bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative effects of selected plant polyphenols, gallic acid and epigallocatechin gallate, on matrix metalloproteinases activity in multidrug resistant MCF7/DOX breast cancer cells
Authors: Nowakowska Anna , Tarasiuk Jolanta
Published: May 2016

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of selected polyphenols: gallic acid (GA) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activity in multidrug resistant (MDR) human breast adenocarcinoma cells: MCF7/DOX cells and obtained recently in our laboratory MCF7/DOX500 cells by the permanent selection of MCF7/DOX cells with 500 nM doxorubicin (DOX). The activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the effect of studied polyphenols on these matrix proteases were examined by gelatin zymography assays. We have found that the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly increased in resistant MCF7/DOX and MCF7/DOX500 cells whereas they were not detected in sensitive MCF7 cells. It was also observed that GA (30, 60, 100 and 120 µM) and EGCG (5, 10 and 20 µM) caused a comparable concentration-dependent inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in MCF7/DOX and MCF7/DOX500 cells. Control experiments confirmed that examined compounds in these ranges of concentration did not affect the cell growth of MCF7/DOX and MCF7/DOX500 sublines (80-100% of control cell growth was observed in the presence of studied polyphenols).
“I came to art school so I wouldn’t have to write...”: Creating New Contexts for Critical Writing in Post-Secondary Art and Design Education
Authors: Halliday Christina
Published: May 2016

This paper examines ideological and institutional contexts for liberal arts education at an art and design university as a means for understanding how critical writing is constructed by students and faculty as an interference to other creative practices students pursue as part of their art and design education. Observations of the form of assessment in art and design education known as critique, provides the basis for a reflection on how the pedagogy of critique, transposed to the liberal arts classroom, might serve to resist student resistance to learning to write critically.
Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by N. Davies
Authors: Plecash Jenny
Published: May 2016

Davies, Nicola. Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes. Illus. Emily Sutton. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2014. Print.“Do you know that there are creatures so tiny that millions could fit on this ant’s antenna?” Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes takes a close up look at the invisible world of microorganisms around us. Davies takes this potentially difficult topic and presents it in a way that is accessible to children. This picture book starts by comparing concrete ideas-- the size of a whale to the size of an ant’s antenna-- to help children visualize the size of these microbes. From there, the book goes on to explain that microbes are everywhere, even in volcanoes and our own bodies. Unlike other children’s books about germs, Davis does not focus on presenting microbes as evil monsters, with white blood cell super heroes. Instead, she frankly discusses how some microbes can make you sick, but the majority are “busy doing other things.” This is a nice movement away from the tendency in children’s books to insist that germs, generally, are the bad guys. Davis’ germs are not scary, but they are powerful.Instead of using text to show how to protect against these germs, the illustrator Emily Sutton presents pictures of children washing their hands and using mosquito netting. The watercolour artwork follows two young children exploring the world of microbes. The illustrations are bright, engaging, and effectively enhance and add to the text.Nicola Davis has published a number of children's books about nature, drawing on her expertise as a zoologist. Tiny Creatures is particularly welcome as there are so few options for books of this kind. With its accessible language and simple artwork, this book is a wonderful way to introduce children in kindergarten to grade three to the world of microbes.Highly recommended:  4 stars out of 4Reviewer:  Jenny Plecash
Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa by A. Dewdney
Authors: Campbell Sandy
Published: May 2016

Dewdney, Anna. Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa.  New York, NY:  Viking, 2015.  PrintThis is one of a series of Llama Llama books by author/illustrator Anna Dewdney.   In this volume, Llama Llama is staying away from home for the first night.  The rhymed story takes him from packing at home to being left at his grandparents and unpacking.  It is there that he discovers that his “fuzzy llama” is missing.  At bedtime he has a meltdown where “Llama’s lips begin to quiver./ Llama starts to shake and shiver./ Llama needs Fuzzy near,/but FUZZY LLAMA ISN’T HERE!”.  Grandpa Llama produces his own childhood toy and all is well.  The text works well as a read-aloud for the age 3-5 intended audience. While all of the creatures in the book are llamas, they are fully anthropomorphized.  The llamas drive cars, eat at a table with cutlery and grow carrots in a garden.  They are essentially people who look like llamas.  As a result young children will easily identify with the little llama missing his “fuzzy”.  Dewdney’s artwork is excellent.  The colours are bright and the characters engaging.  In addition to the very human facial expressions, Dewdney uses the llama’s ears to show emotion – up and perky when happy or excited, droopy when sad or lonely.This would be a good book to read with a child who is anxious about staying away from home.  It provides a starting point for talking with children about separation anxiety, though distress that Llama Llama feels is more related to his missing toy than about being away from his mother.   This book is highly recommended for public libraries, elementary schools and day cares.Highly recommended: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer:  Sandy CampbellSandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines.  Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
Residual Effect of Poultry Litter Applications on No‐Till Cotton Lint Yield
Authors: Tewolde Haile , Sistani Karamat R. , McLaughlin Michael R.
Published: May 2016

In no‐till cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production systems, the potential residual benefits to lint yield from prior years of poultry litter applications are not well known. The objective of this study was to quantify the productivity of no‐till cotton fertilized or unfertilized with synthetic N in years subsequent to the last poultry litter application. Treatments included 3‐ or 6‐yr histories of 0, 2.2, 4.5, or 6.7 Mg ha−1 yr−1 litter; 4.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1 litter plus 67 kg ha−1 yr−1 N as urea‐ammonium nitrate solution(UAN); and 118 or 135 kg ha−1 yr−1 UAN‐N plus inorganic P and K as needed. In subsequent years, cotton was grown with residual from these treatments with or without 135 kg ha−1 yr−1 UAN‐N. Cotton produced up to 25% more lint yield in the first year from the residual of 3‐ or 6‐yr litter applications of 4.5 or 6.7 Mg ha−1 yr−1 relative to residual from synthetic fertilizers. The benefit of a 6‐yr history of 4.5 or 6.7 Mg ha−1 litter application, when followed by fertilization with 135 kg ha−1 UAN‐N, was 12% lint yield increase in the first year. The residual benefit persisted up to 5 yr but was greatest in the first year and diminished with time. The results overall show that including poultry litter as a component of the no‐till cotton fertilization system can enhance cotton production not only in the year of application but also in subsequent years after stopping litter application and resuming conventional fertilization with synthetic fertilizers.

Relative to residual from conventional fertilization practices, residual from 3‐ or 6‐yr litter applications of 4.5 or 6.7 Mg ha−1 yr−1 increased cotton lint yield by up to 25%.

Cotton planted in soil that has a history of 6 yr of 4.5 or 6.7 Mg ha−1 poultry litter application produced 12% more lint yield in the first year of returning the soil to conventional fertilization with synthetic N fertilizers.

The residual benefit of poultry litter on lint yield persisted up to 5 yr but was greatest in the first year and diminished with time.
Selective Phenotyping Traits Related to Multiple Stress and Drought Response in Dry Bean
Authors: Trapp Jennifer J. , Urrea Carlos A. , Zhou Jianfeng , Khot Lav R. , Sankaran Sindhu , Miklas Phillip N.
Published: May 2016

Abiotic stress tolerance in dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is complex. Increased population sizes are contributing to finding QTL conditioning stress response but phenotyping has not kept pace with high throughput genotyping for such studies. Our objectives were to determine effectiveness of 20 most tolerant and 20 most susceptible lines representing phenotypic extremes from a RIL population (‘Buster’ × ‘Roza’ [BR]) to facilitate examination of 19 traits for relevance to stress response and to validate existing QTL conditioning stress response. Using phenotypic extremes tested across multiple trials, eight of the 19 traits were clearly associated with drought stress. Pod wall ratio (PW), plant biomass by weight or a visual rating, and greenness index (NDVI) were most associated with seed yield (SY) under stress followed by phenology traits. The phenotypic extreme lines were also useful for validating QTL previously identified in the whole RIL population conditioning SY, seed weight (SW) and days to flower (DF), harvest maturity (HM), and seed fill (DSF). New QTL were identified for biomass, PW, and NDVI which co‐segregated with major QTL for seed yield SY1.1BR and SY2.1BR. The preliminary finding of NDVI 1.1BR supports aerial imaging in larger genetic populations geared toward QTL analysis of stress response. In summary, phenotypic extremes helped sort through traits relevant to stress response in the Buster × Roza RIL population and verified the effect of two major QTL in response to terminal drought.
Depth of Stover Layer for Salt Management Influences Sunflower Production in Saline Soils
Authors: Zhao Yonggan , Pang Huancheng , Wang Jing , Li Yuyi , Li Yan
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to identify the optimal stover layer depth for resolving soil water and salt‐related problems by investigating the effects of the depth of a corn (Zea mays L.) stover layer on soil water, salt distribution, and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yield in the Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia, China via four treatments: deep tillage without stover (control) and a stover layer (9 Mg ha−1) at depths of 20 (M20), 40 (M40), and 60 cm (M60). Soil water storage was greater with increasing stover depth at planting, and at seedling and budding at 0 to 40 cm deep. The soil water storage of M60 at planting exceeded that of the control by 10% (2013) and 11% (2014). However, M20 and M40 retained less soil water than the control by 7 and 6% at the seedling stage, respectively. Throughout the growth period, M40 had the least salt accumulation and soluble salt concentration at 0 to 40 cm, followed by M20. The greatest seed yield (5680 kg ha−1) and aboveground biomass (18,990 kg ha−1) were obtained with M40 (37 and 49% greater than the control, 16 and 27% greater than M20, and 24 and 38% greater than M60, respectively). M40 produced the greatest economic return (¥39,491 ha−1), 44, 19, and 31% greater than the control, M20 and M60, respectively. Based on soil water storage, salt management, yield, and economic return, 40 cm is an optional depth for burying corn stover for sunflower production in the Hetao Irrigation District and similar areas.
Mapping of Fusarium Head Blight Resistance Quantitative Trait Loci in Winter Wheat Cultivar NC‐Neuse
Authors: Petersen Stine , Lyerly Jeanette H. , Maloney Peter V. , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Cowger Christina , Costa Jose M. , Dong Yanhong , Murphy J. Paul
Published: May 2016

Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum, can significantly reduce the grain quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) due to mycotoxin contamination. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FHB resistance in the moderately resistant soft red winter wheat cultivar NC‐Neuse. A total of 170 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between NC‐Neuse and the susceptible cultivar AGS 2000 were evaluated in inoculated, mist‐irrigated field nurseries. The lines were evaluated for FHB incidence (INC), severity (SEV), Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDK), and deoxynivalenol (DON) content in seven environments between 2011 and 2014. A 3,419 cM linkage map was developed based on 1839 simple sequence repeat (SSR), diversity array technology (DArT), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Seven FHB resistance QTL on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 1D, 2A, 4A, 5B, and 6A were mapped. The QTL alleles conferring resistance on 1A, 1B, 2A, 4A, and 6A originated from NC‐Neuse, while the alleles associated with resistance on 1D and 5B originated from AGS 2000. Quantitative trait loci effects ranged from 9 to 12% for INC, from 6 to 11% for SEV, from 8 to 20% for FDK, and from 6 to 18% for DON. The QTL on 5B co‐localized with the Vrn‐B1 locus. Kompetitive Allele‐Specific PCR (KASP) assays were developed for each NC‐Neuse QTL region. A preliminary test using these assays on recent Uniform Southern Winter Wheat Nursery (USWWN) entries indicated Qfhb.nc‐1A, Qfhb.nc‐1B, and Qfhb.nc‐6A as likely the best candidates for use in marker‐assisted selection.
Phenotypic Plasticity of Winter Wheat Heading Date and Grain Yield across the US Great Plains
Authors: Grogan Sarah M. , Anderson Josh , Baenziger P. Stephen , Frels Katherine , Guttieri Mary J. , Haley Scott D. , Kim Ki‐Seung , Liu Shuyu , McMaster Gregory S. , Newell Mark , Prasad P. V. Vara , Reid Scott D. , Shroyer Kyle J. , Zhang Guorong , Akhunov Eduard , Byrne Patrick F.
Published: May 2016

Phenotypic plasticity describes the range of phenotypes produced by a single genotype in different environments. We quantified the extent of phenotypic plasticity (evaluated as responsiveness to varying environmental conditions) of thermal time to heading and grain yield in 299 hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes from the US Great Plains. The genotypes, which included advanced breeding lines and recent and historic cultivars, were evaluated in 11 environments in 2011–2012 and 2012–2013. The average number of days from 1 January to heading across environments ranged from 109 to 150, and the cumulative growing degree days (GDD) from 1 January to heading ranged from 730 to 1112 GDD. Environmental mean grain yield varied from 1.3 to 5.3 Mg ha−1. Plasticity of GDD (GDDP) was strongly correlated with GDD (r = 0.81, P < 0.001), especially maximum GDD (r = 0.90, P < 0.001) across environments, indicating genotypes with greater plasticity developed later, especially within the earliest environments. Plasticity of GDD was negatively associated with yield (r = −0.58, P < 0.001) and therefore detrimental in the germplasm and environments evaluated. Yield plasticity of a genotype was positively correlated with its maximum (r = 0.80, P < 0.001) and minimum (r = 0.33, P < 0.001) grain yield across environments, indicating greater plasticity was favorable under optimal conditions, without a penalty under low‐yielding conditions. More than a century of wheat breeding in this region suggests GDDP has declined and yield plasticity has increased at similar rates. This is encouraging because it indicates the favorable plasticity traits (high yield plasticity, low GDDP) have been selected for indirectly and would respond to further selection.
Identifying Arachis Amphidiploids Resistant to Foliar Fungal Diseases
Authors: Michelotto Marcos Doniseti , de Godoy Ignácio José , dos Santos João Francisco , Martins Antonio Lucio Mello , Leonardecz Eduardo , Fávero Alessandra Pereira
Published: May 2016

Many wild species of the genus Arachis are more resistant to pests and diseases than the cultivated species A. hypogaea. However, the use of Arachis germplasm in breeding programs is hampered by sterility barriers mainly due to differences between the genomes and the ploidy levels of A. hypogaea and related species. The aim of this study was to evaluate eight newly obtained amphidiploids and their parents for resistance to early leaf spot, late leaf spot, and rust under field conditions for three consecutive years. The diseases were evaluated using a diagrammatic scale with visual symptom scores ranging from 1 to 9 for the leaf spots and rust diseases. With few exceptions, all parental wild species accessions and the derived amphidiploids were more resistant than A. hypogaea checks. The amphidiploids with the greatest resistance to the three foliar fungal diseases were (A. magna Krapov., W.C. Gregory & C.E. Simpson V 13751 × A. cardenasii Krapov. & W.C. Gregory GKP 10017)4x, (A. magna K 30097 × A. stenosperma Krapov. & W.C. Gregory V 15076)4x, and (A. vallsii V 7635 × A. stenosperma V 10229)4x. These amphidiploids will be used in crosses and backcrosses with A. hypogaea, with the aim of performing introgression and pyramidization of disease resistance genes in cultivated peanut.
Soil Management Affects Expression of Genes Involved in Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism in Maize
Authors: Roach Erika , Duiker Sjoerd W. , Chopra Surinder
Published: May 2016

Agronomic practices affect plant growth, development, and productivity through modifications of plant physiological processes. The effect of cover crop (hairy vetch [Vicia villosa Roth subsp. villosa]), no‐tillage, and N fertilizer side‐dressing on plant and soil health and expression of maize (Zea mays L.) genes was measured throughout the growing season. Expression of ACS, GS2, ICDH, NiR, and PEPC genes involved in C and N metabolism was determined. No‐tillage led to a greener and better hydrated maize crop at V6, greater soil moisture at V6 and silking, and greater plant height throughout the season. Cover crop resulted in higher leaf N at V6, greener crop throughout the season, and taller plants at silking and grain fill. There were signs of N deficiency in no‐tillage from silking onward, which was reflected in decreased greenness at silking and reduced soil nitrate at grain fill. Expression of GS2, NiR, and PEPC was stimulated by tillage later in the season, possibly as a result of greater soil N availability or greater gene expression because fewer leaves remained on these plants. Grain yields were unaffected by tillage but increased by cover crop. It appeared that low‐moisture stress in no‐tillage led to greater plant vigor, but this did not translate into increased yield because of N stress. This study highlights the need to have a better understanding of global gene expression by soil management practices, which can help select and introgress specific genes for greater exploitation of the genetic potential of maize especially when grown under no‐tillage.
Phenotyping Techniques and Identification of Soybean Resistance to the Kudzu Bug
Authors: Bray Adam L. , Lail Lauren A. , All John N. , Li Zenglu , Parrott Wayne A.
Published: May 2016

The kudzu bug (KZB), Megacopta punctatissima Montandon 1896, is a newly invasive Asian pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in the southeastern United States. Due to the unique biology of this soybean pest, six screening techniques were tested to identify host plant resistance (HPR) to KZB. Soybean lines previously characterized as resistant to either leaf‐chewing or piercing–sucking insects were used to test screening techniques and to identify potential sources of KZB resistance. Four open field experiments and one field cage experiment were conducted in 2010 to 2013 to screen ‘Benning’ near‐isogenic lines (NILs) for KZB resistance. These NILs possess different combinations of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to leaf‐chewing insects from PI 229358 (QTLs M, G, and H) and PI 227687 (QTL E); however, none of these lines were consistently effective at controlling KZB. Additionally, 30 plant introductions (PIs) with previously observed resistance to either the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) or the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) were screened in the field for KZB resistance. Six lines were identified as potential sources of resistance to KZB from this field using a KZB index. A no‐choice (antibiosis) assay was developed to confirm resistance observations from the field and to characterize the type of host plant resistance. PI 567336A and PI 567598B were confirmed as the most resistant of the screened PIs, and were characterized as having antibiosis resistance to KZB.
Quantitative Cephalosporium Stripe Disease Resistance Mapped in the Wheat Genome
Authors: Froese Paul S. , Murray Timothy D. , Carter Arron H.
Published: May 2016

The soil‐borne fungus Cephalosporium gramineum Nisikado and Ikata causes Cephalosporium stripe disease of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), reducing yields significantly in severe cases. There is no known complete resistance to the disease and resistance mapping efforts in wheat have been few. This study was conducted to discover the genomic locations of disease resistance as a preliminary step in the process of molecular marker development. ‘Finch’ and ‘Eltan’ progeny were used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, and a diversity population of 459 individuals was compiled for the first‐ever association mapping of resistance to this disease. These populations were genotyped respectively on emergent 9000 (9K) and 90,000 (90K) single nucleotide polymorphism marker platforms and were phenotyped for disease resistance in a 2‐yr field study. Twelve resistance QTL were identified in Finch and Eltan, whereas 68 putative QTL were found in the diversity population. Though no QTL of major effect was found, the accumulation of favorable alleles improved resistance, confirming the quantitative nature of Cephalosporium stripe disease resistance. Further investigation will be needed to refine the loci reported here to develop molecular markers to help incorporate and accumulate favorable resistance alleles in new cultivars. Once developed, genetic resistance to Cephalosporium stripe disease will promote economically and environmentally sustainable winter wheat production on C. gramineum–infested soil.
Genotype × Environment Interactions for East African Orange‐Fleshed Sweetpotato Clones Evaluated across Varying Ecogeographic Conditions in Uganda
Authors: Tumwegamire Silver , Rubaihayo Patrick R. , Grüneberg Wolfgang J. , LaBonte Don R. , Mwanga Robert O. M. , Kapinga Regina
Published: May 2016

African dry and starchy (DS) orange‐fleshed sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] (OFSP) cultivars, distinct from American moist or medium dry and sweet OFSP, have potential to fight vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in the world. This study assessed the genotype × environment (G × E) interactions in multienvironment trials (METs), the genetic correlations for total root yield (TYLD), biomass (BIOM), harvest index (HI), root dry matter (RDM), root starch (RST), root sucrose (RSU), root β‐carotene, (RBC), root Fe (RFE), root Zn (RZN), root Ca (RCA), and root Mg (RMG) and the potential contributions of the cultivars to fight VAD and mineral deficiencies. Nine DS OFSP cultivars, (Ejumula, Zambezi, Carrot_C, Kakamega, KMI61, Abuket_1, SPK004/6/6, SPK004/6 and Naspot_5/50) and a medium dry and sweet OFSP cultivar (Resisto) were tested in METs in Uganda. The components were smaller than components for HI, RDM, RST, RSU, and RBC, making it possible to ably select for the traits in the early stages. The components were larger than components for TYLD and mineral traits. Thus, like yield, breeding for mineral traits in sweetpotato is complex, requiring prior data on the causes of the G × E interactions. Medium to high positive correlations among mineral traits favor parallel selection, and it merits further study to efficiently improve the mineral trait complex by an index. Clearly, a 50‐ to 100‐g ration of all the cultivars, except Naspot_5/50, can provide 100% recommended dietary allowance of vitamin A for a 5‐ to 8‐yr‐old child.
Endosperm Carbohydrates in Pseudostarchy and Extreme‐sugary Maize Inbreds During Kernel Development
Authors: De Vries Brian D. , Shuler Stacie L. , Tracy William F.
Published: May 2016

Evaluation of endosperm carbohydrates kernels of pseudostarchy, su1‐ref, and wild type inbreds will give us an understanding of pseudostarchy composition relative to wild type and should inform us on the underlying biochemistry of starch synthesis. A set of seven maize inbreds, fixed for the su1‐ref allele, were developed from two divergently selected maize populations. Three of these inbreds (pse) have a pseudostarchy kernel phenotype and four (esu) have a typical sugary kernel appearance. These seven inbreds were grown in two environments each with two field replications with the inbreds Ia453 su1‐ref and Ia453 Su1 (wild type). Polysaccharide composition was evaluated at 14, 21, 28, 35, and 50 (mature seed) days after pollination (DAP). Amylose, amylopectin, and sugar concentrations were measured on mature seed tissue. No major carbohydrate differences were identified among the pse inbreds and the Ia453 Su1 inbred. At all stages of development, the pse inbreds Wpse2 and Wpse3 contained water‐soluble polysaccharide (WSP) concentration similar to that of Ia453 Su1. The proportion of amylopectin in total starch in pse inbreds was not different from Ia453 Su1 indicating that amylopectin is being produced at wild type levels in pse inbreds. Pseudostarchy inbreds cannot be distinguished from Su1 maize inbreds based on carbohydrate concentrations during endosperm development. These results indicate that the biochemical mechanisms producing wild type starch without a wild type Su1 allele are activated early in development and sufficient debranching takes place to allow the formation of normal crystalline starch granules.
Long‐Term Soil Changes from Forest Harvesting and Residue Management in the Northern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Jang Woongsoon , Page-Dumroese Deborah S. , Keyes Christopher R.
Published: May 2016

Core Ideas

Long‐term (38 yr) soil changes after woody residue management were evaluated.

There were no differences in soil physical and chemical properties.

Differences in extractable cation pools may be due to different vegetation litter inputs.

Soil changes associated with forest harvesting, differing utilization levels, and post‐harvest prescribed burning were determined using an empirical study to investigate the long‐term impacts on soil physical and chemical properties at Coram Experimental Forest in northwestern Montana. In 1974, two replications of three regeneration cuttings (shelterwood, group selection, and clearcut) were installed. In addition, four residue management regimes (high utilization with no burning, medium with no burning, medium with broadcast burning, and low with broadcast burning) were implemented (∼74, 63, 65, and 54% wood removal, respectively). Thirty‐eight years after harvesting, changes were evaluated in mineral soil and forest floor physical and chemical properties (organic matter [OM], C, N, Ca, K, and Mg pools, soil bulk density, and pH) and in coarse woody debris levels. There were no differences in soil pH and bulk density across all regeneration cuttings and residue treatments, probably due to the minimal soil effects associated with the forest harvesting operations that were used (hand felling and cable yarding). Comparisons between harvest and burning and the control indicate no statistical differences in OM, C, and N contents. Minor differences in extractable cation pools were noted in several comparisons among the treatments; these may be attributed to litter inputs from the differing vegetation compositions of overstory and shrub layers rather than nutrient changes within the mineral soil itself. At this moist‐cool forest, intensive biomass utilization, with or without broadcast burning, had few long‐term impacts on soil properties of soil C, OM, and nutrients.
Method Development and Its Validation for Simultaneous Estimation of Domperidone and Esomeprazole by RP-HPLC in Combination Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Reddy V. Tejasvi , Kumar S. Hari Hara , Haque M Akiful , Bakshi Dr. Vasudha
Published: May 2016

A simple and validated reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed for simultaneous estimation of Esomeprazole and Domperidone. Different HPLC Chromatographic conditions were used to find out the optimum chromatographic condition for best elution of drugs. Good chromatographic separation was achieved on Develosil ODS HG-5 RP C18 (15cmX4.6mm, 5mm Particle size), analytical column using a mixture of Potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer pH: acetonitrile in the ratio of 45:55 v/v used as mobile phase at the flow rate of 1 ml/min and detector wavelength at 284nm. The validation of the proposed method was carried out for specificity, linearity and range, accuracy, precision, limit of detection and limit of quantification. Linearity range was found to be 0-140 µg/ml and 0-150 µg/ml with correlation coefficients of 0.995 & 0.994 and retention time of 2.59 and 3.85 min for Domperidone and Esomeprazole respectively. The LOD was found to be 0.341 mg/ml and 2.031 mg/ml and LOQ was found to be 1.023 mg/ml and 6.093 mg/ml respectively. The result shows the developed method is yet another suitable method for assay and stability studies which can help in the analysis of Domperidone & Esomeprazole in different formulations.
Long-term Arrhythmia Monitoring in Cryptogenic Stroke: Who, How, and for How Long?
Authors: Montalvo Mayra , Ali Rushna , Silver Brian , Khan Muhib
Published: May 2016

Cryptogenic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) account for approximately one-third of stroke patients [1]. Paroxys-mal atrial fibrillation (PAF) has been suggested as a major etiology of these cryptogenic strokes [2, 3]. PAF can be difficult to diagnose because it is intermittent, often brief, and asymptomatic. PAF might be more prevalent than persistent atrial fibrillation in stroke and TIA patients, especially in younger populations [4, 5]. In patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation provides significant risk reduction [6]. A new generation of oral anticoagulants has been approved for non-valvular atrial fibrillation, providing a variety of therapeutic options for patients with atrial fibrillation and risk of stroke [7].

Prior practice included an admission electrocardiogram (ECG) and continuous telemetry monitoring while in hospital [8]. However, this approach can lead to under-detection of brief asymptomatic events, which can occur at variable intervals, often outside of the hospital setting. Technological advancements have led to devices that can monitor cardiac rhythms outside of the hospital for longer durations resulting in higher yield of detection of atrial fibrillation events.

Moreover, recent studies show that the normal monitoring time for arrhythmias may be shorter than ideal in order to detect atrial fibrillation, and increasing this interval could significantly improve detection of atrial fibrillation in these patients [9, 10].

The aim of this study is to review the literature in order to define what subgroup of patients, with what methodologies, and for how long monitoring for atrial fibrillation should occur in patients presenting with cryptogenic stroke.
Ictal Cardiac Ryhthym Abnormalities
Authors: Ali Rushna
Published: May 2016

Cardiac rhythm abnormalities in the context of epilepsy are a well-known phenomenon. However, they are under-recognized and often missed. The pathophysiology of these events is unclear. Bradycardia and asystole are preceded by seizure onset suggesting ictal propagation into the cortex impacting cardiac autonomic function, and the insula and amygdala being possible culprits. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) refers to the unanticipated death of a patient with epilepsy not related to status epilepticus, trauma, drowning, or suicide. Frequent refractory generalized tonic-clonic seizures, anti-epileptic polytherapy, and prolonged duration of epilepsy are some of the commonly identified risk factors for SUDEP. However, the most consistent risk factor out of these is an increased frequency of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTC). Prevention of SUDEP is extremely important in patients with chronic, generalized epilepsy. Since increased frequency of GTCS is the most consistently reported risk factor for SUDEP, effective seizure control is the most important preventive strategy.
Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation and Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Ahmad Saad , Wilt Heath
Published: May 2016

There is a clinically staggering burden of disease stemming from cerebrovascular events, of which a majority are ischemic in nature and many are precipitated by atrial fibrillation (AF). AF can occur in isolation or in association with myocardial or structural heart disease. In the latter case, and when considering health at an international level, congenital and acquired valve-related diseases are frequent contributors to the current pandemic of AF and its clinical impact. Guidelines crafted by the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, European Society of Cardiology and Heart Rhythm Society underscore the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) among patients with valvular heart disease, particularly in the presence of concomitant AF, to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke of cardioembolic origin; however, the non-VKAs, also referred to as direct, target-specific or new oral anticoagulants (NOACs), have not been actively studied in this particular population. In fact, each of the new agents is approved in patients with AFnotcaused by a valve problem. The aim of our review is to carefully examine the available evidence from pivotal phase 3 clinical trials of NOACs and determine how they might perform in patients with AF and concomitant valvular heart disease.
Revisiting the Data Lifecycle with Big Data Curation
Authors: Pouchard Line
Published: May 2016

As science becomes more data-intensive and collaborative, researchers increasingly use larger and more complex data to answer research questions. The capacity of storage infrastructure, the increased sophistication and deployment of sensors, the ubiquitous availability of computer clusters, the development of new analysis techniques, and larger collaborations allow researchers to address grand societal challenges in a way that is unprecedented. In parallel, research data repositories have been built to host research data in response to the requirements of sponsors that research data be publicly available. Libraries are re-inventing themselves to respond to a growing demand to manage, store, curate and preserve the data produced in the course of publicly funded research. As librarians and data managers are developing the tools and knowledge they need to meet these new expectations, they inevitably encounter conversations around Big Data. This paper explores definitions of Big Data that have coalesced in the last decade around four commonly mentioned characteristics: volume, variety, velocity, and veracity. We highlight the issues associated with each characteristic, particularly their impact on data management and curation. We use the methodological framework of the data life cycle model, assessing two models developed in the context of Big Data projects and find them lacking. We propose a Big Data life cycle model that includes activities focused on Big Data and more closely integrates curation with the research life cycle. These activities include planning, acquiring, preparing, analyzing, preserving, and discovering, with describing the data and assuring quality being an integral part of each activity. We discuss the relationship between institutional data curation repositories and new long-term data resources associated with high performance computing centers, and reproducibility in computational science. We apply this model by mapping the four characteristics of Big Data outlined above to each of the activities in the model. This mapping produces a set of questions that practitioners should be asking in a Big Data project
Experimental study on heat transfer characteristics of a modified two-phase closed thermosyphon
Authors: Aghel Babak , Rahimi Masoud , Almasi Saeed
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the heat transfer characteristics of modified two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT) using water as the working fluid. In the modified TPCT, to reduce thermal resistance, a small TPCT was inserted inside the adiabatic section. For both the plain and modified thermosyphons the performances were determined at various heat inputs from 71-960 W. The results showed that the modified TPCT had less temperature difference between the evaporator and condenser sections than the plain one. According to the experimental data, in the modified TPCT, the thermal performance increased up to 20% over that of the unmodified one.
Racial disparities in health care access among pediatric patients with craniosynostosis
Authors: Brown Zackary D. , Bey Amita K. , Bonfield Christopher M. , Westrick Ashly C. , Kelly Katherine , Kelly Kevin , Wellons John C.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Disparities in surgical access and timing to care result from a combination of complex patient, social, and institutional factors. Due to the perception of delayed presentation for overall health care services and treatment in African American patients on the part of the senior author, this study was designed to identify and quantify these differences in access and care between African American and Caucasian children with craniosynostosis. In addition, hypotheses regarding reasons for this difference are discussed.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of 132 children between the ages of 0 and 17 years old who previously underwent operations for craniosynostosis at a tertiary pediatric care facility between 2010 and 2013. Patient and family characteristics, age at surgical consultation and time to surgery, and distance to primary care providers and the tertiary center were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 132 patients in this cohort, 88% were Caucasian and 12% were African American. The median patient age was 5 months (interquartile range [IQR] 2–8 months). African Americans had a significantly greater age at consult compared with Caucasians (median 341 days [IQR 192–584 days] vs median 137 days [IQR 62–235 days], respectively; p = 0.0012). However, after being evaluated in consultation, there was no significant difference in time to surgery between African American and Caucasian patients (median 56 days [IQR 36–98 days] vs median 64 days [IQR 43–87 days], respectively). Using regression analysis, race and type of synostoses were found to be significantly associated with a longer wait time for surgical consultation (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively, using cutoff points of ≤ 180 days vs > 180 days). Distance traveled to primary care physicians and to the tertiary care facility did not significantly differ between groups. Other factors such as parental education, insurance type, household income, and referring physician type also showed no significant difference between racial groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a correlation between race and age at consultation, but no association with time to surgery, distance, or family characteristics such as household income, parental education, insurance type, and referring physician type. This finding implies that delays in early health-seeking behaviors and subsequent referral to surgical specialists from primary care providers are the main reason for this delay among African American craniofacial patients. Future studies should focus on further detail in regards to these barriers, and educational efforts should be designed for the community and the health care personnel caring for them.
Subthalamic Stimulation Reduces Vowel Space at the Initiation of Sustained Production: Implications for Articulatory Motor Control in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sidtis John J. , Alken Amy G. , Tagliati Michele , Alterman Ron , Van Lancker Sidtis Diana
Published: May 2016

Background: Stimulation of the subthalamic nuclei (STN) is an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but complaints of speech difficulties after surgery have been difficult to quantify. Speech measures do not convincingly account for such reports.

Objective: This study examined STN stimulation effects on vowel production, in order to probe whether DBS affects articulatory posturing. The objective was to compare positioning during the initiation phase with the steady prolongation phase by measuring vowel spaces for three “corner” vowels at these two time frames.

Methods: Vowel space was measured over the initial 0.25 sec of sustained productions of high front (/i/), high back (/u/) and low vowels (/a/), and again during a 2 sec segment at the midpoint. Eight right-handed male subjects with bilateral STN stimulation and seven age-matched male controls were studied based on their participation in a larger study that included functional imaging. Mean values: age = 57±4.6 yrs; PD duration = 12.3±2.7 yrs; duration of DBS = 25.6±21.2 mos, and UPDRS III speech score = 1.6±0.7. STN subjects were studied off medication at their therapeutic DBS settings and again with their stimulators off, counter-balanced order.

Results: Vowel space was larger in the initiation phase compared to the midpoint for both the control and the STN subjects off stimulation. With stimulation on, however, the initial vowel space was significantly reduced to the area measured at the mid-point. For the three vowels, the acoustics were differentially affected, in accordance with expected effects of front versus back position in the vocal tract.

Conclusions: STN stimulation appears to constrain initial articulatory gestures for vowel production, raising the possibility that articulatory positions normally used in speech are similarly constrained.
A Viewpoint on Wearable Technology-Enabled Measurement of Wellbeing and Health-Related Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: van Uem Janet M.T. , Isaacs Tom , Lewin Alan , Bresolin Eros , Salkovic Dina , Espay Alberto J. , Matthews Helen , Maetzler Walter
Published: May 2016

In this viewpoint, we discuss how several aspects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) – known to be correlated with wellbeing and health-related quality of life–could be measured using wearable devices (‘wearables’). Moreover, three people with PD (PwP) having exhaustive experience with using such devices write about their personal understanding of wellbeing and health-related quality of life, building a bridge between the true needs defined by PwP and the available methods of data collection. Rapidly evolving new technologies develop wearables that probe function and behaviour in domestic environments of people with chronic conditions such as PD and have the potential to serve their needs. Gathered data can serve to inform patient-driven management changes, enabling greater control by PwP and enhancing likelihood of improvements in wellbeing and health-related quality of life. Data can also be used to quantify wellbeing and health-related quality of life. Additionally these techniques can uncover novel more sensitive and more ecologically valid disease-related endpoints. Active involvement of PwP in data collection and interpretation stands to provide personally and clinically meaningful endpoints and milestones to inform advances in research and relevance of translational efforts in PD.
Distinct Lysosomal Network Protein Profiles in Parkinsonian Syndrome Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Boman Andrea , Svensson Samuel , Boxer Adam , Rojas Julio C. , Seeley William W. , Karydas Anna , Miller Bruce , Kågedal Katarina , Svenningsson Per
Published: May 2016

Background: Clinical diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes like Parkinson’s disease (PD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is hampered by overlapping symptomatology and lack of diagnostic biomarkers, and definitive diagnosis is only possible post-mortem.

Objective: Since impaired protein degradation plays an important role in many neurodegenerative disorders, we hypothesized that profiles of select lysosomal network proteins in cerebrospinal fluid could be differentially expressed in these parkinsonian syndromes.

Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from PD patients ( n = 18), clinically diagnosed 4-repeat tauopathy patients; corticobasal syndrome (CBS) ( n = 3) and PSP ( n = 8); and pathologically diagnosed PSP ( n = 8) and CBD patients ( n = 7). Each patient set was compared to its appropriate control group consisting of age and gender matched individuals. Select lysosomal network protein levels were detected via Western blotting. Factor analysis was used to test the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the select lysosomal network protein expression profiles.

Results: PD, CBD and PSP were markedly different in their cerebrospinal fluid lysosomal network protein profiles. Lysosomal-associated membrane proteins 1 and 2 were significantly decreased in PD; early endosomal antigen 1 was decreased and lysozyme increased in PSP; and lysosomal-associated membrane proteins 1 and 2, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 and lysozyme were increased in CBD. A panel of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2, lysozyme and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain discriminated between controls, PD and 4-repeat tauopathies.

Conclusions: This study offers proof of concept that select lysosomal network proteins are differentially expressed in cerebrospinal fluid of Parkinson’s disease, corticobasal syndrome and progressive supranuclear palsy. Lysosomal network protein analysis could be further developed as a diagnostic fluid biomarker in parkinsonian syndromes.
Performance evaluation of rate estimation for UHF RFID systems
Authors: Salah Hamed , Ahmed Hazem A. , Robert Joerg , Heuberger Albert
Published: May 2016

This paper focuses on the rate estimation in radio frequency identification (RFID) reader receivers, which plays a significant role for the stability and the efficiency of RFID systems. RFID readers have to estimate the rate of the tag reply, i.e. the so-called backscatter link frequency (BLF). According to the focused EPCglobal Class-1 Gen-2 standard, the BLF can have a variation of up to +/-22%. Most literature uses time domain algorithms to estimate this BLF. However, the proposed techniques are not suitable to estimate the rate when multiple tags reply simultaneously to the reader. In case of such tag collision we utilized the frequency domain representation of the replies to estimate the BLF. The performance is tested with different rates and the both supported modulation techniques, i.e. FM0 and Miller. Simulation results show the high performance of utilizing the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Multiple SIgnal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm for estimating the BLF. This especially holds in case of collisions that cannot be easily estimated by means of time domain algorithms.
Review of the Remaining Useful Life Prognostics of Vehicle Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Data-Driven Methodologies
Authors: Wu Lifeng , Fu Xiaohui , Guan Yong
Published: May 2016

Lithium-ion batteries are the primary power source in electric vehicles, and the prognosis of their remaining useful life is vital for ensuring the safety, stability, and long lifetime of electric vehicles. Accurately establishing a mechanism model of a vehicle lithium-ion battery involves a complex electrochemical process. Remaining useful life (RUL) prognostics based on data-driven methods has become a focus of research. Current research on data-driven methodologies is summarized in this paper. By analyzing the problems of vehicle lithium-ion batteries in practical applications, the problems that need to be solved in the future are identified.