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Sympatric animals may consume diets of differing breadths as a strategy to reduce competition. Studying patterns of dietary breadth in extinct taxa is difficult because available data are generally limited to morphology. Dental topographic analysis (DTA) is useful for comparing occlusal morphology and allows for examination of dietary adaptations in extinct taxa. What remains unknown is how dental morphology, quantified using DTA, covaries with dietary breadth. The niche variation hypothesis (NVH) posits that taxa with broader ecological niches will be characterized by greater variability in morphology relative to specialized taxa. Therefore, we predict that taxa with greater dietary breadth will have more varied dental morphology compared to specialists as a result of the molar morphology of specialists being under greater genetic control relative to generalists, with specialists requiring teeth specially adapted to efficiently process a smaller range of food sources. We measured curvature, complexity, and relief of the M2 of 3 pairs of closely related euarchontan mammals (primates and treeshrews), with each taxon within a pair categorized as a generalist or specialist. Our results indicate that generalists do not consistently show greater variability in dental morphology compared to specialists among primates, but that atelids and treeshrews do generally follow the predictions of the NVH, with the caveat that our treeshrew sample is small. This suggests that while dietary specialists may be under greater genetic constraint with respect to their molar topography, a link between dietary breadth and dental form is not clear. Our study demonstrates that variation in dental topography does not necessarily reflect dietary breadth and highlights the fact that it is difficult to categorize even the most specialized primates (i.e. bamboo lemurs) as "dietary specialists." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife‐vehicle collisions can be a significant cause of mortality for animals with ranges that overlap roads. Not all species are equally affected by roads and thus conservation practitioners need empirical data to determine appropriate mitigation measures. However, there is a lack of data on how tropical animals, in particular those on the island of Madagascar, are affected by roads and vehicular mortality. In order to fill in this gap in the literature we investigated the ecological and spatial factors influencing roadkill observations along Route National 4 in Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar. We observed 80 cases of roadkill along the highway belonging to at least 13 species, including the first published record of a lemur as roadkill. We also found that the density of roadkill was lower in the area between two speedbumps, suggesting these are an effective measure to mitigate wildlife‐vehicle collisions. These results showcase that even within protected areas of Madagascar animals are at risk of vehicular mortality but mitigation measures are possible. Given the high rates of endemicity coupled with vulnerability to extinction of many Malagasy fauna there is an urgent need for more research on road ecology in Madagascar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Joint species distribution models (JSDMs) are an important tool for predicting ecosystem diversity and function under global change. The growing complexity of modern JSDMs necessitates careful model selection tailored to the challenges of community prediction under novel conditions (i.e., transferable models). Common approaches to evaluate the performance of JSDMs for community‐level prediction are based on individual species predictions that do not account for the species correlation structures inherent in JSDMs. Here, we formalize a Bayesian model selection approach that accounts for species correlation structures and apply it to compare the community‐level predictive performance of alternative JSDMs across broad environmental gradients emulating transferable applications. Innovation: We connect the evaluation of JSDM predictions to Bayesian model selection theory under which the log score is the preferred performance measure for probabilistic prediction. We define the joint log score for community‐level prediction and distinguish it from more commonly applied JSDM evaluation metrics. We then apply the joint community log score to evaluate predictions of 1918 out‐of‐sample boreal forest understory communities spanning 39 species generated using a novel multinomial JSDM framework that supports alternative species correlation structures: independent, compositional dependence and residual dependence. Main conclusions: The best performing JSDM included all observed environmental variables and compositional dependence modelled using a multinomial likelihood. The addition of flexible residual species correlations improved model predictions only within JSDMs applying a reduced set of environmental variables highlighting potential confounding between unobserved environmental conditions and residual species dependence. The best performing JSDM was consistent across successional and bioclimatic gradients regardless of whether interest was in species‐ or community‐level prediction. Our study demonstrates the utility of the joint community log score to compare the predictive performance of JSDMs and highlights the importance of accounting for species dependence when interest is in community composition under novel conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat loss and fragmentation are of concern to conservation biologists worldwide. However, not all organisms are affected equally by these processes; thus, it is important to study the effects of living in fragmented habitats on species that differ in lifestyle and habitat requirements. In this study, we examined the dispersal and connectivity patterns of rodents, one endemic (Eliurus myoxinus) and one invasive (Rattus rattus), in two landscapes containing forest fragments and adjacent continuous forest patches in northwestern Madagascar. We generated genetic (RADseq) data for 66 E. myoxinus and 81 R. rattus individuals to evaluate differences in genetic diversity as well as inbreeding and connectivity in two landscapes. We found higher levels of inbreeding and lower levels of genetic diversity in E. myoxinus compared with R. rattus. We observed related dyads both within and between habitat patches and positive spatial autocorrelation at lower distance classes for both species, with a stronger pattern of spatial autocorrelation in R. rattus. Across each site, we identified contrasting migration rates for each species, but these did not correspond to habitat–matrix dichotomies. The relatively low genetic diversity in the endemic E. myoxinus suggests ecological constraints that require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A late Carboniferous to early Permian carbonate and evaporite succession from the Finnmark Platform (southern Barents Sea) contains nodules of anhydrite partially to fully replaced by calcite spar and native sulfur genetically linked to hydrocarbon migration and/or oxidation, analogous to processes observed in salt diapir caprocks in the Gulf of Mexico. In situ U-Pb dating of this calcite spar therefore has the potential to directly date hydrocarbon migration and provide further insight into the geochemical and temperature conditions during this event when coupled with traditional stable and clumped isotope ratios (δ13C, δ18O, and Δ47). Results indicate calcite formed ca. 50-15 Ma, postdating host-rock deposition by 250-285 m.y. Strongly negative δ13C values in the calcite spar (mean = -15‰) are consistent with a major contribution of carbon from hydrocarbons, and Δ47 paleothermometry indicates a mean precipitation temperature of 46 ± 11 °C. These geochemical results are consistent with the local burial history and suggest protracted hydrocarbon migration and/or oxidation and caprock formation spanning ~35 m.y. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading source of infectious disease mortality globally. Antibiotic‐resistant strains comprise an estimated 10 % of new TB cases and present an urgent need for novel therapeutics. β‐lactam antibiotics have traditionally been ineffective against M. tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of TB, due to the organism's inherent expression of β‐lactamases that destroy the electrophilic β‐lactam warhead. We have developed novel β‐lactam conjugates, which exploit this inherent β‐lactamase activity to achieve selective release of pyrazinoic acid (POA), the active form of a first‐line TB drug. These conjugates are selectively active against M. tuberculosis and related mycobacteria, and activity is retained or even potentiated in multiple resistant strains and models. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest that both the POA "warhead" as well as the β‐lactam "promoiety" contribute to the observed activity, demonstrating a codrug strategy with important implications for future TB therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing complex problems in socio-ecological systems (SES) requires innovative approaches, which account for multiple scales, large datasets, and diverse lived experiences. By combining two commonly utilized mixed-methods, public participation GIS (PPGIS) and Q-method (Q), Q + PPGIS has the potential to reveal competing agendas and reduce conflict, but its benefits and weaknesses are comparatively understudied. Using a systematic review, we evaluated how different studies have employed and implemented the Q + PPGIS method. We found 16 studies, comprising 30 publications, with considerable variation in their geographic foci, research disciplines, and addressed SES challenges. These studies exhibit a lack of cohesion between methodological design and implementation and the absence of a consistent application of the method. Nonetheless, Q + PPGIS offers a tool that can guide policy, better inform stakeholders, and reduce conflict based on misconceptions. Resolving the shortcomings identified here will broaden Q + PPGIS utility in geographically situating and representing multiple realities within complex socio-ecological systems challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to understand how sympatric congeners can co-occur within the same landscapes to better understand niche differentiation and how each species respond to habitat modification. We compiled previously published, long-term data from several studies on encounter rates of two sympatric mouse lemurs (Microcebus ravelobensis and M. murinus) in different survey sites (surveyed portions of continuous forest and individual fragments) using trapping (N = 16 sites; 42 samples) and visual (N = 42 sites; 73 samples) survey methods in Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar (total N = 58 sites; 115 samples). A sample reflects multiple surveys, visual, and/or trapping (N = 2–21) along a line-transect and/or trapline within 1 year. We found higher encounter rates of M. ravelobensis and M. murinus in continuous forests and fragmented forests, respectively. Contrary to studies conducted at a smaller scale, yearly encounter rates for M. ravelobensis were negatively associated with rainfall but were positively associated with rainfall for M. murinus. Like previous studies, we found a negative correlation in encounter rates between M. ravelobensis and M. murinus in continuous forests. However, in fragmented forests there was a significant positive relationship between the two species. Our data suggest that M. ravelobensis preferred continuous forest habitat, whereas the congeneric M. murinus preferred fragmented forest habitat. Such results are likely related to species-specific ecological requirements: whereas the continuous forest has conditions that M. ravelobensis finds preferential (i.e., wetter, taller, and denser forests), the forest fragments are drier, habitat that is preferred by M. murinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To validate our previous findings of high-level EGFR expression in GCCC using an expanded cohort of specimens and to further examine the molecular and cellular features of this aggressive malignancy to identify potentially actionable therapeutic targets. Methods: The SEER database was queried to obtain the epidemiological data regarding the current national survival trends for GCCC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the expression of EGFR, PD-1, and PD-L1. CiberSort analysis was used to analyze a previously published RNA-sequencing dataset obtained from a single patient diagnosed with GCCC. Results: In comparison to squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinoma/adenosquamous carcinomas, GCCC was observed in younger patients (p < 0.001) and demonstrated inferior survival (p < 0.001). All (100%) of the specimens (8/8) exhibited immunoreactivity when stained for CD3ε (T-cell marker), EGFR, PD-1, and PD-L1 whereas CTLA4 expression was not detected. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data revealed that cetuximab and erlotinib altered the chemokine profile, lymphocyte abundance, and expression of inhibitory immune checkpoints in a single patient when combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy in a single patient. Conclusions: The data from this descriptive study suggests that immune checkpoint blockade, whether single agent or in combination, may be a suitable therapeutic option for a disease for which targeted approaches do not currently exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Great Oxidation Event (GOE), among Earth's most transformative events, marked the sustained presence of oxygen above 10-5 times the present atmospheric level. Estimates of the onset of the GOE span 2501-2225 Ma and are based primarily on the loss of massindependent fractionation of sulfur isotopes (MIF-S) in pyrite. To better constrain the timing of the GOE, we apply probabilistic techniques to estimate the confidence intervals of four proxies: MIF-S, redox-sensitive detrital minerals, "red beds," and I/(Ca + Mg). These GOE proxies are drawn from a highly fragmentary geologic record, and consequently, estimates of the 95% confidence intervals span tens to hundreds of millions of years--orders of magnitude larger than suggested by radiometric constraints on individual successions. Confidence interval results suggest that red beds and nonzero I/(Ca + Mg) values may have appeared earlier than 2480 Ma and 2460 Ma, respectively, whereas redox-sensitive detrital minerals and MIF-S may have disappeared after 2210 Ma and 2190 Ma, respectively. These data suggest a delay of potentially >300 m.y. between initial and permanent oxygenation of the atmosphere and a delay of tens of millions of years between onset of the Lomagundi-Jatuli carbon isotope excursion and permanent oxygenation of the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partnering a local nonprofit social agency, the authors developed and implemented a learning program for a group of older persons preparing them to conduct qualitative research within a healthcare setting as community researchers in Singapore. This paper illustrates how learning for new occupations, job identities, and work can be supported via a competency-based approach that enables and clarifies links between research work, older adult learning, and assessment. It demonstrates how learning processes and contexts matter as much, if not more than outcomes, skills, and tasks typical of conventional competency-based training. Thus, the paper builds upon but also challenges the paradigm of competency-based training. It offers a more developmental approach or strategy for older adult learning that promotes dialogic, reflexive, and hands-on/applied learning, corresponding with educational gerontology principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Despite immunization appearing to be the most appropriate strategy for long‐term control of the vector‐borne leishmaniases, no sustainable vaccine is currently available against any form of leishmaniasis. We therefore evaluated, in the context of vaccine antigen candidates, antigen‐specific immune response at various stages of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Methods and results: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from healthy volunteers and CL patients (caused by either Leishmania major or L tropica) were incubated with crude Leishmania proteins (soluble Leishmania antigen; SLA), single recombinant proteins (TSA, LeIF, LmSTI1) or chimeric fusion proteins (LEISH‐F2 and LEISH‐F3). The concentrations of immune modulatory cytokines were then determined. While we did not detect appreciable antigen‐specific IL‐5 secretion, SLA induced secretion of interleukin (IL)‐10 in cultures from early active lesion CL patients and even from healthy individuals. Conversely, interferon (IFN)‐γ responses to SLA and recombinant proteins followed a similar pattern, developing only in the late active CL lesion phase. Once established, antigen‐specific IFN‐γ responses persisted in cured CL patients. Conclusion: Together, our results provide further insight into the development of immune responses during CL and further validate the selection of LEISH‐F2 and LEISH‐F3 as vaccine antigen candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunological and molecular advances have modernized diagnostic testing for many diseases. Although interferon gamma-release and polymerase chain reaction assays have been developed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, purified protein derivative (PPD)–based tuberculin skin testing (TST) remains the most widely used method. Indeed, the TST is a simple and cost-effective tool that can be easily applied for widespread screening for Mtb infection. However, the lack of specificity has been a limitation of these tests, and, more recently, supply issues have arisen. Building upon the skin tests that historically have been used within TB and leprosy control programs, we discuss recent developments using modern technologies for improving mycobacterial skin testing as well as practical advantages inherent to the technique. Furthermore, we outline how this knowledge could be applied to develop similar tests that could benefit diagnostic strategies for other infections. Key points: • Skin testing provides a significantly cheaper alternative to most modern technologies. • Skin tests provide a lab-independent diagnostic strategy that can be widely administered. • Diseases for which T cell responses are more robust or durable than antibody responses are accessible for skin testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently reported chemoselective reduction of phosphine oxides with 1,3-diphenyldisiloxane (DPDS) has opened up the possibility of additive-free phosphine oxide reductions in catalytic systems. Herein we disclose the use of this new reducing agent as an enabler of phosphorus redox recycling in Wittig, Staudinger, and alcohol substitution reactions. DPDS was successfully utilized in ambient-temperature additive-free redox recycling variants of the Wittig olefination, Appel halogenation, and Staudinger reduction. Triphenylphosphine-promoted catalytic recycling reactions were also facilitated by DPDS. Additive-free triphenylphosphine-promoted catalytic Staudinger reductions could even be performed at ambient temperature due to the rapid nature of phosphinimine reduction, for which we characterized kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. These results demonstrate the utility of DPDS as an excellent reducing agent for the development of phosphorus redox recycling reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deepwater boxfishes of the family Aracanidae are the phylogenetic sister group of the shallow-water, generallymore tropical boxfishes of the family Ostraciidae. Both families are among the most derived groups of teleosts.Allmembers of both families have armored bodies, the forward 70% of which are enclosed in rigid bony boxes (carapaces). There is substantial intragroup variation in both groups in body shapes, sizes, and ornamentation of the carapaces. Swimming-related morphology, swimming mode, biomechanics, kinematics, and hydrodynamics have been studied in detail in multiple species of the ostraciids. Ostraciids are all relatively high-performance median and paired fin swimmers. They are highly maneuverable. They swim rectilinearly with substantial dynamic stability and efficiency. Aracanids have not been previously studied in these respects. This article describes swimming-related aspects of morphology, swimming modes, biomechanics, and kinematics in two south Australian species (striped cowfish and ornate cowfish) that are possibly representative of the entire group. These species differmorphologically in many respects, both from each other and from ostraciids. There are differences in numbers, sizes, and placements of keels on carapaces. The most important differences from ostraciids are openings in the posterior edges of the carapaces behind the dorsal and anal fins. The bases of those fins in ostraciids are enclosed in bone. The openings in aracanids free the fins and tail to move. As a result, aracanids are body and caudal fin swimmers. Their overall swimming performances are less stable, efficient, and effective. We propose establishing a new category of swimming mode for bony fishes called “aracaniform swimming.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistence of new leprosy cases in endemic areas such as India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and the Philippines has encouraged studies of chemoprophylaxis among contacts of patients. Epidemiological screening tools to enable early detection of infected individuals in endemic populations would be critical to target individuals most in need of intervention. Despite decades of attempts, however, there still are no tests available for the early detection of low-level infection with Mycobacterium leprae. In this report, we describe the development of a leprosy skin test using M. leprae-specific antigens. We selected the chimeric LID-1 fusion protein, formulated to achieve maximum performance at a minimal dose, as a skin test candidate based on its ability to elicit delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions in M. leprae immune guinea pigs in a sensitive and specific manner, i.e., with no cross-reactivity observed with other mycobacterial species. Importantly, evaluations in armadillos indicated that intradermal inoculation of formulated LID-1 could distinguish uninfected from M. leprae-infected animals manifesting with symptoms distinctly similar to the PB presentation of patients. Together, our data provide strong proof-of-concept for developing an antigen-specific skin test to detect low-level M. leprae infection. Such a test could, when applied with appropriate use of chemo- and/or immunoprophylaxis, be instrumental in altering the evolution of clinical disease and M. leprae transmission, thus furthering the objective of zero leprosy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat loss and fragmentation are major ecological forces threatening animal communities across the globe. These issues are especially true in Madagascar, where forest loss is ongoing. We examined the effects of forest fragmentation on the distribution and abundance of sympatric, endemic gray, and golden‐brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis), the endemic western tuft‐tailed rat (Eliurus myoxinus), and the invasive black rat (Rattus rattus) in two regions in northwestern Madagascar. We used systematic capture procedures in 40 forest fragments and four continuous forest sites which differed in size, shape, and degree of isolation. With a trapping effort of 11,567 trap nights during two dry seasons (2017–2018), we captured 929 individuals (432 M. ravelobensis, 196 M. murinus, 116 E. myoxinus, and 185 R. rattus). We examined the influence of study region, forest type (fragment vs. continuous), forest size, forest shape, the proportion of 50‐m forest edge and distance to continuous forest on the abundance and interaction of the four species. Responses to fragmentation differed strongly between species, but no interaction could be detected between the abundance of the different species. Thus competition within and between native and invasive species may not be regulating abundances in these regions. On the contrary, the abundance of M. ravelobensis and E. myoxinus differed significantly between study regions and was negatively affected by fragmentation. In contrast, there was no evidence of an impact of fragmentation on the abundance of M. murinus. Finally, the invasive R. rattus responded positively to the increasing distance to the continuous forest. In conclusion, the response of small Malagasy mammals to forest fragmentation varies largely between species, and fragmentation effects need to be examined at a species‐specific level to fully understand their ecological dynamics and complexity. Research Highlights: Habitat fragmentation affects the abundance of mouse lemurs and rodents differently.Endangered Microcebus ravelobensis and Eliurus myoxinus are more sensitive to fragmentation than Microcebus murinus and Rattus rattus.There was no evidence for interspecific competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First in human evaluaiton of a defined subunit vaccine for leprosy. • LepVax (LEP-F1 + GLA-SE) demonstrated to be safe. • Comprable immune responses induced by 2 and 10 μg LEP-F1 protein within the vaccine. Healthy United States-based adult volunteers with no history of travel to leprosy-endemic countries were enrolled for the first-in-human evaluation of LepVax (LEP-F1 + GLA-SE). In total 24 volunteers participated in an open-label clinical trial, with 21 receiving three injections of LepVax consisting of either 2 µg or 10 µg recombinant polyprotein LEP-F1 mixed with 5 µg of the GLA-SE adjuvant formulation. LepVax doses were provided by intramuscular injection on Days 0, 28, and 56, and safety was evaluated for one year following the final injection. LepVax was safe and well tolerated at both antigen doses. Immunological analyses indicated that similar LEP-F1-specific antibody and Th1 cytokine secretion (IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF) were induced by each of the antigen doses evaluated within LepVax. This clinical trial of the first defined vaccine candidate for leprosy demonstrates that LepVax is safe and immunogenic in healthy subjects and supports its advancement to testing in leprosy-endemic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Same-sex sexual behaviour (SSSB) occurs in most animal clades, but published reports are largely concentrated in a few taxa. Thus, there remains a paucity of published reports for most mammalian species. We conducted a cross-sectional expert survey to better understand the underlying reasons for the lack of publications on this topic. Most respondents researched Primates (83.6%, N = 61), while the rest studied Carnivora (6.9%, N = 5), Rodentia (4.1%, N = 3), Artiodactyla (2.7%, N = 2), and Proboscidea (2.7%, N = 2). Most respondents (76.7%, N = 56) had observed SSSB in their study species, but only 48.2% (N = 27) collected data on SSSB, and few (18.5%, N = 5) had published papers on SSSB. Of the unique species identified as engaging in SSSB in the survey, 38.6% (N = 17) have no existing reports of SSSB to the knowledge of the authors. In both the survey questions and freeform responses, most respondents indicated that their lack of data collection or publication on SSSB was because the behaviours were rare, or because it was not a research priority of their lab. No respondents reported discomfort or sociopolitical concerns at their university or field site as a reason for why they did not collect data or publish on SSSB. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to assess whether taxa studied, education level, or identification within the LGBTQ+ community predicted observing, collecting data on, or publishing on SSSB, but none of these variables were significant predictors. These results provide preliminary evidence that SSSB occurs more frequently than what is available in the published record and suggest that this may be due to a publishing bias against anecdotal evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although roads are often assumed to be barriers to the dispersal of arboreal species, there has been little empirical testing of this assumption. If arboreal animals are unable to cross roads, population subdivision may occur, or resources may become inaccessible. We tested the hypothesis that Route Nationale 4 (RN4), a paved highway, was a barrier to movement and dispersal of the Endangered golden-brown mouse lemur Microcebus ravelobensis in Ankarafantsika National Park, in north-west Madagascar. During June–August 2015 we conducted a capture–mark–recapture study at three sites: two adjacent to RN4 and one within intact forest without a potential barrier. During 2,294 trap nights we captured 120 golden-brown mouse lemurs 1,032 times. In roadside habitats we captured significantly more males than females, whereas the opposite was the case in interior forest habitat. We detected eighteen crossings of highway transects by nine individuals; however, all potential dispersal events involved males. In roadside habitat, movement was significantly inhibited in both males and females. We present some of the first data on the effects of roads on movement patterns in arboreal Malagasy mammals, showing species- and sex-biased effects of roads as dispersal barriers. Our findings indicate that roads may not be complete barriers to dispersal in lemurs. We recommend that conservation managers and scientists examine explicitly the effects of roads and natural arboreal bridges in Madagascar in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formal narrative descriptions of primates have long been used by primatologists to describe novel events that are not captured by other data collection methods. However, there has been a shift away from narrative accounts toward more quantitative methods both within primatology and more broadly in the natural sciences. Our objective was to investigate the shifting use of anecdotal evidence in primatology. We systematically reviewed anecdotal accounts published in the four major primatology journals since the year 2000. We found 163 published anecdotal accounts out of 3,960 total articles published between 2000 and 2016. There was an overall decrease in the rates of anecdotes published during this time. Those published covered a wide range of topics and taxa but were skewed toward larger, diurnal primates—in particular, apes. We suggest that anecdotal evidence should continue to be published but that the publication of these data should better reflect the taxonomic diversity of primates. We also suggest potential venues for anecdote publication that may compensate for their loss from formal scientific journals. [narratives, qualitative data, anthropomorphic, primates, observation] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological processes may exhibit memory to past disturbances affecting the resilience of ecosystems to future disturbance. Understanding the role of ecological memory in shaping ecosystem responses to disturbance under global change is a critical step toward developing effective adaptive management strategies to maintain ecosystem function and biodiversity. We developed EcoMem, an R package for quantifying ecological memory functions using common environmental time series data (continuous, count, proportional) applying a Bayesian hierarchical framework. The package estimates memory functions for continuous and binary (e.g., disturbance chronology) variables making no a priori assumption on the form of the functions. EcoMem allows users to quantify ecological memory for a wide range of ecosystem processes and responses. The utility of the package to advance understanding of the memory of ecosystems to environmental drivers is demonstrated using a simulated dataset and a case study assessing the memory of boreal tree growth to insect defoliation. • An R package (EcoMem) is introduced to model ecosystem responses to disturbance • EcoMem quantifies the memory of ecological processes to environmental drivers • Memory functions reflect changes in ecosystem resilience over repeated disturbances • Tools are provided to visualize ecological memory and effects on ecosystem function [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been hypothesized that the overall size of-or efficiency of carbon export from-the biosphere decreased at the end of the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) (ca. 2,400 to 2,050 Ma). However, the timing, tempo, and trigger for this decrease remain poorly constrained. Here we test this hypothesis by studying the isotope geochemistry of sulfate minerals from the Belcher Group, in subarctic Canada. Using insights from sulfur and barium isotope measurements, combined with radiometric ages from bracketing strata, we infer that the sulfateminerals studied here record ambient sulfate in the immediate aftermath of the GOE (ca. 2,018 Ma). These sulfate minerals captured negative triple-oxygen isotope anomalies as low as ~ .0.8ë. Such negative values occurring shortly after the GOE require a rapid reduction in primary productivity of >80%, although even larger reductions are plausible. Given that these data imply a collapse in primary productivity rather than export efficiency, the trigger for this shift in the Earth system must reflect a change in the availability of nutrients, such as phosphorus. Cumulatively, these data highlight that Earth's GOE is a tale of feast and famine: A geologically unprecedented reduction in the size of the biosphere occurred across the end-GOE transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between drought and insect defoliation may dramatically alter forest function under novel climate and disturbance regimes, but remain poorly understood. We empirically tested two important hypotheses regarding tree responses to drought and insect defoliation: (a) trees exhibit delayed, persistent, and cumulative growth responses to these stressors; (b) physiological feedbacks in tree responses to these stressors exacerbate their impacts on tree growth. These hypotheses remain largely untested at a landscape scale, yet are critical for predicting forest function under novel future conditions, given the connection between tree growth and demographic processes such as mortality and regeneration.We developed a Bayesian hierarchical model to quantify the ecological memory of tree growth to past water deficits and insect defoliation events, derive antecedent variables reflecting the persistent and cumulative effects of these stressors on current growth, and test for their interactive effects. The model was applied to extensive tree growth, weather, and defoliation survey data from western and eastern regions of the Canadian boreal forest impacted by recent drought and defoliation events and characterized by contrasting tree compositions, climates, and insect defoliators.Results revealed persistent negative tree growth responses to past water (all trees) and defoliation (host trees) stress lasting 3–6 and 10–12 years, respectively, depending on study region. Accounting for the ecological memory of tree growth to water and defoliation stress allowed for detection of interactions not previously demonstrated. Contrary to expectations, we found evidence for positive interactions among non‐host trees likely due to reduced water stress following defoliation events. Regional differences in ecological memory to water stress highlight the role of climate in shaping forest responses to drought.Synthesis. Study results suggest negative feedbacks in tree responses to drought and insect attack may be weaker than predicted for defoliator‐dominated boreal forest systems. Instead, insect defoliation may offset the impacts of water deficit on boreal tree growth by reducing transpirational water demand. This offset mimics increased resistance to drought following forest thinning and may lessen growth and mortality losses due to increased aridity and more severe insect damage forecast for the boreal forest under global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apex predators are believed to play important roles in maintaining the structure and function of ecological systems, but actual evidence for mesopredator releases and trophic cascades in terrestrial systems is mixed and equivocal, largely due to the systemic and continued use of weak-inference or correlative study designs to investigate these hypothesised causal processes. Here we critically review the experimental designs of empirical studies examining relationships between dingoes and mesopredators in Australian ecosystems. We found that 83 % (30 out of 36) of recent study designs lacked one or more of the essential experimental design elements needed to assess causal relationships (such as experimental treatments and controls, treatment replication, and/or treatment randomisation), demonstrating that the inferential strength or reliability of 'the science' on this subject remains weak and equivocal. Only five studies published in the last decade (N = 36), and eight in total since 1993 (or 11 %, N = 76), were capable of assessing dingoes' potential causal roles in mesopredator release; and all eight studies consistently demonstrated that dingoes do not supress mesopredators or initiate trophic cascades through mesopredator release effects at a population level, independent of ecological context. Thus, there is a demonstrable absence of evidence and evidence of absence for dingo suppression of mesopredators in Australia. We encourage large carnivore conservation managers and policymakers to base their decisions on the strongest available science. In this way, researchers and managers will have the best chance of conserving these important and valuable species into the future. • Top-predators are valuable, but evidence for mesopredator release is equivocal. • Literature on dingo-mesopredator relationships is largely correlative and unreliable. • University and journal prestige are not associated with the strongest studies. • Only 8 (of 76) dingo-mesopredator studies are capable of identifying causality. • These studies demonstrate evidence of absence for dingo suppression of mesopredators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A two-dimensional model for solute migration, transformation, and deposition in a phreatic solution conduit penetrating a karst aquifer is presented in which the solute is anthropogenic to the natural system. Transformation of a reacting solute in a solution conduit has generally been accepted as likely occurring but actual physical measurements and mathematical analyses of the suspected process have been generally minimally investigated, primarily because of the logistical difficulties and complexities associated with solute transport through solution conduits. The model demonstrates how a reacting solute might decay or be transformed to a product solute some of which then migrates via radial dispersion to the conduit wall where it may become adsorbed. Model effects vary for laminar flow and turbulent flow in the axial direction. Dispersion in the radial direction also exhibits marked differences for both laminar flow and turbulent flow. Reaction zones may enhance subsequent reactions due to some overlap resulting from the longitudinal dispersion caused by flow in the axial direction. Simulations showed that varying the reaction rate coefficient strongly affects solute reactions, but that varying deposition coefficients had only minimal impacts. The model was applied to a well-known tracer test that used the tracer dye, Rhodamine WT, which readily converts to deaminoalkylated Rhodamine WT after release, to illustrate how the model may be used to suggest one possible cause, in addition to other possible causes, for less than 100 tracer-mass recovery. In terms of pollutants in a karst aquifer the model also suggests one possible mechanism for pollutant transformation in a solution conduit. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • We develop a model for solute migration, transformation, and deposition in a phreatic solution conduit • The model is applied to a real-world tracer test with good results • The model provides valuable insight regarding solute reactant in karst aquifers • Application of the model to karst aquifers advances our understanding of karst aquifer functioning [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening outcome of Leishmania infantum or Leishmania donovani infection. Dogs are the primary domestic reservoir of L. infantum parasites, and ownership of infected dogs increases the risk of human VL. Controlling infection within dog populations is regarded as critical to VL management in endemic countries, both preventing progression of canine disease and limiting parasite transmission to humans and dogs. Here we discuss various strategies that are used to diagnose canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and the possibilities of adapting these for use within population screening and control programs. In addition, given the variable transmissibility of L. infantum to the sand fly vector, we outline some possibilities for the preferential identification of 'super-spreader' dogs among the overall infected population. Highlights VL is an important disease of dogs and humans, with dogs being the primary domestic reservoir of L. infantum parasites. Detection of diseased, infected, and parasite-transmitting 'super-spreader' dogs is likely critical for control. Dependent upon scale, direct and indirect detection methods can be used for surveillance. Novel molecular assays with point-of-care potential are emerging. New antigen targets are being characterized to enhance performance of serological assays. Adaptation to provide point-of-care serological tests to permit Leishmania detection and facilitate large-scale screening programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Previous studies have identified age, nutritional status, and hematocrit as risk factors for unplanned ICU admission in gynecologic oncology patients. We sought to identify additional perioperative factors that can be predictive of unplanned ICU admission and its impact on outcomes in women with ovarian cancer undergoing ovarian cancer cytoreductive procedures. Methods This was a case-control study of patients with unplanned ICU admission after primary surgery for ovarian cancer from January 2007 to December 2013. Controls were selected in a 2:1 ratio matching for primary surgeon and date of surgery. Clinical data was abstracted and compared between cases and controls using conditional logistic regression. Results The dataset consisted of 324 patients (108 ICU admissions, 216 controls). On multivariable analysis, failure to optimally cytoreduce ( p  = 0.001, OR 3.76) and higher EBL ( p  < 0.001, OR 1.20 per 100 cm 3 ) remained significant predictors of unplanned ICU admission. On multivariable analysis of outcomes, ICU admission was independently associated with increased length of stay (12 days vs. 6 days, p  < 0.001), increased number of postop complications (2 vs. 0, p  < 0.001), and increased risk of readmission within 30 days ( p  = 0.041, OR 2.46). Even controlling for debulking status, ICU admission remained associated with a worse median OS (27.3 vs 57.9 months, p  < 0.001). Conclusions ICU admission for women undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer is associated with a significant decrease in OS and increase in number of postoperative complications. For this inherently high-risk population, this information is critical when counseling patients about peri-operative risks in primary cytoreductive surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) using fluorescent probes is critical to the study of oxidative stress in biological environments. Two important sensing architectures for detecting H 2 O 2 , aryl boronates and benzils, are compared here using novel boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) fluorescent probes. The aryl boronate PeroxyBODIPY-1 ( PB1 ) and benzil-based nitrobenzoylBODIPY ( NbzB ) were synthesised from a common BODIPY intermediate in order to compare sensitivity and selectivity to H 2 O 2 . The aryl boronate PB1 gives the highest change in fluorescence on reaction with H 2 O 2 while the benzil NbzB exhibits exclusive selectivity for H 2 O 2 over other reactive oxygen species (ROS). Both proved to be cell-permeable, with PB1 being able to detect H 2 O 2 in denuded bovine oocytes. The strengths of these aryl boronate and benzil probes can now be exploited concurrently to elucidate biological mechanisms of H 2 O 2 production and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to shed much needed light on to religion and science perspectives in Africa, a preliminary survey was conducted to examine the views of undergraduate science students (N=143) at St. John’s University of Tanzania (SJUT). This research note presents initial survey findings, which explore perceptions of religion-and-science interactions and evolutionary theory as well as an attempt to ascertain what sources influence undergraduate sentiments about science and religion. Results point to prevalent negative beliefs about evolution and religion-science relationships. Additionally, exploratory factor analysis suggests that students with the most positive science-religion viewpoints identify the influence of university education in shaping such beliefs, rather than the teachings of religious leaders. Factor scores also disclose correlations between participants’ considerations of science-religion relationships and reported statements members of students’ religious communities made about evolutionary theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Canid Pest Ejectors (CPE) are a method of population management that has recently been approved for the control of wild dogs and foxes in Australia. A pilot trial of CPEs (n = 10) targeting wild dogs was conducted in the southern rangelands of Western Australia in the winter of 2017. CPEs were deployed for 81 days, which included periods of significant rainfall. CPEs were not serviced during deployment, which is a likely situation for remote areas where access may be limited. During deployment, all ejector units corroded and plastic capsules containing 1080 degraded (but did not leak). For CPEs to remain effective in the field, they require regular inspections and servicing, particularly in wet conditions. Interference by nontarget corvid species was observed. Six CPEs were interfered with by corvids, with the lures removed from three, partially removed from another two and one disassembled. Our data suggest that corvid interference with ejectors may have a significant impact on the efficiency and safety of their use. Further investigation into the usefulness of Canid Pest Ejectors as method of canid control is required for rangeland use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a rare type of high-grade endometrial cancer (EC) that has been understudied with population-based statistics due to its rarity. This study examined temporal trends in the proportion of UCS among women with EC. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study examining The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program between 1973-2013. Primary EC cases were eligible for analysis, and a time-specific proportion of UCS was examined during the study period. Results: UCS was seen in 11,000 (4.7%) women among 235,849 primary EC cases. Mean age at UCS diagnosis increased from 65.9 to 71.7 years between 1973-1989 and then decreased from 71.7 to 67.0 years between 1989-2013 (both, p<0.001). Proportion of Black women significantly increased during the study period (11.9%-20.0%, p<0.001), whereas the proportion of White women decreased from 86.0% to 60.5% between 1987-2013 (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the proportion of UCS among primary EC from 1.7% to 5.6% between 1973-2013 (p<0.001). Among type II ECs (n=76,118), the proportion of UCS also increased significantly from 6.0% to 17.5% between 1973-2013 (p<0.001). An increasing proportion of UCS was seen in both young and older women but the magnitude of interval increase was larger in the older age group between 1973-2013 (<60 years, from 1.3% to 3.3%. p<0.001; and ≥60 years, from 2.6% to 7.0%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the proportion of UCS has significantly increased among EC, accounting for more than 5% in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and to examine the association of VTE and survival in women with uterine carcinosarcoma. Methods This multicenter retrospective study examined 906 women who underwent primary surgical treatment for stage I-IV uterine carcinosarcoma. Time-dependent analyses were performed for cumulative incidence of VTE after surgery on multivariate models. Results There were 72 (7.9%) women who developed VTE after surgery with 1-, 2-, and 5-year cumulative incidences being 5.1%, 7.3%, and 10.2%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR] per year 1.03, P = 0.012), non-Asian race (HR 6.28, P < 0.001), large body habitus (HR per kg/m 2 1.04, P = 0.014), residual disease at surgery (HR 3.04, P = 0.003), tumor size ≥ 5 cm (HR 2.73, P = 0.003), and stage IV disease (HR 2.12, P = 0.025) were independently associated with increased risk of developing VTE. A risk pattern analysis identified that obese Non-Asian women with large tumors (13.7% of population) had the highest incidence of VTE (2-year cumulative rate, 26.1%) whereas Asian women with no residual disease (47.1% of population) had the lowest (2-year cumulative rate, 1.6%) ( P < 0.001). Presence of carcinoma/sarcoma in metastatic sites was significantly associated with increased risk of VTE compared to carcinoma alone (2-year rates, 31.2% versus 8.4%, P = 0.049). VTE was independently associated with decreased progression-free survival on multivariate models (5-year rates, 24.9% versus 47.2%, HR 1.46, 95%CI 1.05–2.04, P = 0.026). Conclusion Our study suggests that VTE represents a surrogate marker of aggressive tumor behavior and diminished patient condition in uterine carcinosarcoma; obese Non-Asian women with large tumors carry a disproportionally high risk of VTE, suggesting that long-term prophylaxis may benefit this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central tenet of the Neoproterozoic snowball Earth hypothesis is that glaciations ended synchronously. Although this condition is borne out by U-Pb and Re-Os geochronology, the time scale of deglaciation is much less than the intrinsic error of the highest resolution dating techniques, and consequently calibrating the pace and synchronicity of biogeochemical recovery from Cryogenian glaciations remains a challenge. Given the importance of obtaining a globally synoptic view of paleoenvironmental conditions and biological evolution during these extraordinary transitions, robust correlations and chronologies are imperative. Here we extend the negative triple oxygen isotope (Δ17O) anomaly previously documented in ca. 635 Ma postglacial cap carbonates to two new paleocontinents, Brazil and Norway. The global footprint of this geochemical signal coupled to its short duration provides a unique time datum that can be used to cross-correlate Marinoan postglacial cap carbonate sequences and track the geochemical evolution of the oceans during deglaciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large predators can significantly impact livestock industries. In Australia, wild dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris , Canis lupus dingo, and hybrids) cause economic losses of more than AUD$40 M annually. Landscape-scale exclusion fencing coupled with lethal techniques is a widely practiced control method. In Western Australia, the State Barrier Fence encompasses approximately 260,000 km 2 of predominantly agricultural land, but its effectiveness in preventing wild dogs from entering the agricultural region is difficult to evaluate. We conducted a management strategy evaluation (MSE) based on spatially-explicit population models to forecast the effects of upgrades to the Western Australian State Barrier Fence and several control scenarios varying in intensity and spatial extent on wild dog populations in southwest Western Australia. The model results indicate that populations of wild dogs on both sides of the State Barrier Fence are self-sustaining and current control practices are not sufficient to effectively reduce their abundance in the agricultural region. Only when a combination of control techniques is applied on a large scale, intensively and continuously are wild dog numbers effectively controlled. This study identifies the requirement for addressing extant populations of predators within fenced areas to meet the objective of preventing wild dog expansion. This objective is only achieved when control is applied to the whole area where wild dogs are currently present within the fence plus an additional buffer of ∼20 km. Our modelling focused on the use of baiting, trapping and shooting; however, we acknowledge that additional tools may also be applied. Finally, we recommend that a cost-benefit analysis be performed to evaluate the economic viability of an integrated control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine survival after recurrence (SAR) among women with recurrent uterine carcinosarcoma who received a taxane/platinum doublet as the first-line salvage chemotherapy. Methods We retrospectively examined 148 women with recurrent uterine carcinosarcoma who received salvage chemotherapy within a cohort of 906 uterine carcinosarcomas. An independent association of salvage chemotherapy type and SAR was examined with multivariate analysis. Results There were 71 (48.0%) women who received a taxane/platinum regimen. On univariate analysis, women who received a taxane/platinum doublet had a higher 2-year SAR rate compared to women who received non-taxane/platinum regimens (55.5% versus 34.8%, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, use of taxane/platinum regimen was independently associated with improved SAR compared to the non-taxane/platinum regimens (adjusted-hazard ratio [HR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35 to 0.91, P = 0.02). When stratified by disease-free interval, women with a disease-free interval ≥ 6 months who received a taxane/platinum doublet had a higher 2-year SAR rate compared to those who received non-taxane/platinum regimens (61.9% versus 40.0%, HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.75, P = 0.002); conversely, in women with a disease-free interval < 6 months, 2-year SAR rates were similar between the two groups (20.5% versus 18.4%, HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.90, P = 0.61). Among women who received a taxane/platinum doublet as adjuvant chemotherapy, re-treatment with taxane/platinum doublet as salvage chemotherapy remained beneficial (2-year SAR rate, 62.1% versus 39.7%, HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.86, P = 0.019). Conclusion Our study suggests that taxane/platinum doublet may be a more effective chemotherapy regimen compared to other regimens among women with recurrent uterine carcinosarcoma, especially for those who had a disease-free interval of ≥ 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium associate with a broad array of metazoan and protistian hosts. Symbiodinium-based symbioses involving bioeroding sponge hosts have received less attention than those involving popular scleractinian hosts. Certain species of common Cliona harbor high densities of an ecologically restricted group of Symbiodinium, referred to as Clade G. Clade G Symbiodinium are also known to form stable and functionally important associations with Foraminifera and black corals (Antipatharia) Analyses of genetic evidence indicate that Clade G likely comprises several distinct species. Here, we use nucleotide sequence data in combination with ecological and geographic attributes to formally describe Symbiodinium endoclionum sp. nov. obtained from the Pacific boring sponge Cliona orientalis and Symbiodinium spongiolum sp. nov. from the congeneric western Atlantic sponge Cliona varians. These species appear to be part of an adaptive radiation comprising lineages of Clade G specialized to the metazoan phyla Porifera and Cnidaria, which began prior to the separation of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel methodology for numerically reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) texture for simulating multi-mineral rock and estimating the particle properties and liberation characteristics of its breakage products. A stochastic geometrical model has been developed to describe the intact structure of ores at any scale, potentially containing several mineral types, each with unique grade and grain size distribution parameters. Additional controls over the intact texture include the ability to vary the proportion of grain inclusions within grains of a different mineral phase and by varying the degree of spatial clustering of grains within the texture. Repeated random 2D and 3D sectioning of the 3D texture to simulate particle production and to calculate their compositions is used to generate outputs comparable to reports from mineral liberation analysis systems; including density distributions, liberation distributions, and particle class distributions. These outputs enable texture parameters to be fitted to corresponding measured liberation data and is demonstrated for a four-mineral sulphide ore, yielding a realistic distribution of particle properties, essential for accurately modelling particle separations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine tumor characteristics and survival outcome of women with uterine carcinosarcoma who had a history of tamoxifen use. Methods This is a multicenter retrospective study examining stage I–IV uterine carcinosarcoma cases based on history of tamoxifen use. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment pattern, and survival outcomes were compared between tamoxifen users and non-users. Results Sixty-six cases of tamoxifen-related uterine carcinosarcoma were compared to 1009 cases with no history of tamoxifen use. Tamoxifen users were more likely to be older (mean age, 69 versus 64, P < 0.001) and had a past history of malignancy (100% versus 12.7%, P < 0.001). Tamoxifen-related uterine carcinosarcoma was significantly associated with a higher proportion of stage IA disease (48.4% versus 29.9%) and a lower risk of stage IVB disease (7.8% versus 16.0%) compared to tamoxifen-unrelated carcinosarcoma ( P = 0.034). Deep myometrial tumor invasion was less common in uterine carcinosarcoma related to tamoxifen use (28.3% versus 48.8%, P = 0.002). On univariate analysis, tamoxifen use was not associated with progression-free survival (5-year rates 44.5% versus 46.8%, P = 0.48) and disease-specific survival (64.0% versus 59.1%, P = 0.39). After adjusting for age, past history of malignancy, stage, residual disease status at surgery, and postoperative treatment patterns, tamoxifen use was not associated with progression-free survival (adjusted-hazard ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.50 to 1.50, P = 0.60) and disease-specific survival (adjusted-hazard ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.36 to 1.29, P = 0.24). Conclusion Our study suggests that tamoxifen-related uterine carcinosarcoma may have favorable tumor characteristics but have comparable stage-specific survival outcomes compared to tamoxifen-unrelated uterine carcinosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae contribute up to 60% of the oxygen content in the Earth's atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. Microalgae are abundantly available in the natural environment, thanks to their ability to survive and grow rapidly under harsh and inhospitable conditions. Microalgal cultivation is environmentally friendly because the microalgal biomass can be utilized for the productions of biofuels, food and feed supplements, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. The cultivation of microalgal also can complement approaches like carbon dioxide sequestration and bioremediation of wastewaters, thereby addressing the serious environmental concerns. This review focuses on the factors affecting microalgal cultures, techniques adapted to obtain high-density microalgal cultures in photobioreactors, and the conversion of microalgal biomass into biofuels. The applications of microalgae in carbon dioxide sequestration and phycoremediation of wastewater are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solution conduit has a permeable wall allowing for water exchange and solute transfer between the conduit and its surrounding aquifer matrix. In this paper, we use Laplace Transform to solve a one-dimensional equation constructed using the Euler approach to describe advective transport of solute in a conduit, a production-value problem. Both nonuniform cross-section of the conduit and nonuniform seepage at the conduit wall are considered in the solution. Physical analysis using the Lagrangian approach and a lumping method is performed to verify the solution. Two-way transfer between conduit water and matrix water is also investigated by using the solution for the production-value problem as a first-order approximation. The approximate solution agrees well with the exact solution if dimensionless travel time in the conduit is an order of magnitude smaller than unity. Our analytical solution is based on the assumption that the spatial and/or temporal heterogeneity in the wall solute flux is the dominant factor in the spreading of spring-breakthrough curves, and conduit dispersion is only a secondary mechanism. Such an approach can lead to the better understanding of water exchange and solute transfer between conduits and aquifer matrix. Highlights: Euler and Lagrangian approaches are used to solve transport in conduit., Two-way transfer between conduit and matrix is investigated., The solution is applicable to transport in conduit of persisting solute from matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection with Leishmania parasites results in a range of clinical manifestations and outcomes, the most severe of which is visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Vaccination will likely provide the most effective long-term control strategy, as the large number of vectors and potential infectious reservoirs renders sustained interruption of Leishmania parasite transmission extremely difficult. Selection of the best vaccine is complicated because, although several vaccine antigen candidates have been proposed, they have emerged following production in different platforms. To consolidate the information that has been generated into a single vaccine platform, we expressed seven candidates as recombinant proteins in E. coli . After verifying that each recombinant protein could be recognized by VL patients, we evaluated their protective efficacy against experimental L. donovani infection of mice. Administration in formulation with the Th1-potentiating adjuvant GLA-SE indicated that each antigen could elicit antigen-specific Th1 responses that were protective. Considering the ability to reduce parasite burden along with additional factors such as sequence identity across Leishmania species, we then generated a chimeric fusion protein comprising a combination of the 8E, p21 and SMT proteins. This E. coli –expressed fusion protein was also demonstrated to protect against L. donovani infection. These data indicate a novel recombinant vaccine antigen with the potential for use in VL control programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]