bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition Analysis, Sensory, and Feasibility Study of Tree Peony Seed
Authors: Mao Yingyi , Han Jigang , Tian Fang , Tang Xue , Hu Yonghong , Guan Yan
Published: January 2017

Eight wild species in Sect. Moutan DC (tree peony) of the genus Paeonia grown in natural habitats and 1 cultivated specie were investigated to analyze their fatty acid and bioactive phenolic compound profiles. For fatty acid composition, P. ludlowii contained the lowest α‐linolenic acid (27.68%) and P. jishanensis contained the highest (51.96 %) content of the 9 species. For phenolic compounds, P. qiui contained the highest resveratrol (2.12 mg/g), P. delavayi contained the highest β‐gentiobiosylpaeoniflorin (26.23 mg/g), and P. ostii contained the highest paeoniflorin (23.66 mg/g). P. ostii was selected to perform a feasibility study because of its relatively high level of α‐linolenic acid 46.53%, low in ω‐6 to ω‐3 ratio of 1:2, and high level of the preferred bioactive phenolic compounds l including paeoniflorin and resveratrol. Physical pressing and refining process were conducted to obtain P. ostii seed oil. It exhibited bland sensory attributes described as slight grassy, very slight nutty, no painty or fishy aroma and slight grassy, slight nutty flavor with a very slight throat catch. Tocol results reported high level in tree peony seed oil 223.5 ± 13.65 mg/100 g with γ‐tocopherol 70.1 ± 2.14 mg/100 g, and γ‐tocotrienol 149.6 ± 15.83 mg/g. Because of the high total tocol, γ‐tocopherol and γ‐tocotrienol levels, and tree peony seed oil exhibited better oxidation stability than flaxseed oil even with similar α‐linolenic acid levels. In addition, high levels of γ‐tocopherol and γ‐tocotrienol can introduce therapeutic effects such as antiinflammation and antioxidation. Therefore, this study showed that tree peony seed oil has a great potential to be used in edible oil, nutraceutical supplement, and other health care products.
Effects of Different Simple Triglycerides on Cell Fatty Acid Compositions, Proliferation‐Related Protein, and Gene Expressions Induced by Oxidized‐LDL in HUVSMCs
Authors: Li Hongyan , Pan Yao , Luo Kaiyun , Luo Ting , Fan Yawei , Deng Zeyuan
Published: January 2017

The proliferating effects of 3 different simple triglycerides (tristearin, triolein, and trilinolein) on the human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs) induced by oxidized‐LDL (ox‐LDL) were investigated in this study. The protein and mRNA gene expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), smooth muscle‐α‐actin (SM‐α‐actin), and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) in HUVSMCs were measured by Western blotting and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was shown that in tristearin (SSS) treated HUVSMCs, the saturated fatty acid content was increased, and the compositions of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid were decreased significantly. On the other hand, triolein (OOO) and trilinolein (LLL) significantly increased the levels of some typical PUFA such as arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Moreover, LLL and OOO could upregulate the protein and mRNA expressions of PCNA, MCP‐1 as well as downregulate the expression of SM‐α‐actin. The results also showed that, SSS had significant promotion effects on the proliferation of HUVSMCs induced by ox‐LDL. Although both LLL and OOO could inhibit the proliferation of HUVSMCs induced by ox‐LDL, and might have certain inhibition of the atherosclerotic process.
Managing Risk and Uncertainty in Health Technology Introduction: The Role of Managed Entry Agreements
Authors: Kanavos Panos , Ferrario Alessandra , Tafuri Giovanni , Siviero Paolo
Published: January 2017

Managed entry agreements (MEAs) comprise a variety of instruments to reduce uncertainty arising from incomplete information on budget impact, cost‐effectiveness, use in real life, and access to new therapies. MEAs have a number of advantages and limitations and are sometimes faced with scepticism among decision‐makers. Their uptake and use – particularly financial MEAs ‐ has been fast in many European Union Member States and beyond. The use of MEAs highlights their significance as a conduit for satisfying a number of policy imperatives while mitigating risk and the limitations of current approaches to coverage decisions, including health technology assessment (HTA), in securing reasonable prices and addressing uncertainties around therapeutic effect in real life. Despite the large number of agreements implemented, little information is available on their impact. The little amount of available information is hampering cross‐country learning and the ability of patients to engage in the process. Despite their proliferation, MEAs should not become a quick‐fix solution to addressing the risk and uncertainty arising from the introduction of new therapies; instead, they should be integrated into a process of managed introduction of new therapies starting with horizon scanning and forecasting activities, proceeds to HTA assessment and continues with post‐marketing studies and surveillance.
P73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 polymorphism is associated with survival in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Ge Lei , Yang Yang , Sun Yifeng , Xu Wen , Lu Daru , Su Bo
Published: January 2017

Background

p73, a structural and functional homolog of p53, plays an important role in modulating cell cycle arrest. This study investigated the association between p73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 polymorphism and survival outcomes in a Chinese population of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with platinum agents.

Methods

The p73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 polymorphism was genotyped using DNA from blood samples of advanced NSCLC patients (642 in the discovery set and 330 in the replication set). The relationship of the p73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 polymorphism with clinical outcomes was analyzed.

Results

Compared with the GC/GC genotype, the genotypes containing AT allele (GC/AT + AT/AT genotypes) were associated with significantly prolonged overall survival (P = 0.040) in the discovery set and after pooling results from the replication set. Stratification analysis revealed that the association was more pronounced in subjects who were older (P = 0.001), male (P = 0.007), smokers (P = 0.006), had a low Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (P = 0.001), in tumor node metastasis stage IV (P = 0.008), and with adenocarcinoma (P = 0.002). The objective response rates of patients with GC/AT + AT/AT genotypes were statistically higher than those with the GC/GC genotype (P = 0.047).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the p73 G4C14‐to‐A4T14 polymorphism may be related to survival outcome in advanced NSCLC patients.
Can fear conditioning repel California sea lions from fishing activities?
Authors: Schakner Zachary A. , Götz Thomas , Janik Vincent M. , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: January 2017

Marine mammal interactions with fisheries create conflicts that can threaten human safety, economic interests and marine mammal survival. A deterrent that capitalizes on learning mechanisms, like fear conditioning, may enhance success while simultaneously balancing welfare concerns and reduce noise pollution. During fear conditioning, individuals learn the cues that precede the dangerous stimuli, and respond by avoiding the painful situations. We tested the efficacy of fear conditioning using acoustic stimuli for reducing California sea lion Zalophus californianus interactions from two fishing contexts in California, USA; bait barges and recreational fishing vessels. We performed conditioning trials on 24 individual sea lions interacting with bait barges. We tested for acquisition of conditioned fear by pairing a neutral tone with a startle stimulus. Avoidance was strongest in response to the startle stimulus alone, but low when paired with a neutral tone. From actively fishing vessels, we tested for fear conditioning by exposing sea lions to a neutral tone followed by a startle pulse, a startle pulse alone or a no sound control. We conducted playbacks from 146 (including 48 no sound control) stops over two summer fishing seasons (2013, 2014). The startle stimulus decreased surfacing frequency, reduced bait foraging and increased surfacing distance from the vessel while the conditioned stimulus only caused a mild reduction in surfacing frequency with no other behavioral change. Exposing animals to a pair of a conditioned stimulus with a startle pulse did not achieve the intended management outcome. Rather, it generated evidence (in two study contexts) of immediate learning that led to the reduction of the unconditioned response. Taken together, our results suggest that for fear conditioning to be applied as a non‐lethal deterrent, careful consideration has to be given to individual behavior, the unconditioned/conditioned responses and the overall management goals.
Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) as a case study for locating cryptic and data‐poor marine fishes for conservation
Authors: Aylesworth L. , Loh T.‐L. , Rongrongmuang W. , Vincent A. C. J.
Published: January 2017

When seeking to conserve data‐poor species, we need to decide how to allocate research effort, especially when threats are substantial and pressing. Our study provides guidance for sampling marine fishes that are particularly difficult to find – those species that are cryptic or rare and or where little information exists on local distribution (data‐poor). We used our experience searching for seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) in Thailand to evaluate two search strategies for marine conservation: (1) determining relative abundance and (2) searching for presence/absence with detection probabilities. Our fieldwork indicated that using the presence/absence framework was more likely to lead to inferences that seahorses could be found in the site than when using the relative abundance framework. This realization would support a commonsense approach, where presence/absence with detection probabilities is centrally important to marine conservation planning for cryptic and or data‐poor marine species.
Evidence for a role of eosinophils in blister formation in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: de Graauw E. , Sitaru C. , Horn M. , Borradori L. , Yousefi S. , Simon H.‐U. , Simon D.
Published: January 2017

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune bullous disease of the skin characterized by subepidermal blister formation due to tissue‐bound and circulating autoantibodies to the hemidesmosomal antigens BP180 and BP230. Although eosinophils and their toxic mediators are found abundantly in BP lesions, their role in blister formation has remained unclear.

Objective

To investigate the role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of BP with a specific focus on blister formation and to define conditions inducing dermal–epidermal separation (DES).

Methods

In an ex vivo human model of BP, normal human skin cryosections were incubated with purified human peripheral blood eosinophils with or without activation in the presence or absence of BP autoantibodies, brefeldin A, diphenyleneiodonium, DNase or blocking F(ab′)2 fragments to CD16, CD18, CD32 and CD64. Dermal–epidermal separation was assessed by light microscopy studies and quantified using Fiji software.

Results

Following activation with IL‐5 and in the presence of BP autoantibodies, eosinophils induced separation along the dermal–epidermal junction of ex vivo skin. Dermal–epidermal separation was significantly reduced by blocking any of the following: Fcγ receptor binding (P = 0.048), eosinophil adhesion (P = 0.046), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (P = 0.002), degranulation (P < 0.0001) or eosinophil extracellular trap (EET) formation (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that IL‐5‐activated eosinophils directly contribute to BP blister formation in the presence of BP autoantibodies. Dermal–epidermal separation by IL‐5‐activated eosinophils depends on adhesion and Fcγ receptor activation, requires elevated ROS production and degranulation and involves EET formation. Thus, targeting eosinophils may be a promising therapeutic approach for BP.
Contesting the Settler City: Indigenous Self‐Determination, New Urban Reserves, and the Neoliberalization of Colonialism
Authors: Tomiak Julie
Published: January 2017

In settler colonial contexts the historical and ongoing dispossession and displacement of Indigenous peoples is foundational to understanding the production of urban space. What does it mean that cities in what is now known as Canada are Indigenous places and premised on the ongoing dispossession of Indigenous peoples? What roles do new urban reserves play in subverting or reinforcing the colonial‐capitalist sociospatial order? This paper examines these questions in relation to new urban reserves in Canada. Most common in the Prairie provinces, new urban reserves are satellite land holdings of First Nation communities located outside of the city. While the settler state narrowly confines new urban reserves to neoliberal agendas, First Nations are successfully advancing reserve creation to generate economic self‐sufficiency, exercise self‐determination, and subvert settler state boundaries. I argue that new urban reserves are contradictory spaces, as products and vehicles of settler‐colonial state powerandIndigenous resistance and place‐making.
Visual function response to ocriplasmin for the treatment of vitreomacular traction and macular hole
Authors: Jackson Timothy L. , Verstraeten Thomas , Duchateau Luc , Lescrauwaet Benedicte
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To assess the effect of an intravitreal ocriplasmin injection on visual function, measured using visual acuity (VA) and vision‐related quality of life.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of prespecified secondary end‐points in two multicentre, randomized, double‐masked, phase 3 clinical trials. A total of 652 participants with symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion were enrolled, of whom 464 received a single intravitreal injection of 125 μg ocriplasmin and 188 received a single intravitreal placebo injection. Based on principal components analysis results, visual function response (VFR) was defined as either a VA improvement of ≥2 lines; or an improvement in the composite score of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ‐25) exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), estimated using the standard error of measurement approach; or an improvement in the VFQ‐25 driving subscale score exceeding the MCID. The main outcome measure was VFR at 6 months.

Results

A VFR occurred in 55.1% of the ocriplasmin group versus 34.2% of the placebo injection group (p < 0.0001). This comprised 23.7% versus 11.2% (p = 0.0003) with a ≥ 2‐line VA improvement, 35.9% versus 22.7% (p = 0.0016) for the VFQ‐25 composite score, and 10.2% versus 6.2% (p = 0.1697) for the driving subscale.

Conclusion

Ocriplasmin produces a clinically meaningful visual function benefit.
Exposure‐response analysis after subcutaneous administration of RBP‐7000, a once‐a‐month long‐acting Atrigel formulation of risperidone
Authors: Ivaturi Vijay , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi , Gobburu Jogarao V. S. , Zhang Weiyan , Liu Yongzhen , Heidbreder Christian , Laffont Celine M.
Published: January 2017

Aims

A new, long‐acting, subcutaneous (SC) formulation of risperidone (RBP‐7000) has been developed for the treatment of schizophrenia to address issues of non‐adherence associated with oral risperidone treatment. The objective of this work was to establish an exposure‐response relationship between total active moiety (AM) plasma exposure (risperidone + 9‐hydroxy‐risperidone) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) or Clinical Global Impression severity (CGI‐S) scores using data from a registration trial.

Methods

This was a Phase 3 randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study in 354 patients to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of RBP‐7000 (90 mg and 120 mg). Non‐linear mixed effects modelling was used to develop an integrated population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model that included a joint PK model for risperidone and 9‐hydroxy‐risperidone with placebo and drug‐effect models to establish the relation between total AM exposure and PANSS or CGI‐S scores.

Results

CYP2D6 poor and intermediate metabolizers had lower formation rates of 9‐hydroxy‐risperidone (94% and 76% lower, respectively) compared to the extensive CYP2D6 metabolizers. The maximum placebo‐corrected relative decrease in PANSS score from baseline following RBP‐7000 treatment was 5.4%, half of which could be achieved at plasma concentrations of 4.6 ng ml−1 of the total AM. A proportional odds model for the CGI‐S score related the total AM plasma concentration to the probability of improving/worsening scores over time.

Conclusions

Exposure‐response analysis was established between total AM concentrations and PANSS and CGI‐S scores, with good precision in parameter estimates. CYP2D6 phenotype on risperidone metabolism was the only identified covariate.
A Penalized Framework for Distributed Lag Non-Linear Models
Authors: Gasparrini Antonio , Scheipl Fabian , Armstrong Ben , Kenward Michael G.
Published: January 2017

Distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs) are a modelling tool for describing potentially non-linear and delayed dependencies. Here, we illustrate an extension of the DLNM framework through the use of penalized splines within generalized additive models (GAM). This extension offers built-in model selection procedures and the possibility of accommodating assumptions on the shape of the lag structure through specific penalties. In addition, this framework includes, as special cases, simpler models previously proposed for linear relationships (DLMs). Alternative versions of penalized DLNMs are compared with each other and with the standard unpenalized version in a simulation study. Results show that this penalized extension to the DLNM class provides greater flexibility and improved inferential properties. The framework exploits recent theoretical developments of GAMs and is implemented using efficient routines within freely available software. Real-data applications are illustrated through two reproducible examples in time series and survival analysis.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel series of 1,4‐dihydropyridine analogues for larvicidal activity against Anopheles arabiensis
Authors: Dharma Rao Bhaskara D. , Bhandary Subhrajyoti , Chopra Deepak , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Gleiser Raquel M. , Kasumbwe Kabange , Odhav Bharti
Published: January 2017

The new‐fangled bis(4‐substituted benzyl) 4‐(4‐substitued phenyl)‐2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate derivatives were synthesized by the union of substituted aryl aldehyde, tert‐butyl acetoacetate, ammonium carbonate with 4‐substituted benzyl alcohol via Hantzsch ester synthesis in aqueous medium under catalyst‐free conditions. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as IR, NMR (1H and 13C), ESI mass, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The characterized title compounds were evaluated for the larvicidal activity against Anopheles arabiensis by standard WHO larvicidal assay method using Temephos as standard at 4 μg/ml. The title compounds bis(4‐methoxybenzyl) 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate and bis(4‐chlorobenzyl) 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate exhibited promising larvicidal activity at 65.6% and 72.2%, respectively, when compared with the standard compound at 98.9%.
siRNA‐loaded liposomes: Inhibition of encystment of Acanthamoeba and toxicity on the eye surface
Authors: Faber Kathrin , Zorzi Giovanni K. , Brazil Nathalya T. , Rott Marilise B. , Teixeira Helder F.
Published: January 2017

Current treatments for Acanthamoeba keratitis are unspecific. Because of the presence of the resilient cyst form of the parasite, the infection is persistent. Silencing the key protein of cyst formation, glycogen phosphorylase, has shown potential for reducing encystment processes of the Acanthamoeba trophozoite. However, a suitable carrier to protect and deliver siRNA sequences is still needed. DOTAP:DOPE:DSPE‐PEG liposomes were prepared by three different techniques and used to associate a therapeutic siRNA sequence. Liposomes prepared by film hydration followed by membrane extrusion were considered the most adequate ones with average size of 250 nm and zeta potential of +45 mV, being able to associate siRNA for at least 24 hr in culture medium. siRNA‐liposomes could inhibit up to 66% of the encystment process. Cell viability studies demonstrated MTT reduction capacity higher than 80% after 3 hr incubation with this formulation. After 24 hr of incubation, LDH activity ranged for both the formulations from around 4% to 40%. In vivo tolerance studies in mice showed no macroscopic alteration in the eye structures up to 24 hr after eight administrations during 1 day. Histological studies showed regular tissue architecture without any morphological alteration. Overall, these results suggest that the formulations developed are a promising new strategy for the treatment of ocular keratitis caused by Acanthamoeba spp.
Evaluating living donor kidney transplant rates: Are you reaching your potential?
Authors: Matar Abraham J. , Files John , Burkholder Ryan , Chin Thomas , Angelis Michael
Published: January 2017

Background

Traditionally, living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) rate has been calculated as a percentage of total kidney transplant volume. We believe this calculation to be inherently flawed because the number of deceased donor kidney transplants has no bearing on the number of LDKT performed. We propose an alternative calculation of LDKT rate as a percentage of the number of new waitlist registrants.

Methods

We evaluated 192 adult transplant centers in the United States with respect to their LDKT rate according to both the traditional and proposed calculations, using data from the scientific registry of transplant recipients between July 2014 and June 2015.

Results

The median LDKT rate for every 100 new waitlist registrants was 12.3, compared to 27.9 for every 100 total kidney transplants. Based on our proposed calculation of LDKT rate, 16.7% of transplant centers were misevaluated when compared to the national mean using the traditional method.

Conclusions

A new calculation of LDKT rate based on new waitlist registrants, and not total kidney transplants, is necessary to eliminate the bias associated with the traditional method, allowing for the identification of centers for improvement as well as each individual center's true potential based on their patient demographics.
Emotions and beliefs after a disaster: a comparative analysis of Haiti and Indonesia
Authors: O'Connell Erin , Abbott Roger P. , White Robert S.
Published: January 2017

A number of studies have examined emotional and belief responses following a disaster, yet there has been limited comparative analysis of responses to disasters in different places. This paper reviews the results of 366 questionnaires that evaluated key emotional and belief concepts in Haiti after the earthquake on 12 January 2010 (n=212) and in Indonesia after the earthquake in Yogyakarta on 27 May 2006 (n=154). The results indicate significant differences between the responses in the two settings, particularly in relation to feelings of impunity, self‐blame for the disaster, regret about pre‐earthquake behaviour, and a sense of justice in the world. Furthermore, the impacts of age, education, and gender on responses also were different in the two case study sites. Overall, the results suggest that understanding the cultural, religious, and social contexts of different disaster locales is important in comprehending the emotions and beliefs that manifest themselves in the wake of a major disaster.
Prognostication and the unpredictable nature of HIV encephalopathy
Authors: Green Dido
Published: January 2017

This commentary is on the original articles by Mann, Laughton et al.
and Mann, Donald et al. on pages 407–411 and 412–419 of this issue.
Multidrug‐resistant organisms in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Heidenreich Daniela , Kreil Sebastian , Nolte Florian , Hofmann Wolf K. , Miethke Thomas , Klein Stefan A.
Published: January 2017

Objective

Multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDRO) are a challenge in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, in the literature there is no comprehensive analysis on MDRO in HCT. In this retrospective, single‐center analysis, we appraised prevalence and clinical impact of MDRO in 98 consecutive allogeneic HCT patients.

Method

Prior to the conditioning (baseline) and whenever clinically indicated patients underwent a full screening for MDRO (stool and urine cultures, swabs from several body regions).

Results

It turned out that 26 patients were colonized by 33 MDRO, either at baseline (n=16) or at any other time until day 100 post‐transplantation. Of these 26 patients, eight developed an infection with MDRO, four of them by 4MRGN Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and three of them died MDRO‐related. However, there was no significant difference between MDRO‐colonized and non‐colonized patients regarding overall survival (OS) and non‐relapse‐mortality (NRM). There was only a trend toward a higher NRM in patients already colonized by MDRO at baseline. This was due to the high NRM in multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa‐colonized patients.

Conclusion

In summary, colonization with MDRO other than P. aeruginosa had no negative impact on NRM and OS. Patients colonized by multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa had a dismal outcome. HCT of these patients should be considered with care. Screening for MDRO in the pretransplant work‐up is suggested.
Mentalizing Family Violence Part 2: Techniques and Interventions
Authors: Asen Eia , Fonagy Peter
Published: January 2017

This is the second of two companion papers that provide an overview of mentalization‐based concepts and techniques when working with the seeming “mindlessness” of intra‐family violence. The focus of this paper is on general mentalization‐oriented approaches and specific interventions that aim to (1) disrupt the non‐mentalizing cycles that can generate intra‐family violence and (2) encourage the emergence of patterns of family interactions that provide the foundation for non‐violent alternatives. Various playful exercises and activities are described, including the taking of “mental state snapshots” and “selfies” in sessions and staging inverted role‐plays, as well as using theatrical masks and creating body–mind maps and scans. These can make “chronic” relationship issues come alive in session and permit “here and now” experiences that generate a safe context for mentalizing to take place. At the core of the work is the continuous focus on integrating experience and reflection. Without acute awareness of the thoughts and feelings occurring in the sessions, mere reflection is not likely to enable change. By increasing mentalizing in the family system, family members’ trusting attitudes grow, both within and outside the family.
Responses to atmospheric CO2 concentrations in crop simulation models: a review of current simple and semicomplex representations and options for model development
Authors: Vanuytrecht Eline , Thorburn Peter J.
Published: January 2017

Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) cause direct changes in crop physiological processes (e.g. photosynthesis and stomatal conductance). To represent these CO2 responses, commonly used crop simulation models have been amended, using simple and semicomplex representations of the processes involved. Yet, there is no standard approach to and often poor documentation of these developments. This study used a bottom‐up approach (starting with the APSIM framework as case study) to evaluate modelled responses in a consortium of commonly used crop models and illuminate whether variation in responses reflects true uncertainty in our understanding compared to arbitrary choices of model developers. Diversity in simulated CO2 responses and limited validation were common among models, both within the APSIM framework and more generally. Whereas production responses show some consistency up to moderately high [CO2] (around 700 ppm), transpiration and stomatal responses vary more widely in nature and magnitude (e.g. a decrease in stomatal conductance varying between 35% and 90% among models was found for [CO2] doubling to 700 ppm). Most notably, nitrogen responses were found to be included in few crop models despite being commonly observed and critical for the simulation of photosynthetic acclimation, crop nutritional quality and carbon allocation. We suggest harmonization and consideration of more mechanistic concepts in particular subroutines, for example, for the simulation of N dynamics, as a way to improve our predictive understanding of CO2 responses and capture secondary processes. Intercomparison studies could assist in this aim, provided that they go beyond simple output comparison and explicitly identify the representations and assumptions that are causal for intermodel differences. Additionally, validation and proper documentation of the representation of CO2 responses within models should be prioritized.
Annual balances and extended seasonal modelling of carbon fluxes from a temperate fen cropped to festulolium and tall fescue under two‐cut and three‐cut harvesting regimes
Authors: Kandel Tanka P. , Elsgaard Lars , Lærke Poul E.
Published: January 2017

This study reports the annual carbon balance of a drained riparian fen under two‐cut or three‐cut managements of festulolium and tall fescue. CO2 fluxes measured with closed chambers were partitioned into gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) for modelling according to environmental factors (light and temperature) and canopy reflectance (ratio vegetation index, RVI). Methodological assessments were made of (i) GPP models with or without temperature functions (Ft) to adjust GPP constraints imposed by low temperature (<10 °C) and (ii) ER models with RVI or GPP parameters as biomass proxies. The sensitivity of the models was also tested on partial datasets including only alternate measurement campaigns and on datasets only from the crop growing period. Use of Ft in GPP models effectively corrected GPP overestimation in cold periods, and this approach was used throughout. Annual fluxes obtained with ER models including RVI or GPP parameters were similar, and also annual GPP and ER fluxes obtained with full and partial datasets were similar. Annual CO2 fluxes and biomass yield were not significantly different in the crop/management combinations although the individual collars (n = 12) showed some variations in GPP (−1818 to −2409 g CO2‐C m−2), ER (1071 to 1738 g CO2‐C m−2), net ecosystem exchange (NEE, −669 to −949 g CO2‐C m−2) and biomass yield (556 to 1044 g CO2‐C m−2). Net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB), as the sum of NEE and biomass carbon export, was only slightly negative to positive in all crop/management combinations. NECBs, interpreted as emission factors, tended to favour the least biomass producing systems as the best management options in relation to climate saving carbon balances. Yet, considering the down‐stream advantages of biomass for fossil fuel replacement, yield‐scaled carbon fluxes are suggested to be given additional considerations for comparison of management options in terms of atmospheric impact.
Cover crop root contributions to soil carbon in a no‐till corn bioenergy cropping system
Authors: Austin Emily E. , Wickings Kyle , McDaniel Marshall D. , Robertson G. Philip , Grandy A. Stuart
Published: January 2017

Crop residues are potential biofuel feedstocks, but residue removal may reduce soil carbon (C). The inclusion of a cover crop in a corn bioenergy system could provide additional biomass, mitigating the negative effects of residue removal by adding to stable soil C pools. In a no‐till continuous corn bioenergy system in the northern US Corn Belt, we used 13CO2 pulse labeling to trace plant C from a winter rye (Secale cereale) cover crop into different soil C pools for 2 years following rye cover crop termination. Corn stover left as residue (30% of total stover) contributed 66, corn roots 57, rye shoots 61, rye roots 50, and rye rhizodeposits 25 g C m−2 to soil. Five months following cover crop termination, belowground cover crop inputs were three times more likely to remain in soil C pools than were aboveground inputs, and much of the root‐derived C was in mineral‐associated soil fractions. After 2 years, both above‐ and belowground inputs had declined substantially, indicating that the majority of both root and shoot inputs are eventually mineralized. Our results underscore the importance of cover crop roots vs. shoots and the importance of cover crop rhizodeposition (33% of total belowground cover crop C inputs) as a source of soil C. However, the eventual loss of most cover crop C from these soils indicates that cover crops will likely need to be included every year in rotations to accumulate soil C.
Studies on drinking water intake of fallow deer, sheep and mouflon under semi‐natural pasture conditions
Authors: Fischer Andreas , Kaiser Thomas , Pickert Jürgen , Behrendt Axel
Published: January 2017

The aim of the investigation was to determine the water requirements of adult fallow deer (Dama dama), Skudde sheep (Ovis ammon) and mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon) kept under the same conditions. This study was intended to allow the development of basic principles and recommendations for improving drinking water management in the production of fallow deer, sheep, and mouflon, taking into account the different reproductive statuses of these three species. At a fen, the water intake of the animals was recorded for three consecutive years (2011–2013) during the grazing period (1 May–31 October). The results were based on the regular measurement of the animals’ water intake under pasture management. Three herd repetitions were carried out per species during early and late summer and autumn. Each test group consisted of 10 adult female animals. To enable a comparison of the drinking water consumption among species of different weights, the water intake of each animal was converted into the water intake per kg of metabolic live weight (W0.75). During the early summer fallow deer and sheep consumed a similar amount of water. The mouflon had relatively low water consumption; in the late summer and autumn (September and October), these animals drank only sporadically. All three species consumed more water in the first 3 months of the grazing period than in the last 3 months. Daily water consumption by sheep and deer increased with heat stress caused by higher temperatures and relative humidity, whereas mouflon were relatively immune to such environmental influences. It is recommended that the small ruminant species investigated should be offered a constant supply of drinking water when under pasture management.
Can I Interrupt You? Understanding and Minimizing the Negative Effects of Brief Interruptions on Audit Judgment Quality
Authors: Kim Sarah , Mayorga Diane M. , Harding Noel
Published: January 2017

Interruptions are an inescapable characteristic of auditors' socially driven work environment, and the continuing growth of digital technologies implies that interruptions will increase. We investigate the effect of brief, but expected, interruptions on audit judgment quality, and whether giving auditors notice of the timing of the impending interruption minimizes negative effects arising from interruptions. Employing an experimental on‐line setting, we find that auditors' performance deteriorates when they are briefly interrupted during the completion of an audit task. Our results highlight that this is partly explained by poorer recall of information encountered prior to the interruption. We find that notifying auditors in advance when the expected interruption will occur reduces the extent to which memory and judgment quality is negatively affected. Our results have important implications for audit firms in their attempts to deal with environments increasingly characterized by interruptions.
The HIV‐1 envelope glycoprotein structure: nailing down a moving target
Authors: Ward Andrew B , Wilson Ian A
Published: January 2017

Structure determination of the HIV‐1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) presented a number of challenges, but several high‐resolution structures have now become available. In 2013, cryo‐EM and x‐ray structures of soluble, cleaved SOSIP Env trimers from the clade A BG505 strain provided the first glimpses into the Env trimer fold as well as more the variable regions. A recent cryo‐EM structure of a native full‐length trimer without any stabilizing mutations had the same core structure, but revealed new insights and features. A more comprehensive and higher resolution understanding of the glycan shield has also emerged, enabling a more complete representation of the Env glycoprotein structure. Complexes of Env trimers with broadly neutralizing antibodies have surprisingly illustrated that most of the Env surface can be targeted in natural infection and that the neutralizing epitopes are almost all composed of both peptide and glycan components. These structures have also provided further evidence of the inherent plasticity of Env and how antibodies can exploit this flexibility by perturbing or even stabilizing the trimer to facilitate neutralization. These breakthroughs have stimulated further design and stabilization of Env trimers as well as other platforms to generate trimers that now span multiple subtypes. These Env trimers when used as immunogens, have led to the first vaccine‐induced neutralizing antibodies for structural and functional analyses.
Antibody‐virus co‐evolution in HIV infection: paths for HIV vaccine development
Authors: Bonsignori Mattia , Liao Hua‐Xin , Gao Feng , Williams Wilton B. , Alam S. Munir , Montefiori David C. , Haynes Barton F.
Published: January 2017

Induction of HIV‐1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) to date has only been observed in the setting of HIV‐1 infection, and then only years after HIV transmission. Thus, the concept has emerged that one path to induction of bnAbs is to define the viral and immunologic events that occur during HIV‐1 infection, and then to mimic those events with a vaccine formulation. This concept has led to efforts to map both virus and antibody events that occur from the time of HIV‐1 transmission to development of bnAbs. This work has revealed that a virus‐antibody “arms race” occurs in which a HIV‐1 transmitted/founder (TF) Env induces autologous neutralizing antibodies that can not only neutralize the TF virus but also can select virus escape mutants that in turn select affinity‐matured neutralizing antibodies. From these studies has come a picture of bnAb development that has led to new insights in host–pathogen interactions and, as well, led to insight into immunologic mechanisms of control of bnAb development. Here, we review the progress to date in elucidating bnAb B cell lineages in HIV‐1 infection, discuss new research leading to understanding the immunologic mechanisms of bnAb induction, and address issues relevant to the use of this information for the design of new HIV‐1 sequential envelope vaccine candidates.
Complex immune correlates of protection in HIV‐1 vaccine efficacy trials
Authors: Tomaras Georgia D. , Plotkin Stanley A.
Published: January 2017

Development of an efficacious HIV‐1 vaccine is a major priority for improving human health worldwide. Vaccine‐mediated protection against human pathogens can be achieved through elicitation of protective innate, humoral, and cellular responses. Identification of specific immune responses responsible for pathogen protection enables vaccine development and provides insights into host defenses against pathogens and the immunological mechanisms that most effectively fight infection. Defining immunological correlates of transmission risk in preclinical and clinical HIV‐1 vaccine trials has moved the HIV‐1 vaccine development field forward and directed new candidate vaccine development. Immune correlate studies are providing novel hypotheses about immunological mechanisms that may be responsible for preventing HIV‐1 acquisition. Recent results from HIV‐1 immune correlates work has demonstrated that there are multiple types of immune responses that together, comprise an immune correlate—thus implicating polyfunctional immune control of HIV‐1 transmission. An in depth understanding of these complex immunological mechanisms of protection against HIV‐1 will accelerate the development of an efficacious HIV‐1 vaccine.
Evolution of B cell analysis and Env trimer redesign
Authors: Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B. , Guenaga Javier , Corcoran Martin , Wyatt Richard T.
Published: January 2017

HIV‐1 and its surface envelope glycoproteins (Env), gp120 and gp41, have evolved immune evasion strategies that render the elicitation of effective antibody responses to the functional Env entry unit extremely difficult. HIV‐1 establishes chronic infection and stimulates vigorous immune responses in the human host; forcing selection of viral variants that escape cellular and antibody (Ab)‐mediated immune pressure, yet possess contemporary fitness. Successful survival of fit variants through the gauntlet of the human immune system make this virus and these glycoproteins a formidable challenge to target by vaccination, requiring a systematic approach to Env mimetic immunogen design and evaluation of elicited responses. Here, we review key aspects of HIV‐1 Env immunogenicity and immunogen re‐design, based on experimental data generated by us and others over the past decade or more. We further provide rationale and details regarding the use of newly evolving tools to analyze B cell responses, including approaches to use next generation sequencing for antibody lineage tracing and B cell fate mapping. Together, these developments offer opportunities to address long‐standing questions about the establishment of effective B cell immunity elicited by vaccination, not just against HIV‐1.
Reproductive trade‐offs in a long‐lived bird species: condition‐dependent reproductive allocation maintains female survival and offspring quality
Authors: Griesser M. , Wagner G. F. , Drobniak S. M. , Ekman J.
Published: January 2017

Life history theory is an essential framework to understand the evolution of reproductive allocation. It predicts that individuals of long‐lived species favour their own survival over current reproduction, leading individuals to refrain from reproducing under harsh conditions. Here we test this prediction in a long‐lived bird species, the Siberian jayPerisoreus infaustus. Long‐term data revealed that females rarely refrain from breeding, but lay smaller clutches in unfavourable years. Neither offspring body size, female survival nor offspring survival until the next year was influenced by annual condition, habitat quality, clutch size, female age or female phenotype. Given that many nests failed due to nest predation, the variance in the number of fledglings was higher than the variance in the number of eggs and female survival. An experimental challenge with a novel pathogen before egg laying largely replicated these patterns in two consecutive years with contrasting conditions. Challenged females refrained from breeding only in the unfavourable year, but no downstream effects were found in either year. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that condition‐dependent reproductive allocation may serve to maintain female survival and offspring quality, supporting patterns found in long‐lived mammals. We discuss avenues to develop life history theory concerning strategies to offset reproductive costs.
Microencapsulation of the green pigment of alfalfa and its applications on heated food
Authors: Raei Afsaneh , Yasini Ardakani Seyed Ali , Daneshi Mohammad
Published: January 2017

The present study was aimed to evaluate the encapsulation of the green pigment of alfalfa and investigate its applications in heated food. Alfalfa were collected and subjected to extraction. Extracted dye was microencapsulated and its efficiency was measured. Distribution of the particle sizes and L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) color indexes were also determined. The efficiency of juicing method was higher than grinding; however, the weight of residues was lower in juicing. Combination of centrifugation and filtration resulted in lower efficiency and higher weight of residues compared to using centrifugation alone. The pH of samples was 6.5. Application of filtration and centrifugation caused increase in the levels of a* and L* factors and decrease in b*. Emulsion stability against homogenization was reduced in low proportions of the oil phase. Results showed the higher levels of resistance of the microencapsulated dye samples against heating procedure.

Practical applications

This research addressed the effects of microencapsulation of the green pigment of alfalfa on its stability against high temperature and acidic pH and also application of encapsulated green pigment on heated foods. Results of this study presented a suitable way for enhancement of the stability of green pigment of alfalfa as a valuable and cheap source of chlorophylls as an eatable dye in food industry.
The effects of hydroporation on melasma with anti‐aging cocktail
Authors: Chae Je Byeong , Yang Seung Hye , Byun Sang Young , Choi Hye‐Ryung , Shin Jung‐Won , Park Kyoung‐Chan
Published: January 2017

Background

Jet‐M is a device for epidermal peeling and is used to deliver substances by spraying air and microdroplets. Previously, a case was treated with a mixed solution of copper‐GHK, oligo‐hyaluronic acid, Rhodiola extract, tranexamic acid, and β‐glucan. The results showed significant improvement of aged skin.

Aims

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hydroporation on melasma with the formulation in a small group of volunteers.

Methods

Clinical effects were evaluated by both subjective and objective methods including melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI) measurement.

Results

Clinically, pigmentation and erythema were relieved and also both MI and EI decreased. Histopathologic observation revealed that type IV collagen and procollagen were increased in the upper dermis. Furthermore, the number of p63‐positive cells is increased along the basement membrane. These results all suggest that hydroporation with GHR formulation induced anti‐aging effects by reconstruction of extracellular matrix.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the treatment may have depigmenting effects and erythema decreasing effects by enhancing the microenvironment of the skin.