bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of hydroclimatological trends and variability in the Lake Naivasha basin, Kenya
Authors: Odongo Vincent Omondi , van der Tol Christiaan , van Oel Pieter R. , Meins Frank M. , Becht Robert , Onyando Japheth , Su Zhongbo
Published: January 2015

Recent hydro‐climatological trends and variability characteristics were investigated for the Lake Naivasha basin with the aim of understanding the changes in water balance components and their evolution over the past 50 years. Using a Bayesian change point analysis and modified Mann–Kendall tests, time series of annual mean, maximum, minimum, and seasonal precipitation and flow, as well as annual mean lake volumes, were analysed for the period 1960–2010 to uncover possible abrupt shifts and gradual trends. Double cumulative curve analysis was used to investigate the changes in hydrological response attributable to either human influence or climatic variability. The results indicate a significant decline in lake volumes at a mean rate of 9.35 × 106 m3 year−1. Most of the river gauging stations showed no evidence of trends in the annual mean and maximum flows as well as seasonal flows. Annual minimum flows, however, showed abrupt shifts and significant (upward/downward) trends at the main outlet stations. Precipitation in the basin showed no evidence of abrupt shifts, but a few stations showed gradual decline. The observed changes in precipitation could not explain the decline in both minimum flows and lake volumes. The findings show no evidence of any impact of climate change for the Lake Naivasha basin over the past 50 years. This implies that other factors, such as changes in land cover and infrastructure development, have been responsible for the observed changes in streamflow and lake volumes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of occupational future time perspective on managing stressful work situations
Authors: Ho Henry C. Y. , Yeung Dannii Y.
Published: January 2015

According to the socioemotional selectivity theory (SST; Carstensen, 2006), older adults perceive their future time as increasingly limited, which motivates them to focus more on emotional goals and prefer passive emotion‐focused strategies. This study aims to investigate the effect of occupational future time perspective (OFTP) on the use of problem‐solving strategies in stressful work situations and to examine the effectiveness of these strategies on psychological well‐being. A sample of 199 Chinese clerical workers responded to a structured questionnaire on problem‐solving strategy use in relation to hypothetical work scenarios. Results revealed that relative to those with limited OFTP, workers with expansive OFTP preferred problem‐focused and proactive strategies in both low‐ and high‐emotionally salient scenarios. Workers with limited OFTP consistently preferred passive strategies irrespective of emotional salience. OFTP moderated the effect of problem‐focused strategies on psychological distress. In particular, there was a significant negative relationship between problem‐focused strategies and psychological distress among workers with expansive OFTP, but such pattern of relationship was not observed among workers with limited OFTP. Findings of this study inform the training strategies employed by practitioners to fit the developmental goals of workers in order to maximise their strengths at work.
Print‐Based Texts
Authors: Blasingame James
Published: January 2015

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult literature and provides a valuable resource for literature selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
TRPC1 and metabotropic glutamate receptor expression in rat auditory midbrain neurons
Authors: Valero Maria Ll. , Caminos Elena , Juiz Jose M. , Martinez‐Galan Juan R.
Published: January 2015

Canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels are plasma membrane cation channels included in the TRP superfamily. TRPC1 is expressed widely in the central nervous system and is linked to group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). In the auditory brainstem, TRPC1 expression has never been described, although group I mGluRs are present. In the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC), activation of group I mGluRs induces an extracellular Ca2+ influx after store depletion. Therefore, this study examines whether TRPC1 is expressed in this region to establish a correlation with mGluRs. By quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, this study assesses the presence of TRPC1 along with both group I mGluR subtypes mGluR1 and mGluR5 in the rat inferior colliculus (IC). All these molecules present a robust expression in the IC. By confocal double immunofluorescence, this study also demonstrates that TRPC1 colocalizes with parvalbumin, a CIC neuronal marker, in many cells. Conversely, TRPC1 was lacking in glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive glial cells. All the glutamate acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67)‐immunoreactive neurons and many GAD67‐negative neurons were positive to TRPC1, which indicates the presence of TRPC1 in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic and non‐GABAeregic neurons. With regard to subcellular distribution, TRPC1 was absent in synaptophysin‐immunoreactive axonic terminals but colocalized with postsynaptic marker microtubule‐associated protein 2 in cell bodies and dendrites. TRPC1 totally overlapped group I mGluRs, which supports the involvement of TRPC1 in the mGluR pathway and, likely, in auditory signal processing at the midbrain level. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitatively Probing Cross‐Termination in RAFT Polymerization by an Externally Applied Magnetic Field
Authors: Lv Ling , Zhou Jian , Zou Gang , Zhang Qijin
Published: January 2015

Cross‐termination in bulk reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is characterized by defining a new parameter, RM, in terms of the polymerization rates with and without an externally applied magnetic field (EAMF). For the bulk RAFT polymerization (RAFTP) of styrene (St), mediated by (2‐cyano‐2‐propyl)dithiobenzoate (CPDB) and S‐1‐dodecyl‐S′‐(α, α′‐dimethyl‐α′′‐acetic acid)trithiocarbonate (DDMAT), an RM of 0.534 and 0.382 is obtained respectively, showing a sensible dependence on the RAFT agent. It is also found that RM has a close relationship with the strength of the EAMF and the concentration of the RAFT agent. Detailed discussion reveals that RM can be used as a characteristic parameter to measure the extent of cross‐termination in RAFTP. The experimental technique offers an efficient way to quantitatively probe the cross‐termination in situ, and sheds light on the mechanism of RAFTP.

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Coordination RC6H4S(CH2)8SC6H4R/(CuI)n Polymers (R (n) = H (4); Me (8)): An Innocent Methyl Group that Makes the Difference
Authors: Harvey Pierre D. , Bonnot Antoine , Lapprand Antony , Strohmann Carsten , Knorr Michael
Published: January 2015

Under identical conditions, CuI reacts with PhS(CH2)8SPh and p‐TolS(CH2)8STol‐p affording, respectively, a luminescent 1D coordination polymer [Cu4I4{μ2‐PhS(CH2)8SPh}2]n (1) and an unprecedented 2D network [Cu8I8{μ2‐p‐TolS(CH2)8STol‐p}3(MeCN)2]n (2), which incorporate closed‐cubane Cu4I4 and octanuclear Cu8I8 clusters of as connecting nodes. Their thermal and photophysical properties exhibit notable differences.

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Pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed albumin extracts show anti‐inflammatory effect in the DSS model of mouse colitis
Authors: Utrilla Mᵃ Pilar , Peinado Mᵃ Jesus , Ruiz Raquel , Rodriguez‐Nogales Alba , Algieri Francesca , Rodriguez‐Cabezas Mᵃ Elena , Clemente Alfonso , Galvez Julio , Rubio Luis A.
Published: January 2015

Scope

This study investigates the preventive effects of two pea (Pisum sativum) seed albumin extracts, either in the presence (pea seed extract [PSE]) or absence (albumin fraction from PSE [AF‐PSE]) of soluble polysaccharides, in the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced colitis in mice.

Methods and results

Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to five groups: one noncolitic and four colitic. Colitis was induced by incorporating DSS (3.5%) in the drinking water for 4 days, after which DSS was removed. Treated groups received orally PSE (15 g/kg⋅day), or AF‐PSE (1.5 g/kg⋅day), or pure soy Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI; 50 mg/kg⋅day), starting 2 wk before colitis induction, and maintained for 9 days after. All treated groups showed intestinal anti‐inflammatory effect, evidenced by reduced microscopic histological damage in comparison with untreated colitic mice. The treatments ameliorated the colonic mRNA expression of different proinflammatory markers: cytokines, inducible enzymes, metalloproteinases, adhesion molecules, and toll‐like receptors, as well as proteins involved in maintaining the epithelial barrier function. Furthermore, the administration of PSE, AF‐PSE, or soy BBI restored bacterial counts, partially or totally, to values in healthy mice.

Conclusion

PSE and AF‐PSE ameliorated DSS‐induced damage to mice, their effects being due, at least partially, to the presence of active BBI.
Dietary fatty acids modulate associations between genetic variants and circulating fatty acids in plasma and erythrocyte membranes: Meta‐analysis of nine studies in the CHARGE consortium
Authors: Smith Caren E. , Follis Jack L. , Nettleton Jennifer A. , Foy Millennia , Wu Jason H.Y. , Ma Yiyi , Tanaka Toshiko , Manichakul Ani W. , Wu Hongyu , Chu Audrey Y. , Steffen Lyn M. , Fornage Myriam , Mozaffarian Dariush , Kabagambe Edmond K. , Ferruci Luigi , Chen Yii‐Der Ida , Rich Stephen S. , Djoussé Luc , Ridker Paul M. , Tang Weihong , McKnight Barbara , Tsai Michael Y. , Bandinelli Stefania , Rotter Jerome I. , Hu Frank B. , Chasman Daniel I. , Psaty Bruce M. , Arnett Donna K. , King Irena B. , Sun Qi , Wang Lu , Lumley Thomas , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Siscovick David S. , Ordovás José M. , Lemaitre Rozenn N.
Published: January 2015

Scope

Tissue concentrations of omega‐3 fatty acids may reduce cardiovascular disease risk, and genetic variants are associated with circulating fatty acids concentrations. Whether dietary fatty acids interact with genetic variants to modify circulating omega‐3 fatty acids is unclear. We evaluated interactions between genetic variants and fatty acid intakes for circulating alpha‐linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid.

Methods and results

We conducted meta‐analyses (N = 11 668) evaluating interactions between dietary fatty acids and genetic variants (rs174538 and rs174548 in FADS1 (fatty acid desaturase 1), rs7435 in AGPAT3 (1‐acyl‐sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate), rs4985167 in PDXDC1 (pyridoxal‐dependent decarboxylase domain‐containing 1), rs780094 in GCKR (glucokinase regulatory protein), and rs3734398 in ELOVL2 (fatty acid elongase 2)). Stratification by measurement compartment (plasma versus erthyrocyte) revealed compartment‐specific interactions between FADS1 rs174538 and rs174548 and dietary alpha‐linolenic acid and linoleic acid for docosahexaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid.

Conclusion

Our findings reinforce earlier reports that genetically based differences in circulating fatty acids may be partially due to differences in the conversion of fatty acid precursors. Further, fatty acids measurement compartment may modify gene–diet relationships, and considering compartment may improve the detection of gene–fatty acids interactions for circulating fatty acid outcomes.
The impact of dietary fibers on dendritic cell responses in vitro is dependent on the differential effects of the fibers on intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Bermudez‐Brito Miriam , Sahasrabudhe Neha M. , Rösch Christiane , Schols Henk A. , Faas Marijke M. , de Vos Paul
Published: January 2015

Scope

In the present study, the direct interaction of commonly consumed fibers with epithelial or dendritic cells (DCs) was studied.

Methods and results

The fibers were characterized for their sugar composition and chain length profile. When in direct contact, fibers activate DCs only mildly. This was different when DCs and fibers were co‐cultured together with supernatants from human epithelial cells (Caco spent medium). Caco spent medium enhanced the production of IL‐12, IL‐1Ra, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, MCP‐1 (monocyte chemotactic protein), and MIP‐1α but this was strongly attenuated by the dietary fibers. This attenuating effect on proinflammatory cytokines was dependent on the interaction of the fibers with Toll‐like receptors as it was reduced by Pepinh‐myd88. The interaction of galacto‐oligosaccharides, chicory inulin, wheat arabinoxylan, barley β‐glucan with epithelial cells and DCs led to changes in the production of the Th1 cytokines in autologous T cells, while chicory inulin, and barley β‐glucan reduced the Th2 cytokine IL‐6. The Treg‐promoting cytokine IL‐10 was induced by galacto‐oligosaccharides whereas chicory inulin decreased the IL‐10 production.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that dietary fibers can modulate the host immune system not only by the recognized mechanism of effects on microbiota but also by direct interaction with the consumer's mucosa. This modulation is dietary fiber type dependent.
Interfacial interactions in silica‐reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites and their impact on the mechanical properties
Authors: Pedrazzoli Diego , Pegoretti Alessandro , Kalaitzidou Kyriaki
Published: January 2015

The main focus of this study is to characterize the interfacial interactions between silica nanoparticles and polypropylene and to investigate how the surface properties and morphology of the silica nanoparticles affect the elastic response of the silica–polypropylene composites. The composites were prepared by melt compounding and injection molding. Both non‐functionalized and dimethyldichlorosilane‐functionalized silica nanoparticles were used. Three‐component composites were also prepared by including selected formulations of both poly(propylene‐g‐maleic anhydride) copolymer (PPgMA) and different types of silica. It was found that both silica types are nucleating agents for PP and significantly alter its crystallization behavior. A strong correlation between the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the tensile modulus in silica‐PP nanocomposites indicated the presence of a secondary reinforcing mechanism that is the pinning of the polymer chains on the silica surface. The presence of a complex constrained phase, represented by immobilized amorphous and transcrystalline phases, forming at the filler surface, was assessed by modulated differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. Finally, the interfacial interactions were correlated to the tensile and viscoelastic properties using the theoretical models proposed by Pukanszky and Sumita et al., respectively, and comparing the predictions of the models to experimental results. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2018–2026, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Established and emerging nanocolloids: from synthesis and characterization to applications
Authors: André Pascal , Maillard Mathieu , Dukovic Gordana , Motte Laurence , Tilley Richard
Published: January 2015

Colloidal nanomaterials are part of an emergent class of materials prepared in solution and providing unprecedented levels of functionality. Such nanostructures can not only be used to study new physical and chemical phenomena in low‐dimensional systems but they also enable a route for the development of new technologies in key areas. Examples include communications and information processing, sensing and renewable energy, electronic and photonic devices, as well as biomedicine.

This symposium provided a platform to discuss the preparation of nanocolloids, including well‐established nanomaterials such as quantum dots and metal nanoparticles, as well as emerging nanostructures such as doped semiconductors, ferroelectrics and multiferroics. This symposium brought insight into the relevant fundamental materials and interface issues as well as material design, device fabrication, and functionality.
Immobilization ofPseudomonas fluorescenslipase on hydrophobic supports and application in biodiesel synthesis by transesterification of vegetable oils in solvent-free systems
Authors: Lima Lionete N , Oliveira Gladson C , Rojas Mayerlenis J , Castro Heizir F , Da Rós Patrícia C M , Mendes Adriano A , Giordano Raquel L C , Tardioli Paulo W
Published: January 2015

This work describes the preparation of biocatalysts for ethanolysis of soybean and babassu oils in solvent-free systems. Polystyrene, Amberlite (XAD-7HP), and octyl-silica were tested as supports for the immobilization of Pseudomonas fluorescens lipase (PFL). The use of octyl-silica resulted in a biocatalyst with high values of hydrolytic activity (650.0 ± 15.5 IU/g), immobilization yield (91.3 ± 0.3 %), and recovered activity (82.1 ± 1.5 %). PFL immobilized on octyl-silica was around 12-fold more stable than soluble PFL, at 45 °C and pH 8.0, in the presence of ethanol at 36 % (v/v). The biocatalyst provided high vegetable oil transesterification yields of around 97.5 % after 24 h of reaction using babassu oil and around 80 % after 48 h of reaction using soybean oil. The PFL-octyl-silica biocatalyst retained around 90 % of its initial activity after five cycles of transesterification of soybean oil. Octyl-silica is a promising support that can be used to immobilize PFL for subsequent application in biodiesel synthesis.
The Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Guiding Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chan Andy K.W. , Hegarty Chris , Klass Darren , Yoshida Eric , Chung Stephen , Liu David M. , Ho Stephen G.F. , Harris Alison C.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using ultrasound (US)-specific microbubbles in guiding radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 50 patients with HCC treated with CEUS guided RFA using perflutren at our institution was performed. CEUS images were first compared to B-mode US images performed at the same RFA session to determine the ability of CEUS to increase the conspicuity of lesions. A qualitative score (1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = excellent) was used to grade the ability to visualize the lesions. The preprocedure CEUS images were then evaluated using the most recent prior contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated with short-term follow-up imaging (median 1 month) for presence of residual or recurrent disease.

Results

CEUS allows at least fair visualization (score ≥2) in 78% (reader 1) and 80% (reader 2) of the lesions not visualized by B-mode US, and 50% (reader 1) and 42% (reader 2) of the lesions poorly visualized by B-mode US. Lesion appearances on CEUS are largely concordant with those on CT or MRI: 88% for reader 1, 96% for reader 2. With CEUS-guided RFA, complete response was achieved in the vast majority of the lesions at short-term follow-up: 82% for reader 1, 94% for reader 2.

Conclusions

CEUS increases the conspicuity and provides better characterization of hypervascular HCC that are either not seen or poorly seen on B-mode US, and CEUS provides real-time guidance of RFA with good short-term treatment responses.
Risk Factors for Infection with Escherichia coli in Nursing Home Residents Colonized with Fluoroquinolone-Resistant E. coli
Authors: Manning Sara , Lautenbach Ebbing , Tolomeo Pam , Han Jennifer H.
Published: January 2015

A case-control study to determine risk factors for clinical infection with Escherichia coli was conducted among nursing home residents colonized with fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli. Among 94 subjects, 11 (12%) developed infections with E. coli. Risk factors included the presence of a urinary catheter or tracheostomy, diabetes mellitus, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole exposure.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–3
Hydrolysis of phytate and formation of inositol phosphate isomers without or with supplemented phytases in different segments of the digestive tract of broilers
Authors: Zeller Ellen , Schollenberger Margit , Kühn Imke , Rodehutscord Markus
Published: January 2015

The objective was to characterise degradation ofmyo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6) and formation of inositol phosphate (InsP) isomers in different segments of the broiler digestive tract. Influence of anAspergillus niger(PhyA) and twoEscherichia coli-derived (PhyE1 and PhyE2) phytases was also investigated. A total of 600 16-d-old broilers were allocated to forty floor pens (ten pens per treatment). Low-P (5·2 g/kg DM) maize–soyabean meal-based diets were fed without (basal diet; BD) or with a phytase added. On day 25, digesta from different digestive tract segments were pooled per segment on a pen-basis, freeze-dried and analysed for P, InsP isomers and the marker TiO2. InsP6degradation until the lower ileum (74 %) in BD-fed birds showed a high potential of broilers and their gut microbiota to hydrolyse InsP6in low-P diets. Different InsP patterns in different gut segments suggested the involvement of phosphatases of different origin. Supplemented phytases increased InsP6hydrolysis in the crop (P < 0·01) but not in the lower ileum. Measurements in the crop and proventriculus/gizzard confirmed publishedin vitrodegradation pathways of 3- and 6-phytases for the first time. In the intestinal segments, specifically formed InsP4–5isomers of supplemented phytases were still present, indicating further activity of these enzymes.Myo-inositol tetrakisphosphate (InsP4) accumulation differed between PhyE1 and PhyE2 compared with PhyA in the anterior segments of the gut (P < 0·01). Thus, the hydrolytic cleavage of the first phosphate group is not the only limiting step in phytate degradation in broilers.
BUREAUCRATS AND INDIGENES: PRODUCING AND BYPASSING CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN IN NIGERIA
Authors: Fourchard Laurent
Published: January 2015

In the last three decades, the politics of indigeneity have led to discrimination against and marginalization of non-indigenes as well as numerous violent conflicts between indigenes and non-indigenes in Nigeria. This discrimination, which is based on a localized place of belonging, has today become bureaucratized: local governments produce ‘certificates of indigene’ to identify the origin of their holders. This article looks at the bureaucratic machinery of issuing certificates of origin in two local governments of Oyo State (in the south-west) and the everyday encounters between users and bureaucrats that cannot be reduced to practices of corruption. It looks at the complicated and ambivalent process of identifying a ‘true indigene’; this process is supposed to strengthen local citizenship but it also contributes to the daily functioning of the state and is largely accepted by the majority as part of the state's ‘insidious gentleness’. The article also seeks to understand why official discrimination against non-indigenes is poorly contested locally by assessing the role of these documents in accessing public employment, university places and basic services, and examining whether areas inhabited by non-indigenes are perceived as being neglected or abandoned by the state. Currently, discrimination policies are implemented unequally and in many instances client–patron relationships help sidestep these policies.
‘MOBUTU'S GHOST’: MOBILIZING AGAINST FOREIGN RETAILERS IN CONTEMPORARY CONGO
Authors: Segatti Aurelia
Published: January 2015

Since 2009, several unions of Congolese retailers have demanded the implementation of a 1973 law forbidding foreigners from operating small businesses and limiting their access to retail. Seemingly similar mobilizations have been observed elsewhere in Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa), but the Congolese situation remains undocumented to date. The current discursive patterns and social practices that have emerged from this mobilization call for a socio-political enquiry, interrogating their xenophobic undertones but also viewing them in relation to the distribution of power and emerging political subjectivities of post-Mobutuist urban contexts. Based on extensive fieldwork, combining ethnographic research with interviews with key informants, conducted in Kinshasa between 2010 and 2012, this study focuses on mobilization techniques, the web of representations they give rise to, and political actors involved in or resisting the movement. It reveals a complex type of nationalistic discourse that draws on historical and contemporary global sources, while also being influenced by Congo's ambivalent relationship to national identity in the post-Mobutuist period. The non-distinct xenophobic undertones of the discourse, while mostly directed towards Asians and Lebanese, also result in the systematic targeting of West African business operators. Yet, despite often xenophobic and virulent rhetoric, interactions between Congolese and foreign traders have mostly remained characterized by ‘peaceful coexistence’. Those Congolese and foreigners who have chosen to resist injunctions to exclude the latter from economic spaces thus directly question national citizenship as the main basis for political and economic membership in the city of Kinshasa.
EVERYDAY POLITICS AND COLLECTIVE MOBILIZATION AGAINST FOREIGNERS IN A SOUTH AFRICAN SHACK SETTLEMENT
Authors: Monson Tamlyn
Published: January 2015

In contrast to the tolerant and largely peaceful ‘living politics' of informal settlements, as embodied by the social movement Abahlali baseMjondolo, this article considers a darker side of squatter politics: ‘xenophobic’ mobilization. I show how the historical stratification of citizenship in South Africa remains spatially embedded in longstanding informal settlements, where distinctive repertoires of collective action have been shaped by a (still unfinished) history of struggle for inclusion. Using archival research and interviews conducted in the informal settlements of Atteridgeville, Gauteng, I show how the continuing struggle for equal citizenship draws on shared experiences of mundane hardship and collective labour, giving rise to social distance between established local squatters and politically indifferent foreign newcomers. At times of protest, this polarity is concentrated by and converges with familiar practices of insurgent citizenship, creating a context for mobilization against foreigners. In this sense, ‘xenophobic’ mobilization may be seen to articulate a claim for inclusion by structurally excluded ‘citizens', rather than an exclusionary claim by those who already belong. The article provides a useful counterpoint to readings of ‘xenophobic’ violence that focus on the role of elite discourses, instrumental leaders or crude racial identities in shaping such mobilization.
Crossing the boundary between humans and animals: the extinct foxDusicyon avusfrom a hunter-gatherer mortuary context in Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Prates Luciano
Published: January 2015

The discovery of a grave of the late second millennium BC containing an extinct South American fox,Dusicyon avus, at Loma de los Muertos raises intriguing questions about the relationship between wild canids and humans. This sub-adult individual appears to have been buried in a human mortuary context in a comparable manner to adjacent human burials. It may have been kept as a pet and been considered part of the human social group. The ability of pets, especially canids, to leave the animal world and enter into a special relationship with people may be related to the cosmology of South American hunter-gatherers.
The Hepu Han tombs and the maritime Silk Road of the Han Dynasty
Authors: Zhaoming Xiong
Published: January 2015

The extensive cemetery at Hepu in southern China represents one of the best-preserved tomb complexes of the Han period. It contains many elaborate tombs with exotic luxury materials that testify to the status of Hepu as the home port of the maritime Silk Road. This trading network carried Chinese products (notably silks) by sea to kingdoms and communities of South and Southeast Asia, and was the southern counterpart to the more famous overland Silk Road through Central Asia. The materials found in the Hepu tombs demonstrate the range and geography of contacts, including semi-precious beads from India and ceramics from the Parthian empire. This far-flung trade network had major impacts both on southern China and on the other regions that it connected.
Regional variations in the European Neolithic dispersal: the role of the coastlines
Authors: Henderson Daniel A. , Baggaley Andrew W. , Shukurov Anvar , Boys Richard J. , Sarson Graeme R. , Golightly Andrew
Published: January 2015

The mechanisms by which agriculture spread across Europe in the Neolithic, and the speed at which it happened, have long been debated. Attempts to quantify the process by constructing spatio-temporal models have given a diversity of results. In this paper, a new approach to the problem of modelling is advanced. Data from over 300 Neolithic sites from Asia Minor and Europe are used to produce a global picture of the emergence of farming across Europe which also allows for variable local conditions. Particular attention is paid to coastal enhancement: the more rapid advance of the Neolithic along coasts and rivers, as compared with inland or terrestrial domains. The key outcome of this model is hence to confirm the importance of waterways and coastal mobilities in the spread of farming in the early Neolithic, and to establish the extent to which this importance varied regionally.
Lower plasma visceral protein concentrations are independently associated with higher mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Huang Rong , Liu Yun , Wu Haishan , Guo Qunying , Yi Chunyan , Lin Jianxiong , Zhou Qian , Yu Xueqing , Yang Xiao
Published: January 2015

Protein–energy wasting (PEW) is strongly associated with high mortality in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. However, its clinical assessment has not been well defined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between combined nutritional indicators and mortality in CAPD patients. In the present retrospective cohort study, a total of 885 incident CAPD patients were enrolled. Nutritional status at the initiation of CAPD was assessed by BMI and biochemical indices (serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, creatinine and total cholesterol). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Principal components factor analysis was used to identify the combined nutritional parameters. Their association with mortality was examined by multivariable-adjusted Cox models. The mean age was 47·4 (sd14·8) years, 59·2 % (n524) were male and 24·6 % (n218) were diabetic. Of the total patients, 130 (14·7 %) had BMI < 18·5 kg/m2, 439 (49·6 %) had albumin < 38 g/l ( < 3·8 g/dl), 303 (34·2 %) had prealbumin < 300 mg/l ( < 30 mg/dl), 404 (45·6 %) had transferrin < 2 g/l ( < 200 mg/dl), 501 (56·6 %) had total cholesterol < 5·2 mmol/l ( < 200 mg/dl) and 466 (52·7 %) had creatinine < 707 μmol/l ( < 8 mg/dl). Overall, three components such as visceral proteins, muscle-mass surrogate and BMI were extracted, which explained 69·95 % of the total variance of the nutritional parameters. After adjusting for demographic variables, co-morbid conditions, Hb, TAG and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, the factor score of visceral proteins including albumin, prealbumin and transferrin was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio 0·73, 95 % CI 0·60, 0·89;P= 0·002). Lower visceral protein concentrations may be independently associated with higher mortality in incident CAPD patients. Simultaneous measurements of serum albumin, prealbumin and transferrin could be helpful to monitor PEW.
Evaluation of dietary patterns among Norwegian postmenopausal women using plasma carotenoids as biomarkers
Authors: Markussen Marianne S. , Veierød Marit B. , Sakhi Amrit K. , Ellingjord-Dale Merete , Blomhoff Rune , Ursin Giske , Andersen Lene F.
Published: January 2015

A number of studies have examined dietary patterns in various populations. However, to study to what extent such patterns capture meaningful differences in consumption of foods is of interest. In the present study, we identified important dietary patterns in Norwegian postmenopausal women (age 50–69 years,n361), and evaluated these patterns by examining their associations with plasma carotenoids. Diet was assessed by a 253-item FFQ. These 253 food items were categorised into forty-six food groups, and dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. We used the partial correlation coefficient (radj) and multiple linear regression analysis to examine the associations between the dietary patterns and the plasma carotenoids α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Overall, four dietary patterns were identified: the ‘Western’; ‘Vegetarian’; ‘Continental’; ‘High-protein’. The ‘Western’ dietary pattern scores were significantly inversely correlated with plasma lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and total carotenoids ( − 0·25 ≤ radj≤ − 0·13). The ‘Vegetarian’ dietary pattern scores were significantly positively correlated with all the plasma carotenoids (0·15 ≤ radj≤ 0·24). The ‘Continental’ dietary pattern scores were significantly inversely correlated with plasma lutein and α-carotene (radj= − 0·13). No significant association between the ‘High-protein’ dietary pattern scores and the plasma carotenoids was found. In conclusion, the healthy dietary pattern, the ‘Vegetarian’ pattern, is associated with a more favourable profile of the plasma carotenoids than our unhealthy dietary patterns, the ‘Western’ and ‘Continental’ patterns.
The effects of eating marine- or vegetable-fed farmed trout on the human plasma proteome profiles of healthy men
Authors: Rentsch Maria L. , Lametsch René , Bügel Susanne , Jessen Flemming , Lauritzen Lotte
Published: January 2015

Most human intervention studies have examined the effects on a subset of risk factors, some of which may require long-term exposure. The plasma proteome may reflect the underlying changes in protein expression and activation, and this could be used to identify early risk markers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of regular fish intake on the plasma proteome. We recruited thirty healthy men aged 40 to 70 years, who were randomly allocated to a daily meal of chicken or trout raised on vegetable or marine feeds. Blood samples were collected before and after 8 weeks of intervention, and after the removal of the twelve most abundant proteins, plasma proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Protein spots < 66 kDa with a pI >4·3 visualised by silver staining were matched by two-dimensional imaging software. Within-subject changes in spots were compared between the treatment groups. Differentially affected spots were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight/time of flight MS and the human Swiss-Prot database. We found 23/681 abundant plasma protein spots, which were up- or down-regulated by the dietary treatment (P< 0·05, q< 0·30), and eighteen of these were identified. In each trout group, ten spots differed from those in subjects given the chicken meal, but only three of these were common, and only one spot differed between the two trout groups. In both groups, the affected plasma proteins were involved in biological processes such as regulation of vitamin A and haem transport, blood fibrinolysis and oxidative defence. Thus, regular fish intake affects the plasma proteome, and the changes may indicate novel mechanisms of effect.
Article 60 ICJ Statute, Interpretation Proceedings, and the Competing Concepts ofRes Judicata
Authors: KULICK ANDREAS
Published: January 2015

The judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of 11 November 2013, interpreting its 1962 judgment in the case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear, inspires a reconsideration of the role of interpretation proceedings pursuant to Article 60 of the Statute of the Court. In particular, it invites us to take a closer look at the role and scope of the principle ofres judicatain public international law in general and as considered in the case law of the Court in particular. This contribution reveals the competing concepts of the principle in interpretation and consecutive original contentious proceedings, and promotes instead a uniform concept that avoids the conflict inherent in current approaches.

Section 1 introduces Article 60 of the ICJ Statute (section 1.1.) and thereinafter views interpretation proceedings before the Court in light of the Court's case law, in particular its 2013 interpretation judgment in theTemplecase (section 1.2.). Section 2 constitutes the heart of the analysis and discusses what will be identified as the competing concepts ofres judicata. Section 2.1. presents the functions, concepts, and case law ofres judicatain public international law in general, whereas section 2.2. focuses specifically on the case law of the ICJ and the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ) in this regard. Finally, section 2.3. concludes this study by setting out the approach that the author regards as appropriate to reconcile the competing concepts ofres judicata.
Burden and Standard of Proof in Defence Challenges to the Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court
Authors: VAGIAS MICHAIL , FERENCZ JANOS
Published: January 2015

The jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court has remained largely uncontested during the first 10 years of its operation. Today, the jurisdictional cooling-off period seems to have run its course. The Prosecutor has opened the first Article 15 investigations and prosecutions in Kenya. The defence has been active in challenging the jurisdiction of the Court. Judges at the pre-trial stage have taken a more inquisitive approach to jurisdictional assessments. This awakening has led to the identification of novel legal issues. One of them is the applicable burden and standard of proof for defence challenges to jurisdiction. So far, this issue has been addressed largely through interpretation of the Statute. The Court's first decisions seem to fluctuate significantly on this point. From pronouncements accepting that such burden and standard do exist and seeking to articulate them, to rulings implying that they do not exist altogether, the Court's case law reveals a measure of inconsistency and a lack of reasoning. This article seeks to expose the different positions assumed on the matter, typically as a result of the judges’ efforts to balance procedural efficiency and fair trial considerations. In doing so, we will reflect critically on the causes and effects of the current state of the law and propose a reorientation of the case law through the use of other relevant international jurisprudence.
Are intact peptides absorbed from the healthy gut in the adult human?
Authors: Miner-Williams Warren M. , Stevens Bruce R. , Moughan Paul J.
Published: January 2015

For over 100 years it was believed that dietary protein must be completely hydrolysed before its constituent amino acids could be absorbed via specific amino acid transport systems. It is now known that the uptake of di- and tripeptides into the enterocyte is considerable, being transported across the intestinal endothelium by the PepT1 H+/peptide co-transporter. There is also evidence that some di- and tripeptides may survive cytosolic hydrolysis and be transported intact across the basolateral membrane. However, other than antigen sampling, the transport of larger intact macromolecules across the intestinal endothelium of the healthy adult human remains a controversial issue as there is little unequivocalin vivoevidence to support this postulation. The aim of the present review was to critically evaluate the scientific evidence that peptides/proteins are absorbed by healthy intestinal epithelia and pass intact into the hepatic portal system. The question of the absorption of oliogopeptides is paramount to the emerging science of food-derived bioactive peptides, their mode of action and physiological effects. Overall, we conclude that there is little unequivocal evidence that dietary bioactive peptides, other than di- and tripeptides, can cross the gut wall intact and enter the hepatic portal system in physiologically relevant concentrations.
The Evidence of Glioblastoma Heterogeneity
Authors: Soeda Akio , Hara Akira , Kunisada Takahiro , Yoshimura Shin-ichi , Iwama Toru , Park Deric M.
Published: January 2015

Cancers are composed of heterogeneous combinations of cells that exhibit distinct phenotypic characteristics and proliferative potentials. Because most cancers have a clonal origin, cancer stem cells (CSCs) must generate phenotypically diverse progenies including mature CSCs that can self-renew indefinitely and differentiated cancer cells that possess limited proliferative potential. However, no convincing evidence exists to suggest that only single CSCs are representative of patients' tumors. To investigate the CSCs' diversity, we established 4 subclones from a glioblastoma patient. These subclones were subsequently propagated and analyzed. The morphology, the self-renewal and proliferative capacities of the subclones differed. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting and cDNA-microarray analyses revealed that each subclone was composed of distinct populations of cells. Moreover, the sensitivities of the subclones to an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor were dissimilar. In a mouse model featuring xenografts of the subclones, the progression and invasion of tumors and animal survival were also different. Here, we present clear evidence that a brain tumor contains heterogeneous subclones that exhibit dissimilar morphologies and self-renewal and proliferative capacities. Our results suggest that single cell-derived subclones from a patient can produce phenotypically heterogeneous self-renewing progenies in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
Wnt5a promotes cancer cell invasion and proliferation by receptor-mediated endocytosis-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively
Authors: Shojima Kensaku , Sato Akira , Hanaki Hideaki , Tsujimoto Ikuko , Nakamura Masahiro , Hattori Kazunari , Sato Yuji , Dohi Keiji , Hirata Michinari , Yamamoto Hideki , Kikuchi Akira
Published: January 2015

Wnt5a activates the Wnt/β-catenin-independent pathway and its overexpression is associated with tumor aggressiveness enhancing invasive activity. For this action, Wnt5a-induced receptor endocytosis with clathrin is required. Wnt5a expression was previously believed to be associated with cancer cell motility but not proliferation. Recently, it was reported that Wnt5a is also implicated in cancer cell proliferation, but the mechanism was not clear. In this study, we generated a neutralizing anti-Wnt5a monoclonal antibody (mAb5A16) to investigate the mechanism by which Wnt5a regulates cancer cell proliferation. Wnt5a stimulated both invasion and proliferation of certain types of cancer cells, including HeLaS3 cervical cancer cells and A549 lung cancer cells although Wnt5a promoted invasion but not proliferation in other cancer cells such as KKLS gastric cancer cells. mAb5A16 did not affect the binding of Wnt5a to its receptor, but it suppressed Wnt5a-induced receptor-mediated endocytosis. mAb5A16 inhibited invasion but not proliferation of HeLaS3 and A549 cells. Wnt5a activated Src family kinases (SFKs) and Wnt5a-dependent cancer cell proliferation was dependent on SFKs, yet blockade of receptor-mediated endocytosis did not affect cancer cell proliferation and SFK activity. These results suggest that Wnt5a promotes invasion and proliferation of certain types of cancer cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively.
Giant Electric Field Enhancement in Split Ring Resonators Featuring Nanometer-Sized Gaps
Authors: Bagiante S. , Enderli F. , Fabiańska J. , Sigg H. , Feurer T.
Published: January 2015

Today's pulsed THz sources enable us to excite, probe and coherently control the vibrational or rotational dynamics of organic and inorganic materials on ultrafast time scales. Driven by standard laser sources THz electric field strengths of up to several MVm−1 have been reported and in order to reach even higher electric field strengths the use of dedicated electric field enhancement structures has been proposed. Here, we demonstrate resonant electric field enhancement structures, which concentrate the incident electric field in sub-diffraction size volumes and show an electric field enhancement as high as ~14,000 at 50 GHz. These values have been confirmed through a combination of near-field imaging experiments and electromagnetic simulations.
Transgenic mouse model expressing P53R172H, luciferase, EGFP and KRASG12D in a single open reading frame for live imaging of tumor
Authors: Ju Hye-Lim , Calvisi Diego F. , Moon Hyuk , Baek Sinhwa , Ribback Silvia , Dombrowski Frank , Cho Kyung Joo , Chung Sook In , Han Kwang-Hyub , Ro Simon Weonsang
Published: January 2015

Genetically engineered mouse cancer models allow tumors to be imaged in vivo via co-expression of a reporter gene with a tumor-initiating gene. However, differential transcriptional and translational regulation between the tumor-initiating gene and the reporter gene can result in inconsistency between the actual tumor size and the size indicated by the imaging assay. To overcome this limitation, we developed a transgenic mouse in which two oncogenes, encoding P53R172H and KRASG12D, are expressed together with two reporter genes, encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and firefly luciferase, in a single open reading frame following Cre-mediated DNA excision. Systemic administration of adenovirus encoding Cre to these mice induced specific transgene expression in the liver. Repeated bioluminescence imaging of the mice revealed a continuous increase in the bioluminescent signal over time. A strong correlation was found between the bioluminescent signal and actual tumor size. Interestingly, all liver tumors induced by P53R172H and KRASG12D in the model were hepatocellular adenomas. The mouse model was also used to trace cell proliferation in the epidermis via live fluorescence imaging. We anticipate that the transgenic mouse model will be useful for imaging tumor development in vivo and for investigating the oncogenic collaboration between P53R172H and KRASG12D.
In vitro reconstruction of branched tubular structures from lung epithelial cells in high cell concentration gradient environment
Authors: Hagiwara Masaya , Peng Fei , Ho Chih-Ming
Published: January 2015

We have succeeded in developing hollow branching structure in vitro commonly observed in lung airway using primary lung airway epithelial cells. Cell concentration gradient is the key factor that determines production of the branching cellular structures, as optimization of this component removes the need for heterotypic culture. The higher cell concentration leads to the more production of morphogens and increases the growth rate of cells. However, homogeneous high cell concentration does not make a branching structure. Branching requires sufficient space in which cells can grow from a high concentration toward a low concentration. Simulation performed using a reaction-diffusion model revealed that long-range inhibition prevents cells from branching when they are homogeneously spread in culture environments, while short-range activation from neighboring cells leads to positive feedback. Thus, a high cell concentration gradient is required to make branching structures. Spatial distributions of morphogens, such as BMP-4, play important roles in the pattern formation. This simple yet robust system provides an optimal platform for the further study and understanding of branching mechanisms in the lung airway and will facilitate chemical and genetic studies of lung morphogenesis programs.
A simple and highly sensitive fluorescence assay for microRNAs
Authors: Shen Wei , Yeo Kiat Huei , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: January 2015

A simple and highly sensitive assay for miRNAs using magnetic bead-carried DNA probes coupled with DSN-facilitated isothermal target cycling is reported.