bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are local plants the best for ecosystem restoration? It depends on how you analyze the data
Authors: Bucharova Anna , Durka Walter , Hölzel Norbert , Kollmann Johannes , Michalski Stefan , Bossdorf Oliver 
Published: November 2017

AbstractOne of the key questions in ecosystem restoration is the choice of the seed material for restoring plant communities. The most common strategy is to use local seed sources, based on the argument that many plants are locally adapted and thus local seed sources should provide the best restoration success. However, the evidence for local adaptation is inconsistent, and some of these inconsistencies may be due to different experimental approaches that have been used to test for local adaptation. We illustrate how conclusions about local adaptation depend on the experimental design and in particular on the method of data analysis. We used data from a multispecies reciprocal transplant experiment and analyzed them in three different ways: (1) comparing local vs. foreign plants within species and sites, corresponding to tests of the “local is best” paradigm in ecological restoration, (2) comparing sympatric vs. allopatric populations across sites but within species, and (3) comparing sympatric and allopatric populations across multiple species. These approaches reflect different experimental designs: While a local vs. foreign comparison can be done even in small experiments with a single species and site, the other two approaches require a reciprocal transplant experiment with one or multiple species, respectively. The three different analyses led to contrasting results. While the local/foreign approach indicated lack of local adaptation or even maladaptation, the more general sympatric/allopatric approach rather suggested local adaptation, and the most general cross‐species sympatric/allopatric test provided significant evidence for local adaptation. The analyses demonstrate how the design of experiments and methods of data analysis impact conclusions on the presence or absence of local adaptation. While small‐scale, single‐species experiments may be useful for identifying the appropriate seed material for a specific restoration project, general patterns can only be detected in reciprocal transplant experiments with multiple species and sites.
KIR downregulation by IL‐12/15/18 unleashes human NK cells from KIR/HLA‐I inhibition and enhances killing of tumor cells
Authors: Ewen Eva‐Maria , Pahl Jens H.W. , Miller Matthias , Watzl Carsten , Cerwenka Adelheid 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTo exploit autologous NK cells for cancer immunotherapy, it is highly relevant to circumvent killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR)‐mediated self‐inhibition of human NK cells by HLA‐I–expressing tumor cells. Here, we show that stimulation of NK cells with IL‐12/15/18 for two days led to downregulation of surface expression of the inhibitory KIR2DL2/L3, KIR2DL1 and KIR3DL1 receptors on peripheral blood NK cells. Downregulation of KIR expression was attributed to decreased KIR mRNA levels which could be re‐induced already 3 days after re‐culture in IL‐2. Reduced KIR2DL2/L3 expression on IL‐12/15/18–activated NK cells resulted in less inhibition upon antibody‐mediated KIR engagement and increased CD16‐dependent cytotoxicity in redirected lysis assays. Most importantly, downregulated KIR2DL2/L3 expression enabled enhanced cytotoxicity of IL‐12/15/18–stimulated NK cells against tumor cells expressing cognate HLA‐I molecules. NK cells pre‐activated with IL‐12/15/18 were previously shown to exert potent anti‐tumor activity and memory‐like long‐lived functionality, mediating remission in a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in a clinical trial. Our study reveals a novel mechanism of IL‐12/15/18 in improving the cytotoxicity of NK cells by reducing their sensitivity to inhibition by self–HLA‐I due to decreased KIR expression, highlighting the potency of IL‐12/15/18–activated NK cells for anti‐tumor immunotherapy protocols.
Comparison of Typical Photocatalytic Systems with Intrinsic Plasmonic Photocatalysts Based on Strontium Niobate for Water Splitting
Authors: Wan Dongyang. , Asmara Teguh C. , Rusydi Andrivo , Venkatesan T. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe report in this Review the study of conventional semiconductor‐based photocatalysts and the photocatalytic properties of SrNbO3. The history of photocatalysis, its basic principles, and the problems associated with its commercial application will be discussed. These problems can be partially alleviated by using plasmonic metal nanoparticle/semiconductor systems. Then, we will introduce a new intrinsic plasmonic photocatalyst, SrNbO3. Epitaxial films of SrNbO3 are grown as a metallic oxide by means of pulsed laser deposition. This unusual material has a band gap of 4.1 eV with a degenerate conduction band with a charge‐carrier density exceeding 1022 cm−3. This large charge‐carrier density gives rise to a plasmon that in turn causes a strong absorption in the red range of light; this was mistaken earlier by the community to arise from a mid‐gap state. When oxygen is introduced into this system, a special planar defect is formed that progressively reduces the percolation of the metallic region. Within the metallic region an unusual coherent plasmonic effect is seen, which arises from strong electronic correlation. Such a strong optical absorption enables the material to generate hydrogen from water under solar irradiation.
Semiactive control of rigid blocks under earthquake excitation
Authors: Pecorelli Marica L. , Ceravolo Rosario 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis paper investigates the usefulness of a semiactive control to reduce the overturning vulnerability of a rigid block on a rigid plane under earthquake excitation. The proposed feedback law is used to set the stiffness of restraints placed at the 2 lower corners of the block. The performance of the semiactive control is numerically validated by subjecting the block to 100 recorded accelerograms. Specific simulations are performed to study the effect of different anchorage design parameters on the utility of the control. Finally, the robustness of the proposed control is addressed with respect to typical issues of the real‐world implementation.
Downregulation of spinal astrocytic connexin43 leads to upregulation of interleukin‐6 and cyclooxygenase‐2 and mechanical hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Morioka Norimitsu , Fujii Shiori , Kondo Syun , Zhang Fang Fang , Miyauchi Kazuki , Nakamura Yoki , Hisaoka‐Nakashima Kazue , Nakata Yoshihiro 
Published: November 2017

AbstractConnexin43 (Cx43), involved in intercellular signaling, is expressed in spinal dorsal horn astrocytes and crucial in the maintenance of neuropathic pain. Downregulation of spinal astrocytic Cx43 in mice enhances glutamatergic neurotransmission by decreasing glutamate transporter GLT‐1 expression, resulting in cutaneous hypersensitivity. Decreased expression of astrocytic Cx43 could lead to altered expression of other nociceptive molecules. Transfection of Cx43‐targeting siRNA in cultured spinal astrocytes increased expression of the pronociceptive cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and the prostaglandin synthesizing enzyme cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). Increased expression of IL‐6 and COX‐2 was due to decreased Cx43 expression rather than due to diminished Cx43 channel function. In mice, downregulation of spinal Cx43 expression by intrathecal treatment with Cx43‐targeting siRNA increased IL‐6 and COX‐2 expression and induced hind paw mechanical hypersensitivity. Cx43 siRNA‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity was attenuated by intrathecal treatment with anti‐IL‐6 neutralizing antibody and intraperitoneal treatment of selective COX‐2 inhibitor celecoxib, demonstrating that these molecules play a role in nociceptive processing following Cx43 downregulation. Restoring spinal Cx43 by intrathecal injection of an adenovirus vector expressing Cx43 in mice with a partial sciatic nerve ligation reduced spinal IL‐6 and COX‐2 expression. Suppression of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), a serine/threonine protein kinase, prevented upregulation of IL‐6 and COX‐2 expression induced by Cx43 downregulation in both cultured astrocytes and in mouse spinal dorsal horn. Inhibition of spinal GSK‐3β also ameliorated Cx43 siRNA‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity. The current findings indicate that downregulation of spinal astrocytic Cx43 leads to changes in spinal expression of pronociceptive molecules underlying the maintenance of pain following nerve injury.
Effects of platelet‐rich plasma on biological activity and bone regeneration of brushite‐based calcium phosphate cement
Authors: Hasan Md Lemon , Taz Mirana , Lee Byong‐Taek 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this study, we focused on identifying the effects of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on bioactivity and bone ingrowths incorporated into brushite cement. We introduced PRP as a series of substitutions with an aqueous citrate‐ion solution, and the optimized cement with PRP showed no disintegration of the paste consistency. Incorporating PRP showed that the setting time decreased with the increasing of PRP ratios, although the compressive strength was not significantly changed. We evaluated in vitro degradation and bioactivity with the simulated body fluid test, and the result showed that adding PRP accelerated the carbonated apatite nucleation and markedly improved the surface reactivity of the cement. The in vitro studies demonstrated that incorporating PRP into the brushite cement improved cell adhesion and proliferation. The in vivo effects of PRP were faster degradation, improved tissue response in the early stage, and bone ingrowths. We demonstrated based on our results of this study, incorporation of PRP into brushite cement could be helpful for improving biological activity of the cement as well as bone regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2316–2326, 2018.
Aortopulmonary collateral flow quantification by MR at rest and during continuous submaximal exercise in patients with total cavopulmonary connection
Authors: Mkrtchyan Naira , Frank Yvonne , Steinlechner Eva , Calavrezos Lenika , Meierhofer Christian , Hager Alfred , Martinoff Stefan , Ewert Peter , Stern Heiko 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundAortopulmonary collateral flow is considered to have significant impact on the outcome of patients with single ventricle circulation and total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). There is little information on collateral flow during exercise.PurposeTo quantify aortopulmonary collateral flow at rest and during continuous submaximal exercise in clinical patients doing well with TCPC.Study TypeProspective, case controlled.PopulationThirteen patients with TCPC (17 (11–37) years) and 13 age and sex‐matched healthy controls (18 (11–38) years).Field Strength1.5T; free breathing; phase sensitive gradient echo sequence.AssessmentBlood flow in the ascending and descending aorta and superior vena cava were measured at rest and during continuous submaximal physical exercise in patients and controls. Systemic blood flow (Qs) was assumed to be represented by the sum of flow in the superior caval vein (Qsvc) and the descending aorta (QAoD) at the diaphragm level. Aortopulmonary collateral flow (Qcoll) was calculated by subtracting Qs from flow in the ascending aorta (QAoA).StatisticsMann–Whitney U‐test and Wilcoxon test for comparison between groups and between rest and exercise.ResultsAbsolute collateral flow in TCPC patients at rest was 0.4 l/min/m2 (–0.1–1.2), corresponding to 14% (–2–42) of Qs. Collateral flow did not change during exercise (difference –0.01 (–0.7–1.0) l/min/m2, P = 0.97). TCPC patients had significantly lower Qs at rest (2.5 (1.6–4.1) vs. 3.5 (2.6–4.8) l/min/m2, P = 0.001) and during submaximal exercise (3.2 (2.0–6.0) vs. 4.8 (3.3–6.9) l/min/m2, P = 0.001), compared to healthy controls. The increase in Qs with exercise was also significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls (median 0.6 vs. 1.2 l/min/m2, P < 0.02).Data ConclusionClinical patients doing well with TCPC have significant aortopulmonary collateral flow at rest (14% of Qs) compared to healthy controls, which does not change during submaximal exercise.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1509–1516.
Evaluating Creativity Through the Degrees of Solidity of Its Assessment: A Relational Approach
Authors: Martine Thomas , Cooren François , Bartels Gerald 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce a new approach to creativity assessment. Arguably, one of the main obstacles to creativity assessment is that creativity criteria are likely to change depending on what is assessed and who is making the assessment. We argue that we might be able to solve this problem by adopting a relational ontology, i.e., an ontology according to which beings of the world acquire their properties by relating to other beings. First, we present the main consequences of this ontological approach for creativity assessment: (a) Accounting for the creativity of a given object involves retracing the beings (including criteria) that relate it to its alleged creativity; (b) One can assess the creativity of this object by looking at the number of beings that substantiate this relation, i.e., by looking at what we call the “degree of solidity” of the relation; (c) One can thus account for the specificity of various forms of creativity and, at the same time, compare them in terms of solidity. Building on these ontological assumptions, we then present a new assessment technique, the Objection Counting Technique, before putting it to the test using an excerpt taken from a naturally occurring brainstorming session.
Structural, thermal, and morphological characteristics of cassava amylodextrins
Authors: Costa Mariana Souza , Volanti Diogo Paschoalini , Grossmann Maria Victória Eiras , Franco Célia Maria Landi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDAmylodextrins from cassava starch were obtained by acid hydrolysis, and their structural, thermal and morphological characteristics were evaluated and compared to those from potato and corn amylodextrins.RESULTSCassava starch was the most susceptible to hydrolysis due to imperfections in its crystalline structure. The crystalline patterns of amylodextrins remained unchanged, and crystallinity and peak temperature increased with hydrolysis time, whereas thermal degradation temperature decreased, independent of treatment time and starch source. Cassava amylodextrins had similar structural and morphological characteristics to those from corn amylodextrins due to their A‐type crystalline arrangements. A‐amylodextrins were structurally and thermally more stable than potato amylodextrins (B‐type). Starch nanocrystals (SNC) were observed by transmission electron microscopy from the third day of hydrolysis in cassava amylodextrins, whereas potato and corn amylodextrins displayed SNC only on the fifth day. A‐SNC displayed platelet shapes, whereas B‐SNC were rounded. The SNC shape was related to the packing form and geometry of unit cells of allomorphs A and B.CONCLUSIONMicrostructures (agglomerated crystalline particles) and nanostructures (double helix organization) were observed for amylodextrins. Cassava starch was shown to be a promising material for SNC production, since it requires less hydrolysis time to obtaining more stable crystals. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Weak response of greenhouse gas emissions to whole lake N enrichment
Authors: Klaus Marcus , Bergström Ann‐Kristin , Jonsson Anders , Deininger Anne , Geibrink Erik , Karlsson Jan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGlobal warming and land use scenarios suggest increased 21st century nitrogen (N) inputs to aquatic systems. Nitrogen affects in‐lake processing and, potentially, atmospheric exchange of greenhouse gases, probably being most relevant in unproductive systems. Here, we test for the first time the effect of a whole‐lake experimental increase (threefold) in external nitrate loads on the atmospheric exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) from N‐limited unproductive boreal lakes. Nitrate enrichment effects were assessed within a paired Before/After‐Control/Impact framework based on 2‐hourly to biweekly surface‐water sampling of dissolved gas concentrations, and monthly whole‐lake inventory surveys, carried out over 4 yrs in six lakes. Nitrate enrichment did not affect gas exchange during summer stratification and whole‐lake gas inventories during summer and winter stratification. This finding specifically emphasizes the modest role of internal carbon fixation for the CO2 dynamics of unproductive boreal lakes. A global synthesis of 52 published studies revealed a wide range of nutrient fertilization effects, both in systems similar to our experimental lakes, and other more productive systems. Effects depended mainly on the spatiotemporal scale of the study and became more pronounced when N enrichment was combined with phosphorous. Conclusively, although short‐term and habitat‐specific effects can occur, changes in N supply have only weak whole‐ecosystem effects on greenhouse gas emissions from unproductive boreal lakes.
In‐line optical fiber metallic mirror reflector for monolithic common path optical coherence tomography probes
Authors: Singh Kanwarpal , Reddy Rohith , Sharma Gargi , Verma Yogesh , Gardecki Joseph A. , Tearney Guillermo 
Published: November 2017

Background and ObjectivesEndoscopic optical coherence tomography probes suffer from various artifacts due to dispersion imbalance and polarization mismatch between reference and sample arm light. Such artifacts can be minimized using a common path approach. In this work, we demonstrate a miniaturized common path probe for optical coherence tomography using an inline fiber mirror.Materials and MethodsA common path optical fiber probe suitable for performing high‐resolution endoscopic optical coherence tomography imaging was developed. To achieve common path functionality, an inline fiber mirror was fabricated using a thin gold layer. A commercially available swept source engine was used to test the designed probe in a cadaver human coronary artery ex vivo.ResultsWe achieved a sensitivity of 104 dB for this probe using a swept source optical coherence tomography system. To test the probe, images of a cadaver human coronary artery were obtained, demonstrating the quality that is comparable to those obtained by OCT systems with separate reference arms. Additionally, we demonstrate recovery of ranging depth by use of a Michelson interferometer in the detection path.ConclusionWe developed a miniaturized monolithic inline fiber mirror‐based common path probe for optical coherence tomography. Owing to its simplicity, our design will be helpful in endoscopic applications that require high‐resolution probes in a compact form factor while reducing system complexity. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:230–235, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cooperative Folding of Linear Poly(dimethyl siloxane)s via Supramolecular Interactions
Authors: Ślęczkowski Marcin L. , Meijer E. W. , Palmans Anja R. A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of graft copolymers are reported based on linear poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) and chiral, pendant benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamides (BTAs). The copolymers differ in degree of polymerization (DP) and BTA graft density. Characterization of the bulk materials at room temperature reveals that the BTAs aggregate in a helical fashion via threefold hydrogen‐bond formation within the PDMS matrix. A significant degree of hydrogen bonding persists up to 180 °C, regardless of DP and BTA content. Analysis of the solution behavior by 1H NMR spectroscopy indicates that BTA aggregation occurs in CDCl3, a solvent normally suppressing aggregation. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy in 1,2‐dichloroethane shows strong CD effects and reveals that increasing the DP and decreasing the BTA graft density results in an increase in the cooperativity of the BTA aggregation. Dynamic light scattering indicates the formation of particles with sizes of 400 nm. This is the first time that polymers with pendant BTAs show a sharp transition between a nonaggregated and aggregated state, a behavior similar to the one observed for “free” BTAs. The cooperative aggregation is attributed to the strong phase‐segregation between the PDMS backbone and the BTAs, in combination with a high propensity of these polymers to form multichain aggregates.
Smart Combinations of Bioactive Compounds in Fruits and Vegetables May Guide New Strategies for Personalized Prevention of Chronic Diseases
Authors: van Breda Simone G.J. , de Kok Theo M.C.M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThere is ample scientific evidence suggesting that the health benefits of eating the right amounts of a variety of vegetables and fruit are the consequence of the combined action of different phytochemicals. The present review provides an update of the scientific literature on additive and synergistic effects of mixtures of phytochemicals. Most research has been carried out in in vitro systems in which synergistic or additive effects have been established on the level of cell proliferation, apoptosis, antioxidant capacity, and tumor incidence, accompanied by changes in gene and protein expression in relevant pathways underlying molecular mechanisms of disease prevention. The number of human dietary intervention studies investigating complex mixtures of phytochemicals is relatively small, but showing promising results. These studies have demonstrated that combining transcriptomic data with phenotypic markers provide insight into the relevant cellular processes which contribute to the antioxidant response of complex mixtures of phytochemicals. Future studies should be designed as short‐term studies testing different combinations of vegetables and fruit, in which markers for disease outcome as well as molecular (‘omics)‐markers and genetic variability between subjects are included. This will create new opportunities for food innovation and the development of more personalized strategies for prevention of chronic diseases.
A Ketone Ester Drink Lowers Human Ghrelin and Appetite
Authors: Stubbs Brianna J. , Cox Pete J. , Evans Rhys D. , Cyranka Malgorzata , Clarke Kieran , de Wet Heidi 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveThe ketones d‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and acetoacetate are elevated during prolonged fasting or during a “ketogenic” diet. Although weight loss on a ketogenic diet may be associated with decreased appetite and altered gut hormone levels, it is unknown whether such changes are caused by elevated blood ketones. This study investigated the effects of an exogenous ketone ester (KE) on appetite.MethodsFollowing an overnight fast, subjects with normal weight (n = 15) consumed 1.9 kcal/kg of KE, or isocaloric dextrose (DEXT), in drinks matched for volume, taste, tonicity, and color. Blood samples were analyzed for BHB, glucose, insulin, ghrelin, glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1), and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), and a three‐measure visual analogue scale was used to measure hunger, fullness, and desire to eat.ResultsKE consumption increased blood BHB levels from 0.2 to 3.3 mM after 60 minutes. DEXT consumption increased plasma glucose levels between 30 and 60 minutes. Postprandial plasma insulin, ghrelin, GLP‐1, and PYY levels were significantly lower 2 to 4 hours after KE consumption, compared with DEXT consumption. Temporally related to the observed suppression of ghrelin, reported hunger and desire to eat were also significantly suppressed 1.5 hours after consumption of KE, compared with consumption of DEXT.ConclusionsIncreased blood ketone levels may directly suppress appetite, as KE drinks lowered plasma ghrelin levels, perceived hunger, and desire to eat.