bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Seed Vigor Characters of Selected Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes Using Accelerated Ageing Method
Authors: Henga S. A. , Thagana W. M. , Hurage Hunja , Githendu M. W.
Published: September 2019

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an annual grass with the third-highest world production after sugarcane and maize. However, due to losses in vigor caused by poor seed storage, global consumption has surpassed production. Preservation of germ plasma both in-situ and ex-situ is the key to the conservation of rich biodiversity. Seed vigor is a key element of seed quality and high vigor seeds give uniform plants stand and higher yields per area. Accelerated ageing tests enable testing the vigor of stored seeds by subjecting the seeds to a particular temperature and relative humidity over time and then performing standard germination tests. Viability of most seeds normally reduces with the storage period, storage temperature and relative humidity. There is limited information on the duration of storage for rice seeds. Accelerated ageing is considered an excellent option as a vigor test when compared to seedling emergence and index of emergence speed because of the shortest time of acquisition and efficient results. Accelerated ageing tests at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours (45ºC and 98% RH) were carried out JKUAT post-harvest laboratory using eight rice varieties’ in four replications of 100 seeds each. Data were analyzed using GENSTAT statistical package. ANOVA and T-tests at 5% significant level. Results showed that there was significant variation in both coleorhiza and coleoptile formation among rice varieties (p<0.001), treatments (p<0.001) and interaction between rice varieties and treatment (p<0.001). The difference between all treatments was significant with 72 hours’ treatment having the highest number of days to coleorhiza and coleoptile formation. The present study has shown that prolonged duration of higher temperatures results in a reduction of seed viability. The earliest coleorhiza formation was observed on day 2 and the latest on day 6. Results from this study will guide farmers and seed processors on considerations regarding storage period and storage temperature to ensure high-quality seeds.
Lifecycle Evaluation of the Nutritional Benefits and Biosafety of Snail (Archachatina marginata)
Authors: Solomon Kehinde, Abiodun , Oluwasola Babatunde, Taiye , Johnson Kehinde, Olujide
Published: September 2019

Ninety snails Archachatina marginata (Swainson, 1821), which comprised 30 each of adults (325.43 ± 2.03 g), growers (119.05 ± 1.05 g) and snailets (33.05 ± 1.00 g) were used to determine the lifecycle nutritional and bio-safety benefits of consumption of snail meat. This study was aimed to further investigate, the nutrients, heavy metals and bio-safety of snail consumed by Nigerians, due to increasing industrialization, use of agro-chemical mineral exploration, fumes from vehicles and improper disposal of refuse and sewage. Each age group was regarded as a treatment, for the holistic determination of the proximate, macronutrient, heavy metals, lipid profile and carcass yield of the snail meat. The snail was carefully cleaned and dressed for meat samples collection in triplicates for subsequent laboratory determination of the nutritional and bio-safety parameters. The collected samples were processed, using standard procedures. Data were collected for proximate components (Crude protein, crude fibre, Ether Extract, NFE and Ash), macronutrients (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg and Fe) heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr and MN), total cholesterol and lipid profile (HDL, LDL and FFA) and carcass yield. Data collected were subjected to (ANOVA), in a complete randomized design, while significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Proximate components such as Crude protein 15.88±1,39% and ether extract 1.24 ± 0.22%, increased (P<0.05) with the age of snail, while NFE reduced with age. Highest (P<0.05) carcass yield (44.23%) was obtained for snailets, with corresponding least (P<0.05) values for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and FFA, cholesterol levels were significantly varied, in all groups and the contents of macronutrients and heavy metals in snail meat were tolerable in human nutrition and therefore not deleterious.
Comparison of Structural Defects between Optic Disc and Ganglion Cell Complex in Patients with Glaucoma
Authors: Georgalas Ilias , Taliantzis Sergios , Kazaki Maria , Papaconstantinou Eva , Panagiotopoulou Elina , Papaconstantinou Dimitris , Labiris Georgios
Published: September 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the agreement of glaucomatous structural defects of the ganglion cell complex (GCC) detected with the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (sdOCT) with the optic nerve head alterations detected with the Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT), of glaucoma patients with ocular hypertension or open angle glaucoma.

Material and Methods: Ninety patients eyes with structural glaucomatous defects were enrolled. All of them underwent imaging examination of GCC with sdOCT and the optic disk with HRT. The Cohen's kappa coefficient of agreement was used.

Results: The agreement between the optic disc and GCC using the parameters of the programs analysis of the HRT, the moorfields regression analysis (MRA) and glaucoma probability score (GPS) was not significant. Instead between MRA and GPS a good agreement was calculated. Significant agreements were found between MRA and GPS on one hand and GCC on the other, considering location and length of the glaucomatous damage, while non significant agreements were found between GPS and GCC for the location and the length of the glaucomatous structural defect.

Conclusions: There is no significance (Please explain further if you are referring to significance in terms of the difference, similarity or agreement) between HRT and sdOCT for the detection of the glaucomatous damage between the optic nerve head and the ganglion cell complex. Instead MRA and GCC detect comparable areas and lengths of the glaucomatous damage. On the other hand GPS records larger deficits relative to MRA and has not a significant agreement with the study of GCC.
Type 2 diabetes differentially affects the substrate saturation kinetic attributes of erythrocyte hexokinase and phosphofructokinase
Authors: Bhise Sunita , Rao Janhavi , Hegde Mahabaleshwar , Katyare Surendra
Published: September 2019

The substrate kinetic parameters of hexokinase (HK) and phosphofructokinase (PFK)—the key irreversible enzymes of glycolysis—in erythrocytes from type 2 diabetic subjects were examined in comparison with control subjects. It was observed that the kinetic parameters such as Km, Vmax, Apparent Kcat, Kcat/Km, and substrate (ATP) inhibition kinetic and substrate binding characteristics are significantly altered in the diabetic group. The observed changes are suggestive of compositional changes in the subunit makeup of HK and PFK. The implication of these findings in relation to energy status of the diabetic erythrocyte and its interrelationship with loss of cell deformability are discussed here.
A simulation‐based method for evaluating geometric tests of a linac c‐arm in quality control in radiotherapy
Authors: Baran Mateusz , Rzecki Krzysztof , Kabat Damian , Tulik Monika , Wydra Anna , Derda Zuzanna , Sochaczewska Agata , Tabor Zbisław
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Assessment of the accuracy of geometric tests of a linac used in external beam therapy is crucial for ensuring precise dose delivery. In this paper, a new simulation‐based method for assessing accuracy of such geometric tests is proposed and evaluated on a set of testing procedures.

Methods

Linac geometry testing methods used in this study are based on an established design of a two‐module phantom. Electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images of fiducial balls contained in these modules can be used to automatically reconstruct linac geometry. The projection of the phantom modules fiducial balls onto the EPID detector plane is simulated for assumed nominal geometry of a linac. Then, random errors are added to the coordinates of the projections of the centers of the fiducial balls and the linac geometry is reconstructed from these data.

Results

Reconstruction is performed for a set of geometric test designs and it is shown how the dispersion of the reconstructed values of geometric parameters depends on the design of a geometric test. Assuming realistic accuracy of EPID image analysis, it is shown that for selected testing plans the reconstruction accuracy of geometric parameters can be significantly better than commonly used action thresholds for these parameters.

Conclusions

Proposed solution has the potential to improve geometric testing design and practice. It is an important part of a fully automated geometric testing solution.
No effect of triheptanoin on exercise performance in McArdle disease
Authors: Madsen Karen L. , Laforêt Pascal , Buch Astrid E. , Stemmerik Mads G. , Ottolenghi Chris , Hatem Stéphane N. , Raaschou‐Pedersen Daniel T. , Poulsen Nanna S. , Atencio Maria , Luton Marie‐Pierre , Ceccaldi Alexandre , Haller Ronald G. , Quinlivan Ros , Mochel Fanny , Vissing John
Published: September 2019

Objective

To study if treatment with triheptanoin, a 7‐carbon triglyceride, improves exercise tolerance in patients with McArdle disease. McArdle patients have a complete block in glycogenolysis and glycogen‐dependent expansion of tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), which may restrict fat oxidation. We hypothesized that triheptanoin metabolism generates substrates for the TCA, which potentially boosts fat oxidation and improves exercise tolerance in McArdle disease.

Methods

Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study in patients with McArdle disease completing two treatment periods of 14 days each with a triheptanoin or placebo diet (1 g/kg/day). Primary outcome was change in mean heart rate during 20 min submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer. Secondary outcomes were change in peak workload and oxygen uptake along with changes in blood metabolites and respiratory quotients.

Results

Nineteen of 22 patients completed the trial. Malate levels rose on triheptanoin treatment versus placebo (8.0 ± SD2.3 vs. 5.5 ± SD1.8 µmol/L, P < 0.001), but dropped from rest to exercise (P < 0.001). There was no difference in exercise heart rates between triheptanoin (120 ± SD16 bpm) and placebo (121 ± SD16 bpm) treatments. Compared with placebo, triheptanoin did not change the submaximal respiratory quotient (0.82 ± SD0.05 vs. 0.84 ± SD0.03), peak workload (105 ± SD38 vs. 102 ± SD31 Watts), or peak oxygen uptake (1938 ± SD499 vs. 1977 ± SD380 mL/min).

Interpretation

Despite increased resting plasma malate with triheptanoin, the increase was insufficient to generate a normal TCA turnover during exercise and the treatment has no effect on exercise capacity or oxidative metabolism in patients with McArdle disease.
Burden of occupational morbidity from selected causes in the United States overall and by NORA industry sector, 2012: A conservative estimate
Authors: Groenewold Matthew , Brown Linda , Smith Emily , Haring Sweeney Marie , Pana‐Cryan Rene , Schnorr Theresa
Published: September 2019

Background

Timely and reliable national estimates of the occurrence of occupational injury and illness are needed to monitor the burden of occupational morbidity and mortality, establish research and intervention priorities, and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of prevention efforts.

Methods

We provide updated estimates of morbidity from occupational injuries and selected illnesses, using current general population incidence rates, the proportion of the general public with a particular workplace exposure, and the relative risk of illness from that exposure. We provide estimates for the total U.S. working population and for specific industry sectors.

Results

We estimate that, in 2012, between 5 712 362 and 5 961 620 total occupational cases, including 0.7 to 1.0 million incident illnesses and 5.0 million injuries, occurred in the United States.

Conclusion

The variety of disparate data sources and methods required to compile these estimates highlight the need for more comprehensive and compatible occupational health surveillance in the United States.
Loss of CLTRN function produces a neuropsychiatric disorder and a biochemical phenotype that mimics Hartnup disease
Authors: Pillai Nishitha R. , Yubero Delia , Shayota Brian J. , Oyarzábal Alfonso , Ghosh Rajarshi , Sun Qin , Azamian Mahshid S. , Arjona Cesar , Brandi Núria , Palau Francesc , Lalani Seema R. , Artuch Rafael , García‐Cazorla Angeles , Scott Daryl A.
Published: September 2019

Hartnup disease is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by neutral aminoaciduria and behavioral problems. It is caused by a loss of B0AT1, a neutral amino acid transporter in the kidney and intestine. CLTRN encodes the protein collectrin that functions in the transportation and activation of B0AT1 in the renal apical brush bordered epithelium. Collectrin deficient mice have severe aminoaciduria. However, the phenotype associated with collectrin deficiency in humans has not been reported. Here we report two patients, an 11‐year‐old male who is hemizygous for a small, interstitial deletion on Xp22.2 that encompasses CLTRN and a 22‐year‐old male with a deletion spanning exons 1 to 3 of CLTRN. Both of them present with neuropsychiatric phenotypes including autistic features, anxiety, depression, compulsions, and motor tics, as well as neutral aminoaciduria leading to a clinical diagnosis of Hartnup disease and treatment with niacin supplementation. Plasma amino acids were normal in both patients. One patient had low 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels, a serotoninergic metabolite. We explored the expression of collectrin in the murine brain and found it to be particularly abundant in the hippocampus, brainstem, and cerebellum. We propose that collectrin deficiency in humans can be associated with aminoaciduria and a clinical picture similar to that seen in Hartnup disease. Further studies are needed to explore the role of collectrin deficiency in the neurological phenotypes.
Density and distribution of western chimpanzees around a bauxite deposit in the Boé Sector, Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Dias Filipe S. , Wenceslau José F. C. , Marques Tiago A. , Miller David L.
Published: September 2019

The Boé sector in southeast Guinea‐Bissau harbors a population of western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) that inhabits a mosaic of forest and savanna. The Boé sector contains a substantial bauxite deposit in a region called Ronde Hill, and there are plans for the construction of a mine, which may endanger the chimpanzee population. In 1‐week survey in May 2013, we used the standing crop nest counts method to obtain the number of chimpanzee nests and from that estimate the density and abundance of chimpanzees. We carried out five 1‐km line transects that covered the bauxite deposit and surrounding valleys. We used density surface modeling to analyze habitat preferences, then predicted chimpanzee nest density and distribution based on environmental variables. We found the projected location of the mine partially coincides with an area of high predicted abundances of chimpanzee nests and is surrounded by highly suitable areas for chimpanzees (northeast and southwest). We conclude the mine could have significant direct and indirect effects on this population of chimpanzees whose impacts must be carefully considered and properly mitigated if the mine is built.
Can Paraplegia by Disruption of the Spinal Cord Tissue Be Reversed? The Signs of a New Perspective
Authors: Branco Érika , Alves José G.R. , Pinheiro Luane L. , Coutinho Leandro N. , Gomes Carolina R.M. , Galvão Gilvando R. , de Oliveira Dos Santos Glaucia R. , Moreira Luiz F.M. , David Maridelzira B.M. , Martins Danielle M. , de Oliveira Edivaldo H.C. , de Souza Michel P.C. , Beltrão‐Braga Patrícia C.B. , Russo Fabiele B. , Pignatari Graciela C. , de Carvalho Miranda Carla M.F. , de Lima Ana R.
Published: September 2019

Central nervous system (CNS) trauma is often related to tissue loss, leading to partial or complete disruption of spinal cord function due to neuronal death. Although generally irreversible, traditional therapeutic efforts, such as physical therapy exercises, are generally recommended, but with a poor or reduced improvement of the microenvironment, which in turn stimulates neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have paracrine, immunomodulatory, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Here we use stem cells to see if they can promote not only physical but also the functional regeneration of neuronal tissue in dogs with CNS traumas. Two dogs, one with chronic spinal cord injury and one with subacute spinal cord injury, underwent infusion of autologous MSCs in association with physiotherapy. The two treatments in combination were able to partially or completely recover the dog's walking movement again. The treatment of MSCs in association with physical therapy improved the microenvironment, which could be evidence of a paradigm shift that the CNS is not capable of functional regeneration after aggressive traumas. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1812–1820, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Ginkgolide B and bilobalide promote the growth and increase β‐catenin expression in hair follicle dermal papilla cells of American minks
Authors: Zhang Haihua , Shi Qiumei , Nan Weixiao , Wang Yaqi , Wang Shiyong , Yang Fuhe , Li Guangyu
Published: September 2019

The regeneration of proliferation potential of dermal papilla (DP) cells contributes to the treatment of hair loss disorders. Ginkgolide B (GKB) and bilobalide (BB) are two functional components isolated from Ginkgo biloba that can promote hair growth. In the current study, the effect of GKB or BB on DP cell viability and the related signaling was assessed. Hair follicles were isolated from minks, and the growth of hair follicles was measured under the administration of GKB or BB. DP cells isolated from minks were also subjected to GKB or BB. The administration of GKB or BB induced the growth of hair follicles. The viability of DP cells was also increased by GKB or BB as illustrated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and flow cytometry detection. Moreover, the secretion of VEGF was enhanced by GKB or BB. At molecular level, the activities of Akt, ERK1/2, and β‐catenin were induced by GKB, whereas BB only increased the activities of Akt and β‐catenin. In conclusion, although the two components influenced the β‐catenin signaling activity in distinct mechanisms, they both increased the viability of DP cells and promoted the cycle of hair follicles.
Probing and Engineering the Fatty Acyl Substrate Selectivity of Starter Condensation Domains of Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetases in Lipopeptide Biosynthesis
Authors: Liu Qian , Fan Wenjie , Zhao Yajin , Deng Zixin , Feng Yan
Published: September 2019

Lipopeptides are produced by nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and contain diverse fatty acyl moieties that are major determinants of antibiotic potency. The lipid chains are incorporated into peptidyl backbones via lipoinitiation, a process comprising free fatty acid activation and the subsequent starter condensation domain (C1)‐catalyzed conjugation of fatty acyl moieties onto the aminoacyl substrates. Thus, a thorough understanding of lipoinitiation biocatalysts would significantly expand their potential to produce novel antibiotics. Here, biochemical assays, in silico analysis, and mutagenesis studies are used to ultimately identify the specific amino acid residues that control the fatty acyl substrate selectivity of C1 in lipopeptide A54145. In silico docking study has identified four candidate amino acids, and subsequent in vitro assays confirmed their functional contribution to the channel that controls substrate selectivity. Two engineered variants with single point mutations in C1 are found to alter the substrate selectivity toward nonnatural fatty acyl substrates. The detailed mechanistic insights into the catalytic contribution of C1 obtained from the present study will facilitate future NPRS biocatalyst efforts
Music notes to amino acid sequence: A STEAM approach to study protein structure
Authors: Acan Sinan Can , Acan Naciye Leyla
Published: September 2019

Recently, manuscripts that use bioinformatics tools to convert proteins and other biological materials into music have appeared in several journals. The authors claim that this type of studies adds joy to education of life sciences and attract public attention to biochemistry education along with other uses. We thought the reverse of the process might also be possible for the purpose. We converted notes into amino acids depending on the decreasing hydrophobicity and by using the famous nursery song “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” notes, a hypothetical protein sequence was obtained. Three‐dimensional structures were modeled by I‐Tasser Protein Structure and Function Prediction server and the structure of the possible models were investigated. This Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) approach may bring fun to protein structure education. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(6):669–671, 2019.
Decision Making for Soft and Hard Tissue Augmentation in Surgically Facilitated Orthodontics
Authors: Dounis Thanos , Pitman Lillie M.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The purpose of this article is to present a decision‐making algorithm for soft and hard tissue augmentation in surgically facilitated orthodontics (SFOT).

Focused clinical question

What type of hard and soft tissue augmentation is recommended in surgically facilitated orthodontics (SFOT)?

In cases where there is adequate hard and soft tissue envelope, selective corticotomies may be adequate. In cases where the existing hard and soft tissue anatomy is inadequate, hard and soft tissue augmentation is recommended. Also, hard and soft tissue augmentation is recommended to avoid teeth extractions during orthodontics.

Conclusion

This decision‐making process allows the clinician to select between hard and soft tissue augmentation protocols based on projected tooth movement as well as existing soft and hard tissue architecture in SFOT cases.
Effects of different cooking and drying methods on phenolic acids, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity of emmer (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccum) bulgur
Authors: Yilmaz Volkan Arif
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives

Emmer (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccum) is an ancient hulled wheat with a high amount of nutrient and bioactive compounds. This study was aimed to investigate the changes in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of the emmer bulgurs produced by combinations of three cooking (traditional, autoclave, and microwave) and two drying (hot air and microwave) methods. The total polyphenol, carotenoid, antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power), and soluble‐free (SF), soluble‐conjugated (SC) and insoluble‐bound (IB) phenolic acid contents were determined.

Findings

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity decreased significantly in all bulgur production methods compared to emmer wheat. SF and SC phenolic acids of the bulgur samples decreased much more than IB phenolic acids, due to the better thermal stability of IB fraction. While microwave cooking was found to have a positive effect, microwave drying had a negative effect on preserving natural bioactive compounds.

Conclusions

The bulgur preparation method that most preserved the bioactive compounds was microwave cooking + hot air drying, followed by autoclave cooking + hot air.

Significance and novelty

As a primitive species, emmer is a valuable raw material with a growing interest in its properties and products. This is the first study aimed to compare the effects of several production methods on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of emmer bulgur.
Detection of chalk in single kernels of long‐grain milled rice using imaging and visible/near‐infrared instruments
Authors: Armstrong Paul R. , McClung Anna M. , Maghirang Elizabeth B. , Chen Ming H. , Brabec Daniel L. , Yaptenco Kevin F. , Famoso Adam N. , Addison Christopher K.
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives

To maintain the competitiveness of U.S. long‐grain rice in U.S. and foreign markets, having translucent whole milled grain is critical. An objective technique to detect grain chalk, opaque areas in the grain, will provide breeders and industry with an effective tool for developing low‐chalk varieties or agronomic practices that reduce chalk occurrence. Two instruments developed at the Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Agricultural Research Service (USDA‐ARS), a single‐kernel near‐infrared (SKNIR) tube instrument and a silicon‐based light‐emitting diode (SiLED) high‐speed sorter, were compared with two commercially available imaging instruments, WinSEEDLE and SeedCount used for chalk quantification. Three 2‐way chalk classifications were defined for single kernels based on visual inspection: (a) <50% or ≥50% opacity or chalk (modified Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration [GIPSA]), (b) <10% or ≥10% opacity (10% cutoff), and (c) 100% opacity or 100% translucent (MaxLevel).

Findings

The SKNIR method provided the best classification for the modified GIPSA definition with an 82.4% average correct classification (CC), that is, 89% and 76% for nonchalky and chalky kernels, respectively. The WinSEEDLE had the best classification for the 10% cutoff definition, with an 84% CC for nonchalky kernels and a 96% CC for chalky kernels. For the MaxLevel definition, average CCs of both the SKNIR and SiLED methods were similar, at 93% and 95%, respectively. The average CCs were lower for both the WinSEEDLE method and the SeedCount method at 14% and 58%, respectively. These low CC values are a result of using a threshold of 100% for chalky or nonchalky kernels, where a single misclassified pixel within the image will cause misclassification. Calibration models developed for both the SKNIR and SiLED methods indicate that their classifications were based mainly on spectral differences near the adsorption bands for starch, protein, and water content.

Conclusions

All of the instruments can be used to classify chalk, but their level of accuracy depends on how chalk is defined.

Significance and novelty

The SiLED has the capability to process seeds at a high rate, and the SKNIR has the potential to measure compositional traits in addition to chalk measurements.
Perceiving speed—The color can matter
Authors: Mentzel Stijn V. , Schücker Linda , Hagemann Norbert , Strauss Bernd
Published: September 2019

This study focuses on examining color effects of perceived speed in an individual noncompetitive sport context, treadmill running. In addition, the presence of individual trends for color effects are inspected by observing the connection of color effects in a sport‐specific video rating task with those found in an individual color association task. For this, 32 participants rated the perceived running speed of 48 videos depicting runners on a treadmill at seven different speed settings. Furthermore, participants rated a range of additional sport‐specific performance parameters. The runners in the video were shown wearing either a red, blue, or gray jersey, gray being used to strengthen the cover story. As a secondary task, the participants performed a modified Stroop task to assess implicit color associations. The results showed a significant color effect for speed; runners depicted in red were perceived as running at higher speeds compared to blue. No significant color effects were found for the other sport‐specific parameters. Finally, there was no significant covariate effect of the modified Stroop task for the speed perception color effect. These findings indicate that, in situations in which speed must be judged, red might be perceived as going faster.
Effects of cold plasma on the color parameters of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) using color imaging instrumentation and spectrophotometer
Authors: Rezaei Shabnam , Ghobadian Barat , Ebadi Mohammad‐Taghi , Jangi Farzaneh , Ghomi Hamid
Published: September 2019

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of cold atmospheric plasma treatment on the color of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) and also to compare the usage of the spectrophotometer vs the color imaging instrumentation for the evaluation of the treatment on the color parameters. The experiments were investigated at different treatment times of 1, 5, and 10 minutes and the voltage values of 17, 20, and 23 kV. Possible changes of color were evaluated by using CIE L*a*b* values obtained with HunterLab colorimeter and CIE L*a*b* values obtained with a digital still camera (DSC) using digital image processing (MATLAB software). The values of L*, a*, and b* of the samples were obtained using both the methods. The results revealed that the L*, a*, and b* values of the treated Hyssop samples changed with increasing the treatment time and the voltage applied. Evaluating the interaction effects revealed that there was a significant difference in the (−a*/b*) ratio. In addition, the results showed that the effects of all variables on the color parameters were significantly different in the case of the DSC using digital image processing. However, these effects were not significantly different using HunterLab colorimeter except for time variable and interaction effects of a* and (−a*/b*) ratio. The lightest green color and the maximum chlorophyll content loss were observed for 23 kV applied over 10 minutes. Based on the results, the digital image processing can be used as a practical tool to study the variations at the color of dried Hyssop leaves after cold plasma treatment.
Slow rate of secondary forest carbon accumulation in the Guianas compared with the rest of the Neotropics
Authors: Chave Jérôme , Piponiot Camille , Maréchaux Isabelle , de Foresta Hubert , Larpin Denis , Fischer Fabian Jörg , Derroire Géraldine , Vincent Grégoire , Hérault Bruno
Published: September 2019

Secondary forests are a prominent component of tropical landscapes, and they constitute a major atmospheric carbon sink. Rates of carbon accumulation are usually inferred from chronosequence studies, but direct estimates of carbon accumulation based on long‐term monitoring of stands are rarely reported. Recent compilations on secondary forest carbon accumulation in the Neotropics are heavily biased geographically as they do not include estimates from the Guiana Shield. We analysed the temporal trajectory of aboveground carbon accumulation and floristic composition at one 25‐ha secondary forest site in French Guiana. The site was clear‐cut in 1976, abandoned thereafter, and one large plot (6.25 ha) has been monitored continuously since. We used Bayesian modeling to assimilate inventory data and simulate the long‐term carbon accumulation trajectory. Canopy change was monitored using two aerial lidar surveys conducted in 2009 and 2017. We compared the dynamics of this site with that of a surrounding old‐growth forest. Finally, we compared our results with that from secondary forests in Costa Rica, which is one of the rare long‐term monitoring programs reaching a duration comparable to our study. Twenty years after abandonment, aboveground carbon stock was 64.2 (95% credibility interval 46.4, 89.0) Mg C/ha, and this stock increased to 101.3 (78.7, 128.5) Mg C/ha 20 yr later. The time to accumulate one‐half of the mean aboveground carbon stored in the nearby old‐growth forest (185.6 [155.9, 200.2] Mg C/ha) was estimated at 35.0 [20.9, 55.9] yr. During the first 40 yr, the contribution of the long‐lived pioneer species Xylopia nitida, Goupia glabra, and Laetia procera to the aboveground carbon stock increased continuously. Secondary forest mean‐canopy height measured by lidar increased by 1.14 m in 8 yr, a canopy‐height increase consistent with an aboveground carbon accumulation of 7.1 Mg C/ha (or 0.89 Mg C·ha−1·yr−1) during this period. Long‐term AGC accumulation rate in Costa Rica was almost twice as fast as at our site in French Guiana. This may reflect higher fertility of Central American forest communities or a better adaptation of the forest tree community to intense and frequent disturbances. This finding may have important consequences for scaling‐up carbon uptake estimates to continental scales.
Does inbreeding affect personality traits?
Authors: Herdegen‐Radwan Magdalena
Published: September 2019

The question of why variation is maintained in personality traits is an evolutionary puzzle. According to the condition‐dependence hypothesis, such traits depend on condition, which limits the behavioral choices available to individuals. Because condition is affected by many genes, it can effectively be manipulated by inbreeding, which exposes the effects of deleterious recessive mutations. Here, I compared two personality traits, boldness and tendency to explore, of male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) from first‐generation inbred and outbred treatments. Boldness in guppies is associated with increased sexual attractiveness and is thus expected to affect fitness. Therefore, I hypothesized that the personality traits would be negatively affected by inbreeding. However, the results indicated that inbred guppies did not differ in either personality trait from their outbred counterparts. This finding suggests that mechanisms other than condition dependence are maintaining personality variation in the guppy.
Mediterranean intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams: Challenges in monitoring complexity
Authors: Borg Galea Alexander , Sadler Jonathan P. , Hannah David M. , Datry Thibault , Dugdale Stephen J.
Published: September 2019

In most cases, intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) form the principal surface water bodies in Mediterranean regions and people are heavily dependent on them. Strong reliance on such streams results in numerous pressures, and complex relationships are formed between their various natural and anthropogenic components, which creates numerous challenges to decision‐makers who require a better understanding of IRES to establish effective measures to restore ecosystem functionality and implement changes, while maintaining human well‐being. In this paper, we present a conceptual framework that identifies process cascades and links to identify the variables governing Mediterranean IRES and map their complex interrelations. Climate is the main external driver, and it affects IRES through precipitation, temperature, wind action, and geomorphic factors, which in turn influence the physical and biological attributes of IRES. Monitoring challenges and knowledge gaps are presented from the conceptual framework, highlighting the need to identify solutions for the monitoring and mapping the spatio‐temporal variability of flow regimes and their influence on bio‐physical variables and mapping and quantifying ecosystem services for integrated environmental management. Finally, we argue that remote sensing techniques, specifically, the combined use of unmanned aerial vehicles and structure from motion photogrammetry, are key to bridging gaps in understanding and meeting the challenges of managing Mediterranean IRES.
Stabilization of Ethyl‐Cellulose Oleogel Network Using Lauric Acid
Authors: Haj Eisa Aya , Laufer Sharon , Rosen‐Kligvasser Jasmine , Davidovich‐Pinhas Maya
Published: September 2019

The use of oleogels in a wide range of applications requires a broad diversity of gel properties tailored for each purpose. The current research explores the combination of ethyl‐cellulose (EC) with lauric acid (LA), at different ratios with an emphasis to explore each component contribution and function in the gel structure and properties. The results suggest that oleogel physical properties strongly depend on the EC concentration. A transition from antagonistic to synergistic behavior between EC and LA with respect to the mechanical properties is observed above 4 wt% polymer. This behavior is seen in all LA concentrations, suggesting that the main effect arises from the EC while the LA acts as a stabilizer. In addition, LA reduces EC gelation temperature from approximately 140 °C to 79–101 °C, depending on the EC concentration, suggesting a ‘plasticizing’ effect. The recovery ability of EC oleogel after large amplitude deformation is improved from 16% to 34% due to the LA crystalline nature. LA crystal structure is not affected by EC concentration; however its crystallization temperature shifts to a lower temperature.

Practical Applications: These results provide a broad overview of the composition‐function relation obtained while combining EC with LA.
Observational pain assessment in older persons with dementia in four countries: Observer agreement of items and factor structure of the Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition
Authors: de Waal Margot W. M. , van Dalen‐Kok Annelore H. , de Vet Henrica C. W. , Gimenez‐Llort Lydia , Konstantinovic Ljubica , de Tommaso Marina , Fischer Thomas , Lukas Albert , Kunz Miriam , Lautenbacher Stefan , Lobbezoo Frank , McGuire Brian E. , van der Steen Jenny T. , Achterberg Wilco P.
Published: September 2019

Background

Recognition of pain in people with dementia is challenging. Observational scales have been developed, but there is a need to harmonize and improve the assessment process. In EU initiative COST‐Action TD1005, 36 promising items were selected from existing scales to be tested further. We aimed to study the observer agreement of each item, and to analyse the factor structure of the complete set.

Methods

One hundred and ninety older persons with dementia were recruited in four different countries (Italy, Serbia, Spain and The Netherlands) from different types of healthcare facilities. Patients represented a convenience sample, with no pre‐selection on presence of (suspected) pain. The Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition (PAIC, research version) item pool includes facial expressions of pain (15 items), body movements (10 items) and vocalizations (11 items). Participants were observed by health professionals in two situations, at rest and during movement. Intrarater and interrater reliability was analysed by percentage agreement. The factor structure was examined with principal component analysis with orthogonal rotation.

Results

Health professionals performed observations in 40–57 patients in each country. Intrarater and interrater agreement was generally high (≥70%). However, for some facial expression items, agreement was sometimes below 70%. Factor analyses showed a six‐component solution, which were named as follows: Vocal pain expression, Face anatomical descriptors, Protective body movements, Vocal defence, Tension and Lack of affect.

Conclusions

Observation of PAIC items can be done reliably in healthcare settings. Observer agreement is quite promising already without extensive training.

Significance

In this international project, promising items from existing observational pain scales were identified and evaluated regarding their reliability as an alternative to pain self‐report in people with dementia. Analysis on factor structure helped to understand the character of the items. Health professionals from four countries using four different European languages were able to rate items reliably. The results contributed to an informed reduction of items for a clinical observer scale (Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition scale with 15 items: PAIC15).
A Simple Glucose‐Blowing Approach to Graphene‐Like Foam/NiO Composites for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: He Chengen , Jiang Yulin , Zhang Xiaofang , Cui Xun , Yang Yingkui
Published: September 2019

The glucose‐blowing approach is facile and efficient in producing graphene‐like materials with large specific surface area, good conductivity, and yet low cost. Herein, a graphene‐like foam/NiO (GLF/NiO) composite is synthesized by a one‐step glucose‐blowing method at a relatively low carbonization temperature of 650 °C with the assistance of Ni(NO3)2. Especially, Ni(NO3)2 is used as a blowing agent of glucose and also a precursor of NiO. The resulting GLF/NiO composite exhibits an interconnected foam‐like structure with a large specific surface area (323 m2 g−1). The as‐fabricated supercapacitor electrode delivers a specific capacitance as high as 539 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, which is much higher than that of neat GLF (147 F g−1) using NH4Cl as the blow agent in the absence of Ni(NO3)2. The asymmetric supercapacitor is further assembled using GLF/NiO as the positive electrode and GLF as the negative electrode, respectively. The cell shows a high specific capacitance up to 152 F g−1 and an energy density of 47.6 W h kg−1 at the power density of 750 W kg−1. Herein, an appealing approach to the facile fabrication of carbon‐based oxide nanocomposites for high‐performance electrochemical energy storage is proposed.
Coastal geomorphic chronosequences across broad spatiotemporal scales. Metrical observations from the Cape Verde hotspot
Authors: Ferrer‐Valero Nicolás , Hernández‐Calvento Luis
Published: September 2019

The study of the coastal landscapes of hotspot oceanic islands through comprehensive structural metrics and ecological estimators represents an opportunity to explore geomorphological transformations and broad spatiotemporal scale features of coastal evolution. As part of this approach, a new metrical comparative analysis is presented in this study, comprising four islands in different evolutionary stages. They belong to the Cape Verde archipelago, which forms a double insular chain in which an east–west gradient in age and evolution is particularly evident across the southern chain. A space‐for‐time (SFT) substitution approach is applied to the coasts of (1) Fogo, in the shield stage; (2) Santiago, in the early post‐erosional stage; (3) São Vicente, in the advanced post‐erosional stage; and (4) Boa Vista, in the last erosional stage. From the obtained spatial distributions and frequencies of landforms, the coastal landscapes of these islands are compared in relation to their (i) geomorphic composition, using similarity indices (Whittaker, βw, Sorensen, Cs) and nestedness estimators (NOFD, WNODF), (ii) geomorphic abundance, using morpho‐assembling densities (Dgm), and (iii) geomorphic diversity, using six alpha‐diversity indices (Richness, S, Menhinick, DMN, Simpson, D, Shannon, H', Berger‐Parker, d, and Brillouin, HB). An advanced geomorphological taxonomy is implemented for areas with limited open‐access data, including a set of planform features captured through scale‐frequency decomposition. Photographic, cartographic and fieldwork data are used for landform identification at 1200 random sampling points, empirically determined by a bootstrap method. The results show a chronological ordering of the compared variables and a possible co‐evolution towards an increase in organizational geomorphic complexity of coastal systems at broad space‐timescales. The method proposed in this study can contribute, from a metrical perspective, to finding new long‐term evolutionary features and constitutes an advance in the development of an integrated model of coastal evolution in oceanic islands. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verbal insight revisited: fMRI evidence for early processing in bilateral insulae for solutions with AHA! experience shortly after trial onset
Authors: Becker Maxi , Sommer Tobias , Kühn Simone
Published: September 2019

In insight problem solving solutions with AHA! experience have been assumed to be the consequence of restructuring of a problem which usually takes place shortly before the solution. However, evidence from priming studies suggests that solutions with AHA! are not spontaneously generated during the solution process but already relate to prior subliminal processing. We test this hypothesis by conducting an fMRI study using a modified compound remote associates paradigm which incorporates semantic priming. We observe stronger brain activity in bilateral anterior insulae already shortly after trial onset in problems that were later solved with than without AHA!. This early activity was independent of semantic priming but may be related to other lexical properties of attended words helping to reduce the amount of solutions to look for. In contrast, there was more brain activity in bilateral anterior insulae during solutions that were solved without than with AHA!. This timing (after trial start/during solution) x solution experience (with/without AHA!) interaction was significant. The results suggest that (a) solutions accompanied with AHA! relate to early solution‐relevant processing and (b) both solution experiences differ in timing when solution‐relevant processing takes place. In this context, we discuss the potential role of the anterior insula as part of the salience network involved in problem solving by allocating attentional resources.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves survival compared with concurrent chemoradiation alone in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with N3 disease
Authors: Han James E. , Yi Sun K. , Wang Steven , Erman Audrey , Bearelly Shethal , Sindhu Simran , Robbins Jared R. , Bauman Julie , Hsu Charles C.
Published: September 2019

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) trials in endemic regions of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) found improved survival, but studies are lacking in nonendemic regions. We assessed whether adding NAC to concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) improves overall survival (OS), especially in high‐risk nonendemic patients.

Methods

Definitively treated NPC patients (n = 5424) from the National Cancer Database were analyzed for predictors of NAC and NAC effects on OS with multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis (multivariate analysis [MVA]). Propensity score matched (1:2) survival analysis of NAC (n = 968) and CRT alone (n = 1914) was also performed. Effects on OS were stratified by risk group.

Results

On MVA, NAC‐improved OS among the total cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89, P = .049), particularly among stratified keratinizing histology (HR 0.82, P = .015) and N3 disease (HR 0.73, P = .046). Among propensity matched patients, NAC improved OS in patients with N3 disease (n = 336; HR 0.71, P = .046).

Conclusions

NAC may improve OS among nonendemic NPC patients at higher risk of distant micrometastases, particularly N3 disease and those with unfavorable histology.
Diabetes coverage in Australian newspapers (2013‐2017): A computer‐based linguistic analysis
Authors: Bednarek Monika , Carr Georgia
Published: September 2019

Issue addressed

This study analysed diabetes coverage in 12 Australian metropolitan/national newspapers over a period of 5 years (2013‐2017). It aimed to describe quantitative tendencies in diabetes coverage (amount of articles per newspaper and over time) and to identify potential discrepancies between diabetes coverage and societal prevalence of diabetes. The study addressed the following research questions, with a focus on language use:

How frequent are mentions of different types of diabetes?

How are people with diabetes referred to?

How frequent and how distributed are mentions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and matters?

Methods

Data were collected in electronic format, manually classified and processed using a specialised software program, with a focus on quantitative analysis.

Results

577 articles were classified as news and 117 were classified as “non‐news.” The Australian Financial Review published the fewest items, followed by the NT News, while the West Australian and the Advertiser published the most. References to “type 2” appear slightly more frequent and more distributed than to “type 1” diabetes. The labelling of people with the noun diabetic/s occurs in about a quarter of the dataset. References to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or matters appear to be extremely rare in the analysed dataset.

Conclusions

Diabetes coverage does not fully align with incidence of diabetes among Australians, and problematic language practices such as the labelling of people as “diabetics” continue to occur.

So what?

Given the agenda‐setting function of the news media, new strategies may be needed to change how Australian metropolitan and national newspapers cover diabetes, especially in relation to incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives.