bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of environmental changes using a multi‐proxy approach in the Ulleung Basin (Sea of Japan) over the last 48 ka
Authors: Zou Jianjun , Shi Xuefa , Liu Yanguang , Liu Jihua , Selvaraj Kandasamy , Kao Shuh‐Ji 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBased on elemental geochemical data, we reconstructed the sediment provenance, surface productivity and bottom water redox conditions for the last 48 ka in the Ulleung Basin (Sea of Japan) and inferred the factors controlling them. Al2O3/TiO2 ratio and chemical index of alteration (CIA) suggest that sediment provenance changed during the glacial period (48–18 ka) compared to the deglacial (ca. 18–11 ka) and Holocene. Mass accumulation rates of total organic carbon (TOC), CaCO3, phosphorus, cadmium and excess barium reveal low paleoproductivity during low sea stand. During 18–11 ka, productivity increased due to increasing inflow of nutrient‐rich water masses – the Oyashio and the East China Sea coastal water – in tandem with the rising sea level. Maximum productivity occurred during Younger Dryas and Pre‐boreal periods when sea level was at ∼ −60 m and then gradually decreased as the Tsushima Warm Current inflow kicked off at ca. 9.3 ka, consistent with other paleoredox proxies, which reveal the presence of anoxic bottom water during ca. 12–9 ka. With the changes in paleoredox proxies and their ratios (TOC, Mo, U, Mn, C/S ratio and Uauthigenic and Mo contents), we hypothesized that the redox changes were mainly ventilation driven and were superimposed on the influence of circulation‐induced productivity changes. The global climate and sea‐level changes on a millennial timescale play a major role in enhancing paleoproductivity and restrict bottom water advection, subsequently driving the oxygenation of bottom water in the Ulleung Basin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insolation and cross‐hemispheric controls on Australian monsoon variability over the past 180 ka: new evidence from offshore southeastern Papua New Guinea
Authors: Shiau Liang‐Jian , Chen Min‐Te , Huh Chih‐An , Yamamoto Masanobu , Yokoyama Yusuke 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Australian summer monsoon (ASM) is primarily a synoptic feature determined by the differential thermal response to solar insolation between the Australian continent and the western Pacific warm pool (WPWP) in austral summer. Little is known about the process involved in driving long‐term ASM variability. Here we present a 180 ka record of terrestrial fluxes into offshore southeastern Papua New Guinea (PNG), a prevailing monsoon area in the WPWP. Terrestrial fluxes were estimated by a 230Th‐normalized method, indicating higher terrestrial inputs into the ocean during glacial stages. We argue that the higher terrestrial fluxes are mainly fluvial, which in turn are linked to stronger ASM precipitation on land, though the increased terrestrial flux could possibly also be due to the lowstand or glacial erosion of mountain glaciers. Cross‐spectral analysis indicates that the ASM precipitation maxima are controlled by local summer insolation maxima, WPWP sea‐surface temperature minima and East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) maxima in precession frequency bands (21 ka−1). This result suggests that the 21 ka components of the ASM in the past 180 ka are not only insolation driven but also a dynamic component strengthened by cross‐hemispheric pressure gradient resulted from the precession maxima forcing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate and vegetation variations since the LGM recorded by biomarkers from a sediment core in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zheng Hongbo , Yang Wenguang , Taylor David , Lu Yuehan , Wei Ganjian , Li Li , Wang Hui 
Published: December 2012

AbstractVariations in stable carbon isotopic compositions of n‐alkanes (δ13Calk) and n‐alkane proxies (CPI, C31/C27 and ACL) from core MD05‐2905 (20° 08.17′ N, 117° 21.6′ E) in the northern South China Sea (SCS), provided evidence of biological responses on adjacent land areas in the form of changes in terrestrial vegetation and provenance of the remains of land plants during and since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Decreased values of n‐alkane proxies and δ13Calk over the last 28 ka marked the transition from glacial to interglacial conditions and indicated a greater extent of herbaceous vegetation at the LGM than present and an increased abundance in woody vegetation during the Holocene. Relatively larger δ13Calk values at the LGM indicated that n‐alkanes of terrestrial herbs in the sediment core were not only from the leaf waxes of C3 plants, such as herbs of Artemisia, growing on proximate parts of the exposed continental shelf, but also from C4 grasses likely from subtropical parts of southeastern China and Taiwan Island. Reconstructed sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs), based on $U_{37}^{K'} $ data from the same core, revealed that temperatures were ∼3°C lower than present during the LGM, with abrupt variations during both glacial and interglacial periods. During the LGM, lower temperature and sea level and greater aridity relative to present resulted in an expansion of herbaceous vegetation over an enlarged extent of exposed continental shelf. Following deglaciation, warming and enhanced summer monsoonal activity led to increased humidity and to an expansion of woody vegetation (mostly C3 plants) during the Holocene. Results also revealed rapid oscillations in C31/C27 ratios over millennial scales, with lower values associated with cold stages. These low C31/C27 ratios indicated increased input of woody plant material possibly from more extensive gallery forest and greater transport of their plant debris to the coring site, perhaps facilitated by enhanced runoff under a strengthened Northern Hemisphere winter monsoon during short‐duration cold events. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of phytase from Aspergillusniger on plant growth and mineral assimilation in wheat (Triticumaestivum Linn.) and its potential for use as a soil amendment
Authors: Gujar Pradnya D , Bhavsar Kavita P , Khire Jayant M 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundExtensive use of non‐replenishable phosphate reserves as phosphate supplements in agriculture and animal feed poses a threat for environmental pollution and necessitated a search for alternative phosphate sources. Unlocking the phytate phosphorus using microbial phytase can provide an ecofriendly solution in agriculture. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of phytase from Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 in degradation of phytate phosphorus to benefit plant nutrition and soil amendment in comparison with chemical fertilizers.ResultsAn enzyme dose of 12 IU was sufficient to hydrolyze phytate and increase assimilation of phosphorus by about 74%. Phytase supplementation leads to increase in shoot:total length ratio by about 200%, indicating its growth‐promoting effect. Consistency in phytase‐induced growth was reflected at pot and tray levels, wherein shoot:total length ratio was observed to be 2.01 and 2.12 respectively. Mineral assimilation due to phytase was more efficient as compared to chemical fertilizers, thus overcoming the constraints of practicability and economics in the agriculture industry. Phytase was efficient in reducing the phytic acid content of soil by about 30% while simultaneously increasing the phytate phosphate availability by 1.18‐fold.ConclusionPhytase from A. niger showed improvement in phytate phosphorus and mineral availability. Besides a plant growth‐promoting effect, reduction in use of chemical fertilizers and soil improvement could be achieved simultaneously for maintaining the sustainability of agriculture. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Malignant pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: A population level analysis of long‐term survival over two decades
Authors: Goffredo Paolo , Sosa Julie A. , Roman Sanziana A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPheochromocytoma (PHEO) and paraganglioma (PGL) are rare tumors. Aims of this study were to describe and to compare demographic, clinical, pathologic, and survival characteristics of malignant PHEO and PGL.MethodsPatients were identified in SEER, 1988–2009. Analyses included chi‐square, ANOVA, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox proportional hazard regression.ResultsGender distribution and mean age were similar for PHEO and PGL. Surgery was performed in 74.3% of PHEO and 78.9% of PGL; external beam radiation was administered in 8.0% of PHEO and 28.1% of PGL (P < 0.001). Compared to PGL, PHEO were larger (mean size 7.7 vs. 4.5 cm PGL, P = 0.001) and more were SEER‐staged as localized (17.3% vs. 49.6%, respectively, P < 0.001). PGLs were more often located in the trunk than in the head/neck (53.8% vs. 38.0%, P < 0.001). PHEO had lower overall and disease‐specific survival than PGL (54.0% and 73.5% vs. 73.3% and 80.5% for PGL, respectively, P < 0.001 and P = 0.118). Independent factors associated with mortality for PHEO included not undergoing surgery and metastases at diagnosis; for PGL, these were age 61–75 years, size ≥5 cm, and presenting with metastases.ConclusionsMalignant PHEO has a more aggressive course than malignant PGL; long‐term survival has not improved over the last two decades. Multi‐institutional efforts should be pursued to seek novel treatments. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:659–664. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incorporating harvest rates into the sex‐age‐kill model for white‐tailed deer
Authors: Norton Andrew S. , Diefenbach Duane R. , Rosenberry Christopher S. , Wallingford Bret D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAlthough monitoring population trends is an essential component of game species management, wildlife managers rarely have complete counts of abundance. Often, they rely on population models to monitor population trends. As imperfect representations of real‐world populations, models must be rigorously evaluated to be applied appropriately. Previous research has evaluated population models for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus); however, the precision and reliability of these models when tested against empirical measures of variability and bias largely is untested. We were able to statistically evaluate the Pennsylvania sex‐age‐kill (PASAK) population model using realistic error measured using data from 1,131 radiocollared white‐tailed deer in Pennsylvania from 2002 to 2008. We used these data and harvest data (number killed, age‐sex structure, etc.) to estimate precision of abundance estimates, identify the most efficient harvest data collection with respect to precision of parameter estimates, and evaluate PASAK model robustness to violation of assumptions. Median coefficient of variation (CV) estimates by Wildlife Management Unit, 13.2% in the most recent year, were slightly above benchmarks recommended for managing game species populations. Doubling reporting rates by hunters or doubling the number of deer checked by personnel in the field reduced median CVs to recommended levels. The PASAK model was robust to errors in estimates for adult male harvest rates but was sensitive to errors in subadult male harvest rates, especially in populations with lower harvest rates. In particular, an error in subadult (1.5‐yr‐old) male harvest rates resulted in the opposite error in subadult male, adult female, and juvenile population estimates. Also, evidence of a greater harvest probability for subadult female deer when compared with adult (≥2.5‐yr‐old) female deer resulted in a 9.5% underestimate of the population using the PASAK model. Because obtaining appropriate sample sizes, by management unit, to estimate harvest rate parameters each year may be too expensive, assumptions of constant annual harvest rates may be necessary. However, if changes in harvest regulations or hunter behavior influence subadult male harvest rates, the PASAK model could provide an unreliable index to population changes. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Impacts of weather on northern bobwhite sex ratios, body mass, and annual production in South Texas
Authors: Tri Andrew N. , Sands Joseph P. , Buelow Michael C. , Williford Damon , Wehland Erin M. , Larson Jon A. , Brazil Kyle A. , Hardin Jason B. , Hernández Fidel , Brennan Leonard A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA landscape‐scale assessment of how bobwhite productivity varies in relation to weather does not exist for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). We collected age and sex ratio and body mass data from hunter‐harvested bobwhites in 16 counties of South Texas (n = 72,797 bobwhites) during 2001–2009 hunting seasons. We evaluated annual bobwhite production (juvenile:adult age ratios) as a function of cumulative April–August rainfall using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station data from Falfurrias and Hebbronville, Texas. We observed minimal among‐year change in percent males harvested (51.0–54.5% male) and mean mass (156–160 g) of bobwhites across South Texas. We found no relationship between percent male or body mass and weather. We documented a positive, linear relationship between cumulative April–August rainfall and bobwhite age ratios (r2 = 0.94); we also documented a negative, linear relationship between summer (Jun–Aug) mean maximum daily temperature and bobwhite age ratios (r2 = 0.38). Our results suggest that rainfall is a landscape‐scale indicator of annual bobwhite production in South Texas and can thus be used to manage annual expectations of quail hunters prior to the hunting season. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
The physical and chemical structure of lipids in relation to digestion and absorption
Authors: Gallier Sophie , Singh Harjinder 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLipids provide specific functional, nutritional and sensorial properties to foods. The main dietary source of lipids is triacylglycerols. Triacylglycerols can occur in different forms, such as free (oil), droplets (emulsions) or crystallised network (butter). Whatever the form consumed, the triacylglycerols are emulsified in the stomach, as lipolysis takes place at the oil‐water interface. If some emulsifiers are already present at the surface of the lipid droplets, they will affect the lipolysis process. Another crucial parameter is the size of the emulsified droplets, as smaller droplets, providing a larger surface area for lipase binding, will be digested faster. The chain length and degree of saturation of the fatty acids and their position on the triacylglycerol backbone influence their digestion, mode of transport and absorption. Thus the choice of emulsifiers, particle size and fatty acid composition are major factors to take into account when processing food to reduce or increase lipid digestion and absorption.
Computer Study of the Association Behavior of Gradient Copolymers: Analysis of Simulation Results Based on a New Algorithm for Recognition and Classification of Aggregates
Authors: Kuldová Jitka , Košovan Peter , Limpouchová Zuzana , Procházka Karel 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe present a computer study of the association behavior of copolymer chains with a gradient part and soluble tail of variable length. As a simulation method we use dynamic Monte Carlo simulation on a simple cubic lattice with pair interaction parameters. The solvent quality and selectivity is modeled by the variation of pair interaction parameters between nearest neighbors on the lattice. The role of the length of soluble part in the self‐assembly and its effect on the structure of aggregates was the main goal of this work. The size and structure of aggregates were analyzed using an improved topological classification method which has been developed and tested in the present study. The structure and association numbers of aggregates were compared with those of linear diblock copolymers. magnified image
Unique secreted–surface protein complex of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, identified by phage display
Authors: Gagic Dragana , Wen Wesley , Collett Michael A. , Rakonjac Jasna 
Published: December 2012

AbstractProteins are the most diverse structures on bacterial surfaces; hence, they are candidates for species‐ and strain‐specific interactions of bacteria with the host, environment, and other microorganisms. Genomics has decoded thousands of bacterial surface and secreted proteins, yet the function of most cannot be predicted because of the enormous variability and a lack of experimental data that would allow deduction of function through homology. Here, we used phage display to identify a pair of interacting extracellular proteins in the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001. A secreted protein, SpcA, containing two bacterial immunoglobulin‐like domains type 3 (Big‐3) and a domain distantly related to plant pathogen response domain 1 (PR‐1‐like) was identified by screening of an L. rhamnosus HN001 library using HN001 cells as bait. The SpcA‐“docking” protein, SpcB, was in turn detected by another phage display library screening, using purified SpcA as bait. SpcB is a 3275‐residue cell‐surface protein that contains general features of large glycosylated Serine‐rich adhesins/fibrils from gram‐positive bacteria, including the hallmark signal sequence motif KxYKxGKxW. Both proteins are encoded by genes within a L. rhamnosus‐unique gene cluster that distinguishes this species from other lactobacilli. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a secreted‐docking protein pair identified in lactobacilli.
Controlling Polyolefin Properties by In‐Reactor Blending: 2. Particle Design
Authors: Ruff Martin , Paulik Christian 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn‐reactor blends of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW‐PE) and high‐density medium molecular weight polyethylene (mMW‐PE) were prepared by precise multi‐stage slurry polymerizations. Correlations between polymerization conditions and polymer properties of the reactor powders were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), bulk density and particle size analysis. It is shown that changing the polymerization conditions influences the particle surface morphology as well as the bulk density and this can make the dispersion of UHMW‐PE in mMW‐PE increase, as proposed in a model. magnified image
Design and Synthesis of Olefin Copolymers with Tunable Amounts of Comonomers Bearing Stabilizing Functionalities
Authors: Sacchi Maria Carmela , Losio Simona , Stagnaro Paola , Menichetti Stefano , Viglianisi Caterina 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe aim of this work is to search for innovative solutions to avoid physical migration of the stabilizers from plastic films. New families of macromolecular additives bearing tuned amounts of a selected functionality were explored, in particular, novel random copolymers of ethylene with 1‐olefin co‐units bearing an efficient antioxidant and/or anti‐UV moiety covalently bonded to a mono‐ or disubstituted olefinic bond. Polyolefin blends containing the novel macromolecular additives showed higher degradation temperatures with respect to the neat matrix and its blends with 2,6‐t‐butyl‐4‐methoxyphenol (BHA). Aging tests showed that the novel antioxidants also constitute a protection against photo‐oxidation. magnified image
High‐resolution Fourier‐encoded sub‐millisecond echo time musculoskeletal imaging at 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla
Authors: Deligianni X. , Bär P. , Scheffler K. , Trattnig S. , Bieri O. 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThe feasibility of imaging musculoskeletal fibrous tissue components, such as menisci, ligaments, and tendons, with a conventional spoiled gradient echo technique is explored in vivo at 3 T and 7 T.MethodsTo this end, the echo time (TE1) of a conventional Fourier‐encoded multicontrast three‐dimensional SGPR sequence is minimized by using nonselective excitation pulses, highly asymmetric readouts, and a variable TE1 along the phase and slice encoding direction. In addition, a fully sampled second echo image (with TE2 >> TE1) can be used to highlight components with short transverse relaxation times in a difference image with positive contrast.ResultsFourier‐encoded spoiled gradient echo sequences are able to provide sub‐millisecond TE1 of about 800 μs for typical in‐plane resolutions of about 0.5 x 0.5 mm2. As a result, high‐resolution positive contrast images of fibrous tissues can be generated within clinically feasible scan‐time of about 2–7 minutes.ConclusionAfter optimization, Fourier‐encoded spoiled gradient echo provides a highly robust and flexible imaging technique for high‐resolution positive contrast imaging of fibrous tissue that can readily be used in the clinical routine. Magn Reson Med 70:1434–1439, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contrast enhanced lung MRI in mice using ultra‐short echo time radial imaging and intratracheally administrated Gd‐DOTA‐based nanoparticles
Authors: Bianchi Andrea , Lux François , Tillement Olivier , Crémillieux Yannick 
Published: December 2012

PurposeTo investigate the in vivo T1‐enhancement of the lung parenchyma in free‐breathing healthy mice following intratracheal administration of Gd‐DOTA‐based nanoparticles, to assess the enhancement kinetics of the instilled contrast medium and to identify its elimination pathways.MethodsUltrashort Echo Time (276 μs) proton MRI of the lung was performed (N = 14) at 4.7 T after the intratracheal instillation of 50 μL of seven different concentrations of contrast agent solution (from 2 to 100 mM of Gd3+). The signal enhancement (SE) in lungs, blood, liver, kidneys, and bladder was assessed (N = 3) for a 50 mM concentration solution at different time points.ResultsThe largest SE in lungs (266 ± 14%) was observed for a 50 mM solution of Gd3+. In lungs, the SE was observed to decay exponentially with a time constant of 149 ± 51 min. The passage of the nanoparticles from lung tissue to blood and kidneys, and ultimately to the bladder, was observed. No significant hepatic enhancement was measured.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of large SEs of lung tissue using intratracheally administrated solutions of Gd‐based contrast agents. In future applications, the SE in lungs could be used to image the biodistribution of coadministrated drug aerosols or to selectively enhance lung diseased tissues. Magn Reson Med 70:1419–1426, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of diaphragm wall installation on the numerical analysis of deep excavation
Authors: Burlon Sebastien , Mroueh Hussein , Shahrour Isam 
Published: December 2012

SUMMARYThis paper presents a numerical analysis of the influence of initial stress state on the response of deep excavation supported by retaining wall. Indeed, the influence of diaphragm wall installation prior to excavation works may affect the soil response and lateral wall deflection induced by excavation process. The first part of this paper gives a short review of the numerical methods aimed to reproduce the retaining wall installation. Numerical analysis of a deep excavation in two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional conditions is then performed according to the methods previously presented. In three‐dimensional conditions, diaphragm wall installation is performed considering a sequence of panels, described by their number and length. Results of three‐dimensional calculations confirm that stress state is disturbed by wall installation, which has a sensitive effect on the ground response induced by soil excavation. It is also noted that these results are not easily reproduced in two‐dimensional conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.