bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Germinal Center B Cells Differ from Naïve and Memory B Cells in CD40 Expression and CD40L‐Induced Signaling Response
Authors: Huse Kanutte , Wogsland Cara E. , Polikowsky Hannah G. , Diggins Kirsten E. , Smeland Erlend B. , Myklebust June H. , Irish Jonathan M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCD40 expression is required for germinal center (GC) formation and function, but the kinetics and magnitude of signaling following CD40 engagement remain poorly characterized in human B cells undergoing GC reactions. Here, differences in CD40 expression and signaling responses were compared across differentiation stages of mature human tonsillar B cells. A combination of mass cytometry and phospho‐specific flow cytometry was used to quantify protein expression and CD40L‐induced signaling in primary human naïve, GC, and memory B cells. Protein expression signatures of cell subsets were quantified using viSNE and Marker Enrichment Modeling (MEM). This approach revealed enriched expression of CD40 protein in GC B cells, compared to naïve and memory B cells. Despite this, GC B cells responded to CD40L engagement with lower phosphorylation of NFκB p65 during the first 30 min following CD40L activation. Before CD40L stimulation, GC B cells expressed higher levels of suppressor protein IκBα than naïve and memory B cells. Following CD40 activation, IκBα was rapidly degraded and reached equivalently low levels in naïve, GC, and memory B cells at 30 min following CD40L. Quantifying CD40 signaling responses as a function of bound ligand revealed a correlation between bound CD40L and degree of induced NFκB p65 phosphorylation, whereas comparable IκBα degradation occurred at all measured levels of CD40L binding. These results characterize cell‐intrinsic signaling differences that exist in mature human B cells undergoing GC reactions. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Management intensification maintains wood production over multiple harvests in tropical Eucalyptus plantations
Authors: McMahon Devin E. , Jackson Robert B. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPlantation forestry, in which trees are grown as a crop, must maintain wood production over repeated harvest cycles (rotations) to meet global wood demands on a limited land area. We analyze 33 yr of Landsat observations across the world's most productive forestry system, Eucalyptus plantations in southeastern Brazil, to assess long‐term regional trends in wood production. We apply a simple algorithm to time series of the vegetation index NIRv in thousands of Eucalyptus stands to detect the starts and ends of rotations. We then estimate wood production in each identified stand and rotation, based on a statistical relationship between NIRv trajectories and inventory data from three plantation companies. We also compare Eucalyptus NIRv with that of surrounding native vegetation to assess the relative influence of management and environment on plantation productivity trends. Across more than 3,500 stands with three complete rotations between 1984 and 2016, modeled wood volume decreased significantly between the first and second rotation, but recovered at least partially in the third; mean wood volumes for the three rotations were 262, 228, and 247 m3/ha. This nonlinear trend reflects intensifying plantation management, as rotation length decreased by an average of 15% (decreasing wood volume per rotation) and NIRv proxies of tree growth rates increased (increasing volume) between the first and third rotation. However, NIRv also increased significantly over time in unmanaged vegetation around the plantations, suggesting that environmental trends affecting all vegetation also contribute to sustaining wood production. Management inputs will likely continue to be important for maintaining wood production in future harvests.
Population projection models for 14 alien plant species in the presence and absence of aboveground competition
Authors: Levin Sam C. , Crandall Raelene M. , Knight Tiffany M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPlant population ecologists strive to understand how environmental drivers influence demographic vital rates and thus population dynamics. Hundreds of studies have collected demographic data and used matrix and/or integral projection models to quantify lifetime fitness and population dynamics of plants. However, most of these studies have focused on native plant species, and there is a need for more studies on alien plants. Further, few studies on alien plants have experimentally manipulated environmental drivers in order to understand the mechanisms that allow alien plant species to have positive population growth. A synthetic understanding of the population dynamics of alien plant species will only be achieved if ecologists collect demographic data on many plant species and environments and provide the demographic data and model structure in a data archive for future comparisons and meta‐analyses. Invasive alien species are a social, economic, and ecological issue that has become increasingly important in an increasingly globalized world. Researchers continue to forecast impacts and prevent new introductions by seeking a robust understanding of drivers of invasive species success and failure. Researchers have hypothesized that competitive differences may play a key role in determining alien species success in novel environments. Studies that experimentally manipulate competitors while quantifying demography provide mechanistic insight into species’ responses to competition. To date, nearly all field manipulations of competition that measure plant demography and population dynamics have focused on native plant species. The data we provide here aim to address this gap in our knowledge for alien plant species. We present raw data and population‐projection models for 14 alien plant species in eastern Missouri, USA. We sampled under ambient conditions and with all individuals of nonfocal species removed from the community, allowing us to project population dynamics in the presence and absence of competition. We have also included the data quantifying how much biomass we removed at the plot level during each removal procedure and data from our germination experiment. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper.
The dynamics of advancing climate policy in federal political systems
Authors: Jordaan Sarah M. , Davidson Adrienne , Nazari Jamal A. , Herremans Irene M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTo avoid irreversible climate damages, countries with different political systems must commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the world. The challenge posed to federal countries participating in international climate agreements through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is that successful implementation requires buy‐in from their subnational governments. However, subnational climate action may not be aligned with the political priorities of the national government and could either undermine or support commitments made through the agreement. To explore these dynamics, we review the incoherence between international commitments, national and subnational policies of Canada and the United States, relying on case studies of investments in low‐carbon energy and emissions outcomes. Political and policy incoherence has flowed in both directions. Both countries have seen periods of federal government action, which have been undermined by subnational inaction or opposition. Similarly, both countries have seen periods of federal government inaction, which has placed the onus on subnational governments. Our analysis enables a greater understanding about how the dynamics of federalist political systems influence policy, thus the energy investment and emissions outcomes of national commitments to international agreements. The implications of our findings for other federalist political systems are discussed. We suggest that during national leadership voids, subnational governments can counteract the associated negative policy outcomes by implementing climate policies that support low‐carbon technologies and reducing emissions. This type of system supports the development of a coordinated strategy among subnational governments in achieving international goals through cooperative federalism via subnational policy compacts.
Quality Parameters of Mechanically Extracted Edible Macauba Oils (Acrocomia aculeata) for Potential Food and Alternative Industrial Feedstock Application
Authors: Prates‐Valério Pedro , Celayeta Jesus M. F. , Cren Erika C. 
Published: March 2019

There is a need for knowledge on new sources of vegetable oils. Acrocomia aculeata is regarded as a promising alternative source to meet food and industrial demands. With a similar productive potential to Elaeis guineensis, this crop is among the highest oil‐yielding plants in the world. The present study characterizes the A. aculeata oil comprehensively to aid the setting up of standards encompassing the quality, composition, and identity. Samples are obtained under five different pressing conditions and screened regarding quality parameters. The coldly pressed sample, which shows the highest tocols content (85.5 mg kg−1), the higher oil stability index (6.4 h), and an acid value of 1.6 mg KOH g−1 is characterized in terms of chemical, physical, and identity characteristics, i.e., peroxide value, insoluble impurities, mineral contents, fatty acids essential composition, iodine value, saponification value, kinematic viscosity, relative density, unsaponifiable matter, and total carotenoids. Results are compared with the literature sources to assess A. aculeata as an alternative feedstock. The study contributes to evidence that products derived from A. aculeata may have good consumer acceptance, nutraceutical value, and natural appeal. It is suggested that the compliance to legal standards must be pursued to guarantee the sustainability of the productive crop chain.Practical Applications: This paper contributes an assessment of the quality parameters of Acrocomia aculeata oils as Functional Food and alternative industrial feedstock. A comprehensive characterization of the oil studied will help food scientists, industry and food processing research to set up standards concerning composition, identity and health‐related topics regarding one of the highest oil‐yielding plants in the world.A comprehensive characterization of edible vegetable oils mechanically extracted from the mesocarp of fresh Acrocomia aculeata fruit is carried out to consider the assessment of different temperature conditions and subsequent pressings. Quality, composition, and identity characteristics of the crude oil are obtained to set up standards also on health‐related topics.
Enhanced responses to somatostatin interneuron activation in developmentally malformed cortex
Authors: Ekanem Nicole B. , Reed Laura K. , Weston Nicole , Jacobs Kimberle M. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryIntractable epilepsy is commonly associated with developmental cortical malformations. Using the rodent freeze lesion model, we have sought the underlying circuit abnormalities contributing to the epileptiform activity that occurs in association with the structural pathology of four‐layered microgyria. We showed previously that within the epileptogenic paramicrogyral region (PMR) surrounding the malformation, non–fast‐spiking neurons commonly containing somatostatin (SSt) exhibit alterations, including having a greater maximum firing rate. Here we examined the output of SSt interneurons with optogenetics, using SSt‐Cre mice mated to mice with floxed channelrhodopsin‐2. Voltage clamp recordings from layer V pyramidal neurons in ex vivo slices had significantly enhanced SSt‐evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents in PMR cortex compared to control. In addition, under conditions of low‐Mg2+ artificial cerebral spinal fluid (aCSF), light activation of the SSt neurons evoked field potential epileptiform activity in the PMR cortex, but not in control. These data suggest that within the PMR cortex, SSts have a significantly larger effect on excitatory neurons. Surprisingly, the network effect of this enhanced inhibition is hyperexcitability with propagating epileptiform activity, perhaps due to disinhibition of other interneuron cell types or to enhanced synchrony of excitatory cortical elements. This identification creates a new locus for potential modulation of epileptiform activity associated with cortical malformation.
Costly signaling and the handicap principle in hunter‐gatherer research: A critical review
Authors: Stibbard‐Hawkes Duncan N. E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIt has been argued that men's hunting in many forager groups is not, primarily, a means of family provisioning but is a costly way of signaling otherwise cryptic qualities related to hunting ability. Much literature concerning the signaling value of hunting draws links to Zahavi's handicap principle and the costly signaling literature in zoology. However, although nominally grounded in the same theoretical paradigm, these literatures have evolved separately. Here I review honest signaling theory in both hunter‐gatherer studies and zoology and highlight three issues with the costly signaling literature in hunter‐gather studies: (a) an overemphasis on the demonstration of realized costs, which are neither necessary nor sufficient to diagnose costly signaling; (b) a lack of clear predictions about what specific qualities hunting actually signals; and (c) an insufficient focus on the broadcast effectiveness of hunting and its value as a heuristics for signal recipients. Rather than signaling hunting prowess, hunting might instead facilitate reputation‐building.
Application of narrow‐spectrum illumination and image processing to measure surface char formation in lateral ignition and flame spread tests
Authors: Gatien Seth , Young Tim , Hoehler Matthew S. , Gales John 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThe Lateral Ignition and Flame Spread Test (LIFT) is used to characterize fire ignition and flame spread on solid materials. This test requires the operator to visually monitor the flame spread over a combustible material and manually record the position of the flame during an experiment. Visual inspection limits the quantity of data obtained from a test and introduces uncertainty in the measurement. In this study, we use narrow‐spectrum light with a peak wavelength of 450 nm and a digital camera with frequency‐matched optical filters to capture images of surface charring, which underlies the flaming combustion, in a LIFT apparatus. The imaging technique reduced unwanted energy emissions from the flame in the visible light spectrum, allowing the test operator to directly view the charring of the material, which is otherwise hidden behind the flames. We describe data processing routines to analyze the sequences of high‐resolution images. The method improves temporal and spatial resolution of the surface charring compared with visual observations.
Hydrogen‐Peroxide‐Generating Electrochemical Scaffold Eradicates Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Raval Yash S. , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Zmuda Hannah M. , Patel Robin , Beyenal Haluk 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIncreasing rates of chronic wound infections caused by antibiotic‐resistant bacteria are a crisis in healthcare settings. Biofilms formed by bacterial communities in these wounds create a complex environment, enabling bacteria to persist, even with antibiotic treatment. Wound infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are major causes of morbidity in clinical practice. There is a need for new therapeutic interventions not based on antibiotics. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a known antibacterial/antibiofilm agent, continuous delivery of which has been challenging. A conductive electrochemical scaffold (e‐scaffold) is developed, which is composed of carbon fabric that electrochemically reduces dissolved oxygen into H2O2 when polarized at −0.6 VAg/AgCl, as a novel antibiofilm wound dressing material. In this study, the in vitro antibiofilm activity of the e‐scaffold against MRSA is investigated. The developed e‐scaffold efficiently eradicates MRSA biofilms, based on bacterial quantitation and ATP measurements. Moreover, imaging hinted at the possibility of cell‐membrane damage as a mechanism of action. These results suggest that an H2O2‐generating e‐scaffold may be a novel platform for eliminating MRSA biofilms without using antibiotics and may be useful to treat chronic MRSA wound infections.
A General Protocol for Robust Sonogashira Reactions in Micellar Medium
Authors: Jakobi Markus , Gallou Fabrice , Sparr Christof , Parmentier Michael 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA robust and general protocol for a sustainable copper‐free Sonogashira cross coupling under micellar aqueous reaction conditions with high turnover was developed. By using the commercially available catalyst CataCXium A Pd G3 and THF as co‐solvent, various alkyne substrates were efficiently cross‐coupled with a broad range of aryl halides, providing improved yields and low catalyst loadings. The reaction parameters were optimized to render the process operationally simple, robust and scalable. The method gives access to alkynylated arenes, heterocyclic compounds, and monofunctionalized products from dihalogenated substrates with an improved selectivity achieved by the micellar aqueous reaction conditions.
Spatial and temporal variability of stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) in surface waters of arid, mountainous Central Asia
Authors: Wu Huawu , Wu Jinglu , Sakiev Kadyrbek , Liu Jinzhao , Li Jing , He Bin , Liu Ya , Shen Beibei 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCharacterization of spatial and temporal variability of stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) of surface waters is essential to interpret hydrological processes and establish modern isotope–elevation gradients across mountainous terrains. Here, we present stable isotope data for river waters across Kyrgyzstan. River water isotopes exhibit substantial spatial heterogeneity among different watersheds in Kyrgyzstan. Higher river water isotope values were found mainly in the Issyk‐Kul Lake watershed, whereas waters in the Son‐Kul Lake watershed display lower values. Results show a close δ18O–δ2H relation between river water and the local meteoric water line, implying that river water experiences little evaporative enrichment. River water from the high‐elevation regions (e.g., Naryn and Son‐Kul Lake watershed) had the most negative isotope values, implying that river water is dominated by snowmelt. Higher deuterium excess (average d = 13.9‰) in river water probably represents the isotopic signature of combined contributions from direct precipitation and glacier melt in stream discharge across Kyrgyzstan. A significant relationship between river water δ18O and elevation was observed with a vertical lapse rate of 0.13‰/100 m. These findings provide crucial information about hydrological processes across Kyrgyzstan and contribute to a better understanding of the paleoclimate/elevation reconstruction of this region.
Mouse strain differences in response to oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy
Authors: Wagenaar Laura , Bol‐Schoenmakers Marianne W.H.C. , Giustarini Giulio , Garssen Johan , Smit Joost J. , Pieters Raymond H.H. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundPromising therapies for food allergy are emerging, mostly based on animal experimentation. However, different mouse strains are used, which may make it hard to compare experiments. The current study investigated whether the immunological differences between C3H/HeOuJ (C3H) and BALB/c mice lead to differences in efficacy of peanut‐specific immunotherapy.MethodsAfter sensitization using peanut extract (PE), C3H and BALB/c mice received oral immunotherapy (OIT) by intragastric dosing for three weeks. Hereafter, mice were exposed to PE via the intradermal, intragastric and intraperitoneal route, to determine allergic outcomes. Furthermore, PE‐specific antibody and cytokine production were determined and the number of various immune cells at different time points during the study were measured.ResultsOIT protected C3H mice against anaphylaxis, whereas no anaphylaxis was seen in BALB/c mice. In contrast, OIT induced an increase in MMCP‐1 levels in BALB/c mice but not in C3H mice. No effect of OIT on the acute allergic skin response was observed in either strain. Specific antibody responses showed similar patterns in both strains for IgA and IgG1. IgE levels were a tenfold higher in BALB/c mice and after the intragastric challenge (day 70) OIT‐treated BALB/c mice showed induced IgE levels. Moreover, in C3H mice IgG2a levels were higher and increased in response to OIT and challenges. After the final challenge, but not at other timepoints MLN‐derived lymphocytes from OIT‐treated BALB/c mice produced less IL‐13 and IL‐5 compared to control‐treated mice, whereas no differences were seen in case of C3H mice.ConclusionsTaken together, these results show that the C3H strain is more suitable to study clinical outcomes of OIT, whereas the BALB/c strain is more optimal to study T cell responses.
Ionic Liquids and their Polymers in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Josef Elinor , Yan Yajing , Stan Marian Cristian , Wellmann Julia , Vizintin Alen , Winter Martin , Johansson Patrik , Dominko Robert , Guterman Ryan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFuture optimized lithium‐sulfur batteries may promise higher energy densities than the current standard. However, there are many barriers which hinder their commercialization. In this review we describe how ionic liquids (ILs) and their polymers are utilized in different components of the battery to address some of these issues. For example, IL‐based electrolytes have the potential to reduce the solubility of polysulfides compared to conventional organic electrolytes. Polymerizing ILs directly on the surface of the Li‐metal anode is suggested as an approach to protect the surface of this electrode. Finally, using poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) as binders for the cathode active material may increase the performance of the cathode as compared to polyvinylidene difluoride (PVdF) and could inhibit swelling‐induced degradation. These results demonstrate the advantages of ILs and their polymers for improving the performance of Li−S batteries.
Renal cell carcinoma in a lumbar ectopic kidney
Authors: Hamano Itsuto , Hatakeyama Shingo , Soma Osamu , Ishibashi Yusuke , Yoneyama Tohru , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Nishimura Shoji , Koie Takuya , Ohyama Chikara 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionLumbar ectopic kidney is a rare developmental renal anomaly. We report a case of renal cell carcinoma in lumbar ectopic kidney with an abnormality of the main renal artery piercing the renal parenchyma.Case presentationA 70‐year‐old female was referred to our division with an incidentally diagnosed ectopic kidney. Computed tomography angiography detected the right kidney at the lumbar (L3‐L4) level with an early‐enhanced 44‐mm‐diameter mass. The kidney had a laterally facing renal hilum and renal arteries piercing the renal parenchyma from the medial side. An open radical nephrectomy was performed using a peritoneal approach, and no perioperative complications were observed. The pathological diagnosis was clear cell carcinoma (pT1).ConclusionThis is the first case report of renal cell carcinoma in a lumbar ectopic kidney. It highlights the importance of preoperational imaging for aberrant artery and careful surgical management.