bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lateral plate number in low‐plated threespine stickleback: a study of plasticity and heritability
Authors: Hansson Truls H. , Fischer Barbara , Mazzarella Anna B. , Voje Kjetil L. , Vøllestad Leif Asbjørn
Published: April 2016

In the threespine sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatusmodel system, phenotypes are often classified into three morphs according to lateral plate number. Morph identity has been shown to be largely genetically determined, but substantial within‐morph variation in plate number exists. In this study, we test whether plate number has a plastic component in response to salinity in the low‐plated morph using a split‐clutch experiment where families were split in two, one half raised in water at 0 and the other at 30 ppt salt. We find a small salinity‐induced plastic effect on plate number in an unexpected direction, opposite to what we predicted: Fish raised in freshwater on average have slightly more plates than fish raised in saltwater. Our results confirm that heritability of plate number is high. Additionally, we find that variance in plate number at the family level can be predicted from other family level traits, which might indicate that epistatic interactions play a role in creating the observed pattern of lateral plate number variation.
Estimating population size using single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐based pedigree data
Authors: Spitzer Robert , Norman Anita J. , Schneider Michael , Spong Göran
Published: April 2016

Reliable population estimates are an important aspect of sustainable wildlife management and conservation but can be difficult to obtain for rare and elusive species. Here, we test a new census method based on pedigree reconstruction recently developed by Creel and Rosenblatt (2013). Using a panel of 96 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we genotyped fecal samples from two Swedish brown bear populations for pedigree reconstruction. Based on 433 genotypes from central Sweden (CS) and 265 from northern Sweden (NS), the population estimates (N = 630 for CS, N = 408 for NS) fell within the 95% CI of the official estimates. The precision and accuracy improved with increasing sampling intensity. Like genetic capture–mark–recapture methods, this method can be applied to data from a single sampling session. Pedigree reconstruction combined with noninvasive genetic sampling may thus augment population estimates, particularly for rare and elusive species for which sampling may be challenging.
Peripheral genetic structure of Helicoverpa zea indicates asymmetrical panmixia
Authors: Seymour Mathew , Perera Omaththage P. , Fescemyer Howard W. , Jackson Ryan E. , Fleischer Shelby J. , Abel Craig A.
Published: April 2016

Seasonal climatic shifts create peripheral habitats that alternate between habitable and uninhabitable for migratory species. Such dynamic peripheral habitats are potential sites where migratory species could evolve high genetic diversity resulting from convergence of immigrants from multiple regionally distant areas. Migrant populations of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) captured during two different seasons were assessed for genetic structure using microsatellite markers and for host plant type using stable carbon isotope analysis. Individuals (N = 568) were genotyped and divided into 13 putative populations based on collection site and time. Fixation indices (F‐statistics), analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) were used to examine within and among population genetic variation. Mean number of alleles per locus was 10.25 (± 3.2 SD), and allelic richness ranged from 2.38 to 5.13 (± 3.2 SD). The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.07 to 0.48 and 0.08 to 0.62, respectively. Low FST (0.01 to 0.02) and high FIS (0.08 to 0.33) values suggest captured migrants originated from breeding populations with different allele frequencies. We postulate that high genetic diversity within migrant populations and low genetic differentiation among migrant populations of H. zea are the result of asymmetrical immigration due to the high dispersal and reproductive behavior of H. zea, which may hinder the adaptation and establishment of H. zea to peripheral habitat. These findings highlight the importance of assessing peripheral population structure in relation to ecological and evolutionary dynamics of this and other highly reproductive and dispersive species.
Validation of back‐calculated body lengths and timing of growth mark deposition in Hawaiian green sea turtles
Authors: Goshe Lisa R. , Snover Melissa L. , Hohn Aleta A. , Balazs George H.
Published: April 2016

Somatic growth rate data for wild sea turtles can provide insight into life‐stage durations, time to maturation, and total lifespan. When appropriately validated, the technique of skeletochronology allows prior growth rates of sea turtles to be calculated with considerably less time and labor than required by mark‐–recapture studies. We applied skeletochronology to 10 dead, stranded green turtles Chelonia mydas that had previously been measured, tagged, and injected with OTC (oxytetracycline) during mark–recapture studies in Hawaii for validating skeletochronological analysis. We tested the validity of back‐calculating carapace lengths (CLs) from diameters of LAGs (lines of arrested growth), which mark the outer boundaries of individual skeletal growth increments. This validation was achieved by comparing CLs estimated from measurements of the LAG proposed to have been deposited closest to the time of tagging to actual CLs measured at the time of tagging. Measureable OTC‐mark diameters in five turtles also allowed us to investigate the time of year when LAGs are deposited. We found no significant difference between CLs measured at tagging and those estimated through skeletochronology, which supports calculation of somatic growth rates by taking the difference between CLs estimated from successive LAG diameters in humerus bones for this species. Back‐calculated CLs associated with the OTC mark and growth mark deposited closest to tagging indicated that annual LAGs are deposited in the spring. The results of this validation study increase confidence in utilization of skeletochronology to rapidly obtain accurate age and growth data for green turtles.
Are we getting the full picture? Animal responses to camera traps and implications for predator studies
Authors: Meek Paul , Ballard Guy , Fleming Peter , Falzon Greg
Published: April 2016

Camera trapping is widely used in ecological studies. It is often considered nonintrusive simply because animals are not captured or handled. However, the emission of light and sound from camera traps can be intrusive. We evaluated the daytime and nighttime behavioral responses of four mammalian predators to camera traps in road‐based, passive (no bait) surveys, in order to determine how this might affect ecological investigations. Wild dogs, European red foxes, feral cats, and spotted‐tailed quolls all exhibited behaviors indicating they noticed camera traps. Their recognition of camera traps was more likely when animals were approaching the device than if they were walking away from it. Some individuals of each species retreated from camera traps and some moved toward them, with negative behaviors slightly more common during the daytime. There was no consistent response to camera traps within species; both attraction and repulsion were observed. Camera trapping is clearly an intrusive sampling method for some individuals of some species. This may limit the utility of conclusions about animal behavior obtained from camera trapping. Similarly, it is possible that behavioral responses to camera traps could affect detection probabilities, introducing as yet unmeasured biases into camera trapping abundance surveys. These effects demand consideration when utilizing camera traps in ecological research and will ideally prompt further work to quantify associated biases in detection probabilities.
Red cell distribution width and mortality in acute heart failure patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Sotiropoulos Konstantinos , Yerly Patrick , Monney Pierre , Garnier Antoine , Regamey Julien , Hugli Olivier , Martin David , Metrich Melanie , Antonietti Jean‐Philippe , Hullin Roger
Published: April 2016

Background

Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a valid predictor of outcome in acute heart failure (AHF). It is unknown whether elevated RDW remains predictive in AHF patients with either preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% or reduced LVEF (<50%).

Methods and results

Prospective local registry including 402 consecutive hospitalized AHF patients without acute coronary syndrome or need of intensive care. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality (ACM) at 1 year after admission. Demographic and clinical data derive from admission, echocardiographic examinations (n = 269; 67%) from hospitalization.

The Cox proportional hazard model including all patients (P < 0.001) was adjusted for age, gender, and RDW quartiles. Independent predictors of 1‐year ACM were cardiogenic shock (HR 2.86; CI: 1.3–6.4), male sex (HR 1.9; CI: 1.2–2.9), high RDW quartile (HR 1.66; CI: 1.02–2.8), chronic HF (HR 1.61; CI: 1.05–2.5), valvular heart disease (HR 1.61; CI: 1.09–2.4), increased diastolic blood pressure (HR 1.02 per mmHg; CI: 1.01–1.03), increasing age (HR 1.04 by year; CI: 1.02–1.07), platelet count (HR 1.002 per G/l; CI: 1.0–1.004), systolic blood pressure (HR 0.99 per mmHg; CI: 0.98–0.99), and weight (HR 0.98 per kg; CI: 0.97–0.99). A total of 114 patients (28.4%) died within the first year; ACM of all patients increased with quartiles of rising RDW (χ2 18; P < 0.001). ACM was not different between RDW quartiles of patients with reduced LVEF (n = 153; χ2 6.6; P = 0.084). In AHF with LVEF ≥50% the probability of ACM increased with rising RDW (n = 116; χ2 9.9; P = 0.0195).

Conclusions

High RDW is associated with increased ACM in AHF patients with preserved but not with reduced LVEF in this study population.
Metal Complexes of Multitopic, Third Generation Poly(pyrazolyl)methane Ligands: Multiple Coordination Arrangements
Authors: Semeniuc Radu F. , Reger Daniel L.
Published: April 2016

The structures of metal complexes of two classes of multitopic, “third generation” poly(pyrazolyl)methane ligands, ligands specifically functionalized at the non‐coordinating “back” position, are discussed. For tris(pyrazolyl)methane based [(pz)3C–CH2–O–CH2]nC6H6–n (n = 2, 3, 4 and 6, pz = pyrazolyl ring) ligands, three bonding modes are observed depending on the metal, counterion and solvent: a) the κ3 (tripodal) mode, where all three pyrazolyl rings are coordinated to one metal; b) the κ2‐κ0 mode, with only two pyrazolyl rings bonded to a metallic center while the third is not involved in a donor bond; and c) in a κ2‐κ1 fashion, in which the tris(pyrazolyl)methane unit acts as a bridge between two metals. For bis(pyrazolyl)methane based [CH2–O–CH2–CH(pz)2]nC6H6–n ligands, the main structural arrangement is a mononuclear cationic unit in which two arms of the ligand bond a single silver(I) cation in a tetradentate fashion, giving rise to 16‐ or 17‐member metallacyclic structures.
Heterometallic Cube‐Type Molecular Nitrides
Authors: Mena Miguel , Pérez‐Redondo Adrián , Yélamos Carlos
Published: April 2016

Polynuclear transition‐metal nitrido complexes constitute a class of molecular cage compounds with fascinating structures and interesting bonding properties. However, there is a lack of systematic strategies for the rational construction of aggregates with desired structures and compositions. This article provides a brief overview of the structure and bonding modes of polynuclear nitrido complexes, the most common synthetic approaches used to generate such aggregates, and a systematic review of the development of a family of heterometallic nitrido complexes with [MTi3N4] cube‐type cores. The rational entry to those well‐defined systems is based on the incorporation of transition metals, lanthanides, and main‐group metals into the incomplete cube structure of the trinuclear titanium(IV) imido nitrido complex [{TiCp*(µ‐NH)}3(µ3‐N)] (Cp* = η5‐C5Me5). The great versatility of [{TiCp*(µ‐NH)}3(µ3‐N)] as a preorganized metalloligand is also confirmed by the preparation of complexes with heterometals in low (e.g., Mo0, IrI, and Pt0) and high oxidation states (e.g., ZrIV, TaV, and PtIV).
Squalene modulates fatty acid metabolism: Enhanced EPA/DHA in obese/diabetic mice (KK‐Ay) model
Authors: Ravi Kumar Sangeetha , Yamauchi Ippei , Narayan Bhaskar , Katsuki Ami , Hosokawa Masashi , Miyashita Kazuo
Published: April 2016

Biosynthesis of long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids from precursors is limited. In vivo effect of squalene (SQ) on the metabolic fate of n‐3 fatty acid precursors in obese/diabetic KK‐Ay rodent model was evaluated in our work. Soybean oil, being rich in ALA (18:3 n‐3; a known precursor of EPA/DHA), was chosen as the n‐3 fatty acid precursor rich source. A high‐fat diet (20%) containing 7% soybean oil (SO) was fed to obesity/diabetes‐prone male KK‐Ay mice (control). In the case of diets fed to test groups, soybean oil was replaced with 5% SO and 2% SQ. Hepatic DHA levels increased (four fold) in SQ fed group over control (p < 0.05). Gene and protein expressions of Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases, key enzymes involved in the fatty acid metabolism, further supported the results. Also, SQ exhibited a hypotriglyceridemic and hypoglycemic effect. The results clearly indicated the effect of SQ in modulating the n‐3 fatty acid metabolism, including EPA/DHA synthesis in the presence of n‐3 fatty acid precursor. This is the first report of enhancement of in vivo DHA/EPA by SQ and in turn, modulating the physiological fatty acid profile.

Practical applications: Squalene (SQ) is an important marine biofunctional material that is found in some terrestrial sources as well. Squalene, being a cholesterol precursor, forms an interesting subject of research for its effect in vivo. SQ significantly enhanced proportions of EPA and/or DHA when their n‐3 fatty acid precursors were available in the diet. The study further establishes the usefulness of SQ in functional food formulations. The work provides an important basis for further evaluation of the role of SQ in normal and disease conditions.

KK‐Ay mice were fed high fat/sucrose diet to induce obesity/diabetes. Fat source in control diet was lard and soybean oil while experimental group diet contained 2% squalene + 13% lard + 5% soybean oil. Feeding squalene for 4 weeks modulated fatty acid metabolism with increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and decrease in triglycerides (TG), compared to control. The enhanced DHA in the fatty acid profile was supported by upregulated mRNA expression of Δ5‐desaturase enzyme and protein expression of Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases (FADS1 and FADS2). Additionally, squalene had a hypoglycemic effect in the mice.
Exploration of the Bis(thio)urea‐Catalyzed Atropselective Synthesis of Marinopyrrole A
Authors: Stodulski Maciej , Kohlhepp Stefanie V. , Raabe Gerhard , Gulder Tanja
Published: April 2016

The marinopyrroles are a new class of natural products with highly interesting biomedical and structural features. We herein provide a concise, nitrogen‐protective‐group‐free synthesis of marinopyrrole A, constituting the as yet most efficient route. The presented studies elaborate a straightforward and mild chlorination protocol. Moreover, the first study towards the atropselective synthesis of marinopyrrole A, using chiral, C2‐symmetric bisthiourea catalysts, is presented.
Enantioselective Allylation of β‐Haloacrylaldehydes: Formal Total Syntheses of Pteroenone and Antillatoxin
Authors: Koukal Petr , Ulč Jan , Nečas David , Kotora Martin
Published: April 2016

A comparative study of the catalytic allylations and crotylations of (E)‐ and (Z)‐haloacrylaldehydes by Lewis bases (chiral N,N′‐dioxides) and Brønsted acids (chiral phosphoric acids) was undertaken. The reactions proceeded with high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities with slightly better asymmetric induction observed in the case of N,N′‐dioxide catalysis. The formed enantioenriched chiral unsaturated haloalcohols could be considered general building blocks, as they could be used in the syntheses of more complex natural products possessing substituted 1,3‐diene fragments. This was exemplified by the formal total syntheses of pteronenone and antillatoxin.
One‐Pot, Enantioselective Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydroazulen‐6(1H)‐one: A Concise Access to the Core Structure of Cephalotaxus Norditerpenes
Authors: Yongsheng Zheng  , Ghazvini Zadeh Ebrahim H. , Yuan Yu
Published: April 2016

A one‐pot enantioselective synthesis of cis‐substituted 2,3‐dihydroazulen‐6(1H)‐one is described. In this cascade reaction, an organocatalyzed asymmetric Michael reaction furnishes a highly optically pure nitrobutylphenol intermediate, which is converted into an annulated tropone species by sequential oxidative dearomatization, conjugate addition, electrocyclic ring opening and nitrous acid elimination in the same reaction vessel. Both aliphatic and aromatic nitroalkenes are good substrates for the one‐pot reaction, and this protocol appears to be general for various phenylpropionaldehydes as well. In the case of asymmetrically substituted phenylpropionaldehydes, the regioselectivity is likely determined by both the steric and electronic properties of the substituents. This methodology is successfully applied to the synthesis of the tricyclic core structure of Cephalotaxus norditerpenes.
Trace amounts of poly‐β‐cyclodextrin wrapped carbon nanotubes for the microextraction of flavonoids in honey samples by capillary electrophoresis with light‐emitting diode induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Xu Jing‐Jing , An Mingrui , Yang Rui , Cao Jun , Ye Li‐Hong , Peng Li‐Qing
Published: April 2016

A novel dispersive micro‐SPE method with trace poly‐β‐CD wrapped multiwalled carbon nanotubes as sorbents was applied to extract flavonoids in honey samples. The analytes were then determined by CE with LED‐induced fluorescence detection. The influencing parameters, such as the sorbent concentration, extraction time, and eluent type, were properly optimized. The established method had the advantages of simplicity, low consumption of sorbent amount (0.009 mg) and organic solvent (100 μL), and high sensitivity, meeting the principle of green chemistry. Under the optimum conditions, the sorbents allowed the extraction and preconcentration of the flavonoids with enrichment factors in the range from 78 to 166. The recovery study performed at two different fortification levels provided an average recovery >91%. LODs for all the compounds ranged from 0.07 to 17.99 ng/mL. These results demonstrated that the proposed method could be used as a convenient and efficient extraction technique for analysis of flavonoids in different honey matrices.
Binary Lithium Titanate–Titania Nanocomposite Thin‐Film Electrodes for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Yu Zhaozhe , Xu Huarui , Zhu Guisheng , Yan Dong Liang , Yu Aibing
Published: April 2016

This work introduces a facile approach for preparation of binary nanocomposite thin film electrodes for lithium‐ion batteries with excellent storage capability, high rate performance, and good electrochemical stability. The Li4Ti5O12‐TiO2 film electrodes are prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering deposition using a Li4Ti5O12 and TiO2 powder mixture target as sputtering source in an argon atmosphere. The Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 electrode yields good electrochemical performance in terms of high capacity (295 mAh g−1) at a current density of 0.1 C, good cycling stability (≈5 % capacity loss after 100 cycles at 0.1 C), and excellent rate capability (158 mAh g−1 at a current density of 5 C). The factors contributing to the excellent electrochemical performance are related to the binary nanocomposite structure. The results suggest that the Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 nanocomposite thin film can be used as an anode material for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
Warming‐Up Effects of Phase Change Materials on Lithium‐Ion Batteries Operated at Low Temperatures
Authors: Ling Ziye , Wen Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhengguo , Fang Xiaoming , Xu Tao
Published: April 2016

Lithium‐ion battery performance is strongly dependent on thermal conditions, deteriorating dramatically at low temperatures. Herein, a passive thermal management system utilizing RT28/fumed silica composite phase change materials (PCMs) is evaluated for a lithium‐ion battery at temperatures below 5 °C. Taking advantage of the high thermal energy storage capacity, PCMs can store heat and keep a battery warm. The cells with PCMs take much longer before being too cold than cells without PCMs. The improved thermal conditions lead to higher voltages and discharge capacities. In the long term, PCMs increase the average temperature of the battery in continuous cycles and prolong their cycle life by up to 76 %. But the extra thermal mass of the PCM slows the temperature rise so that the cell with PCM fails to perform well at the beginning stages in cold environments.
Selected pharmaceuticals entering an estuary: Concentrations, temporal trends, partitioning, and fluxes
Authors: Cantwell Mark G. , Katz David R. , Sullivan Julia C. , Ho Kay , Burgess Robert M. , Cashman Michaela
Published: April 2016

In many coastal watersheds and ecosystems, rivers discharging to estuaries receive waters from domestic wastewater-treatment plants resulting in the release and distribution of pharmaceuticals to the marine environment. In the present study, 15 active pharmaceutical ingredients were measured regularly over 1 yr in the dissolved and particulate phases as they entered Narragansett Bay from the Pawtuxet River in Cranston (Rhode Island, USA). Of the active pharmaceutical ingredients measured, 14 were consistently present in the dissolved phase, with concentrations ranging from below detection to >310 ng/L, whereas 8 were present in the particulate phase (0.2–18 ng/g). Partition coefficients (Kds and KOCs) were determined, and organic carbon normalization reduced variability associated with Kds for the active pharmaceutical ingredients evaluated. Flux estimates based on river flow were calculated for both dissolved and particulate-phase active pharmaceutical ingredients, with particulate fluxes being low (1–12 g/yr) and dissolved fluxes of active pharmaceutical ingredients being 155 g/yr to 11 600 g/yr. Results indicate that the pharmaceuticals measured in the present study reside primarily in the dissolved phase and thus are likely bioavailable on entering the estuarine waters of Narragansett Bay. This long-term temporal study provides important information on seasonal and annual dynamics of pharmaceuticals in an urban estuarine watershed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2665–2673. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Improving secrecy for multi‐relay multi‐eavesdropper wireless systems through relay selection
Authors: Ding Xiaojin , Song T. , Zou Yulong , Chen X.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we consider a cooperative relay network consisting of a source, a destination and multiple decode‐and‐forward relays in the presence of multiple eavesdroppers, which intend to tap confidential messages transmitted by both the source and relays. We propose both the so‐called secrecy maximisation oriented relay selection (SMORS) and multi‐relay oriented relay selection (MRORS) schemes to improve the physical layer security of wireless communications. In the SMORS scheme, a single relay with the maximal secrecy rate is selected among all the decode‐and‐forward relays to forward the source signal. By contrast, in the MRORS scheme, the relays that succeed in decoding the source signal will be employed to simultaneously forward their decoded signals to the destination. We analyse the intercept probability of the SMORS and MRORS schemes as well as the traditional max–min relay selection scheme. It is shown that the proposed MRORS scheme outperforms the SMORS and max–min relay selection schemes in terms of the intercept probability. Additionally, it is shown that with an increasing number of eavesdroppers, the intercept performance of wireless communications degrades, which can be well addressed using the SMORS and MRORS schemes through increasing the number of relays. By contrast, increasing the number of relays has little impact on the intercept probability for the conventional max–min relay selection scheme Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dolabella‐3,7,18‐triene, the main constituent of the essential oil of the white lotus flower (Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaeaceae)
Authors: Pottier Maud , Albuquerque Bheatriz Nunes de Lima , Bezerra‐Silva Patrícia Cristina , da Rocha Suyana Karolyne Lino , Maia Artur Campos Dália , Hallwass Fernando , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Navarro Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz
Published: April 2016

This is the first report on the chemical composition of the essential oil of the flowers of the white lotus (Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaeaceae). The relative configuration of its main constituent, the diterpenoid dolabella‐3,7,18‐triene, was determined to be (1R,3E,7E,11S,12S) on the basis of DFT DP4 13C‐NMR quantitative chemical shift analysis. Both the essential oil (LC50 < 50 ppm) and aqueous solution (55% larvae mortality in 50% (v/v) concentration) obtained through hydrodistillation extraction exhibited a satisfactory larvicidal effect against Aedes aegypti larvae. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of nutritional properties of three species of marine turban snails for human consumption
Authors: Ab Lah Roslizawati , Smith Joshua , Savins Dale , Dowell Ashley , Bucher Daniel , Benkendorff Kirsten
Published: April 2016

Turban snails (family Turbinidae) are gastropod molluscs that are harvested for human consumption yet little is known about the nutritional properties of these snails, particularly from Australian waters. This study compares the proximate composition (ash, moisture, protein, and lipid content), fatty acid profiles, mineral, and trace element content of three species of turbinid snails; Turbo militaris, Lunella undulata, and Lunella torquata from northern New South Wales, Australia. They were all found to have relatively high protein in their flesh (16.0% to 18.5% of the fresh weight). L. torquata had a significantly higher lipid content (8.5% w/w) than L. undulata (5.2% w/w), whereas T. militaris (5.6% w/w) was not significantly different to either. Analysis with gas chromatography showed there was no significant difference in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content, with an average of approximately 14% of the total fatty acids in all three species. However, saturated fatty acids (SFA) were significantly higher in T. militaris (41%), whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly higher in L. undulata (46%). The ratio of n−3/n−6 fatty acids ranged from 1.1 in T. militaris to 1.4 in L. torquata, which is good for human health and comparable to other high value gastropods. The results indicate that T. militaris, L. undulata, and L. torquata provide a good source of essential elements such as zinc, selenium, and iron. At the location studied, toxic metals and metalloids were below safe recommended standards for human consumption. Overall, this study confirms the suitability of turban snails as a nutritional food for human consumption.
Evaluation of analytical methods for the determination of the physicochemical properties of fermented, granulated, and roasted cassava pulp ‐ gari
Authors: Felber Cornelia , Azouma Yaovi Ouézou , Reppich Marcus
Published: April 2016

Simple but reliable methods for the determination of the physicochemical properties of gari were evaluated for the parameters, such as grain size, bulk density, swelling index, moisture content, gross calorific value, cyanide content, and acidity content. The grain sizes were between 525 and 928 μm (weighted means), the bulk densities between 0.541 and 0.699 g/cm³, and the swelling indices between 3.21 and 4.33. The moisture contents ranged from 4.30 to 9.19%. The gross calorific values were found between 15.45 and 15.82 kJ/g. The cyanide contents were between 0 and 4.8 ppm. The acidity contents varied among 0.55 and 1.62%. Correlation tests verified the influences of the grain size and the moisture content on the acidity content with a probability of 99.9%. The methods were regarded as suitable and adaptable for the application in small and medium cassava‐processing industries with special regard to the respect of the consumer`s health safety.
Understanding Water Transport in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Using Coupled Continuum and Pore‐Network Models
Authors: Medici E. F. , Zenyuk I. V. , Parkinson D. Y. , Weber A. Z. , Allen J. S.
Published: April 2016

Water management remains a critical issue for polymer electrolyte fuel cell performance and durability, especially at lower temperatures and with ultrathin electrodes. To understand and explain experimental observations better, water transport in gas diffusion layers (GDLs) with macroscopically heterogeneous morphologies was simulated using a novel coupling of continuum and pore‐network models. X‐ray computed tomography was used to extract GDL material parameters for use in the pore‐network model. The simulations were conducted to explain experimental observations associated with stacking of anode GDLs, where stacking of the anode GDLs increased the limiting current density. Through imaging, it is shown that the stacked anode GDL exhibited an interfacial region of high porosity. The coupled model shows that this morphology allowed more efficient water movement through the anode and higher temperatures at the cathode compared to the single GDL case. As a result, the cathode exhibited less flooding and hence better low temperature performance with the stacked anode GDL.
Polygenic Epidemiology
Authors: Dudbridge Frank
Published: April 2016

Much of the genetic basis of complex traits is present on current genotyping products, but the individual variants that affect the traits have largely not been identified. Several traditional problems in genetic epidemiology have recently been addressed by assuming a polygenic basis for disease and treating it as a single entity. Here I briefly review some of these applications, which collectively may be termed polygenic epidemiology. Methodologies in this area include polygenic scoring, linear mixed models, and linkage disequilibrium scoring. They have been used to establish a polygenic effect, estimate genetic correlation between traits, estimate how many variants affect a trait, stratify cases into subphenotypes, predict individual disease risks, and infer causal effects using Mendelian randomization. Polygenic epidemiology will continue to yield useful applications even while much of the specific variation underlying complex traits remains undiscovered.
Facies controls on the distribution of diagenetic alterations in fan delta deposits: a case study from the Lower Cretaceous sandstone, Chagan Sag, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Wei W. , Zhu Xiaomin , Tan Mingxuan , Wu Chenbingjie , Guo Dianbin , Su Hui , Jiang Feihu
Published: April 2016

By integrating diagenesis and sedimentary facies, the distribution of diagenetic alterations and their impacts on reservoir quality were investigated within a lacustrine fan delta depositional environment in the Lower Cretaceous of the Western sub‐sag in the Chagan Sag, Yin‐E Basin, northern China. Core observation and analyses of petrography and geochemistry of the sandstones revealed that the eogenetic alterations display spatial and temporal distribution patterns associated with sedimentary facies, including distributary channels of a fan delta front (DC), distributary bays (DB) and sheet sands (SS) and mouth bar (MB) (SS and MB are collectively referred to as S). Percolation of meteoric waters occurring in high permeability DC sandstones resulted in leaching of feldspar, the formation of kaolinite, as well as mechanical infiltrated clays around detrital grains. Conversely, the DB deposits containing abundant ductile lithic fragments were subjected to mechanical compaction and thus the development of a pseudomatrix. During a long burial residence time (the Early Cretaceous period) in a lacustrine environment, abundant early carbonate cements were precipitated, especially in the distal S sandstones. The sandstones lacking eogenetic cements were subjected to stronger mechanical compaction. Additionally, eogenetic alterations have an important impact on the distribution of the mesogenetic alterations. Sandstones containing few eogenetic cements or thin or discontinuous infiltrated clay rims around the detrital grains were subjected to quartz cementation. However, during the hydrocarbon generation stage, the most efficient percolation of meteoric waters and organic acid dissolved feldspar minerals and carbonate cements, resulted in DC sandstones having more intragranular and intergranular porosity. Owing to high matrix contents and early calcite cement contents, the DB and S sandstones had lower permeability and were rarely dissolved. During the late mesogenetic stage, late carbonate cements occurred in all sedimentary facies and iron and magnesium ions were released from the transformation from kaolinite to illite or to chlorite. The results from this study show possible diagenetic evolutionary pathways in the reservoir sandstones within the fan delta depositional environment, which in turn provides some insights into the controls on reservoir potential. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validity of the three apathy items of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐3A) in measuring apathy in older persons
Authors: Bertens Anne Suzanne , Moonen Justine E.F. , de Waal Margot W.M. , Foster‐Dingley Jessica C. , de Ruijter Wouter , Gussekloo Jacobijn , van der Mast Roos C. , de Craen Anton J.M.
Published: April 2016

Objective

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)‐3A, a three‐item subset of the GDS‐15, is increasingly used as a measure for apathy in research settings to assess factors associating with this neuropsychiatric syndrome. We aimed to assess how accurately the GDS‐3A discriminates between presence and absence of apathy in two populations of community‐dwelling older persons, using the Apathy Scale as reference standard.

Methods

Baseline data were used from 427 participants of the Discontinuation of Antihypertensive Treatment in Elderly people (DANTE) Study Leiden and 1118 participants of the PROactive Management Of Depression in the Elderly (PROMODE) Study, all ≥75 years and with available GDS‐3A and Apathy Scale measurements. A cut‐off score of ≥14 was used for presence of apathy according to the Apathy Scale. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated. Based on the likelihood ratios for GDS‐3A scores, a cut‐off of ≥2 was used for presence of apathy according to the GDS‐3A to calculate test characteristics.

Results

The AUC was 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.62–0.73) in the DANTE Study and 0.72 (0.67–0.77) in the PROMODE Study. In the DANTE Study sensitivity was 29.3% (21.4–38.1) and specificity was 88.5% (84.4–91.8), whereas in the PROMODE Study sensitivity was 32.8% (24.5–41.1) and specificity 92.6% (90.9–94.2). Stratification on population characteristics did not yield more favourable test characteristics.

Conclusion

The GDS‐3A has low sensitivity and high specificity as a measure of apathy in two populations of older persons. Using the GDS‐3A in research might yield estimates biassed towards the null in case of non‐differential misclassification. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pools of programmed death‐ligand within the oral cavity tumor microenvironment: Variable alteration by targeted therapies
Authors: Shah Sujay , Caruso Andria , Cash Harrison , Waes Carter Van , Allen Clint T.
Published: April 2016

Background

Enhanced understanding of programmed death‐ligand (PD‐L) expression in oral cancer is important for establishing rational combinations of emerging immune checkpoint and molecular targeted therapies.

Methods

We assessed PD‐L and interferon (IFN) expression in immunogenic murine oral cancer‐1 (MOC1) and poorly immunogenic MOC2 cell models after treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and MEK1/2 small molecule inhibitors in vitro and in vivo.

Results

PD‐L1 but not PD‐L2 is expressed on MOC1 and 2 cells and is type I and II IFN‐dependent. PD‐L1 is differentially expressed on cancer and endothelial cells and infiltrating myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, macrophages, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in highly and poorly immunogenic tumors. PD‐L1 expression is variably altered after treatment with inhibitors in vivo, with an imperfect relationship to alterations in IFN levels in the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion

PD‐L1 expressed on cancer and infiltrating immune cells is variably altered by targeted therapies and may, in part, reflect changes in tumor IFN. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1176–1186, 2016
Antitumor effect of CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 on the tumorigenic cell line of BHP10‐3 papillary thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Jung Young Ho , Lee Doh Young , Cha Wonjae , Kim Bo Hae , Sung Myung‐Whun , Kim Kwang Hyun , Ahn Soon‐Hyun
Published: April 2016

Background

A tumorigenic cell line (BHP10‐3M) derived from nontumorigenic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cells (BHP10‐3) having rearranged during transfection (RET)/PTC1 gene rearrangement might have a higher expression of CXCR4, either quantitatively or functionally. The authors also postulated that CXCR4‐mediated invasion or tumorigenesis could be blocked by CXCR4 antagonists, including AMD3100.

Methods

The expression of CXCR4 in BHP10‐3 and BHP10‐3M cells was assessed using immunoblot analysis, flow cytometry, and quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The effect of AMD3100 on BHP10‐3 and BHP10‐3M cell lines was evaluated using cell proliferation assay, invasion assay, and tumor growth experiment in nude mice.

Results

Immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and quantitative RT‐PCR proved that BHP10‐3M cells expressed a higher level of CXCR4 than BHP10‐3 cells. Although blocking CXCR4 with AMD3100 did not suppress cell proliferation in both cell lines from 1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL concentration, AMD3100 suppressed invasion of BHP10‐3M cells in vitro in a dose‐dependent manner. At higher concentrations from 103 ng/mL to 105 ng/mL, the proliferation of BHP10‐3M cells was inhibited more strongly by AMD3100 than that of BHP10‐3 cells. Intraperitoneal injection of AMD3100 inhibited tumor formation by BHP10‐3M cells in the thyroid of nude mice.

Conclusion

A tumorigenic cell line (BHP10‐3M) of PTC showed higher expression of CXCR4 quantitatively and functionally than a nontumorigenic cell line (BHP10‐3). The CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100) showed a significant antitumor effect on the tumorigenic cell line of PTC BHP10‐3 cells both in vitro and in vivo. CXCR4 antagonist can be expected to have an adjuvant role in the management of PTC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First–1486, 2016
CuBr/Et3N‐Promoted Reactions of 2‐Aminobenzamides and Isothiocyanates: Efficient Synthesis of Novel Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones
Authors: Mahdavi Mohammad , Asadi Mehdi , Khoshbakht Mahsa , Saeedi Mina , Bayat Mohammad , Foroumadi Alireza , Shafiee Abbas
Published: April 2016

A series of novel quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one derivatives were efficiently synthesized starting from isatoic anhydride. First, reaction of isatoic anhydride and amines in H2O at room temperature afforded 2‐aminobenzamides. Then, CuBr/Et3N promoted reaction of 2‐aminobenzamides and different aryl isothiocyanates in DMF at 80° afforded the title compounds in good yield.
Numerical Investigation of the Magnetic Field Effects on the Entropy Generation and Heat Transfer in a Nanofluid Filled Cavity with Natural Convection
Authors: Mohammadpourfard Mousa , Aminfar Habib , Ahangar Zonouzi Sajjad
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the entropy generation and heat transfer in a ferrofluid (water and 4% Fe3O4 nanoparticles) filled cavity with natural convection using a two phase mixture model and control volume technique. The effect of applying a nonuniform magnetic field on the entropy generation and heat transfer in the cavity and also the interaction of magnetic force and the buoyancy force are investigated.

Based on the obtained results, applying a magnetic field will enhance the heat transfer mechanism. Furthermore, by applying the nonuniform magnetic field on the ferrofluid filled cavity with natural convection, the total entropy generation is decreased considerably at higher Rayleigh numbers. Therefore, applying a magnetic field can be considered as a suitable method for entropy generation minimization in order to have high efficiency in the system.
Numerical Investigation on the Impact of DBD Plasma Actuators on Temperature Enhancement in the Channel Flow
Authors: Aberoumand Sadegh , Jafarimoghaddam Amin , Aberoumand Hossein
Published: April 2016

The present study indicates the impact of different arrangements of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators on temperature field in a channel flow. The modified lumped circuit element electro‐static model was used to calculate induced Lorentz body force and plasma dissipation of the actuators. Different distributions of temperature in the modeled channel flow for each arrangement of actuators (one, two, and three attached actuators) are discussed. According to the numerical simulation, DBD plasma actuators are beneficial devices for increasing temperature in the channel flow, especially near the location of the actuators that can be considered for related applications. The actuators are modeled under an incompressible flow regime with low Reynolds number of 335, and the configurations of the actuators are set to be 3 KV for the peak voltage amplitude, 10,000 Hz for the voltage frequency, and Kapton as the dielectric.
Submarine groundwater discharge revealed by aerial thermal infrared imagery: a case study on Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: Lee Eunhee , Kang Ki‐mook , Hyun Sung Pil , Lee Kil‐Yong , Yoon Heesung , Kim Seung Hee , Kim Yongcheol , Xu Zhen , Kim Duk‐jin , Koh Dong‐Chan , Ha Kyoochul
Published: April 2016

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is a global phenomenon that carries large volumes of groundwater and dissolved chemical species such as nutrient, metals, and organic compounds to coastal zones. We report the influence of SGD on the coastal waters of Jeju Island, Korea, using high‐resolution aerial thermal infrared (TIR) mapping techniques and field investigations. An aircraft‐based system was implemented using a cost‐effective TIR camera for aerial TIR mapping. Ground‐based calibrations and system integration with GPS/IMU (global positioning system/inertial measurement unit) were performed for the aerial systems. The aerial surveys showed distinct low‐temperature signatures of SGD along the coasts of Jeju Island, revealing large groundwater inputs from the coastal aquifers to the ocean. Multiple aerial surveys over a range of seasons and tidal stages revealed that SGD rates dynamically affect the sea surface temperature (SST) of the coastal zone. The in‐situ measurements supported that SGD has a substantial influence on the coastal water chemistry as well as SST. Our observations highlight the extent to which aerial‐based TIR mapping can serve as a powerful tool for studying SGD and other coastal processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized phase II trial of TEGAFIRI (tegafur/uracil, oral leucovorin, irinotecan) compared with FOLFIRI (folinic acid, 5‐fluorouracil, irinotecan) in patients with unresectable/recurrent colorectal cancer
Authors: Shigeta Kohei , Hasegawa Hirotoshi , Okabayashi Koji , Tsuruta Masashi , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Endo Takashi , Ochiai Hiroki , Kondo Takayuki , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: April 2016

Irinotecan‐based chemotherapy with bevacizumab is one of the first‐line standard therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). TEGAFIRI (UFT/LV + irinotecan) is an irinotecan‐based chemotherapy regimen. Currently, few clinical data regarding TEGAFIRI are available. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of TEGAFIRI in Japanese patients with mCRC. This is a multicenter, randomized, phase II study. The major inclusion criteria were previously untreated patients with mCRC (age: 20–75 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status: 0–1). Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either FOLFIRI ± bevacizumab or TEGAFIRI ± bevacizumab. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints were response rate, overall survival, dose intensity and toxicity. From November 2007 to October 2011, 36 and 35 patients assigned to the FOLFIRI and TEGAFIRI groups were included in the primary analysis. No significant difference in PFS was observed between the groups {median PFS: TEGAFIRI 9.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.5–14.7], FOLFIRI 10.6 months [95% CI, 7.7–16.5]; Hazard ratio, 0.98, 95% CI, 0.57–1.66, p = 0.930}. The response rates in the FOLFIRI and TEGAFIRI groups were 56% and 66%, respectively. Relative dose intensity was similar between the groups. The most common Grade 3/4 adverse event was diarrhea (26%) in TEGAFIRI group and neutropenia (39%) in the FOLFIRI group. The results of the present study indicate that TEGAFIRI ± bevacizumab is an effective and tolerable first‐line treatment regimen for mCRC.
In vitro and in vivo degradation of potential anti‐adhesion materials: Electrospun membranes of poly(ester‐amide) based on l‐phenylalanine and p‐(dioxanone)
Authors: Wang Bing , Dong Jun , Niu Lijing , Chen Wenyan , Chen Dongliang , Shen Chengyi , Zhu Jiang , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: April 2016

Electrospun membranes of poly(p‐dioxanone‐co‐l‐phenylalanine) (PDPA) hold potential as an anti‐adhesion material. Since adjustable degradation properties are important for anti‐adhesion materials, in this study, the in vitro and in vivo degradation processes of PDPA electrospun membranes were investigated in detail. The morphological analysis of these membranes revealed the main degradation conditions of PDPA membranes. The weight remaining and molecular weight variation showed that the overall degradation rate of the membranes could be adjusted by modulating the molecular structure of the PDPAs. Especially, α‐chymotrypsin could catalyze the degradation process of PDPAs. Based on these results, the in vitro degradation mechanism was demonstrated, and confirmed by 1H NMR of the hydrolysis products. Finally, the in vivo degradation and biocompatibility of different PDPAs were investigated. The kinetic study showed that the in vitro and in vivo molecular weight loss of PDPAs have the first‐order characteristics. The in vivo degradation rate of the most Phe‐containing PDPA‐3 is the slowest, and this result relates to the biocompatibilities of PDPAs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1369–1378, 2017.