bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applicability of Climate Analogues for Climate Change Adaptation Planning in Bugabira Commune of Burundi
Authors: Nyairo Risper , Onwonga Richard , Cherogony Kipruto , Luedeling Eike
Published: October 2014

Climate analogue analysis is an approach that has been proposed in climate change impact studies to serve as a complement to climate impact projections. In this approach, a location whose present climate is similar to the projected climate of another location is investigated to learn about potential impacts of climate change, based on a real-life example. Possible response options to negative impacts may also be identified for climate change adaptation planning. The current study used the climatic distance method to determine analogue locations for Bugabira Commune in Burundi. The climatic distance was calculated from temperature and rainfall projections produced by three climate models, driven by two greenhouse gas emissions scenarios and assessed for three future time periods. Information relevant to farming systems and adaptation was then obtained through interviews that involved 450 household heads living in Bugabira (target) and Bubanza (analogue) communes in Burundi. By comparing the two farming systems using results from the analysis of the questionnaires, similarities and differences were determined. The analysis showed that crop and animal types, as well as various land management practices, were similar in both locations. Slight differences in land management strategies could only be noticed in the adoption rates of various technologies. Fifty-nine percent and 19% of farmers at the target and analogue locations, respectively, practiced contour ploughing, while 68% and 43% of farmers at the target and analogue locations practiced crop rotation. Eighty-seven percent of farmers at the target site and 58% of farmers in the analogue location applied manure to their farms. The differences in adoption rates could not be attributed to climatic or non-climatic factors. Based on the results, the study concluded that the analogues approach has low potential for the farmers of Bugabira to learn lessons for adaptation planning.
Effects of Number and Rate of Goat Manure Application on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Sweet Maize (Zea mays L. saccharata Strut)
Authors: Uwah Donatus Felix , Eyo V. E.
Published: October 2014

Alternative sources of plant nutrients have now become highly imperative especially for vegetable crop production in Nigeria. Due to the escalating costs, environmental and health problems associated with excessive use of inorganic fertilizers on continuously cropped fields, there is a need for more research on the use of organic manures and residues. A field experiment was conducted in the late growing season from September to December, 2012 in Calabar, a humid forest agroecology in south eastern Nigeria to evaluate the effects of two types of goat manure (GM) application (single and double split doses), five rates of GM (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1) and 400kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer (120:60:60 kg ha-1) rate on soil chemical properties and agronomic performance of sweet maize (Zea mays L. saccharata Strut). Factorial combinations of the treatments were fitted into a randomized complete block design with three replications. The application of GM significantly (P ? 0.05) increased soil pH, organic matter (OM) content, total N, available P, exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) status of the soil. Soil exchangeable acidity (EA) was reduced from 1.76 to 0.64 cmol kg-1 at 20 t ha-1 GM rate. The 20 t ha-1 also recorded the highest values for soil pH, OM, P, Ca, Mg and CEC, while the values for residual N and K peaked at the NPK fertilizer treatment. The double split application of GM recorded higher values for growth and yield attributes, and increased soil properties than the single application. Growth and yield parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), number and weight of grains/ear and total grain yield were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by GM and NPK fertilizer treatments. The values obtained for all growth and yield parameters except LAI at the 20 t ha-1 GM rate were not significantly different from those at the NPK fertilizer treatments. The application of 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1 GM, and NPK fertilizer significantly increased TDM by 11.9, 74.3, 91.9, 106.2 and 104.6%; weight of grains/ear by 16.5, 54.6, 61.4, 100.6 and 94.4% and total grain yield by 46.9, 111.7, 121.0, 127.2 and 140.1% respectively, compared with the control treatment. The interactions between number of applications and rates showed that split applying GM at 20 t ha-1 maximized TDM, weights of whole and dehusked green ears and total grain yield compared to other GM rates, hence it is recommended.
Strikt functioneel: over de militaire ervaring met het organiseren van de terugtocht
Authors: Kleistra Yvonne , Klep Christ
Published: October 2014

Strictly functional: The experiences of the Dutch military with the retreating of forces from international peacekeeping operations and national public cutbacks

The military is generally considered to act as a professional when it comes to retreating forces from military battleground or international conflict areas. At the same time recent national experiences with the withdrawal of national troops from international peacekeeping operations are filled with disappointments and crises. In this article the authors question the idea that these disappointments and crises are simply due to problems of reduced military competence or military morale. They argue that the military is still the alleged expert who knows how to perform military retreats and other military actions. At the same time they show that network-like decision-making structures that are inherent to the deployment of troops in international peacekeeping missions, have become a major obstacle for the military to act in its own right. The lessons that government can learn from the military experience are firstly, that decisions for national public cutbacks should be accompanied by a more in-depth (re)consideration of public (key) tasks than up to now was considered appropriate, and secondly, that more trust should be shown in the skills, knowledge and motivation of professionals to delineate and constrain the boundaries of their own fields of expertise.
Terugtrekken of opzij stappen?
Authors: Binnema Harmen
Published: October 2014

Retreating or sidestepping?

Various advisory councils for the government advocate a retreat of government. This can take the form of less government, i.e. abandoning certain public tasks, or a more modest government. This retreat of government is said to be necessary to give space to initiatives from society – which are now hampered by policy makers – and because of the failure of both the state and the market to perform public tasks adequately. Yet, it remains to be seen how realistic this call for the retreat of government is. In addition, it is unclear whether this process is already taking place (descriptive) or whether it concerns a desired situation to be achieved in the future (prescriptive). What does a facilitating government actually look like? The advisory rapports discussed in this paper share a thorough line of argumentation analysis which is plausible at first sight. At the same time, they miss out in the practical application for policy makers, they seem to be overly optimistic in their assessment of the role of citizens. Moreover, all advisory councils shy away from making fundamental choices about which tasks governments should discontinue and hand over to societal initiatives.
Taptoe: de echte helden van de terugtocht
Authors: Frissen Paul
Published: October 2014

The real heroes of retreat

This paper draws some lessons, expected and unexpected, from the different contributions in this special issue on the retreating state. The special issue has shown that the retreat of the retreat of the state is a paradoxical and unequivocal development. The retreat of the state is also accompanied by active forms of central management and policy initiatives. Wider developments in the economy and international politics demonstrate that the state is not, as has often been suggested, obsolete. Disregarding this, however, many citizens are actively involved in shaping a new form of participative society.
An Investigation of the Distribution of Electric Potential and Space Charge in a Silicon Nanowire
Authors: Al-Mufti A. Wesam , Hashim Uda , Rahman Md. Mijanur , Adam Tijjani
Published: October 2014

The distribution of electric potential and space charge in a silicon nanowire has been investigated. First, a model of the nanowire is generated taking into consideration the geometry and physics of the nanowire. The physics of the nanowire was modelled by a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) which were solved using the finite element method (FEM). Comprehensive simulation experiments were performed on the model in order to compute the distribution of potential and space charge. We also determined, through simulation, how the characteristic of the nanowire is affected by its dimensions. The characterization of the resulting nanowire, calculated by COMSOL Multiphysics, shows different dimensions and their effect on space charge and electrical potential
Laminar and turbulent regime changes in drinking water contact tanks
Authors: Barnett Taylor C. , Venayagamoorthy Subhas K.
Published: October 2014

Transitions in flow regimes that can occur in drinking water contact tanks may significantly affect the disinfection efficiency of the system. To demonstrate these effects, the authors investigated the internal velocity fields and flow regime of a drinking water contact tank located in Jamestown, Colo. The baffling factor (BF) of the system fluctuated annually between 0.5 and 0.6 because of a shift in flow regime caused by changes in the flow rate of the system. The authors studied the effects of the regime change from laminar to turbulent flow (or vice versa) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and physical tracer studies. Several inlet modifications were then investigated using CFD to determine which alteration would be most beneficial. Key findings showed that with proper inlet modification, the BF of the system could be stabilized at 0.6 during periods of high or low flow.
Presencia en la Península Ibérica de una pulga africana de murciélagos: Rhinolophopsylla unipectinata arabs (Siphonaptera: Ischnopsyllidae) y otras nuevas citas de pulgas de murciélagos para España y Marruecos
Authors: Quetglas Juan , Nogueras Jesús , Ibáñez Carlos , Beaucournu Jean-Claude
Published: October 2014

We present data of bat-fleas (Ischnopsyllidae) collected between 1997 and 2006 in the framework of different studies on bats, and also from the reexamination of museum specimens of unclear identification. New localities are recorded in Spain and Morocco for the flea species Rhinolophopsylla unipectinata unipectinata, R. u. arabs, Ischnopsyllus intermedius, I. octactenus, I. elongatus, Nycteridopsylla pentactena and Araeopsylla gestroi collected from the bats species Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, R. euryale, Eptesicus isabellinus, Pipistrellus kuhlii, P.pipistrellus/pygmaeus, Nyctalus leisleri, N. lasiopterus, Tadarida teniotis and Plecotus sp. The most outstanding finding is the new record for the Iberian Peninsula of the flea R. u. arabs, a subspecies that had been reported previously only in the north of Africa.
Disengagement of HIV‐positive pregnant and postpartum women from antiretroviral therapy services: a cohort study
Authors: Phillips Tamsin , Thebus Elizabeth , Bekker Linda‐Gail , McIntyre James , Abrams Elaine J , Myer Landon
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Recent international guidelines call for expanded access to triple‐drug antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV‐positive women during pregnancy and postpartum. However, high levels of non‐adherence and/or disengagement from care may attenuate the benefits of ART for HIV transmission and maternal health. We examined the frequency and predictors of disengagement from care among women initiating ART during pregnancy in Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods

We used routine medical records to follow‐up pregnant women initiating ART within prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV services in Cape Town, South Africa. Outcomes assessed through six months postpartum were (1) disengagement (no attendance within 56 days of a scheduled visit) and (2) missed visits (returning to care 14–56 days late for a scheduled visit).

Results

A total of 358 women (median age, 28 years; median gestational age, 26 weeks) initiated ART during pregnancy. By six months postpartum, 24% of women (n=86) had missed at least one visit and an additional 32% (n=115) had disengaged from care; together, 49% of women had either missed a visit or had disengaged by six months postpartum. Disengagement was more than twice as frequent postpartum compared to in the antenatal period (6.2 vs. 2.4 per 100 woman‐months, respectively; p<0.0001). In a proportional hazards model, later gestational age at initiation (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00–1.07; p=0.030) and being newly diagnosed with HIV (HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.07–2.33; p=0.022) were significant predictors of disengagement after adjusting for patient age, starting CD4 cell count and site of ART initiation.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that missed visits and disengagement from care occur frequently, particularly post‐delivery, among HIV‐positive women initiating ART during pregnancy. Women who are newly diagnosed with HIV may be particularly vulnerable and there is an urgent need for interventions both to promote retention overall, as well as targeting women newly diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy.
Flattop regulates basal body docking and positioning in mono- and multiciliated cells
Authors: Gegg Moritz , Böttcher Anika , Burtscher Ingo , Hasenoeder Stefan , Van Campenhout Claude , Aichler Michaela , Walch Axel , Grant Seth G N , Lickert Heiko
Published: October 2014

Planar cell polarity (PCP) regulates basal body (BB) docking and positioning during cilia formation, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we investigate the uncharacterized gene Flattop (Fltp) that is transcriptionally activated during PCP acquisition in ciliated tissues. Fltp knock-out mice show BB docking and ciliogenesis defects in multiciliated lung cells. Furthermore, Fltp is necessary for kinocilium positioning in monociliated inner ear hair cells. In these cells, the core PCP molecule Dishevelled 2, the BB/spindle positioning protein Dlg3, and Fltp localize directly adjacent to the apical plasma membrane, physically interact and surround the BB at the interface of the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton. Dlg3 and Fltp knock-outs suggest that both cooperatively translate PCP cues for BB positioning in the inner ear. Taken together, the identification of novel BB/spindle positioning components as potential mediators of PCP signaling might have broader implications for other cell types, ciliary disease, and asymmetric cell division.
Difference in reproductive strategies of two scleractinian corals (branching vs massive) along the west coast of Mexico
Authors: Chávez-Romo Héctor Efraín , Paz-García David Arturo , Correa-Sandoval Francisco , Reyes-Bonilla Héctor , López-Pérez Ramón Andrés , Medina-Rosas Pedro
Published: October 2014

This study addressed the relative contribution of sexual and asexual reproduction to the genetic composition of populations of two scleractinian corals, Pocillopora damicornis and Porites panamensis, off the west coast of mainland Mexico. Reproductive indexes showed that P. damicornis reproduced both sexually and asexually; P. panamensis reproduced sexually, but colonies with an asexual origin were also observed (10–30%). Asexual reproduction is usually attributed to fragmentation caused by hurricanes; however, no significant association between reproductive index values and frequency of hurricanes was observed for either species. Environmental conditions in the Gulf of California seem to be more favorable for sexual reproduction in both species than other parts of the west coast of Mexico. This study contributes baseline information of differences in sexual and asexual reproduction in massive and branching corals.
Fatty acid profile of cultured green abalone (Haliotis fulgens) exposed to lipid restriction and long-term starvation
Authors: Durazo Eduardo , Viana María Teresa
Published: October 2014

The fatty acid composition of juvenile green abalone (Haliotis fulgens) exposed to lipid restriction and long-term starvation was studied. Juvenile organisms were acclimated during 26 days and then randomly separated into three treatment groups. One group was fed a restricted diet containing low lipid content (0.14%), another was fed a rich diet containing the optimal lipid content (5.1%), and the third was kept under starvation conditions. After 90 days, the abalone fed the restricted diet showed a significant increase in 18:1n-9 content and a decrease in n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), but the total lipid level remained similar to that observed before the treatment, suggesting lipogenesis. On the other hand, no changes in total lipid content and fatty acid profile were found during the 90-day treatment using the rich lipid diet compared with the initial samples. Starved abalone showed that lipids did not constitute the main energy source and that the concentrations of long-chain PUFA did not change throughout the 90-day starvation period.
Reproductive biology of the yellow snapper, Lutjanus argentiventris (Pisces, Lutjanidae), from the Mexican central Pacific
Authors: Lucano-Ramírez Gabriela , Ruiz-Ramírez Salvador , González-Sansón Gaspar , Ceballos-Vázquez Bertha Patricia
Published: October 2014

The yellow snapper, Lutjanus argentiventris, is a commercial species along the Pacific coast, yet few studies have been carried out on its reproductive biology. Monthly samplings of the artisanal fishery off the coast of Jalisco, Mexico, were made from 1998 to 2008. Mean total length and weight of analyzed specimens were 32.6 cm (±0.13) and 567.3 g (±9.15), respectively. A total of 945 females (50.3%) and 932 males (49.7%) were collected; the overall sex ratio was 1:0.99. The highest percentages of mature fish were obtained between July and October. The highest gonadosomatic index values (1.46 to 0.81) and highest oocyte diameters were also obtained during that period. For this reason the period from July to October is considered the breeding season of L. argentiventris. This species presented asynchronous ovarian development and seven stages of oocyte development were identified. The testis showed lobular development and in the ripe stage, sperm were observed in the center of the lobes and in the main duct. Mean size at sexual maturity (L50) was 31.6 cm for females and 31.4 cm for males, and there was no significant variation in L50 among years. Due to the long period of study, this information could be used to establish measures for the proper exploitation of the species.
Modeling VIRTIS/VEX O2(a1∆g) nightglow profiles affected by the propagation of gravity waves in the Venus upper mesosphere
Authors: Altieri F. , Migliorini A. , Zasova L. , Shakun A. , Piccioni G. , Bellucci G.
Published: October 2014

In this work we describe a model of the perturbation of the O2(a1Δg) nightglow limb profiles by the action of gravity waves (GWs) propagating in the Venus' upper atmosphere. Data have been acquired by the Visible and InfraRed Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS) on board the European Space Agency mission Venus Express (VEX). The high variability observed in the shape of the O2(a1Δg) nightglow limb profiles between 80 and 120 km, often characterized by the presence of a double peak, suggests the occurrence of GWs at the considered altitudes. In order to model and derive the GWs properties, we apply to Venus a well‐known theory used to study terrestrial density fluctuations induced by the GWs propagation. The retrieved vertical wavelengths and amplitudes of the waves at the O2(a1Δg) layer altitude (~100 km) are of the order of 7–16 km and 3–14% respectively, complying with wave amplitude threshold for dynamical instability in the majority of the fitted cases. Temperature fluctuations would exceed 40% at higher altitudes (115–120 km) thus inducing either wave breaking or dissipation. Intrinsic horizontal phase velocities are expected to vary in the range 32 m/s and 85 m/s. GWs are detected in a wide range of latitudes from the midlatitudes up to the polar regions, and we cannot exclude existence of the sources of different nature. This study also confirms the high variability induced by the action of GW propagation in the airglow profiles of the terrestrial planets and points out the need for future missions to couple simultaneous complementary GW detection techniques in order to better constrain GW properties and understand their impact on the Venus general circulation.
Temperature reconstructions from tree‐ring densities overestimate volcanic cooling
Authors: Tingley Martin P. , Stine Alexander R. , Huybers Peter
Published: October 2014

The fidelity of inferences on volcanic cooling from tree‐ring density records has recently come into question, with competing claims that temperature reconstructions based on tree‐ring records underestimate cooling due to an increased likelihood of missing rings or overestimate cooling due to reduced light availability accentuating the response. Here we test these competing hypotheses in the latitudes poleward of 45°N, using the two eruptions occurring between 1850 and 1960 with large‐scale Northern Hemisphere climatic effects: Novarupta (1912) and Krakatau (1883). We find that tree‐ring densities overestimate postvolcanic cooling with respect to instrumental data (Probability≥0.99), with larger magnitudes of bias where growth is more limited by light availability (Prob.≥0.95). Using a methodology that allows for direct comparisons with instrumental data, our results confirm that high‐latitude tree‐ring densities record not only temperature but also variations in light availability.
Surface current balance and thermoelectric whistler wings at airless astrophysical bodies: Cassini at Rhea
Authors: Teolis B. D. , Sillanpää I. , Waite J. H. , Khurana K. K.
Published: October 2014

Sharp magnetic perturbations found by the Cassini spacecraft at the edge of the Rhea flux tube are consistent with field‐aligned flux tube currents. The current system results from the difference of ion and electron gyroradii and the requirement to balance currents on the sharp Rhea surface. Differential‐type hybrid codes that solve for ion velocity and magnetic field have an intrinsic difficulty modeling the plasma absorber's sharp surface. We overcome this problem by instead using integral equations to solve for ion and electron currents and obtain agreement with the magnetic perturbations at Rhea's flux tube edge. An analysis of the plasma dispersion relations and Cassini data reveals that field‐guided whistler waves initiated by (1) the electron velocity anisotropy in the flux tube and (2) interaction with surface sheath electrostatic waves on topographic scales may facilitate propagation of the current system to large distances from Rhea. Current systems like those at Rhea should occur generally, for plasma absorbers of any size such as spacecraft or planetary bodies, in a wide range of space plasma environments. Motion through the plasma is not essential since the current system is thermodynamic in origin, excited by heat flow into the object. The requirements are a difference of ion and electron gyroradii and a sharp surface, i.e., without a significant thick atmosphere.
Three‐dimensional data assimilation and reanalysis of radiation belt electrons: Observations of a four‐zone structure using five spacecraft and the VERB code
Authors: Kellerman A. C. , Shprits Y. Y. , Kondrashov D. , Subbotin D. , Makarevich R. A. , Donovan E. , Nagai T.
Published: October 2014

Obtaining the global state of radiation belt electrons through reanalysis is an important step toward validating our current understanding of radiation belt dynamics and for identification of new physical processes. In the current study, reanalysis of radiation belt electrons is achieved through data assimilation of five spacecraft with the 3‐D Versatile Electron Radiation Belt (VERB) code using a split‐operator Kalman filter technique. The spacecraft data are cleaned for noise, saturation effects, and then intercalibrated on an individual energy channel basis, by considering phase space density conjunctions in the T96 field model. Reanalysis during the CRRES era reveals a never‐before‐reported four‐zone structure in the Earth's radiation belts during the 24 March 1991 shock‐induced injection superstorm: (1) an inner belt, (2) the high‐energy shock‐injection belt, (3) a remnant outer radiation belt, and (4) a second outer radiation belt. The third belt formed near the same time as the second belt and was later enhanced across keV to MeV energies by a second particle injection observed by CRRES and the Northern Solar Terrestrial Array riometer network. During the recovery phase of the storm, the fourth belt was created near L*=4RE, lasting for several days. Evidence is provided that the fourth belt was likely created by a dominant local heating process. This study outlines the necessity to consider all diffusive processes acting simultaneously and the advantage of supporting ground‐based data in quantifying the observed radiation belt dynamics. It is demonstrated that 3‐D data assimilation can resolve various nondiffusive processes and provides a comprehensive picture of the electron radiation belts.
No effect of water on oxygen self‐diffusion rate in forsterite
Authors: Fei Hongzhan , Wiedenbeck Michael , Yamazaki Daisuke , Katsura Tomoo
Published: October 2014

We systematically measured oxygen self‐diffusion coefficients (DO) in forsterite along b crystallographic axis at a pressure of 8 GPa and temperatures of 1600–1800 K, over a wide range of water content (CH2O) from <1 up to ~800 weight ppm. The experimental results suggest that DO ∝ (CH2O)0.05±0.06 ≈ (CH2O)0. Thus, water has no significant effect on oxygen self‐diffusion rate in forsterite. Since the CH2O dependence of silicon self‐diffusion rate is also very small, the effect of water on olivine rheology is not significant by assuming the diffusion controlled creep mechanism.
Synoptic activity associated with sea ice variability in the Arctic
Authors: Mills Catrin M. , Walsh John E.
Published: October 2014

Relationships between synoptic activity and sea ice variability in the Arctic are studied using self‐organizing maps (SOMs) to categorize observed weather patterns over the 1979–2013 period. The European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Re‐Analysis Interim provides the daily averaged sea level pressures from which the SOMs are computed. Time series of frequencies and durations of synoptic weather patterns are correlated with two sea ice metrics, Fram Strait ice outflow and year‐to‐year changes in September pan‐Arctic sea ice extent. When compared to climate indices commonly used to predict sea ice, the Arctic Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Arctic Dipole, some SOM patterns correlate as or more strongly with sea ice metrics. For example, Beaufort High synoptic patterns are increasing in frequency in spring and their summer frequencies are associated with ice loss. Arctic high‐pressure patterns are linked to ice loss through pressure gradients conducive to ice export. The phase lags between the SOM occurrences and sea ice variability offer the potential for augmentation of other approaches to seasonal sea ice prediction.
N‐trimethylchitosan/Alginate Layer‐by‐Layer Self Assembly Coatings Act as “Fungal Repellents” to Prevent Biofilm Formation on Healthcare Materials
Authors: Jiang Fuguang , Yeh Chih‐Ko , Wen Jianchuan , Sun Yuyu
Published: October 2014

Fungal biofilm formation on healthcare materials is a significant clinical concern, often leading to medical‐device‐related infections, which are difficult to treat. A novel fungal repellent strategy is developed to control fungal biofilm formation. Methylacrylic acid (MAA) is grated onto poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)‐based biomaterials via plasma‐initiated grafting polymerization. A cationic polymer, trimethylchitosan (TMC), is synthesized by reacting chitosan with methyl iodide. Sodium alginate (SA) is used as an anionic polymer. TMC/SA multilayers are coated onto the MAA‐grafted PMMA via layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly. The TMC/SA multilayer coatings significantly reduce fungal initial adhesion, and effectively prevent fungal biofilm formation. It is concluded that the anti‐adhesive property of the surface is due to its hydrophilicity, and that the biofilm‐inhibiting action is attributed to the antifungal activity of TMC as well as the chelating function of TMC and SA, which may have acted as fungal repellents. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS)‐immersion tests show that the biofilm‐modulating effect of the multilayer coatings is stable for more than 4 weeks. Furthermore, the presence of TMC/SA multilayer coatings improves the biocompatibility of the original PMMA, offering a simple, yet effective, strategy for controlling fungal biofilm formation.
Revisiting the role of cladribine in acute myeloid leukemia: An improvement on past accomplishments or more old news?
Authors: Freyer Craig W. , Gupta Neha , Wetzler Meir , Wang Eunice S.
Published: October 2014

Originally studied in lymphoid diseases, cladribine (CdA) is an adenosine deaminase resistant analog of adenosine that was later discovered to induce myeloid cell apoptosis. The activity of CdA in myeloid malignancies was first reported in relapsed/refractory (RR) pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with complete response (CR) rates of up to 47%. Consequently, several studies have confirmed the efficacy of single agent CdA or CdA combination regimens in AML. Established CR rates for combination regimens in RR adults are approximately 50%, while CR rates for newly diagnosed (ND) adults are approximately 70% and show similar toxicity profiles to previously used regimens. Despite these promising data, many centers have yet to adopt CdA combination regimens for these difficult to treat populations. We review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical data, and safety of CdA monotherapy and combination regimens for the management of pediatric and adult ND and RR‐AML. Am. J. Hematol. 90:62–72, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of an oral stable isotope label to confirm variation in red blood cell mean age that influences HbA1c interpretation
Authors: Khera Paramjit K. , Smith Eric P. , Lindsell Christopher J. , Rogge Mary Colleen , Haggerty Shannon , Wagner David A. , Palascak Mary B. , Mehta Shilpa , Hibbert Jacqueline M. , Joiner Clinton H. , Franco Robert S. , Cohen Robert M.
Published: October 2014

HbA1c is commonly used to monitor glycemic control. However, there is growing evidence that the relationship between HbA1c and mean blood glucose (MBG) is influenced by variation in red blood cell (RBC) lifespan in hematologically normal individuals. Correction of HbA1c for mean RBC age (MRBC) requires a noninvasive, accurate, and affordable method to measure RBC survival. In this study, we evaluated whether a stable isotope approach would satisfy these requirements. RBC lifespan and MRBC were determined in a group of nine hematologically normal diabetic and nondiabetic subjects using oral 15N‐glycine to label heme in an age cohort of RBC. The MRBC was 58.7 ± 9.1 (2SD) days and RBC lifespan was 106 ± 21 (2SD) days. This degree of variation (±15–20%) is consistent with previous studies using other techniques. In a subset of seven subjects, MRBC determined with the biotin label technique were available from approximately five years prior, and strongly correlated with the stable isotope values (R2 = 0.79). This study suggests that the MRBC is stable over time but varies substantially among individuals, and supports the importance of its variation in HbA1c interpretation. The characteristics of the stable isotope method support its suitability for studies to directly evaluate the impact of variation in MRBC on the interpretation of HbA1c. Am. J. Hematol. 90:50–55, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kloss gibbon (Hylobates klossii) behavior facilitates the avoidance of human predation in the Peleonan forest, Siberut Island, Indonesia
Authors: Dooley Helen M. , Judge Debra S.
Published: October 2014

Kloss gibbons (Hylobates klossii) are endemic to the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia and have been subject to human predation for more than 2000 years in the absence of any other significant predators. We investigate the behavior of Kloss gibbons that may be attributed to avoiding human predation. We observed Kloss gibbons in the Peleonan forest in the north of Siberut Island, the northernmost of the Mentawai island chain, over 18 months in 2007 and 2008, and collected data on their singing behavior, the number of individuals present during different conditions and their responses to humans. We examine behaviors that may reduce the risk of predation by humans during singing (the most conspicuous gibbon behavior), daily non‐singing activities and encounters with humans. The individual risk of being stalked by hunters is reduced by singing in same‐sex choruses and the risk of successful capture by hunters during singing is reduced by singing less often during daylight hours and by leaving the location of male pre‐dawn singing before full light (reducing the visual signal to hunters). Groups in the Peleonan also fission during non‐singing daily activity and rarely engage in play or grooming, enhancing the crypticity of their monochromatic black pelage in the canopy. We also observed a coordinated response to the presence of humans, wherein one adult individual acted as a “decoy” by approaching and distracting human observers, while other group members fled silently in multiple directions. “Decoy” behavior occurred on 31% of 96 encounters with unhabituated Kloss gibbons that detected our presence. “Decoy” individuals may put themselves at risk to increase the survival of related immatures (and adult females with infants) who have a greater risk of predation. We argue that, in combination, these behaviors are an evolved response to a long history of predation by humans. Am. J. Primatol. 77:296–308, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seasonal variation of relapse rate in multiple sclerosis is latitude dependent
Authors: Spelman Tim , Gray Orla , Trojano Maria , Petersen Thor , Izquierdo Guillermo , Lugaresi Alessandra , Hupperts Raymond , Bergamaschi Roberto , Duquette Pierre , Grammond Pierre , Giuliani Giorgio , Boz Cavit , Verheul Freek , Oreja‐Guevara Celia , Barnett Michael , Grand'Maison Francois , Edite Rio Maria , Lechner‐Scott Jeannette , Van Pesch Vincent , Fernandez Bolanos Ricardo , Flechter Shlomo , Den Braber‐Moerland Leontien , Iuliano Gerardo , Amato Maria Pia , Slee Mark , Cristiano Edgardo , Saladino Maria Laura , Paine Mark , Vella Norbert , Kasa Krisztian , Deri Norma , Herbert Joseph , Moore Fraser , Petkovska‐Boskova Tatjana , Alroughani Raed , Savino Aldo , Shaw Cameron , Vucic Steve , Santiago Vetere , Bacile Elizabeth Alejandra , Skromne Eli , Poehlau Dieter , Cabrera‐Gomez Jose Antonio , Lucas Robyn , Butzkueven Helmut
Published: October 2014

Objective

Previous studies assessing seasonal variation of relapse onset in multiple sclerosis have had conflicting results. Small relapse numbers, differing diagnostic criteria, and single region studies limit the generalizability of prior results. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a temporal variation in onset of relapses in both hemispheres and to determine whether seasonal peak relapse probability varies with latitude.

Methods

The international MSBase Registry was utilized to analyze seasonal relapse onset distribution by hemisphere and latitudinal location. All analyses were weighted for the patient number contributed by each center. A sine regression model was used to model relapse onset and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) seasonality. Linear regression was used to investigate associations of latitude and lag between UVR trough and subsequent relapse peak.

Results

A total of 32,762 relapses from 9,811 patients across 30 countries were analyzed. Relapse onset followed an annual cyclical sinusoidal pattern with peaks in early spring and troughs in autumn in both hemispheres. Every 10° of latitude away from the equator was associated with a mean decrease in UVR trough to subsequent relapse peak lag of 28.5 days (95% confidence interval = 3.29–53.71, p = 0.028).

Interpretation

We demonstrate for the first time that there is a latitude‐dependent relationship between seasonal UVR trough and relapse onset probability peak independent of location‐specific UVR levels, with more distal latitude associated with shorter gaps. We confirm prior meta‐analyses showing a strong seasonal relapse onset probability variation in the northern hemisphere, and extend this observation to the southern hemisphere. Ann Neurol 2014;76:880–890
Dynamic Formation of Hybrid Peptidic Capsules by Chiral Self‐Sorting and Self‐Assembly
Authors: Jędrzejewska Hanna , Wierzbicki Michał , Cmoch Piotr , Rissanen Kari , Szumna Agnieszka
Published: October 2014

Owing to their versatility and biocompatibility, peptide‐based self‐assembled structures constitute valuable targets for complex functional designs. It is now shown that artificial capsules based on β‐barrel binding motifs can be obtained by means of dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) and self‐assembly. Short peptides (up to tetrapeptides) are reversibly attached to resorcinarene scaffolds. Peptidic capsules are thus selectively formed in either a heterochiral or a homochiral way by simultaneous and spontaneous processes, involving chiral sorting, tautomerization, diastereoselective induction of inherent chirality, and chiral self‐assembly. Self‐assembly is shown to direct the regioselectivity of reversible chemical reactions. It is also responsible for shifting the tautomeric equilibrium for one of the homochiral capsules. Two different tautomers (keto‐enamine hemisphere and enol‐imine hemisphere) are observed in this capsule, allowing the structure to adapt for self‐assembly.
A new method to prepare low melting point polyamide‐6 and study crystallization behavior of polyamide‐6/calcium chloride complex by rheological method
Authors: Liu Dianxin , Zheng Qiang , Lu Shengjun , Li Cheng , Lu Pan , Yu Jie
Published: October 2014

A new method to prepare low melting point polyamide‐6 (LPA6) by complex reaction of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and polyamide‐6 (PA6) in a co‐rotating twin screw extruder was reported. We employed a new rheological method to study the crystallization behavior of PA6/CaCl2 complex and the mechanism of confined crystallization of PA6. Compared with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), this method was more capable of detecting crystalline information. What's more, it was also an effective method for studying mechanism of confined crystallization. From the results of X‐ray diffraction, DSC, infrared spectroscopy, rheology, and mechanical properties, the complex reaction of CaCl2 with the carbonyl oxygen atom in the amide group disrupted the intermolecular hydrogen bonding and confined the mobility of PA6 molecules. This could significantly reduce the crystallinity and melting temperature of PA6, and improve tensile strength and notched Izod impact strength. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41513.
Electrostatic deposition of silica nanoparticles between E‐glass fibers and an epoxy resin
Authors: Rutz Benjamin H. , Berg John C.
Published: October 2014

The achievement of optimum adhesion between a thermoset and an inorganic material is an important goal for the composites and coatings industries. There is a growing interest in the use of structural surface modifiers, such as nanotubes, nanoparticles, and whiskers, to improve this adhesion. Here, a method for electrostatically depositing poly(ethylene imine)‐functionalized silica nanoparticles onto E‐glass fibers was developed. The deposition of 26‐nm functionalized particles onto glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPS)‐functionalized E‐glass fibers and then their embedding in a resin of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and m‐phenylene diamine increased the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) 35% over that of bare fibers and 8% over that of GPS‐functionalized fibers. IFSS was highly dependent on the particle size; the 16‐nm functionalized particles had little effect on the IFSS. When the particles size was increased to 71 and 100 nm, this led to increasingly poor IFSS values, whereas the 26‐nm particles produced the best results. Similar results were seen with the transverse flexural strength of the unidirectional composites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41516.
Effects of mixing protocols on impact modified poly(lactic acid) layered silicate nanocomposites
Authors: Baouz Touffik , Acik Eda , Rezgui Farouk , Yilmazer Ulku
Published: October 2014

Poly(lactic acid)/2 wt % organomodified montmorillonite (PLA/OMMT) was toughened by an ethylene‐methyl acrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate (E‐MA‐GMA) rubber. The ternary nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding in a twin screw extruder using four different addition protocols of the components of the nanocomposite and varying the rubber content in the range of 5–20 wt %. It was found that both clay dispersion and morphology were influenced by the blending method as detected by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and observed by TEM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD results, which were also confirmed by TEM observations, demonstrated that the OMMT dispersed better in PLA than in E‐MA‐GMA. All formulations exhibited intercalated/partially exfoliated structure with the best clay dispersion achieved when the clay was first mixed with PLA before the rubber was added. According to SEM, the blends were immiscible and exhibited fine dispersion of the rubber in the PLA with differences in the mean particle sizes that depended on the addition order. Balanced stiffness‐toughness was observed at 10 wt % rubber content in the compounds without significant sacrifice of the strength. High impact toughness was attained when PLA was first mixed with the clay before the rubber was added, and the highest tensile toughness was obtained when PLA was first compounded with the rubber, and then clay was incorporated into the mixture. Thermal characterization by DSC confirmed the immiscibility of the blends, but in general, the thermal parameters and the degree of crystallinity of the PLA were not affected by the preparation procedure. Both the clay and the rubber decreased the crystallization temperature of the PLA by acting as nucleating agents. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41518.
Investigation on structure and properties of anion exchange membranes based on tetramethylbiphenol moieties containing copoly(arylene ether)s
Authors: Li Xiuhua , Wang Liuchan , Cheng Shanshan
Published: October 2014

Quaternary ammonium functionalized poly(arylene ether)s (QPAEs) containing 2,2′,6,6′‐tetramethylbiphenol moieties were designed and successfully synthesized via nucleophilic substitution polycondensation, bromination, quaternization and alkalization. The structure, water uptake, ion exchange capacities (IECs), hydroxide ion conductivities, and mechanical properties, as well as thermal and chemical stabilities of obtained QPAEs membranes were investigated. The QPAE‐a membrane with IEC value of 0.98 meq g−1 demonstrated the highest ion conductivity (47.4 mS cm−1) at 80°C. The ion transport activation energy (Ea) of QPAEs membranes varied from 8.57 to 19.95 kJ mol−1. After chemical stability test conditioned in 1M NaOH at 60°C for 7 days, the QPAEs membranes except QPAE‐c (IEC = 0.88 meq g−1) still exhibited high hydroxide ion conductivities (over 15 mS cm−1) and acceptable tensile strength (∼10 MPa). These properties indicate that the ionomers membranes are potential candidates for anion exchange membranes in anion exchange membrane fuel cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41525.
A complex based on imidazole ionic liquid and copolymer of acrylamide and phenoxyacetamide modification for clay stabilizer
Authors: Liu Pingli , Zhou Lihua , Yang Cheng , Xia Hong , He Yang , Feng Meilin
Published: October 2014

A complex system (AM/AA/APO‐EMIN) was obtained by poly (acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid‐co‐N‐allyl‐2‐phenoxyacetamide) (AM/AA/APO) combining 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMIM] [BF4]) for clay stabilizer by using acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA) and N‐allyl‐2‐phenoxyacetamide (APO), N‐methylimidazole, bromoethane, and sodium fluoroborate as raw materials. The complex solution exhibited excellent anti‐swelling rate (up to 94.5% at 10,000 mg/L), satisfying aging resistance (viscosity retention rate 84.2% after 15 days), and marked shear thinning behavior (viscosity retention rate 7.5% under 600 s−1). From scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, a clear network structure appeared in AM/AA/APO‐EMIM solution. Compared with an existing poly (acrylamide‐co‐diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) clay stabilizer (HY‐201S), AM/AA/APO‐EMIN was less content and more effective to reduce the d‐spacing of sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) from 19.1 Å to 15.7 Å. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41536.
Entwicklung eines dezentralen kompakten Lüftungssystems für den Einsatz in der minimalinvasiven Gebäudesanierung
Authors: Speer Christoph , Pfluger Rainer , Feist Wolfgang , Zgaga Janez , Lanthaler David
Published: October 2014

Lüftungssysteme werden sowohl im Neubau als auch in der Gebäudesanierung eingesetzt, um eine ausreichende Raumluftqualität sicher zu stellen. Durch den Einsatz von Wärmeübertragern kann dabei gleichzeitig der Energieverlust minimiert werden. Speziell in der Sanierung kann das Lüftungssystem durch die Kombination von Ventilatoren und Wärmeübertrager in einer einzigen Komponente sehr kompakt ausgeführt werden. Derzeit am Markt verfügbare Geräte dieses Typs haben eine physikalisch prinzipbedingte relativ geringe strömungsmechanische und thermische Effizienz. Durch ein neuartiges Konzept kann sowohl die Ventilationseffizienz als auch die Wärmerückgewinnung erheblich gesteigert werden. Systembedingte Eigenschaften sorgen für Feuchterückgewinnung in der kalten und trockenen Jahreszeit und ermöglichen niedrige Investitions‐, Betriebs‐ und Wartungskosten durch einfache Installation und hohe Effizienz. Die Ergebnisse von strömungsmechanischen und thermischen Parameterstudien und das daraus resultierende optimierte Systemdesign werden hier vorgestellt. Darüber hinaus wird das Konzept für einen energieeffizienten Volumenstrombalanceabgleich sowie den Sommerbypass präsentiert und die Einsatzmöglichkeiten des Lüftungssystems in der minimalinvasiven Gebäudesanierung erörtert.

Development of a decentralized compact ventilation system for use in minimally invasive refurbishment. Ventilation systems are needed in new buildings as well as in the renovation of existing buildings to ensure adequate indoor air quality. Through the use of heat exchangers, the energy loss can be minimized at the same time. Especially in the renovation decentralized ventilation systems can be realized very compact through the combination of fans and heat exchanger in a single component. Currently available devices on the market of this type have a physically limited low fluid mechanical and thermal efficiency. Through an innovative concept both the ventilation efficiency and heat recovery can be increased considerably. System‐related properties provide automated moisture recovery during the cold and dry season and enable low investment, operating and maintenance costs through simple installation and high efficiency. The results of fluid mechanical and thermal parameter studies and the resulting optimized system design are presented. Moreover, the concept of an energy‐efficient flow balance as well as the summer bypass is introduced and the area of application of the ventilation system in minimally invasive building renovation is discussed.