bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybridization and population structure of the Culex pipiens complex in the islands of Macaronesia
Authors: Gomes Bruno , Alves Joana , Sousa Carla A. , Santa‐Ana Marta , Vieira Inês , Silva Teresa L. , Almeida António P.G. , Donnelly Martin J. , Pinto João 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe
Culex pipiens complex includes two widespread mosquito vector species,
Cx. pipiens and
Cx. quinquefasciatus. The distribution of these species varies in latitude, with the former being present in temperate regions and the latter in tropical and subtropical regions. However, their distribution range overlaps in certain areas and interspecific hybridization has been documented. Genetic introgression between these species may have epidemiological repercussions for West Nile virus (WNV) transmission. Bayesian clustering analysis based on multilocus genotypes of 12 microsatellites was used to determine levels of hybridization between these two species in Macaronesian islands, the only contact zone described in West Africa. The distribution of the two species reflects both the islands' biogeography and historical aspects of human colonization. Madeira Island displayed a homogenous population of
Cx. pipiens, whereas Cape Verde showed a more intriguing scenario with extensive hybridization. In the islands of Brava and Santiago, only
Cx. quinquefasciatus was found, while in Fogo and Maio high hybrid rates (~40%) between the two species were detected. Within the admixed populations, second‐generation hybrids (~50%) were identified suggesting a lack of isolation mechanisms. The observed levels of hybridization may locally potentiate the transmission to humans of zoonotic arboviruses such as WNV.
Growth, water productivity, and biomass allocation of Great Basin plants as affected by summer watering
Authors: Evans T. L. , Mata‐González R. , Martin D. W. , McLendon T. , Noller J. S. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThis study measured water‐use efficiency of wildland vegetation at the whole‐plant level during two contrasting years to better understand ecosystem responses to precipitation fluctuations in the Great Basin, USA. Biome‐representative species included grasses (Distichlis spicata, Leymus triticoides, and Sporobolus airoides), desert shrubs (Artemisia tridentata, Atriplex confertifolia, and Ericameria nauseosa), wetland/riparian plants (Glycyrrhiza lepidota, Juncus arcticus, and Salix exigua), and an exotic annual (Salsola tragus). Plants were grown in 5·8 m2 plots in a common garden in eastern California. Four watering treatments were applied monthly during two summers: control (no water other than natural precipitation), low (1·3 cm), medium (2·6 cm), and high (3·9 cm). Water‐use efficiency, here termed water to production (WTPa), was the ratio of water transpired to aboveground biomass produced. Biomass production was 50% lower and WTPa was five times higher during 2009 than 2010. WTPa decreased with watering during 2009 but increased with watering during 2010. Year differences determined vegetation productivity and response to summer watering and were related to the lower winter/spring precipitation during 2009 than 2010. Desert shrubs were more drought tolerant than grasses and wetland plants. Yet, an increase in summer precipitation would primarily benefit herbaceous species and not desert shrubs. Desert shrubs achieved greater standing crop but lower root‐to‐shoot ratio (RSR) than herbaceous species. Nonetheless, the grass S. airoides had the greatest standing crop overall, mainly because of its greater root production (RSR 5·5). Species differences in growth, WTPa, and biomass allocation should be considered in land management and conservation practices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of soil moisture in a Mediterranean mountain area (Vallcebre, NE Spain)
Authors: Garcia‐Estringana P. , Latron J. , Llorens P. , Gallart F. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTKnowledge of soil moisture dynamics at reasonable temporal and spatial resolutions is required to improve hydrological understanding and modelling. However, in the Mediterranean area, considered as one of the most vulnerable areas to global change, there is a severe lack of detailed soil moisture data sets. The objective of this study is to investigate the inter‐annual and intra‐annual spatial and temporal distributions of soil moisture in a Mediterranean mountain area, using the detailed hydrological data set gathered in the Vallcebre Research catchments (NE Spain). With the use of time‐domain reflectometry, soil moisture was measured weekly between 1998 and 2003 at eight representative profiles. Time series of soil moisture showed a clear seasonal pattern. Results obtained revealed that soil moisture on hillslopes under forest cover was lower than in downslope areas covered with grasses. However, differences were not persistent through the year but were minimal during the driest and wettest conditions and maximal during the drying and wetting‐up periods. During the wetting‐up and drying‐down periods, the soil moisture distribution depended mainly on local controls. However, during wet conditions, soil moisture patterns were controlled by nonlocal factors that limited the vegetation‐related variability of soil moisture. In this mountain area, forest cover is likely to increase as the climate changes, which will most probably reduce the average soil moisture at the catchment scale as well as its spatial variability. These changes may ultimately be seen as a threat to the future of water resources in this area. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Versatility of Uranyl(VI) Nitrate Complexes That Involve the Diamide Ligand Et2N(C=O)(CH2)n(C=O)NEt2 (0 ≤ n ≤ 6)
Authors: Wahu Sandrine , Berthet Jean‐Claude , Thuéry Pierre , Guillaumont Dominique , Ephritikhine Michel , Guillot Régis , Cote Gérard , Bresson Carole 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe interaction of uranyl nitrate with the series of diamides Et2N(C=O)(CH2)n(C=O)NEt2 (0 ≤ n ≤ 6) was investigated to evaluate systematically the effect of the (CH2)n spacer on the solid‐state structures of the corresponding uranyl complexes. Under aerobic conditions, [UO2(NO3)2·6H2O] reacted with an excess amount of these diamides (L) in organic solvents to yield [UO2(κ2‐NO3)2(L)] {1 [n = 0, tetraethyloxalamide (TEOA)], 2 [n = 1, tetraethylmalonamide (TEMA)], 3 [n = 2, tetraethylsuccinamide (TESA)], 5 [n = 3, tetraethylglycolamide (TEGA)], 6 [n = 4, tetraethyladipicamide (TEAA)], 7 [n = 5, tetraethylpimelicamide (TEPA)], and 8 [n = 6, tetraethylsubericamide (TESUA)]}, which were isolated and characterized by 1H NMR, ESI‐MS, IR, and Raman spectroscopy. Under anhydrous and anaerobic conditions, [UO2(OTf)2] (OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate) was treated with an excess amount of L to give [UO2(L)2][OTf]2, which was isolated for n = 1 (9) and n = 2 (10). The crystal structures of 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and of the peroxido‐bridged complex [{UO2(κ2‐NO3)(L)}2(μ,η2,η2‐O2)] (4; n = 2) are presented. In all cases, the uranium ion is eight‐coordinated with a classical hexagonal‐bipyramidal configuration. The number of CH2 groups in the diamide central chain has considerable influence on the dimensionality of the complexes. They are monometallic (n = 1, 2), dimeric (n = 3, 4), or polymeric (n = 5, 6) with either a helical or zigzag structure, depending on the coordination mode of the bidentate diamide, which can be bridging or not, and the position cis or trans of the nitrate ions. DFT calculations in the gas phase show that the mono‐ and κ2‐bidentate coordination modes of the diamide (1 ≤ n ≤ 5) onto [UO2(κ2‐NO3)2] are energetically similar. By using the continuum solvation model, the binding affinity of the κ2‐bidentate diamide gradually decreases with the increase in n, but the most stable bidentate uranyl complex is obtained for n = 1 (TEMA). The structural differences in the series of [UO2(κ2‐NO3)2{Et2N(C=O)(CH2)n(C=O)NEt2}] complexes are directly related to the length of the (CH2)n spacer.
Scared saviors: Evidence that people high in attachment anxiety are more effective in alerting others to threat
Authors: Ein‐Dor Tsachi , Tal Orgad 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAttachment‐related anxiety has repeatedly been associated with poorer adjustment in various social, emotional, and behavioral domains. Building on social defense theory, we examined a possible advantage of having some group members who score high in attachment anxiety – a heightened tendency to deliver a warning message without delay. We led participants to believe that they accidently activated a computer virus that erased an experimenter's computer. We then asked them to alert the department's computer technicians to the incident. On their way, they were presented with four decision points where they could choose either to delay their warning or to continue directly to the technicians' office. We found that anxious individuals were less willing to be delayed on their way to deliver a warning message. This result remained significant when attachment avoidance, extroversion, and neuroticism were statistically controlled. Results are discussed in relation to the possible adaptive functions of certain personality characteristics often viewed as undesirable. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR‐33 controls the expression of biliary transporters, and mediates statin‐ and diet‐induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Allen Ryan M. , Marquart Tyler J. , Albert Carolyn J. , Suchy Frederick J. , Wang David Q.‐H. , Ananthanarayanan Meenakshisundaram , Ford David A. , Baldán Ángel 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBile secretion is essential for whole body sterol homeostasis. Loss‐of‐function mutations in specific canalicular transporters in the hepatocyte disrupt bile flow and result in cholestasis. We show that two of these transporters, ABCB11 and ATP8B1, are functional targets of miR‐33, a micro‐RNA that is expressed from within an intron of SREBP‐2. Consequently, manipulation of miR‐33 levels in vivo with adenovirus or with antisense oligonucleotides results in changes in bile secretion and bile recovery from the gallbladder. Using radiolabelled cholesterol, we show that systemic silencing of miR‐33 leads to increased sterols in bile and enhanced reverse cholesterol transport in vivo. Finally, we report that simvastatin causes, in a dose‐dependent manner, profound hepatotoxicity and lethality in mice fed a lithogenic diet. These latter results are reminiscent of the recurrent cholestasis found in some patients prescribed statins. Importantly, pretreatment of mice with anti‐miR‐33 oligonucleotides rescues the hepatotoxic phenotype. Therefore, we conclude that miR‐33 mediates some of the undesired, hepatotoxic effects of statins.→See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/emmm.201201565
Properties of natural supraglacial debris in relation to modelling sub‐debris ice ablation
Authors: Nicholson Lindsey , Benn Douglas I. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTAs debris‐covered glaciers become a more prominent feature of a shrinking mountain cryosphere, there is increasing need to successfully model the surface energy and mass balance of debris‐covered glaciers, yet measurements of the processes operating in natural supraglacial debris covers are sparse. We report measurements of vertical temperature profiles in debris on the Ngozumpa glacier in Nepal, that show: (i) conductive processes dominate during the ablation season in matrix‐supported diamict; (ii) ventilation may be possible in coarse surface layers; (iii) phase changes associated with seasonal change have a marked effect on the effective thermal diffusivity of the debris. Effective thermal conductivity determined from vertical temperature profiles in the debris is generally ~30% higher in summer than in winter, but values depend on the volume and phase of water in the debris. Surface albedo can vary widely over small spatial scales, as does the debris thickness. Measurements indicate that debris thickness is best represented as a probability density function with the peak debris thickness increasing down‐glacier. The findings from Ngozumpa glacier indicate that the probability distribution of debris thickness changes from positively skewed in the upper glacier towards a more normal distribution nearer the terminus. Although many of these effects remain to be quantified, our observations highlight aspects of spatial and temporal variability in supraglacial debris that may require consideration in annual or multi‐annual distributed modelling of debris‐covered glacier surface energy and mass balance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel intumescent flame retardants: synthesis and application in polycarbonate
Authors: Zhao Wei , Li Bin , Xu Miaojun , Yang Kun , Lin Li 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYNovel phosphorus‐containing and nitrogen‐containing intumescent flame retardants, bis‐aminobenzyl spirocylic pentaerythritol bisphosphonate (BASPB) and arylene‐N,N′‐bis(2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐propanediol phosphoramidate) (ABDPP), were synthesized, and their structures were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance. The phosphorus compounds were used to impart flame retardancy to polycarbonate (PC). Combustion behaviors and thermal degradation properties of the flame‐retarded‐PC composites were assayed by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimeter test, and thermogravimetric analysis. PC/5 wt.% BASPB and PC/5 wt.% ABDPP composites passed UL‐94 V‐0 rating; their LOI values were 35.5% and 34.7%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the char properties had crucial effects on the flame retardancy. The mechanical properties and water resistance of the PC/BASPB and PC/ABDPP composites were also measured. After water resistance test, PC/5 wt.% BASPB and PC/5 wt.% ABDPP composites kept V‐0 rating, and the mass loss was only 1.0%. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EQUIVALENT INCOME AND FAIR EVALUATION OF HEALTH CARE
Authors: Fleurbaey Marc , Luchini Stéphane , Muller Christophe , Schokkaert Erik 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTWe argue that the economic evaluation of health care (cost–benefit analysis) should respect individual preferences and should incorporate distributional considerations. Relying on individual preferences does not imply subjective welfarism. We propose a particular non‐welfarist approach, based on the concept of equivalent income, and show how it helps to define distributional weights. We illustrate the feasibility of our approach with empirical results from a pilot survey. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chinese Children's Relationships with Mothers During the Transition to Nursery Care: Changes and Associations with Later Growth in Social Competence
Authors: Zhang Xiao 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBased on a longitudinal sample of 115 Chinese children, the present study examined changes in mother–child relationships (closeness and conflict) during the transition to nursery care and how these relationships were associated with later growth in children's social competence. The results did not indicate significant changes in mother–child relationships at the mean level but revealed significant individual variations in such changes. These variations were associated negatively with mother–child relationships at 3 months after nursery entry. Social competence showed positive linear growth across the nursery and junior kindergarten years, and significant individual variations in such growth. Initial conflict in mother–child relationships at 3 months after nursery entry positively predicted later growth in social competence. In contrast, initial social competence did not significantly predict changes over time in mother–child relationships. Findings are discussed in terms of how to help children navigate the transition to nursery care and develop their social competence.
In vitro bioactivity of different degree of deacetylation chitosan, a potential coating material for titanium implants
Authors: Lieder Ramona , Darai Mariam , Thor Margrét Björk , Ng C.‐H. , Einarsson Jón M. , Gudmundsson Sveinn , Helgason Benedikt , Gaware Vivek Sambhaji , Másson Már , Gíslason Jóhannes , Örlygsson Gissur , Sigurjónsson Ólafur E. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractClinical treatment of orthopaedic tissue injuries often involves the use of titanium and titanium alloys with considerable research focusing on the surface modification of these materials. Chitosan, the partly deacetylated form of chitin, is one of the materials under investigation as surface coating for orthopaedic implants in order to improve osteo‐integration and cellular attachment. In this study, we determined the effects of the degree of deacetylation (DD) of chitosan membranes on attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 mouse preosteoblasts. Chitosan membranes were coated with fibronectin to promote biocompatibility and cellular attachment. Membranes were characterized in terms of wettability and surface topography using water contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy. The results in this study indicate that the surface roughness and fibronectin adsorption increase with increased DD. A higher DD also facilitates attachment and proliferation of cells, but no induction of spontaneous osteogenic differentiation was observed. Lower DD chitosan membranes were successfully prepared to sustain attachment and were modified by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde to promote long‐term studies. The chitosan membranes used in this study are suitable as a potential coating for titanium implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3392–3399, 2012.
Increased connective tissue attachment to silicone implants by a water vapor plasma treatment
Authors: Jensen C. , Gurevich L. , Patriciu A. , Struijk J. J. , Zachar V. , Pennisi C. P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the most common type of silicone polymer for the fabrication of implantable medical devices. Because of its inherent hydrophobic nature, the PDMS surface does not readily promote cellular adhesion, which leads to diverse clinical issues. Previously, we reported a simple water vapor plasma treatment of PDMS surfaces that resulted in stable long‐term wettability and excellentin vitrocell compatibility. In this work, we report investigation of thein vivolocal responses to PDMS implants treated by water vapor plasma using a subcutaneous rat model. The local tissue responses were assessed after 2 and 4 weeks of implantation by means of macroscopic and histomorphometric analysis. After 2 weeks of implantation, the plasma‐treated implants elicited the formation of fibrous tissue capsules that were significantly thinner, more adherent, and vascularized than the control counterparts. The improved cell adhesion was correlated with an increased amount of cells attached to the implant surface after retrieval. There was no difference in the inflammatory response between untreated and treated samples. This study provides a rational approach to optimize the long‐term performance of silicone implants, which is likely to have a significant impact in clinical applications demanding enhanced tissue integration of the implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3400–3407, 2012.
Tailoring the biodegradability of porous silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Hon Nick K. , Shaposhnik Zory , Diebold Eric D. , Tamanoi Fuyuhiko , Jalali Bahram 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPorous silicon nanoparticles (PSiNPs) are attractive carriers for targeted drug delivery in nanomedicine. Forin vivoapplications, the biodegradation property of PSiNPs provides a pathway for their safe clearance from the body. Particles sizes of 80–120 nm are of particular interest as they are important for cellular applications, such as drug delivery for cancer therapy, because these nanoparticles can take advantage of the enhanced permeability and retention effect to deliver drug preferentially to tumors with leaky vasculature, yet large enough to avoid renal clearance. However, the biodegradability rate of such particles is often too fast, which limits particle half‐life and potentially reduces theirin vivodelivery efficiency. In this work, we focus on the degradation of nanoscale particles and study the effect of both thermal oxidation and silica coating on the stability of PSiNPs in phosphate buffered saline solution (a close mimic of a basic biological fluid). Using thermal oxidation, the half‐life of PSiNPs can be varied from 10 min up to 3 h. Using silica coating, the half‐life can be extended further to 8 h. The particles produced using both these techniques can be functionalized using standard silica surface chemistries developed for applications in drug delivery. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3416–3421, 2012.
Biocompatibility of fluoride‐coated magnesium‐calcium alloys with optimized degradation kinetics in a subcutaneous mouse model
Authors: Drynda Andreas , Seibt Juliane , Hassel Thomas , Bach Friedrich Wilhelm , Peuster Matthias 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe principle of biodegradation has been considered for many years in the development of cardiovascular stents, especially for patients with congenital heart defects. A variety of materials have been examined with regard to their suitability for cardiovascular devices. Iron‐ and magnesium‐based stents were investigated intensively during the last years. It has been shown, that iron, or iron based alloys have slow degradation kinetics whereas magnesium‐based systems exhibit rapid degradation rates. Recently we have developed fluoride coated binary magnesium‐calcium alloys with reduced degradation kinetics. These alloys exhibit good biocompatibility and no major adverse effects toward smooth muscle and endothelial cells inin vitroexperiments. In this study, these alloys were investigated in a subcutaneous mouse model. Fluoride coated (fc) magnesium, as well as MgCa0.4%, MgCa0.6%, MgCa0.8%, MgCa1.0%, and a commercially available WE43 alloy were implanted in form of (fc) cylindrical plates into the subcutaneous tissue of NMRI mice. After a 3 and 6 months follow‐up, the (fc) alloy plates were examined by histomorphometric techniques to assess their degradation ratein vivo. Our data indicate that all (fc) alloys showed a significant corrosion. For both time points the (fc) MgCa alloys showed a higher corrosion rate in comparison to the (fc) WE43 reference alloy. Significant adverse effects were not observed. Fluoride coating of magnesium‐based alloys can be a suitable way to reduce degradation rates. However, the (fc) MgCa alloys did not exhibit decreased degradation kinetics in comparison to the (fc) WE43 alloy in a subcutaneous mouse model. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A:33–43, 2013.