bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship of conodont biofacies to spatially variable water mass properties in the Late Pennsylvanian Midcontinent Sea
Authors: Herrmann Achim D. , Barrick James E. , Algeo Thomas J.
Published: February 2015

Molybdenum and uranium enrichment factors and nitrogen isotopes suggest that an interplay of open ocean upwelling and riverine runoff led to distinct spatial and secular variations in water mass properties within the epicontinental Late Pennsylvanian Midcontinent Sea of North America. In particular, the intensity of continental runoff influenced the flux of bulk organic matter to the sediment. Benthic anoxia appears to have been controlled by the vertical density gradient in the water column associated with continental runoff combined with the advection of basinal water. Anoxic conditions were stronger in proximal (i.e., more shoreward) areas of the Midcontinent Shelf, indicating that anoxia did not develop primarily due to upwelling of nutrient‐rich waters along the southern shelf margin, as previously suggested. Changes in water mass redox conditions not only drove authigenic enrichment of redox‐sensitive trace elements across the basin but also had a strong effect on the spatial distribution of various conodont taxa. Our analysis suggests that the widely accepted depth‐stratification model for the distribution of conodonts is incomplete. Conodont biofacies distributions seem to have been controlled by physicochemical properties of the water mass (e.g., salinity, temperature, nutrients, turbidity, and/or dissolved oxygen levels) that may correspond less directly to water depth. The proximity to terrestrial freshwater influx and the strength of anoxia/euxinia in the subpycnoclinal water mass played significant roles in the spatial and temporal distributions of conodont taxa.
Developmental Trends in False Memory Across Adolescence and Young Adulthood: A Comparison of DRM and Memory Conformity Paradigms
Authors: McGuire Katherine , London Kamala , Wright Daniel B.
Published: February 2015

Little is known about the reliability of eyewitness memory among adolescents as most memory research has focused primarily on adults and young children. A number of studies recently have emerged outlining conditions where memory suggestibility increases from early childhood to adulthood. These developmental reversals are found in semantic association tasks such as the Deese–Roediger–McDermott (DRM) paradigm and have not yet been thoroughly investigated among adolescents. In the current study, we examined DRM performance among 11–21 year olds (N = 245). Extending the work comparing children and adults, false memory on the DRM task increased with age. False memory on the DRM task was not associated with false memory on a memory conformity task. The different memory processes involved with the tasks and the implications for legal psychology are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorinated Graphene in Interface Engineering of Ge‐Based Nanoelectronics
Authors: Zheng Xiaohu , Zhang Miao , Shi Xiaohua , Wang Gang , Zheng Li , Yu Yuehui , Huang Anping , Chu Paul K. , Gao Heng , Ren Wei , Di Zengfeng , Wang Xi
Published: February 2015

Germanium is a promising candidate to replace silicon in nanoelectronics due to its significantly higher electron and hole mobilities. However, the unstable germanium oxide formed at the interface between the channel and dielectric layer has impeded the progress of Ge‐based nanoelectronics. By taking advantage of the impermeability of graphene, it is discovered that the insulating fluorinated graphene is able to act as an efficient diffusion barrier layer to suppress the formation of the unstable interfacial oxide in Ge‐based devices. The Ge‐based device with the fluorinated graphene exhibits negligible capacitance versus voltage hysteresis, extremely low leakage, and superior equivalent oxide thickness. First‐principles calculations reveal that interfacial diffusion, which would otherwise be unmanageable, is sufficiently obstructed by the fluorinated graphene. This new structure is expected to expedite the implementation of germanium as a channel material in next‐generation nanoelectronic devices.
Mechanism of Formation of the Thermoelectric Layered Cobaltate Ca3Co4O9 by Annealing of CaO–CoO Thin Films
Authors: Paul Biplab , Schroeder Jeremy L. , Kerdsongpanya Sit , Van Nong Ngo , Schell Norbert , Ostach Daniel , Lu Jun , Birch Jens , Eklund Per
Published: February 2015

The layered cobaltate Ca3Co4O9 is of interest for energy‐harvesting and heat‐conversion applications because of its good thermoelectric properties and the fact that the raw materials Ca and Co are nontoxic, abundantly available, and inexpensive. While single‐crystalline Ca3Co4O9 exhibits high Seebeck coefficient and low resistivity, its widespread use is hampered by the fact that single crystals are too small and expensive. A promising alternative approach is the growth of highly textured and/or epitaxial Ca3Co4O9 thin films with correspondingly anisotropic properties. Here, we present a two‐step sputtering/annealing method for the formation of highly textured virtually phase‐pure Ca3Co4O9 thin films by reactive cosputtering from Ca and Co targets followed by an annealing process at 730 °C under O2‐gas flow. The thermally induced phase transformation mechanism is investigated by in situ time‐resolved annealing experiments using synchrotron‐based 2D X‐ray diffraction (XRD) as well as ex situ annealing experiments and standard lab‐based XRD. By tuning the proportion of initial CaO and CoO phases during film deposition, the method enables synthesis of Ca3Co4O9 thin films as well as CaxCoO2. With this method, we demonstrate production of epitaxial Ca3Co4O9 thin films with in‐plane electrical resistivity of 6.44 mΩ cm and a Seebeck coefficient of 118 μV K−1 at 300 K.
Patterns of presentation and thrombosis outcome in patients with polycythemia vera strictly defined by WHO‐criteria and stratified by calendar period of diagnosis
Authors: Barbui Tiziano , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Carobbio Alessandra , Thiele Jurgen , Rumi Elisa , Gisslinger Heinz , Rodeghiero Francesco , Randi Maria Luigia , Rambaldi Alessandro , Pieri Lisa , Pardanani Animesh , Passamonti Francesco , Finazzi Guido , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: February 2015

Most studies in polycythemia vera (PV) include patients with both remote and most recent diagnostic periods and are therefore vulnerable to inaccurate interpretation of time‐dependent data. We addressed the particular issue by analyzing presenting characteristics and outcome data among 1,545 patients with WHO‐defined PV stratified by a diagnosis period of before or after 2005, which coincides with the first description of JAK2V617F as the molecular marker of PV. Patients diagnosed after 2005 displayed lower hemoglobin values (P < 0.0001) and older age (P = 0.007) at diagnosis; we suggest ease of diagnosis offered by a molecular marker enabled earlier diagnosis and broader application across older age groups that is further enhanced by recent trends in increased attention and health monitoring for the elderly. Post‐2005 diagnosed patients were also more or less likely to receive aspirin and cytoreductive therapy, respectively, and, despite their older age distribution, displayed significantly lower risk of thrombosis in high risk disease. Regardless of the contributing factors to the latter phenomenon, our observations underscore the need to reassess current demographics and frequencies of thrombosis in clinical trial designs including thrombosis prevention in PV. Am. J. Hematol. 90:434–437, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bosutinib shows low cross intolerance, in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated in fourth line. Results of the Spanish compassionate use program
Authors: García‐Gutiérrez Valentín , Martinez‐Trillos Alejandra , Lopez Lorenzo Jose Luis , Bautista Guiomar , Martin Mateos Maria Luisa , Alvarez‐Larrán Alberto , Iglesias Pérez Ana , Romo Collado Andrés , Fernandez Angeles , Portero Angeles , Cuevas Beatriz , Ruiz Concepción , Romero Esperanza , Ortega Fernando , Mata Isabel , Tallón José , García Garay Maria del Carmen , Ramirez Sánchez María José , de las Heras Natalia , Giraldo Pilar , Bobillo Sabela , Guinea José María , Deben Guillermo , Valencia Sandra , Sebrango Ana , Boqué Concepción , Maestro Begoña , Steegmann Juan Luis
Published: February 2015

The role of bosutinib as rescue treatment of Philadelphia chromosome‐positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients after failing three previous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is currently unknown. We report here the largest series (to our knowledge) of patients treated with bosutinib in fourth‐line, after retrospectively reviewing 30 patients in chronic phase, and pretreated with imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib. With a median follow up of 11.1 months, the probability to either maintain or improve their CCyR response was 56.6% (17/30) and 11 patients (36.7%) achieved or maintained their baseline MMR. In patients not having baseline CCyR, the probabilities of obtaining CCyR, MMR, and MR4.5 were 13, 11, and 14%, respectively. The probabilities of obtaining MMR and deep molecular response MR4.5 in patients with baseline CCyR were 40.0% (6/15) and 20.0% (3/15). At 20 months, progression‐free survival was 73%. Grade 3–4 hematological toxicities were more frequent in resistant than intolerant patients (45.4 vs. 0.0%). Nonhematological toxicities were also more frequent in resistant patients, being diarrhea the most conspicuous one. Bosutinib seems to be an appropriate treatment option for patients resistant or intolerant to three prior TKI's.Am. J. Hematol. 90:429–433, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High fluorescence in situ hybridization percentage of deletion 11q in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an independent predictor of adverse outcome
Authors: Jain Preetesh , Keating Michael , Thompson Phillip A. , Trinh Long , Wang Xuemei , Wierda William , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Burger Jan , Kantarjian Hagop , Estrov Zeev , Abruzzo Lynne , O'Brien Susan
Published: February 2015

We have analyzed patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia with del11q fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) abnormality (n = 196) in this study. Detection of the 11q22.3 used a multicolor FISH technique. Patients with del11q fell into two major FISH subsets—sole del11q (n = 64) and del11q with del13q (n = 132). FISH subsets were compared using the median del11q FISH% (>58%, high vs. ≤58%, low). Overall survival (OS) and time to first treatment (TTFT) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier plots (log rank). Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association between FISH% of del11q and outcomes. Patients with sole del11q were similar to del11q with del13q in terms of TTFT and OS. Patients with high FISH% of del11q had significantly shorter OS and TTFT as compared with patients with low FISH%, particularly in sole del11q; this negative impact of high FISH% of del11q on OS and TTFT was diminished with coexistent del13q. In multivariate analysis, high FISH% of del11q was a significant predictor for shorter OS and TTFT. A comparison of these del11q subsets with a separate cohort of (n = 673) previously untreated patients with sole del13q showed that the high FISH% del11q cohort had a significantly shorter TTFT and OS. In addition, bulky disease by physical examination or computed tomography imaging was infrequent at presentation in patients with del11q. High FISH% of del11q can reliably discriminate higher risk patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Presence of coexistent del13q should be accounted for while prognosticating patients with del11q. Am. J. Hematol. 90:471–477, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of hydrophilic polysulfone membrane using polyacrylic acid with polyvinyl pyrrolidone
Authors: Sharma Nilay , Purkait Mihir Kumar
Published: February 2015

This study examined the consequences of the addition of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) of different molecular weights with constant molecular weight of polyacrylic acid (PAA) on the morphology and permeation properties of polysulfone (PSF) membranes. The asymmetric polymeric membranes were prepared by phase inversion process using PSF in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. The surface structure and morphology of the prepared membranes were analyzed by field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The pore number, average pore size and area of pores for all the membranes were determined by permeability method. These ultrafiltration membranes were subjected to characterizations such as measurement of pure water flux (PWF), compaction factor (CF), bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection for finding the permeability performance, whereas equilibrium water content, contact angle, porosity, hydraulic resistance, and ion exchange capacity (IEC) are measured for evaluating the hydrophilicity. Results demonstrate that the flux performance of the membranes and morphological parameters own a crucial inter‐relationship with the molecular weight of PVP. The membrane pore area and pore number were found to be increased by increasing molecular weight of PVP with constant molecular weight of PAA. A detailed comparative study was done with Chakrabarty et al. (J. Membr. Sci. 2008, 309, 209) and found better in almost all the aspects. All the resulting parameters were compared and concluded with the fact that addition of small amount of PAA in PSF/PVP/NMP casting solution can be better than addition of PVP alone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41964.
Bio‐nanocomposite films based on cellulose nanocrystals filled polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan polymer blend
Authors: El Miri Nassima , Abdelouahdi Karima , Zahouily Mohamed , Fihri Aziz , Barakat Abdellatif , Solhy Abderrahim , El Achaby Mounir
Published: February 2015

Bio‐nanocomposite films based on polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) polymeric blend and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were prepared by casting a homogenous and stable aqueous mixture of the three components. CNC used as nanoreinforcing agents were extracted at the nanometric scale from sugarcane bagasse via sulfuric acid hydrolysis; then they were characterized and successfully dispersed into a PVA/CS (50/50, w/w) blend to produce PVA/CS–CNC bio‐nanocomposite films at different CNC contents (0.5, 2.5, 5 wt %). Viscosity measurement of the film‐forming solutions and structural and morphological characterizations of the solid films showed that the CNC are well dispersed into PVA/CS blend forming strong interfacial interactions that provide an enhanced load transfer between polymer chains and CNC, thus improving their properties. The obtained bio‐nanocomposite films are mechanically strong and exhibit improved thermal properties. The addition of 5 wt % CNC within a PVA/CS blend increased the Young's modulus by 105%, the tensile strength by 77%, and the toughness by 68%. Herein, the utilization of Moroccan sugarcane bagasse as raw material to produce high quality CNC has been explored. Additionally, the ability of the as‐isolated CNC to reinforce polymer blends was studied, resulting in the production of the aforementioned bio‐nanocomposite films with improved properties. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42004.
Flame retardancy and mechanical properties of pet‐based composites containing phosphorus and boron‐based additives
Authors: Kilinc Mert , Cakal Gaye O. , Bayram Goknur , Eroglu Inci , Özkar Saim
Published: February 2015

Flame retardancy of poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, was improved using different flame retardant additives such as triphenylphosphate, triphenylphosphine oxide, zinc borate, and boron phosphate (BP). Composites were prepared using a twin screw extruder and subsequently injection molded for characterization purposes. The flame retardancy of the composites was determined by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. Smoke emission during fire was also evaluated in terms of percent light transmittance. Thermal stability and tensile properties of PET‐based composites were compared with PET through TGA and tensile test, respectively. The LOI of the flame retardant composites increased from 21% of neat PET, up to 36% with the addition of 5% BP and 5% triphenyl phosphate to the matrix. Regarding the smoke density analysis, BP was determined as an effective smoke suppressant for PET. Enhanced tensile properties were obtained for the flame retardant PET‐based composites with respect to PET. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42016.
Polyglycidyl nitrate (PGN)‐based energetic thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers with bonding functions
Authors: Zhang Zaijuan , Luo Nan , Wang Zhen , Luo Yunjun
Published: February 2015

PGN‐based ETPUEs were synthesized using mixture of chain extenders including 1, 4‐butanediol and Diethyl Bis(hydroxymethyl)malonate (DBM). Through the special chain extenders DBM, the –COOR was introduced into the energetic thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (ETPUEs) and further enhances the adhesion between ETPUE and nitramine solid ingredients in propellants. From the analysis, with the percentage of DBM increasing, the work of adhesion (Wa) between nitramine solid ingredients and ETPUEs increased and the maximum stress (σm) of ETPUEs decreased on the other hand. In order to test the bonding functions of different ETPUEs, the RDX/ETPUE propellants were prepared and the stress–strain curves of all propellants were tested. The results showed that the ETPUE‐75 with 75% DBM can prevent the dewetting and improve the mechanical properties of propellants. The ETPUE prepared with chain extender including 1, 4‐butanediol and DBM were valuable for application in propellants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42026.
Green nanocomposites filled with spent coffee grounds
Authors: Lee Hyun Kyung , Park Young Gi , Jeong Taikyeong , Song Young Seok
Published: February 2015

This study evaluated physical properties of the nanocomposites reinforced by used coffee grounds. Coffee grounds were ball‐milled and filtered in an effort to secure nanoparticles for the fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/coffee nanocomposites. We analyzed the particle size distribution of coffee particles and investigated mechanical and optical properties of the prepared nanocomposites. Carbon black (CB)‐filled nanocomposites were also prepared to understand the physical behavior of the nanocomposites reinforced with coffee grounds and to explore the possibility of replacing CBs with nanosized coffee grounds used as a composite filler. It was found that the tensile strength and Young's modulus of PVA/coffee grounds nanocomposites were significantly enhanced compared with those of the PVA/CB nanocomposites. In addition, morphological observation for the nanocomposites was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42043.
Increased resveratrol production in wines using engineered wine strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae EC1118 and relaxed antibiotic or auxotrophic selection
Authors: Sun Ping , Liang Jing‐Long , Kang Lin‐Zhi , Huang Xiao‐Yan , Huang Jia‐Jun , Ye Zhi‐Wei , Guo Li‐Qiong , Lin Jun‐Fang
Published: February 2015

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound with diverse beneficial effects on human health. Red wine is the major dietary source of resveratrol but the amount that people can obtain from wines is limited. To increase the resveratrol production in wines, two expression vectors carrying 4‐coumarate: coenzyme A ligase gene (4CL) from Arabidopsis thaliana and resveratrol synthase gene (RS) from Vitis vinifera were transformed into industrial wine strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae EC1118. When cultured with 1 mM p‐coumaric acid, the engineered strains grown with and without the addition of antibiotics produced 8.249 and 3.317 mg/L of trans‐resveratrol in the culture broth, respectively. Resveratrol content of the wine fermented with engineered strains was twice higher than that of the control, indicating that our engineered strains could increase the production of resveratrol during wine fermentation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:650–655, 2015
Overexpression of the microRNA miR‐433 promotes resistance to paclitaxel through the induction of cellular senescence in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Weiner‐Gorzel Karolina , Dempsey Eugene , Milewska Malgorzata , McGoldrick Aloysius , Toh Valerie , Walsh Aoibheann , Lindsay Sinead , Gubbins Luke , Cannon Aoife , Sharpe Daniel , O'Sullivan Jacintha , Murphy Madeline , Madden Stephen F. , Kell Malcolm , McCann Amanda , Furlong Fiona
Published: February 2015

Annually, ovarian cancer (OC) affects 240,000 women worldwide and is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. High‐grade serous OC (HGSOC) is the most common and aggressive OC subtype, characterized by widespread genome changes and chromosomal instability and is consequently poorly responsive to chemotherapy treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the microRNA miR‐433 in the cellular response of OC cells to paclitaxel treatment. We show that stable miR‐433 expression in A2780 OC cells results in the induction of cellular senescence demonstrated by morphological changes, downregulation of phosphorylated retinoblastoma (p‐Rb), and an increase in β‐galactosidase activity. Furthermore, in silico analysis identified four possible miR‐433 target genes associated with cellular senescence: cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), MAPK14, E2F3, and CDKN2A. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that downregulation of p‐Rb is attributable to a miR‐433‐dependent downregulation of CDK6, establishing it as a novel miR‐433 associated gene. Interestingly, we show that high miR‐433 expressing cells release miR‐433 into the growth media via exosomes which in turn can induce a senescence bystander effect. Furthermore, in relation to a chemotherapeutic response, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analysis revealed that only PEO1 and PEO4 OC cells with the highest miR‐433 expression survive paclitaxel treatment. Our data highlight how the aberrant expression of miR‐433 can adversely affect intracellular signaling to mediate chemoresistance in OC cells by driving cellular senescence.
Preparative Enantioseparation of (RS)‐Baclofen: Determination of Molecular Dissymmetry
Authors: Vashistha Vinod Kumar , Bhushan Ravi
Published: February 2015

The present work reports preparative enantioseparation of (RS)‐baclofen using thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Diastereomers were synthesized using a new monochloro‐s‐triazine‐based chiral derivatizing reagent (CDR), namely, N‐(4‐chloro‐6‐piperidinyl‐[1,3,5]‐triazine‐2‐yl)‐L‐phenylalanine, under microwave irradiation. Acetonitrile‐0.1% aq. triflouroacetic acid in gradient elution mode and CH3OH‐CH2Cl2 (4:5; v/v) were successful as mobile phase in HPLC and TLC, respectively. The two diastereomers were isolated by preparative TLC. Molecular dissymmetry was established by developing the lowest energy optimized structures of the diastereomers based on Density Functional Theory and with the help of 1H NMR showing anisotropic effect associated with aromatic ring of s‐triazine (in the CDR). The configuration of diastereomers was established as [L‐Phe‐(R)‐Bac] and [L‐Phe‐(S)‐Bac], where the first notation refers to the configuration of chiral auxiliary (of the CDR) and the second to that of the analyte Bac. Limits of detection were found to be 0.056 and 0.061 ng mL−1, respectively, for the two diastereomers. Determination of absolute configuration of the two diastereomers lent support to the elution order and separation mechanism.Chirality 27:299–305, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preferential Enrichment of DL‐Leucine Using Cocrystal Formation With Oxalic Acid Under Nonequilibrium Crystallization Conditions
Authors: Manoj Kochunnoonny , Takahashi Hiroki , Morita Yoko , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Iwama Sekai , Tsue Hirohito , Tamura Rui
Published: February 2015

By utilizing the preferential enrichment (PE) technique, we achieved an improved enantiomeric resolution of DL‐leucine (Leu) using a 1:1 cocrystal (DL‐1) of DL‐Leu and oxalic acid. The crystal structure analysis of DL‐1 indicated the occurrence of a novel type of phase transition and subsequent preferential redissolution of one enantiomer from the resulting crystals into solution. Chirality 27:405–410 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complex offspring size effects: variations across life stages and between species
Authors: Sun Zhao , Hamel Jean‐François , Parrish Christopher C. , Mercier Annie
Published: February 2015

Classical optimality models of offspring size and number assume a monotonically increasing relationship between offspring size and performance. In aquatic organisms with complex life cycles, the size–performance function is particularly hard to grasp because measures of performance are varied and their relationships with size may not be consistent throughout early ontogeny. Here, we examine size effects in premetamorphic (larval) and postmetamorphic (juvenile) stages of brooding marine animals and show that they vary contextually in strength and direction during ontogeny and among species. Larger offspring of the sea anemone Urticina felina generally outperformed small siblings at the larval stage (i.e., greater settlement and survival rates under suboptimal conditions). However, results differed when analyses were conducted at the intrabrood versus across‐brood levels, suggesting that the relationship between larval size and performance is mediated by parentage. At the juvenile stage (15 months), small offspring were less susceptible than large ones to predation by subadult nudibranchs and both sizes performed similarly when facing adult nudibranchs. In a sympatric species with a different life history (Aulactinia stella), all juveniles suffered similar predation rates by subadult nudibranchs, but smaller juveniles performed better (lower mortalities) when facing adult nudibranchs. Size differences in premetamorphic performance of U. felina were linked to total lipid contents of larvae, whereas size‐specific predation of juvenile stages followed the general predictions of the optimal foraging strategy. These findings emphasize the challenge in gathering empirical support for a positive monotonic size–performance function in taxa that exhibit complex life cycles, which are dominant in the sea.
Managed aquifer recharge via infiltration ditches in short rotation afforested areas
Authors: Mastrocicco M. , Colombani N. , Salemi E. , Boz B. , Gumiero B.
Published: February 2015

Managed aquifer recharge design and operation must incorporate the expected long‐term performance from a water quantity perspective to sustainably mitigate hydrologic impacts of groundwater overexploitation. Gravity‐driven infiltration ditches in forested areas are one of many managed aquifer recharge schemes that could augment the available water resources. Research on the longevity of these structures is sparse, leading to concerns about their long‐term capability to sustain elevated infiltration capacity. In the present study, an infiltration system consisting of a regular grid of eight ditches divided into four sequential plots within a short rotation forested area [area of infiltration (AFI)] was monitored from its inception to determine its hydrologic performance over time and its possible export to similar areas of the Brenta megafan (Northern Italy). During the monitored period, the AFI was not significantly affected by clogging because the suspended solids carried by the Brenta River water diversion were extremely low. The main source of clogging was the fallen foliage during the autumn, easily managed via ordinary maintenance. The AFI displayed an almost constant performance to infiltrate the diverted water over the first 3 years of operation, with a total amount of infiltrated water of approximately 0.8 Mm3 ha−1 year−1. The best tracer to reconstruct the downward water movement through this highly permeable vadose zone was temperature, while the groundwater table fluctuation could not be confidently used to infer the effective infiltration, because of its large seasonal variability. The good results suggest promoting this technique in other areas of the Brenta megafan that suffer from groundwater resources depletion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do statins reduce the risk of myocardial infarction in patients with heart failure? A pooled individual‐level reanalysis of CORONA and GISSI‐HF
Authors: Feinstein Matthew J. , Jhund Pardeep , Kang Joseph , Ning Hongyan , Maggioni Aldo , Wikstrand John , Kjekshus John , Tavazzi Luigi , McMurray John , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M.
Published: February 2015

Aims

Current guidelines do not explicitly recommend statin use in heart failure (HF). Relatively low numbers of atherothrombotic events among HF patients, in the context of their elevated competing risks for non‐atherothrombotic causes of death, may have prevented previous analyses of clinical trials from detecting a benefit for statins. We pooled data from two landmark trials of HF patients not on statin therapy randomized to rosuvastatin 10 mg daily vs. placebo, CORONA and GISSI‐HF, in order to improve our power to detect statistically significant differences in atherothrombotic events. We also accounted for competing risks from other causes of death.

Methods and results

We used competing risks analyses to evaluate atherothrombotic events in the context of death from other cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular causes. We also performed traditional Cox survival analyses of the same data with the intention that these statistical approaches would be complementary. CORONA participants (n = 5011, median follow‐up 32.8 months) were older and sicker than GISSI‐HF participants (n = 4574, median follow‐up 46.9 months) by design. Rosuvastatin decreased risk for myocardial infarction (MI) among CORONA and GISSI‐HF participants with ischaemic aetiology of HF (hazard ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.66–0.99, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between rosuvastatin and placebo in risks for stroke or death from other causes.

Conclusion

This individual‐level reanalysis of two landmark trials demonstrates a small but statistically significant decreased risk for MI among patients with ischaemic HF randomized to rosuvastatin vs. placebo. Rosuvastatin appears to be effective in preventing MI in ischaemic HF patients not already on statins.
Critical role of IL‐33 receptor ST2 in experimental cerebral malaria development
Authors: Palomo Jennifer , Reverchon Flora , Piotet Julie , Besnard Anne‐Gaelle , Couturier‐Maillard Aurélie , Maillet Isabelle , Tefit Maurel , Erard François , Mazier Dominique , Ryffel Bernhard , Quesniaux Valérie F. J.
Published: February 2015

Cerebral malaria, a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, can be modeled in murine Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) infection. PbA‐induced experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) is CD8+ T‐cell mediated, and influenced by TH1/TH2 balance. Here, we show that IL‐33 expression is increased in brain undergoing ECM and we address the role of the IL‐33/ST2 pathway in ECM development. ST2‐deficient mice were resistant to PbA‐induced neuropathology. They survived >20 days with no ECM neurological sign and a preserved cerebral microcirculation, while WT mice succumbed within 10 days with ECM, brain vascular leakage, distinct microvascular pathology obstruction, and hemorrhages. Parasitemia and brain parasite load were similar in ST2‐deficient and WT mice. Protection was accompanied by reduced brain sequestration of activated CD4+ T cells and perforin+ CD8+ T cells. While IFN‐γ and T‐cell‐attracting chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 were not affected in the absence of functional ST2 pathway, the local expression of ICAM‐1, CXCR3, and LT‐α, crucial for ECM development, was strongly reduced, and this may explain the diminished pathogenic T‐cell recruitment and resistance to ECM. Therefore, IL‐33 is induced in PbA sporozoite infection, and the pathogenic T‐cell responses with local microvascular pathology are dependent on IL‐33/ST2 signaling, identifying IL‐33 as a new actor in ECM development.
Applying evolutionary anthropology
Authors: Gibson Mhairi A. , Lawson David W.
Published: February 2015

Evolutionary anthropology provides a powerful theoretical framework for understanding how both current environments and legacies of past selection shape human behavioral diversity. This integrative and pluralistic field, combining ethnographic, demographic, and sociological methods, has provided new insights into the ultimate forces and proximate pathways that guide human adaptation and variation. Here, we present the argument that evolutionary anthropological studies of human behavior also hold great, largely untapped, potential to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of social and public health policy. Focusing on the key anthropological themes of reproduction, production, and distribution we highlight classic and recent research demonstrating the value of an evolutionary perspective to improving human well‐being. The challenge now comes in transforming relevance into action and, for that, evolutionary behavioral anthropologists will need to forge deeper connections with other applied social scientists and policy‐makers. We are hopeful that these developments are underway and that, with the current tide of enthusiasm for evidence‐based approaches to policy, evolutionary anthropology is well positioned to make a strong contribution.
Evolution of the hominoid vertebral column: The long and the short of it
Authors: Williams Scott A. , Russo Gabrielle A.
Published: February 2015

The postcranial axial skeleton exhibits considerable morphological and functional diversity among living primates. Particularly striking are the derived features in hominoids that distinguish them from most other primates and mammals. In contrast to the primitive catarrhine morphotype, which presumably possessed an external (protruding) tail and emphasized more pronograde trunk posture, all living hominoids are characterized by the absence of an external tail and adaptations to orthograde trunk posture. Moreover, modern humans evolved unique vertebral features that satisfy the demands of balancing an upright torso over the hind limbs during habitual terrestrial bipedalism. Our ability to identify the evolutionary timing and understand the functional and phylogenetic significance of these fundamental changes in postcranial axial skeletal anatomy in the hominoid fossil record is key to reconstructing ancestral hominoid patterns and retracing the evolutionary pathways that led to living apes and modern humans. Here, we provide an overview of what is known about evolution of the hominoid vertebral column, focusing on the currently available anatomical evidence of three major transitions: tail loss and adaptations to orthograde posture and bipedal locomotion.
Analyzing the antibacterial effects of food ingredients: model experiments with allicin and garlic extracts on biofilm formation and viability of Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Wu Xueqing , Santos Regiane R. , Fink‐Gremmels Johanna
Published: February 2015

To demonstrate different effects of garlic extracts and their main antibiotic substance allicin, as a template for investigations on the antibacterial activity of food ingredients. Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 and the isogenic biofilm‐forming strain ATCC 35984 were used to compare the activity of allicin against planktonic bacteria and bacterial biofilms. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) for pure allicin were identical and reached at a concentration of 12.5 μg/mL. MBICs for standardized garlic extracts were significantly lower, with 1.56 and 0.78 μg/mL allicin for garlic water and ethanol extract, respectively. Biofilm density was impaired significantly at a concentration of 0.78 μg/mL allicin. Viability staining followed by confocal laser scanning microscopy showed, however, a 100% bactericidal effect on biofilm‐embedded bacteria at a concentration of 3.13 μg/mL allicin. qRT‐PCR analysis provided no convincing evidence for specific effects of allicin on biofilm‐associated genes. Extracts of fresh garlic are more potent inhibitors of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms than pure allicin, but allicin exerts a unique bactericidal effect on biofilm‐embedded bacteria. The current experimental protocol has proven to be a valid approach to characterize the antimicrobial activity of traditional food ingredients.
Effects of combined traditional processing methods on the nutritional quality of beans
Authors: Nakitto Aisha M. , Muyonga John H. , Nakimbugwe Dorothy
Published: February 2015

Consumption of dry beans is limited by long cooking times thus high fuel requirement. The bioavailability of nutrients in beans is also limited due to presence of antinutrients such as phytates and tannins. Little research has been done on combined processing methods for production of nutritious fast cooking bean flour and the effect of combined treatments on nutritional quality of beans has not previously determined. The aim of this study was to reduce cooking time and enhance the nutritional value of dry beans. Specifically to: develop protocols for production of fast cooking bean flours and assess the effect of processing on the nutritional characteristics of the flours. Dry beans (K131 variety) were soaked for 12 h; sprouted for 48 h; dehulled and steamed for 25 and 15 min for whole and dehulled beans respectively or roasted at 170°C for 45 and 15 min for whole and dehulled beans respectively. Dehulling eliminated phytates and tannins and increased protein digestibility. In vitro protein digestibility and mineral (iron and zinc) extractability were negatively correlated with tannin and phytate content. Total available carbohydrates were highest in moist heat‐treated bean flours. Overall, combined processing of beans improved the nutritional quality of dry beans and the resulting precooked flours need less cooking time compared to whole dry beans.
Water balance, nutrient and carbon export from a heath forest catchment in central Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: Zanchi Fabrício B. , Waterloo Maarten J. , Tapia Andrés Peralta , Alvarado Barrientos Maria S. , Bolson Marcos A. , Luizão Flávio J. , Manzi Antônio O. , Dolman Albertus J.
Published: February 2015

Carbon storage values in the Amazon basin have been studied through different approaches in the last decades in order to clarify whether the rainforest ecosystem is likely to act as a sink or source for carbon in the near future. This water balance, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nutrient export study were carried out in a micro‐scale heath forest (Campina) catchment in central Amazonia, Brazil. For a 1‐year study period (18 March 2007 until 19 March 2008), rainfall amounted to 3054 mm; of which, 1532 mm was evaporated by the forest (4.1 mm day−1). Rainfall interception loss amounted to 15.6% of gross rainfall. Surface runoff amounted to 485 mm, whereas another 1071 mm was discharged as regional groundwater outflow. Accumulated DOC exports in surface runoff amounted to 15.3 g m−2 year−1, whereas the total carbon exported was 55.9 g m−2. This is much higher than that observed for a nearby tall rainforest catchment in central Amazonia (DOC export < 20 g m−2). As Campina heath forest areas cover a significant proportion of the Amazon Basin, these differences in ecosystem hydrological carbon exports should be taken into account in future studies assessing the carbon budget for the Amazon Basin. Macro‐nutrient exports were low, but those of calcium and potassium were higher than those observed for tall rainforest in the Amazon, which may be caused by a lower retention capacity of the heath forest ecosystem. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of flow regimes to deforestation and reforestation in a rain‐dominated large watershed of subtropical China
Authors: Liu Wenfei , Wei Xiaohua , Fan Houbao , Guo Xiaomin , Liu Yuanqiu , Zhang Mingfang , Li Qiang
Published: February 2015

Flow regime refers to five elements of streamflow including flow magnitude, frequency, timing, duration and change rate. In spite of wide recognition of its critical significance in aquatic functions and ecosystem integrity, its responses to forest or land use change are rarely and quantitatively assessed. This paper used the Meijiang watershed (6983.2 km2), situated in the upper reach of the Poyang Lake basin, as an example to first demonstrate how flow regimes were altered by deforestation and then show if the altered flow regimes were possibly recovered by consequent reforestation. Two breakpoints (year 1968 and year 1985) with significant annual streamflow changes were detected, and they were then used to define three distinct periods including the reference or control period (1957 to 1967), deforestation (1968 to 1984) and reforestation (1985–2006). The paired year approach was then applied to quantitatively analyse the responses of flow regimes to forest cover changes. Both high flows (daily flows ≧ Q5%) and low flows (daily flows ≦ Q95%) were assessed. For high flows, the deforestation significantly increased the averaged magnitudes by 10.4%, increased the return periods (5–10 year) by 23.4%, advanced the averaged timings by 10.7 h and extended the averaged durations over the thresholds by 4 days. In contrast, reforestation delayed the averaged timings by 10.5 h, reduced the averaged duration by 5 days and decreased the averaged magnitude by 17.9%. Regarding low flows, the deforestation decreased the flow magnitudes by 30.1% with 30.5 day advancing in the average timings. To our surprise, however, low flows were not significantly changed by reforestation. All above results clearly demonstrate that flow regimes of both high and low flows were significantly altered by deforestation, and recovery of those alterations through reforestation may take much longer time than expected probably because of severe soil erosion and resultant loss of soil infiltration capacity after deforestation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatio‐temporal controls of snowmelt and runoff generation during rain‐on‐snow events in a mid‐latitude mountain catchment
Authors: Garvelmann Jakob , Pohl Stefan , Weiler Markus
Published: February 2015

A network of 30 standalone snow monitoring stations was used to investigate the snow cover distribution, snowmelt dynamics, and runoff generation during two rain‐on‐snow (ROS) events in a 40 km2 montane catchment in the Black Forest region of southwestern Germany. A multiple linear regression analysis using elevation, aspect, and land cover as predictors for the snow water equivalent (SWE) distribution within the catchment was applied on an hourly basis for two significant ROS flood events that occurred in December 2012. The available snowmelt water, liquid precipitation, as well as the total retention storage of the snow cover were considered in order to estimate the amount of water potentially available for the runoff generation. The study provides a spatially and temporally distributed picture of how the two observed ROS floods developed in the catchment. It became evident that the retention capacity of the snow cover is a crucial mechanism during ROS. It took several hours before water was released from the snowpack during the first ROS event, while retention storage was exceeded within 1 h from the start of the second event. Elevation was the most important terrain feature. South‐facing terrain contributed more water for runoff than north‐facing slopes, and only slightly more runoff was generated at open compared to forested areas. The results highlight the importance of snowmelt together with liquid precipitation for the generation of flood runoff during ROS and the large temporal and spatial variability of the relevant processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NKT cells act through third party bone marrow‐derived cells to suppress NK cell activity in the liver and exacerbate hepatic melanoma metastases
Authors: Sadegh Leila , Chen Peter W. , Brown Joseph R. , Han Zhiqiang , Niederkorn Jerry Y.
Published: February 2015

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular tumor in adults and liver metastasis is the leading cause of death in UM patients. We have previously shown that NKT cell‐deficient mice develop significantly fewer liver metastases from intraocular melanomas than do wild‐type (WT) mice. Here, we examine the interplay between liver NKT cells and NK cells in resistance to liver metastases from intraocular melanomas. NKT cell‐deficient CD1d−/− mice and WT C57BL/6 mice treated with anti‐CD1d antibody developed significantly fewer liver metastases than WT mice following either intraocular or intrasplenic injection of B16LS9 melanoma cells. The increased number of metastases in WT mice was associated with reduced liver NK cytotoxicity and decreased production of IFN‐γ. However, liver NK cell‐mediated cytotoxic activity was identical in non‐tumor bearing NKT cell‐deficient mice and WT mice, indicating that liver metastases were crucial for the suppression of liver NK cells. Depressed liver NK cytotoxicity in WT mice was associated with production of IL‐10 by bone marrow‐derived liver cells that were neither Kupffer cells nor myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and by increased IL‐10 receptor expression on liver NK cells. IL‐10−/− mice had significantly fewer liver metastases than WT mice, but were not significantly different from NKT cell‐deficient mice. Thus, development of melanoma liver metastases is associated with upregulation of IL‐10 in the liver and an elevated expression of IL‐10 receptor on liver NK cells. This impairment of liver NK activity is NKT cell‐dependent and only occurs in hosts with melanoma liver metastases.
Low expression of Bin1, along with high expression of IDO in tumor tissue and draining lymph nodes, are predictors of poor prognosis for esophageal squamous cell cancer patients
Authors: Jia Yunlong , Wang Hongyan , Wang Yu , Wang Tingting , Wang Miao , Ma Ming , Duan Yuqing , Meng Xianli , Liu Lihua
Published: February 2015

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) has been reported to be involved in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) progression by promoting immune escape. Previous studies have revealed bridging integrator‐1 (Bin1) can inhibit cancer cell growth by suppressing expression of IDO, thus we investigated the correlation between the expression of Bin1 and IDO and their prognostic significances for ESCC patients. Specimens were collected from 196 ESCC patients and detected with flow cytometry, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. We found that in tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor draining lymph node (TDLN), the proportions of CD3+CD4+ T cell, CD3+CD8+ T cell and CD3−CD16+CD56+NK cell were lower while the proportions of CD3−CD19+ B cell and CD4+CD25+ Treg were higher in specimens with high IDO expression when compared to the specimens with low IDO expression (p < 0.01). In addition, IDO expression was negatively correlated with Bin1 expression at gene and protein level in TME and TDLN. Both the expression of Bin1 and IDO were associated with some clinicopathological parameters including differentiation grade, TNM stage, invasion range, lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). Moreover, multivariate survival analysis suggested that, along with some other parameters, low expression of Bin1 and high expression of IDO might be independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients. Our results demonstrate that low expression of Bin1, along with high expression of IDO, are predictor for poor prognosis in ESCC and thereby could be used to establish new therapeutic strategies.