bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I study of weekly nab‐paclitaxel combined with S‐1 in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2‐negative metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Tsurutani Junji , Kuroi Katsumasa , Iwasa Tsutomu , Miyazaki Masaki , Nishina Shinichi , Makimura Chihiro , Tanizaki Junko , Okamoto Kunio , Yamashita Toshinari , Aruga Tomoyuki , Shigekawa Takashi , Komoike Yoshifumi , Saeki Toshiaki , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: March 2015

We conducted a phase I study of a weekly nab‐paclitaxel and S‐1 combination therapy in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2‐negative metastatic breast cancer. The primary objective was to estimate the maximum tolerated and recommended doses. Each treatment was repeated every 21 days. Levels 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 were set depending on the S‐1 dose (65 or 80 mg/m2) and nab‐paclitaxel infusion schedule (days 1 and 8 or days 1, 8, and 15). Fifteen patients were enrolled. Dose‐limiting toxicity was observed in one patient at Level 3 (100 mg/m2 nab‐paclitaxel on days 1, 8, and 15 with 80 mg/m2 S‐1 daily for 14 days, followed by 7 days of rest). Although the maximum tolerated dose was not reached, the recommended dose was determined to be Level 3. Neutropenia was the most frequent grade 3–4 treatment‐related adverse event. For patients with measurable lesions, the response rate was 50.0% and the median time to treatment failure and median progression‐free survival was 13.2 and 21.0 months, respectively. The present results show the feasibility and potential for long‐term administration of this combination therapy.
Cdc42: Role in Cancer Management
Authors: Qadir Muhammad Imran , Parveen Amna , Ali Muhammad
Published: March 2015

Contribution of Cdc42, a member of Rho family, has been characterized for the beginning of variety of cellular responses including cellular transformation, cell division, cell invasion, migration, invadopodia formation, enzyme activity, filopodia formation, and cell polarity in cells. Deregulation of Cdc42 can alter the normal functioning of the cells, responsible for the initiation of signaling pathways and is correlated with several pathogenic processes such as cancer. Therefore, maintaining the level of Cdc42 and its effectors in cells, tumor progression can be controlled. Therefore, it can be suggested that deeper understanding about the Cdc42 contribution in cancer cell progression at molecular level can approach to the development of Cdc42 inhibitors in cancer management.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Small Cationic Abiotic Lipopeptides as Novel Antifungal Agents
Authors: Lohan Sandeep , Monga Jitender , Chauhan Chetan Singh , Bisht Gopal Singh
Published: March 2015

We investigated the antifungal potential of short lipopeptides against clinical fungal isolates with an objective to evaluate their clinical feasibility. All tested lipopeptides exhibit good antifungal activity with negligible difference between the MICs against susceptible and drug‐resistant clinical fungal isolates. The MTT assay results revealed the lower cytotoxicity of lipopeptides toward mammalian cells (NRK‐52E). In particular, LP24 displayed highest potency against most of the tested fungal isolates with MICs in the range of 1.5–4.5 μg/mL. Calcein dye leakage experiments with model membrane suggested the membrane‐active mode of action for LP24. Extending our work from model membranes to intact Aspergillus fumigatus in scanning electron micrographs, we could visualize surface perturbation caused by LP24. LP24 (5 mg/kg) significantly reduces the A. fumigatus burden among the various organs of infected animals, and 70% of the infected mice survived when observed for 28 days. This study underscores the potential of small cationic abiotic lipopeptides to develop into the next‐generation antimicrobial therapy.
Improving the Specificity of the Prostate‐Specific Antigen Substrate Glutaryl‐Hyp‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln as a Promoiety
Authors: Aloysius Herve , Hu Longqin
Published: March 2015

To develop PSA peptide substrates with improved specificity and plasma stability from the known substrate sequence glutaryl‐Hyp‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln, systematic replacements of the N‐terminal segment with D‐retro‐inverso‐peptides were performed with the incorporation of 7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin (7‐AMC) after Gln for convenient fluorometric determination and ranking of the PSA substrate activity. The D‐retro‐inverso‐peptide conjugates with P2‐P5 D‐amino acid substitutions were moderate but poorer PSA substrates as compared to the original peptide, suggesting that inversion of the amide bonds and/or incorporation of the additional atom as in the urea linker adversely affected PSA binding. However, P5 substitution of Hyp with Ser showed significant improvements in PSA cleavage rate; the resulting AMC conjugate, glutaryl‐Ser‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC (11), exhibited the fastest PSA cleavage rate of 351 pmol/min/100 nmol PSA. In addition, GABA←mGly‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC (conjugate 6) was the second best PSA substrate and released 7‐AMC at a rate of 225 pmol/min/100 nmol PSA as compared to 171 pmol/min/100 nmol PSA for the control conjugate glutaryl‐Hyp‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC. Incubations of selected AMC conjugates with mouse and human plasma revealed that GABA←D‐Ser‐ψ[NH‐CO‐NH]‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC (5) and GABA←mGly‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln‐AMC (6) were most stable to non‐PSA‐mediated proteolysis. Our results suggest that the PSA specificity of glutaryl‐Hyp‐Ala‐Ser‐Chg‐Gln is improved with Ser and mGly substitutions of Hyp at the P5.
The association of obesity with sex hormone‐binding globulin is stronger than the association with ageing – implications for the interpretation of total testosterone measurements
Authors: Cooper Lori A. , Page Stephanie T. , Amory John K. , Anawalt Bradley D. , Matsumoto Alvin M.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Total testosterone concentrations are influenced by sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations, which are decreased by obesity and increased with ageing. Therefore, we sought to understand and compare the associations of ageing and obesity with SHBG.

Design

We performed a retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of the associations of obesity and age on SHBG and testosterone measurements in men being evaluated for hypogonadism.

Patients, Measurements and Analysis

A total of 3671 men who underwent laboratory testing for testosterone deficiency from the Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System from 1997 through 2007 was included. Univariate and multivariate linear regression modelling of the associations between age and body mass index (BMI) and SHBG was performed.

Results

Obesity was associated with a significantly lower SHBG [β = −1·26 (95% CI −1·14, −1·38) nmol/l] per unit increase in BMI. In contrast, ageing was associated with a significantly increased SHBG [β = 0·46 (95% CI 0·39, 0·53) nmol/l per year] (P < 0·001 for both effects). The association of obesity with lower SHBG was two to three times larger than the association of ageing with increased SHBG in both univariate and multivariate modelling. On average, obese men (BMI >30 kg/m2) had significantly lower SHBG and total testosterone concentrations than nonobese men [(mean ± SD) SHBG: 36 ± 22 vs 50 ± 27 nmol/l and total testosterone: 10·5 ± 5·4 nmol/l vs 14·1 ± 7·4 nmol/l; (P < 0·001 for both comparisons)], but calculated free testosterone concentrations did not differ between obese and nonobese men.

Conclusions

We found that the association between obesity and lowered SHBG is greater than the association of ageing with increased SHBG. These competing effects may impact total testosterone measurements for the diagnosis of low testosterone, particularly in obese men.
The Development of the Ability to Semantically Integrate Information in Speech and Iconic Gesture in Comprehension
Authors: Sekine Kazuki , Sowden Hannah , Kita Sotaro
Published: March 2015

We examined whether children's ability to integrate speech and gesture follows the pattern of a broader developmental shift between 3‐ and 5‐year‐old children (Ramscar & Gitcho, 2007) regarding the ability to process two pieces of information simultaneously. In Experiment 1, 3‐year‐olds, 5‐year‐olds, and adults were presented with either an iconic gesture or a spoken sentence or a combination of the two on a computer screen, and they were instructed to select a photograph that best matched the message. The 3‐year‐olds did not integrate information in speech and gesture, but 5‐year‐olds and adults did. In Experiment 2, 3‐year‐old children were presented with the same speech and gesture as in Experiment 1 that were produced live by an experimenter. When presented live, 3‐year‐olds could integrate speech and gesture. We concluded that development of the integration ability is a part of the broader developmental shift; however, live‐presentation facilitates the nascent integration ability in 3‐year‐olds.
Improvement of the dyeing and fastness properties of a naphthalimide fluorescent dye using poly(amidoamine) dendrimer
Authors: Sadeghi‐Kiakhani Mousa , Safapour Siyamak
Published: March 2015

In this study, 4‐amino‐9‐methoxypropylnaphthalimide fluorescent dye (dye 1) was reacted with poly(amidoamine) dendrimer G = −0.5 to prepare a naphthalimide–dendrimer hybrid dye (dye 2). The chemical structures of the synthesised dyes were confirmed by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy. The solvatochromism of the dyes was evaluated in various solvents with respect to visible absorption properties, and positive solvatochromism was observed by solvent polarity change from chloroform to ethanol. The dyeing ability of the synthesised dyes was investigated by their application onto nylon fabric, and nylon substrates dyed with dye 2 exhibited marked enhancement both in terms of colour strength and general fastness properties. The results of this study clearly demonstrated the high potential and performance of dye 2 as a novel promising fluorescent dye as compared with dye 1. Overall, it was inferred that the modification of the naphthalimide fluorescent dye with poly(amidoamine) denderimer could markedly improve the dyeing and fastness properties of the naphthalimide fluorescent dye on nylon fabrics.
Post‐transplantation diabetes mellitus: evaluation of treatment strategies
Authors: Haidinger M. , Antlanger M. , Kopecky C. , Kovarik J.J. , Säemann M.D. , Werzowa J.
Published: March 2015

Background

Post‐transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a serious complication after kidney transplantation, but evidence regarding long‐term outcomes of treatment regimens remains scarce.

Aim and Methods

The aim of this retrospective cohort analysis was to assess the long‐term efficiency and safety of antidiabetic treatments in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), who were diagnosed with PTDM by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

Of 561 KTRs that were screened for PTDM at our outpatient clinic, 71 (13%) had a diabetic OGTT and were included in this study. Mean follow‐up was 34.2 ± 16.1 months. Thirty‐six PTDM patients (51%) received antidiabetic treatment after diagnosis with either a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, a sulfonylurea, pioglitazone, or insulin. These patients had significantly higher fasting glucose and two‐h plasma glucose (2HPG) values at baseline than those who remained without therapy. In contrast to lifestyle modification alone or sulfonylureas, DPP‐4 inhibitors improved glycemic control significantly. Adverse events were generally mild and occurred at similar rates in all groups.

Conclusion

While sulfonylureas failed to improve glycemic control, DPP‐4 inhibitors appeared effective and safe for the therapy of PTDM after kidney transplantation.
Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of factors predicting outcome in 1074 patients in OPTN Region 5
Authors: Macdonald Brock , Sewell Justin L. , Harper Ann M. , Roberts John P. , Yao Francis Y.
Published: March 2015

Previous studies on loco‐regional therapy (LRT) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in predicting outcome after liver transplant (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have shown inconsistent results. We analyzed the OPTN database in Region 5 from January 2004 to January 2009 and performed univariate and multivariate analysis of 11 pre‐transplant recipient and donor variables in 1074 patients with HCC meeting Milan criteria to detect association with post‐LT tumor recurrence or mortality. Mean waitlist time was 438 d. The 1‐ and 5‐yr post‐LT survival was 91.1% and 71.1%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, AFP before LT was the only predictor of HCC recurrence. The association between AFP and HCC recurrence was observed only in the subgroup receiving LRT but not in the subgroup without LRT. Predictors of mortality in multivariate analysis were HCC recurrence, Donor Risk Index, last AFP before LT, and MELD score. AFP before LT was the strongest predictor of post‐transplant HCC recurrence or death in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, in Region 5 with prolonged waitlist time, high AFP was the only pre‐transplant variable predicting post‐transplant tumor recurrence and mortality for HCC meeting Milan criteria. Our results also supported the importance of the effects of LRT on AFP in predicting prognosis.
Beyond the Boundaries of Current Human Nature: Some Theological and Ethical Reflections on Transhumanism
Authors: Childs James M.
Published: March 2015

Following a brief overview of the emerging transhumanist vision, Childs turns to a theological and ethical assessment. He recommends that there take place a community‐wide conversation over the prospects of a post‐human future that includes both nerds and theologians along with all stakeholders in a healthy human future. Christians should be guided by the eschatological values that inform love's commitment to the common good. How does the common commitment to justice take concrete shape in public policies governing the mounting advances in science and technology? How does the commitment to life and healing speak to the ethical distinction between the uses of biomedical technology for therapy versus for enhancement?
Bodies and Persons: Theological Reflections on Transhumanism
Authors: Mercer Calvin
Published: March 2015

While cautioned by Ted Peters’ critique of the more radical brand of transhumanism, in this article the author affirms a greater openness on the part of Christian theology toward the transhumanist/posthumanist program. A key concern will be the place of the human body. Christians affirm an eschatological resurrection of the body. This stands in contrast to radical transhumanists who seek cybernetic immortality—that is, disembodied intelligence. Yet, such intelligence could manifest in a virtual or robotic body. Therefore, it turns out that a posthuman entity, whether an upload or superintelligence, can have a body, albeit qualitatively different from the familiar flesh and blood body. If a pothuman entity can also have personhood, then why could not the promise of God apply?
Does Jesus Save the Neanderthals? Theological Perspectives on the Evolutionary Origins and Boundaries of Human Nature
Authors: Moritz Joshua M.
Published: March 2015

Does Jesus save the Neanderthals? Do the Neanderthals need saving? Are they worth saving? And what about other non‐human animals? What theological sense can be made of the boundaries of human nature when considered in light of contemporary evolutionary biology and paleoanthropology? This article explores how theologians can begin to approach such questions by looking at four key areas where theological anthropology, evolutionary biology, and paleoanthropology intersect—1) human nature, 2) human uniqueness, 3) the imago Dei, and 4) the incarnation.
Scripture, Creed, and Empire: Negotiating the Challenges to Find Norming Norms
Authors: Persaud Winston D.
Published: March 2015

Given the recent (since 9/11) widespread attention across academic disciplines paid to the theme of Empire, the author considers a primary question which emerges: What might we learn from and about the Bible which was composed in the context of Empire and has functioned in communities which both benefited from and suffered under imperial rule? Attention is given to critical ‘re‐readings’ of the New Testament in light of the reality of the Roman Empire and its overriding, pervasive imperial rule. Consideration is given to the Nicene‐Constantinopolitan Creed (325/381 B.C.E.) and Christology for ‘hidden transcripts’ of the radical alternative message of the Gospel vis‐à‐vis the power of emperor and Empire.
Higher Education in Light of the Cross
Authors: Ashmon Scott A.
Published: March 2015

What is the summum bonum of a university education? The much lauded “liberal” approach of Aristotle, Newman, and Roche proposes that education is for contemplating the truth—an intrinsic, joyous end in itself. This approach offers the benefits of pursuing truth, virtues, and intellectual habits, but it also carries with it the temptations of idealatry and homo incurvatus in se. Christian universities can reform this approach to education, though, with Luther's theology of the cross, reorienting it through the crucified Christ toward the highest ends of life revealed in God's word: faith in God and love for the neighbor.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the stomatognathic system
Authors: Goiato Marcelo Coelho
Published: March 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Ferreira et al. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.12707.

The version of Ferreira et al. commented on has been retracted and has now been replaced with http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.13094.
The HPV16 E6 oncoprotein and UVB irradiation inhibit the tumor suppressor TGFβ pathway in the epidermis of the K14E6 transgenic mouse
Authors: Popoca‐Cuaya Marco , Diaz‐Chavez Jose , Hernandez‐Monge Jesus , Alvarez‐Rios Elizabeth , Lambert Paul F. , Gariglio Patricio
Published: March 2015

High‐risk human papillomaviruses (HR‐HPVs) are the causative agents of cervical cancer, and they are also associated with a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, HPVs have also been postulated in the development of non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). In these cancers, the oncogene E6 is best known for its ability to inactivate the tumor suppressor p53 protein. Interestingly, in transgenic mice for HPV16 E6 (K14E6), it was reported that E6 alone induced epithelial hyperplasia and delay in differentiation in skin epidermis independently of p53 inactivation. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is an important regulator of cell growth/differentiation and apoptosis, and this pathway is often lost during tumorigenesis. Ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) exposure activates diverse cellular responses, including DNA damage and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated whether the E6 oncogene alone or in combination with UVB dysregulate some components of the TGFβ pathway in the epidermis of K14E6 mice. We used 8‐day‐old K14E6 and non‐transgenic mice irradiated and unirradiated with a single dose of UVB. We found that the E6 oncogene and UVB irradiation impair the TGFβ pathway in epidermis of K14E6 mice by downregulation of the TGFβ type II receptor (TβRII). This loss of TβRII prevents downstream activation of Smad2 and target genes as p15, an important regulator of cell cycle progression. In summary, the TGFβ signalling in cells of the epidermis is downregulated in our mouse model by both the E6 oncoprotein and the UVB irradiation.
Environment‐induced lentigines: formation of solar lentigines beyond ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Nakamura Motoki , Morita Akimichi , Seité Sophie , Haarmann‐Stemmann Thomas , Grether‐Beck Susanne , Krutmann Jean
Published: March 2015

There is no doubt that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) contributes to the generation of acquired lentigines in human skin, as indicated by the term solar lentigo. A growing number of recent epidemiological and mechanistic studies, however, strongly suggest that in addition to UVR, other environmental factors contribute to lentigines’ formation as well. We therefore here introduce the term ‘environment‐induced lentigo’ (EIL) to refer to acquired pigment spots of human skin. In this view point, we (i) summarize the existing evidence to support a role of environmental toxicants other than UVR in the pathogenesis of EILs, (ii) we argue that activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling by UVR and environmental toxicants is critically involved in triggering and sustaining a crosstalk between melanocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which then causes the development and persistence of EILs in human skin, and (iii) we discuss clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of EILs resulting from this concept.
Novel steps in the autophagic‐lysosomal pathway
Authors: Sætre Frank , Hagen Linda Korseberg , Engedal Nikolai , Seglen Per O.
Published: March 2015

Autophagy is the process by which portions of cytoplasm are enclosed by membranous organelles, phagophores, which deliver the sequestered cytoplasm to degradative autophagic vacuoles. Genes and proteins involved in phagophore manufacture have been extensively studied, but little is known about how mature phagophores proceed through the subsequent steps of expansion, closure and fusion. Here we have addressed these issues by combining our unique autophagic cargo sequestration assay (using the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase as a cargo marker) with quantitative measurements of the lipidation‐dependent anchorage and turnover of the phagophore‐associated protein LC3. In isolated rat hepatocytes, amino acid starved to induce maximal autophagic activity, the two unrelated reversible autophagy inhibitors 3‐methyladenine (3MA) and thapsigargin (TG) both blocked cargo sequestration completely. However, whereas 3MA inhibited LC3 lipidation, TG did not, thus apparently acting at a post‐lipidation step to prevent phagophore closure. Intriguingly, the resumption of cargo sequestration seen upon release from a reversible TG block was completely suppressed by 3MA, revealing that 3MA not only inhibits LC3 lipidation but also (like TG) blocks phagophore closure at a post‐lipidation step. 3MA did not, however, prevent the resumption of lysosomal LC3 degradation, indicating that phagophores could fuse directly with degradative autophagic vacuoles without carrying cytosolic cargo. This fusion step was clearly blocked by TG. Furthermore, density gradient centrifugation revealed that a fraction of the LC3‐marked phagophores retained by TG could be density‐shifted by the acidotropic drug propylamine along with the lysosomal marker cathepsin B, suggesting physical association of some phagophores with lysosomes prior to cargo sequestration.
Fatigue assessment of high‐frequency mechanical impact (HFMI)‐treated welded joints subjected to high mean stresses and spectrum loading
Authors: Mikkola E. , Doré M. , Marquis G. , Khurshid M.
Published: March 2015

The fatigue strength of welded joints can be improved with various post‐weld treatment methods. High‐frequency mechanical impact treatment is a residual stress modification technique that creates compressive residual stresses at the weld toe. However, these beneficial residual stresses may relax under certain loading conditions. In this paper, previously published fatigue data for butt and fillet welded joints subjected to high stress ratios and variable amplitude cyclic stresses were evaluated in relation to the current International Institute of Welding (IIW) recommendations on fatigue strength improvement and a proposed IIW design guideline for high‐frequency mechanical impact‐treated welded joints. The evaluation showed that the current IIW recommendations resulted in both non‐conservative and overly conservative fatigue strength estimations depending on the applied stress level, whereas the proposed fatigue assessment guideline fitted the current data well.
Record of archaeal activity at the serpentinite‐hosted Lost City Hydrothermal Field
Authors: Méhay S. , Früh‐Green G. L. , Lang S. Q. , Bernasconi S. M. , Brazelton W. J. , Schrenk M. O. , Schaeffer P. , Adam P.
Published: March 2015

Samples of young, outer surfaces of brucite–carbonate deposits from the ultramafic‐hosted Lost City hydrothermal field were analyzed for DNA and lipid biomarker distributions and for carbon and hydrogen stable isotope compositions of the lipids. Methane‐cycling archaeal communities, notably the Lost City Methanosarcinales (LCMS) phylotype, are specifically addressed. Lost City is unlike all other hydrothermal systems known to date and is characterized by metal‐ and CO2‐poor, high pH fluids with high H2 and CH4 contents resulting from serpentinization processes at depth. The archaeal fraction of the microbial community varies widely within the Lost City chimneys, from 1–81% and covaries with concentrations of hydrogen within the fluids. Archaeal lipids include isoprenoid glycerol di‐ and tetraethers and C25 and C30 isoprenoid hydrocarbons (pentamethylicosane derivatives – PMIs – and squalenoids). In particular, unsaturated PMIs and squalenoids, attributed to the LCMS archaea, were identified for the first time in the carbonate deposits at Lost City and probably record processes exclusively occurring at the surface of the chimneys. The carbon isotope compositions of PMIs and squalenoids are remarkably heterogeneous across samples and show highly 13C‐enriched signatures reaching δ13C values of up to +24.6‰. Unlike other environments in which similar structural and isotopic lipid heterogeneity has been observed and attributed to diversity in the archaeal assemblage, the lipids here appear to be synthesized solely by the LCMS. Some of the variations in lipid isotope signatures may, in part, be due to unusual isotopic fractionation during biosynthesis under extreme conditions. However, we argue that the diversity in archaeal abundances, lipid structure and carbon isotope composition rather reflects the ability of the LCMS archaeal biofilms to adapt to chemical gradients in the hydrothermal chimneys and possibly to perform either methanotrophy or methanogenesis using dissolved inorganic carbon, methane or formate as a function of the prevailing environmental conditions.
Revealing hidden evolutionary capacity to cope with global change
Authors: Chirgwin Evatt , Monro Keyne , Sgro Carla M. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: March 2015

The extent to which global change will impact the long‐term persistence of species depends on their evolutionary potential to adapt to future conditions. While the number of studies that estimate the standing levels of adaptive genetic variation in populations under predicted global change scenarios is growing all the time, few studies have considered multiple environments simultaneously and even fewer have considered evolutionary potential in multivariate context. Because conditions will not be constant, adaptation to climate change is fundamentally a multivariate process so viewing genetic variances and covariances over multivariate space will always be more informative than relying on bivariate genetic correlations between traits. A multivariate approach to understanding the evolutionary capacity to cope with global change is necessary to avoid misestimating adaptive genetic variation in the dimensions in which selection will act. We assessed the evolutionary capacity of the larval stage of the marine polychaete Galeolaria caespitosa to adapt to warmer water temperatures. Galeolaria is an important habitat‐forming species in Australia, and its earlier life‐history stages tend to be more susceptible to stress. We used a powerful quantitative genetics design that assessed the impacts of three temperatures on subsequent survival across over 30 000 embryos across 204 unique families. We found adaptive genetic variation in the two cooler temperatures in our study, but none in the warmest temperature. Based on these results, we would have concluded that this species has very little capacity to evolve to the warmest temperature. However, when we explored genetic variation in multivariate space, we found evidence that larval survival has the potential to evolve even in the warmest temperatures via correlated responses to selection across thermal environments. Future studies should take a multivariate approach to estimating evolutionary capacity to cope with global change lest they misestimate a species’ true adaptive potential.
Potential impacts on ecosystem services of land use transitions to second‐generation bioenergy crops inGB
Authors: Milner Suzanne , Holland Robert A. , Lovett Andrew , Sunnenberg Gilla , Hastings Astley , Smith Pete , Wang Shifeng , Taylor Gail
Published: March 2015

We present the first assessment of the impact of land use change (LUC) to second‐generation (2G) bioenergy crops on ecosystem services (ES) resolved spatially for Great Britain (GB). A systematic approach was used to assess available evidence on the impacts ofLUCfrom arable, semi‐improved grassland or woodland/forest, to 2G bioenergy crops, for which a quantitative ‘threat matrix’ was developed. The threat matrix was used to estimate potential impacts of transitions to eitherMiscanthus, short‐rotation coppice (SRC, willow and poplar) or short‐rotation forestry (SRF). TheESeffects were found to be largely dependent on previous land uses rather than the choice of 2G crop when assessing the technical potential of available biomass with a transition from arable crops resulting in the most positive effect onES. Combining these data with constraint masks and available land forSRCandMiscanthus(SRFomitted from this stage due to lack of data), south‐west and north‐west England were identified as areas whereMiscanthusandSRCcould be grown, respectively, with favourable combinations of economic viability, carbon sequestration, high yield and positiveESbenefits. This study also suggests that not all prospective planting ofMiscanthusandSRCcan be allocated to agricultural land class (ALC) ALC 3 and ALC 4 and suitable areas ofALC5 are only minimally available. Beneficial impacts were found on 146 583 and 71 890 ha when plantingMiscanthusorSRC, respectively, under baseline planting conditions rising to 293 247 and 91 318 ha, respectively, under 2020 planting scenarios. The results provide an insight into the interplay between land availability, original land uses, bioenergy crop type and yield in determining overall positive or negative impacts of bioenergy cropping on ecosystems services and go some way towards developing a framework for quantifying widerESimpacts of this importantLUC.
Wing shape and migration in shorebirds: a comparative study
Authors: Minias Piotr , Meissner Włodzimierz , Włodarczyk Radosław , Ożarowska Agnieszka , Piasecka Anna , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Janiszewski Tomasz
Published: March 2015

Migration is an energetically expensive and hazardous stage of the annual cycle of non‐resident avian species, and requires certain morphological adaptations. Wing shape is one of the morphological traits that is expected to be evolutionarily shaped by migration. Aerodynamic theory predicts that long‐distance migrants should have more pointed wings with distal primaries relatively longer than proximal primaries, an arrangement that minimizes induced drag and wing inertia, but this prediction has mostly been tested in passerine species. We applied the comparative method of phylogenetically independent contrasts to assess convergent evolution between wing shape and migration within shorebirds. We confirmed the assumption that long‐distance migrants have less rounded wings than species migrating shorter distances. Furthermore, wing roundedness negatively correlates with fat load and mean distance of migratory flights, the basic components of migration strategies. After controlling for interspecific differences in body size, we found no support for a link between wing length and migration, indicating that wing shape is a more important predictor of shorebird migratory behaviour than wing length. The results suggest that total migration distance and migratory strategy may simultaneously act on the evolution of wing shape in shorebirds, and possibly in other avian species.
Re‐conceptualising the link between research and practice in social work: A literature review on knowledge utilisation
Authors: Heinsch Milena , Gray Mel , Sharland Elaine
Published: March 2015

Despite the recent movement towards greater research use in many areas of social work, criticisms persist that decision making in practice is seldom informed by sound research evidence. Discourse about the research‐to‐practice gap in social work has tended to focus on the feasibility of evidence‐based practice for the profession, but has rarely drawn from the broader knowledge utilisation literature. There are important understandings to be gained from the knowledge utilisation field, which spans more than six decades of interdisciplinary research.This article introduces the wider knowledge utilisation literature to a social work audience. It considers the potential of this body of literature to facilitate research use in social work, as well as conceptual issues that may be hindering it from informing improvements to research utilisation in practice.
Sulfoquinovosylacylpropanediol is a novel potent radiosensitizer in prostate cancer
Authors: Sawada Yugo , Omoto Kazuya , Kohei Naoki , Sakaguchi Kengo , Miura Masahiko , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To examine the effects of combined treatment with sulfoquinovosylacylpropanediol and X‐ray irradiation on the remodeling of the prostate cancer microenvironment, including angiogenic and hypoxic characteristics.

Methods

Human prostate cancer cells (DU145 and PC3) were implanted subcutaneously into the right hind legs of athymic nude mice. After the tumor volume reached 100–300mm3, 2mg/kg/day sulfoquinovosylacylpropanediol was given intravenously from day0 to day4, and cells were exposed to 4Gy X‐ray irradiation on days0 and 3 (for a total of 8Gy). Tumors were fixed and stained for pathological analyses and immunohistochemical evaluations. To analyze vascular normalization, 60mg/kg pimonidazole dissolved in saline was injected intraperitoneally.

Results

Combined treatment with sulfoquinovosylacylpropanediol plus X‐ray irradiation enhanced growth inhibition in DU145 xenografts. The tumor vessel density in DU145 cells significantly decreased after the combined treatment. Staining for αsmooth muscle actin in vessels was significantly increased. Pimonidazole staining, showing hypoxic lesions, was negative from 72h, but positive at 6 and 24h after the first combined treatment. In contrast, no enhancement of the microenvironment in PC3 xenografts was observed with sulfoquinovosylacylpropanediol plus X‐ray irradiation.

Conclusion

Sulfoquinovosylacylpropanediol could be a novel potent radiosensitizing agent targeting angiogenesis in prostate cancer.
New curvilinear scheme for elastic wave propagation in presence of curved topography
Authors: Tarrass Issam , Giraud Luc , Thore Pierre
Published: March 2015

We study a new curvilinear scheme for wave propagation modelling in presence of topography. The discrete scheme takes advantage of recent developments in areoacoustics. Our new scheme relies on the conventional grid coupled with optimized filters to remove numerical noise in case of strong material heterogeneity. We used non‐centred stencils for free surface implementation and optimized the explicit Runge‐Kutta scheme for the time differencing. We performed a complete theoretical stability and dispersion analysis of the discrete scheme. Finally, we illustrate the numerical accuracy of the new scheme by intensive experiments.
An assessment of the diversity of early Miocene Scolopaci (Aves, Charadriiformes) from Saint‐Gérand‐le‐Puy (Allier, France)
Authors: DE PIETRI VANESA L. , MAYR GERALD
Published: March 2015

Abstract:  ‘Totanus’lartetianus, Elorius paludicola and ‘Tringa’gracilis are the three scolopacid birds from the early Miocene of Saint‐Gérand‐le‐Puy described by the French palaeontologist Milne‐Edwards in the 19th century. Since then, no revision of these taxa has been performed. Our re‐examination revealed that not much of the material originally assigned to ‘Totanus’lartetianus can be retained within the species. Presumably plesiomorphic features of the humerus – and potentially the coracoid we attributed to this taxon – indicate that it is misplaced in the extant scolopacid genus and may not even belong to the Scolopacidae (sandpipers and allies), and we therefore place it in the new genus Scolopacimilis. Comparisons of the material assigned to Elorius paludicola and ‘Tringa’gracilis show that they are morphologically similar, both exhibiting distinct scolopacid anatomical features. The latter, however, cannot be referred to the extant taxon Tringa and is classified into the new genus Parvelorius. We further introduce three new species, ?Elorius limosoides sp. nov., and ?Parvelorius calidris sp. nov., which we have tentatively assigned to the extinct scolopacid genera Elorius and Parvelorius, respectively, and Becassius charadriioides gen. et. sp. nov., which, together with Scolopacimilis, display a morphology uncharacteristic for extant Scolopaci. For the first time we have assigned skulls to some of the postcranial elements described in this study. The presence of at least six species of Scolopaci from the early Miocene considerably increases the number of members of the group known from this time.
Redescriptions of Cenomanian hexactinellid sponges from Podillia (South‐West Ukraine) and designation of neotypes
Authors: OLSZEWSKA‐NEJBERT DANUTA , ŚWIERCZEWSKA‐GŁADYSZ EWA
Published: March 2015

Abstract:  Newly collected phosphatised hexactinellid sponges are recorded from upper Cenomanian strata in the villages of Nezvys’ko and Rakovets’ of Podillia, south‐west Ukraine. Sponges from Nezvys’ko were first described in the late 19th century by Emil H. Dunikowski, but the original specimens appear to have been lost. Five neotypes of the hexactinellids Laocoetis maxima, Callodictyonella regularis, Plocoscyphia podolica, Toulminia polonica and Leiostracosia crassa are here designated. In addition, diagnoses of all species are provided and descriptions emended and supplemented.
Giant Eocene bird footprints from Northwest Washington, USA
Authors: MUSTOE GEORGE E. , TUCKER DAVID S. , KEMPLIN KEITH L.
Published: March 2015

Abstract.  Tridactyl bird footprints preserved in Lower Eocene sandstone of the Chuckanut Formation in Whatcom County, Washington, USA, were made by a species of giant ground bird that walked along the subtropical lowland riverbank. The morphology and age of the tracks suggest the track maker was Diatryma (? = Gastornis). Although these birds have long been considered to be predators or scavengers, the absence of raptor‐like claws supports earlier suggestions that they were herbivores. The Chuckanut tracks are herein named as Rivavipes giganteus ichnogenus and ichnospecies nov., inferred to belong to the extinct family Gastornithidae.
Re‐theorizing Family Demographics
Authors: Esping‐Andersen Gøsta , Billari Francesco C.
Published: March 2015

Two dominant theories within family research foresee a long‐term decline in marriage, fertility, and partner stability. They also assume that this “less‐family” scenario will be spearheaded by higher‐educated strata. Trends in the latter half of the twentieth century seemed to provide ample support for both predictions. However, recent signs of change in family behavior raise doubts about their continued validity. In a number of countries we see a halt to, and even reversal of, fertility decline and of couple instability. In parallel, we observe a reversal of the social gradient on both dimensions. Applying a multiple equilibrium framework, we propose a theoretical framework that helps explain both the phase of marital and fertility decline and the subsequent recovery. We focus especially on the endogenous dynamics of the process, which, we argue, depend on the conditions that favor rapid diffusion. Our core argument is that the turnaround is driven by the diffusion of gender‐egalitarian norms.
REE and C‐O Isotopic Geochemistry of Calcites from the World‐class Huize Pb‐Zn Deposits, Yunnan, China: Implications for the Ore Genesis
Authors: HUANG Zhilong , LI Xiaobiao , ZHOU Meifu , LI Wenbo , JIN Zhongguo
Published: March 2015

The world‐class Huize Pb‐Zn deposits of Yunnan province, in southwestern China, located in the center of the Sichuan‐Yunnan‐Guizhou Pb‐Zn polymetallic metallogenic province, has Pb+Zn reserves of more than 5 million tons at Pb+Zn grade of higher than 25% and contains abundant associated metals, such as Ag, Ge, Cd, and Ga. The deposits are hosted in the Lower Carboniferous carbonate strata and the Permian Emeishan basalts which distributed in the northern and southwestern parts of the orefield. Calcite is the only gangue mineral in the primary ores of the deposits and can be classified into three types, namely lumpy, patch and vein calcites in accordance with their occurrence. There is not intercalated contact between calcite and ore minerals and among the three types of calcite, indicating that they are the same ore‐forming age with different stages and its forming sequence is from lumpy to patch to vein calcites.

This paper presents the rare earth element (REE) and C‐O isotopic compositions of calcites in the Huize Pb‐Zn deposits. From lumpy to patch to vein calcites, REE contents decrease as LREE/HREE ratios increase. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the three types of calcites are characterized by LREE‐rich shaped, in which the lumpy calcite shows (La)N < (Ce)N < (Pr)N≈ (Nd)N with Eu/Eu* < 1, the patch calcite has (La)N < (Ce)N < (Pr)N≈ (Nd)N with Eu/Eu* > 1, and the vein calcite displays (La)N > (Ce)N > (Pr)N > (Nd)N with Eu/Eu* > 1. The REE geochemistry of the three types of calcite is different from those of the strata of various age and Permian Emeishan basalt exposed in the orefield. The δ13CPDB and δ18OSMOW values of the three types of calcites vary from −3.5‰ to −2.1‰ and 16.7‰ to 18.6‰, respectively, falling within a small field between primary mantle and marine carbonate in the δ13CPDB vs δ18OSMOW diagram.

Various lines of evidence demonstrate that the three types of calcites in the deposits are produced from the same source with different stages. The ore‐forming fluids of the deposits resulted from crustal‐mantle mixing processes, in which the mantle‐derived fluid components might be formed from degassing of mantle or/and magmatism of the Permian Emeishan basalts, and the crustal fluid was mainly provided by carbonate strata in the orefield. The ore‐forming fluids in the deposits were homogenized before mineralization, and the ore‐forming environment varied from relatively reducing to oxidizing.
Applicability of Carbazole Migration Indices in Continental Rift Basins: A Case Study of Western Lujiapu Depression in Kailu Basin, NE China
Authors: ZHOU Shuqing , HUANG Haiping
Published: March 2015

Kailu Basin in which the Western Lujiapu Depression is located is a typical continental rift basin. Biomarker parameters of the oils indicate that depositional facies and environments vary between the Bao 1 and Bao 14 fault blocks with a higher saline environment in the Bao 1 fault block, but such difference has no significant impact on carbazole abundance and distribution. Maturity and migration distance are the main controls on carbazole abundance and distribution in the Western Lujiapu Depression. The commonly used migration indices, such as ratios of nitrogen shield isomers to nitrogen exposed isomers (1‐/4‐methylcarbazole ratio, 1,8‐/2,4‐dimethylcarbazole (DMC) ratio and half‐shield/exposed‐DMC ratio), absolute concentrations of alkylated carbazoles and BC ratio (= benzo [a]carbazole/ (benzo[a]carbazole + benzo[c]carbazole)) increase at the low mature range and decrease at a higher mature range with increasing maturity. At relatively low maturity stage (Rc<0.77%), maturation has reversal effects with migration on the ratios of nitrogen shield isomers to nitrogen exposed isomers, which may cover migration influence and makes these parameters fail to indicate migration effects. Valid migration indicators at this maturity stage are concentrations of alkylated carbazoles and BC ratios, which can provide ideal tools for migration direction assessment even within short migration distance. Maturity effects should be taken into account when carbazole compounds are applied to indicate migration direction, and at different maturity stages, these commonly used parameters have different validity in tracing migration direction. Coupled with our previous study in the Eastern Lujiapu Depression, a conceptual model of the variation of nitrogen migration indices can be established for terrestrial rifted basins, that is, strong fractionation lateral migration model through sandy beds, weak fractionation vertical migration model along faults, and maturity impacts on migration assessment.
A New Sapeornithid Bird from China and Its Implication for Early Avian Evolution
Authors: HU Dongyu , LI Li , HOU Lianhai , XU Xing
Published: March 2015

Recent discoveries of basal birds have greatly improved our understanding of early bird evolution, yet the evolution of several important features such as cranial kinesis and arboreality remain debated. A new sapeornithid bird,Shenshiornis primitagen. et sp. nov., based on an articulated skeleton from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Group of western Liaoning, China, sheds new light on these issues.Shenshiornispossesses a skull as primitive as or even more primitive than that ofArchaeopteryxand hind limbs modified for an improved arboreal capability. A cladistic analysis shows that: 1) presence of a diapsid skull is a plesiomorphy of the Aves and a kinetic skull evolved incrementally later in avian evolution; and 2) cursorial capability significantly weakens at the base of the Pygostylia due to a change in locomotor system.
Ultrastructural Evidence for a Novel Accumulation of Ca in a Microbial Mat from a Slight Acidic Hot Spring
Authors: PENG Xiaotong , ZHOU Huaiyang , YAO Huiqiang , LI Jiangtao , WU Zijun
Published: March 2015

Microbial mats are ecosystems that can control or induce the precipitation of calcium (Ca) carbonate on Earth through geological time. In the present study, we report on a novel accumulation of Ca, together with iron (Fe), in a microbial mat collected from a slight acidic hot spring (pH=5.9) in south China. Combining an array of approaches, including environmental scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray microanalysis, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction, we provide ultrastructral evidence for amorphous acicular aggregates containing Ca and Fe associated with cyanobacteria precipitating in the microbial mats. Cyanobacterial photosynthesis and exopolymeric organic matrixes are considered to be responsible for the precipitation of Ca. These amorphous acicular aggregates might imply the early stage of calcification occurring in microbial mats. Ca and Fe coprecipitation indicates another potential important way of inorganic element precipitation in hot spring microbial mats. Our results provide insight into the possible mechanism of cyanobacterial calcification and microfossil preservation in slight acidic hot spring environments.