bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contact heterogeneities in feral swine: implications for disease management and future research
Authors: Pepin Kim M. , Davis Amy J. , Beasley James , Boughton Raoul , Campbell Tyler , Cooper Susan M. , Gaston Wes , Hartley Steve , Kilgo John C. , Wisely Samantha M. , Wyckoff Christy , VerCauteren Kurt C.
Published: April 2016

Contact rates vary widely among individuals in socially structured wildlife populations. Understanding the interplay of factors responsible for this variation is essential for planning effective disease management. Feral swine (Sus scrofa) are a socially structured species which pose an increasing threat to livestock and human health, and little is known about contact structure. We analyzed 11 GPS data sets from across the United States to understand the interplay of ecological and demographic factors on variation in co‐location rates, a proxy for contact rates. Between‐sounder contact rates strongly depended on the distance among home ranges (less contact among sounders separated by >2 km; negligible between sounders separated by >6 km), but other factors causing high clustering between groups of sounders also seemed apparent. Our results provide spatial parameters for targeted management actions, identify data gaps that could lead to improved management and provide insight on experimental design for quantitating contact rates and structure.
Major drivers of invasion risks throughout the world
Authors: Bellard C. , Leroy B. , Thuiller W. , Rysman J.‐F. , Courchamp F.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we investigate how climate, land use, habitat characteristics, and socioeconomic activities contribute to predict the current potential distributions of the “100 among the world's worst invasive alien species”. We calculated the predictive power of each of the 41 variables for the 95 species including a large number of plants, vertebrates and invertebrates. We then calibrated the species distribution models with a set of appropriate variables for each invasive alien species to predict the potential distribution of these species and identify the major regions of origin of the invasive alien species. We found that climate variables were primarily predictors of the distribution of the global invaders studied. In addition, the habitat characteristics were also important predictors following by the socioeconomic variables such as the nearest distance to airports, seaports and human population density. We show that the potential areas at the highest risk of invasions from these species are located in Western Europe, Eastern United States, Central America, the eastern coast of Australia, and some Indonesian islands. We argue that these potential hotspots of invasions should be monitored in priority to prevent new invasions from these species. This study provides evidence of the importance of considering both habitat characteristics, socioeconomic and climate change factors for the current and future predictions of biological invasions.
The implications of mid‐latitude climate extremes for North American migratory bird populations
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Hochachka Wesley M. , Farnsworth Andrew , Dhondt André A. , Sheldon Daniel
Published: April 2016

Mid‐latitude climate extremes are projected to increase in frequency under global climate change. How this may affect migratory bird populations is not well understood. The mid‐latitudes of North America experienced an extreme warming event during March 2012 that advanced the spring phenology of ecological productivity, resulting in lower levels of productivity during the summer. Here, we test the predictions that: (1) short‐distance migratory birds, due to geographic proximity and more flexible migratory behavior, should advance their spring migration phenology; and (2) breeding populations, due to lower summer productivity, should have reduced occurrences. We used occurrence data for 353 bird species from the eBird database to calculate weekly occurrence anomalies for 2012 relative to the 2010–2014 average. We identified species having unusually large positive occurrence anomalies during March 2012 and species having unusually large negative occurrence anomalies during July–August 2012. For each category, we summarized migration strategies, geographic distributions, and annual associations with temperature and ecological productivity. Short‐distance migrants whose winter and breeding ranges intersect the mid‐latitudes advanced their spring migration phenology during March (n = 21). Long‐distance migrants whose winter and breeding distributions were weakly associated with the mid‐latitudes had lower occurrences during the summer (n = 32). Five species were shared between the two categories. Within species’ winter ranges, temperature and ecological productivity were higher than expected during March; within species’ breeding ranges, ecological productivity was lower than expected during the summer. These differences were strongest for the 21 short‐distance migrants. Following our expectations, mid‐latitude climate extremes and associated ecological consequences broadly affected avian migration and breeding activities within the region. Our findings suggest short‐distance migrants are more flexible and resilient, whereas populations of long‐distance migrants are at a distinct disadvantage, which may intensify if the frequency of these events increases.
Could the lateral transfer of nutrients by outbreaking insects lead to consequential landscape‐scale effects?
Authors: Landry Jean‐Sébastien , Parrott Lael
Published: April 2016

The processes that transfer nutrients laterally over large distances are limited within terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we present the hypothesis that outbreaking insects can sometimes transport consequential amounts of embodied nutrients over long distances, thereby connecting ecological dynamics across space and leading to potential emergent effects at the landscape scale that have not been specifically addressed heretofore. Based on previously published data on insect population density, individual body mass, and nutrient content, we present initial quantitative estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes for various outbreaking insect species in different ecosystems. The results suggest that during the phases of major population change within an outbreak cycle, this process may transfer, over a given area, amounts of nutrients that exceed annual input from contemporaneous levels of atmospheric deposition, particularly for phosphorus. In addition, the relative strength of the process was likely even higher in the preindustrial era, especially for nitrogen, due to a weaker anthropogenic influence on atmospheric deposition at that time. The values we have found are comparable to the results from previous studies on 2‐D nutrient fluxes by other animals and that have been considered consequential for ecosystem processes. We further illustrate the implications of the process for the spatial distribution of nutrients and resulting ecological complexity and argue that the process is inherently scale dependent, contrary to vertical fluxes like atmospheric deposition. Moreover, we provide suggestions for future studies, both empirical and theoretical, that would better quantify the strength of the process and assess its implications. Given that the productivity of most natural terrestrial ecosystems depends primarily on locally recycled nutrients and that spatial source–sink nutrient dynamics has been shown to have important ecological consequences, the long‐distance lateral transfer of nutrients by outbreaking insects appears like a relevant landscape‐level process worthwhile of more specific attention.
Genetic co‐structuring in host‐parasite systems: Empirical data from raccoons and raccoon ticks
Authors: Dharmarajan Guha , Beasley James C. , Beatty William S. , Olson Zachary H. , Fike Jennifer A. , Rhodes Olin E.
Published: April 2016

Many aspects of parasite biology critically depend on their hosts, and understanding how host‐parasite populations are co‐structured can help improve our understanding of the ecology of parasites, their hosts, and host‐parasite interactions. This study utilized genetic data collected from raccoons (Procyon lotor), and a specialist parasite, the raccoon tick (Ixodes texanus), to test for genetic co‐structuring of host‐parasite populations at both landscape and host scales. At the landscape scale, our analyses revealed a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distance matrices (i.e., isolation by distance) in ticks, but not their hosts. While there are several mechanisms that could lead to a stronger pattern of isolation by distance in tick vs. raccoon datasets, our analyses suggest that at least one reason for the above pattern is the substantial increase in statistical power (due to the ≈8‐fold increase in sample size) afforded by sampling parasites. Host‐scale analyses indicated higher relatedness between ticks sampled from related vs. unrelated raccoons trapped within the same habitat patch, a pattern likely driven by increased contact rates between related hosts. By utilizing fine‐scale genetic data from both parasites and hosts, our analyses help improve our understanding of epidemiology and host ecology.
Estimating competition coefficients in tree communities: a hierarchical Bayesian approach to neighborhood analysis
Authors: Tatsumi Shinichi , Owari Toshiaki , Mori Akira S.
Published: April 2016

Quantifying the strength of competition and understanding how it translates into consequences at the community level are among the key aims of plant ecology. Neighborhood analysis based on the neighborhood competition index has been widely used to estimate species‐specific competition coefficients in tree communities. These estimates, however, could not be estimated for rare species with small sample sizes using the conventional species‐by‐species approach. Here, we develop a new modeling framework for neighborhood analysis in which the competition coefficient is assumed to have a hierarchical parameter structure. Using actual tree census data consisting of 38 species, we demonstrate that the hierarchical model enables us to estimate competition coefficients for all species, including rare ones, within a community. The hierarchical models were selected over the models based on the species‐by‐species approach as a result of model selection, in either cases where we assumed the competitive strength is determined by niche difference or competitive ability difference. Our results suggest that the hierarchical approaches can serve as a useful alternative to species‐by‐species approach for estimating competition coefficients in tree communities.
Variation in metapopulation dynamics of a wetland mammal: The effect of hydrology
Authors: van der Merwe Jorista , Hellgren Eric C. , Schauber Eric M.
Published: April 2016

Key factors affecting metapopulation dynamics of animals include patch size, isolation, and patch quality. For wetland‐associated species, hydrology can affect patch availability, connectivity, and potentially habitat quality; and therefore drive metapopulation dynamics. Wetlands occurring on natural river floodplains typically have more dynamic hydrology than anthropogenic wetlands. Our overall objective was to assess the multiyear spatial and temporal variation in occupancy and turnover rates of a semi‐aquatic small mammal at two hydrologically distinct wetland complexes. We live‐trapped marsh rice rats (Oryzomys palustris) for 3 yr and >50 000 trap nights at nine wetland patches on the Mississippi River floodplain and 14 patches at a reclaimed surface mine in southern Illinois. We used dynamic occupancy modeling to estimate initial occupancy, detection, colonization, and extinction rates at each complex. Catch per unit effort (rice rats captured/1000 trap nights) was markedly higher at the floodplain site (28.1) than the mining site (8.1). We found no evidence that temperature, rainfall, or trapping effort affected detection probability. Probability of initial occupancy was similar between sites and positively related to patch size. Patch colonization probability at both sites was related negatively to total rainfall 3 weeks prior to trapping, and varied across years differently at each site. We found interacting effects of site and rainfall on extinction probability: extinction increased with total rainfall 3 months prior to trapping but markedly more at the floodplain site than at the mining site. These site‐specific patterns of colonization and extinction are consistent with the rice rat metapopulation in the floodplain exhibiting a habitat‐tracking dynamic (occupancy dynamics driven by fluctuating quality), whereas the mineland complex behaved more as a classic metapopulation (stochastic colonization & extinction). Our study supports previous work demonstrating metapopulation dynamics in wetland systems being driven by changes in patch quality (via hydrology) rather than solely area and isolation.
Host community composition and defensive symbionts determine trematode parasite abundance in host communities
Authors: Hopkins Skylar R. , Ocampo Jancarla M. , Wojdak Jeremy M. , Belden Lisa K.
Published: April 2016

Host species vary in their propensity to become infected by and transmit parasites, and this variation in host competency can influence parasite transmission within host communities. Host competency is often attributed to morphological, physiological, and behavioral defenses of hosts, but hosts commonly have an additional, lesser studied form of protection: defensive symbionts. For instance, snails are facultatively defended by ectosymbiotic oligochaete worms (Chaetogaster limnaei) that consume free‐living trematode parasites, bacteria protect amphibians from the fungus that causes chytridiomycosis, and ants protect plants from herbivores. In addition to reducing infection on their hosts, defensive symbionts may influence parasite transmission to other hosts by redirecting parasites toward other hosts and/or removing parasites from the system. We explored these possibilities by examining the relative roles of community composition and the presence of defensive symbionts (C. limnaei) in determining trematode infection intensity among second intermediate host communities composed of snails (Helisoma trivolvis) and tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana). Parasites were dramatically more successful at infecting snails than tadpoles, which led to more total parasites in host communities where snails were present. In addition, defensive symbionts substantially reduced snail infection intensity and thus reduced the total number of parasites in communities containing symbiont‐defended snail hosts. Neither host community composition nor the presence of defensive symbionts on snails influenced individual tadpole infection in our experiments. Therefore, in our experiments, second intermediate host community structure did not influence individual host tadpole infection risk, but did influence total parasite transmission.
Specialization of oribatid mites to forest microhabitats—the enigmatic role of litter
Authors: Wehner Katja , Norton Roy A. , Blüthgen Nico , Heethoff Michael
Published: April 2016

The degree of ecological specialization influences the biological performance of species in their natural environment and affects the coexistence of different taxa. However, on a small scale, the diversity of microarthropods that coexist in forest soils and leaf litter seems inordinately high, a situation known as the “enigma of soil animal species diversity”. Since recent studies point to the importance of small‐scale heterogeneity to explain this phenomenon, we use interaction networks between microhabitats and their inhabitants to resolve and quantify the community structure (species composition, richness, and diversity) of oribatid mites (Oribatida) in five discrete, patchy substrates—dead wood, lichens, mosses, sod, and tree bark—and in the general leaf litter. Since oribatid mites are ubiquitous in all these microhabitats in temperate forests, the analysis of their community structure in the light of generalization and specialization might help us understand the ecological role of litter. We investigated whether litter acts as a specific microhabitat with the intrinsic characteristics that enable the “enigmatic” high diversity of oribatid mites (Habitat‐Hypothesis), if litter acts as a source from which oribatid mite species more or less randomly invade different associated microhabitat‐patches (Source‐Hypothesis), or if litter only connects patchily distributed microhabitats with specific species compositions (Connector‐Hypothesis). In total, 25,162 adult oribatid mite individuals were analyzed, most belonging to the derived group Brachypylina. Species richness, density, and diversity differed among microhabitats with highest values found in mosses and dead wood and lowest on tree bark. In general, specialization of oribatid mite species was low—highest on tree bark and in grass sod—but differed slightly among oribatid mite taxa (Enarthronota, Mixonomata, Nothrina, Brachypylina). The Connector‐ and Habitat‐Hypotheses can explain the distribution of most oribatid mite species but the Source‐Hypothesis explains the distribution patterns for only a few species.
Listen up! Social media is about conversations … constantly
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: April 2016

“What's your rate for posting to our Facebook page three times a week?” a potential client asked me recently. My many follow‐up questions to this gentleman revealed that he didn't have an overall strategy in place for how his company would use social media or how these efforts would complement its existing communications plan.
Promote student success through financial aid education
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2016

As director of financial aid and admissions at Niagara County Community College, Jim Trimboli spends a lot of time at area high schools. Students and parents are excited hearing about the wonderful things going on in academics and athletics. But discussion of financial aid has a different impact. “People have an inclination to go bed‐sheet white,” Trimboli said. They run away from the topic.
On the identification of optimal utility corridor locations in interplant water network synthesis
Authors: Alnouri Sabla Y. , Linke Patrick , Stijepovic Mirko , El‐Halwagi Mahmoud
Published: April 2016

Studies involving the design of interplant water networks have received significant attention over the past few years. Many methods have been developed to assist in obtaining efficient water reuse network design schemes, mainly using fundamental concepts of water integration. Our recent work has presented the importance of considering spatial constraints in the form of utility corridor availability, when identifying cost‐effective interplant water network arrangements in industrial zones (Alnouri et al., [2014]: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 16, 1637–1659). This article extends the scope of our previous work by enabling the identification of new corridor locations, which could potentially be used alongside existing utility infrastructure. We present an optimization framework that allows unutilized areas of land within industrial zones to be sectioned off and added as optional transportation channels, together with existing utility corridor regions, in the course of attaining cost‐effective interplant water network designs. The methodology entails that identification of optimal wastewater reuse schemes among various processing entities, by exploring options for enhanced utility corridors. As an illustration, several cases that utilize an assumed layout for an industrial zone have been carried out, in which a number of unutilized regions of land were identified to exist. Several opportunities that allow for potential corridor additions onto existing corridor infrastructure, through the exploitation of unutilized regions of land within the plot, were explored. A number of improvements in the water network designs obtained are highlighted for the different case scenarios that have been investigated, using the proposed approach. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1492–1511, 2016
Reduction of pollutant emissions by developing a variable valve timing system in a direct injection diesel engine using computational fluid dynamics modeling
Authors: Ashkezari Abbas Zarenezhad , Nezhad Alireza Hossein , Farahat Said
Published: April 2016

In this work, the fluid flow in a direct injection compression ignition engine and its effects on performance and pollutant emissions are studied by using computational fluid dynamics simulation through developing of variable valve timing system by combination of the optimum valve lifting and late inlet valve closing (LIVC) strategies. For this purpose, an improved version of ECFM‐3Z combustion model coupled with advanced models for NOx and soot formation was used to predict and simulate the combustion characteristics. First, the calculated in‐cylinder pressure, heat‐release rate, soot, and NOx were compared with experimental data and good agreement was obtained. To improve the performance and reduce the emission, various angles of LIVC and different types of valve lifting were compared with those of engine basic mode, and then optimum inlet valve closing (IVC) angle and optimum valve lift were determined. Results showed that in constant opening duration of the inlet valve, the volumetric efficiency increases by increasing the valve lift. In addition, the 25% increase of valve lift relative to basic mode along with optimized IVC angle of 70° crack angle after bottom dead center improves volumetric efficiency and brake power, and reduces considerably soot, NOx, and brake‐specific fuel consumption, while CO emission is increased slightly. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1430–1440, 2016
Probability of actuating a seismic shutoff device
Authors: Malhotra Praveen K.
Published: April 2016

Automatic seismic shutoff devices are used to reduce the risk to gas and liquid distribution systems from earthquakes. In the USA, the gas shutoff devices are tested and certified according to the American Society of Civil Engineers' Standard ASCE 25. During tests, devices are shaken by simple harmonic (sinusoidal) motions of different frequencies and checked for actuation. Because earthquake motions are not sinusoidal, the amplitude of earthquake motions that will actuate these devices is not clearly understood. This paper determines the probability of actuating devices by earthquake motions of different amplitudes. The probability of actuation increases with increase in the resultant peak horizontal ground acceleration (PGA). The probability of actuation is 50% for PGA = 0.23g and 90% for PGA = 0.31g, where g = 9.81 m/s2 = acceleration due to gravity. On a ‘stiff soil’ site in San Francisco, CA, the mean recurrence interval of actuation is 51 years. On a similar site in Boston, MA, the mean recurrence interval of actuation is 3000 years. ASCE 25 compliant devices are actuated by high frequencies in ground motions. There is greater uncertainty in the actuation of these devices by ground motions that are damaging to very flexible systems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relaxation base seismic isolator
Authors: Vu Duc Chuan , Politopoulos Ioannis , Diop Sette
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with the use, for seismic applications, of a Maxwell element in parallel with a low damping isolator. The study of the properties of the frequency response function shows that this isolator is capable to reduce the base displacement of isolated structures with no considerable amplification of the non‐isolated modes. This is, also, confirmed by the floor response spectra under earthquake excitations. Hence, the previously mentioned isolator does not present the drawbacks met when base displacement is reduced by increasing damping. Moreover, it seems that its performance is comparable with that of more elaborated and expensive techniques combining passive and semi‐active devices. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of a novel classification for parotid gland cytology: A retrospective review of 512 cytology reports taken from 4 United Kingdom general hospitals
Authors: Bajwa Mandeep S. , Rose Samantha J. , Mairembam Priya , Nash Robert , Hotchen David , Godden Daryl , Alam Peyman , Daborn Louise , Spedding Anne V. , Brennan Peter A.
Published: April 2016

Background

A novel classification for parotid cytology has been previously proposed. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and clinical relevance of this classification.

Method

Between 2010 and 2013, cytology reports from 4 United Kingdom general hospitals were retrospectively classified and compared to histological and clinical outcomes.

Results

Based on the cytology reports of 512 patients, we revised our previous “P” system to a “Sal” (salivary) classification to encompass all cytologic outcomes. The percentage of patients with a final diagnosis of malignancy according to each category heading were: Sal 1 (inadequate) 7.9%; Sal 2I (nonneoplastic) 10%; Sal 2N (benign neoplastic) 1.4%; Sal 3 (atypical) 20.4%; Sal 4 (suspicious) 52.6%; Sal 5P (primary salivary gland malignancy) 71.4%; Sal 5NOS (malignancy not otherwise specified) 100%; and Sal 5M (metastasis) 91.7%.

Conclusion

By stratifying the probability of encountering a malignant neoplasm, the classification could guide clinical management decisions. A future prospective study is warranted. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708–1716, 2016
Genetic lineage tracing analysis of the cell of origin of hepatotoxin‐induced liver tumors in mice
Authors: Shin Soona , Wangensteen Kirk J. , Teta‐Bissett Monica , Wang Yue J. , Mosleh‐Shirazi Elham , Buza Elizabeth L. , Greenbaum Linda E. , Kaestner Klaus H.
Published: April 2016

The expression of biliary/progenitor markers by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often associated with poor prognosis and stem cell‐like behaviors of tumor cells. Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) also often express biliary/progenitor markers and frequently act as precursor lesions for HCC. However, the cell of origin of HCA and HCC that expresses these markers remains unclear. Therefore, to evaluate if mature hepatocytes give rise to HCA and HCC tumors and to understand the molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis, we lineage‐labeled hepatocytes by injecting adeno‐associated virus containing thyroxine‐binding globulin promoter‐driven causes recombination (AAV‐TBG‐Cre) into RosaYFP
mice. Yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) was present in >96% of hepatocytes before exposure to carcinogens. We treated AAV‐TBG‐Cre; RosaYFP
mice with diethylnitrosamine (DEN), followed by multiple injections of carbon tetrachloride to induce carcinogenesis and fibrosis and found that HCA and HCC nodules were YFP+ lineage‐labeled; positive for osteopontin, SRY (sex determining region Y)‐box 9, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule; and enriched for transcripts of biliary/progenitor markers such as prominin 1, Cd44, and delta‐like 1 homolog. Next, we performed the converse experiment and lineage‐labeled forkhead box protein L1(Foxl1)‐positive hepatic progenitor cells simultaneously with exposure to carcinogens. None of the tumor nodules expressed YFP, indicating that Foxl1‐expressing cells are not the origin for hepatotoxin‐induced liver tumors. We confirmed that HCA and HCC cells are derived from mature hepatocytes and not from Foxl1‐Cre‐marked cells in a second model of toxin‐induced hepatic neoplasia, using DEN and 3,3′,5,5′‐tetrachloro‐1,4‐bis(pyridyloxy)benzene (TCPOBOP). Conclusion: Hepatocytes are the cell of origin of HCA and HCC in DEN/carbon tetrachloride and DEN/TCPOBOP induced liver tumors. (Hepatology 2016;64:1163‐1177)
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering characterization of monohydroxylated polymethoxyflavones
Authors: Ma Changchu , Xiao Hang , He Lili
Published: April 2016

Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) belong to a unique class of flavonoids mainly found in citrus fruits. Characterization of different PMFs is important to further understand and apply these compounds as functional ingredients in food. The objective of this study is to characterize three monohydroxylated PMFs using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and to determine the role of hydroxylation in their SERS behaviors. Serial concentrations of 3′‐hydroxylnobiletin (3HN), 4′‐hydroxylnobiletin (4HN), and 5‐hydroxylnobiletin (5HN) were incubated with silver dendrites for SERS analysis. Results demonstrated that three PMFs exhibited significantly different SERS behaviors. 5HN produced saturation peak intensity at relative low concentration (0.05 mM), while 3HN and 4HN produced saturation peak intensity at much higher concentrations (0.5 and 1 mM, respectively) according to principal component analysis. Below saturation, 5HN had the highest peak intensity, while 3HN had the lowest peak intensity. After reaching saturation, 4HN and 5HN had similar relative peak intensities that were much greater than 3HN. The HPLC analysis revealed that 36.13 ± 1.06% of 5HN, 18.40 ± 3.31% of 4HN, and 9.66 ± 0.94% of 3HN were bound to silver. Based on these results, we speculated that different positions of hydroxylation of PMFs were critical for determining spatial conformation of PMFs on binding sites, resulting in different binding affinities and saturation points, therefore their SERS behaviors. This study first reported that the position of hydroxylation in the monohydroxylated PMFs was crucial for their interactions with silver dendrites and provided valued information for further applying SERS for molecular characterization of flavonoids. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycolipid biosurfactants: main properties and potential applications in agriculture and food industry
Authors: Mnif Inès , Ghribi Dhouha
Published: April 2016

Glycolipids, consisting of a carbohydrate moiety linked to fatty acids, are microbial surface active compounds produced by various microorganisms. They are characterized by high structural diversity and have the ability to decrease the surface and interfacial tension at the surface and interface, respectively. Rhamnolipids, trehalolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids and cellobiose lipids are among the most popular glycolipids. They have received much practical attention as biopesticides for controlling plant diseases and protecting stored products. As a result of their antifungal activity towards phytopathogenic fungi and larvicidal and mosquitocidal potencies, glycolipid biosurfactants permit the preservation of plants and plant crops from pest invasion. Also, as a result of their emulsifying and antibacterial activities, glycolipids have great potential as food additives and food preservatives. Furthermore, the valorization of food byproducts via the production of glycolipid biosurfactant has received much attention because it permits the bioconversion of byproducts on valuable compounds and decreases the cost of production. Generally, the use of glycolipids in many fields requires their retention from fermentation media. Accordingly, different strategies have been developed to extract and purify glycolipids. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Qualitative and quantitative characterization of protein biotherapeutics with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry
Authors: Qu Miao , An Bo , Shen Shichen , Zhang Ming , Shen Xiaomeng , Duan Xiaotao , Balthasar Joseph P. , Qu Jun
Published: April 2016

In the last decade, the advancement of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) techniques has enabled their broad application in protein characterization, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Owing to certain important merits of LC/MS techniques (e.g., high selectivity, flexibility, and rapid method development), LC/MS assays are often deemed as preferable alternatives to conventional methods (e.g., ligand‐binding assays) for the analysis of protein biotherapeutics. At the discovery and development stages, LC/MS is generally employed for two purposes absolute quantification of protein biotherapeutics in biological samples and qualitative characterization of proteins. For absolute quantification of a target protein in bio‐matrices, recent work has led to improvements in the efficiency of LC/MS method development, sample treatment, enrichment and digestion, and high‐performance low‐flow‐LC separation. These advances have enhanced analytical sensitivity, specificity, and robustness. As to qualitative analysis, a range of techniques have been developed to characterize intramolecular disulfide bonds, glycosylation, charge variants, primary sequence heterogeneity, and the drug‐to‐antibody ratio of antibody drug conjugate (ADC), which has enabled a refined ability to assess product quality. In this review, we will focus on the discussion of technical challenges and strategies of LC/MS‐based quantification and characterization of biotherapeutics, with the emphasis on the analysis of antibody‐based biotherapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and ADCs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 36:734–754, 2017
A two‐tiered structure device based on stereolithography for residual mandible repositioning in mandibular reconstruction with fibular flap
Authors: Kadowaki Miki , Kubo Tateki , Fujikawa Masakazu , Tashima Hiroki , Nagayama Hiromi , Ishihara Osamu , Yamada Ryuhei , Otake Ippei , Hosokawa Ko
Published: April 2016

Objective

We invented a two‐tiered structure device based on stereolithography for residual mandible repositioning in mandibular reconstruction with fibular flap, and examined its usefulness.

Patients and methods

A total of eight patients (six carcinomas and two osteomyelitis) who had undergone mandibular reconstruction with fibular flap were included. Mandibular defects according to Jewer's classification were L for five, LC for two, and H for one patient (range of bone defect size, 7.7‐13.3 cm). Based on a stereolithographic mandibular model, a two‐tiered structure device was made preoperatively with resin, and was applied during surgery to define the accurate position of residual mandible following segmental mandibulectomy. Postoperative aesthetic and functional outcomes, including dental status, diet, and speech were evaluated.

Results

The device was applied without any problems during surgery. Follow‐up period ranged from eight to twenty‐two months. Good postoperative alignment of the grafts and occlusion were also achieved in all eight patients. Five patients were able to return to eating meals as they had pre‐surgery, and two patients required dental rehabilitation with dentures. As for speech, four patients scored ten points, three patients scored eight points, and one patient scored four points in Hirose's scoring system, which means that seven patients was rated as excellent, and one patient was rated as poor. Aesthetic outcomes were excellent in three patients, good in three patients, and fair in two patients.

Conclusion

Our device was easy to prepare, successfully maintained the precise position of the residual mandible, and facilitated bone graft cutting and insetting during reconstruction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:509–515, 2017.
Intracranial Hemorrhage as the First Manifestation of Severe Congenital Factor X Deficiency in a 20‐Month‐Old Male: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Diesch Tamara , von der Weid Nicolas Xavier , Schifferli Alexandra , Kühne Thomas
Published: April 2016

Factor X deficiency (FXD) is a rare bleeding disorder, which can result in severe bleeding symptoms such as intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The most common bleeding symptoms are epistaxis and gum bleeding. ICH is reported in 9–26% of all patients with FXD, mostly during the first month of life. Here, we present a rare case of a male presenting with ICH at the age of 20 months as the first manifestation of FXD. Secondary prophylaxis with factor X substitution once weekly prevented further bleeding.
Successful Propranolol Treatment of a Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma Apparently Resistant to Propranolol
Authors: Filippi Luca , Tamburini Angela , Berti Elettra , Perrone Anna , Defilippi Claudio , Favre Claudio , Calvani Maura , Della Bona Maria Luisa , la Marca Giancarlo , Donzelli Gianpaolo
Published: April 2016

A newborn with unresectable kaposiform hemangioendothelioma associated with Kasabach Merritt phenomenon, unresponsive to vincristine and prednisone, received second‐line treatment with propranolol at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day, starting at 2 months of life and continued for 13 months. There was only slight reduction in tumor mass, but measurement of propranolol levels showed extremely low plasma concentrations. The propranolol dose was progressively increased to 3.5 mg/kg/day, leading to a substantial increase in plasma levels associated with clinically relevant tumor reduction. This case highlights the importance of relating propranolol dose to its plasma concentration before considering the treatment ineffective for this vascular tumor.
Effect of processing methods on electrical percolation and electromagnetic shielding of PC/MWCNTs nanocomposites
Authors: Seyedi Ghezghapan S. M. , Javadi A.
Published: April 2016

Nanocomposites of polycarbonate (PC)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) containing 0.5–3 wt% of MWCNTs were prepared via two methods of melt mixing and solution mixing. The effect of CNT content and processing methods on electrical and electromagnetic properties of nanocomposite samples were investigated. TEM microphotographs revealed that the PC/MWCNT composites prepared by the solution method, have better dispersion and distribution of CNTs in the PC matrix. Electrical measurements indicated an electrical percolation threshold of less than 1 wt% of CNTs for this system. Also, it was found that PC/MWCNT composites prepared by the solution method, exhibit higher electrical conductivity and lower electrical percolation threshold. The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) measurements in the X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) indicated that EMI SE is increased by increasing the amount of CNTs in the samples, and also the thickness of specimens. In addition, the results showed that the composites prepared by the solution method, have higher SE values. Finally, in order to reach an acceptable value for commercial applications of EMI shielding materials (20 dB), thicker samples were produced and it was found that the 3.5 mm thick samples containing 2 wt% CNTs, have a 19.6 dB shielding effectiveness. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E269–E276, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Numerical simulation of harmonic, and trapped, Rossby waves in a channel on the midlatitude β‐plane
Authors: Gildor Hezi , Paldor Nathan , Ben‐Shushan Shimon
Published: April 2016

The applicability of two competing wave theories of the rotating shallow‐water equations, the harmonic planetary waves and the trapped planetary waves, is examined by solving the equations numerically in a zonal channel on the midlatitude β‐plane. The examination is carried out by initializing the numerical shallow‐water solver by harmonic and trapped waves and comparing the temporal evolution to that expected from the corresponding wave theory. The simulations confirm that harmonic waves provide accurate approximations for the temporal evolution in narrow channels while trapped waves do so in wide channels. The transition from a narrow channel to a wide channel occurs when the non‐dimensional number (where L is the channel width, Rd is the radius of deformation, a is Earth's radius and ϕ0 is the latitude of the centre of the channel) is increased above a threshold value that larger than 4 and that depends on the meridional mode number of the trapped wave. Numerical solutions of the nonlinear equations show that, for the same wave amplitude, trapped waves approximate the nonlinear solutions in a wide channel for much longer times than harmonic waves in a narrow channel.
The Genetic Counselor's Role in Managing Ethical Dilemmas Arising in the Laboratory Setting
Authors: Balcom Jessica R. , Kotzer Katrina E. , Waltman Lindsey A. , Kemppainen Jennifer L. , Thomas Brittany C.
Published: April 2016

Ethical dilemmas are encountered commonly in the setting of the clinical genetic testing laboratory due to the complexity of genetic testing and the number of relevant stakeholders involved in the genetic testing process. Based on their clinical training and role within the laboratory, genetic counselors are uniquely equipped to identify and facilitate management of ethical dilemmas. This paper reviews the historical context of ethical theory and its application to the field of genetic counseling. Theoretical and applied ethics are explored in the context of dilemmas arising in the laboratory setting, with a focus on the role of the laboratory genetic counselor in managing ethical dilemmas. Two illustrative case examples are provided.
Association Between High-Risk Medication Usage and Healthcare Facility-Onset C. difficile Infection
Authors: Patterson Julie A. , Edmond Michael B. , Hohmann Samuel F. , Pakyz Amy L.
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

National hospital performance measures for C. difficile infection (CD) are available; comparing antibacterial use among performance levels can aid in identifying effective antimicrobial stewardship strategies to reduce CDI rates.

DESIGN

Hospital-level, cross-sectional analysis.

METHODS

Hospital characteristics (ie, demographics, medications, patient mix) were obtained for 77 hospitals for 2013. Hospitals were assigned 1 of 3 levels of a CDI standardized infection ratio (SIR): ‘Worse than,’ ‘Better than,’ or ‘No different than’ a national benchmark. Analyses compared medication use (total and broad-spectrum antibacterials) for 3 metrics: days of therapy per 1,000 patient days; length of therapy; and proportion of patients receiving a medication across SIR levels. A multivariate, ordered-probit regression identified characteristics associated with SIR categories.

RESULTS

Regarding total average antimicrobial use per patient, there was a significant difference detected in mean length of therapy: ‘No different’ hospitals having the longest (4.93 days) versus ‘Worse’ (4.78 days) and ‘Better’ (4.43 days) (P<.01). ‘Better’ hospitals used fewer total antibacterials (693 days of therapy per 1,000 patient days) versus ‘No different’ (776 days) versus ‘Worse’ (777 days) (P<.05). The ‘Better’ hospitals used broad-spectrum antibacterials for a shorter average length of therapy (4.03 days) versus ‘No different’ (4.51 days) versus ‘Worse’ (4.38 days) (P<.05). ‘Better’ hospitals used fewer broad-spectrum antibacterials (310 days of therapy per 1,000 patient days) versus ‘No different’ (364 days) versus ‘Worse’ (349 days) (P<.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that the proportion of elderly patients and chemotherapy days of therapy per 1,000 patient days was significantly negatively associated with the SIR.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings have potential implications regarding the need to fully account for hospital patient mix when carrying out inter-hospital comparisons of CDI rates.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:909–915
Pulsar electrodynamics: an unsolved problem
Authors: Melrose D. B. , Yuen R.
Published: April 2016

Pulsar electrodynamics is reviewed emphasizing the role of the inductive electric field in an oblique rotator and the incomplete screening of its parallel component by charges, leaving ‘gaps’ with $E_{\Vert }\neq 0$. The response of the plasma leads to a self-consistent electric field that complements the inductive electric field with a potential field leading to an electric drift and a polarization current associated with the total field. The electrodynamic models determine the charge density, ${\it\rho}$, and the current density, $\boldsymbol{J}$; charge starvation refers to situations where the plasma cannot supply ${\it\rho}$, resulting in a gap and associated particle acceleration and pair creation. It is pointed out that a form of current starvation also occurs implying a new class of gaps. The properties of gaps are discussed, emphasizing that static models are unstable, the role of large-amplitude longitudinal waves and the azimuthal dependence that arises across a gap in an oblique rotator. Wave dispersion in a pulsar plasma is reviewed briefly, emphasizing its role in radio emission. Pulsar radio emission mechanisms are reviewed, and it is suggested that the most plausible is a form of plasma emission.
Investigating lenition patterns in south-central Peninsular Spanish /spstsk/ clusters
Authors: Henriksen Nicholas , Harper Sarah K.
Published: April 2016

In this study we report on an instrumental analysis of /spstsk/ clusters in south-central Peninsular Spanish, documenting a three-way system of /s/ realization: speakers tend to produce alveolar fricatives in /st/ clusters, velar fricatives in /sk/ clusters, and glottal fricatives or deletions in /sp/ clusters. An analysis based on the discrete classification of /s/ variants shows that a combination of linguistic factors (following consonant and stress) influences /s/ realization. An analysis based on the phonetic coding of /s/ variants (using measures of fricative duration, relative voicing, and center of gravity) reveals the extent to which velar fricatives display an intermediate status along the phonetic continuum of /s/ lenition variations. Taken together, these analyses shed light on the nature of coda /s/ in Spanish and on the extent to which the attested allophony constitutes a lenition process.
Diet of the amphi-Atlantic scaphopodFissidentalium candidumin the deep waters of Campos Basin, south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Dantas Renato Junqueira De Souza , Laut Lazaro Luiz Mattos , Caetano Carlos Henrique Soares
Published: April 2016

Specimens ofFissidentalium candidumcollected at Campos Basin, south-eastern Brazil, had their diet investigated in order to assess its feeding habits. Benthic prey exceeded the planktonic ones as expected and Foraminifera constituted the most frequent prey taxa, comprising about 99.5% of the scaphopod diet; the remaining components included a few molluscs (gastropods, bivalves and scaphopods), a nematode, an ostracod crustacean, fish otoliths, unknown partial organisms and inorganic material (e.g. sediment grains and polymetallic nodules). Amongst the species previously studied,F. candidumstood out by presenting the highest dietary diversity (H= 3.35) and species richness (N = 118). Predator and prey dimensions were not correlated and no spatial variation was observed in the diet amongst the three collection sites in the mid-slope of Campos Basin. Generalism, high rate of rare or unimportant species and high contribution of within-phenotype component to the niche width were important features of the trophic ecology ofF. candidum. Inhabiting the deep water of Campos Basin, this dentaliid obtained most of its energy from the benthic microfauna, being a specialized foram predator with moderate preference for, and moderate selection against, several species.
The Primacy of Justice in Moral Theology
Authors: Maguire Daniel C.
Published: April 2016

It should warm the self-righteous cockles of Catholic hearts to read Protestant theologian Emil Brunner's remark that “while the Catholic Church, drawing on centuries of tradition, possesses an impressive systematic theory of justice, Protestant Christianity has had none for some three hundred years past.” The cockles, however, are in for a chilling with the realization of how little we have done, particularly in the United States, to give this noble tradition salience and application in Catholic thought, or to give it voice and currency in national and international political discourse. With such an in-house treasure as Brunner noted, why were we content to live as misers responding so little to the poverty in justice theory that scars our national setting? There were some notable exceptions, but they never became mainstreamed in American Catholic life. Why?

The principal reasons, I submit, are these: Catholic thought was (I) prone to conflate the just and the juridical; (II) distracted by charity to the neglect of justice; (III) insufficiently nourished by the justice preoccupations of the Bible; (IV) inattentive to the need to clarify and develop the theories underlying our social justice tradition.