, the local hydrologic and soil conditions as well as the species involved. Our results suggest that E. camaldulesis growing at our study site is capable of utilizing groundwater even to depths >10 m, and stream perenniality is likely to be a useful indicator of riparian tree use of groundwater.