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1.
Molecules ; 25(16)2020 Aug 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32824503

ABSTRACT

In this study, Li3V2(PO4)3 (LVP) powders are prepared by a solution synthesis method. The effects of two reducing agents on crystal structure and morphology and electrochemical properties are investigated. Preliminary studies on reducing agents such as oxalic acid and citric acid, are used to reduce the vanadium (V) precursor. The oxalic acid-assisted synthesis induces smaller particles (30 nm) compared with the citric acid-assisted synthesis (70 nm). The LVP powders obtained by the oxalic acid exhibit a higher specific capacity (124 mAh g-1 at 1C) and better cycling performance (122 mAh g-1 following 50 cycles at 1C rate) than those for the citric acid. This is due to their higher electronic conductivity caused by carbon coating and downsizing the particles. The charge-discharge plateaus obtained from cyclic voltammetry are in good agreement with galvanostatic cycling profiles.


Subject(s)
Citric Acid/chemistry , Electric Power Supplies , Lithium/chemistry , Nanocomposites/chemistry , Oxalic Acid/chemistry , Reducing Agents/chemistry , Vanadium Compounds/chemistry , Electric Conductivity , Electrodes
2.
Microb Ecol ; 73(3): 571-582, 2017 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27909749

ABSTRACT

Shallow-water hydrothermal vents (HTVs) are an ecologically important habitat with a geographic origin similar to that of deep-sea HTVs. Studies on shallow-water HTVs have not only facilitated understanding of the influences of vents on local ecosystems but also helped to extend the knowledge on deep-sea vents. In this study, the diversity of bacterial communities in the sediments of shallow-water HTVs off Kueishan Island, Taiwan, was investigated by examining the 16S ribosomal RNA gene as well as key functional genes involved in chemoautotrophic carbon fixation (aclB, cbbL and cbbM). In the vent area, Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas of Epsilonproteobacteria appeared to dominate the benthic bacterial community. Results of aclB gene analysis also suggested involvement of these bacteria in carbon fixation using the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle. Analysis of the cbbM gene showed that Alphaproteobacterial members such as the purple non-sulfur bacteria were the major chemoautotrophic bacteria involving in carbon fixation via the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle. However, they only accounted for <2% of the total bacterial community in the vent area. These findings suggest that the rTCA cycle is the major chemoautotrophic carbon fixation pathway in sediments of the shallow-water HTVs off Kueishan Island.


Subject(s)
Alphaproteobacteria/metabolism , Chemoautotrophic Growth/physiology , Epsilonproteobacteria/metabolism , Geologic Sediments/microbiology , Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology , Alphaproteobacteria/classification , Alphaproteobacteria/genetics , Epsilonproteobacteria/classification , Epsilonproteobacteria/isolation & purification , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Seawater/microbiology , Sulfur/chemistry , Taiwan
3.
J Cutan Pathol ; 44(3): 289-291, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28035705

ABSTRACT

Oncocytes are epithelial cells characterized by their abundant eosinophilic and finely granular cytoplasm. Their histologic appearance is due to excessive amounts of cytoplasmic mitochondria. Oncocytes generally occur in the setting of benign neoplasms. Oncocytomas, or tumors composed primarily of oncocytes, are typically found in the kidneys. Other common sites include the salivary, thyroid, and parathyroid glands. Oncocytic metaplasia has only been rarely reported in various cutaneous neoplasms. We report a case of an elderly male presenting with a 5 mm erythematous papule on his left scalp, who underwent a shave biopsy showing a nodular, dermal-based adnexal tumor with prominent ductal differentiation, composed of multiple small, well-formed lumina surrounded by enlarged and bland-appearing epithelioid cells. Cytokeratin 7 (CK7), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and monoclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (mCEA) immunohistochemical stains were positive, consistent with adnexal differentiation. Phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin (PTAH) and Luxol fast blue (LFB) stains highlighted the cytoplasmic granules, consistent with mitochondria. The overall findings were consistent with an oncocytic nodular hidradenoma. Oncocytic hidradenoma is a very rare entity, with only 1 previously reported case in the literature.


Subject(s)
Acrospiroma/pathology , Oxyphil Cells/pathology , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Aged , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/pathology , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Neoplasms, Second Primary/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/pathology
4.
J Cutan Pathol ; 43(6): 538-542, 2016 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26956561

ABSTRACT

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a group of cutaneous tumors characterized by a population of fusiform, epithelioid and pleomorphic cells. Clinically, AFX is commonly found on the head and neck of older adults as a solitary ulcerated nodule. Clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma is a very rare variant of AFX, with only 13 cases reported to date. The differential diagnoses often include dermal neoplasms composed of clear cells, such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma and balloon cell malignant melanoma. These diagnoses can be ruled out by the typical immunohistochemical profile of clear cell AFX, which is negative for specific epithelial and melanocytic markers. Herein, we describe a rare and unusual case of clear cell AFX arising on the ear of a relatively young adult patient. Histologically, the dermis was completely replaced by an atypical population of vacuolated cells with numerous atypical mitoses. Immunohistochemical stains were negative forpancytokeratin, CK5/6, CK7, and p63 S100 and Melan-A stains. CD10 and CD68 stains were positive, making the findings consistent with the diagnosis of clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma.

5.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 110(10): 4015-20, 2013 Mar 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23431193

ABSTRACT

Activating mutations in the neuroblastoma rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) gene are common genetic events in malignant melanoma being found in 15-25% of cases. NRAS is thought to activate both mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K signaling in melanoma cells. We studied the influence of different components on the MAP/extracellular signal-regulated (ERK) kinase (MEK) and PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-signaling cascade in NRAS mutant melanoma cells. In general, these cells were more sensitive to MEK inhibition compared with inhibition in the PI3K/mTOR cascade. Combined targeting of MEK and PI3K was superior to MEK and mTOR1,2 inhibition in all NRAS mutant melanoma cell lines tested, suggesting that PI3K signaling is more important for cell survival in NRAS mutant melanoma when MEK is inhibited. However, targeting of PI3K/mTOR1,2 in combination with MEK inhibitors is necessary to effectively abolish growth of NRAS mutant melanoma cells in vitro and regress xenografted NRAS mutant melanoma. Furthermore, we showed that MEK and PI3K/mTOR1,2 inhibition is synergistic. Expression analysis confirms that combined MEK and PI3K/mTOR1,2 inhibition predominantly influences genes in the rat sarcoma (RAS) pathway and growth factor receptor pathways, which signal through MEK/ERK and PI3K/mTOR, respectively. Our results suggest that combined targeting of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/mTOR pathways has antitumor activity and might serve as a therapeutic option in the treatment of NRAS mutant melanoma, for which there are currently no effective therapies.


Subject(s)
GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics , MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects , Melanoma/drug therapy , Melanoma/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Apoptosis/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Drug Synergism , Female , Humans , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/pathology , Mice , Mice, Nude , Mutation , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
6.
J Basic Microbiol ; 55(11): 1308-18, 2015 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26132902

ABSTRACT

Kueishan Island is a young volcanic island in the southernmost edge of the Okinawa Trough in the northeastern part of Taiwan. A cluster of hydrothermal vents is located off the southeastern tip of the Island at water depths between 10 and 80 m. This paper presents the results of the first study on the microbial communities in bottom sediments collected from the shallow-water hydrothermal vents of Kueishan Island. Small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene-based high-throughput 454 pyrosequencing was used to characterize the assemblages of bacteria, archaea, and small eukaryotes in sediment samples collected at various distances from the hydrothermal vents. Sediment from the vent area contained the highest diversity of archaea and the lowest diversity of bacteria and small eukaryotes. Epsilonproteobacteria were the most abundant group in the vent sediment, but their abundance decreased with increasing distance from the vent area. Most Epsilonproteobacteria belonged to the mesophilic chemolithoautotrophic genera Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas. Recent reports on these two genera have come from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Conversely, the relative contribution of Gammaproteobacteria to the bacterial community increased with increasing distance from the vent area. Our study revealed the contrasting effects of venting on the benthic bacterial and archaeal communities, and showed that the sediments of the shallow-waters hydrothermal vents were dominated by chemoautotrophic bacteria. The present work broadens our knowledge on microbial diversity in shallow-water hydrothermal vent habitats.


Subject(s)
Epsilonproteobacteria , Gammaproteobacteria , Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology , Water Microbiology , Chemoautotrophic Growth , Epsilonproteobacteria/genetics , Epsilonproteobacteria/growth & development , Epsilonproteobacteria/isolation & purification , Gammaproteobacteria/genetics , Gammaproteobacteria/growth & development , Gammaproteobacteria/isolation & purification , Geologic Sediments/microbiology , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Phylogeny , RNA, Bacterial/genetics , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Taiwan
7.
Opt Express ; 22(11): 12890-9, 2014 Jun 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24921486

ABSTRACT

We demonstrate far-field super-resolution coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy by exciting the sample with photonic nanojets. The sub-diffraction photonic nanojets were formed on the surface of the sample by microspheres illuminated by laser beams, and images were acquired by a standard laser-scanning CARS microscope. When the laser beams were focused on the microspheres, the photonic nanojets determined the excitation volume instead of the diffraction-limited laser foci, leading to super-resolution. We imaged the sub-diffraction features of a Blu-ray disc using glass spheres with a refractive index of 1.46 and diameters in the 1-6 µm range. The microspheres provided a lateral magnification factor up to 5.0X and a lateral resolution of at least 200 nm at 796 nm laser wavelength, allowing us to resolve the features on the disc which were invisible under normal CARS imaging. The magnification factor depended on both the microsphere size and the focal plane position of the incident beams. To explain the magnification factor we performed theoretical simulations which showed excellent agreement with experimental results. This super-resolution technique could be very useful for the vibrational imaging of nano-scale objects on films and surfaces.

8.
J Am Acad Dermatol ; 71(6): 1102-1109.e1, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25440439

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) and MEK inhibitor (MEKi) frequently cause cutaneous adverse events. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the cutaneous safety profile of BRAFi versus BRAFi and MEKi combination regimens. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study, collecting data from 44 patients with melanoma treated either with BRAFi (vemurafenib or dabrafenib) or BRAFi and MEKi combination regimens (vemurafenib + cobimetinib or dabrafenib + trametinib). Patient characteristics, and the occurrence and severity of cutaneous adverse events, are described. RESULTS: The development of cutaneous adverse events was significantly less frequent (P = .012) and occurred after longer treatment time (P = .025) in patients treated with BRAFi and MEKi combination regimen compared with patients treated with BRAFi monotherapy. Among patients who received both BRAFi and the combination of BRAFi and MEKi at different time points during their treatment course, the development of squamous cell carcinoma or keratoacanthoma was significantly less frequent when they received the combination regimen (P = .008). Patients receiving vemurafenib developed more cutaneous adverse events (P = .001) and in particular more photosensitivity (P = .010) than patients who did not. LIMITATIONS: There were a limited number of patients. CONCLUSION: Combination regimen with BRAFi and MEKi shows fewer cutaneous adverse events and longer cutaneous adverse event-free interval compared with BRAFi monotherapy.


Subject(s)
Azetidines/adverse effects , Imidazoles/adverse effects , Indoles/adverse effects , Melanoma/drug therapy , Oximes/adverse effects , Piperidines/adverse effects , Pyridones/adverse effects , Pyrimidinones/adverse effects , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Sulfonamides/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Azetidines/administration & dosage , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/mortality , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Imidazoles/administration & dosage , Indoles/administration & dosage , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Male , Melanoma/mortality , Middle Aged , Oximes/administration & dosage , Piperidines/administration & dosage , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/antagonists & inhibitors , Pyridones/administration & dosage , Pyrimidinones/administration & dosage , Retrospective Studies , Skin Neoplasms/mortality , Sulfonamides/administration & dosage , Vemurafenib , Young Adult
9.
PLoS One ; 19(7): e0306726, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38991020

ABSTRACT

In the process of hikers' choosing a destination, searching for information is one of the important elements, playing a decisive role in decision-making. Based on the Baidu Index for "hiking," this paper analyzes the spatial and temporal characteristics of and factors that influenced network attention to hiking in China from 2016 to 2021. The study found that (1) Network attention to hiking in China was generally relatively stable across the period studied, with highly uneven distribution between different months. The search volume was higher on weekends, and mobile searches increased year by year, far exceeding computer searches. (2) Different regions in China experienced different levels of network attention, with the highest levels in the east, followed by the center, and the lowest in the west. Except for East China, network attention to hiking was highly unevenly distributed within each region. (3) The COVID-19 pandemic increased the geographical concentration index and coefficient of variation but reduced the primacy index. A region's level of economic development, degree of network development, population size, and population age structure are proposed as factors that affect network attention to hiking.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , China/epidemiology , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Pandemics , Walking
10.
Heliyon ; 10(1): e23365, 2024 Jan 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38169803

ABSTRACT

The travel and tourism industry is among most severely impacted by natural disasters, terrorism, financial crises, and pandemics. Scholars are currently paying attention to how to revive tourism and establish tourist loyalty in the post-pandemic era. Aesthetics is a fundamental component of the tourist experience, and significantly affects tourist loyalty, intention, and behavior. However, research on destination aesthetics is limited, with most studies neglecting the role of memorability in the outcomes of aesthetics, particularly after the pandemic. Therefore, this study explores the mediating role of memorability in the effects of the aesthetic experiential qualities (scenery, cleanliness, harmony, art/architecture, and genuineness) of a nature-based tourism destination on tourist loyalty. Based on a two-wave panel data approach, 509 survey responses were collected and analyzed using Smarts. The findings indicate that the aesthetic experiential qualities positively affect tourists' memorability. Although three of the five aesthetic qualities (scenery, harmony, art/architecture) demonstrated no direct impact on loyalty, all the qualities had significant indirect effects on loyalty through the mediation of memorability. This study provides insights and new perspectives for promoting tourist loyalty in the context of post-pandemic tourism recovery.

11.
Curr Microbiol ; 67(3): 351-5, 2013 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23636495

ABSTRACT

Heterotrophic flagellates (HFs) are important members of the aquatic microbial food web. However, information on their spatial patterns in relation to eutrophication is limited. Here, we examined the composition and spatial distributions of HFs (<3 µm) in subtropical coastal waters of different trophic status by re-analyzing two previously published small subunit rDNA pyrosequence datasets using information from the newly launched Protist Ribosomal Reference database (PR(2)). Whereas the contributions of different major clades composing the Marine Stramenopiles (MASTs), picobiliphytes and Chrysophyceae were found relatively comparable between the stations, contrasting compositions of the Marine Alveolates (MALV) groups I and II were observed. The high and relatively stable contribution of MAST-1, -3 and -7 among the MASTs in both stations suggest their importance as bacterial grazers in coastal waters, irrespective of trophic status. By contrast, the dominance of clades 3, 5 and 14 of MALV II in the eutrophic station implies their importance in regulating the dinoflagellate population at the site. Our study provides insights into the ecological importance of different HF groups in eutrophic coastal ecosystems.


Subject(s)
Alveolata/classification , Biota , Seawater/parasitology , Stramenopiles/classification , Alveolata/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Stramenopiles/genetics
12.
J Neuroinflammation ; 9: 109, 2012 May 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22642871

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The primary olfactory pathway is a potential route through which microorganisms from the periphery could potentially access the central nervous system. Our previous studies demonstrated that if the olfactory epithelium was damaged, bacteria administered into the nasal cavity induced nitric oxide production in olfactory ensheathing cells. This study investigates the cytokine profile of olfactory tissues as a consequence of bacterial challenge and establishes whether or not the bacteria are able to reach the olfactory bulb in the central nervous system. METHODS: The olfactory epithelium of C57BL/6 mice was damaged by unilateral Triton X-100 nasal washing, and Staphylococcus aureus was administered ipsilaterally 4 days later. Olfactory mucosa and bulb were harvested 6 h, 24 h and 5 days after inoculation and their cytokine profile compared to control tissues. The fate of S. aureus and the response of bulbar microglia were examined using fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In the olfactory mucosa, administered S. aureus was present in supporting cells of the olfactory epithelium, and macrophages and olfactory nerve bundles in the lamina propria. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated S. aureus was observed within the olfactory mucosa and bulb 6 h after inoculation, but remained restricted to the peripheral layers up to 5 days later. At the 24-h time point, the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α in the compromised olfactory tissues challenged with bacteria (12,466 ± 956 pg/ml and 552 ± 193 pg/ml, respectively) was significantly higher than that in compromised olfactory tissues alone (6,092 ± 1,403 pg/ml and 80 ± 2 pg/ml, respectively). Immunohistochemistry confirmed that IL-6 was present in several cell types including olfactory ensheathing cells and mitral cells of the olfactory bulb. Concurrently, there was a 4.4-, 4.5- and 2.8-fold increase in the density of iNOS-expressing cells in the olfactory mucosa, olfactory nerve and glomerular layers combined, and granule layer of the olfactory bulb, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteria are able to penetrate the immunological defence of the compromised olfactory mucosa and infiltrate the olfactory bulb within 6 h even though a proinflammatory profile is mounted. Activated microglia may have a role in restricting bacteria to the outer layers of the olfactory bulb.


Subject(s)
Cytokines/physiology , Microglia/immunology , Olfactory Bulb/microbiology , Olfactory Pathways/immunology , Olfactory Pathways/microbiology , Staphylococcus aureus , Animals , Immunocompromised Host , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Microglia/metabolism , Microglia/microbiology , Olfactory Bulb/immunology , Olfactory Bulb/metabolism , Olfactory Mucosa/immunology , Olfactory Mucosa/metabolism , Olfactory Mucosa/microbiology , Olfactory Pathways/metabolism , Random Allocation , Staphylococcus aureus/immunology , Staphylococcus aureus/pathogenicity
13.
J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis ; 29(4): 426-30, 2012 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22472817

ABSTRACT

Luneburg lenses are able to form perfect focus that is free of aberration. Because of the varying refractive index throughout the lens, incoming electromagnetic waves can travel in a curved path and be guided to focus at the back of the lens. The implementation of Luneburg lenses is often difficult due to the challenges in creating a medium with varying refractive index using normal materials. This problem can be overcome with the use of gradient index metamaterials. We report a two dimensional Luneburg lens made of gradient index metamaterials. It consists of 17 concentric shells with etched patterns on a printed circuit board working in microwave X band frequency. The broad properties of the Luneburg lens are then discussed.

14.
J Econ Entomol ; 103(5): 1775-83, 2010 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21061979

ABSTRACT

The longlegged ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fr. Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is a highly invasive species that can aggressively displace other ant species. We conducted laboratory assays to examine interspecies aggression of A. gracilipes versus 15 sympatric ant species found in the urban environment and disturbed habitat in Malaysia: Monomorium pharaonis (L.), Monomorium floricola (Jerdon), Monomorium orientale Mayr, Monomorium destructor (Jerdon), Pheidole parva Mayr, Crematogaster sp., Solenopsis geminata (F.), Tapinoma indicum (Forel), Tapinoma melanocephalum (F.), Technomyrmnex butteli Forel, Dolichoderus thoracicus (Smith), Paratrechina longicornis (Latrielle), Oecophylla smaragdina (F), Camponotus sp., and Tetraponera rufonigra (Jerdon). A. gracilipes showed aggressive behavior toward all opponent species, except the smallest M. orientale. Opponent species size (body size, head width, and mandible width) was significantly correlated with A. gracilipes aggression level and mortality rate. We also found a significant positive relationship between A. gracilipes aggression level and the mortality of the opponent species. The results suggest that invasive populations of A. gracilipes would have the greatest impact on larger ant species. In addition, we examined the intraspecific aggression of A. gracilipes. We found that A. gracilipes from different localities in Malaysia showed intraspecific aggression toward one another. This finding differs from the results of studies conducted in Christmas Island earlier. Differences in the genetic variability among populations may explain these differing results.


Subject(s)
Aggression , Ants/genetics , Animals , Ants/anatomy & histology , Ants/classification , Ants/physiology , Behavior, Animal , Body Size , Ecosystem , Hand Strength , Head/anatomy & histology , Malaysia , Mandible/physiology , Pest Control/methods , Species Specificity , Urban Renewal
15.
J Econ Entomol ; 102(4): 1586-90, 2009 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19736772

ABSTRACT

An evaluation of several insecticides, namely, 0.01% fipronil, 0.05% indoxacarb, and 2% boric acid in liquid bait formulations were carried out against field populations of the longlegged ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fr. Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The baits were formulated in brown cane sugar solution (50%, wt:wt) and placed in an experimental bait station. Each bait was evaluated against populations of A. gracilipes at four buildings. Fipronil, indoxacarb, and boric acid were effective against A. gracilipes, with > 90% reduction of workers within 3 d posttreatment. Total reduction (100%) was achieved within 7 d for fipronil, 14 d for indoxacarb, and 56 d for boric acid. The performance of fipronil and indoxacarb baits did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in all postbaiting sampling intervals. Reduction of A. gracilipes resulted in an increase in other ant species [Monomorium pharaonis (L.), Monomorium floricola (Jerdon), Monomorium orientale Mayr, Monomorium destructor (Jerdon), Tapinoma indicum Forel, Pheidole sp., and Camponotus sp.] at the baited locations.


Subject(s)
Ants , Insect Control/methods , Insecticides , Animals , Boric Acids , Insect Control/instrumentation , Oxazines , Population Density , Pyrazoles , Saccharum
17.
Sci Rep ; 8(1): 14397, 2018 09 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30258074

ABSTRACT

Bacteria, archaea and fungi play crucial roles in wetland biogeochemical processes. However, little is known about their community structure, dynamics and interactions in subtropical coastal wetlands. Here, we examined communities of the three kingdoms in mangrove and mudflat sediments of a subtropical coastal wetland using Ion Torrent amplicon sequencing and co-occurrence network analysis. Bacterial, archaeal and fungal communities comprised mainly of members from the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, Bathyarchaeota and Euryarchaeota, and Ascomycota, respectively. Species richness and Shannon diversity were highest in bacteria, followed by archaea and were lowest in fungi. Distinct spatiotemporal patterns were observed, with bacterial and fungal communities varying, to different extent, between wet and dry seasons and between mangrove and mudflat, and archaeal community remaining relatively stable between seasons and regions. Redundancy analysis revealed temperature as the major driver of the seasonal patterns of bacterial and fungal communities but also highlighted the importance of interkingdom biotic factors in shaping the community structure of all three kingdoms. Potential ecological interactions and putative keystone taxa were identified based on co-occurrence network analysis. These findings facilitate current understanding of the microbial ecology of subtropical coastal wetlands and provide a basis for better modelling of ecological processes in this important ecosystem.


Subject(s)
Archaea/growth & development , Ascomycota/growth & development , Bacteria/growth & development , Microbial Consortia/physiology , Models, Biological , Tropical Climate , Wetlands
18.
PLoS One ; 13(4): e0196222, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29684058

ABSTRACT

Trace metal dynamics have not been studied with respect to growth increments in octocorals. It is particularly unknown whether ontogenetic compartmentalization of trace metal accumulation is species-specific. We studied here for the first time the intracolonial distribution and concentrations of 18 trace metals in the octocorals Subergorgia suberosa, Echinogorgia complexa and E. reticulata that were retrieved from the northern coast of Taiwan. Levels of trace metals were considerably elevated in corals collected at these particular coral habitats as a result of diverse anthropogenic inputs. There was a significant difference in the concentration of metals among octocorals except for Sn. Both species of Echinogorgia contained significantly higher concentrations of Cu, Zn and Al than Subergorgia suberosa. We used for the first time exponential growth curves that describe an age-specific relationship of octocoral trace metal concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr and Pb where the distance from the grip point was reflecting younger age as linear regressions. The larger colony (C7) had a lower accumulation rate constant than the smaller one (C6) for Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr and Pb, while other trace metals showed an opposite trend. The Cu concentration declined exponentially from the grip point, whereas the concentrations of Zn, Cd, Cr and Pb increased exponentially. In S. suberosa and E. reticulata, Zn occurred primarily in coenosarc tissues and Zn concentrations increased with distance from the grip point in both skeletal and coenosarc tissues. Metals which appeared at high concentrations (e.g. Ca, Zn and Fe) generally tended to accumulate in the outer coenosarc tissues, while metals with low concentrations (e.g. V) tended to accumulate in the soft tissues of the inner skeleton.


Subject(s)
Anthozoa/chemistry , Metals/analysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Aluminum/analysis , Animals , Anthozoa/growth & development , Copper/analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Seawater , Taiwan , Tissue Distribution , Zinc/analysis
19.
J Phys Chem B ; 111(7): 1672-8, 2007 Feb 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17266359

ABSTRACT

The effects of oxygen reactive ion etching (RIE) on the surface wettability of aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) films have been systematically investigated. It was found that 3 s of RIE treatment could change the surface of CNT films from hydrophobic to more hydrophilic. The degree of modification in the surface wettability of the film could be controlled by the flow rate of O2 gas during the RIE process. It is proposed that such a surface hydrophobicity change is related to the opened structure and functionalized tip of as-treated CNTs by oxygen reactive ions. More importantly, after the RIE treatment, focused laser pruning was utilized to trim the surface layer of treated CNTs and revert them back to a hydrophobic surface. Combined with the laser pruning technique and O2 RIE treatment, CNT templates with interlaced wettability surfaces in a stripe pattern have been fabricated. It has been demonstrated that this interlaced and structured wettability pattern can be used to selectively assemble microspheres or quantum dots on the aligned CNT films with desired patterns.

20.
JAMA Dermatol ; 151(5): 513-21, 2015 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25831475

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Effective patient-physician communication is essential for optimal health care. Recent introduction of online patient portals to access test results are changing the communication landscape, but regulatory guidelines for the online release of biopsy results vary from state to state. OBJECTIVES: To assess patient preferences for receiving skin biopsy results to rule out melanoma and to compare those preferences to current physicians' practices for notification. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: English-speaking individuals 18 years or older were recruited consecutively from melanoma clinics at 3 academic tertiary referral medical centers: University of California, San Francisco, University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University. Patients were surveyed from July 1, 2012, through July 31, 2013. A second survey of physicians at these institutions was conducted to assess physician notification practices. RESULTS: A total of 301 of 305 patients agreed to participate (98.7 response rate). Most of the patients (67.1%) preferred to speak directly with their physician by telephone to receive their skin biopsy results, followed by a distant second choice (19.5%) of being notified in person at a clinic visit. Voice message or online patient portal were each the preferred method of communication for 5.1% of patients. The most important consideration for patients was a communication modality that provided test results in the most rapid manner; 51.7% wanted a method that was rapid, and 7.8% preferred a method that was not only speedy but also allowed them an opportunity to ask questions. A total of 59.5% of the study participants would choose the same communication method regardless of the biopsy results, but 40.5% preferred a different mode of notification if their biopsy results revealed a malignant tumor. Younger and more highly educated patients favored the online portal. Of 84 physicians surveyed, 47 responded (56% response rate). Physicians' overall preferred method of contacting patients aligned with patient preference for speaking by telephone (56.5%). However, for benign results, 31.2% of physicians chose to speak by telephone, whereas patients preferred voicemail (32.1%). There was physician uncertainty as to guidelines regarding communication of test results. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patient preference has shifted from face-to-face visit to discussion over the telephone because of a desire for rapid notification. Experience with online portal delivery of results favorably inclined patients toward that modality. We recommend that patients be queried regarding their notification preference on the biopsy consent form.


Subject(s)
Disclosure/statistics & numerical data , Electronic Health Records/statistics & numerical data , Electronic Mail/statistics & numerical data , Interviews as Topic/statistics & numerical data , Patient Preference/statistics & numerical data , Physicians/statistics & numerical data , Skin Diseases/pathology , Adult , Age Distribution , Attitude of Health Personnel , Attitude to Computers , Biopsy , Cohort Studies , Educational Status , Female , Health Records, Personal , Humans , Internet/statistics & numerical data , Logistic Models , Male , Melanoma/epidemiology , Melanoma/pathology , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Physician-Patient Relations , Population Surveillance , Prevalence , Sex Distribution , Skin/pathology , Skin Diseases/epidemiology , United States
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