bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal‐infrared remote sensing of surface water–groundwater exchanges in a restored anastomosing channel (Upper Rhine River, France)
Authors: Eschbach David , Piasny Guillaume , Schmitt Laurent , Pfister Laurent , Grussenmeyer Pierre , Koehl Mathieu , Skupinski Grzegorz , Serradj Abdelaziz 
Published: December 2016

AbstractEcohydrological processes are a key element to consider in functional river restorations. In the framework of a LIFE+ European restoration program, we have investigated the potential for airborne thermal‐infrared remote sensing to map surface water–groundwater exchanges and to identify their driving factors. We focused our attention on anastomosing channels on an artificial island of the Upper Rhine River (Rohrschollen), where a new channel was excavated from the floodplain to reconnect an older channel in its upstream part. These hydraulic engineering works led to an increased inflow from the Rhine Canal. Here, we propose an original data treatment chain to (a) georeference the thermal‐infrared images in geographic information system based on visible images, (b) detect and correct data errors, and (c) identify and locate thermal anomalies attributed to groundwater inputs and hyporheic upwellings. Our results, which have been compared to morpho‐sedimentary data, show that groundwater upwelling in the new channel is controlled by riffle–pool sequences and bars. This channel is characterized by large bedload transport and morphodynamic activity, forming riffles and bars. In the old channel, where riffle–pool sequences no longer exist, due to impacts of engineering works and insufficient morphodynamic effects of the restoration, thermal anomalies appeared to be less pronounced. Groundwater inputs seem to be controlled by former gravel bars outcropping on the banks, as well as by local thinning of the low‐permeability clogging layer on the channel bed.
Direct estimation of catchment response time parameters in medium to large catchments using observed streamflow data
Authors: Gericke O.J. , Smithers J.C. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn single‐event deterministic design flood estimation methods, estimates of the peak discharge are based on a single and representative catchment response time parameter. In small catchments, a simplified convolution process between a single‐observed hyetograph and hydrograph is generally used to estimate time parameters such as the time to peak (TP), time of concentration (TC), and lag time (TL) to reflect the “observed” catchment response time. However, such simplification is neither practical nor applicable in medium to large heterogeneous catchments, where antecedent moisture from previous rainfall events and spatially non‐uniform rainfall hyetographs can result in multi‐peaked hydrographs. In addition, the paucity of rainfall data at sub‐daily timescales further limits the reliable estimation of catchment responses using observed hyetographs and hydrographs at these catchment scales. This paper presents the development of a new and consistent approach to estimate catchment response times, expressed as the time to peak (TPx) obtained directly from observed streamflow data. The relationships between catchment response time parameters and conceptualised triangular‐shaped hydrograph approximations and linear catchment response functions are investigated in four climatologically regions of South Africa. Flood event characteristics using primary streamflow data from 74 flow‐gauging stations were extracted and analysed to derive unique relationships between peak discharge, baseflow, direct runoff, and catchment response time in terms of TPx. The TPx parameters are estimated from observed streamflow data using three different methods: (a) duration of total net rise of a multipeaked hydrograph, (b) triangular‐shaped direct runoff hydrograph approximations, and (c) linear catchment response functions. The results show that for design hydrology and for the derivation of empirical equations to estimate catchment response times in ungauged catchments, the catchment TPx should be estimated from both the use of an average catchment TPx value computed using either Methods (a) or (b) and a linear catchment response function as used in Method (c). The use of the different methods in combination is not only practical but is also objective and has consistent results.
Aflatoxin biomarkers in hair may facilitate long‐term exposure studies
Authors: Mupunga Innocent , Izaaks Christo D. , Shai Leshweni J. , Katerere David R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAflatoxins are highly toxic fungal metabolites produced by some members of the Aspergillus species. They are low molecular weight lipophilic compounds that are easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. They contaminate most staple foods, including maize, peanuts, peanut butter and sorghum mainly in the tropics where hot and humid conditions promote fungal growth. Absorbed aflatoxins are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver into toxic metabolites. Aflatoxin B (AFB)1 is the most toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic naturally occurring toxin. Aflatoxin exposure assessment has been traditionally achieved through food use frequency questionnaires and laboratory analysis of food samples. However, estimation of individual exposure to aflatoxins based on these methods may not be accurate. The use of aflatoxin biomarkers in urine and blood for use in exposure studies has emerged in more recent times. However, the current biomarkers (e.g., AFB‐N7‐guanine and AFB1‐albumin adduct) in use have a short half‐life and are only practically useful to indicate levels over 24 h–3 months post‐exposure. There is therefore an immediate need to study and evaluate alternative biomarkers in non‐conventional matrices such as hair and nails. Hair analysis revealed considerable interest in forensic analysis particularly in the detection of drugs of abuse where it has emerged as a sensitive and specific technique complementary to blood and urinalysis. This article provides an overview of aflatoxins, current aflatoxin biomarkers and proposes the use of hair as a potential matrix for biomarkers of long‐term aflatoxin exposure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Osteoblast adhesion, migration, and proliferation variations on chemically patterned nanocrystalline diamond films evaluated by live‐cell imaging
Authors: Broz Antonin , Ukraintsev Egor , Kromka Alexander , Rezek Bohuslav , Hubalek Kalbacova Marie 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCell fate modulation by adapting the surface of a biocompatible material is nowadays a challenge in implantology, tissue engineering as well as in construction of biosensors. Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films are considered promising in these fields due to their extraordinary physical and chemical properties and diverse ways in which they can be modified structurally and chemically. The initial cell distribution, the rate of cell adhesion, distance of cell migration and also the cell proliferation are influenced by the NCD surface termination. Here, we use real‐time live‐cell imaging to investigate the above‐mentioned processes on oxidized NCD (NCD‐O) and hydrogenated NCD (NCD‐H) to elucidate cell preference to the NCD‐O especially on surfaces with microscopic surface termination patterns. Cells adhere more slowly and migrate farther on NCD‐H than on NCD‐O. Cells seeded with a fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplement in the medium move across the surface prior to adhesion. In the absence of FBS, the cells adhere immediately, but still exhibit different migration and proliferation on NCD‐O/H regions. We discuss the impact of these effects on the formation of cell arrays on micropatterned NCD. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1469–1478, 2017.
Syntaxin 4a Regulates Matrix Vesicle-Mediated Bone Matrix Production by Osteoblasts
Authors: Kawai Shinji , Michikami Ikumi , Kitagaki Jirouta , Hata Kenji , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Abe Takaya , Amano Atsuo , Wakisaka Satoshi 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Osteoblasts secrete matrix vesicles and proteins to bone surfaces, but the molecular mechanisms of this secretion system remain unclear. The present findings reveal the roles of important genes in osteoblasts involved in regulation of extracellular matrix secretion. We especially focused on “soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptor” (SNARE) genes and identified notable Syntaxin 4a (Stx4a) expression on the basolateral side of the plasma membrane of osteoblasts. Furthermore, Stx4a overexpression was found to increase mineralization by osteoblastic cells, whereas Stx4a knockdown reduced levels of mineralization. Also, BMP-4 and IGF-1 induced the localization of Stx4a to the basolateral side of the cells. To examine the function of Stx4a in osteoblasts, we generated osteoblast-specific Stx4a conditional knockout mice, which demonstrated an osteopenic phenotype due to reduced matrix secretion. Bone mineral density, shown by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), was reduced in the femur metaphyseal and diaphyseal regions of Stx4a osteoblast-specific deficient mice, whereas bone parameters, shown by micro–computed tomography (μCT) and bone histomorphometric analysis, were also decreased in trabecular bone. In addition, primary calvarial cells from those mice showed decreased mineralization and lower secretion of matrix vesicles. Our findings indicate that Stx4a plays a critical role in bone matrix production by osteoblasts. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Alteration of Neurotrophic Factors After Transplantation of Bone Marrow Derived Lin‐ve Stem Cell in NMDA‐Induced Mouse Model of Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Jindal Neeru , Banik Avijit , Prabhakar Sudesh , Vaiphie Kim , Anand Akshay 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTRetinal ganglion cell layer (RGCs) is one of the important layers of retina, depleted in Glaucoma. Loss of RGC neurons is a major cellular mechanism involved in its pathogenesis resulting in severe vision loss. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential strategy to arrest the apoptotic loss of RGCs and also replace the degenerative cells in damaged retina. Here, we have investigated the incorporation and survival of mouse bone marrow derived Lin‐ve stem cells in N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced mouse model of retinal degeneration. Two days after intravitreal injection of NMDA (100 mM) showed significant decrease in ganglion cell number and increase in TUNEL positive apoptotic cells in retinal layers. The injury was further characterized by immunohistochemical expression of Brn3b, GFAP, Bcl2, pCREB, CNTF, GDNF, and BDNF in retinal layers. Lin‐ve cells (100,000 dose) were intravitreally transplanted after 2 days of injury and evaluated after 7, 14, and 21 days of transplantation. Transplanted cells were found to have migrated from intravitreal space and incorporated into injured retina at 7, 14, and 21 days post‐transplantation. At 21 days Brn3b, CNTF, and BDNF expression was found to be upregulated whereas GDNF was downregulated when compared to respective injury time points. Molecular data showed decrease in the expression of Brn3b, BDNF, CNTF, and GDNF post transplantation when compared with injury groups. This study reveals that Lin‐ve stem cells may exert neuroprotective effect in damaged retina mediated by participation of neurotrophic factors induced by stem cell transplantation at the site of injury. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1699–1711, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential Expression of Newly Identified Long Intergenic Non‐Coding RNAs in Buffalo Oocytes Indicating Their Possible Role in Maturation and Embryonic Development
Authors: Dholpuria Sunny , Kumar Manish , Kumar Sandeep , Sarwalia Parul , Rajput Sandeep , Kumar Rakesh , De Sachinandan , Datta Tirtha K. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTFemale germ cell and its intricate milieu regulate key processes of folliculogenesis and early embryonic development. However, the composition and dynamics of the oocyte transcriptome defines its future fertilizing ability which in turn depends on a number of oocyte specific genes whose identities are still unknown. In this context, the construction of buffalo oocyte specific subtracted cDNA library has raised fresh challenges of defining the importance of a battery of oocyte expressed transcripts in oocyte maturation. The present study tried to characterize these hitherto unknown transcripts and further to assess their expression dynamics in buffalo oocytes of different quality. For this purpose, three ESTs were selected from the library and subjected to 5′ and 3′ RACE for generating their full length sequences. These constructed full length sequences were validated by amplifying them in oocytes. Further these sequences were extensively analyzed for their coding potential and possible role using coding potential calculator and miRNA database. Besides, their expression was monitored during in vitro maturation in good (BCB+) and poor quality (BCB−) oocytes which was interestingly found to be differing significantly. All the three sequences under study were interpreted as long intergenic non‐coding RNAs with the possibility of two of them acting as a miRNA precursors. Also, their differential expression trends in competitively diverse oocytes hints at their possible involvement in oocyte maturation and future embryonic development which needs to be explored further. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1712–1721, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TRIAD1 Is a Novel Transcriptional Target of p53 and Regulates Nutlin‐3a‐Induced Cell Death
Authors: Lee Junwoo , An Sungkwan , Choi Yeong Min , Jung Jin Hyuk , Li Li , Meng Hong , Dong Yinmao , Ahn Kyu Joong , An In‐Sook , Bae Seunghee 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTNutlin‐3a is a non‐genotoxic, p53‐activating, MDM2 inhibitor being investigated as an anticancer agent. Although Nutlin‐3a selectively antagonizes the ubiquitin E3 ligase activity of MDM2, its efficacy is not entirely regulated by MDM2 levels in cancer cells. Here, we report that the cytotoxic effects of Nutlin‐3a are regulated by TRIAD1 via a positive feedback loop with p53. We found that Nutlin‐3a enhanced TRIAD1 transcription in a p53‐dependent manner. Using in silico analysis and promoter luciferase assays, we demonstrated that p53‐mediated transcription of TRIAD1 is mediated by a p53 consensus sequence in the TRIAD1 promoter region. Silencing TRIAD1 expression in wild‐type p53 (p53WT) cancer cells suppressed Nutlin‐3a‐mediated p53 activation and p53 target gene expression. These effects were enhanced in TRIAD1‐overexpressing p53WT cancer cells, but not in p53‐deficient cancer cells. Furthermore, TRIAD1 knockdown significantly reduced the growth inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of Nutlin‐3a in p53WT cancer cells, as demonstrated by cell viability assays, cell cycle analysis, clonogenic growth, and soft‐agar colony forming assays. Together, these data indicate that TRIAD1 regulates Nutlin‐3a‐mediated p53 activation and the cytotoxic activity of Nutlin‐3a. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1733–1740, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hosting Friends Versus Hosting Relatives: Is Blood Thicker Than Water?
Authors: Yousuf Mohammad S. , Backer Elisa 
Published: December 2016

AbstractLittle research has been undertaken to examine visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel from the perspective of hosts. Additionally, little research has explored the differences between VFs and VRs, treating VFR as one homogenous group. This research examined the hosts' perspective of hosting friends versus relatives through in‐depth interviews with 34 local residents in three contrasting destinations in Australia. Key differences were found between the experiences of hosting friends versus relatives, with immigration a key aspect in impacting the outcome. This is the first study to examine hosting friends versus relatives and to consider how immigration and destination impact VFR travel experiences for hosts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of cartilage with temporalis fascia tympanoplasty: A meta‐analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Jalali Mir Mohammad , Motasaddi Masoud , Kouhi Ali , Dabiri Sasan , Soleimani Robabeh 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo systematically review the results of type 1 tympanoplasty with temporalis fascia (TF) versus cartilage in patients with chronic otitis media (COM) for graft integration and hearing improvement.Data SourcesThe English language literature (until June 1, 2016) was searched, using Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, ProQuest, Ovid, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar.Review MethodsA comprehensive review of the literature was performed. Prospective and retrospective studies enrolling patients with COM were included. Relevance and validity of selected articles were evaluated. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. For dichotomous variables, absolute rate differences, and number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. For continuous variables, standard mean differences were calculated.ResultsA total of 11 prospective and 26 retrospective studies involving 3,606 patients were included. In general, the overall graft integration rates of cartilage and fascia tympanoplasty were 92% and 82%, respectively (NNT = 11.1, P < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in the air–bone gap (ABG) closure of < 10 dB between the two groups, the subanalysis of prospective studies showed that patients in the TF group had less mean postoperative ABG (P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis of palisade grafts compared with that of TF graft revealed a significant difference in the graft integration rate favoring cartilage tympanoplasty (P = 0.01).ConclusionCartilage grafting seemed to show a higher graft integration rate compared with TF grafting. Both cartilage and fascia tympanoplasty provided similar improvements in the hearing outcome postoperatively. Large prospective trials are necessary to collect high‐quality data.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 127:2139–2148, 2017
Effects of Ant Mounds on the Plant and Soil Microbial Community in an Alpine Meadow of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Changting , Wang Genxu , Wu Pengfei , Rafique Rashid , Zi Hongbiao , Li Xiangzhen , Luo Yiqi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAnts are important soil engineers, affecting the structure and function of ecosystems. To address the impacts of ants (Camponotus herculeanus) on the properties of an alpine meadow ecosystem of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, we investigated the effects of ant mounds on plant biomass, soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, and functions. We found that the total biomass of plant community was significantly greater in ant mound periphery. Plant species richness in ant mounds was reduced compared with that of control plots without ant mounds. Significant changes in physicochemical properties of soil were also observed. Soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, total potassium, and available potassium increased in ant mound soil due to the excavation activities by ants as well as the accumulation of organic matter and other nutrients during mound construction. For example, roots/soil contents (g/g) and soil moisture in ant mound soils were lower than those in controls. Microbial community composition and microbial biomass were clearly changed in ant mound soils. BIOLOG analysis further indicated that the functional diversity of the microbial community of ant mound soil increased and differed from that of controls. This study indicates that ant‐induced modification of soil properties indirectly influences plant biomass and species composition, and ant mounds have different microbial communities from those of control soil. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of highly symmetric curves under the shrinking curvature flow
Authors: Chen Wenyan , Wang Xiaoliu , Yang Ming 
Published: December 2016

Under the shrinking curvature flow with inner normal velocity V = kα(α > 1), it is shown that highly symmetric, locally convex initial curves evolve into a point asymptotically like an multi‐circles. The proof relies on a crucial use of Bonnensen inequality for highly symmetric, locally convex curves. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apolipoprotein E (epsilon) genotype has a greater impact on apoB‐48 than apoB‐100 responses to dietary fat manipulation—insights from the SATgenε study
Authors: Jackson Kim G. , Lockyer Stacey , Carvalho‐Wells Andrew L. , Williams Christine M. , Minihane Anne M. , Lovegrove Julie A. 
Published: December 2016

ScopeTo determine the contribution of intestinally and liver‐derived lipoproteins to the postprandial plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) response in APOE3/E3 and E3/E4 individuals following chronic dietary fat manipulation.Methods and resultsIn sequential order, participants (n = 12 E3/E3, n = 11 E3/E4) followed low fat; high‐fat, high‐saturated fat (HSF); and HSF with 3.45 g/day docosahexaenoic acid (HSF‐DHA) diets, each for 8 weeks. After each dietary period, an acute test meal with a macronutrient profile representative of the dietary intervention was consumed. Apolipoprotein (apo)B isoforms were determined in isolated TAG‐rich lipoprotein fractions (Svedberg flotation rate (Sf) > 400, Sf 60–400, and Sf 20–60) by specific ELISA. A genotype × meal/diet interaction for the Sf > 400 fraction apoB‐48 response (p < 0.05) was observed, with higher concentrations reached after the low fat than HSF‐DHA meal in E4 carriers. This finding was associated with a lower TAG content of the Sf > 400 particles. Fasting Sf 60–400 and 20–60 apoB‐48 concentrations were also significantly higher in E4 carriers. No impact of genotype on the apoB‐100 responses was evident.ConclusionOur study revealed marked effects of dietary fat composition on the Sf > 400 apoB‐48 response and particle TAG content in E4 carriers relative to the “wild‐type” E3/E3 genotype, which suggest APOE genotype is a potential modulator of chylomicron particle synthesis.
Stabilized sulforaphane for clinical use: Phytochemical delivery efficiency
Authors: Fahey Jed W. , Wade Kristina L. , Wehage Scott L. , Holtzclaw Walter David , Liu Hua , Talalay Paul , Fuchs Edward , Stephenson Katherine K. 
Published: December 2016

ScopeThe isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SF) from broccoli is one of the most potent known inducers of the cytoprotective phase 2 response. Its role in a host of biochemical pathways makes it a major component of plant‐based protective strategies for enhancing healthspan. Many nutritional supplements are now marketed that purport to contain SF, which in plants exists as a stable precursor, a thioglucoside hydroxysulfate. However, SF in pure form must be stabilized for use in supplements.Methods and resultsWe evaluated the stability and bioavailability of two stabilized SF preparations—an α‐cyclodextrin inclusion (SF‐αCD), and an SF‐rich, commercial nutritional supplement. SF‐αCD area‐under‐the‐curve peak serum concentrations occurred at 2 h, but six of ten volunteers complained of mild stomach upset. After topical application it was not effective in upregulating cytoprotective enzymes in the skin of SKH1 mice whereas pure SF was effective in doing so. Both of these “stabilized” SF preparations were as potent as pure SF in inducing the cytoprotective response in cultured cells, and they were more stable and as bioavailable.ConclusionOur studies of a stabilized phytochemical component of foods should encourage further examination of similar products for their utility in chronic disease prevention and therapy.