bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular phylogeny and phylogeography of genus Pseudois (Bovidae, Cetartiodactyla): New insights into the contrasting phylogeographic structure
Authors: Tan Shuai , Wang Zhihong , Jiang Lichun , Peng Rui , Zhang Tao , Peng Quekun , Zou Fangdong
Published: July 2017

Blue sheep, Pseudois nayaur, is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding mountains, which are the highest‐elevation areas in the world. Classical morphological taxonomy suggests that there are two subspecies in genus Pseudois (Bovidae, Artiodactyla), namely Pseudois nayaur nayaur and Pseudois nayaur szechuanensis. However, the validity and geographic characteristics of these subspecies have never been carefully discussed and analyzed. This may be partially because previous studies have mainly focused on the vague taxonomic status of Pseudois schaeferi (dwarf blue sheep). Thus, there is an urgent need to investigate the evolutionary relationship and taxonomy system of this genus. This study enriches a previous dataset by providing a large number of new samples, based on a total of 225 samples covering almost the entire distribution of blue sheep. Molecular data from cytochrome b and the mitochondrial control region sequences were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of this species. The phylogenetic inferences show that vicariance plays an important role in diversification within this genus. In terms of molecular dating results and biogeographic analyses, the striking biogeographic pattern coincides significantly with major geophysical events. Although the results raise doubt about the present recognized distribution range of blue sheep, they have corroborated the validity of the identified subspecies in genus Pseudois. Meanwhile, these results demonstrate that the two geographically distinct populations, the Helan Mountains and Pamir Plateau populations, have been significantly differentiated from the identified subspecies, a finding that challenges the conventional taxonomy of blue sheep.
When a foundation crumbles: forecasting forest dynamics following the decline of the foundation species Tsuga canadensis
Authors: Case Bradley S. , Buckley Hannah L. , Barker‐Plotkin Audrey A. , Orwig David A. , Ellison Aaron M.
Published: July 2017

In the forests of northeastern North America, invasive insects and pathogens are causing major declines in some tree species and a subsequent reorganization of associated forest communities. Using observations and experiments to investigate the consequences of such declines are hampered because trees are long‐lived. Simulation models can provide a means to forecast possible futures based on different scenarios of tree species decline, death, and removal. Such modeling is particularly urgent for species such as eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), a foundation species in many northeastern forest regions that is declining due to the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). Here, we used an individual‐based forest simulator, SORTIE‐ND, to forecast changes in forest communities in Central Massachusetts over the next 200 yr under a range of scenarios: a no‐adelgid, status quo scenario; partial resistance of hemlock to the adelgid; adelgid irruption and total hemlock decline over 25 yr, adelgid irruption and salvage logging of hemlock trees; and two scenarios of preemptive logging of hemlock and hemlock/white pine. We applied the model to six study plots comprising a range of initial species mixtures, abundances, and levels of hemlock dominance. Simulations indicated that eastern white pine, and to a lesser extent black birch and American beech, would gain most in relative abundance and basal area following hemlock decline. The relative dominance of these species depended on initial conditions and the amount of hemlock mortality, and their combined effect on neighborhood‐scale community dynamics. Simulated outcomes were little different whether hemlock died out gradually due to the adelgid or disappeared rapidly following logging. However, if eastern hemlock were to become partially resistant to the adelgid, hemlock would be able to retain its dominance despite substantial losses of basal area. Our modeling highlights the complexities associated with secondary forest succession due to ongoing hemlock decline and loss. We emphasize the need both for a precautionary approach in deciding between management intervention or simply doing nothing in these declining hemlock forests, and for clear aims and understanding regarding desired community‐ and ecosystem‐level outcomes.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as predictors of survival after heart transplantation
Authors: Seropian Ignacio M. , Romeo Francisco J. , Pizarro Rodolfo , Vulcano Norberto O. , Posatini Ricardo A. , Marenchino Ricardo G. , Berrocal Daniel H. , Belziti Cesar A.
Published: July 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) predict outcome in heart failure (HF) patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTX).

Methods and results

Data from 111 HF patients undergoing HTX 2010–2015 were retrospectively reviewed. NLR and PLR were calculated before HTX, immediately after HTX, and at 6 and 24 hours. Primary endpoint was in‐hospital mortality, and secondary endpoints were 1 year mortality and renal replacement therapy (RRT). Prognostic factors were assessed by multivariate analysis, and the predictive values of NLR and PLR for mortality were compared. The discriminatory performance for predicting in‐hospital mortality was better for NLR [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.644, 95% confidence interval 0.492–0.797] than for PLR (AUC = 0.599, 95% confidence interval 0.423–0.776). Best cut‐off value was 2.41 for NLR (sensitivity 86%, specificity 67%) and 92.5 for PLR (sensitivity 86%, specificity 68%). When divided according to best cut‐off value, in‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in the high NLR group (17.5% vs. 3.2%, P < 0.05), but not in the high PLR group (16.5% vs. 6.3%, P = ns). One year mortality was not significantly higher for either group (37.5% vs. 6.5% for NLR; 36.7% vs. 9.4% for PLR, P = ns for both), while RRT was significantly higher in both the NLR and PLR high groups (33.8% vs. 0%; 32.9% vs. 3.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that only high NLR (hazard ratio = 3.403, P < 0.05) and pre‐transplant diabetes (hazard ratio = 3.364, P < 0.05) were independent prognostic factors for 1 year mortality.

Conclusions

High NLR was a predictor for in‐hospital mortality, and an independent prognostic factor for 1 year mortality. Both high NLR and high PLR were predictors for RRT.
Iodine‐Mediated Cyclization of ortho‐Alkynylaryl Ketones for the Synthesis of Indenone Derivatives
Authors: Chuangsoongnern Pennapa , Surinrach Chareef , Tummatorn Jumreang , Thongsornkleeb Charnsak , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: July 2017

A new method for the synthesis of indenone derivatives based on the I2‐promoted cyclization of ortho‐alkynylaryl ketones has been developed. This method provides a metal‐free and convenient route for the regioselective synthesis of indenones using ortho‐alkynylaryl ketones with predefined substituents to give indenone products in moderate to good yields.
Derivatisation for separation and detection in capillary electrophoresis (2015–2017)
Authors: Wuethrich Alain , Quirino Joselito P.
Published: July 2017

Derivatisation is an integrated part of many analytical workflows to enable separation and detection of the analytes. In CE, derivatisation is adapted in the four modes of pre‐capillary, in‐line, in‐capillary, and post‐capillary derivatisation. In this review, we discuss the progress in derivatisation from February 2015 to May 2017 from multiple points of view including sections about the derivatisation modes, derivatisation to improve the analyte separation and analyte detection. The advancements in derivatisation procedures, novel reagents, and applications are covered. A table summarising the 46 reviewed articles with information about analyte, sample, derivatisation route, CE method and method sensitivity is provided.
Specimens size, aggregate size, and aggregate type effect on spalling of concrete in fire
Authors: Mohd Ali A. Z. , Sanjayan Jay , Guerrieri Maurice
Published: July 2017

This paper attempted to isolate variables that govern concrete spalling when exposed to a hydrocarbon fire. The influence of specimen size was investigated by studying 4 specimen sizes consisting of cylinders, columns, and panels. Three aggregate sizes, 7 mm, 14 mm, and 20 mm were used in the concrete mixes to determine their effect on concrete spalling. Influence of aggregate type on concrete spalling was also investigated. Forty‐two different specimens were considered in this investigation. Concrete spalling was quantified as nominal spalling depth, which has been presented as a new way of quantifying the degree of concrete spalling. The results indicated that specimen size did have an effect on the spalling of concrete under hydrocarbon fire exposure and that nominal spalling depth of concrete increases as the specimen size increases. Aggregate size effect was evident when the maximum aggregate size increased from 7 mm to 20 mm, and explosive spalling was more severe for specimens with small size aggregates. Specimens with 14‐mm aggregate size showed inconsistent results and the spalling behavior witnessed was more random and sporadic. The type of aggregate used has no clear bearing on concrete spalling given both aggregates had similar linear expansion profiles.
Experimental studies on the thickness of upward flame over poly(methyl methacrylate) slabs
Authors: Zhou Jin , Mao Jinfeng , Han Xu , Xing Zheli , Deng Zhongkai
Published: July 2017

Experiments were performed to investigate the flame thickness of the upward flame on the poly(methyl methacrylate) slabs with width of 100‐400 mm. The results indicated that the flame thickness exhibited an increase first and then decrease trend in the upright orientation, and the maximum thickness location was approximately equal to the pyrolysis front location. The thickness of the flame along the lateral side of slab was less than that of the interior flame. The flame maximum thickness as a function of pyrolysis height and width was obtained, which showed the maximum thickness provided a power law increase with the pyrolysis height and width. Furthermore, the maximum thickness exhibited a power law increase with the total heat release rate as well. Based on the obtained flame thickness, the radiation heat flux at the pyrolysis height was estimated by using a simplified model. Comparison with the calculated convective heat flux revealed approximated pyrolysis heights for upward flame transition from convective heat flux controlled to radiation heat flux controlled.
Fusion of the genes BRD8 and PHF1 in endometrial stromal sarcoma
Authors: Micci Francesca , Brunetti Marta , Dal Cin Paola , Nucci Marisa R. , Gorunova Ludmila , Heim Sverre , Panagopoulos Ioannis
Published: July 2017

We present a new endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS)‐associated genomic rearrangement involving chromosome arms 5p and 6p and leading to the formation of a BRD8‐PHF1 fusion gene. The PHF1 (PHD finger protein 1) gene, from 6p21, is known to be rearranged in ESS in a promiscuous way inasmuch as it has been shown to recombine with JAZF1, EPC1, MEAF6, and now also with BRD8, in tumors of this type. In all rearrangements of PHF1, including the present one, a recurrent theme is that the entire coding part of PHF1 constitutes the 3′ end of the fusion. BRD8 (bromodomain containing 8) encodes a protein which is involved in regulation of protein acetylation and/or histone acetyl transferase activity. All the genetic fusions identified so far in ESS appear to recombine genes involved in transcriptional regulation, that is, polycomb group complex‐mediated and aberrant methylation/acetylation genes. This adds to the likelihood that the new BRD8‐PHF1 shares the same pathogenetic mechanism as the other ESS‐specific rearrangements.
Copy number profiling of adult relapsed B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia reveals potential leukemia progression mechanisms
Authors: Ribera Jordi , Zamora Lurdes , Morgades Mireia , Mallo Mar , Solanes Neus , Batlle Montserrat , Vives Susana , Granada Isabel , Juncà Jordi , Malinverni Roberto , Genescà Eulàlia , Guàrdia Ramon , Mercadal Santiago , Escoda Lourdes , Martinez‐Lopez Joaquín , Tormo Mar , Esteve Jordi , Pratcorona Marta , Martinez‐Losada Carmen , Solé Francesc , Feliu Evarist , Ribera Josep‐Maria ,   for the Spanish PETHEMA Group and the Spanish Society of Hematology
Published: July 2017

The outcome of relapsed adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains dismal despite new therapeutic approaches. Previous studies analyzing relapse samples have shown a high degree of heterogeneity regarding gene alterations without an evident relapse signature. Bone marrow or peripheral blood samples from 31 adult B‐cell precursor ALL patients at first relapse, and 21 paired diagnostic samples were analyzed by multiplex ligation probe‐dependent amplification (MLPA). Nineteen paired diagnostic and relapse samples of these 21 patients were also analyzed by SNP arrays. A trend to acquire homozygous CDKN2A/B deletions and a significant increase in the number of copy number alterations (CNA) was observed from diagnosis to first relapse. Evolution from an ancestral clone was the main pattern of clonal evolution. Relapse samples were extremely heterogeneous regarding CNA frequencies. However, CDKN2A/B, PAX5, ETV6, ATM, IKZF1, VPREB1, and TP53 deletions and duplications of 1q, 8q, 17q, 21, X/Y PAR1, and Xp were frequently detected at relapse. Duplications of genes involved in cell proliferation, drug resistance and stem cell homeostasis regulation, as well as deletions of KDM6A and STAG2 genes emerged as specific alterations at relapse. Genomics of relapsed adult B‐cell precursor ALL is highly heterogeneous, although some recurrent lesions involved in essential pathways deregulation were frequently observed. Selective and simultaneous targeting of these deregulated pathways may improve the results of current salvage therapies.
Detrital zircon geochronology of the Jurassic strata in the western Ordos Basin, North China: Constraints on the provenance and its tectonic implication
Authors: Guo Pei , Liu Chiyang , Wang Jianqiang , Deng Yu
Published: July 2017

U–Pb detrital zircon data from the Jurassic strata in the western Ordos Basin (WOB) show significant age differences between formations, from lower to upper including the Yan'an, Zhiluo, Anding, and Fenfanghe formations. The main peaks in the detrital zircon age spectra of the Yan'an Formation are at ca. 245, 444, 1813, and 2,387 Ma, which resemble those of the underlying Triassic strata in the WOB. Combined with the occurrence of reworked sporopollen and carbonate debris, the sediments of the Yan'an Formation are interpreted to be potentially recycled from the residual Triassic highlands. The overlying Zhiluo Formation contains detrital zircons mostly in the 260–290 Ma age range with only one peak at 269 Ma, reflecting primary derivations from the Permian granites in the Yinshan Belt to the north and/or the Alxa Block to the northwest. The detrital zircon age compositions of the Anding Formation, however, are most varied, with one prominent age peak at 274 Ma and several other minor peaks at 348 Ma, 447, 932, 1641, 2143, and 2514 Ma, reflecting complex origins. The uppermost syntectonic Fenfanghe Formation, contains detrital zircons with similar age compositions with the Yan'an Formation, once again interpreted as the result of recycled sedimentation. These two phases of multicycle sedimentation in the WOB reveals two intense tectonic events in the Late Triassic and Late Jurassic, whereas the provenance transition between the Yan'an and Zhiluo formations implies a less intense but extensive event in the Middle Jurassic. The complex age composition of the Anding Formation, however, are possibly as the result of climate change corresponding to the change of petrology and sediment colour. These Early‐Middle Mesozoic tectonic events evidenced by the U–Pb ages record the tectonic transition of the North China Block from the Tethys to the paleo‐Pacific tectonic domains.
The selective peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐delta agonist seladelpar reverses nonalcoholic steatohepatitis pathology by abrogating lipotoxicity in diabetic obese mice
Authors: Haczeyni Fahrettin , Wang Hans , Barn Vanessa , Mridha Auvro R. , Yeh Matthew M. , Haigh W. Geoffrey , Ioannou George N. , Choi Yun‐Jung , McWherter Charles A. , Teoh Narcissus C.‐H. , Farrell Geoffrey C.
Published: July 2017

Lipotoxicity associated with insulin resistance is central to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pathogenesis. To date, only weight loss fully reverses NASH pathology, but mixed peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐alpha/delta (PPAR‐α/δ) agonists show some efficacy. Seladelpar (MBX‐8025), a selective PPAR‐δ agonist, improves atherogenic dyslipidemia. We therefore used this agent to test whether selective PPAR‐δ activation can reverse hepatic lipotoxicity and NASH in an obese, dyslipidemic, and diabetic mouse model. From weaning, female Alms1 mutant (foz/foz) mice and wild‐type littermates were fed an atherogenic diet for 16 weeks; groups (n = 8‐12) were then randomized to receive MBX‐8025 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (1% methylcellulose) by gavage for 8 weeks. Despite minimally altering body weight, MBX‐8025 normalized hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and glucose disposal in foz/foz mice. Serum alanine aminotransferase ranged 300‐600 U/L in vehicle‐treated foz/foz mice; MBX‐8025 reduced alanine aminotransferase by 50%. In addition, MBX‐8025 normalized serum lipids and hepatic levels of free cholesterol and other lipotoxic lipids that were increased in vehicle‐treated foz/foz versus wild‐type mice. This abolished hepatocyte ballooning and apoptosis, substantially reduced steatosis and liver inflammation, and improved liver fibrosis. In vehicle‐treated foz/foz mice, the mean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score was 6.9, indicating NASH; MBX‐8025 reversed NASH in all foz/foz mice (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score 3.13). Conclusion: Seladelpar improves insulin sensitivity and reverses dyslipidemia and hepatic storage of lipotoxic lipids to improve NASH pathology in atherogenic diet–fed obese diabetic mice. Selective PPAR‐δ agonists act independently of weight reduction, but counter lipotoxicity related to insulin resistance, thereby providing a novel therapy for NASH. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:663–674)
Multivariate choices and identification of social interactions
Authors: Cohen‐Cole Ethan , Liu Xiaodong , Zenou Yves
Published: July 2017

This paper considers the identification of social interaction effects in the context of multivariate choices. First, we generalize the theoretical social interaction model to allow individuals to make interdependent choices in different activities. Based on the theoretical model, we propose a simultaneous equation network model and discuss the identification of social interaction effects in the econometric model. We also provide an empirical example to show the empirical salience of this model. Using the Add Health data, we find that a student's academic performance is not only affected by academic performance of his peers but also affected by screen‐related activities of his peers.
Methods for including information from multi‐arm trials in pairwise meta‐analysis
Authors: Rücker Gerta , Cates Christopher J. , Schwarzer Guido
Published: July 2017

Systematic reviewers conducting pairwise meta‐analyses sometimes encounter multi‐arm studies. To include these studies, and to avoid a unit‐of‐analysis error, often two or more arms are combined or the control arm is split. In this tutorial, we present 5 different approaches that can be used. Particularly, we present a novel approach (method 4) that to the best of our knowledge has not been presented before. We demonstrate their application on 3 selected data sets, discuss their scope of application and their advantages and limitations, and give recommendations.
Metabonomics profiling of marinated meat in soy sauce during processing
Authors: Yang Yang , Ye Yangfang , Pan Daodong , Sun Yangying , Wang Ying , Cao Jinxuan
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Marinated meat in soy sauce is one of the most popular traditional cured meat products in China. Its taste quality is directly related to primary and secondary metabolites. Herein, the change of metabolite composition of marinated meat in soy sauce during processing was systematically characterised using 1H NMR and multivariate data analysis.

RESULTS

The marinated meat in soy sauce metabonome was dominated by 26 metabolites, including amino acids, sugars, organic acids, nucleic aides and their derivatives. PC1 and PC2 explained a total of 78.6% and 16.6% of variables, respectively. Amino acids, sugars, acetate, succinate, uracil and inosine increased during marinating, while lactate, creatine, inosine‐5′‐monophosphate (5′‐IMP) and anserine decreased (P < 0.05). After marinating, most of the metabolites decreased except for acetate and alanine (P < 0.05). There was a negative effect on the taste of marinated meat in soy sauce during the late stage of dry‐ripening.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that the potential of NMR‐based metabonomics is of importance for taste quality of marinated meat in soy sauce, which could contribute to a better understanding of the changes of taste compounds in meat products during processing. Shortening the dry‐ripening period could be considered to improve the taste quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment and genetic analysis of heavy metal content in rice grain using an Oryza sativa × O. rufipogon backcross inbred line population
Authors: Huang De‐run , Fan Ye‐yang , Hu Biao‐lin , Xiao Ye‐qing , Chen Da‐zhou , Zhuang Jie‐yun
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Heavy metal accumulation in rice is a growing concern for public health. Backcross inbred lines derived from an interspecific cross of Oryza sativa × O. rufipogon were grown in two distinct ecological locations (Hangzhou and Lingshui, China). The objective of this study was to characterise the contents of heavy metal in rice grains, and to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for heavy metal contents.

RESULTS

The contents of Ni, As, Pb, Cr and Hg in milled rice showed a significant decline as compared with those in brown rice, whereas the content of Cd showed little change. The concentration of heavy metal in rice grain varied greatly between the two environments. A total of 24 QTLs responsible for heavy metal contents were detected, including two for both the brown and milled rice, 13 for brown rice only, and nine for milled rice only. All the QTLs except two had the enhancing alleles derived from O. rufipogon. Sixteen QTLs were clustered in six chromosomal regions.

CONCLUSION

Environmental variation plays an important role in the heavy metal contents in rice grain. QTLs detected in this study might be useful for breeding rice varieties with low heavy metal content. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological, medicinal and toxicological significance of Eucalyptus leaf essential oil: a review
Authors: Dhakad Ashok K , Pandey Vijay V , Beg Sobia , Rawat Janhvi M , Singh Avtar
Published: July 2017

The genus Eucalyptus L'Heritier comprises about 900 species, of which more than 300 species contain volatile essential oil in their leaves. About 20 species, within these, have a high content of 1,8‐cineole (more than 70%), commercially used for the production of essential oils in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, Eucalyptus is extensively planted for pulp, plywood and solid wood production, but its leaf aromatic oil has astounding widespread biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiseptic, antioxidant, chemotherapeutic, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorder treatment, wound healing, and insecticidal/insect repellent, herbicidal, acaricidal, nematicidal, and perfumes, soap making and grease remover. In the present review, we have made an attempt to congregate the biological ingredients of leaf essential oil, leaf oil as a natural medicine, and pharmacological and toxicological values of the leaf oil of different Eucalyptus species worldwide. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Serial Sonographic Assessment of Pulmonary Edema in Patients With Hypertensive Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Martindale Jennifer L. , Secko Michael , Kilpatrick John F. , deSouza Ian S. , Paladino Lorenzo , Aherne Andrew , Mehta Ninfa , Conigiliaro Alyssa , Sinert Richard
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Objective measures of clinical improvement in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether repeated lung sonography could semiquantitatively capture changes in pulmonary edema (B‐lines) in patients with hypertensive AHF early in the course of treatment.

Methods

We conducted a feasibility study in a cohort of adults with acute onset of dyspnea, severe hypertension in the field or at triage (systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mm Hg), and a presumptive diagnosis of AHF. Patients underwent repeated dyspnea and lung sonographic assessments using a 10‐cm visual analog scale (VAS) and an 8‐zone scanning protocol. Lung sonographic assessments were performed at the time of triage, initial VAS improvement, and disposition from the emergency department. Sonographic pulmonary edema was independently scored offline in a randomized and blinded fashion by using a scoring method that accounted for both the sum of discrete B‐lines and degree of B‐line fusion.

Results

Sonographic pulmonary edema scores decreased significantly from initial to final sonographic assessments (P < .001). The median percentage decrease among the 20 included patient encounters was 81% (interquartile range, 55%–91%). Although sonographic pulmonary edema scores correlated with VAS scores (ρ = 0.64; P < .001), the magnitude of the change in these scores did not correlate with each other (ρ = –0.04; P = .89).

Conclusions

Changes in sonographic pulmonary edema can be semiquantitatively measured by serial 8‐zone lung sonography using a scoring method that accounts for B‐line fusion. Sonographic pulmonary edema improves in patients with hypertensive AHF during the initial hours of treatment.
CO2 released by carbonate sediment production in some coastal areas may offset the benefits of seagrass “Blue Carbon” storage
Authors: Howard Jason L. , Creed Joel C. , Aguiar Mariana V. P. , Fourqurean James W.
Published: July 2017

Seagrass ecosystems have been identified as long‐term carbon sinks whose conservation could serve as a tool to mitigate carbon emissions. Seagrasses alter landscapes in a way that stimulates carbon biosequestration, but discussions of their role in atmospheric CO2 mitigation disregard the co‐occurring inorganic carbon cycle, whose antagonist effect on CO2 sequestration can buffer and potentially outweigh the effects of Corg production on net carbon exchange with the atmosphere. This study examines the extent of both organic carbon (Corg) and inorganic carbon (Cinorg) stocks as proxies for long‐term production and calcification in the poorly studied seagrass meadows of southeastern (SE) Brazil and compares values to Florida Bay (U.S.A.), a well‐studied system known for both high autotrophy and calcification, representing extremes of CaCO3 soil content. Seagrass soils in SE Brazil contain an average of 67.6 ± 14.7 Mg Corg ha−1 in the top 1 m, compared to an average of 175.0 ± 20.4 Mg Corg ha−1 for their counterparts in Florida Bay. Cinorg as CaCO3 in SE Brazil averaged 141.5 ± 60.0 Mg Cinorg ha−1 in the top meter of soil while the warmer, calcification‐promoting waters of Florida Bay had higher soil Cinorg areal stock, averaging 754.6 ± 26.7 Mg Cinorg ha−1. When the CO2 evasion related to CaCO3 production is considered, seagrass ecosystems with high CaCO3 content may have CO2 sequestered via Corg accumulation negated by CO2 produced by calcification. These findings prompt the reconsideration of carbon inventory methods and encourage regionally‐ and community‐specific assessments of CO2 sequestration abilities of seagrass ecosystems.
Carbon budget of a shallow, lagoonal estuary: Transformations and source‐sink dynamics along the river‐estuary‐ocean continuum
Authors: Crosswell Joseph R. , Anderson Iris C. , Stanhope Jennifer W. , Van Dam Bryce , Brush Mark J. , Ensign Scott , Piehler Michael F. , McKee Brent , Bost Molly , Paerl Hans W.
Published: July 2017

A comprehensive carbon budget was constructed to quantify carbon flows through the freshwater‐marine continuum of a temperate, microtidal estuary. We performed coordinated measurements of dissolved inorganic carbon and total organic carbon fluxes to resolve spatial variability between and along the channel and shoals and diel variability across the entire estuary for 2 yr. Net ecosystem metabolism (NEM) was the most significant control on carbon flow within estuary regions. However, metabolic rates were spatially coupled such that counteracting fluxes across the channel‐shoal gradient or along the river‐ocean gradient resulted in system‐wide NEM that was closely in balance (–3.0 ± 3.3 to 1.1 ± 4.4 molC m−2 yr−1). Similarly, large diel and seasonal variability in air–water CO2 fluxes were observed during 72 spatial surveys, but these short‐term variations generally cancelled out when aggregated to annual budget terms. Although atmospheric exchanges were small (–0.2 ± 0.1 to 2.0 ± 0.4 molC m−2 yr−1), they were subject to large errors (± 4 molC m−2 yr−1) if diel variability was neglected. Internal mechanisms that maintained balanced carbon flows were strongly impacted by river discharge and were only apparent by separately quantifying channel and shoal fluxes. Notably, metabolic responses of the shoal to river forcing outweighed the responses of the channel, and the net impact was contrary to prior relationships derived from synthesis of lower‐resolution carbon budgets. Our budget demonstrates that resolution of carbon fluxes at appropriate scales, including channel‐shoal and diel variability, is critical to characterizing ecosystem function and the fate of carbon within the river‐ocean continuum.
Using stable isotopes and gas concentrations for independent constraints on microbial methane oxidation at Arctic Ocean temperatures
Authors: Uhlig Christiane , Loose Brice
Published: July 2017

Microbial oxidation of methane in oxic water bodies is an important control on the amount of dissolved methane which is released from the ocean to the atmosphere. We explored the use of stable isotope methane spikes to quantify methane oxidation rates in Arctic seawater samples. A Picarro G2201‐i cavity ring‐down spectrometer was used to determine methane concentration and isotope ratios from headspace samples in foil incubators. The methane mass balance and the change in stable isotope ratios served as independent constraints on methane oxidation. For a fractionation factor of 1.025 oxidation rate constants determined with both methods agreed within 20% for small changes in isotope ratio (e.g., 10‰). For large changes in isotope ratio (e.g., 90‰), which was outside the calibration range, methods diverged. Rate constants down to 0.01 d−1 could be resolved with high statistical support. Stable isotope infrared spectroscopy to determine methane oxidation in foil incubators (ISMOFI) was successfully tested on under ice seawater from Utqiagvik, Alaska, by repeated sampling from each incubation vessel. Depending on the amount of isotope spike added, we determined oxidation rates of 0.15 ± 0.02 nmol L−1 d−1 at in situ methane concentration and a maximal oxidation potential of 271 ± 41 nmol L−1 d−1. The ISMOFI method permits variable incubation durations from days to months in a single incubator. The method is transportable and applicable in a variety of field or seagoing laboratory environments, and it avoids the use of hazardous substances such as radioisotopes and toxic chemicals.
Stimuli‐Responsive Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Photoswitchable Azobenzene Side Groups
Authors: Kanj Anemar Bruno , Müller Kai , Heinke Lars
Published: July 2017

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are nanoporous, crystalline hybrid materials, which enable various functionalities by incorporating functional organic molecules. By using organic linker molecules that possess photoswitchable azobenzene side groups, the remote control over certain properties was introduced to MOFs. Different MOF materials in the form of powders and thin films have been used to demonstrate the photoswitching. The applications of these stimuli‐responsive nanoporous solids range from switching the adsorption capacity of various gases over remote‐controlled release of guest molecules to continuously tunable membrane separation of molecular mixtures. A particular focus of this review is the effect of the azobenzene photoswitching on the host‐guest interaction, enabling smart applications of the material. Steric hindrance, which may suppress the photoswitching in some MOF structures, is also discussed.
Standardization approaches in absolute quantitative proteomics with mass spectrometry
Authors: Calderón‐Celis Francisco , Encinar Jorge Ruiz , Sanz‐Medel Alfredo
Published: July 2017

Mass spectrometry‐based approaches have enabled important breakthroughs in quantitative proteomics in the last decades. This development is reflected in the better quantitative assessment of protein levels as well as to understand post‐translational modifications and protein complexes and networks. Nowadays, the focus of quantitative proteomics shifted from the relative determination of proteins (ie, differential expression between two or more cellular states) to absolute quantity determination, required for a more‐thorough characterization of biological models and comprehension of the proteome dynamism, as well as for the search and validation of novel protein biomarkers. However, the physico‐chemical environment of the analyte species affects strongly the ionization efficiency in most mass spectrometry (MS) types, which thereby require the use of specially designed standardization approaches to provide absolute quantifications. Most common of such approaches nowadays include (i) the use of stable isotope‐labeled peptide standards, isotopologues to the target proteotypic peptides expected after tryptic digestion of the target protein; (ii) use of stable isotope‐labeled protein standards to compensate for sample preparation, sample loss, and proteolysis steps; (iii) isobaric reagents, which after fragmentation in the MS/MS analysis provide a final detectable mass shift, can be used to tag both analyte and standard samples; (iv) label‐free approaches in which the absolute quantitative data are not obtained through the use of any kind of labeling, but from computational normalization of the raw data and adequate standards; (v) elemental mass spectrometry‐based workflows able to provide directly absolute quantification of peptides/proteins that contain an ICP‐detectable element. A critical insight from the Analytical Chemistry perspective of the different standardization approaches and their combinations used so far for absolute quantitative MS‐based (molecular and elemental) proteomics is provided in this review.
Ratio‐adjustable power splitters for array‐compressed parallel transmission
Authors: Yan Xinqiang , Cao Zhipeng , Grissom William A.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To implement and validate low‐loss ratio‐adjustable power splitters (RAPS) for array‐compressed parallel transmission (acpTx).

Methods

In acpTx, a small number of transmit channels drive a larger number of transmit coils, which are connected via an array compression network that implements optimized coil‐to‐channel combinations. Previous networks comprised a bank of power splitters, followed by attenuators to implement the amplitudes of the compression weights for each coil, but this resulted in high power dissipation in the network. Recognizing that an acpTx network need only implement relative attenuations between outputs, a RAPS circuit was developed which combines power splitting and relative attenuation, and has low insertion loss. RAPS circuits were experimentally validated and used to build an array compression network for a one‐channel‐to‐four‐coil spiral acpTx excitation experiment.

Results

Bench tests showed that the RAPS circuits came within 0.05 dB of the desired output ratios, and power dissipation was approximately 0.5 dB (10%). The spiral excitation experiment showed that the ability to optimally drive four coils with a single channel reduced excitation error by 46% compared to driving one coil, without using attenuators in the array compression network.

Conclusion

RAPS circuits enable the construction of low‐loss array compression networks for parallel transmission. Magn Reson Med 79:2422–2431, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Altered metabolites of the rat hippocampus after mild and moderate traumatic brain injury – a combined in vivo and in vitro1H–MRS study
Authors: Singh Kavita , Trivedi Richa , Verma Ajay , D'souza Maria M. , Koundal Sunil , Rana Poonam , Baishya Bikash , Khushu Subash
Published: July 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been shown to affect hippocampus‐associated learning, memory and higher cognitive functions, which may be a consequence of metabolic alterations. Hippocampus‐associated disorders may vary depending on the severity of injury [mild TBI (miTBI) and moderate TBI (moTBI)] and time since injury. The underlying hippocampal metabolic irregularities may provide an insight into the pathological process following TBI. In this study, in vivo and in vitro proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H–MRS) data were acquired from the hippocampus region of controls and TBI groups (miTBI and moTBI) at D0 (pre‐injury), 4 h, Day 1 and Day 5 post‐injury (PI). In vitro MRS results indicated trauma‐induced changes in both miTBI and moTBI; however, in vivo MRS showed metabolic alterations in moTBI only. miTBI and moTBI showed elevated levels of osmolytes indicating injury‐induced edema. Altered levels of citric acid cycle intermediates, glutamine/glutamate and amino acid metabolism indicated injury‐induced aberrant bioenergetics, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. An overall similar pattern of pathological process was observed in both miTBI and moTBI, with the distinction of depleted N‐acetylaspartate levels (indicating neuronal loss) at 4 h and Day 1 and enhanced lactate production (indicating heightened energy depletion leading to the commencement of the anaerobic pathway) at Day 5 in moTBI. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the hippocampus metabolic profile in miTBI and moTBI simultaneously using in vivo and in vitro MRS.
Student and school SES, gender, strategy use, and achievement
Authors: Callan Gregory L. , Marchant Gregory J. , Finch W. Holmes , Flegge Lindsay
Published: July 2017

A multilevel mediated regression model was fit to Programme for International Student Assessment achievement, strategy use, gender, and family‐ and school‐level socioeconomic status (SES). Two metacognitive strategies (i.e., understanding and summarizing) and one learning strategy (i.e., control strategies) were found to relate significantly and positively to achievement. These strategies were used more by females and students attending higher SES schools. In contrast, males and students attending lower SES schools tended to use a greater number of learning strategies that did not relate to achievement, including memorization and elaboration. In addition, the strategies that did not relate to achievement were used more frequently by students from higher SES families. The findings suggest that schools, as opposed to families, may be the primary vehicle for developing effective strategy use practices for students and thus, targeted interventions may be particularly useful for male students attending low SES schools.
Teachers’ recognition of anxiety and somatic symptoms in their pupils
Authors: Neil Louise , Smith Marjorie
Published: July 2017

Anxiety and somatic symptoms in children are common and debilitating, yet frequently go unidentified and untreated. This study investigated whether teachers can recognize children's anxiety and somatic symptoms, and how they identify children they perceive to be anxious or somatizing. A sample of 1,346 7‐ to 11‐year‐old children, their 51 class teachers, and 144 parents took part in the study. Data on children's anxiety and somatic symptoms were collected using standardized scales and simple 1–5 teacher rating scales. Teachers were also asked to identify children they perceived to have “debilitating” levels of anxiety and (separately) somatic symptoms and to provide brief qualitative descriptions to explain their choices. Small but significant positive associations were found between teachers’ and children's reports of anxiety and somatic symptoms. Identified children reported similar levels of anxiety than children not identified, but significantly greater levels of somatic symptoms, although the size of this difference was modest. Teachers commonly described crying and avoidance as signs of anxiety. Findings suggest that teachers show limited sensitivity to the variation in pupils’ levels of anxiety and somatic symptoms, and may struggle to identify children who may benefit from interventions or extra support in these domains.
CoGe LoadExp+: A web‐based suite that integrates next‐generation sequencing data analysis workflows and visualization
Authors: Grover Jeffrey W. , Bomhoff Matthew , Davey Sean , Gregory Brian D. , Mosher Rebecca A. , Lyons Eric
Published: July 2017

To make genomic and epigenomic analyses more widely available to the biological research community, we have created LoadExp+, a suite of bioinformatics workflows integrated with the web‐based comparative genomics platform, CoGe. LoadExp+ allows users to perform transcriptomic (RNA‐seq), epigenomic (bisulfite‐seq), chromatin‐binding (ChIP‐seq), variant identification (SNPs), and population genetics analyses against any genome in CoGe, including genomes integrated by users themselves. Through LoadExp+'s integration with CoGe's existing features, all analyses are available for visualization and additional downstream processing, and are available for export to CyVerse's data management and analysis platforms. LoadExp+ provides easy‐to‐use functionality to manage genomics and epigenomics data throughout its entire lifecycle using a publicly available web‐based platform and facilitates greater accessibility of genomics analyses to researchers of all skill levels. LoadExp+ can be accessed at https://genomevolution.org.
Small but Mighty: Functional Peptides Encoded by Small ORFs in Plants
Authors: Hsu Polly Yingshan , Benfey Philip N.
Published: July 2017

Peptides encoded by small open reading frames (sORFs, usually <100 codons) play critical regulatory roles in plant development and environmental responses. Despite their importance, only a small number of these peptides have been identified and characterized. Genomic studies have revealed that many plant genomes contain thousands of possible sORFs, which could potentially encode small peptides. The challenge is to distinguish translated sORFs from nontranslated ones. Here, we highlight advances in methodologies for identifying these hidden sORFs in plant genomes, including ribosome profiling and proteomics. We also examine the evidence for new peptides arising from sORFs and discuss their functions in plant development, environmental responses, and translational control.
Intrinsic self‐initiating thermal ring‐opening polymerization of 1,3‐benzoxazines without the influence of impurities using very high purity crystals
Authors: Han Lu , Salum María Laura , Zhang Kan , Froimowicz Pablo , Ishida Hatsuo
Published: July 2017

A phenol/aniline type monofunctional benzoxazine monomer, PH‐a, is synthesized and highly purified to study the intrinsic thermal ring‐opening polymerization of benzoxazines without the influence of any impurity. The successful synthesis of the monomer and its corresponding chemical structure are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Purity of the compound is evaluated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as elemental analysis (EA). Moreover, the thermal behavior of benzoxazine monomer toward polymerization is also studied by DSC, indicating that the highly purified benzoxazine monomer actually polymerize upon heating. The results present evidence of an intrinsic tendency for 1,3‐benzoxazines to undergo thermally induced ring‐opening polymerization upon heating only without any impurity participating during the reaction. This reveals that polybenzoxazines can be obtained by both the traditional thermally accelerated (or activated) polymerization, where impurities or purposefully added initiators are involved in the reaction; or, by the classic thermal polymerization, where only heat is enough to initiate the reaction. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3434–3445
Integrating Human Factors (HF) into a Process Safety Management System (PSMS)
Authors: Theophilus Stephen C. , Nwankwo Chizaram D. , Acquah‐Andoh Elijah , Bassey Enobong , Umoren Udeme
Published: July 2017

Human factors and process safety management (PSM) have become key factors in preventing exposure to both hazardous materials and major accidents. Therefore, comprehensive process safety management is required to address all aspects of human factors. Currently, there are several‐process safety management models all of which have some weaknesses with respect to the control of human factors inherent in the process industry. Moreover, there is as yet no universally accepted process safety management model that treats process safety management as an integral part of the management system. Therefore, a need has arisen to integrate human factors and the existing frameworks and models into a single integrated management system to ensure a holistic approach of control and a continuous learning system. This article identifies the missing human factors in the current system and describes an integrated process safety management system (IPSMS) model drawn from screening all existing PSM frameworks, while integrating the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS). The model, which adopts the PLAN, DO, CHECK, and ACT framework, also outlines an implementation strategy. We conclude that IPSMS provides both a theoretical and a practical framework with which to manage, measure and analyse process safety management systems. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 37:67–85, 2018
Findings of the National Diabetes Inpatient Audit 2016
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: July 2017

The National Diabetes Inpatient Audit's latest findings on the quality of diabetes care provided to patients while they are in hospital in England and Wales highlights many areas where there is room for improvement, but inpatients remain mainly positive about their overall care.
Perceptions of the Drug Safety Update newsletter
Authors: Wilcock Mike , Praed Georgina
Published: July 2017

The Drug Safety Update newsletter, published monthly by the MHRA, plays an important role in alerting health professionals to new safety information on medicines. Mike Wilcock and Georgina Praed present the findings of their small survey of GPs, nurse prescribers and community pharmacists to gauge their awareness and views of the Drug Safety Update newsletter.