bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structures et conventions multi institutionnelles : quelle cohérence en droit congolais ?
Authors: Polepole Paulin , Busane Wenceslas , Muzalia Godefroid
Published: December 2013

Les Comités de gouvernances des ressources naturelles (CGRN) sont des structures impliquant les services publics de l’État et divers acteurs et organisations non étatiques. Il s’agit d’un dispositif de gestion concertée des ressources naturelles au niveau des entités locales en République Démocratique du Congo. Cet article porte sur la conformité ou non de ces structures émergentes au droit administratif congolais et propose des pistes de réflexion pour leur fonctionnement harmonieux.
Anti-HIV Antibody–Dependent Activation of NK Cells Impairs NKp46 Expression
Authors: Parsons Matthew S. , Tang Chi-Chang , Jegaskanda Sinthujan , Center Robert J. , Brooks Andrew G. , Stratov Ivan , Kent Stephen J.
Published: December 2013

There is much interest in the potential of Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) to slow disease progression following HIV infection. Despite several studies demonstrating a positive association between ADCC and slower disease progression, it is possible that continued stimulation of NK cells by ADCC during chronic HIV infection could render these cells dysfunctional. Indeed, activation of NK cells by ADCC results in matrix metalloproteinase–induced reductions in CD16 expression and activation refractory periods. In addition, ex vivo analyses of NK cells from HIV-infected individuals revealed other alterations in phenotype, such as decreased expression of the activating NKp46 receptor that is essential for NK-mediated antitumor responses and immunity from infection. Because NKp46 shares a signaling pathway with CD16, we hypothesized that activation-induced downregulation of both receptors could be controlled by a common mechanism. We found that activation of NK cells by anti-HIV or anti-CD16 Abs resulted in NKp46 downregulation. The addition of a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor attenuated NKp46 downregulation following NK cell activation by anti-HIV Abs. Consequently, these results suggest that continued stimulation through CD16 has the potential to impair natural cytotoxicity via attenuation of NKp46-dependent signals.
The Pore-Forming Toxin Listeriolysin O Is Degraded by Neutrophil Metalloproteinase-8 and Fails To Mediate Listeria monocytogenes Intracellular Survival in Neutrophils
Authors: Arnett Eusondia , Vadia Stephen , Nackerman Colleen C. , Oghumu Steve , Satoskar Abhay R. , McLeish Kenneth R. , Uriarte Silvia M. , Seveau Stephanie
Published: December 2013

The pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) is a major virulence factor secreted by the facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. This toxin facilitates L. monocytogenes intracellular survival in macrophages and diverse nonphagocytic cells by disrupting the internalization vesicle, releasing the bacterium into its replicative niche, the cytosol. Neutrophils are innate immune cells that play an important role in the control of infections, yet it was unknown if LLO could confer a survival advantage to L. monocytogenes in neutrophils. We report that LLO can enhance the phagocytic efficiency of human neutrophils and is unable to protect L. monocytogenes from intracellular killing. To explain the absence of L. monocytogenes survival in neutrophils, we hypothesized that neutrophil degranulation leads to the release of LLO-neutralizing molecules in the forming phagosome. In support of this, L. monocytogenes is a potent inducer of neutrophil degranulation, since its virulence factors, such as LLO, facilitate granule exocytosis. Within the first few minutes of interaction with L. monocytogenes, granules can fuse with the plasma membrane at the bacterial interaction site before closure of the phagosome. Furthermore, granule products directly degrade LLO, irreversibly inhibiting its activity. The matrix metalloproteinase-8, stored in secondary granules, was identified as an endoprotease that degrades LLO, and blocking neutrophil proteases increased L. monocytogenes intracellular survival. In conclusion, we propose that LLO degradation by matrix metalloproteinase-8 during phagocytosis protects neutrophil membranes from perforation and contributes to maintaining L. monocytogenes in a bactericidal phagosome from which it cannot escape.
Atypical Mechanism of Glucose Modulation by Colesevelam in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nwose Oliseyenum M. , Jones Michael R.
Published: December 2013

Colesevelam's glucose-lowering mechanism of action is not completely understood. Clinical trials of colesevelam suggest that its mechanism, and often adverse effects, differ from those of other oral antidiabetes drugs. Colesevelam does not affect insulin sensitivity (unlike thiazolidinediones), insulin secretion (unlike sulfonylureas and meglitinides), or early insulin response or glucagon (unlike dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors). Colesevelam may have some effect on glucose absorption, but likely via a different mechanism than α-glucosidase inhibitors. Colesevelam and metformin have similarities regarding hepatic glucose production, but divergent effects on gluconeogenesis versus glycogenolysis, suggesting differing mechanisms of drug action for improving glycemic control. Colesevelam is thought to be a portal glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretagogue with primarily hepatic effects. Bile acid binding by colesevelam leads to TGR5 activation, increased secretion of GLP-1 or other incretins, and inhibition of hepatic glycogenolysis. Colesevelam's mechanism of action appears to be atypical of other antidiabetes medications, making it a potentially suitable component of many combination regimens in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Evaluation of mineral status in high dietary sulfur exposed or sulfur-induced polioencephalomalacia affected beef cattle
Authors: Amat S. , McKinnon J. J. , Penner G. B. , Simko E. , Hendrick S.
Published: December 2013

Amat, S., McKinnon, J. J., Penner, G. B., Simko, E. and Hendrick, S. 2014. Evaluation of mineral status in high dietary sulfur exposed or sulfur-induced polioencephalomalacia affected beef cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 139–149. We examined the mineral status in beef heifers fed high S containing diets with differing forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C), and in S-induced polioencephalomalacia (PEM) affected feedlot steers. A metabolism trial was conducted as a randomized complete block design using a 2×2 factorial treatment arrangement with main effects of dietary S and F:C using 16 ruminally cannulated heifers. The F:C was modified by altering the proportion of barley silage (4 vs. 51% dry matter), whereas, the S content was modified by using differing sources of wheat dried distillers’ grains with solubles (WDDGS) to achieve low and high S diets (LS=0.30 vs. HS=0.67%). Minerals including Cu, Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn were determined from rumen fluid, blood, brain tissue and urine. Urinary mineral excretion was also assed. During the course of the metabolic trial, an outbreak of S-induced PEM in a commercial feedlot was documented and brain minerals of these PEM steers (n=4) were contrasted with the experimental heifers fed HS diet. There were no interactions between dietary S concentration and F:C (P>0.05). Heifers fed HS diet had reduced (P<0.05) mineral intakes (except for Mo), ruminal Co, Fe and Mn, and serum Mg and Fe relative to those fed LS diet. Heifers fed low F:C diet had reduced (P<0.05) Cu, Fe, Mo and Se intakes, greater (P<0.05) ruminal Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, and reduced (P<0.05) serum Cu and Se, and greater (P<0.05) serum Mg than heifers fed high F:C diet. Brain minerals were not affected (P>0.05) by F:C or dietary S. However, the PEM brains had reduced Cu (P=0.058), Fe (P=0.003) and Mo (P<0.001) relative to normal brains. Dietary S and F:C did alter the mineral status of the heifers, but no deficiencies or PEM were induced.
Calcium effects on root cell wall composition and ion contents in two soybean cultivars under salinity stress
Authors: An Ping , Li Xiangjun , Zheng Yuanrun , Eneji A. Egrinya , Inanaga Shinobu
Published: December 2013

An, P., Li, X., Zheng, Y., Eneji, A. E. and Inanaga, S. 2014. Calcium effects on root cell wall composition and ion contents in two soybean cultivars under salinity stress. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 733–740. It has been widely suggested that calcium (Ca) application ameliorates salt stress, but characteristic changes in root cell wall due to Ca application under saline conditions are poorly documented. Our objectives were: (1) to determine the effect of Ca on root cell wall composition, using two soybean cultivars differing in sensitivity to salt stress and (2) to understand the relationship between the internal effects of sodium–calcium interaction on the root cell wall. Uniform seedlings were transplanted into mixed solutions of NaCl (0, 40 mM,) and CaCl2 (0, 0.5, 2 mM). Root lengths were measured after an exposure of 14, 24 and 40 h to the treatments and cell wall analysis performed for total sugars, uronic acid and ion contents. Without salinity stress, Ca application caused no significant changes in root growth and cell wall constituents in both cultivars. However, it did ameliorate the decrease in the amount of cell wall under stress, especially the pectin fraction. Both cell wall and cellular Ca2+ and K+ contents were significantly increased by additional Ca2+ under saline condition. Therefore, by applying Ca2+, the maintenance of pectin level and increase in cell wall Ca2+ may contribute to the restoration of root growth under salinity. Calcium application significantly increased the pectin level under salinity and soybean root growth also showed notable restoration. One way Ca ameliorates salt toxicity may be by maintaining the composition of the cell wall. This ameliorative effect was more conspicuous in the salt-tolerant cultivar, Dare, than the salt-sensitive cultivar, Touzan 69.
Some Epidemiologic Aspects of Common Warts in Rural Primary School Children
Authors: Kasim Khaled , Amer Soliman , Mosaad Mohamed , Abdel-Wahed Alaa , Allam Hazem
Published: December 2013

Cutaneous warts are common in children worldwide, although the prevalence figures are conflicting. There are few publications on that issue, particularly in rural Egypt. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of warts of hands in rural primary school children and to examine some risk factors associated with warts in these children. The study examined 1833 children from 15 rural primary schools in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt, for the presence of warts. Data about sociodemographic, lifestyle, and environmental factors were collected. Prevalence of warts was estimated. Appropriate statistical analyses including multivariate logistic regression were done. The prevalence of warts of hands in the studied children was 2.3% (1.3–3.3%) with no significant sex difference. The risk of warts increased significantly in children reported swimming in Nile channels (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 5.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.9–10.6) and child labor (adjusted OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.3–8.8). A ninety percent risk reduction was observed in children with educated parents. The study findings demonstrated a significant increase in the risk of warts among rural children reported swimming in Nile channels and child labor. Parents’ education, on the other hand, was found to play an important role in risk reduction.
Instrumented elephant seals reveal the seasonality in chlorophyll and light‐mixing regime in the iron‐fertilized Southern Ocean
Authors: Blain Stéphane , Renaut Sophie , Xing Xiaogang , Claustre Hervé , Guinet Christophe
Published: December 2013

We analyze an original large data set of concurrent in situ measurements of fluorescence, temperature and salinity provided by sensors mounted on the elephant seals of Kerguelen Island. Our results were mainly gathered in regions of the Southern Ocean where the typical iron limitation is relieved by natural iron fertilization. Thus the role of light as the proximal factor of control of phytoplankton can be examined. We show that self‐shading, and consequently stratification, are major factors controlling the integrated biomass during the bloom induced by iron fertilization. When the mixed layer was the shallowest, the maximum ChlML achievable by the given light‐mixing regime was however not reached, most likely due to silicic acid limitation. We also show that a favorable light‐mixing regime prevails after the spring equinox and is maintained for roughly seven months (October–April).
Equation of state for silicate melts: A comparison between static and shock compression
Authors: Wakabayashi Daisuke , Funamori Nobumasa , Sato Tomoko , Sekine Toshimori
Published: December 2013

The density data of silicate melts reported by static and shock compression have been compared quantitatively at the pressure condition of the Earth's deep upper mantle. The equation of state based on the static compression data cannot explain the shock compression data, and the systematic differences between them have been revealed. The shock temperatures were estimated with different methods among papers, and the reported values differed considerably from one another. The shock temperatures estimated by assuming phase‐transition‐like structural changes in melts lie between the previous estimates. Many of them are well below the liquidus temperatures of each sample, suggesting that the sample state may have been altered during the shock compression. In addition, some of the shock compression data reanalyzed in the recent paper differ considerably from the original. These results suggest that silicate melts show phase‐transition‐like structural changes at high pressures, which are consistent with the static compression data.
Aligned glaciotectonic rafts on the central Barents Sea seafloor revealing extensive glacitectonic erosion during the last deglaciation
Authors: Rüther Denise Christina , Andreassen Karin , Spagnolo Matteo
Published: December 2013

Erosion rates on glaciated continental shelves are remarkably high, especially within ice stream troughs. Although glaciotectonic erosion may have considerably contributed to enhanced glacial erosion of these landscapes, entrainment mechanisms of glaciotectonically emplaced megablocks and rafts remain little understood. Here we report a northeast‐southwest trending chain of over 1300 glacial rafts, observed on the seafloor in Bjørnøyrenna, a paleo‐ice stream trough with particularly high erosion rates. The landform assemblage adjacent to the glacial rafts includes streamlined bedforms and crevasse‐squeeze ridges and may represent a lateral shear zone where a paleo‐ice stream met cold stagnant ice during the last deglaciation. Individual glacial rafts along the chain are up to 30 m high, tend to be elongated with lengths and widths on the order of tens of meters, and are oriented from northeast‐southwest to north‐south. The north‐southern rearrangement of rafts may reflect a compressional strain regime along the ice stream margin.
Last Glacial Maximum ice sheet impacts on North Atlantic climate variability: The importance of the sea ice lid
Authors: Vettoretti Guido , Peltier W. Richard
Published: December 2013

Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ICE‐5G (VM2), ICE‐6G (VM5a), and Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project Phase 3 ice sheet reconstructions are employed in high‐resolution coupled climate model simulations to investigate the changes they induce in North Atlantic climate variability. An initial ICE‐5G (VM2) experiment develops a rapid increase of sea ice extent once a thermal threshold is exceeded in this multimillennial simulation. Subpolar sea ice concentration and thickness are found to be strongly impacted by topographically induced downstream thermal effects from the Laurentide Ice Sheet in each of the reconstructions. However, in the two additional LGM perturbation experiments, the modeled changes in sea ice area are sufficiently similar to the LGM ICE‐5G (VM2) experiment to lead to an equilibrium Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation strength that is also reduced by the same ~40% from preindustrial even though we find significant variation among the models in the deep convection regions of the subpolar glacial North Atlantic. Model‐predicted sea ice concentrations in this critical region exceed those based upon multiproxy reconstructions, and we trace these significant differences to the intensity of the interannual variability of sea ice cover predictions.
Seismic velocity changes in the epicentral region of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake measured from three‐component ambient noise correlation techniques
Authors: Liu Zhikun , Huang Jinli , Peng Zhigang , Su Jinrong
Published: December 2013

We investigate temporal changes of seismic velocity in the epicentral region of the 12 May 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake using three‐component continuous waveforms recorded by a seven‐station small‐aperture array. We use an ambient noise cross‐correlation technique to compute the empirical Green's function between station pairs from August 2004 to September 2011. Our results show no obvious precursory change immediately before the main shock, clear coseismic reduction of seismic velocity of up to 0.2%, and initial postseismic recovery followed by a long‐lived velocity reduction. The coseismic and postseismic velocity changes are most prominent in the period band of 2–4 s (approximate depth of 1–4 km), and the velocity changes are smaller in other period bands. The seismic velocity in the period band of 1–2 s (i.e., top 2 km) correlates well with the water level change of the Zipingpu Reservoir. The observed temporal changes likely reflect damage and healing processes with possible permanent deformation in the upper crust associated with the Wenchuan main shock.
Effects of Kuroshio intrusions on nonlinear internal waves in the South China Sea during winter
Authors: Park Jae‐Hun , Farmer David
Published: December 2013

During winter the Kuroshio tends to cross Luzon Strait, penetrating the northeastern South China Sea where it forms energetic mesoscale structures. Luzon Strait is also a site where westward‐propagating large‐amplitude internal waves are generated. We describe observations of these waves acquired in the deep basin of the South China Sea during the winter of 2010−2011, with the goal of assessing the influence of mesoscale variability on their properties. Combining tidal current simulations with an internal wave generation and evolution model, we obtain time series of deviations between our observations and the model simulations. These deviations are analyzed in terms of mesoscale variability based on the data‐assimilated HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) simulations. We find that simplified models of nonlinear internal wave response to changes in horizontal stratification gradients and vertical shear provide at best weak simulations of amplitude modulation. In contrast to these results, deviations of internal wave arrival time, occurring up to 2 h early during Kuroshio inflows, are quite well simulated when derived from integration of the first internal mode phase speed along two‐dimensional ray‐traced paths using HYCOM simulations of velocity and density fields together with bathymetry. Refraction of the internal waves by Kuroshio intrusions can lead to substantial distortion of the paths, sufficient to provide a potential explanation for the apparent suppression of waves during previous winter measurements. Our results suggest that the internal wave field can be a sensitive indicator of mesoscale variability in Luzon Strait and the northeastern South China Sea.
Vertical structure, energetics, and dynamics of the Brazil Current System at 22°S–28°S
Authors: Rocha Cesar B. , da Silveira Ilson C. A. , Castro Belmiro M. , Lima Jose Antonio M.
Published: December 2013

We use four current meter moorings and quasi‐synoptic hydrographic observations in conjunction with a one‐dimensional quasi‐geostrophic linear stability model to investigate downstream changes in the Brazil Current (BC) System between 22°S and 28°S. The data set depict the downstream thickening of the BC. Its vertical extension increases from 350 m at 22.7°S to 850 m at 27.9°S. Most of this deepening occurs between 25.5°S and 27.9°S and is linked to the bifurcation of the South Equatorial Current at intermediate depths (Santos bifurcation), which adds the Antarctic Intermediate Water flow to the BC. Geostrophic estimates suggest that the BC transport is increased by at least 4.3 Sv (∼70%) to the south of that bifurcation. Moreover, the Santos bifurcation is associated with a substantial increase in the barotropic component of the BC System. On average, the water column average kinetic energy (IKE) is 70% baroclinic to the north and 54% barotropic to the south of the bifurcation. Additionally, the BC shows conspicuous mesoscale activity off southeast Brazil. The water column average eddy kinetic energy accounts for 30–60% of the IKE. Instabilities of the mean flow may give rise to these mesoscale fluctuations. Indeed, the linear stability analysis suggests that the BC System is baroclinically unstable between 22°S and 28°S. In particular, the model predicts southwestward‐propagating fastest growing waves (∼190 km) from 25.5°S to 27.9°S and quasi‐standing most unstable modes (∼230 km) at 22.7°S. These modes have vertical structures roughly consistent with the observed eddy field.
Pelagic primary productivity and upper ocean nutrient dynamics across Subarctic and Arctic Seas
Authors: Varela Diana E. , Crawford David W. , Wrohan Ian A. , Wyatt Shea N. , Carmack Eddy C.
Published: December 2013

Phytoplankton and nutrient dynamics were investigated during the 2007 and 2008 summers in the euphotic zone of five broad domains across Subarctic and Arctic Seas: the Eastern Subarctic North Pacific Ocean, ESNP; Bering and Chukchi Seas, BE‐CH; Beaufort Sea and Canada Basin, BS‐CB; Canadian Arctic Archipelago, CAA; and Baffin Bay and Labrador Sea, BB‐LS. Average concentrations of nutrients (NO3−, NH4+, Si(OH)4, and PO43−) decreased markedly from west to east, with minima in NO3− and NH4+ in surface BS‐CB waters, but relatively invariant urea‐N concentrations across the entire region. In the BS‐CB domain, low uptake rates of nitrate (ρNO3−) and ammonium (ρNH4+) were exceeded by uptake of urea (ρUrea‐N). Whereas average ρNO3− was highest in the BE‐CH domain, ρUrea‐N was maximal in BB‐LS. Average depth‐integrated f‐ratios ranged from 0.27 in the BS‐CB domain to 0.57 in BE‐CH, while chlorophyll a (chl a) and primary productivity (ρC) were highest in BE‐CH and BB‐LS, and consistently low in the BS‐CB domain. The >5 µm phytoplankton fraction dominated ρC and ρNO3− in the BE‐CH and CAA domains, whereas ESNP and BS‐CB were dominated by the <5 µm fraction. In the BB‐LS domain, the larger cells were responsible for ∼50% of ρC, ρNO3−, and ρUrea‐N. This study highlights the contrast in ice‐corrected average new production between the BE‐CH (396 mg C m−2 d−1) and BS‐CB (5.50 mg C m−2 d−1) domains in summer, and the larger contribution of urea‐N uptake to total N uptake in central and eastern regions where NO3− concentrations were lower.
A 3‐D variational assimilation scheme in coupled transport‐biogeochemical models: Forecast of Mediterranean biogeochemical properties
Authors: Teruzzi Anna , Dobricic Srdjan , Solidoro Cosimo , Cossarini Gianpiero
Published: December 2013

Increasing attention is dedicated to the implementation of suitable marine forecast systems for the estimate of the state of the ocean. Within the framework of the European MyOcean infrastructure, the pre‐existing short‐term Mediterranean Sea biogeochemistry operational forecast system has been upgraded by assimilating remotely sensed ocean color data in the coupled transport‐biogeochemical model OPATM‐BFM using a 3‐D variational data assimilation (3D‐VAR) procedure. In the present work, the 3D‐VAR scheme is used to correct the four phytoplankton functional groups included in the OPATM‐BFM in the period July 2007 to September 2008. The 3D‐VAR scheme decomposes the error covariance matrix using a sequence of different operators that account separately for vertical covariance, horizontal covariance, and covariance among biogeochemical variables. The assimilation solution is found in a reduced dimensional space, and the innovation for the biogeochemical variables is obtained by the sequential application of the covariance operators. Results show a general improvement in the forecast skill, providing a correction of the basin‐scale bias of surface chlorophyll concentration and of the local‐scale spatial and temporal dynamics of typical bloom events. Further, analysis of the assimilation skill provides insights into the functioning of the model. The computational costs of the assimilation scheme adopted are low compared to other assimilation techniques, and its modular structure facilitates further developments. The 3D‐VAR scheme results especially suitable for implementation within a biogeochemistry operational forecast system.
Assessment of source contributions to seasonal vegetative exposure to ozone in the U.S.
Authors: Lapina Kateryna , Henze Daven K. , Milford Jana B. , Huang Min , Lin Meiyun , Fiore Arlene M. , Carmichael Greg , Pfister Gabriele G. , Bowman Kevin
Published: December 2013

W126 is a cumulative ozone exposure index based on sigmoidally weighted daytime ozone concentrations used to evaluate the impacts of ozone on vegetation. We quantify W126 in the U.S. in the absence of North American anthropogenic emissions (North American background or “NAB”) using three regional or global chemical transport models for May–July 2010. All models overestimate W126 in the eastern U.S. due to a persistent bias in daytime ozone, while the models are relatively unbiased in California and the Intermountain West. Substantial difference in the magnitude and spatial and temporal variability of the estimates of W126 NAB between models supports the need for a multimodel approach. While the average NAB contribution to daytime ozone in the Intermountain West is 64–78%, the average W126 NAB is only 9–27% of current levels, owing to the weight given to high O3 concentrations in W126. Based on a three‐model mean, NAB explains ~30% of the daily variability in the W126 daily index in the Intermountain West. Adjoint sensitivity analysis shows that nationwide W126 is influenced most by NOx emissions from anthropogenic (58% of the total sensitivity) and natural (25%) sources followed by nonmethane volatile organic compounds (10%) and CO (7%). Most of the influence of anthropogenic NOx comes from the U.S. (80%), followed by Canada (9%), Mexico (4%), and China (3%). Thus, long‐range transport of pollution has a relatively small impact on W126 in the U.S., and domestic emissions control should be effective for reducing W126 levels.
Controlled delivery of growth‐hormone‐releasing peptide 6 from the poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) copolymer and the effect of a growth‐hormone‐releasing peptide 6–copolymer hydrogel on the growth of rex rabbits
Authors: Guan Yuan , Li Xinwei , Zhang Xin , Cheng Yunyun , Su Dan , Lu Chao , Fang Xibi , Ma Qiang , Zhang Dawei , Yu Hao , Hao Linlin , Liu Songcai
Published: December 2013

Growth‐hormone‐releasing peptide 6 (GHRP‐6) plays an important role in animal growth. However, there have been few studies focusing on the effect of GHRP‐6 on animal growth through controlled release systems. We synthesized the poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)–poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–PLGA copolymer to investigate its controlled released effect on GHRP‐6 in vitro and to study the effect of a GHRP‐6–copolymer hydrogel on the growth of rex rabbits. The copolymer was synthesized with ring‐opening copolymerization and characterized by 1H‐NMR. The interaction between GHRP‐6 and the copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The body weight, serum level of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), and hair coat quality were studied in rex rabbits. The results show that hydrogen bonds formed between the NH group in GHRP‐6 and the CO group in the copolymer. The release mechanism of GHRP‐6 was a combination of a diffusion‐controlled mechanism and an erosion‐controlled mechanism in the copolymer. The serum level of IGF‐1, hair coat quality, and body weight were all significantly higher in the GHRP‐6–copolymer hydrogel group than in the other groups. These results indicate that the copolymer effectively controlled the release of GHRP‐6. In addition, the GHRP‐6–copolymer hydrogel increased the synthesis of IGF‐1 for a prolonged period and, thereby, increased the rex rabbits' growth and hair coat quality. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40185.
Preservation of cranial nerves during removal of the brain for an enhanced student experience in neuroanatomy classes
Authors: Long Jennifer , Roberts David J.H. , Pickering James D.
Published: December 2013

Neuroanatomy teaching at the University of Leeds includes the examination of isolated brains by students working in small groups. This requires the prosected brains to exhibit all 12 pairs of cranial nerves. Traditional methods of removing the brain from the skull involve elevating the frontal lobes and cutting each cranial nerve as the brain is reflected posteriorly. This can leave a substantial length of each nerve attached to the skull base rather than to the removed brain. We have found a posterior approach more successful. In this study, five adult heads were disarticulated at the level of the thyroid cartilage and placed, prone, in a head stand. A wedge of bone from the occipital region was removed before the cerebellum and brainstem were elevated to visualize the cranial nerves associated with the medulla oblongata, cerebellopontine angle and mesencephalic‐pontine junction prior to cutting them as close to the skull as possible. Five brains were successfully removed from the skull, each having a full complement of cranial nerves of good length attached to them. This approach significantly increases the length and number of cranial nerves remaining attached to the brain, which supports student education. For integration into head and neck dissection courses, careful consideration will be required to ensure the necks are suitably dissected and to decide whether the cranial nerves are best left attached to the skull base or brain. Clin. Anat. 27:20–24, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flexible memory retrieval in bilingual 6‐month‐old infants
Authors: Brito Natalie , Barr Rachel
Published: December 2013

Memory flexibility is a hallmark of the human memory system. As indexed by generalization between perceptually dissimilar objects, memory flexibility develops gradually during infancy. A recent study has found a bilingual advantage in memory generalization at 18 months of age [Brito and Barr [2012] Developmental Science, 15, 812–816], and the present study examines when this advantage may first emerge. In the current study, bilingual 6‐month‐olds were more likely than monolinguals to generalize to a puppet that differed in two features (shape and color) than monolingual 6‐month‐olds. When challenged with a less complex change, two puppets that differed only in one feature—color, monolingual 6‐month‐olds were also able to generalize. These findings demonstrate early emerging differences in memory generalization in bilingual infants, and have important implications for our understanding of how early environmental variations shape the trajectory of memory development. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1156–1163, 2014.
Effects of silver nanoparticles (NM-300K) on Lumbricus rubellus earthworms and particle characterization in relevant test matrices including soil
Authors: van der Ploeg Merel J.C. , Handy Richard D. , Waalewijn-Kool Pauline L. , van den Berg Johannes H.J. , Herrera Rivera Zahira E. , Bovenschen Jan , Molleman Bastiaan , Baveco Johannes M. , Tromp Peter , Peters Ruud J.B. , Koopmans Gerwin F. , Rietjens Ivonne M.C.M. , van den Brink Nico W.
Published: December 2013

The impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNP; at 0 mg Ag/kg, 1.5 mg Ag/kg, 15.4 mg Ag/kg, and 154 mg Ag/kg soil) and silver nitrate (AgNO3; 15.4 mg Ag/kg soil) on earthworms, Lumbricus rubellus, was assessed. A 4-wk exposure to the highest AgNP treatment reduced growth and reproduction compared with the control. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) exposure also impaired reproduction, but not as much as the highest AgNP treatment. Long-term exposure to the highest AgNP treatment caused complete juvenile mortality. All AgNP treatments induced tissue pathology. Population modeling demonstrated reduced population growth rates for the AgNP and AgNO3 treatments, and no population growth at the highest AgNP treatment because of juvenile mortality. Analysis of AgNP treated soil samples revealed that single AgNP and AgNP clusters were present in the soil, and that the total Ag in soil porewater remained high throughout the long-term experiment. In addition, immune cells (coelomocytes) of earthworms showed sensitivity to both AgNP and AgNO3 in vitro. Overall, the present study indicates that AgNP exposure may affect earthworm populations and that the exposure may be prolonged because of the release of a dissolved Ag fraction to soil porewater. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:743–752. © 2013 SETAC
Testing the individual effective dose hypothesis
Authors: Vu Hung T. , Klaine Stephen J.
Published: December 2013

The assumption of the individual effective dose is the basis for the probit method used for analyzing dose or concentration–response data. According to this assumption, each individual has a uniquely innate tolerance expressed as the individual effective dose (IED) or the smallest dose that is sufficient to kill the individual. An alternative to IED, stochasticity suggests that individuals do not have uniquely innate tolerance; deaths result from random processes occurring among similar individuals. Although the probit method has been used extensively in toxicology, the underlying assumption has not been tested rigorously. The goal of the present study was to test which assumption, IED or stochasticity, best explained the response of Daphnia magna exposed to multiple pulses of copper sulfate (CuSO4) over 24 d. Daphnia magna were exposed to subsequent age-dependent 24-h median lethal concentrations (LC50s) of copper (Cu). Age-dependent 24-h LC50 values and Cu depuration test were determined prior to the 24-d bioassay. The LC50 values were inversely related to organism age. The Cu depuration of D. magna did not depend on age or Cu concentration, and 5 d was sufficient recovery time. Daphnia magna were exposed to 4 24-h Cu exposures, and surviving organisms after each exposure were transferred to Cu-free culture media for recovery before the next exposure. Stochasticity appropriately explained the survival and reproduction response of D. magna exposed to Cu. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:791–797. © 2013 SETAC
Surface water mineralization of isopyrazam according to OECD 309: Observations on implementation of the new data requirement within agrochemical regulation
Authors: Hand Laurence H. , Moreland Harriet J.
Published: December 2013

A surface water mineralization study (according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] guideline OECD 309) is a new requirement in European Union agrochemical regulations; therefore, industry has little experience with this test. The guideline allows for a number of options within the test design, notably the options to conduct the study under diffuse light and to include an inoculum of suspended sediment. The present study was designed to investigate the potential impact of these options on the degradation rate of a representative compound. The fungicide, isopyrazam, was chosen as it was previously shown to be susceptible to metabolism by phototrophic organisms under a fluorescent light–dark cycle. The impact of diffuse light was investigated at light intensities representative of those at depth in large, open water bodies (<7% of the incident intensity), and it was demonstrated that metabolism of isopyrazam by phototrophic microorganisms was rapid (median degradation time for 50% of the test compound [DT50] < 50 d), whereas degradation in continuous darkness was negligible. Furthermore, investigation at 2 different light intensities resulted in similar degradation rates, indicating that this transformation mechanism was not proportional to light intensity, provided that there was sufficient light for photosynthesis to occur. Inclusion of suspended sediment did not have a significant impact on the degradation rate of isopyrazam, except at extremely high sediment concentrations, which were not considered representative of conditions in large, open water bodies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:516–524. © 2013 SETAC
The efficacy of plasma biomarkers in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Tao , Xiao Shifu , Liu Yuanyuan , Lin Zhiguang , Su Ning , Li Xia , Li Guanjun , Zhang Mingyuan , Fang Yiru
Published: December 2013

Background

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is imperative for the prevention of disease progression and the development of effective treatments.

Objective

Clinically, AD diagnosis has been based on adherence to clinical criteria. It has recently been proposed that diagnostic criteria should also incorporate biomarker findings. However, the most studied candidates or group of candidates for AD biomarkers, including pathological processes and proteins, needs further research. The current study aimed to investigate the capabilities of the following plasma proteins in the diagnosis of AD and amnesia mild cognitive impairment (aMCI): peripheral interleukin (IL) 10, IL‐6, amyloid‐β (Aβ) 40, Aβ42, phosphorylated tau 181, and total tau.

Methods

In addition to 122 normal control (NC) group, 97 AD patients and 54 aMCI patients were recruited for this study. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the concentration of the following blood plasma biomarkers: IL‐10, IL‐6, Aβ40, Aβ42, phosphorylated tau 181, and total tau.

Results

A one‐way analysis of variance (one‐factor analysis of variance) of Aβ40 and IL‐10 levels revealed a statistically significant difference between the three groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.020). Using Aβ40 ≥ 42.70 pg/ml as the cut‐off point, the sensitivity of the ability of Aβ40 to discriminate between AD and NC groups was 80.0%, and specificity was 69.6%.

Conclusions

The plasma Aβ40 biomarker was able to distinguish between AD and NC groups. However, the plasma biomarkers in the present research were not able to distinguish between aMCI and NC groups. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interventions to reduce the number of falls among older adults with/without cognitive impairment: an exploratory meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Jong‐Long , Tsai Yi‐Ying , Liao Jung‐Yu , Tu Hsiu‐Mei , Huang Chiu‐Mieh
Published: December 2013

Objective

This exploratory meta‐analysis aimed to examine and compare the effective interventions to prevent falls among institutionalized/non‐institutionalized older adults without cognitive impairment with interventions to prevent falls for older adults with cognitive impairment.

Design

A database search identified 111 trials published between January 1992 and August 2012 that evaluated fall‐prevention interventions among institutionalized/non‐institutionalized older adults with and without cognitive impairment as measured by valid cognition scales.

Results

Exercise alone intervention was similar effective on reducing the numbers of falls among older adults without cognitive impairment regardless of setting (non‐institutionalized: OR = 0.783, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.656–0.936; p = 0.007 institutionalized: OR = 0.799, 95% CI = 0.646–0.988, p = 0.038). Vitamin D/calcium supplementation had a positive effect on the reduction of numbers of falls among non‐institutionalized older adults without cognitive impairment (OR = 0.789, 95% CI = 0.631–0.985, p = 0.036), as did home visits and environment modification (OR = 0.751, 95% CI = 0.565–0.998, p = 0.048). Exercise alone, exercise‐related multiple interventions, and multifactorial interventions were associated with positive outcomes among both institutionalized and non‐institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment, but studies are limited.

Conclusions

Single exercise interventions can significantly reduce numbers of falls among older adults with and without cognitive impairment in institutional or non‐institutional settings. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation, home visits, and environment modification can reduce the risk of falls among older adults in non‐institutional settings. Exercise‐related multiple interventions and multifactorial interventions may only be effective for preventing falls in older adults with cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooperation came first: Evolution and human cognition
Authors: Hayes Steven C. , Sanford Brandon T.
Published: December 2013

Contextual behavioral perspectives on learning and behavior reside under the umbrella of evolution science. In this paper we briefly review current developments in evolution science that bear on learning and behavior, concluding that behavior is now moving to the center of evolution studies. Learning is one of the main ladders of evolution by establishing functional benchmarks within which genetic adaptations can be advantaged. We apply that approach to the beginning feature of human cognition according to Relational Frame Theory: derived symmetry in coordination framing. When combined with the idea that cooperation came before major advances in human cognition or culture, existing abilities in social referencing, joint attention, perspective‐taking skills, and relational learning ensure that the behavioral subcomponents of symmetrical equivalence relations would be reinforced. When coordination framing emerged and came under arbitrary contextual control as an operant class, a template was established for the development of multiple relational frames and the emergence and evolutionary impact of human cognition as we know it. Implications of these ideas for translational research are briefly discussed.
Six‐term transitive inference with pigeons: Successive‐pair training followed by mixed‐pair training
Authors: Daniels Carter W. , Laude Jennifer R. , Zentall Thomas R.
Published: December 2013

In nonhuman animals, the transitive inference (TI) task typically involves training a series of four simultaneous discriminations involving, for example, arbitrary colors in which choice of one stimulus in each pair is reinforced [+] and choice of the other color is nonreinforced [−]. This can be represented as A+B−, B+C−, C+D−, D+E− and can be conceptualized as a series of linear relationships: A > B > C > D > E. After training, animals are tested on the untrained non‐endpoint pair, BD. Preference for B over D is taken as evidence of TI and occurs because B is greater than D in the implied series. In the present study we trained pigeons using a novel training procedure—a hybrid of successive pair training (training one pair at a time) and mixed‐pair training (training all pairs at once)—designed to overcome some of the limitations of earlier procedures. Using this hybrid procedure, we trained five premise pairs (A+B−, B+C−, C+D−, D+E−, and E+F−) which allowed us to test three untrained non‐endpoint pairs (BD, CE, and BE). A significant TI effect was found for most subjects on at least two out of three test pairs. Different theories of TI are discussed. The results suggest that this hybrid training is an efficient procedure for establishing mixed‐pair acquisition and a TI effect.
Drug resistance mutations and genetic diversity in adults treated for HIV type 1 infection in Mauritania
Authors: Fall‐Malick F‐Zahra , Tchiakpé Edmond , Ould Soufiane Sid'Ahmed , Diop‐Ndiaye Halimatou , Mouhamedoune Baye Abderrahmane , Ould Horma Babana Abdallah , Kane Coumba Touré , Lo Baidy , Mboup Souleymane
Published: December 2013

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the drug resistance mutationprofile observed in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy with virological failure and to document the HIV‐1 genetic diversity in Mauritania. Eighty‐six subjects were included and 65 samples were amplified successfully and sequenced. HIV‐1 genotyping was performed using the Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA AC11 resistance procedure. The median treatment duration was 32 months (range: 6–88) and the median viral load, 5 log10 copies/ml (range: 3.13–7). Fifty‐nine patients (90.8%) were on first line regimens including 32.0% (19/59) on triomune fixed‐dose and six on second‐line therapy with NonNucleoside Reverse Transcriptase plus a protease inhibitor. Forty‐seven patients (72.3%) had at least one drug resistance mutation including 73.0% (43/59) on first‐line therapy. For the second‐line, one out of six patients presented resistance mutations and only one presented PI DRM. Overall, the most common DRMs detected were M184V/I (n = 32; 49.2%), K103N (n = 28; 43%), and Y181C (n = 13; 20%). Thymidine Analog Mutations (TAMs) were found in 26.0% (n = 17) of strains and the most common was T215Y (n = 11, 16.9%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed 17 HIV‐1 variants with the predominance of CRF02_AG (n = 42; 64.6%). A high rate of DRM was found in this study and shows the potential need for a structured virological surveillance including viral load quantification and genotyping. Further studies may also be needed in regards to the great variability of HIV‐1 strains in Mauritania. J. Med. Virol. 86:404–410, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatic resection for colorectal metastases
Authors: Frankel Timothy L. , D'Angelica Michael I.
Published: December 2013

The liver represents a common site for metastasis in colorectal cancer. Improvements in patient selection and surgical techniques has resulted in improved outcomes following hepatic metastasectomy with large series reporting 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates of 40% and 20%, respectively. In recent years, criteria for resectability has expanded with the use of forced liver hypertrophy and staged resection. The role of perioperative chemotherapy remains controversial with a slight increase in survival and operative morbidity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:2–7. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pretreatment selection of regimen according to genetic analysis improves the efficacy of chemotherapy in the first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Do Yoon , Paek Tae Yoon , Oh Seung Yeop , Kim Young Bae , Lee Je Hee , Lee Mi Young , Choi Zi Sun , Suh Kwang Wook
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives

Metastatic colon cancer patients are treated with the chemotherapy regimens, FOLFOX and FOLFIRI, in either order. So far, we cannot predict the response of chemotherapeutic agent, so it is necessary to find which regimen is adequate before starting chemotherapy.

Methods

Enrolled patients are randomized into either conventional treatment or planned treatment preceded by pretreatment genetic analysis. Blood samples of patients in planned treatment group (N = 53) were analyzed for the genetic polymorphism before selection of chemotherapeutic agents. Target genes were XPD‐751, GSTP‐1‐105, XRCC1‐399 for oxaliplatin, UGT1A1 for irinotecan. The response was measured by computed tomographic scan after completion of three cycles of chemotherapy.

Results

Overall response rate was significantly higher in planned group (67.9% vs. 46.3%, P = 0.020). In FOLFOX group, response rate was significantly improved in the planned patients(77.1% vs. 50%, P = 0.018). In FOLFIRI group, the difference didn't reach statistical significance (50% vs. 42.5%, P = 0.776).

Conclusions

We found significantly improved response rates in the chemotherapy of metastatic colon cancer by pretreatment genetic analysis, especially in FOLFOX group. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:250–254. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.