bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fire and Tillage as Degrading Factors of Soil Structure in Northern Zagros Oak Forest, West Iran
Authors: Sharifi Zahed , Azadi Nahid , Certini Giacomo 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe effects of fire and the conversion to vineyard on soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil aggregate size distribution and stability were studied in a forest of Iran. For this purpose, topsoil was sampled in an unburned area, a portion of the forest burned three years earlier, and a vineyard, all three contiguous and showing similar topographic features. In the burned forest, soil was sampled in areas undergone high, moderate, or low severity. Air‐dried soil samples were sieved to obtain four aggregate size classes, which were subsequently wet sieved. Soil aggregate distribution index, mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter, and aggregate stability index were determined on both dry and wet specimens. No significant differences in SOC between burned and unburned forest were found, most probably because of the supply of charred biomass to soil, while in the vineyard thirty years of cultivation had removed half of initial SOC. Both severe fire and cultivation had decreased the stability of aggregates and the relative amount of the biggest ones (8 to 2‐cm diameter). However, aggregate stability was significantly lower in the vineyard than in the burned forest, which points out to a stronger impact of prolonged cultivation than a single fire, although severe. Cultivation and severe fire had decreased the proportion of C in macroaggregates, to the advantage of meso (1 to 0.25 mm) and micro (<0.25 mm) aggregates. A hierarchical cluster analysis of all investigated properties and indices demonstrated that cultivation and highly severe fire both were causes of soil degradation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the synoptic‐scale diversity, biogeography, and size distribution of diatoms in the North Pacific
Authors: Sugie Koji , Suzuki Koji 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe diversity, biogeography, and size distribution of diatoms in the North Pacific and underlying mechanisms shaping those patterns have little been characterized despite their importance in marine ecosystems. Here, we examined the community structure of diatoms in the surface and subsurface chlorophyll a maximum (SCM) layers of the North Pacific using light and scanning electron microscopy. Diatom carbon biomass in both the subarctic and temperate coastal regions was higher than that in the open subtropical and tropical waters. Species density was high in the temperate coastal region and certain open ocean stations where coastal water could be intruded. Diversity was generally higher in the SCM layer than that in the surface layer without a clear latitudinal trend. All diatom species in the open subtropical waters were observed in the temperate coastal waters, suggesting that the coastal regions act as a species bank. Certain indigenous species in the subarctic waters were considered as cryophilic species. We found that the general patterns of the size spectrum were nearly identical among different geographical regions of the North Pacific, irrespective of the species composition, environmental conditions, and seasonality. Our results provide mechanistic insights indicating that the diatom biodiversity in the species bank around the coastal region and the following current systems from the coastal to oceanic regions could principally determine biodiversity patterns in the North Pacific. The species‐specific ecophysiological traits of diatoms and environmental conditions may further modify the biodiversity patterns and size distribution of diatoms.
The lymphatic superficial circumflex iliac vessels deep branch perforator flap: A new preventive approach to lower limb lymphedema after groin dissection‐preliminary evidence
Authors: Gentileschi Stefano , Servillo Maria , Garganese Giorgia , Fragomeni Simona , De Bonis Francesca , Cina Alessandro , Scambia Giovanni , Salgarello Marzia 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectiveGroin dissection is the procedure with the highest risk of lower limb lymphedema.As lymph stasis causes irreversible alterations to the limb over time,therapies should be administered in early stages,or better yet, lymphatic drainage impairment should be prevented.We developed a new preventive approach to lymphedema after groin dissection, and we report our preliminary experience.Patients and MethodsWe enrolled 5 patients undergoing bilateral groin dissection for vulvar cancer. Preoperative study of lower limbs lymphatic function was obtained by lymphoscintigraphy, with lymphatic transport index, indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography, and volume measurement with lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) index calculation. At the end of lymphadenectomy, one groin was closed in the standard way. On the other side, a lymphatic flap pedicled on the distal perforator of the deep branch of the superficial circumflex iliac vessels, was transposed into the groin region. Lymphatic function examination of the limbs was repeated 6 months after surgery.ResultsBefore surgery no patient showed lymphatic drainage impairment at lymphoscintigraphy or lymphography, LEL index was in every limb lower than 250 (mean: 217.3 ± 13.83). After surgery the limbs treated with the flap showed no pathological swelling, LEL‐index < 250 (mean: 235.4 ± 13.069), linear pattern at lymphography, and normal lymphoscintigraphy. The untreated limbs showed from moderate to severe edema with 265 < LEL‐index < 310 (mean: 283 ± 16.3), diffuse dermal backflow at lymphography and interruption of lymph flow, with dermal backflow, at lymphoscintigraphy. Mean difference between preoperative and postoperative volumes was 64.8 ± 25.1 in the untreated side and 19 ± 11.7 in the side with the flap. The difference between preoperative and postoperative volumes compared between the treated and untreated side was statistically significant (P < .01).ConclusionOur preliminary evidence suggests that this flap can prevent lymphedema after groin dissection. Further studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Chicoric acid attenuate a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by inhibiting key regulators of lipid metabolism, fibrosis, oxidation, and inflammation in mice with methionine and choline deficiency
Authors: Kim Myungsuk , Yoo GyHye , Randy Ahmad , Kim Hyoung Seok , Nho Chu Won 
Published: December 2016

ScopeNonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) range histopathologically from hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis. Chicoric acid has beneficial effects on obesity and liver injury, but its effects on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have not yet been determined. This study examined the effects of Crepidiastrum denticulatum extract (CDE) and its active compound chicoric acid in a mouse model of NASH and fibrosis.MethodsCDE and chicoric acid were orally administrated to mice fed a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet. HepG2 and AML‐12 cells in MCD medium were incubated with chicoric acid. MCD‐fed mice developed the histopathological characteristics of human NASH, including altered regulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidation‐associated expression, along with augmented lipoperoxidation. Administration of CDE or chicoric acid to MCD‐fed mice and HepG2 and AML‐12 cells in MCD medium reduced oxidative stress by upregulating antioxidant enzymes and decreased inflammation by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor‐κB activation. In addition, CDE or chicoric acid reduced fibrosis, apoptosis, and lipogenesis‐related gene expression and increased AMP Kinase activation both in vivo and in vitro.ConclusionsCDE and chicoric acid may be effective in the treatment of NAFLD and NASH.
Association between dietary inflammatory index and inflammatory markers in the HELENA study
Authors: Shivappa Nitin , Hebert James R. , Marcos Ascensión , Diaz Ligia‐Esperanza , Gomez Sonia , Nova Esther , Michels Nathalie , Arouca Aline , González‐Gil Esther , Frederic Gottrand , González‐Gross Marcela , Castillo Manuel J. , Manios Yannis , Kersting Mathilde , Gunter Marc J. , De Henauw Stefaan , Antonios Kafatos , Widhalm Kurt , Molnar Denes , Moreno Luis , Huybrechts Inge 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that diet is associated with low‐grade systemic inflammation among adults. However, no study has yet been conducted to explore the association between inflammatory potential of diet and low‐grade systemic inflammation among adolescents whose dietary behavior may be different from adults.Methods and ResultsWe examine the predictive ability of 24‐h recall‐derived dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores on inflammation among 532 European adolescents in the HELENA cross‐sectional study. The DII is a literature‐derived dietary index developed to predict inflammation. The DII was calculated per 1000 calories and was tested against C‐reactive protein, ILs‐1,2,4,10, TNF‐α, ICAM, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), and IFN‐γ. All inflammatory markers had nonnormal distributions and therefore were log transformed. Analyses were performed using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, city, BMI, smoking, and physical activity. Pro‐inflammatory diet (higher DII scores) was associated with increased levels of various inflammatory markers: TNF‐α, IL‐1, 2, IFN‐γ, and vascular cell adhesion molecule (bDIIt3vs1 = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.25; 0.13, 95% CI 0.001, 0.25; 0.40, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.77; 0.53, 95% CI: 0.05, 1.01; 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.13, respectively).ConclusionThese results reinforce the fact that diet, as a whole, plays an important role in modifying inflammation in adolescents.
Early induction of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 by retinoic acids in adipocytes
Authors: Distel Emilie , Cadoudal Thomas , Collinet Martine , Park Edwards A. , Benelli Chantal , Bortoli Sylvie 
Published: December 2016

ScopeVitamin A and its metabolites, such as retinoic acids (RA), are related to metabolic diseases, in particular insulin resistance and obesity. Here, we studied the roles of 9‐cis RA and all‐trans RA on the regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), an enzyme involved in fatty acid reesterification, which is a crucial metabolic pathway in adipose tissue (AT) lipid homeostasis.Methods and results9‐cis RA and all‐trans RA treatment of human and murine AT explants, as well as adipocytes (3T3‐F442A cell line) induces PDK4 expression both at the mRNA and the protein level, via a transcriptional mechanism. Using site‐directed mutagenesis and chomatin immuno‐precipitation, we showed that this activation involves two new RA responsive elements in the Pdk4 promoter, RAREa (DR1: −125/−112) and RAREb (DR1: −86/−73), specific to AT. Furthermore, even though endogeneous Pdk4 gene was upregulated by RA in Fao cells, a rat hepatoma cell line, the induction did not occur through the newly found RAREs.ConclusionIn this study, we showed that adipocyte PDK4 gene is a new target of the vitamin A derived RA and might participate to the reduced fatty acid efflux from the adipocyte, a step that plays an important role in the developement of metabolic diseases.
Ultrasound elastography assessment of the median nerve in leprosy patients
Authors: Nogueira‐Barbosa Marcello H. , Lugão Helena B. , Gregio‐Júnior Everaldo , Crema Michel D. , Kobayashi Mariana T.T. , Frade Marco A.C. , Pavan Theo Z. , Carneiro Antonio A.O. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe sought to compare median nerve elasticity between leprosy patients (LPs) and healthy volunteers (HVs) using ultrasound elastography (UE).MethodsTwo radiologists independently measured the strain ratio of the median nerve/flexor digitorum superficialis muscle (MN/FDSM) of 18 LP and 18 HV using real‐time freehand UE. Statistical analysis included intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Mann–Whitney test.ResultsThe MN/FDSM strain ratios of the LP and HV were 2.66 ± 1.30 and 3.52 ± 0.93, respectively (P <  0.05). We observed a significantly lower MN/FDSM strain ratio in LP with reactions (types 1 and 2 cutaneous reactions associated with or without neuritis) (2.30 ± 0.91) compared with LP without reactions (3.60 ± 1.70). We found no significant differences between HV and LP without reactions. The intra‐ and inter‐observer ICCs were 0.50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11–0.72) and 0.34 (95% CI, 0.28–0.52), respectively.ConclusionsMN/FDSM strain ratios were significantly lower in LP with reactions. UE may be useful for nerve elasticity evaluation in leprosy. Muscle Nerve 56: 393–398, 2017
Local active control for an exterior fluid‐structure interaction problem
Authors: Domínguez Catalina , Hernández Erwin , Prato Torres Ricardo 
Published: December 2016

SummaryIn this paper, we propose a numerical method based on an active structural control to dampen the discrete critical frequencies from a fe/be coupled system, which models a time‐harmonic fluid‐structure interaction problem. The active structural acoustic control used consists of applying external forces directly on the structure, so that in the presence of critical frequencies, the linear system remains stable and, in turn, in the presence of non‐critical frequencies, the active control does not alter the system. We consider the problem in the framework of the theory of optimal control and present bi‐dimensional numerical simulations to show the behavior of the scheme in some vibro‐acoustic structures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Axicons in Action
Authors: Castillo Sara 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAxicon lenses convert incident plane waves into approximations of Bessel beams. The circular profile of an axicon beam brings capabilities that suit the lenses for use in corneal surgery and optical trapping. The unique features of axicon lenses also enable an interesting type of wavefront sensor. Axicons focus light along the optical axis, and the position shifts if aberrations are introduced to the beam. That creates variation in the intensity distribution measured by an image sensor. In addition, the center of an axicon lens, the apex, also scatters some of the incident light. The focused light and the scattered light can interfere with each other, creating a self‐referenced interferogram. A wavefront sensor based on an axicon lens can measure low order aberrations with no need for a separate reference wavefront optical train. Wavefront sensors based on axicons offer an inexpensive, rapid, and compact method of detecting small aberrations in the beam.
Deflectometric Acquisition of Large Optical Surfaces DaOS
Authors: Hofbauer Engelbert , Rascher Rolf 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe vignetting field stop procedure uses a deflectometric approach to acquire big optical surfaces (DaOS) and it offers the possibility to measure nearly any shape or form by using a scanning routine. The basic physical measurement principle in DaOS is the vignettation of a quasi‐parallel light beam emitted by an expanded light source in auto‐collimation arrangement with a reflecting element. Thereby, nearly any curvature of the specimen is measurable. Due to the fact that even sign changes in the curvature can be detected, aspheres and freeform surfaces of any size can be evaluated. Actual results of test measurements with calculated absolute deviation with larger lateral dimensions on flat and spherical specimen with diameter of 300 mm are examined. These measurements are compared critically to reference results which are recorded by interferometry and the DFR method.
Sodium Guide Star (R)Evolution
Authors: Enderlein Martin , Kaenders Wilhelm G. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAfter several decades of dedicated laser development for astronomical adaptive optics, this is the first time that high output power is combined with an optimized laser format, maximizing the coupling of the laser light to the sodium atoms in the Earth's atmosphere. By re‐emission of the absorbed light, an artificial star is created that is used to measure atmospheric distortions and correct astronomical images faster and more reliably than ever before. The effort of the collaboration between the European Southern Observatory (ESO), Toptica Photonics, and MPB Communications has been recognized recently with the third prize of the Berthold Leibinger Innovation Award.
Europe Joins Forces Towards Commercialization of Novel Mid‐Infrared Photonic Sensors
Authors: Belén González Ana , Pozo Jose 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMirphab — Mid‐Infrared Photonics Devices Fabrication for Chemical Sensing and Spectroscopic Applications — is an EC funded project granted with € 13 m in a public‐private partnership with Photonics21, with the goal of creating a commercially viable pilot line for the fabrication of mid‐infrared sensors that is ready for business by 2020. Mirphab has launched its first open call.
Synthesis and photovoltaic device studies of azo‐linked low‐bandgap polymers
Authors: Meena Savita , Alam Firoz , Dutta Viresh , Jacob Josemon 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe report the synthesis of a series of new polymers containing azo linkage as a part of the main chain. The monomer 1,2‐bis(7‐bromo‐9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)diazene was synthesized using a precursor approach which avoids non‐selective bromination and was copolymerized with various donor or acceptor units. The homopolymer poly[1,2‐bis(9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)diazene] (P1) as well as the copolymers poly[1‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)‐2‐(9,9,9′,9′‐tetraoctyl‐9H,9′H‐[2,2′‐bifluoren]‐7‐yl)diazene] (P2), poly[1‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐7‐(4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)‐2‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)diazene] (P3) and poly[4‐(7‐((9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)diazenyl)‐9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole] (P4) were synthesized by Suzuki polymerization. The copolymers poly[1‐(7‐(4,4‐dioctyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[1,2‐b:5,4‐b′]dithiophen‐2‐yl)‐9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)‐2‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)diazene] (P5) and poly[4‐(5‐(7‐((9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)diazenyl)‐9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)‐4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)‐7‐(4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole] (P6) were synthesized by direct arylation polymerization reaction. Polymers synthesized using the direct arylation method show good molecular weight, with absorption maxima in the range 500 to 532 nm. P5 and P6 possess low optical bandgaps of 1.81 and 1.86 eV, respectively. A power conversion efficiency of 0.53% with open circuit voltage of 0.53 V, short circuit current density of 3.1 mA cm−2 and fill factor of 29% has been achieved with C71‐PCBM as acceptor in bulk heterojunction solar cells fabricated with P5 as donor. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of waterborne polyurethane with outstanding fluorescence properties and programmable emission intensity
Authors: Tao Can , Han Xixi , Bao Junjie , Chen Qin , Huang Yiping , Xu Gewen 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe hard segment content and hydrophilic group content of a fluorescent waterborne polyurethane (FWPU) were used to optimize the polymer structure which can influence the fluorescence properties. The synthesis of FWPU was based on 2,2′‐((4‐([3,3′:6′,2″‐terpyridine]‐4′‐yl)phenyl)azanediyl)diethanol (TPPDA) as fluorophore. The structure of FWPU was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopies, and the polymer molecular weight and polydispersity were measured using gel permeation chromatography. The relationship between fluorescence properties and FWPU structure was studied using luminescence spectrometry. Compared to TPPDA, the maximum emission wavelength of FWPU showed a hypsochromic shift, and the fluorescence emission intensity and quantum yield of FWPU were increased obviously. Moreover, increasing the hard segment content led to an enhancement of the fluorescence lifetime of FWPU, and to the fluorescence intensity increasing at first and then decreasing. The fluorescence emission intensity and quantum yield of FWPU were increased nearly 11 and 7 times, respectively, compared to TPPDA when the hard segment content was 65%. With an increase of hydrophilic group content, the fluorescence emission intensity of FWPU increased. The fluorescence emission intensity of FWPU exhibited a response to pH, which facilitated its employment as a fluorescence probe. FWPU with excellent solid fluorescence is very suitable for processing into optical devices, with increasing hard segment content and hydrophilic group content both enhancing the solid fluorescence emission intensity of FWPU. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Public Transfers and the Poverty of Children and the Elderly in Uruguay
Authors: Bucheli Marisa 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn Uruguay, public direct transfers reduce poverty for society as a whole. Poverty affects mostly children, even after the recent period of fall in poverty. The aim of this article is to analyze whether the reduction in poverty benefits a particular age group over others or if it affects all groups equally. The methodological strategy consists in the estimation of the contribution of public direct transfers to the poverty exit rate and its decomposition in the coverage effect and the amount effect. The main conclusions are as follows: (i) households with children are the least likely to escape poverty through the direct transfer system; (ii) the reason is the relative low per capita amount of the transfer and not the lack of coverage; and (iii) the effectiveness of the amount is relatively low because poverty before transfers is more intense for households with children, and the transfer that they receive is lower than that for other types of households.
A cell is more than the sum of its (dilute) parts: A brief history of quinary structure
Authors: Cohen Rachel D. , Pielak Gary J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMost knowledge of protein structure and function is derived from experiments performed with purified protein resuspended in dilute, buffered solutions. However, proteins function in the crowded, complex cellular environment. Although the first four levels of protein structure provide important information, a complete understanding requires consideration of quinary structure. Quinary structure comprises the transient interactions between macromolecules that provides organization and compartmentalization inside cells. We review the history of quinary structure in the context of several metabolic pathways, and the technological advances that have yielded recent insight into protein behavior in living cells. The evidence demonstrates that protein behavior in isolated solutions deviates from behavior in the physiological environment.
On the appearance of carboxylates in electrostatic potential maps
Authors: Wang Jimin 
Published: December 2016

AbstractElectron microscopy can provide accurate, high‐resolution images of the distribution of electrostatic potential (ESP) in biological macromolecules. Careful examination of ESP maps that have been published for peptides and proteins at resolution ranging from 1.0 Å to 2.9 Å reveals that the negative charges of carboxylate groups have a profound effect on their appearance. It is clear that investigators must take the negative features in their experimental ESP maps into account when modeling the conformations of Asp and Glu side chains and those of the residues that surround them.
Topological Hall effect in antiferromagnetically coupled SrRuO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 epitaxial heterostructures
Authors: Lindfors‐Vrejoiu Ionela , Ziese Michael 
Published: December 2016

AbstractInteraction of conduction electrons with non‐coplanar or non‐collinear spin textures in metals can result in intriguing phenomena, among which a topological Hall effect. Here, we report on topological Hall effect manifestation in epitaxial heterostructures of thin metallic layers of two prototypical ferromagnetic oxides, namely and . The topological Hall effect arises most likely from the non‐coplanar ordering of the Ru and Mn magnetic moments in the individual ferromagnetic layers, which exhibit different magnetocrystalline anisotropies and a strong antiferromagnetic interlayer‐coupling.