bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site‐Specific Labeling of MicroRNA Precursors: A Structure–Activity Relationship Study
Authors: Menzi Mirjam , Pradère Ugo , Wang Yuluan , Fischer Matteo , Baumann Fabienne , Bigatti Martina , Hall Jonathan
Published: August 2016

Functionalized oligoribonucleotides are essential tools in RNA chemical biology. Various synthetic routes have been developed over recent years to conjugate functional groups to oligoribonucleotides. However, the presence of the functional group on the oligoribonucleotide backbone can lead to partial or total loss of biological function. The limited knowledge concerning the positioning of functional groups therefore represents a hurdle for the development of oligoribonucleotide chemical tools. Here we describe a systematic investigation of site‐specific labeling of pre‐miRNAs to identify positions for the incorporation of functional groups, in order not to hinder their processing into active mature miRNAs.
The Conversion of Methanol into Higher Hydrocarbons Catalyzed by Gold
Authors: Gabriel Sam , Scurrell Michael S.
Published: August 2016

Gold/zinc oxide catalysts prepared by coprecipitation and containing gold particles of approximately 6 nm in diameter are active in the conversion of methanol to higher hydrocarbons under mild conditions. Conversions exceed 97 % under the selected experimental conditions at reaction temperatures of 350 °C, with a turnover number of 0.02 s−1. Both alkanes and alkenes up to C6 are formed, with a selectivity of approximately 44 %C hydrocarbons and 56 %C dimethyl ether. The addition of zeolite‐Y in composite catalysts modifies the product spectrum slightly. Ethene and propene dominate the alkenes formed above 450 °C if a 1:1 HY:Au/ZnO composite is used; the dominant alkane under these conditions is methane. At 475 °C only three hydrocarbons are present with selectivities of 13 (methane), 39 (ethene), and 48 % (propene). The carbon−carbon bond formation was not seen in earlier work when syngas (CO plus H2) was converted with the same Au/ZnO catalyst at high pressure to form mixtures of alcohols and hydrocarbons. This suggests that the formation of higher hydrocarbons from methanol is inhibited in the presence of CO and/or H2, probably due to competitive CO adsorption on the gold surface.
Molecular Electrochemistry: Recent Trends and Upcoming Challenges
Authors: Saveant Jean‐Michel
Published: August 2016

Current efforts to address contemporary energy challenges give a boost to the development of molecular electrochemistry. It involves the design of new catalysts for the activation of small molecules and the understanding of the implemented mechanisms. Their rapidly increasing number has led to the design of a new benchmarking tool, namely the catalytic Tafel plot. Illustrative examples are given, demonstrating how complex multi‐electron–multi‐step mechanisms can be resolved. It is also shown that mastering substituent effects may lead to the design of ultra‐efficient catalysts by installing the right groups inside the catalyst molecule. On these bases, the next prospect is to heterogenize such remarkable molecular catalysts. Several new problems are then likely to arise, among which the deciphering of how catalytic mesoporous structures function. One may also attempt to marry the nanoparticle world with the realm of molecular catalysis and, for example, start by raising the question of the possible change of product selectivity upon nanoscaling.
Neuropeptides in the desert ant Cataglyphis fortis: Mass spectrometric analysis, localization, and age‐related changes
Authors: Schmitt Franziska , Vanselow Jens T. , Schlosser Andreas , Wegener Christian , Rössler Wolfgang
Published: August 2016

Cataglyphis desert ants exhibit an age‐related polyethism, with ants performing tasks in the dark nest for the first ∼4 weeks of their adult life before they switch to visually based long‐distance navigation to forage. Although behavioral and sensory aspects of this transition have been studied, the internal factors triggering the behavioral changes are largely unknown. We suggest the neuropeptide families allatostatin A (AstA), allatotropin (AT), short neuropeptide F (sNPF), and tachykinin (TK) as potential candidates. Based on a neuropeptidomic analysis in Camponotus floridanus, nano‐LC‐ESI MS/MS was used to identify these neuropeptides biochemically in Cataglyphis fortis. Furthermore, we show that all identified peptide families are present in the central brain and ventral ganglia of C. fortis whereas in the retrocerebral complex only sNPF could be detected. Immunofluorescence staining against AstA, AT, and TK in the brain revealed arborizations of AstA‐ and TK‐positive neurons in primary sensory processing centers and higher order integration centers, whereas AT immunoreactivity was restricted to the central complex, the antennal mechanosensory and motor center, and the protocerebrum. For artificially dark‐kept ants, we found that TK distribution changed markedly in the central complex from days 1 and 7 to day 14 after eclosion. Based on functional studies in Drosophila, this age‐related variation of TK is suggestive of a modulatory role in locomotion behavior in C. fortis. We conclude that the general distribution and age‐related changes in neuropeptides indicate a modulatory role in sensory input regions and higher order processing centers in the desert ant brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:901–918, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abdominopelvic washings in gynecologic pathology: A comprehensive review
Authors: Schulte Jefree J. , Lastra Ricardo R.
Published: August 2016

Abdominopelvic washings (APW) performed during gynecologic surgeries have become a common specimen evaluated by cytopathologists. Their role in staging of female genital tract tumors has changed significantly since they were first described, and continue to evolve. The ability of these washings to detect microscopic disease, even in the absence of gross disease, warrants the critical role that these washings play in the staging of certain female gynecologic tract tumors, allowing for optimal staging and subsequent treatment of the patient. Irrespective of the underlying pathology, the gamut of cytomorphologic findings that may be observed in APW is extensive, and ranges from benign lesions that may act as mimickers of malignancy, to both common and rare malignancies. This review discusses the changing role of APW in the staging of gynecologic tumors, and highlights the salient cytomorphologic features of these lesions, with emphasis in their correct identification, including cautionary notes to avoid over or misinterpretation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:1039–1057. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sleep duration and RSA suppression as predictors of internalizing and externalizing behaviors
Authors: Cho Sunghye , Philbrook Lauren E. , Davis Elizabeth L. , Buss Kristin A.
Published: August 2016

Although the conceptual interplay among the biological and clinical features of sleep, arousal, and emotion regulation has been noted, little is understood about how indices of sleep duration and parasympathetic reactivity operate jointly to predict adjustment in early childhood. Using a sample of 123 toddlers, the present study examined sleep duration and RSA reactivity as predictors of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Parents reported on children's sleep duration and adjustment. RSA reactivity was assessed via children's responses to fear‐eliciting stimuli and an inhibitory control challenge. Findings demonstrated that greater RSA suppression to both types of tasks in combination with longer sleep duration was concurrently associated with less internalizing. In contrast, greater RSA augmentation to an inhibitory control task in the context of shorter sleep duration predicted more externalizing 1 year later. The significance of duration of toddlers’ sleep as well as the context in which physiological regulatory difficulties occurs is discussed.
14‐3‐3epsilon controls multiple developmental processes in the mouse heart
Authors: Gittenberger‐de Groot Adriana C. , Hoppenbrouwers Tamara , Miquerol Lucile , Kosaka Yasuhiro , Poelmann Robert E. , Wisse Lambertus J. , Yost H. Joseph , Jongbloed Monique R.M. , Deruiter Marco C. , Brunelli Luca
Published: August 2016

Background:

14‐3‐3ε plays an important role in the maturation of the compact ventricular myocardium by modulating the cardiomyocyte cell cycle via p27kip1. However, additional cardiac defects are possible given the ubiquitous expression pattern of this protein.

Results:

Germ line deletion of 14‐3‐3ε led to malalignment of both the outflow tract (OFT) and atrioventricular (AV) cushions, with resulting tricuspid stenosis and atresia, mitral valve abnormalities, and perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs). We confirmed myocardial non‐compaction and detected a spongy septum with muscular VSDs and blebbing of the epicardium. These defects were associated with abnormal patterning of p27kip1 expression in the subendocardial and possibly the epicardial cell populations. In addition to abnormal pharyngeal arch artery patterning, we found deep endocardial recesses and paucity of intramyocardial coronary vasculature as a result of defective coronary plexus remodeling.

Conclusions:

The malalignment of both endocardial cushions provides a new explanation for tricuspid and mitral valve defects, while myocardial non‐compaction provides the basis for the abnormal coronary vasculature patterning. These abnormalities might arise from p27kip1 dysregulation and a resulting defect in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transformation. These data suggest that 14‐3‐3ε, in addition to left ventricular non‐compaction (LVNC), might be linked to different forms of congenital heart disease (CHD). Developmental Dynamics 245:1107–1123, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of Tau, a microtubule associated protein, in Drosophila photoreceptor morphogenesis
Authors: Nam Sang‐Chul
Published: August 2016

Cell polarity genes have important functions in photoreceptor morphogenesis. Based on recent discovery of stabilized microtubule cytoskeleton in developing photoreceptors and its role in photoreceptor cell polarity, microtubule associated proteins might have important roles in controlling cell polarity proteins' localizations in developing photoreceptors. Here, Tau, a microtubule associated protein, was analyzed to find its potential role in photoreceptor cell polarity. Tau colocalizes with acetylated/stabilized microtubules in developing pupal photoreceptors. Although it is known that tau mutant photoreceptor has no defects in early eye differentiation and development, it shows dramatic disruptions of cell polarity proteins, adherens junctions, and the stable microtubules in developing pupal photoreceptors. This role of Tau in cell polarity proteins' localization in photoreceptor cells during the photoreceptor morphogenesis was further supported by Tau's overexpression studies. Tau overexpression caused dramatic expansions of apical membrane domains where the polarity proteins localize in the developing pupal photoreceptors. It is also found that Tau's role in photoreceptor cell polarity depends on Par‐1 kinase. Furthermore, a strong genetic interaction between tau and crumbs was found. It is found that Tau has a crucial role in cell polarity protein localization during pupal photoreceptor morphogenesis stage, but not in early eye development including eye cell differentiation.
Solute and sediment export from Amazon forest and soybean headwater streams
Authors: Riskin Shelby H. , Neill Christopher , Jankowski KathiJo , Krusche Alex V. , McHorney Richard , Elsenbeer Helmut , Macedo Marcia N. , Nunes Darlisson , Porder Stephen
Published: August 2016

Intensive cropland agriculture commonly increases streamwater solute concentrations and export from small watersheds. In recent decades, the lowland tropics have become the world's largest and most important region of cropland expansion. Although the effects of intensive cropland agriculture on streamwater chemistry and watershed export have been widely studied in temperate regions, their effects in tropical regions are poorly understood. We sampled seven headwater streams draining watersheds in forest (n = 3) or soybeans (n = 4) to examine the effects of soybean cropping on stream solute concentrations and watershed export in a region of rapid soybean expansion in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. We measured stream flows and concentrations of NO3−, PO43−, SO42−, Cl−, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Al3+, Fe3+, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) biweekly to monthly to determine solute export. We also measured stormflows and stormflow solute concentrations in a subset of watersheds (two forest, two soybean) during two/three storms, and solutes and δ18O in groundwater, rainwater, and throughfall to characterize watershed flowpaths. Concentrations of all solutes except K+ varied seasonally in streamwater, but only Fe3+ concentrations differed between land uses. The highest streamwater and rainwater solute concentrations occurred during the peak season of wildfires in Mato Grosso, suggesting that regional changes in atmospheric composition and deposition influence seasonal stream solute concentrations. Despite no concentration differences between forest and soybean land uses, annual export of NH4+, PO43−, Ca2+, Fe3+, Na+, SO42−, DOC, and TSS were significantly higher from soybean than forest watersheds (5.6‐fold mean increase). This increase largely reflected a 4.3‐fold increase in water export from soybean watersheds. Despite this increase, total solute export per unit watershed area (i.e., yield) remained low for all watersheds (<1 kg NO3− N·ha−1·yr−1, <2.1 kg NH4+‐N·ha−1·yr−1, <0.2 kg PO43−‐P·ha−1·yr−1, <1.5 kg Ca2+·ha−1·yr−1). Responses of both streamflows and solute concentrations to crop agriculture appear to be controlled by high soil hydraulic conductivity, groundwater‐dominated hydrologic flowpaths on deep soils, and the absence of nitrogen fertilization. To date, these factors have buffered streams from the large increases in solute concentrations that often accompany intensive croplands in other locations.
Changes in distribution of waterbirds following prolonged drought reflect habitat availability in coastal and inland regions
Authors: Wen Li , Saintilan Neil , Reid Julian R. W. , Colloff Matthew J.
Published: August 2016

Provision of suitable habitat for waterbirds is a major challenge for environmental managers in arid and semiarid regions with high spatial and temporal variability in rainfall. It is understood in broad terms that to survive waterbirds must move according to phases of wet–dry cycles, with coastal habitats providing drought refugia and inland wetlands used during the wet phase. However, both inland and coastal wetlands are subject to major anthropogenic pressures, and the various species of waterbird may have particular habitat requirements and respond individualistically to spatiotemporal variations in resource distribution. A better understanding of the relationships between occurrence of waterbirds and habitat condition under changing climatic conditions and anthropogenic pressures will help clarify patterns of habitat use and the targeting of investments in conservation. We provide the first predictive models of habitat availability between wet and dry phases for six widely distributed waterbird species at a large spatial scale. We first test the broad hypothesis that waterbirds are largely confined to coastal regions during a dry phase. We then examine the contrasting results among the six species, which support other hypotheses erected on the basis of their ecological characteristics. There were large increases in area of suitable habitat in inland regions in the wet year compared with the dry year for all species, ranging from 4.14% for Australian White Ibis to 31.73% for Eurasian Coot. With over half of the suitable habitat for three of the six species was located in coastal zones during drought, our study highlights the need to identify and conserve coastal drought refuges. Monitoring of changes in extent and condition of wetlands, combined with distribution modeling of waterbirds, will help support improvements in the conservation and management of waterbirds into the future.
Ancestral population reconstitution from isofemale lines as a tool for experimental evolution
Authors: Nouhaud Pierre , Tobler Ray , Nolte Viola , Schlötterer Christian
Published: August 2016

Experimental evolution is a powerful tool to study adaptation under controlled conditions. Laboratory natural selection experiments mimic adaptation in the wild with better‐adapted genotypes having more offspring. Because the selected traits are frequently not known, adaptation is typically measured as fitness increase by comparing evolved populations against an unselected reference population maintained in a laboratory environment. With adaptation to the laboratory conditions and genetic drift, however, it is not clear to what extent such comparisons provide unbiased estimates of adaptation. Alternatively, ancestral variation could be preserved in isofemale lines that can be combined to reconstitute the ancestral population. Here, we assess the impact of selection on alleles segregating in newly established Drosophila isofemale lines. We reconstituted two populations from isofemale lines and compared them to two original ancestral populations (AP) founded from the same lines shortly after collection. No significant allele frequency changes could be detected between both AP and simulations showed that drift had a low impact compared to Pool‐Seq‐associated sampling effects. We conclude that laboratory selection on segregating variation in isofemale lines is too weak to have detectable effects, which validates ancestral population reconstitution from isofemale lines as an unbiased approach for measuring adaptation in evolved populations.
Applying Governance Principles to Systematic Conservation Decision‐Making in Queensland
Authors: Kim Milena Kiatkoski , Evans Louisa , Scherl Lea M. , Marsh Helene
Published: August 2016

The literature on the science‐policy interface suggests that stakeholders' perceptions of environmental planning and decision‐making processes can affect the uptake of conservation plans. Despite calls for more and better stakeholder engagement in conservation planning there is currently no empirical evidence on participants' perceptions of such processes. We asked participants of a conservation planning process and other key informants to evaluate their engagement experiences using normative governance principles (legitimacy, inclusiveness, fairness, accountability, integration, adaptability, transparency and capability). We analysed a large‐scale case‐study of species prioritization in Queensland, Australia. Conceptually, our systematic use of governance principles to interrogate perceptions of engagement showcased the utility of this analytical approach to uncover important issues influencing science‐policy uptake. Empirically, we showed that there remains considerable debate about how a normative conservation planning process should be. Our data revealed different interpretations of species prioritization, ranging from a deliberative process to define priorities in biodiversity conservation, to a technical, expert‐based process. Matters of ‘who’ was included affected stakeholders' perceptions of species prioritization. Perceived limitations of ‘how’ the process was conducted were also important, affected by the: (1) institutional culture of the Queensland Government; (2) lack of transparency; (3) limited flexibility to incorporate both emerging data and participants' suggestions in programme management; and (4) limited capability for implementation. These empirical data support existing evidence from studies in the broader field of collaborative planning. We draw from this literature to suggest how conservation planners can overcome the barriers to the uptake of prioritization priorities identified in or research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrroles through the Tandem 1,3‐Addition/5‐endo‐dig Cyclization of 1‐(1‐Alkynyl)cyclopropyl Imines
Authors: Urbanaitė Aurelija , Čikotienė Inga
Published: August 2016

Cyclopropyl‐tethered 3‐alkynyl imines react with polarized‐covalent‐bond‐containing compounds to give polyfunctionalized pyrroles. This provides a mild and effective method for the simultaneous introduction of halogen, chalcogen, or hydrogen groups to the 3‐position of the pyrrole ring, together with the incorporation of halogen, azide, or alkoxy/aryloxy groups into the ethyl side‐chain.
Regeneration of spent caustic of olefin unit in a bubble column reactor: Treatment and recovery optimization
Authors: Karimi Asadollah , Fatehifar Esmaeil , Alizadeh Reza , Ahadzadeh Iraj
Published: August 2016

In this work, regeneration of spent caustic of olefin unit was investigated. Sulfur compounds in the petrochemical products lead to environmental issues, so they should be eliminated. The strong alkaline media such as caustic is used to remove these compounds. Spent caustic contains noxious components such as phenol, mercaptans, mercaptide, sulfide and high chemical oxygen demand (COD) value of up to 30,000 mg/L. The main purposes are treatment of wastewater and recovery of caustic. The process was carried out in a batch bubble column reactor, and then effluent was treated in a precipitation stirred tank reactor. The catalytic air oxidation was used for treating this waste via IVKAZ catalyst, and lime was applied to sedimentary reactions in second reactor. The full factorial method was used for experimental design along with the RSM method for optimization of experiment results. Three independent variables of temperature, reaction time, and air flow were considered. The results indicate that this method is able to use two different processes (catalytic oxidation and chemical precipitation), due to the fact that the amount of caustic can be increased up to six times of initial value and also could treat solution more than 50%. The optimum conditions are 90°C, 7 L/min, and 30 min, which can be reached by 6% wt caustic, around 5000 mg/L concentration of COD, and 360 mg/L amount of S2− with this newly developed process. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 341–347, 2017
Factors affecting the leaching of heavy metals (Ni+2, Pb+2, Cr+3) contained in sludge waste stabilization/solidification by hydraulic benders, Part I: water/cement and waste/cement ratio in S/S mortars
Authors: Chaabane Loubna , Moussaceb Karim , Aït‐Mokhtar Abdelkarim
Published: August 2016

The aim of the present paper is to investigate the effect of the water/cement ratio (w/c) (0.4 and 0.6) and the amount of hazardous waste (W/c) (10, 20, 25, 30, and 45%) incorporated on the leaching of heavy metals from a cementitious solidified materials. Mechanical strength of the S/S materials was evaluated at 28 days of cure. Specimens that have shown a good mechanical strength for the two water/cement ratios were used to make this study succeed. XRD analysis has shown the presence of heavy metals within the structure of S/S materials which explains immobilization of heavy metals contained in the waste by the S/S process. Amount of heavy metals released to the environment was evaluated by several leaching tests, namely, TCLP (toxicity characteristic leaching procedure), pore water (PW) and maximum mobile fraction (MMF), and monolithic leaching test (MLT). Monolithic specimens were evaluated under dynamic leaching conditions for 64 days with periodic leachant renewal on two aggressive media, sulfatic attack and in demineralized water. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 93–103, 2017
Dye adsorption from single and binary systems using NiO‐MnO2 nanocomposite and artificial neural network modeling
Authors: Mahmoodi Niyaz Mohammad , Hosseinabadi‐Farahani Zahra , Chamani Hooman
Published: August 2016

NiO‐MnO2 nanocomposite was synthesized and its dye removal ability from single and binary systems was investigated. The characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposite were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Basic Blue 41 (BB41), Basic Red 18 (BR18), and Basic Red 46 (BR46) were used. Artificial neural network (ANN) as an intelligent system was used to model the dye removal process. The effect of operational parameters such as adsorbent dosage and initial dye concentration on dye removal was evaluated. It was found that adsorption of BB41, BR18, and BR46 on the nanocomposite followed the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Tempkin isotherms, respectively. The adsorption kinetics of dyes were found to conform to pseudo‐second‐order kinetics in both single and binary systems. The results showed that the predictions of the ANN models were in close agreement with experimental data. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 111–119, 2017
Extracting palaeoflood data from coarse‐grained Pleistocene river terrace archives: an example from SE Spain
Authors: Mather Anne , Stokes Martin
Published: August 2016

Field‐based palaeoflood event reconstruction has the potential to contribute to the development of our understanding of long‐term landscape evolution. However, the reconstruction of past flow event histories (magnitude and frequency) over long‐term (Quaternary) timescales is fraught with difficulties. Here we make a preliminary exploration of some of the practicalities of flood reconstruction from fluvial terrace archives using commonly available sedimentological and geomorphological observations from a field perspective. We utilize Manning and palaeostage indicators to reconstruct historic events that can be used as benchmarks for a lesser used competence based approach, which is applied to coarse‐grained strath terrace deposits. We evaluate the results against gauged records for extreme and catastrophic events that affected the same region in 1973 and 2012. The findings suggest that the competence approach is most effectively applied to terrace deposits if the channel geometry is taken into account when sampling both in cross‐section and in longitudinal section and calibrated against the sedimentology for palaeo‐flow depth. Problems can arise where constrictive channel geometries allow boulder jams to develop, acting as sediment traps for the coarsest material and leading to downstream ‘boulder starvation’. Useful sites to target for palaeoflood reconstruction, therefore, would be upstream of such constrictive reaches where the coarsest transportable bedload has been effectively trapped. Sites to avoid would be downflow, where the deposited material would poorly represent palaeoflood competence. Underestimation from maximum boulder preservation and limited section exposure issues would appear to outweigh possible overestimation concerns related to fluid density and unsteady flow characteristics such as instantaneous acceleration forces. Flood data derived from river terrace deposits suggests that basal terrace geometries and coarse boulder lags common to many terrace sequences are likely the result of extreme flow events which are subsequently filled by lesser magnitude flood events, in this environmental setting. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying significant gene‐environment interactions using a combination of screening testing and hierarchical false discovery rate control
Authors: Frost H. Robert , Shen Li , Saykin Andrew J. , Williams Scott M. , Moore Jason H. ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2016

Although gene‐environment (G× E) interactions play an important role in many biological systems, detecting these interactions within genome‐wide data can be challenging due to the loss in statistical power incurred by multiple hypothesis correction. To address the challenge of poor power and the limitations of existing multistage methods, we recently developed a screening‐testing approach for G× E interaction detection that combines elastic net penalized regression with joint estimation to support a single omnibus test for the presence of G× E interactions. In our original work on this technique, however, we did not assess type I error control or power and evaluated the method using just a single, small bladder cancer data set. In this paper, we extend the original method in two important directions and provide a more rigorous performance evaluation. First, we introduce a hierarchical false discovery rate approach to formally assess the significance of individual G× E interactions. Second, to support the analysis of truly genome‐wide data sets, we incorporate a score statistic‐based prescreening step to reduce the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms prior to fitting the first stage penalized regression model. To assess the statistical properties of our method, we compare the type I error rate and statistical power of our approach with competing techniques using both simple simulation designs as well as designs based on real disease architectures. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of our approach to identify biologically plausible SNP‐education interactions relative to Alzheimer's disease status using genome‐wide association study data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).
The Employee Engagement Scale: Initial Evidence for Construct Validity and Implications for Theory and Practice
Authors: Shuck Brad , Adelson Jill L. , Reio Thomas G.
Published: August 2016

Interest in the employee engagement construct has gained increasing attention in recent years. Measurement tools focused on nuanced areas of engagement (i.e., job engagement and organizational engagement) have been offered; however, no measure of employee engagement has been advanced despite persistent calls in the research. We present the development, method, and results of a three‐dimensional employee engagement measurement tool developed for use in the human resource and management fields of study. Across four independent studies, the employee engagement scale (EES) was found to consist of three subfactors (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral) and a higher‐order factor (employee engagement). Across a series of four studies, we explored the factor structure and reliability of the EES (Study 1), then refined the scale, confirmed the factor structure, and examined reliability and both convergent and nomological validity evidence (Study 2). Next (Study 3), we completed a final reduction in scale items and examined additional evidence of reliability and nomological validity as well as evidence of discriminant validity. Finally (Study 4), we tested for evidence of incremental validity. In the implications for theory and practice section, we discuss the importance of an employee engagement measure aligned alongside an agreed‐upon definition and framework. Limitations and future directions for research—such as the need for further psychometric testing and exploring issues of measurement invariance—are discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modelling the hydrological response of debris‐free and debris‐covered glaciers to present climatic conditions in the semiarid Andes of central Chile
Authors: Ayala A. , Pellicciotti F. , MacDonell S. , McPhee J. , Vivero S. , Campos C. , Egli P.
Published: August 2016

We apply the process‐based, distributed TOPKAPI‐ETH glacio‐hydrological model to a glacierized catchment (19% glacierized) in the semiarid Andes of central Chile. The semiarid Andes provides vital freshwater resources to valleys in Chile and Argentina, but only few glacio‐hydrological modelling studies have been conducted, and its dominant hydrological processes remain poorly understood. The catchment contains two debris‐free glaciers reaching down to 3900 m asl (Bello and Yeso glaciers) and one debris‐covered avalanche‐fed glacier reaching to 3200 m asl (Piramide Glacier). Our main objective is to compare the mass balance and runoff contributions of both glacier types under current climatic conditions. We use a unique dataset of field measurements collected over two ablation seasons combined with the distributed TOPKAPI‐ETH model that includes physically oriented parameterizations of snow and ice ablation, gravitational distribution of snow, snow albedo evolution and the ablation of debris‐covered ice. Model outputs indicate that while the mass balance of Bello and Yeso glaciers is mostly explained by temperature gradients, the Piramide Glacier mass balance is governed by debris thickness and avalanches and has a clear non‐linear profile with elevation as a result. Despite the thermal insulation effect of the debris cover, the mass balance and contribution to runoff from debris‐free and debris‐covered glaciers are similar in magnitude, mainly because of elevation differences. However, runoff contributions are distinct in time and seasonality with ice melt starting approximately four weeks earlier from the debris‐covered glacier, what is of relevance for water resources management. At the catchment scale, snowmelt is the dominant contributor to runoff during both years. However, during the driest year of our simulations, ice melt contributes 42 ± 8% and 67 ± 6% of the annual and summer runoff, respectively. Sensitivity analyses show that runoff is most sensitive to temperature and precipitation gradients, melt factors and debris cover thickness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of Adipogenesis Through Differential Modulation of ROS and Kinase Signaling Pathways by 3,4′‐Dihydroxyflavone Treatment
Authors: Han Jihae , Choi Hye Yeon , Dayem Ahmed Abdal , Kim Kyeongseok , Yang Gwangmo , Won Jihye , Do Sun Hee , Kim Jin‐Hoi , Jeong Kyu‐Shik , Cho Ssang‐Goo
Published: August 2016

Studies on adipogenesis may be important for regulating human and/or animal obesity, which causes several complications such as, type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, thus giving rise to increased economic burden in many countries. Previous reports revealed that various flavonoids have anti‐apoptotic, antioxidant, and cell differentiation‐regulating activities with a number of physiological benefits, including protection from cardiovascular disease, cancers, and oxidative stress. As we found that the hydroxylation patterns of the flavonoid B ring are known to play a critical role in their function, we screened several flavonoids containing different numbers and positions of OH substitutions in B ring for their modulatory property on adipogenesis. In this study, we revealed the anti‐adipogenic activity of the naturally derived flavonoid, 3,4′‐dihydroxyflavone (3,4′‐DHF) in murine 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes and equine adipose‐derived stromal cells (eADSCs). We found that treatment with 3,4′‐dihydroxyflavone (3,4′‐DHF) led to decreased expression of adipogenic markers and lipid deposition with differential modulation of ROS and kinase signaling pathways. Regulation of ROS generation through the differential modulation of ROS‐regulating gene expression was revealed to have an important role in the suppression of adipogenesis and increase of osteogenesis in eADSCs following 3,4′‐DHF treatment. These results suggest that the flavonoid 3,4′‐DHF can be used to regulate adipogenesis in ADSCs, which has potential therapeutic application in regenerative medicine or health care for humans and many sport or companion animals. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1065–1077, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HMGB1 Inhibits Apoptosis Following MI and Induces Autophagy via mTORC1 Inhibition
Authors: Foglio Eleonora , Puddighinu Giovanni , Germani Antonia , Russo Matteo A. , Limana Federica
Published: August 2016

Exogenous High Mobility Group Box‐1 protein (HMGB1) has been reported to protect the infarcted heart but the underlying mechanism is quite complex. In particular, its effect on ischemic cardiomyocytes has been poorly investigated. Aim of the present study was to verify whether and how autophagy and apoptosis were involved in HMGB1‐induced heart repair following myocardial infarction (MI). HMGB1 (200 ng) or denatured HMGB1 were injected in the peri‐infarcted region of mouse hearts following acute MI. Three days after treatment, an upregulation of autophagy was detected in infarcted HMGB1 treated hearts compared to controls. Specifically, HMGB1 induced autophagy by significantly upregulating the protein expression of LC3, Beclin‐1, and Atg7 in the border zone. To gain further insights into the molecular mechanism of HMGB1‐mediated autophagy, WB analysis were performed in cardiomyocytes isolated from 3 days infarcted hearts in the presence and in the absence of HMGB1 treatment. Results showed that upregulation of autophagy by HMGB1 treatment was potentially related to activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Accordingly, in these hearts, phospho‐Akt signaling pathway was inhibited. The induction of autophagy was accompanied by reduced cardiomyocyte apoptotic rate and decreased expression levels of Bax/Bcl‐2 and active caspase‐3 in the border zone of 3 days infarcted mice following HMGB1 treatment. We report the first in vivo evidence that HMGB1 treatment in a murine model of acute MI might induce cardiomyocyte survival through attenuation of apoptosis and AMP‐activated protein kinase‐dependent autophagy. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1135–1143, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of CX3CL1 in the Migration of Osteoclast Precursors Across Osteoblast Layer Stimulated by Interleukin‐1ß
Authors: Matsuura Tsuyoshi , Ichinose Shizuko , Akiyama Masako , Kasahara Yuki , Tachikawa Noriko , Nakahama Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2016

The trigger for bone remodeling is bone resorption by osteoclasts. Osteoclast differentiation only occurs on the old bone, which needs to be repaired under physiological conditions. However, uncontrolled bone resorption is often observed in pro‐inflammatory bone diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Mature osteoclasts are multinuclear cells that differentiate from monocyte/macrophage lineage cells by cell fusion. Although Osteoclast precursors should migrate across osteoblast layer to reach bone matrix before maturation, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated in detail. We herein found that osteoclast precursors utilize two routes to migrate across osteoblast layer by confocal‐ and electro‐microscopic observations. The osteoclast supporting activity of osteoblasts inversely correlated with osteoblast density and was positively related to the number of osteoclast precursors under the osteoblast layer. Osteoclast differentiation was induced by IL‐1ß, but not by PGE2 in high‐density osteoblasts. Osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors expressed CX3CL1 and CX3CR1, respectively, and the expression of CX3CL1 increased in response to interleukin‐1ß. An anti‐CX3CL1‐neutralizing antibody inhibited the migration of osteoclast precursors and osteoclast differentiation. These results strongly suggest the involvement of CX3CL1 in the migration of osteoclast precursors and osteoclastogenesis, and will contribute to the development of new therapies for bone diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1739–1745, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overexpression of Gremlin1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Hindlimb Ischemia in Mice by Enhancing Cell Survival
Authors: Xiang Qiuling , Hong Dongxi , Liao Yan , Cao Yong , Liu Muyun , Pang Jun , Zhou Junjie , Wang Guang , Yang Renhao , Wang Maosheng , Xiang Andy Peng
Published: August 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell resource for the treatment of ischemic diseases, partially through paracrine effects. One of the major obstacles of MSC treatment is the poor survival rate and low efficiency of transplanted stem cells due to ischemic or inflammatory environments. Gremlin1 (GREM1), a regulator of growth, differentiation and development, has been identified as a novel proangiogenic factor. However, the role and mechanism of GREM1 in MSCs remains unclear. Therefore, we assessed the putative beneficial effects of GREM1 on MSC‐based therapy for hindlimb ischemia. The lentiviral vector, EF1a‐GREM1, was constructed using the Multisite Gateway System and used to transduce MSCs. In vitro studies demonstrated increased survival of GREM1‐MSCs exposed to H2O2, which is consistent with the activation of caspase‐3. Conditional medium from GREM1‐MSCs (GREM1‐MSC‐CM) increased the anti‐apoptotic effects of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and this effect was attenuated by treatment with the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002. MSCs modified with GREM1 could significantly increase blood perfusion of the ischemic hindlimb in vivo in a mouse model, which was correlated to improved MSC survival. This study demonstrates that overexpression of GREM1 in MSCs have greater therapeutic effects against ischemia compared with wild‐type MSCs by enhancing the survival of MSCs and ECs, which may provide new tools for studies investigating the treatment of ischemic diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 996–1007, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Meta‐Analysis of Transcriptome Regulation During Induction to Cardiac Myocyte Fate From Mouse and Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Rastegar‐Pouyani Shima , Khazaei Niusha , Wee Ping , Yaqubi Moein , Mohammadnia Abdulshakour
Published: August 2016

Ectopic expression of a defined set of transcription factors (TFs) can directly convert fibroblasts into a cardiac myocyte cell fate. Beside inefficiency in generating induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs), the molecular mechanisms that regulate this process remained to be well defined. The main purpose of this study was to provide better insight on the transcriptome regulation and to introduce a new strategy for candidating TFs for the transdifferentiation process. Eight mouse and three human high quality microarray data sets were analyzed to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which we integrated with TF‐binding sites and protein–protein interactions to construct gene regulatory and protein–protein interaction networks. Topological and biological analyses of constructed gene networks revealed the main regulators and most affected biological processes. The DEGs could be categorized into two distinct groups, first, up‐regulated genes that are mainly involved in cardiac‐specific processes and second, down‐regulated genes that are mainly involved in fibroblast‐specific functions. Gata4, Mef2a, Tbx5, Tead4 TFs were identified as main regulators of cardiac‐specific gene expression program; and Trp53, E2f1, Myc, Sfpi1, Lmo2, and Meis1 were identified as TFs which mainly regulate the expression of fibroblast‐specific genes. Furthermore, we compared gene expression profiles and identified TFs between mouse and human to find the similarities and differences. In summary, our strategy of meta‐analyzing the data of high‐throughput techniques by computational approaches, besides revealing the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the gene expression program, also suggests a new approach for increasing the efficiency of the direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into iCMs. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2053–2062, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Putative alternative functions of human stefin B (cystatin B): binding to amyloid‐beta, membranes, and copper
Authors: Žerovnik Eva
Published: August 2016

We describe studies performed thus far on stefin B from the family of cystatins as a model protein for folding and amyloid fibril formation studies. We also briefly mention our studies on aggregation of some of the missense EPM1 mutants of stefin B in cells, which mimic additional pathological traits (gain in toxic function) in selected patients with EPM1 disease. We collected data on the reported interactors of stefin B and discuss several hypotheses of possible cytosolic alternative functions.
The prognostic significance of serum TGF‐β1 levels in patients with Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Yilmaz Gürdal , Yilmaz Hülya , Arslan Mustafa , Kostakoğlu Uğur , Menteşe Ahmet , Karahan Süleyman Caner , Köksal İftihar
Published: August 2016

Crimean‐Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) may exhibit a mild clinical course or a severe profile like mortal bleeding. The pathogenesis of the illness and reason of bleeding are unclear. However, endothelial injury is a key factor in the pathogenesis of the illness. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) is one of the materials involved in repairing injured endothelium. This is a significant polypeptide released in pretty much all cells and important for the regulation of cellular events, epithelium formation, inflammation, blood coagulation, and collagen synthesis. This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of serum TGF‐β1 levels in CCHF patients. We examined 120 patients hospitalized with CCHF diagnosis and their serum TGF‐β1 was investigated, retrospectively. Patients were put into two groups according to the existence of hemorrhage. Forty‐four (36.7%) patients had hemorrhage. TGF‐β1 levels in patients with bleeding were 5.2 ± 1.8, and 7.1 ± 2.2 for non‐bleeding (P < 0.0001). When ROC analysis was performed in patients with CCHF alone in order to identify patients with bleeding, at a TGF‐β1 cut‐off point of 4.9, AUC was 0.762 (0.675–0.835), sensitivity 59.1%, specificity 85.5%, PPV 70.3%, and NPV 78.3%. We summarize that TGF‐β1 level and endothelial dysfunction can be related. A decreased TGF‐β1 level is a likely prognostic and diagnostic factor for bleeding in CCHF patients. Therefore, this marker should be considered in the treatment strategy for these patients. J. Med. Virol. 89:413–416, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental Design in Nonlinear Case Applied to Hydrocracking Model: How Many Points Do We Need and Which Ones?
Authors: Celse Benoit , Costa Jean‐Jérôme Da , Costa Victor
Published: August 2016

In this work, different experimental design techniques were applied to a hydrocracking conversion model (single response). The selection of points was carried out using Federov's algorithm from an experimental database containing 48 points. The sequential design methodology was also applied. Results show that the D‐optimality criterion can provide valuable information for determination of the minimum number of experiments required to achieve acceptable precision. It is shown that only 22 points are enough to estimate parameters instead of the original database of 48 points. If sequential techniques are used, only 13 points are needed. This work provides useful theoretical and practical guidelines for experimental design in single‐response problems.