bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different aeration and polyethylene glycol concentration on growth of Escherichia coli DH5α in a 1L bioreactor
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: June 2018

Large culture volume in bioreactor necessitates aeration for providing sufficient oxygen for cell growth. Thus, extend of aeration and amount of anti-foam needed for suppressing foam formation are key parameters determining the success of bioreactor fermentation. Specifically, while aeration provides more oxygen for powering cellular metabolism and could lead to faster growth rate and more efficient metabolism, it also introduces greater shear stress, mixing and foam formation. On the other hand, anti-foaming agents such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) could exert a toxicity effect on cells as well as introducing increased osmolarity and viscosity that could hamper cell growth. In this preliminary study, effect of different PEG concentrations and extent of aeration on growth of Escherichia coli DH5α (ATCC 53868) in a 1L bioreactor at 37 oC with LB Lennox growth medium was investigated. Experiment results revealed that E. coli DH5α growth in bioreactor at 1 VVM aeration with 1 g/L PEG was faster than that in a 250 mL glass shake flask, and with greater secretion of alkaline metabolites. Similar optical density obtained between bioreactor and shake flask cultivation pointed to the maximized utilization of growth medium nutrients for biomass formation. Increase in bioreactor aeration to 3 VVM at 1 g/L PEG, however, resulted in increased secretion of acidic metabolites into the culture broth while allowing similar maximal optical density to be obtained compared to aeration of 1 VVM at 1 g/L PEG. This indicated that E. coli DH5α was able to adapt to physiological impacts from increased aeration and highlighted that no significant metabolic energy was diverted from biomass formation. Finally, increase in PEG concentration to 10 g/L from 1 g/L did not introduce additional toxicity effect given that growth profile of E. coli DH5α under the two PEG concentrations overlapped each other. However, observations of reduced secretion of acidic metabolites at the outset of growth in 10 g/L PEG pointed to physiological impacts that did not affect growth rates and biomass formation. Collectively, E. coli DH5α was able to tolerate enhanced aeration of 3 VVM and 10 g/L PEG anti-foam without significant detrimental impacts on growth rates and biomass formation.
Wolf spider burrows from a modern saline sandflat in central Argentina: morphology, taphonomy and clues for recognition of fossil examples
Authors: Mendoza Belmontes Fatima , Melchor Ricardo N. , Piacentini Luis N.
Published: June 2018

Pavocosasp. (Lycosidae) burrows found in an open sparsely vegetated area on the edge of the Gran Salitral saline lake, in central Argentina, are described. Burrows were studied by capturing the occupant and casting them with dental plaster. The hosting sediments and vegetation were also characterized. InhabitedPavocosasp. burrows display distinctive features as open, cylindrical, nearly vertical, silk lined shafts about 120 mm long, subcircular entrances, a gradual downward widening, and a particularly distinctive surface ornamentation in the form of sets of two linear parallel marks at a high angle to the burrow axis. Instead, casts of vacatedPavocosasp.burrows showed some disturbances caused either by the reoccupation by another organism or by predation of the dweller. Two morphologies are related to reoccupation of burrows: those with a structure in form of an “umbrella” and another with smaller excavations at the bottom of the burrow. Predation by small mammals produces funnel-shaped burrows. Both active and abandonedPavocosasp. burrow casts are compared with existing ichnogenera and inorganic sedimentary structures, highlighting its distinction. It is argued that key features like the presence of a neck, a downward widening and the described surface texture will allow recognition of wolf spider burrows in the fossil record. However, the putative spider burrows described in the literature either lack the necessary preservational quality or do not show ornamentation similar to the modern wolf spider burrows. Fossil wolf spiders are recorded since the Paleogene (possibly Late Cretaceous), therefore Cenozoic continental rocks can contain wolf spider burrows awaiting recognition. In addition, the particular distribution ofPavocosasp. in saline lakes may imply that this type of burrow is linked to saline environments.
Direct and legacy effects of plant-traits control litter decomposition in a deciduous oak forest in Mexico
Authors: Chávez-Vergara Bruno , Merino Agustín , González-Rodríguez Antonio , Oyama Ken , García-Oliva Felipe
Published: June 2018

Background

Litter decomposition is a key process in the functioning of forest ecosystems, because it strongly controls nutrient recycling and soil fertility maintenance. The interaction between the litter chemical composition and the metabolism of the soil microbial community has been described as the main factor of the decomposition process based on three hypotheses: substrate-matrix interaction (SMI), functional breadth (FB) and home-field advantage (HFA). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of leaf litter quality (as a direct plant effect, SMI hypothesis), the metabolic capacity of the microbial community (as a legacy effect, FB hypothesis), and the coupling between the litter quality and microbial activity (HFA hypothesis) on the litter decomposition of two contiguous deciduous oak species at a local scale.

Methods

To accomplish this objective, we performed a litterbag experiment in the field for 270 days to evaluate mass loss, leaf litter quality and microbial activity in a complete factorial design for litter quality and species site.

Results

The litter of Quercus deserticola had higher rate of decomposition independently of the site, while the site of Quercus castanea promoted a higher rate of decomposition independently of the litter quality, explained by the specialization of the soil microbial community in the use of recalcitrant organic compounds. The Home-Field Advantage Index was reduced with the decomposition date (22% and 4% for 30 and 270 days, respectively).

Discussion

We observed that the importance of the coupling of litter quality and microbial activity depends on decomposition stage. At the early decomposition stage, the home-advantage hypothesis explained the mass loss of litter; however, in the advanced decomposition stage, the litter quality and the metabolic capacity of the microbial community can be the key drivers.
Resveratrol reduces the inflammatory response in adipose tissue and improves adipose insulin signaling in high-fat diet-fed mice
Authors: Ding Shibin , Jiang Jinjin , Wang Zhe , Zhang Guofu , Yin Jianli , Wang Xiaoya , Wang Sui , Yu Zengli
Published: June 2018

Background

Obesity-induced glucose metabolism disorder is associated with chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation and is considered a risk factor for diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Resveratrol (RES), a natural anti-inflammatory compound, is observed to improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese rodents and humans. This study aimed to test the effects of RES administration on insulin signaling and the inflammatory response in visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice.

Methods

A total of 40 wild-type C57BL/6 male mice were divided into four groups (10 in each group): the standard chow diet (STD) group was fed a STD; the HFD group was fed a HFD; and the HFD-RES/L and HFD-RES/H groups were fed a HFD plus RES (200 and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively). The L and H in RES/L and RES/H stand for low and high, respectively. Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, circulating inflammatory biomarkers and lipid profile were determined. Quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to determine the expression of CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), other inflammation markers, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and pAkt/Akt and to assess targets of interest involving glucose metabolism and inflammation in visceral WAT.

Results

HFD increased the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and proinflammatory cytokines in serum, decreased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in serum, and induced insulin resistance and WAT inflammation in mice. However, RES treatment alleviated insulin resistance, increased the expressions of pAkt, GLUT4 and IRS-1 in WAT, and decreased serum proinflammatory cytokine levels, macrophage infiltration and CCR2 expression in WAT.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that WAT CCR2 may play a vital role in macrophage infiltration and the inflammatory response during the development of insulin resistance in HFD-induced obesity. These data suggested that administration of RES offers protection against abnormal glucose metabolism and inflammatory adaptations in visceral WAT in mice with HFD-induced obesity.
Automated data mining of a plan‐check database and example application
Authors: Dunn Leon , Jolly David
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The aim of this work was to present the development and example application of an automated data mining software platform that preforms bulk analysis of results and patient data passing through the 3D plan and deliveryQAsystem, Mobius3D.

Methods

Python,matlab,and Java were used to create an interface that reads JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) created for every approved Mobius3D pre‐treatment plan‐check. The aforementionedJSONfiles contain all the information for every pre‐treatmentQAcheck performed by Mobius3D, including all 3D dose,CT, structure set information, as well as all plan information and patient demographics. Two Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) were created, the first is called Mobius3D‐Database (M3D‐DB) and presents the check results in both filterable tabular and graphical form. These data are presented for all patients and includes mean dose differences, 90% coverage, 3D gamma pass rate percentages, treatment sites, machine, beam energy, Multi‐Leaf Collimator (MLC) mode, treatment planning system (TPS), plan names, approvers, dates and times. Group statistics and statistical process control levels are then calculated based on filter settings. The secondGUI, called Mobius3D organ at risk (M3DOAR), analyzes dose‐volume histogram data for all patients and all Organs‐at‐Risk (OAR). The design of the software is such that all treatment parameters and treatment site information are able to be filtered and sorted with the results, plots, and statistics updated.

Results

The M3D‐DBsoftware can summarize and filter large numbers of plan‐checks from Mobius3D. The M3DOARsoftware is also able to analyze large amounts of dose‐volume data for patient groups which may prove useful in clinical trials, whereOARdoses for large numbers of patients can be compared and correlated. TargetDVHs can also be analyzedenmass.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates a method to extract the large amount of treatment data for every patient that is stored by Mobius3D but not easily accessible. With scripting, it is possible to mine this data for research and clinical trials as well as patient andTPS QA.
Independent evaluation of the effectiveness of IsoCal in improving image center accuracy on Varian TrueBeam and Clinac machines
Authors: Du Weiliang , Gao Song , Jiang Wei , Kudchadker Rajat J.
Published: June 2018

Modern medical linear accelerators (linacs) are often equipped with image guidance systems that are capable of megavolt (MV), kilovolt (kV), planar, or volumetric imaging. On Varian TrueBeam linacs, the isocenter accuracies of the imaging systems are calibrated with a procedure named IsoCal. On Clinac series linacs from Varian, installation of IsoCal is optional and the effects of IsoCal on the imaging systems can be turned on or off after the IsoCal procedure is performed. In this study, we report on the effectiveness of IsoCal in improving the coincidence of the image centers with the radiation isocenter, using an independent Winston‐Lutz (WL) method to locate the radiation isocenter. A ball‐bearing phantom was imaged with 2D MV, 2D kV, and cone beam computed radiography systems on two TrueBeam and two Clinac machines. Using the same phantom, digital WL tests with 16 combinations of gantry and collimator angles were performed to locate the radiation isocenter. The offsets between the IsoCal‐calibrated image centers and the WL radiation isocenter were found to be within 0.4 mm on the four linacs in this study. When IsoCal was turned off, the maximal offsets of the image centers were greater than 1.0 mm on the two Clinac machines. The method developed in this study can be used as a vendor‐independent quality assurance tool to assess the isocentricity of the image centers and radiation central axes.
Genome Editing for the Production of Natural Products in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zebec Ziga , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: June 2018

Natural products such as secondary metabolites (e.g., plant terpenoids) are found to be a major source of bioactive compounds. These natural products accumulate as complex mixtures with other related compounds and this chemical complexity adds cost to the downstream recovery and purification of natural products from plant biomass. One aim of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering programmes is to produce such compounds from synthetic gene clusters in heterologous hosts and thereby achieve more targeted and affordable production. Both fungi and bacteria are common hosts for metabolic engineering in industry. Fungal hosts include Penicillium chrysogenum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger and the bacterial hosts Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacterium glutamicum. E. coli is often selected as a host given the ease of its genetic manipulation and the long history of using this organism in laboratory‐based bioengineering. The bioengineering of E. coli extends also to feedstock pathways to interface and optimize the production of high value compounds from widely available and inexpensive carbon sources. Genome editing is important in these microbial bioengineering programmes and is needed to isolate stable strains and to optimize production. Herein, this review discusses frequently used methods for genome editing in E. coli in relation to the production of natural compounds and chemicals.
Tin Nanoparticles–Enhanced Optical Transportation in Branched CdS Nanowire Waveguides
Authors: Guo Shuai , Liu Ruibin , Niu Chunhui , Weller Dieter , Hao Yan , Zhang Min , Li An , Liang Liang , Wang Xiaoxia , Wang Xiao , Yang Bin , Li Zi‐An , Pan Anlian
Published: June 2018

High‐efficiency multichannel waveguiding components are desirable for integrated photonic systems to realize optical information processing and communication interconnection. Although different branched micro‐/nanostructures have been used as nanoscale multichannel waveguides, the propagation losses from their junctions are very high, which limits their applications in on‐chip photonic systems. Here, a new cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanowire branched heterostructure, with tin (Sn) nanoparticles implanted in its junctions, is achieved via a single‐step vapor deposition method. The self‐organized formation process of this structure is well investigated, through step‐by‐step observations during the growth. The implanted Sn nanoparticles in the junctions can act as strong light‐scattering centers, greatly improving the optical transportation from the backbone to the branches of the structure. Contrasting experiments demonstrate that the light‐guiding efficiency in the heterostructured nanowire branch waveguide is 20 times higher than that of the branched structures without Sn nanoparticles. Theoretical simulations further demonstrate the existence of Sn nanoparticles can greatly enhance the light scattering at the junctions and improve the light‐guiding performance. This kind of Sn‐CdS nanowire branched heterostructures may find promising applications for integrated photonic devices and systems.
Allenylphosphine Oxides as Starting Materials for the Synthesis of Conjugated Enynes: Boosting the Catalytic Performance by MOF Encapsulated Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Dong , Wu Jin‐Jin , Sun Xue , Yang Wen‐Chao , Zhu Jie , Wu Lei
Published: June 2018

A direct coupling of allenylphosphine oxides and alkynes is disclosed here mediated by MOF encapsulated palladium nanocatalysts. The methodology using α‐allenyl ethers as starting materials provides a heterogeneous approach to generate tri‐conjugated enynes with medium to excellent yields. The reaction tolerates a variety of functional groups to afford a range of structurally diverse substituted conjugated enynes. MOF served as support plays a significant role in dispersing and stabilizing the Pd nanoparticles. When compared with the homogeneous system, the advantage is also witnessed exhibiting a steady and high TOF value as well as the efficient reusability. A remarkable pore‐control effect of the MOF catalysts was also revealed, depending on the dimension of MOF, molecular size of allenylphosphine oxides, alkynes and enynes respectively. Benefitting from the heterogeneous manner, successful recycling of the MOF catalyst was further achieved with high reaction efficiency maintained.

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Local environment, not local adaptation, drives leaf‐out phenology in common gardens along an elevational gradient in Acadia National Park, Maine
Authors: McDonough MacKenzie Caitlin , Primack Richard B. , Miller‐Rushing Abraham J.
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

Climate‐driven changes in phenology are substantially affecting ecological relationships and ecosystem processes. The role of variation among species has received particular attention; for example, variation among species’ phenological responses to climate can disrupt trophic interactions and can influence plant performance. Variation within species in phenological responses to climate, however, has received much less attention, despite its potential role in ecological interactions and local adaptation to climate change.

Methods

We constructed three common gardens across an elevation gradient on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine, to test population‐level responses in leaf‐out phenology in a reciprocal transplant experiment. The experiment included three native species: low bush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), sheep's laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), and three‐toothed cinquefoil (Sibbaldiopsis tridentata).

Key Results

Evidence for local adaptation of phenological response to temperature varied among the species, but was weak for all three. Rather, variation in phenological response to temperature appeared to be driven by local microclimate at each garden site and year‐to‐year variation in temperature.

Conclusions

Population‐level adaptations in leaf‐out phenology appear to be relatively unimportant for these species in Acadia National Park, perhaps a reflection of strong genetic mixing across elevations, or weak differences in selection on phenological response to spring temperatures at different elevations. These results concur with other observational data in Acadia and highlight the utility of experimental approaches to understand the importance of annual and local site variation in affecting phenology both among and within plant species.
Peroxisome‐targeted Supramolecular Nanoprobes Assembled with Pyrene‐labelled Peptide Amphiphiles
Authors: Kim Inhye , Bang Woo‐Young , Kim Sooyong , Jin Seon‐Mi , Hyun Ju‐Yong , Han Eun Hee , Lee Eunji
Published: June 2018

Despite the versatile metabolic functions of peroxisomes such as lipid synthesis and fatty acid oxidation and their relevance to genetically inherited diseases, namely, peroxisome biogenesis disorders and peroxisomal enzyme deficiency, there is not much research on peroxisome‐targeting therapeutics. Herein we present supramolecular nanostructured probes based on the self‐assembly of peptide amphiphiles (PAs) having peroxisome‐targeting ability in mammalian cells. The PA was designed to include the peroxisome‐targeting tripeptide (SKL) and a fluorescent dye (pyrene). It was revealed that the presence of the SKL‐appended carboxyl terminal group of PA, the extent of α‐helical nature of the peptide block, and the fibrillar morphology of nano‐assemblies affected the targeting efficiency of PA supramolecular nanoprobe. The simple modification of PAs by the peroxisome‐targeting strength prediction showed an enhanced peroxisome specificity, as expected. This work provides important insights into designing subcellular organelle‐targeting nanoparticles for next‐generation nanomedicines.
Reconstructed sunspot positions in the Maunder minimum based on the correspondence of Gottfried Kirch
Authors: Neuhäuser R. , Arlt R. , Richter S.
Published: June 2018

We present reconstructed sunspot positions based on observations reported in letters between Gottfried Kirch and other contemporary astronomers from AD 1680 to 1709, that is in the last decades of the Maunder minimum. The letters to and from Gottfried Kirch in Latin and German language were compiled and edited by Herbst (). The letters (and observations) from Kirch are mostly by Gottfried Kirch, but some also by his second wife Maria M. Kirch (married 1692) and their son Christfried Kirch (born 1694). Using excerpts from the letters, some with drawings, we found some 35 sunspot groups (often for several days in a row or with interruptions) by Kirch and/or his letter partners (in three cases, only the month is given: 1704 January, February, 1707 March, otherwise always the exact dates)—usually one group at a time. We also found 17 explicit spotless days, several of them new (previously without any known observations). We could constrain the heliographic latitude by Bayesian inference for 19 sunspot groups—five of them completely new (one group 1680 May 20–22 from Kirch and Ihle, one to two groups 1680 June 15–23 for Kirch, one group 1684 May 6 from Ihle, and one group 1688 December 14–15 from Kirch), while the others mostly agree (within 2σ) with previously published values for those dates by others. With these data, we then amend the butterfly diagram for the Maunder minimum. By comparison of our data with the sunspot group catalogue in Hoyt & Schatten (), we noticed a number of discrepancies, for examaple, that dates for British observers in the Maunder minimum (Flamsteed, Caswell, Derham, Stannyan, Gray, and Sharp) as listed in Hoyt & Schatten () are their original Julian dates, not converted to the Gregorian calendar (10–11 day offset in Hoyt and Schatten). Most of these modifications also apply to the modified sunspot group catalogue in Vaquero et al. (). We also present two aurorae observed by the Kirchs in 1707 and 1716.
USFS Looks to the Future in Upcoming Forests to Faucets Analysis
Authors: Claggett Sally , Morgan Robert
Published: June 2018

As the world's urban footprint expands and the climate changes, the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service will update its 2011 study to clarify the connection between watershed health and drinking water supplies.
MicroRNA‐34a‐5p inhibits liver fibrosis by regulating TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Feili Xiao , Wu Shuang , Ye Weiwei , Tu Juncai , Lou Lianqing
Published: June 2018

Liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the outcome of various chronic liver diseases. Recent studies suggest that aberrant expression of miR‐34 is involved in the progression of various liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is still poorly understood whether miR‐34 mediates the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Here, we found that the expression of microRNA‐34a‐5p (miR‐34a‐5p) was significantly decreased in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐activated liver fibrosis and HCC, as well as in CC14 (Carbon tetrachloride Tetrachloromethane) induced liver fibrosis model mice. The TGF‐β1/Smad3 (Transforming growth factor‐β1/Smad3) pathway were significantly augmented in CC14 induced mice compared with normal control, whereas inhibitor of TGF‐β1 (SB431542) significantly attenuated liver fibrosis and TGF‐β1/Smad3 activation. Administration of the miR‐34a‐5p mimic de‐activated TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway in human hepatic stellate cells (HSC), LX‐2. Moreover, the target gene for miR‐34a‐5p, Smad4, was predicted and verified in LX‐2 cells. Taken together, these data demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐34 in HSCs ameliorated the development and progression of liver fibrosis by targeting Smad4 and regulating TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway. Strategies targeting miR‐34a‐5p may be of benefit in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Monitoring of the Discharge Process of Bulk Material in Silos Using Electrical Capacitance Tomography
Authors: Zurovec David , Hlosta Jakub , Rozbroj Jiri , Necas Jan , Zegzulka Jiri
Published: June 2018

Monitoring the bulk material discharge from silos using electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is an effective way to supervise dynamic flow profiles within silos. In this case, bulk materials such as wheat and corn are used. These materials are typical crops in the agricultural industry. The basic differences of these materials are shape and size. The material properties are the main factors influencing the optimal discharge processes. The ECT method is used to determine the flow profile during the discharge of each material from the silo. ECT is a non‐destructive and contactless method for measuring the inner space of the silo. The results demonstrate that the monitoring of discharge processes from the silo by applying ECT is an innovative online monitoring method with a wide application.
Radial Diffusers – Simulation of Three‐Dimensional Flow Effects with CFD (Part 3)
Authors: Findeisen Fabian , Urbaneck Thorsten , Platzer Bernd
Published: June 2018

Radialdiffusoren dienen der Be‐ und Entladung von thermischen Speichern und beeinflussen signifikant die Ausbildung der thermischen Schichtung. Die Veröffentlichungsreihe behandelt dreidimensionale Strömungseffekte. Über den Umfang des Radialdiffusorauslasses kann eine ungleich verteilte Ausströmung auftreten, die mit einer stärkeren Vermischung als bei einer rotationssymmetrischen Ausströmung bzw. Modellierung einhergeht. Der Beitrag diskutiert Maßnahmen zur Vermeidung dieses asymmetrischen Ausströmens.
Stanniocalcin 2 expression is associated with a favourable outcome in male breast cancer
Authors: Coulson‐Gilmer Camilla , Humphries Matthew P , Sundara Rajan Sreekumar , Droop Alastair , Jackson Sharon , Condon Alexandra , Cserni Gabor , Jordan Lee B , Jones Louise J , Kanthan Rani , Di Benedetto Anna , Mottolese Marcella , Provenzano Elena , Kulka Janina , Shaaban Abeer M , Hanby Andrew M , Speirs Valerie
Published: June 2018

Breast cancer can occur in either gender; however, it is rare in men, accounting for <1% of diagnosed cases. In a previous transcriptomic screen of male breast cancer (MBC) and female breast cancer (FBC) occurrences, we observed that Stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) was overexpressed in the former. The aim of this study was to confirm the expression of STC2 in MBC and to investigate whether this had an impact on patient prognosis. Following an earlier transcriptomic screen, STC2 gene expression was confirmed by RT‐qPCR in matched MBC and FBC samples as well as in tumour‐associated fibroblasts derived from each gender. Subsequently, STC2 protein expression was examined immunohistochemically in tissue microarrays containing 477 MBC cases. Cumulative survival probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate survival analysis was performed using the Cox hazard model. Gender‐specific STC2 gene expression showed a 5.6‐fold upregulation of STC2 transcripts in MBC, also supported by data deposited in Oncomine™. STC2 protein expression was a positive prognostic factor for disease‐free survival (DFS; Log‐rank; total p = 0.035, HR = 0.49; tumour cells p = 0.017, HR = 0.44; stroma p = 0.030, HR = 0.48) but had no significant impact on overall survival (Log‐rank; total p = 0.23, HR = 0.71; tumour cells p = 0.069, HR = 0.59; stroma p = 0.650, HR = 0.87). Importantly, multivariate analysis adjusted for patient age at diagnosis, node staging, tumour size, ER, and PR status revealed that total STC2 expression as well as expression in tumour cells was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (Cox regression; p = 0.018, HR = 0.983; p = 0.015, HR = 0.984, respectively). In conclusion, STC2 expression is abundant in MBC where it is an independent prognostic factor for DFS.
Improved estimates of net primary production, growth, and standing crop of Macrocystis pyrifera in Southern California
Authors: Rassweiler Andrew , Reed Daniel C. , Harrer Shannon L. , Nelson J. Clint
Published: June 2018

The giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera forms subtidal forests on shallow reefs in temperate regions of the world. It is one of the fastest‐growing multicellular autotrophs on Earth and its high productivity supports diverse marine food webs. In 2008, we published a method for estimating biomass and net primary production (NPP) of giant kelp along with five years of data, to provide a more integrated measure of NPP than those yielded by previous methods. Our method combines monthly field measurements of standing crop and loss rates with a model of kelp biomass dynamics to estimate instantaneous mass‐specific growth rates and NPP for each season of each year. We have since improved our approach to account for several previously unresolved sources of biomass loss. These improvements have led to a near doubling of our prior estimates of growth and NPP. At our site with the most persistent stand of giant kelp, NPP averages ~5.2 kg dry mass·m−2·yr−1 and results from the rapid growth (~3.5% per d) of a relatively small standing biomass (~0.4 kg dry mass/m2 on average) that turns over ~12 times annually. Here we provide revised estimates of seasonal biomass, growth, and NPP for the five years covered by our previous publication (2002–2006), along with more than a decade of additional data (2007–2017). We also present updated relationships for predicting giant kelp biomass and NPP from much more easily obtained measurements of frond density. These data can be used to understand the mechanisms that drive variation in giant kelp NPP at a wide range of temporal scales. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper.
Intensity‐dependent effects of aerobic training on pressure pain threshold in overweight men: A randomized trial
Authors: Hakansson S. , Jones M.D. , Ristov M. , Marcos L. , Clark T. , Ram A. , Morey R. , Franklin A. , McCarthy C. , Carli L.D. , Ward R. , Keech A.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To investigate the chronic and acute effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) on pressure pain thresholds (PPT) in overweight men.

Methods

Twenty‐eight participants performed stationary cycling exercise three times per week for 6 weeks. Participants were randomly allocated to HIIT (10 × 1‐min intervals at 90% peak heart rate) or MICT (30 min at 65–75% peak heart rate). PPTs were assessed over the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior and upper trapezius before and after the 6‐week training programme (chronic effect) as well as before and after the first, middle and final exercise sessions (acute effect).

Results

For chronic exercise, PPTs increased more after MICT compared to HIIT over the rectus femoris (p = 0.009, effect size r = 0.54) and tibialis anterior (p = 0.012, r = 0.54), but not the trapezius (p = 0.399, r = 0.29). The effect of acute exercise on PPT was more varied and ranged from moderate hypoalgesia to moderate hyperalgesia. Overall, however, there was no consistent change in PPT after acute exercise for HIIT or MICT (p ≥ 0.231, r ≥ −0.31 and ≤0.31).

Conclusion

Six weeks of MICT cycling (chronic exercise) increased PPT for the lower body, but not upper body, in overweight men, whereas HIIT did not provide any hypoalgesic effect for chronic exercise. The acute effect of exercise on PPT was highly variable and negligible overall.

Significance

This study shows that aerobic training increases pressure pain threshold in pain‐free adults. This effect was observed only for MICT over‐exercised muscles, implying intensity‐ and site‐specific effects of exercise training on pain threshold.
Timing matters: Impact of anticonvulsant drug treatment and spikes on seizure risk in benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes
Authors: Xie Wenting , Ross Erin E. , Kramer Mark A. , Eden Uri T. , Chu Catherine J.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is a common, self‐limited epilepsy syndrome affecting school‐age children. Classic interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) confirm diagnosis, and BECTS is presumed to be pharmacoresponsive. As seizure risk decreases in time with this disease, we hypothesize that the impact of IEDs and anticonvulsive drug (ACD) treatment on the risk of subsequent seizure will differ based on disease duration.

Methods

We calculate subsequent seizure risk following diagnosis in a large retrospective cohort of children with BECTS (n = 130), evaluating the impact of IEDs and ACD treatment in the first, second, third, and fourth years of disease. We use a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and logistic regression models. Patients were censored if they were lost to follow‐up or if they changed group status.

Results

Two‐thirds of children had a subsequent seizure within 2 years of diagnosis. The majority of children had a subsequent seizure within 3 years despite treatment. The presence of IEDs on electroencephalography (EEG) did not impact subsequent seizure risk early in the disease. By the fourth year of disease, all children without IEDs remained seizure free, whereas one‐third of children with IEDs at this stage had a subsequent seizure. Conversely, ACD treatment corresponded with lower risk of seizure early in the disease but did not impact seizure risk in later years.

Significance

In this cohort, the majority of children with BECTS had a subsequent seizure despite treatment. In addition, ACD treatment and IEDs predicted seizure risk at specific points of disease duration. Future prospective studies are needed to validate these exploratory findings.
Polyurethane foams with starch
Authors: Lubczak Renata , Szczęch Dominik
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

In order to meet environmentally friendly (green) chemistry requirements, substrates are increasingly in demand to enable the production of biodegradable polyurethanes. Starch seems to meet the expectations for green polyol components for application in polyurethane foam synthesis, provided that it is previously converted into liquid resin with free hydroxyl groups as a result of hydroxyalkylation.

RESULTS

The synthesis of oligoetherols based on starch, functionalized with formaldehyde, glycidol and alkylene carbonates was elaborated. All reactions were performed in water as a solvent. The oligoetherols obtained were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR and MALDI‐ToF spectroscopies. In the next step, the oligoetherols were applied as components for rigid polyurethane foam synthesis. The resulting foams were then tested for the following parameters: the apparent density, water uptake, dimensional stability at the temperature of 100 and 150 °C, thermal conductivity and compressive strength. The thermal resistance of foams was determined both by static and dynamic methods. The parameters of the polyurethane foams such as apparent density, water uptake and polymerization shrinkage are comparable to common rigid polyurethane foams. Several of the polyurethane foams, however, showed significantly higher thermal resistance in comparison with those obtained from standard components.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydroxyalkylation of starch with formaldehyde, glycidol and alkylene carbonates in water as a solvent results in formation of oligoetherols, which can be applied for the synthesis of polyurethane foams. Several of the polyurethane foams obtained are resistant to long‐term heating even at 200 °C. Additionally, after thermal exposure, their compressive strength is significantly improved. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and surface gel‐adsorption effect of multidimensional cross‐linking cationic cotton for enhancing purification of dyeing wastewater
Authors: Song Chunli , Yu Yikai , Sang Xiaoyan
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Dyeing wastewater has caused serious pollution of aquatic environments, and adsorption is one of the most commonly used water‐purification methods with selection of suitable adsorbents being the key factor. These factors motivated us to develop new, more efficient adsorbents to purify dyeing wastewater.

RESULTS

A surface cross‐linking co‐polymerization of triallylmethylammonium chloride (TAMAC) and grafting cotton with unsaturated bonds (G‐cotton) was designed to obtain multidimensional cationic cotton adsorbent (PT‐cotton) with a high cationic degree of substitution of 0.129. A surface gel‐adsorption effect of the multidimensional cationic construction on cotton surface occurring during PT‐cotton adsorption was discovered resulting in the PT‐cotton having an ultrahigh adsorption capacity for purifying dyeing wastewater. Compared to the untreated cotton, the adsorption capacity of the PT‐cotton was 1344.10 times higher. Compared to the widely used activated carbon, the adsorption capacity of the PT‐cotton was 145.31 times higher, and it was 11.05 and 7.25 times higher, respectively, than that of the similar G‐cotton and polycationic cotton (PF‐cotton) reported in our previous contribution. When PT‐cotton materials were used to fill filter columns, the dye solution flowing through the filter columns immediately became clear, and the dye removal percentage for the PT‐cotton filters reached 96.9%, which was clearly better than that of the activated carbon filter (26.2%). Moreover, the per‐unit amount of water purification from filtering purification of a dye solution using PT‐cotton was 7.02 times higher than that using PF‐cotton.

CONCLUSIONS

Obtained PT‐cotton has a greater potential for application in the purification of dyeing wastewater than the existing adsorbent materials. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficient adsorption of oil in water by hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics coated with cross‐linked polydivinylbenzene fibers
Authors: Zhu Xiaobiao , Wang Xiaohui , Liu Yapeng , Tian Ye , Li Yuan
Published: June 2018

Background

Oil pollution of water causes extensive damage to the environment and human health. Adsorption techniques are environmentally friendly and relatively feasible to treat oil contamination and reclaim oil resources, and it is essential to develop adsorbents that have high adsorption capacity for oil which can be recycled and regenerated conveniently to save money and resources.

Results

Hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics coated with polydivinylbenzene nanofibres (HNF‐PDVB) were constructed by a one‐step cation polymerization reaction. The results showed that the optimal concentration of OTS (octadecylsilane) for the modification of nonwoven fibers was 1.22 mL L–1of n‐hexane. The HNF‐PDVB showed relatively good performance in adsorbing oil from water, with adsorption capacity as high as 7.5 g g–1. Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevic isotherms fitted well with the experimental data. The kinetic data fitted better to the pseudo‐second‐order and intraparticle diffusion models, and the parameters indicated that the adsorption by HNF‐PDVB involved macropores that contributed to the rapid and high‐capacity adsorption, as well as micropores that resulted in the diffusion of oil in the nanofibres. Thermodynamics studies revealed that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic, with an increasing performance when the temperature rose from 10 to 50 °C. The material possessed good stability and the adsorption capacity reduced from 7.5 g g–1 to 6.6 g g–1 after ten cycles of repeated use, recovered by squeezing and ethanol extraction.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates that the new hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics have the potential to be used for elimination of pollution from oil wastewater. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutrition Adequacy Therapeutic Enhancement in the Critically Ill: A Randomized Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of the Motilin Receptor Agonist Camicinal (GSK962040): The NUTRIATE Study
Authors: Deane Adam M. , Lamontagne Francois , Dukes George E. , Neil David , Vasist Lakshmi , Barton Matthew E. , Hacquoil Kimberley , Ou Xiaoling , Richards Duncan , Stelfox Henry T. , Mehta Sangeeta , Day Andrew G. , Chapman Marianne J. , Heyland Daren K.
Published: June 2018

Background

Camicinal is a novel, nonmacrolide, motilin receptor agonist that accelerates gastric emptying in critically ill patients with established feed intolerance. The primary question was whether the preemptive administration of camicinal increased the provision of enteral nutrition (EN) to critically ill patients with risk factors that predisposed to feed intolerance.

Methods

This was an international, multicenter, parallel‐group, blinded, randomized controlled trial. Patients at risk for feed intolerance, defined as receiving moderate to high doses of vasopressors or opiates, or admitted because of multiple traumatic injuries or with brain injury, received either enteral camicinal 50 mg or placebo daily for a maximum of 7 days, along with EN administered according to a standardized feeding protocol. The primary outcome was the daily adequacy of enteral feed delivered, as assessed by percentage of goal volume (delivered/prescribed × 100) before development of intolerance.

Results

Eighty‐four patients participated. The administration of camicinal did not result in a statistically significant clinical difference in the daily average percentage goal volume delivered (camicinal vs placebo: 77% [95% confidence interval: 71, 83] vs 68% (58, 78); mean difference 9% [−5, 23]; P = 0.21). Similarly, there were no differences in the percentage goal calories (76% [65, 88] vs 68% [60, 77]) and protein (76% [66, 86] vs 70% [61, 80]) administered, or the incidence of feed intolerance (15% vs 14%).

Conclusion

The incidence of feed intolerance was low in both groups. In this cohort the preemptive administration of enteral camicinal did not significantly augment the provision of goal EN.
Earliest Musa banana from the late Quaternary sequence at Fahien Rock Shelter in Sri Lanka
Authors: Premathilake Rathnasiri , Hunt Chris O.
Published: June 2018

The domestication and time of arrival of bananas in South Asia and Africa are unresolved issues. We provide banana seed and leaf phytolith evidence from the archaeological sequence at Fahien Rock Shelter, south‐west Sri Lanka, to help understand the geographical configuration of hybridization, dispersal, cultural association and chronology of banana domestication. Phytolith evidence indicates that Musa accuminata subspecies and M. balbisiana existed in the south‐western lowland rainforest of Sri Lanka from 44952–47854 to 3845–3985 cal a BP. Rock Shelter occupants exploited those taxa for starchy food. Edible diploid bananas may have been introduced from Indonesia or Papua New Guinea before 5994–6194 cal a BP. From this time onwards, phytoliths morphologically identical to those from triploid banana cultivars appeared in the lowland rainforest of Sri Lanka. This precocity appears unique to Sri Lanka. Dispersal of these triploids to the east coast of Africa may have followed maritime trade networks in the Indian Ocean from the first half of the sixth millennium BP. Northward dispersal, e.g. to urban Harappan sites, occurred in the middle of the fifth millennium BP. This discovery shows the interconnection of prehistoric cultures and their engagement with the management of starchy staples in the lowland rainforests of Sri Lanka.
Prioritising references for systematic reviews with RobotAnalyst: A user study
Authors: Przybyła Piotr , Brockmeier Austin J. , Kontonatsios Georgios , Le Pogam Marie‐Annick , McNaught John , von Elm Erik , Nolan Kay , Ananiadou Sophia
Published: June 2018

Screening references is a time‐consuming step necessary for systematic reviews and guideline development. Previous studies have shown that human effort can be reduced by using machine learning software to prioritise large reference collections such that most of the relevant references are identified before screening is completed. We describe and evaluate RobotAnalyst, a Web‐based software system that combines text‐mining and machine learning algorithms for organising references by their content and actively prioritising them based on a relevancy classification model trained and updated throughout the process. We report an evaluation over 22 reference collections (most are related to public health topics) screened using RobotAnalyst with a total of 43 610 abstract‐level decisions. The number of references that needed to be screened to identify 95% of the abstract‐level inclusions for the evidence review was reduced on 19 of the 22 collections. Significant gains over random sampling were achieved for all reviews conducted with active prioritisation, as compared with only two of five when prioritisation was not used. RobotAnalyst's descriptive clustering and topic modelling functionalities were also evaluated by public health analysts. Descriptive clustering provided more coherent organisation than topic modelling, and the content of the clusters was apparent to the users across a varying number of clusters. This is the first large‐scale study using technology‐assisted screening to perform new reviews, and the positive results provide empirical evidence that RobotAnalyst can accelerate the identification of relevant studies. The results also highlight the issue of user complacency and the need for a stopping criterion to realise the work savings.
The Effect of Employment Status in Postdisaster Recovery: A Longitudinal Comparative Study Among Employed and Unemployed Affected Residents
Authors: Bosmans Mark W. G. , Van der Velden Peter G.
Published: June 2018

Population studies have shown that employed adults are healthier than unemployed adults. In this study, we examined whether this “healthy worker effect” is relevant in postdisaster mental health by examining whether trauma‐exposed employed individuals have lower postdisaster initial mental health problems and/or whether they recover faster than trauma‐exposed unemployed individuals. We compared the course of postevent intrusion and avoidance reactions, anxiety, depression, and sleeping difficulties of employed residents (n = 291) and unemployed residents (n = 269) affected by a fireworks disaster in a residential area of Enschede, The Netherlands. Measurements took place at 2–3 weeks (T1), 18 months (T2), and 4 years (T3) postdisaster. We used linear mixed‐effect models to examine the course of mental health problems. Employment status was relevant, to a degree, in posttrauma recovery; although affected employed residents had significantly lower levels of mental health problems (initially and over time) than the unemployed, ds = 0.41–0.72, the recovery rate was the same for both groups. At T1 (neglecting the DSM 1‐month criterion), T2, and T3, the prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder was 45.4%, 18.9%, and 11%, respectively, among employed individuals, and 70.1%, 32.5%, and 30% among unemployed individuals. We concluded that research into the mental health of disaster victims should take employment status into account. Regarding postdisaster care, unemployed individuals may need special attention; although they may recover at the same rate as employed individuals, they suffer from more severe mental health problems, even years after the disaster.