bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative perspectives on human gender development and evolution
Authors: Meredith Stephanie L.
Published: November 2014

Human behavioral sex differences are ubiquitous, but the degree to which these sex differences are evolved or culturally invented is hotly contested across disciplines. A review of the human research yields strong evidence that somatic and social causes are both important in human behavioral sex differentiation, but researchers in this area struggle to agree on the relative importance of each. Understanding the social and somatic determinants of nonhuman primate sex‐typed development may shed light on the relative responsibility of social and somatic causes of human behavioral sex differentiation. A review of this research (and related research on the proximate drivers of nonhuman primate behavioral development more generally) indicates that primate behavioral sex differentiation is rooted in somatic causes, but that these are situated in and cannot be extricated from social influences. Overt gender socialization and phenomena such as gender performance seem to be uniquely human. Primate research using a dynamic systems theoretical approach to behavioral development has the greatest potential to further clarify the workings of human behavioral sex differentiation, and further primate research is indispensable for understanding the evolution of human sex‐typed behavior. Yrbk Phys Anthropol 156:72–97, 2015. © 2014 American Association of Physical Anthropologists
The “Skinny” on brown fat, obesity, and bone
Authors: Devlin Maureen J.
Published: November 2014

The discovery that metabolically active brown fat is present in humans throughout ontogeny raises new questions about the interactions between thermoregulatory, metabolic, and skeletal homeostasis. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is distinct from white adipose tissue (WAT) for its ability to burn, rather than store, energy. BAT uniquely expresses uncoupling protein‐1 (abbreviated as UCP1), which diverts the energy produced by cellular respiration to generate heat. While BAT is found in small mammals, hibernators, and newborns, this depot was thought to regress in humans during early postnatal life. Recent studies revealed that human BAT remains metabolically active throughout childhood and even in adulthood, particularly in response to cold exposure. In addition to the constitutive BAT depots present at birth, BAT cells can be induced within WAT depots under specific metabolic and climatic conditions. These cells, called inducible brown fat, “brite,” or beige fat, are currently the focus of intense investigation as a possible treatment for obesity. Inducible brown fat is associated with higher bone mineral density, suggesting that brown fat interacts with bone growth in previously unrecognized ways. Finally, BAT may have contributed to climatic adaptation in hominins. Here, I review current findings on the role of BAT in thermoregulation, bone growth, and metabolism, describe the potential role of BAT in moderating the obesity epidemic, and outline possible functions of BAT across hominin evolutionary history. Yrbk Phys Anthropol 156:98–115, 2015. © 2014 American Association of Physical Anthropologists
Additional postcranial elements of Teilhardina belgica: The oldest European primate
Authors: Gebo Daniel L. , Smith Richard , Dagosto Marian , Smith Thierry
Published: November 2014

Teilhardina belgica is one of the earliest fossil primates ever recovered and the oldest fossil primate from Europe. As such, this taxon has often been hypothesized as a basal tarsiiform on the basis of its primitive dental formula with four premolars and a simplified molar cusp pattern. Until recently [see Rose et al.: Am J Phys Anthropol 146 (2011) 281–305; Gebo et al.: J Hum Evol 63 (2012) 205–218], little was known concerning its postcranial anatomy with the exception of its well‐known tarsals. In this article, we describe additional postcranial elements for T. belgica and compare these with other tarsiiforms and with primitive adapiforms. The forelimb of T. belgica indicates an arboreal primate with prominent forearm musculature, good elbow rotational mobility, and a horizontal, rather than a vertical body posture. The lateral hand positions imply grasps adaptive for relatively large diameter supports given its small body size. The hand is long with very long fingers, especially the middle phalanges. The hindlimb indicates foot inversion capabilities, frequent leaping, arboreal quadrupedalism, climbing, and grasping. The long and well‐muscled hallux can be coupled with long lateral phalanges to reconstruct a foot with long grasping digits. Our phyletic analysis indicates that we can identify several postcranial characteristics shared in common for stem primates as well as note several derived postcranial characters for Tarsiiformes. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:388–406, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supervised exercise improves cutaneous reinnervation capacity in metabolic syndrome patients
Authors: Singleton J. Robinson , Marcus Robin L. , Lessard Margaret K. , Jackson Justin E. , Smith A. Gordon
Published: November 2014

Objective

Unmyelinated cutaneous axons are vulnerable to physical and metabolic injury, but also capable of rapid regeneration. This balance may help determine risk for peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Capsaicin application for 48 hours induces cutaneous fibers to die back into the dermis. Regrowth can be monitored by serial skin biopsies to determine intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). We used this capsaicin axotomy technique to examine the effects of exercise on cutaneous regenerative capacity in the setting of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

Baseline ankle IENFD and 30‐day cutaneous regeneration after thigh capsaicin axotomy were compared for participants with type 2 diabetes (n = 35) or metabolic syndrome (n = 32) without symptoms or examination evidence of neuropathy. Thirty‐six participants (17 with metabolic syndrome) then joined twice weekly observed exercise and lifestyle counseling. Axotomy regeneration was repeated in month 4 during this intervention.

Results

Baseline distal leg IENFD was significantly reduced for both metabolic syndrome and diabetic groups. With exercise, participants significantly improved exercise capacity and lower extremity power. Following exercise, 30‐day reinnervation rate improved (0.051 ± 0.027 fibers/mm/day before vs 0.072 ± 0.030 after exercise, p = 0.002). Those who achieved improvement in more metabolic syndrome features experienced a greater degree of 30‐day reinnervation (p < 0.012).

Interpretation

Metabolic syndrome was associated with reduced baseline IENFD and cutaneous regeneration capacity comparable to that seen in diabetes. Exercise‐induced improvement in metabolic syndrome features increased cutaneous regenerative capacity. The results underscore the potential benefit to peripheral nerve function of a behavioral modification approach to metabolic improvement. ANN NEUROL 2015;77:146–153
Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon Spheres with Extra‐Large Pores through Assembly of Diblock Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Tang Jing , Liu Jian , Li Cuiling , Li Yunqi , Tade Moses O. , Dai Sheng , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: November 2014

The synthesis of highly nitrogen‐doped mesoporous carbon spheres (NMCS) is reported. The large pores of the NMCS were obtained through self‐polymerization of dopamine (DA) and spontaneous co‐assembly of diblock copolymer micelles. The resultant narrowly dispersed NMCS possess large mesopores (ca. 16 nm) and small particle sizes (ca. 200 nm). The large pores and small dimensions of the N‐heteroatom‐doped carbon spheres contribute to the mass transportation by reducing and smoothing the diffusion pathways, leading to high electrocatalytic activity.
Sequential Control over Thiol Click Chemistry by a Reversibly Photoactivated Thiol Mechanism of Spirothiopyran
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Liu Tao , Lin Qiuning , Bao Chunyan , Zhu Linyong
Published: November 2014

A novel photocontrolled thiol click chemistry based on spirothiopyran and maleimide is reported. Upon irradiation with λ=365 nm light, the spirothiopyran can isomerize to the open merocyanine form, a thiophenolate group, which can rapidly react with maleimide. The unreacted MC will readily isomerize back to the starting spirothiopyran, which can be repeatedly photoactivated as needed. Thus, this reversible photoactivated thiol confers spatiotemporal sequential control on the thiol–maleimide reaction using only one type of photochemical reaction. Polymer post‐functionalization and hydrogel building with subsequent multipatterning using different maleimide molecules in a temporal sequential manner indicate that this photocontrolled Michael addition reaction can modulate the specific chemical events in a sequence.
AgF‐Mediated Fluorinative Cross‐Coupling of Two Olefins: Facile Access to α‐CF3 Alkenes and β‐CF3 Ketones
Authors: Gao Bing , Zhao Yanchuan , Hu Jinbo
Published: November 2014

A AgF‐mediated fluorination with a concomitant cross‐coupling between a gem‐difluoroolefin and a non‐fluorinated olefin is reported. This highly efficient method provides facile access to both α‐CF3 alkenes and β‐CF3 ketones, which otherwise remain challenging to be directly prepared. The application of this method is further demonstrated by the synthesis of bioactive isoxazoline derivatives. This approach represents a conceptually novel route to trifluoromethylated compounds that combines the in situ generation of the CF3 moiety and a CH functionalization in a single reaction system.
Programmed Photodegradation of Polymeric/Oligomeric Materials Derived from Renewable Bioresources
Authors: Rajendran Saravanakumar , Raghunathan Ramya , Hevus Ivan , Krishnan Retheesh , Ugrinov Angel , Sibi Mukund P. , Webster Dean C. , Sivaguru Jayaraman
Published: November 2014

Renewable polymeric materials derived from biomass with built‐in phototriggers were synthesized and evaluated for degradation under irradiation of UV light. Complete decomposition of the polymeric materials was observed with recovery of the monomer that was used to resynthesize the polymers.
Total Synthesis, Stereochemical Reassignment, and Biological Evaluation of (−)‐Lyngbyaloside B
Authors: Fuwa Haruhiko , Okuaki Yuta , Yamagata Naoya , Sasaki Makoto
Published: November 2014

(−)‐Lyngbyaloside B is a 14‐membered macrolide glycoside isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp. as a cytotoxic substance by Moore and co‐workers. The first total synthesis of (−)‐lyngbyaloside B and the reassignment of its stereostructure is described. The synthesis features an Abiko–Masamune aldol reaction, a vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction, and a macrocyclization involving an acyl ketene intermediate for the construction of the macrocyclic backbone, which contains an acylated tertiary alcohol. The antiproliferative activity of selected compounds against a small panel of human cancer cell lines is also reported.
Highly Enantioselective Intramolecular 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition: A Route to Piperidino‐Pyrrolizidines
Authors: Vidadala Srinivasa Rao , Golz Christopher , Strohmann Carsten , Daniliuc Constantin‐G. , Waldmann Herbert
Published: November 2014

Enantioselective catalytic intermolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions are powerful methods for the synthesis of heterocycles. In contrast, intramolecular enantioselective 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions are virtually unexplored. A highly enantioselective synthesis of natural‐product‐inspired pyrrolidino‐piperidines by means of an intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with azomethine ylides is now reported. The method has a wide scope and yields the desired cycloadducts with four tertiary stereogenic centers with up to 99 % ee. Combining the enantioselective catalytic intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with a subsequent diastereoselective intermolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition yielded complex piperidino‐pyrrolizidines with very high stereoselectivity in a one‐pot tandem reaction.
Water filtration properties of novel composite membranes combining solution electrospinning and needleless melt electrospinning methods
Authors: Li Xiaohu , Yang Weimin , Li Haoyi , Wang Yan , Bubakir Mahmoud M , Ding Yumei , Zhang Youchen
Published: November 2014

New composite polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polypropylene (PP) membranes were prepared by combining both solution electrospinning and melt electrospinning methods. Self‐designed and made needleless melt electrospinning device was used to fabricate PP membranes which acted as the support layer. PVA membrane on the surface was fabricated via solution electrospinning. The electrospun PVA/PP composite membranes were characterized by the pore size distribution, pure water flux, and rejection ratio, then compared with general composite membranes. Characterizations revealed that the fiber diameter of solution electrospun PVA membrane and melt electrospun PP membrane were 0.171 ± 0.027 and 2.24 ± 0.33 μm, respectively, and the average pore size was 0.832 μm and 27.29 μm, which was much smaller than the nonwoven membrane. The rejection ratio to the 500 nm particles of the PVA/PP composite membrane could reach more than 96%, which was much larger than that of the PVA/non‐woven substrate of 90%, and the melt electrospun PP membrane of 80%, and still maintained high permeate flux of 32,346 L/m2h under the pressure of 0.24 bar. This approach of compositing the solution electrospun membranes and melt electrospun membranes could be useful in designing novel microfiltration membrane owning both higher flux and higher rejection ratio. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41601.
Inclusive fitness and sexual conflict: How population structure can modulate the battle of the sexes
Authors: Pizzari Tommaso , Biernaskie Jay M. , Carazo Pau
Published: November 2014

Competition over reproductive opportunities among members of one sex often harms the opposite sex, creating a conflict of interest between individual males and females. Recently, this battle of the sexes has become a paradigm in the study of intersexual coevolution. Here, we review recent theoretical and empirical advances suggesting that – as in any scenario of intraspecific competition – selfishness (competitiveness) can be influenced by the genetic relatedness of competitors. When competitors are positively related (e.g. siblings), an individual may refrain from harming its competitor(s) and their mate(s) because this can improve the focal individual's inclusive fitness. These findings reveal that population genetic structure might be of paramount importance when studying the battle of the sexes. We conclude by identifying some new lines of research at the interface of sexual selection and social evolution.
Good–Turing frequency estimation in a finite population
Authors: Hwang Wen‐Han , Lin Chih‐Wei , Shen Tsung‐Jen
Published: November 2014

Good–Turing frequency estimation (Good, ) is a simple, effective method for predicting detection probabilities of objects of both observed and unobserved classes based on observed frequencies of classes in a sample. The method has been used widely in several disciplines, such as information retrieval, computational linguistics, text recognition, and ecological diversity estimation. Nevertheless, existing studies assume sampling with replacement or sampling from an infinite population, which might be inappropriate for many practical applications. In light of this limitation, this article presents a modification of the Good–Turing estimation method to account for finite population sampling. We provide three practical extensions of the modified method, and we examine performance of the modified method and its extensions in simulation experiments.
Development and validation of the Surgical Outcome Risk Tool (SORT)
Authors: Protopapa K L , Simpson J C , Smith N C E , Moonesinghe S R
Published: November 2014

Background

Existing risk stratification tools have limitations and clinical experience suggests they are not used routinely. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a preoperative risk stratification tool to predict 30-day mortality after non-cardiac surgery in adults by analysis of data from the observational National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) Knowing the Risk study.

Methods

The data set was split into derivation and validation cohorts. Logistic regression was used to construct a model in the derivation cohort to create the Surgical Outcome Risk Tool (SORT), which was tested in the validation cohort.

Results

Prospective data for 19 097 cases in 326 hospitals were obtained from the NCEPOD study. Following exclusion of 2309, details of 16 788 patients were analysed (derivation cohort 11 219, validation cohort 5569). A model of 45 risk factors was refined on repeated regression analyses to develop a model comprising six variables: American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) grade, urgency of surgery (expedited, urgent, immediate), high-risk surgical specialty (gastrointestinal, thoracic, vascular), surgical severity (from minor to complex major), cancer and age 65 years or over. In the validation cohort, the SORT was well calibrated and demonstrated better discrimination than the ASA-PS and Surgical Risk Scale; areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 0·91 (95 per cent c.i. 0·88 to 0·94), 0·87 (0·84 to 0·91) and 0·88 (0·84 to 0·92) respectively (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

The SORT allows rapid and simple data entry of six preoperative variables, and provides a percentage mortality risk for individuals undergoing surgery.
Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing three techniques for pancreatic remnant closure following distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Zhang H , Zhu F , Shen M , Tian R , Shi C J , Wang X , Jiang J X , Hu J , Wang M , Qin R Y
Published: November 2014

Background

Established closure techniques for the pancreatic remnant after distal pancreatectomy include stapler, suture and anastomotic closure. However, controversy remains regarding the ideal technique; therefore, the aim of this study was to compare closure techniques and risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).

Methods

A systematic review was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines for studies published before January 2014 that compared at least two closure techniques for the pancreatic remnant in distal pancreatectomy. A random-effects model was constructed using weighted odds ratios (ORs).

Results

Thirty-seven eligible studies matched the inclusion criteria and 5252 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy were included. The primary outcome measure, the POPF rate, ranged 0 from to 70 per cent. Meta-analysis of the 31 studies comparing stapler versus suture closure showed that the stapler technique had a significantly lower rate of POPF, with a combined OR of 0·77 (95 per cent c.i. 0·61 to 0·98; P = 0·031). Anastomotic closure was associated with a significantly lower POPF rate than suture closure (OR 0·55, 0·31 to 0·98; P = 0·042). Combined stapler and suture closure had significantly lower POPF rates than suture closure alone, but no significant difference compared with stapler closure alone.

Conclusion

The use of stapler closure or anastomotic closure for the pancreatic remnant after distal pancreatectomy significantly reduces POPF rates compared with suture closure. The combination of stapler and suture closure shows superiority over suture closure alone.
A Novel Tyrosine–Heme CO Covalent Linkage in F43Y Myoglobin: A New Post‐translational Modification of Heme Proteins
Authors: Yan Dao‐Jing , Li Wei , Xiang Yu , Wen Ge‐Bo , Lin Ying‐Wu , Tan Xiangshi
Published: November 2014

Heme post‐translational modification plays a key role in tuning the structure and function of heme proteins. We herein report a novel tyrosine–heme covalent CO bond in an artificially produced sperm whale myoglobin (Mb) mutant, F43Y Mb, which formed spontaneously in vivo between the Tyr43 hydroxy group and the heme 4‐vinyl group. This highlights the diverse chemistry of heme post‐translational modifications, and lays groundwork for further investigation of the structural and functional diversity of covalently‐bound heme proteins.
A Stochastic Model for Liquid Dispersion in a Trickle‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Liu Peng , Huang Zi‐Bin , Zhu Jun , Yu Kun , Cheng Zhen‐Min
Published: November 2014

A stochastic model was developed to describe the liquid radial dispersion in a trickle‐bed reactor, which has conventionally been modeled by the effective diffusion model. To establish the stochastic model, the column was divided into some layers of particles in the axial direction and several annulus rings in each layer in the radial direction. The liquid spreading was regarded as a fluid transport process and the matrix of transfer probability was derived based on the coordinates of the particle network in the cross‐section of the column. With this transfer probability matrix and the initial liquid distribution, the liquid distribution in the downstream was predicted. In order to evaluate the model parameters, experimental data of the liquid dispersion were obtained from electrical capacitance tomography images and tracer injection. Good agreement was obtained between the stochastic model and the experimental liquid distribution data.
Kaltgasspritzen zur Mikrostrukturierung von Bauteiloberflächen
Authors: Schmidt Kilian , Buhl Sebastian , Hund David , Ripperger Siegfried
Published: November 2014

Ein thermisches Spritzverfahren zur Strukturierung von metallischen Oberflächen mit Mikropartikeln wird vorgestellt. Stickstoff, zusammen mit Titandioxid‐Mikropartikeln, wird komprimiert, erhitzt und über eine angepasste Laval‐Düse auf Titan‐Probeplättchen gesprüht. Theoretische Betrachtungen und CFD‐Simulationen zeigen, dass die auf die Oberfläche auftreffenden Partikel mit dieser fest verbunden werden müssten durch den Effekt des sogenannten Kaltgasspritzens. Die Partikelhaftung auf der Oberfläche wird durch Ultraschallreinigungsversuche quantifiziert.
Katalysatoren des Leuna Werkes: ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der technischen heterogenen Katalyse – Teil I: Die Entwicklungen von 1921 bis 1945
Authors: Becker Karl
Published: November 2014

Die Entwicklung und Realisierung der ersten großtechnischen Hochdrucksynthesen, der Ammoniaksynthese, der Methanolsynthese sowie der Synthese von Kohlenwasserstoffen aus Kohle, Teeren und Ölen war der Verdienst der BASF in Ludwigshafen und ab 1917 ihrer Tochter in Leuna. Auf Basis der damit verfügbaren Rohstoffe folgte eine Fülle weiterer Synthesen. Eine entscheidende Rolle haben dabei technische Katalysatoren gespielt. Es wird versucht, die faszinierende Geschichte dieser Katalysatoren bis 1945 nachzuvollziehen.
Filter & hold: a mixed continuous‐/discrete‐time technique for time‐constant scaling
Authors: Tavares Vítor Grade , Duarte Cândido , Guedes de Oliveira Pedro , Príncipe José Carlos
Published: November 2014

The work reported in this paper introduces a periodic switching technique applied to continuous‐time filters, whose outcome is an equivalent filter with scaled time‐constants. The principle behind the method is based on a procedure that extends the integration time by periodically interrupting the normal integration of the filter. The net result is an up scaling of the time constant, inversely proportional to the switching duty‐cycle. This is particularly suitable for reducing the area occupied by passive devices in integrated circuits, as well as to accurately calibrate the filter dynamics. Previous works have been following this concept in an entirely continuous‐time perspective, either focusing on specific circuits or using approximations to provide an extended analysis. This paper includes input/output sampling to derive a closed‐form representation for the scaling technique herein coined as ‘Filter & Hold’ (F&H). A detailed mathematical analysis is described, demonstrating that the F&H concept represents an exact filtering solution. Simulation results and experimental measurements are provided to further validate the theoretical analysis for an F&H vector‐filter prototype. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulatory elements retained during chordate evolution: Coming across tunicates
Authors: Vassalli Quirino Attilio , Anishchenko Evgeniya , Caputi Luigi , Sordino Paolo , D'Aniello Salvatore , Locascio Annamaria
Published: November 2014

Understanding the role of conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) throughout the genome is taking advantage of the improved efficiency of genome‐sequencing techniques and bioinformatics tools. Tunicates diverged before the vertebrate whole genome duplications and, therefore, represent an optimal model system to study the evolution of complex regulatory networks. Here, we review the current knowledge on the characterization of CNEs during embryonic development, focusing on the evolutionary similarity and divergence between tunicates and other chordates. Many vertebrate specific CNEs that regulate developmental processes were identified based on high level of sequence conservation, but only few of them have been recognized in tunicates or other invertebrates because of genomic sequences divergence. We discuss recent studies demonstrating that a combination of different methodologies, based not only on high sequence identity, can collectively be used to identify CNEs with regulatory activity in phylogenetically distant species. Here, a low sequence constraints approach was successfully used to search orthologous chordate gene regions for cross‐species conserved regulatory elements that control developmental genes. genesis 53:66–81, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ammonium‐Salt‐Tagged IMesAuCl Complexes and Their Application in Gold‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization Reactions in Water
Authors: Belger Katrin , Krause Norbert
Published: November 2014

The total synthesis and characterization of ammonium‐salt‐tagged IMesAuCl complexes is described. Moreover, we have demonstrated their catalytic activity and recyclability in cycloisomerization reactions of allenic and acetylenic alcohols in water. The water‐soluble gold catalysts can be stabilized by the addition of LiCl.
Combined hillslope diffusion and sediment transport simulation applied to landscape dynamics modelling
Authors: Salles Tristan , Duclaux Guillaume
Published: November 2014

We present a new numerical approach for simulating geomorphic and stratigraphic processes that combines open‐channel flow with non‐uniform sediment transport law and semi‐empirical diffusive mass wasting. It is designed to facilitate modelling of surface processes across multiple space‐ and time‐scales, and under a variety of environmental and tectonic conditions. The physics of open‐channel flow is primarily based on an adapted Lagrangian formulation of shallow‐water equations. The interaction between flow and surface geology is performed by a non‐uniform total‐load sediment transport law. Additional hillslope processes are simulated using a semi‐empirical method based on a diffusion approach. In the implementation, the resolution of flow dynamics is made on a triangulated grid automatically mapped and adaptively remeshed over a regular orthogonal stratigraphic mesh. These new methods reduce computational time while preserving stability and accuracy of the physical solutions. In order to illustrate the potential of this method for landscape and sedimentary system modelling, we present a set of three generic experiments focusing on assessing the influence of contrasting erodibilities on the evolution of an active bedrock landscape. The modelled ridges morphometrics satisfy established relationships for drainage network geometry and slope distribution, and provide quantitative information on the relative impact of hillslope and channel processes, sediment discharge and alluviation. Our results suggest that contrasting erodibility can stimulate autogenic changes in erosion rate and influence the landscape morphology and preservation. This approach offers new opportunities to investigate joint landscape and sedimentary systems response to external perturbations. The possibility to define and track a large number of materials makes the implementation highly suited to model source‐to‐sink problems where material dispersion is the key question that needs to be addressed, such as natural resources exploration and basin analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil moisture response to snowmelt timing in mixed‐conifer subalpine forests
Authors: Harpold Adrian A. , Molotch Noah P. , Musselman Keith N. , Bales Roger C. , Kirchner Peter B. , Litvak Marcy , Brooks Paul D.
Published: November 2014

Western US forest ecosystems and downstream water supplies are reliant on seasonal snowmelt. Complex feedbacks govern forest–snow interactions in which forests influence the distribution of snow and the timing of snowmelt but are also sensitive to snow water availability. Notwithstanding, few studies have investigated the influence of forest structure on snow distribution, snowmelt and soil moisture response. Using a multi‐year record from co‐located observations of snow depth and soil moisture, we evaluated the influence of forest‐canopy position on snow accumulation and snow depth depletion, and associated controls on the timing of soil moisture response at Boulder Creek, Colorado, Jemez River Basin, New Mexico, and the Wolverton Basin, California. Forest‐canopy controls on snow accumulation led to 12–42 cm greater peak snow depths in openversusunder‐canopy positions. Differences in accumulation and melt across sites resulted in earlier snow disappearance in open positions at Jemez and earlier snow disappearance in under‐canopy positions at Boulder and Wolverton sites. Irrespective of net snow accumulation, we found that peak annual soil moisture was nearly synchronous with the date of snow disappearance at all sites with an average deviation of 12, 3 and 22 days at Jemez, Boulder and Wolverton sites, respectively. Interestingly, sites in the Sierra Nevada showed peak soil moisture prior to snow disappearance at both our intensive study site and the nearby snow telemetry stations. Our results imply that the duration of soil water stress may increase as regional warming or forest disturbance lead to earlier snow disappearance and soil moisture recession in subalpine forests. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of actual evapotranspiration in the Indus Basin Irrigation System
Authors: Liaqat Umar Waqas , Choi Minha , Awan Usman Khalid
Published: November 2014

Strategic planning of optimal water use requires an accurate assessment of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) to understand the environmental and hydrological processes of the world's largest contiguous irrigation networks, including the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS) in Pakistan. The Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) has been used successfully for accurate estimations of ETa in different river basins throughout the world. In this study, we examined the application of SEBS using publically available remote sensing data to assess spatial variations in water consumption and to map water stress from daily to annual scales in the IBIS. Ground‐based ETa was calculated by the advection‐aridity method, from nine meteorological sites, and used to evaluate the intra‐annual seasonality in the hydrological year 2009–2010. In comparison with the advection‐aridity, SEBS computed daily ETa was slightly underestimated with a bias of −0.15 mm day−1 during the kharif (wet; April–September) season, and it was overestimated with a bias of 0.23 mm day−1 in the rabi (dry; October–March) season. Monthly values of the ETa estimated by SEBS were significantly (P < 0.05) controlled by mean air temperature and rainfall, among other climatological variables (relative humidity, sunshine hours and wind speed). Because of the seasonal (kharif and rabi) differences in the water and energy budget in the huge canal command areas of the IBIS, ETa and rainfall were positively correlated in the kharif season and were negatively correlated during the rabi season. In addition, analysis of the evaporation process showed that mixed‐cropping and rice–wheat dominated areas had lower and higher water consumption rates, respectively, in comparison with other cropping systems in the basin. Basin areas under water stress were identified by means of spatial variations in the relative evapotranspiration, which had an average value of 0.59 and 0.42 during the kharif and the rabi seasons, respectively. The hydrological parameters used in this study provide useful information for understanding hydrological processes at different spatial and temporal scales. Results of this study further suggest that the SEBS is useful for evaluation of water resources in semi‐arid to arid regions over longer periods, if the data inputs are carefully handled. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of NY‐BR‐1‐specific CD4+ T cell epitopes using HLA‐transgenic mice
Authors: Gardyan Adriane , Osen Wolfram , Zörnig Inka , Podola Lilli , Agarwal Maria , Aulmann Sebastian , Ruggiero Eliana , Schmidt Manfred , Halama Niels , Leuchs Barbara , von Kalle Christof , Beckhove Philipp , Schneeweiss Andreas , Jäger Dirk , Eichmüller Stefan B.
Published: November 2014

Breast cancer represents the second most common cancer type worldwide and has remained the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths among women. The differentiation antigen NY‐BR‐1 appears overexpressed in invasive mammary carcinomas compared to healthy breast tissue, thus representing a promising target antigen for T cell based tumor immunotherapy approaches. Since efficient immune attack of tumors depends on the activity of tumor antigen‐specific CD4+ effector T cells, NY‐BR‐1 was screened for the presence of HLA‐restricted CD4+ T cell epitopes that could be included in immunological treatment approaches. Upon NY‐BR‐1‐specific DNA immunization of HLA‐transgenic mice and functional ex vivo analysis, a panel of NY‐BR‐1‐derived library peptides was determined that specifically stimulated IFNγ secretion among splenocytes of immunized mice. Following in silico analyses, four candidate epitopes were determined which were successfully used for peptide immunization to establish NY‐BR‐1‐specific, HLA‐DRB1*0301– or HLA‐DRB1*0401‐restricted CD4+ T cell lines from splenocytes of peptide immunized HLA‐transgenic mice. Notably, all four CD4+ T cell lines recognized human HLA‐DR‐matched dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with lysates of NY‐BR‐1 expressing human tumor cells, demonstrating natural processing of these epitopes also within the human system. Finally, CD4+ T cells specific for all four CD4+ T cell epitopes were detectable among PBMC of breast cancer patients, showing that CD4+ T cell responses against the new epitopes are not deleted nor inactivated by self‐tolerance mechanisms. Our results present the first NY‐BR‐1‐specific HLA‐DRB1*0301– and HLA‐DRB1*0401‐restricted T cell epitopes that could be exploited for therapeutic intervention against breast cancer.
Insights Into RNA Transcriptome Profiling of Cardiac Tissue in Obesity and Hypertension Conditions
Authors: de Fátima Costa Alzenira , Franco Octávio Luiz
Published: November 2014

Several epidemiologic studies suggest that obesity and hypertension are associated with cardiac transcriptome modifications that could be further associated with inflammatory processes and cardiac hypertrophy. In this field, transcriptome studies have demonstrated their importance to elucidate physiologic mechanisms, pathways or genes involved in many biologic processes. Over the past decade, RNA microarray and RNA‐seq analysis has become an essential component to examine metabolic pathways in terms of mRNA expression in cardiology. In this review, cardiac muscle gene expression in response to effects of obesity and hypertension will be focused, providing a broad view on cardiac transcriptome and physiologic and biochemical mechanisms involved in gene expression changes produced by these events, emphasizing the use of new technologies for gene expression analyses. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 959–968, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
A convergence analysis for a sweeping preconditioner for block tridiagonal systems of linear equations
Authors: Bağcı Hakan , Pasciak Joseph E. , Sirenko Kostyantyn Y.
Published: November 2014

We study sweeping preconditioners for symmetric and positive definite block tridiagonal systems of linear equations. The algorithm provides an approximate inverse that can be used directly or in a preconditioned iterative scheme. These algorithms are based on replacing the Schur complements appearing in a block Gaussian elimination direct solve by hierarchical matrix approximations with reduced off‐diagonal ranks. This involves developing low rank hierarchical approximations to inverses. We first provide a convergence analysis for the algorithm for reduced rank hierarchical inverse approximation. These results are then used to prove convergence and preconditioning estimates for the resulting sweeping preconditioner. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical application of asparaginase activity levels following treatment with pegaspargase
Authors: Bleyer Archie , Asselin Barbara L. , Koontz Susannah E. , Hunger Stephen P.
Published: November 2014

Asparaginase, an enzyme used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and related forms of nonHodgkin lymphoma, depletes asparagine, which leads to lymphoblast cell death. Unlike most chemotherapeutic agents, asparaginase is a foreign protein that can result in clinical allergy and/or silent hypersensitivity with production of neutralizing antibodies that inactivate asparaginase. In North America, asparaginase activity levels can now be obtained via a commercially available assay, for therapeutic drug monitoring and investigation of potential allergic reactions. Herein, we provide recommendations and a corresponding algorithm for the clinical application of this assay after treatment with pegaspargase to evaluate suspected hypersensitivity reactions and/or silent inactivation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1102–1105. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamics of pulmonary venous flow in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Bravo‐Valenzuela Nathalie J. M. , Zielinsky Paulo , Huhta James C. , Acacio Gregório L. , Nicoloso Luiz H. , Piccoli Antonio , Busato Stefano , Klein Caroline
Published: November 2014

Objective

To test the hypothesis that the pulmonary vein pulsatility index (PVPI) is higher in fetuses with growth restriction (IUGR) than in normal fetuses.

Methods

Twenty‐two fetuses with IUGR and twenty‐one (21) fetuses with appropriate growth for gestational age from healthy mothers were studied. PVPI was calculated by Doppler echocardiography [maximal velocity (systolic or diastolic peak) − pre‐systolic peak / mean velocity]. Obstetric ultrasound was used to assess fetal biometry and Doppler to assess the uterine, umbilical and middle cerebral arteries PI. Statistical analysis used t test and Pearson's correlation.

Results

Mean gestational age was 31.5 +/− 2.1 weeks in the control group and 31.4 +/− 3.1 weeks in IUGR (P = 0.91). The PI of uterine and umbilical arteries were higher in IUGR than in controls (P < 0.001). Mean PVPI in IUGR fetuses was 1.31 +/− 0.41, and in controls it was 0.83 +/− 0.11 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The pulsatility index of pulmonary venous flow in fetuses with growth restriction is higher than in normal fetuses, probably as a result of left atrial dynamics alteration secondary or not to fetal left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RSV: Immunoprophylaxis and non‐invasive respiratory support in ex‐preterms: A northern UK perspective
Authors: Tinnion Robert , Spencer Jill , Moss Samantha , Fenton Alan
Published: November 2014

Recent guidance has suggested that immunoprophylaxis with monoclonal antibody against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) should be extended to ex‐preterm infants who are moderate‐to‐late‐preterm and discharged home during the RSV season. Noninvasive respiratory support (NIV) for infants with bronchiolitis is becoming widespread with little supporting evidence for efficacy over nonpressure support methods. We used multicentre prospective audit and service evaluation to evaluate whether extension of current practice in line with the guidance would provide a clinical or cost benefit, and whether NIV provides any benefits in the ex‐preterm population. The prevalence of bronchiolitic illness requiring admission in our population was similar to other studies (2.5%). We found that the majority of ex‐preterm infants with RSV positive bronchiolitis who required NIV did not meet the extended criteria for immunisation. Our data suggest that extending RSV prophylaxis as recommended would be unlikely to reduce numbers of infants requiring respiratory support for RSV. NIV use has been widely adopted (9% of ‘bronchiolitic’ admissions) in our region but the data do not support it as a useful adjunct for ex‐preterms with RSV positive illness requiring respiratory support: it does not appear to reduce the need for subsequent formal ventilation. Our study does not support a case for change to more widespread, protocol driven immunisation for RSV. Further research is needed in a randomised, controlled setting to examine the use of NIV in bronchiolitis in a wider context. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:1119–1127. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solution structure of a bacterial immunoglobulin‐like domain of the outer membrane protein (LigB) from Leptospira
Authors: Mei Song , Zhang Jiahai , Zhang Xuecheng , Tu Xiaoming
Published: November 2014

Leptospiral immunoglobulin‐like (Lig) proteins are surface proteins expressed in pathogenic strains of Leptospira. LigB, an outer membrane protein containing tandem repeats of bacterial Ig‐like (Big) domains and a no‐repeat tail, has been identified as a virulence factor involved in adhesion of pathogenic Leptospira interrogans to host cells. A Big domain of LigB, LigBCen2R, was reported previously to bind the GBD domain of fibronectin, suggesting its important role in leptospiral infections. In this study, we determined the solution structure of LigBCen2R by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. LigBCen2R adopts a canonical immunoglobulin‐like fold which is comprised of a beta‐sandwich of ten strands in three sheets. We indicated that LigBCen2R is able to bind to Ca2+ with a high affinity by isothermal titration calorimetry assay. NMR perturbation experiment identified a number of residues responsible for Ca2+ binding. Structural comparison of it with other Big domains demonstrates that they share a similar fold pattern, but vary in some structural characters. Since Lig proteins play a vital role in the infection to host cells, our study will contribute a structural basis to understand the interactions between Leptospira and host cells. Proteins 2015; 83:195–200. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic Significance of Lymphovascular Invasion in Node‐Negative Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Ju‐Hee , Kim Min Gyu , Jung Min‐Sung , Kwon Sung Joon
Published: November 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in gastric cancer patients without lymph node metastasis.

Methods

A total of 699 patients with primary tumor pT1–3/pN0‐1 gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent curative resection from 2001 to 2010 were categorized into 3 groups: One‐hundred and eleven patients with pN0/LVI(+), 475 with pN0/LVI(−), and 103 with pN1.

Results

The tumors in patients with N0/LVI(+) had more aggressive clinicopathologic features than those in patients with N0/LVI(−). However, there was no significant difference in patient characteristics between patients with pN0/LVI(+) and those with pN1, except for histologic grade. There were no significant differences in the overall survival rate in patients with pN0/LVI(+) compared to those with pN0/LVI(−) or the pN1 stage. However, the recurrence‐free survival rate of the pN0/LVI(+) group was lower than that of the pN0/LVI(−) group (p< 0.001), while no significant difference was observed between the pN0/LVI(+) and the N1 groups (p= 0.216). In multivariate analysis, LVI was identified as a poor prognostic factor related to recurrence‐free survival in node‐negative gastric cancer patients. pT3 stage and less than D2 lymphadenectomy were poor prognostic factors affecting recurrence‐free survival, and less than D2 lymphadenectomy was an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival in pN0/LVI(+) patients.

Conclusions

LVI could be an indicator of biological aggressiveness and may be a reliable prognostic factor for node‐negative gastric cancer. LVI should be considered in postoperative management of gastric cancer.
Effect of Lipid‐Modifying Therapy on Long‐Term Mortality After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Systemic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Liu Zhao , Liu Changjian
Published: November 2014

Background

Several observational studies have demonstrated that lipid‐modifying therapy may improve long‐term survival in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients after repair. We carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies evaluating the effect of lipid‐modifying therapy on long‐term mortality.

Patients and methods

We conducted a systematic search of multiple databases up to April 2014. Studies that evaluated exposure to lipid‐modifying therapy, reported mortality data and hazard ratio (HR) or provided survival curve for their estimation were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled HR estimates with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random‐effects model.

Results

Eight studies (seven cohorts, one post hoc study of a randomization controlled trial) reporting 2,605 patients on lipid‐modifying therapy were included. Meta‐analysis showed a significant 39 % reduction in long‐term mortality with lipid‐modifying therapy (HR 0.61; 95 % CI 0.51–0.73). After exclusion of one study which was contributing to considerable heterogeneity, a significant 33 % reduction in mortality risk was a more conservative, consistent estimate (HR 0.67; 95 % CI 0.59–0.77).

Conclusion

Meta‐analysis of studies supports a protective role of lipid‐modifying therapy on mortality risk after AAA repair. Aggressive lipid intervention should be recommended to those who receiving AAA repair.
The two orders of governance failure: Design mismatches and policy capacity issues in modern governance
Authors: Howlett M , Ramesh M
Published: November 2014

Perceptions of the pervasive and persistent failures of governments in many issue areas over the past several decades have led many commentators and policy makers to turn to non-governmental forms of governance in their efforts to address public problems. During the 1980s and 1990s, market-based governance techniques were the preferred alternate form to government hierarchy but this preference has tilted towards network governance in recent years. Support for these shifts from hierarchical to non-hierarchical governance modes centre on the argument that traditional government-based arrangements are unsuited for addressing contemporary problems, many of which have a cross-sectoral or multi-actor dimension which is difficult for hierarchies to handle. Many proponents claim that recent ‘network governance’ or ‘collaborative governance’ arrangements combine the best of both governmental and market-based alternatives by bringing together key public and private actors in a policy sector in a constructive and inexpensive way. This claim is no more than an article of faith, however, as there is little empirical evidence supporting it. Indeed both logic and evidence suggests that networks too suffer from failures, though the sources of these failure may be different from other modes. The challenge for policymakers is to understand the origin and nature of the ways in which different modes of governance fail so that appropriate policy responses may be devised. This article proposes a model of such failures and a two-order framework for understanding them which helps explain which mode is best, and worst, suited to which circumstance.