bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Too Little or too much? Exploring U‐shaped Relationships between Corporate Environmental Performance and Corporate Financial Performance
Authors: Trumpp Christoph , Guenther Thomas
Published: August 2015

Despite 40 years of research on the relationship between corporate environmental performance (CEP) and corporate financial performance (CFP), there is no generally accepted theoretical framework that explains the contradictory results that have emerged. This unsatisfactory status may be attributed to the fact that linear models dominate the research. Based on an international sample of 2361 firm‐years from 2008 to 2012, we find empirical evidence of a non‐linear, specifically a U‐shaped, relationship between carbon performance and profitability as well as between waste intensity and profitability. The same result holds for the relationship between carbon performance and stock market performance, but solely for manufacturing industries. Our empirical findings provide evidence for the theoretical framework of a ‘too‐little‐of‐a‐good‐thing’ (TLGT) effect, which indicates that the type of relationship (positive, negative) depends on the level of CEP. More precisely, there is a negative CEP–CFP relationship for companies with low CEP and a positive association for high CEP. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Commitment to Sustainability in Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises: The Influence of Strategic Orientations and Management Values
Authors: Jansson Johan , Nilsson Jonas , Modig Frida , Hed Vall Gabriella
Published: August 2015

Ecosystem degradation and social sustainability have become important issues in the corporate sphere during the last few decades. However, research discussing corporate social responsibility and related concepts has often focused on larger companies, sometimes neglecting the specifics of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between two common strategic orientations, market orientation (MO) and entrepreneurial orientation (EO), in relation to sustainability commitment, sustainability practices and management values in SMEs. Questionnaire responses from 450 Swedish SMEs were analyzed, confirming the influence of MO, EO and sustainability practices on commitment to sustainability, implying that firms committed to sustainability see both market and entrepreneurial advantages of sustainability. The results also show that different parts of MO and EO differ in importance for commitment to sustainability among SMEs. Implications concern the importance for firms and policymakers to work with sustainability issues using both internal and external perspectives. © 2015 The Authors. Business Strategy and the Environment published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Munificence, Dynamism, and Complexity: How Industry Context Drives Corporate Sustainability
Authors: Chen Hongquan , Zeng Saixing , Lin Han , Ma Hanyang
Published: August 2015

Does external industry context exert an influence on the development of corporate sustainable development? In keeping with the view that environmental responsibility generates new and competitive resources for firms, we posit that three distinct industry contextual characteristics, namely munificence, dynamism, and complexity, can influence corporate environmentally responsible behaviors. Our conceptual framework is supported by empirical evidence that draws on a sample of 746 Chinese listed firms in manufacturing sectors. Our findings suggest that dynamism increases the likelihood of firms behaving in environmentally responsible ways, whereas complexity decreases this likelihood. The relationships between dynamism and environmental responsibility are stronger in firms with low levels of organizational slack. Moreover, we find that resource‐abundant firms are more likely to behave responsibly toward the natural environment in a high‐munificence industry context. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Measuring Corporate Environmental Performance: A Methodology for Sustainable Development
Authors: Escrig‐Olmedo Elena , Muñoz‐Torres María Jesús , Fernández‐Izquierdo María Ángeles , Rivera‐Lirio Juana María
Published: August 2015

Assessing corporate environmental performance (CEP) that is both comprehensive and consistent with sustainable development both for society and companies, while at the same time taking heed of the facts and interests of each stakeholder, is not a simple feat.

Due to the multidimensional character of the sustainability concept, several questions must be considered in the evaluation process: (i) the qualitative nature of indicators and the complexity of developing a synthetic index; (ii) the difficulty of choosing properly statistical techniques for aggregation and (iii) the difficulty of introducing stakeholders’ preferences in the assessment models.

This paper is an attempt to address this challenge by developing a framework for the assessment of CEP, based on the application of a fuzzy multi‐criterion decision‐making (MCDM) method.

To achieve positive scores in a CEP assessment, an organization should be strategically committed and engage in environmental management and governance structures that are translated into good results in terms of both engagement and operational performance. Unless such premises are explicitly incorporated into the assessment criteria, the results would reveal that the CEP measurement could not be brought into a line with an earnest ambition of achieving true sustainable development. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Michelangelo, the Last Judgment fresco, Saint Bartholomew and the Golden Ratio
Authors: de Campos Deivis , Malysz Tais , Bonatto‐Costa João Antonio , Pereira Jotz Geraldo , Pinto de Oliveira Junior Lino , Oxley da Rocha Andrea
Published: August 2015

Art and anatomy were particularly closely intertwined during the Renaissance period and numerous painters and sculptors expressed themselves in both fields. Among them was Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564), who is renowned for having produced some of the most famous of all works of art, the frescoes on the ceiling and on the wall behind the altar of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Recently, a unique association was discovered between one of Michelangelo's most celebrated works (The Creation of Adam fresco) and the Divine Proportion/Golden Ratio (GR) (1.6). The GR can be found not only in natural phenomena but also in a variety of human‐made objects and works of art. Here, using Image‐Pro Plus 6.0 software, we present mathematical evidence that Michelangelo also used the GR when he painted Saint Bartholomew in the fresco of The Last Judgment, which is on the wall behind the altar. This discovery will add a new dimension to understanding the great works of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Clin. Anat. 28:967–971, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A systematic review of variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve
Authors: Ling Xing Yao , Smoll Nicolas Roydon
Published: August 2015

With thyroid cancer fast becoming one of the most common endocrine cancers, the frequency of thyroid surgery has increased. A common and debilitating concern with thyroid surgery is recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis leading to glottal obstruction and airway compromise. A systematic review regarding the anatomical variation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve was performed to determine the position of anatomical variants of the RLN in relation to the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) as well as the prevalence of nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN). MEDLINE, Web of Science, MEDITEXT, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane, ProQuest, Pubmed, and ScienceDirect. Databases were searched using the search terms “inferior thyroid artery,” “recurrent laryngeal nerve,” “nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve,” and “anatomical variation.” The reference sections of the articles found were searched for additional reports. The references of all articles were searched to find articles missed in the database search. A total of 8,655 RLN sides were included in this study. One thousand eight hundred and thirteen (20.95%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 20.09, 2,182) showed a Type A configuration of RLN in relation to the ITA, 2,432 (28.10%; 95% CI 27.15, 29.06) showed a Type B configuration and 4,410 (50.95%; 95% CI 49.89, 52.01) showed a Type C configuration between the RLN and the ITA. The second search returned with 38,568 recurrent laryngeal sides and only 221 (0.57%; 95%CI 0.5, 0.65) NRLN documented. The RLN is most commonly found in the posterior position, relative to the ITA. The incidence of the NRLN is low, only occurring in 0.57% of people. Clin. Anat. 29:104–110, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internal rib structure can be predicted using mathematical models: An anatomic study comparing the chest to a shell dome with application to understanding fractures
Authors: Casha Aaron R. , Camilleri Liberato , Manché Alexander , Gatt Ruben , Attard Daphne , Gauci Marilyn , Camilleri‐Podesta Marie‐Therese , Mcdonald Stuart , Grima Joseph N.
Published: August 2015

The human rib cage resembles a masonry dome in shape. Masonry domes have a particular construction that mimics stress distribution. Rib cortical thickness and bone density were analyzed to determine whether the morphology of the rib cage is sufficiently similar to a shell dome for internal rib structure to be predicted mathematically. A finite element analysis (FEA) simulation was used to measure stresses on the internal and external surfaces of a chest‐shaped dome. Inner and outer rib cortical thickness and bone density were measured in the mid‐axillary lines of seven cadaveric rib cages using computerized tomography scanning. Paired t tests and Pearson correlation were used to relate cortical thickness and bone density to stress. FEA modeling showed that the stress was 82% higher on the internal than the external surface, with a gradual decrease in internal and external wall stresses from the base to the apex. The inner cortex was more radio‐dense, P < 0.001, and thicker, P < 0.001, than the outer cortex. Inner cortical thickness was related to internal stress, r = 0.94, P < 0.001, inner cortical bone density to internal stress, r = 0.87, P = 0.003, and outer cortical thickness to external stress, r = 0.65, P = 0.035. Mathematical models were developed relating internal and external cortical thicknesses and bone densities to rib level. The internal anatomical features of ribs, including the inner and outer cortical thicknesses and bone densities, are similar to the stress distribution in dome‐shaped structures modeled using FEA computer simulations of a thick‐walled dome pressure vessel. Fixation of rib fractures should include the stronger internal cortex. Clin. Anat. 28:1008–1016, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recurrent intraneural ganglion cysts: Pathoanatomic patterns and treatment implications
Authors: Desy Nicholas M. , Lipinski lindsay J. , Tanaka Shota , Amrami kimberly K. , Rock Michael G. , Spinner Robert J.
Published: August 2015

The etiology of intraneural ganglion cysts has been poorly understood. This has resulted in the development of multiple surgical treatment strategies and a high recurrence rate. We sought to analyze these recurrences in order to provide a pathoanatomic explanation and staging classification for intraneural cyst recurrence. An expanded literature search was performed to identify frequencies and patterns in cases of intraneural ganglion cyst recurrences following primary surgery. Two univariate analyses were completed to identify associations between the type of revision surgery and repeat cyst recurrences. The expanded literature search found an 11% recurrence rate following primary surgery, including 64 recurrences following isolated cyst decompression (Group 1); six after articular branch resection (Group 2); and none following surgical procedures that addressed the joint (Group 3). Eight cases did not specify the type of primary surgery. In group 1, forty‐eight of the recurrences (75%) were in the parent nerve, three involved only the articular branch, and one travelled along the articular branch in a different distal direction without involving the main parent nerve. In group 2, only one case (17%) recurred/persisted within the parent nerve, one recurred within a persistent articular branch, and one formed within a persistent articular branch and travelled in a different distal direction. Intraneural recurrences most commonly occur following surgical procedures that only target the main parent nerve. We provide proven or theoretical explanations for all identified cases of intraneural recurrences for an occult or persistent articular branch pathway. Clin. Anat. 28:1058–1069, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural involvement in endometriosis: Review of anatomic distribution and mechanisms
Authors: Siquara De Sousa Ana C. , Capek Stepan , Amrami Kimberly K. , Spinner Robert J.
Published: August 2015

Endometriosis (EM) is an infrequent cause of peripheral neuropathy, most commonly sciatic. Perineural spread has recently been introduced as an alternate explanation for cases of lumbosacral or sciatic nerve EM. We performed a literature review to collect all reported cases of peripheral and central nervous system EM in search of anatomic patterns of involvement; potentially to support the perineural spread theory. If available, intraneural invasion and presence of peritoneal EM were recorded. The search revealed 83 articles describing 365 cases of somatic peripheral nervous EM and 13 cases of central nervous EM. The most frequently involved site was the sacral plexus (57%, n = 211), followed by the sciatic nerve (39%, n = 140). Other nerves were reported in significantly smaller numbers. Ninety seven percent (97%, n = 355) of peripheral nerve cases presented with pain, 20% (n = 72) reported weakness and 31% (n = 114), numbness. Thirty four percent (34%, n = 38) had solely intraneural EM of which 89% (n = 33) had no peritoneal EM (percentage based on available information). In the central nervous system, the conus medullaris and/or cauda equina constituted the majority of cases with 54% (n = 7). Apart from perineural spread, other discussed mechanisms include retrograde menstruation with peritoneal seeding, hematogenous and lymphogenous spread, stem cell implantation either hematogenously or via retrograde menstruation with subsequent EM differentiation, and coelomic or Müllerian duct metaplasia. We believe this literature review supports perineural spread as an alternate mechanism for EM of nerve, particularly the subgroup with intraneural EM and without peritoneal disease. Clin. Anat. 28:1029–1038, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Head Start's Impact on Cognitive Outcomes for Children in Foster Care
Authors: Lee Kyunghee
Published: August 2015

Using the Head Start Impact Study data, this secondary data analysis examines Head Start's impact on cognitive outcomes for children in foster care. Out of 4442 children, 162 children in foster care were selected to examine the following study questions. (1) Do children in foster care who enrol in Head Start have different child and family characteristics than those who do not participate in Head Start? (2) Do children in foster care who participate in Head Start have higher reading and math scores at ages five to six? (3) Do child and family characteristics moderate Head Start's impact on reading and math scores of children in foster care at ages five to six? There was no main Head Start impact on reading and math scores for children in foster care. However, Head Start impact was found for the child's gender and the caregiver's age. Girls who participated in Head Start obtained higher reading and math scores than boys. Children cared for by older caregivers had higher math scores than those cared for by younger caregivers. Baseline variables such as ethnicity, special needs status and cognitive skills prior to Head Start enrolment were directly associated with math and reading scores at ages five to six. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Examines Head Start's impact on cognitive outcomes for children in foster care’

Key Practitioner Messages

Child welfare workers should consider enrolling more children who are in foster care in the Head Start programme.

Head Start should address and implement programme performance standards and regulation specifically targeting children in foster care.

Head Start should consider various family characteristics to maximise programme benefits for children in foster care.

‘Child welfare workers should consider enrolling more children who are in foster care in the Head Start programme’
Microdomain Formation Controls Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Cell‐Surface Glycoproteins
Authors: Möckl Leonhard , Horst Andrea K. , Kolbe Katharina , Lindhorst Thisbe K. , Bräuchle Christoph
Published: August 2015

The effect of galectin‐mediated microdomain formation on the spatiotemporal dynamics of glycosylated membrane proteins in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC‐1) was studied qualitatively and quantitatively by high‐resolution fluorescence microscopy and artificially mimicked by metabolic glycoprotein engineering. Two types of membrane proteins, sialic acid‐bearing proteins (SABPs) and mucin‐type proteins (MTPs), were investigated. For visualization they were metabolically labeled with azido sugars and then coupled to a cyclooctyne‐conjugated fluorescent dye by click chemistry. Both spatial (diffusion) and temporal (residence time) dynamics of SABPs and MTPs on the membrane were investigated after treatment with exogenous galectin‐1 or ‐3. Strong effects of galectin‐mediated lattice formation were observed for MTPs (decreased spatial mobility), but not for SABPs. Lattice formation also strongly decreased the turnover of MTPs (increased residence time on the cell membrane). The effects of galectin‐mediated crosslinking was accurately mimicked by streptavidin‐mediated crosslinking of biotin‐tagged glycoproteins and verified by single‐molecule tracking. This technique allows the induction of crosslinking of membrane proteins under precisely controlled conditions, thereby influencing membrane residence time and the spatial dynamics of glycans on the cell membrane in a controlled way.
Chemical Bonding and Electronic Localization in a GaIAmide
Authors: Thomsen Maja K. , Dange Deepak , Jones Cameron , Overgaard Jacob
Published: August 2015

The electron density in a one‐coordinate [GaIN(SiMe3)R] complex has been determined from ab initio calculations and multipole modeling of 90 K X‐ray data. The topologies of the Laplacian distribution and the ELI‐D match a situation having an sp3‐hybridized nitrogen with a tetrahedral arrangement of two single σ‐bonds (to carbon and silicon) and two lone pairs pointing towards gallium in a scissor‐grasping fashion. The analysis of the Laplacian distribution furthermore reveals a ligand‐induced charge concentration (LICC) in the outer core of gallium oriented directly towards the nitrogen atom, and thus in between the two lone pairs. These observations might suggest that the trigonal planar nitrogen geometry result from a dative GaN bond, in which the roles of the metal and the ligand have been reversed with respect to a “standard” metal–ligand interaction, that is, the metal is here electron‐donating. The ELI‐D reveals a diffuse and directional lone pair on gallium, suggesting that this complex could serve as a σ‐donor.
Effect of Substituents in Catechol Dye Sensitizers on Photovoltaic Performance of Type II Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ooyama Yousuke , Kanda Masahiro , Uenaka Koji , Ohshita Joji
Published: August 2015

In order to provide a direction in molecular design of catechol (Cat) dyes for type II dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the dye‐to‐TiO2 charge‐transfer (DTCT) characteristics of Cat dyes with various substituents and their photovoltaic performance in DSSCs are investigated. The Cat dyes with electron‐donating or moderately electron‐withdrawing substituents exhibit a broad absorption band corresponding to DTCT upon binding to TiO2 films, whereas those with strongly electron‐withdrawing substituents exhibit weak DTCT. This study indicates that the introduction of a moderately electron‐withdrawing substituent on the Cat moiety leads to not only an increase in the DTCT efficiency, but also the retardation of back electron transfer. This results in favorable conditions for the type II electron‐injection pathway from the ground state of the Cat dye to the conduction band of the TiO2 electrode by the photoexcitation of DTCT bands.
Inception of Acetic Acid/Water Cluster Growth in Molecular Beams
Authors: Bende Attila , Perretta Giuseppe , Sementa Paolo , Di Palma Tonia M.
Published: August 2015

The influence of carboxylic acids on water nucleation in the gas phase has been explored in the supersonic expansion of water vapour mixed with acetic acid (AcA) at various concentrations. The sodium‐doping method has been used to detect clusters produced in supersonic expansions by using UV photoionisation. The mass spectra obtained at lower acid concentrations show well‐detected Na+AcA(H2O)n and Na+AcA2(H2O)n clusters up to 200 Da and, in the best cooling expansions, emerging Na+AcAm(H2O)n signals at higher masses and unresolved signals that extend beyond m/e values >1000 Da. These signals, which increase with increasing acid content in water vapour, are an indication that the cluster growth taking place arises from mixed water–acid clusters. Theoretical calculations show that small acid–water clusters are stable and their formation is even thermodynamically favoured with respect to pure water clusters, especially at lower temperatures. These findings suggest that acetic acid may play a significant role as a pre‐nucleation embryo in the formation of aerosols in wet environments.
Walk the Talk? How Symbolic and Substantive CSR Actions Affect Firm Performance Depending on Stakeholder Proximity
Authors: Schons Laura , Steinmeier Maria
Published: August 2015

Drawing on neo‐institutional and stakeholder theory, this study examines the link between a firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions and its financial performance. The authors investigate whether and how a firm's symbolic (“talk”) and substantive (“walk”) CSR actions, alone or combined, affect financial performance depending on the main stakeholder group they are directed at (i.e., high‐proximity internal stakeholders such as employees versus low‐proximity external stakeholders such as customers or the wider society). In a comparison of two domains targeting either high‐ or low‐proximity stakeholders, results show that substantive/symbolic CSR actions have a positive impact/no impact on financial performance if directed toward high‐proximity stakeholders, and that the opposite is true of actions directed at low‐proximity stakeholders. Further, results show that low‐proximity stakeholders have greater difficulty distinguishing between mere talk and real walk. The study relies on an international, cross‐industry dataset from Thomson Reuters’ Asset4ESG and Datastream from 2002 to 2011. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Flow cytometry screening for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: A single‐center experience in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlGhasham Nahlah , Abulkhair Yasmeen , Khalil Salem
Published: August 2015

Background

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder, characterized by the deficiency of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) that anchors proteins in cell membranes. PNH is manifest variously with hemoglobinuria, thrombosis, or bone marrow failure. This retrospective study was aimed at assessing the incidence and characteristics of patients diagnosed with PNH in the King Fisal Specialist Hospital and research center.

Methods

Patients referred for PNH diagnosis at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, during the 2‐year period (2012–2013) were included in the analysis. Peripheral blood samples were used for multi‐parametric flow cytometry analysis based on fluorescent inactive aerolysin (FLAER), and the markers, CD235a and CD59 on red blood cells (RBCs), and CD14, CD45, CD64, CD24, and CD15 on white blood cells (WBCs) exclusively monocytes and granulocytes. Univariate analysis of the disease characteristics was performed.

Results

Of the 366 samples submitted for PNH screening, 14 were positive (4%) and 11 were evaluable. Of the 11 patients analyzed, 8 patients (73%) presented with aplastic anemia, 1 patient (9%) each with pancytopenia, Budd‐Chiari syndrome, and immune thrombocytopenia purpura. All samples showed type II and III GPI‐deficient clones with a median clone size of 15% (range, 0.7%–56%) in the RBCs, and 63% (range, 3.8%–100%) in WBCs (monocytes and granulocytes).

Conclusions

This study confirms the rarity of PNH and its predominant presentation as aplastic anemia or thrombosis in a Saudi Arabian population, similar to the worldwide incidence. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Mathematical modeling of receptor occupancy data: A valuable technology for biotherapeutic drug development
Authors: Spilker Mary E. , Singh Pratap , Vicini Paolo
Published: August 2015

Background

In drug development, in vivo assessment of target engagement provides confidence when testing the drug's mechanism of action and improves the likelihood of clinical success. For biologics, receptor occupancy (RO) determined from circulating cells can provide evidence of target engagement. Integrating this information with mathematical modeling can further enhance the understanding of drug‐target interactions and the biological factors that are critical to the successful modulation of the target and ultimately the disease state.

Methods

This mini‐review presents two specific types of mathematical models used to describe antibody‐receptor systems and highlights how experimental data can inform the model parameters. Simulations are used to illustrate how various mechanisms influence RO, PK and total cellular receptor profiles.

Results

The simulations demonstrate the effect antibody‐receptor internalization, affinity and receptor turnover have on commonly acquired data in drug development.

Conclusions

Integrating RO data with mathematical models such as the two presented here (target‐mediated drug disposition and site‐of‐action models) can provide a more comprehensive view of the biological system, which can be used to test hypotheses, extrapolate preclinical findings to humans and impact clinical study designs and risk assessments for the successful development of biotherapeutics. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Ablation of the 14‐3‐3gamma Protein Results in Neuronal Migration Delay and Morphological Defects in the Developing Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Wachi Tomoka , Cornell Brett , Marshall Courtney , Zhukarev Vladimir , Baas Peter W. , Toyo‐oka Kazuhito
Published: August 2015

14‐3‐3 proteins are ubiquitously‐expressed and multifunctional proteins. There are seven isoforms in mammals with a high level of homology, suggesting potential functional redundancy. We previously found that two of seven isoforms, 14‐3‐3epsilon and 14‐3‐3zeta, are important for brain development, in particular, radial migration of pyramidal neurons in the developing cerebral cortex. In this work, we analyzed the function of another isoform, the protein 14‐3‐3gamma, with respect to neuronal migration in the developing cortex. We found that in utero 14‐3‐3gamma‐deficiency resulted in delays in neuronal migration as well as morphological defects. Migrating neurons deficient in 14‐3‐3gamma displayed a thicker leading process stem, and the basal ends of neurons were not able to reach the boundary between the cortical plate and the marginal zone. Consistent with the results obtained from in utero electroporation, time‐lapse live imaging of brain slices revealed that the ablation of the 14‐3‐3gamma proteins in pyramidal neurons slowed down their migration. In addition, the 14‐3‐3gamma deficient neurons showed morphological abnormalities, including increased multipolar neurons with a thicker leading processes stem during migration. These results indicate that the 14‐3‐3gamma proteins play an important role in radial migration by regulating the morphology of migrating neurons in the cerebral cortex. The findings underscore the pathological phenotypes of brain development associated with the disruption of different 14‐3‐3 proteins and will advance the preclinical data regarding disorders caused by neuronal migration defects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 600–614, 2016
Wnt/β‐catenin and sonic hedgehog pathways interact in the regulation of the development of the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion
Authors: Briggs Laura E. , Burns Tara A. , Lockhart Marie M. , Phelps Aimee L. , Van den Hoff Maurice J.B. , Wessels Andy
Published: August 2015

Background: The dorsal mesenchymal protrusion (DMP) is a second heart field (SHF) derived tissue involved in cardiac septation. Molecular mechanisms controlling SHF/DMP development include the Bone Morphogenetic Protein and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways. Reduced expression of components in these pathways leads to inhibition of proliferation of the SHF/DMP precursor population and failure of the DMP to develop. While the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway has also been demonstrated to be critically important for SHF/DMP development and atrioventricular septation, its role in the regulation of SHF proliferation is contentious. Results: Tissue‐specific deletion of the Shh receptor Smoothened from the SHF resulted in compromised DMP formation and atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs). Immunohistochemical analysis at critical stages of DMP development showed significant proliferation defect as well as reduction in levels of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway‐intermediates β‐catenin, Lef1, and Axin2. To determine whether the defects seen in the conditional Smoothened knock‐out mouse could be attributed to reduced Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, LiCl, a pharmacological activator of this Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, was administered. This resulted in restoration of proliferation and partial rescue of the AVSD phenotype. Conclusions: The data presented suggest that the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway interact with the Shh pathway in the regulation of SHF/DMP‐precursor proliferation and, hence, the development of the DMP. Developmental Dynamics 245:103–113, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crispld2 is required for neural crest cell migration and cell viability during zebrafish craniofacial development
Authors: Swindell Eric C. , Yuan Qiuping , Maili Lorena E. , Tandon Bhavna , Wagner Daniel S. , Hecht Jacqueline T.
Published: August 2015

The CAP superfamily member, CRISPLD2, has previously been shown to be associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) in human populations and to be essential for normal craniofacial development in the zebrafish. Additionally, in rodent models, CRISPLD2 has been shown to play a role in normal lung and kidney development. However, the specific role of CRISPLD2 during these developmental processes has yet to be determined. In this study, it was demonstrated that Crispld2 protein localizes to the orofacial region of the zebrafish embryo and knockdown of crispld2 resulted in abnormal migration of neural crest cells (NCCs) during both early and late time points. An increase in cell death after crispld2 knockdown as well as an increase in apoptotic marker genes was also shown. This data suggests that Crispld2 modulates the migration, differentiation, and/or survival of NCCs during early craniofacial development. These results indicate an important role for Crispld2 in NCC migration during craniofacial development and suggests involvement of Crispld2 in cell viability during formation of the orofacies. genesis 53:660–667, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Jun N‐terminal kinase activity is required for invagination but not differentiation of the sea urchin archenteron
Authors: Long Jason T. , Irwin Leslie , Enomoto Addison C. , Grow Zachary , Ranck Jessica , Peeler Margaret T.
Published: August 2015

Although sea urchin gastrulation is well described at the cellular level, our understanding of the molecular changes that trigger the coordinated cell movements involved is not complete. Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) is a component of the planar cell polarity pathway and is required for cell movements during embryonic development in several animal species. To study the role of JNK in sea urchin gastrulation, embryos were treated with JNK inhibitor SP600125 just prior to gastrulation. The inhibitor had a limited and specific effect, blocking invagination of the archenteron. Embryos treated with 2 μM SP600125 formed normal vegetal plates, but did not undergo invagination to form an archenteron. Other types of cell movements, specifically ingression of the skeletogenic mesenchyme, were not affected, although the development and pattern of the skeleton was abnormal in treated embryos. Pigment cells, derived from nonskeletogenic mesenchyme, were also present in SP600125‐treated embryos. Despite the lack of a visible archenteron in treated embryos, cells at the original vegetal plate expressed several molecular markers for endoderm differentiation. These results demonstrate that JNK activity is required for invagination of the archenteron but not its differentiation, indicating that in this case, morphogenesis and differentiation are under separate regulation. genesis 53:762–769, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large‐scale spatial variation in feather corticosterone in invasive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Mexico is related to climate
Authors: Treen Gillian D. , Hobson Keith A. , Marchant Tracy A. , Bortolotti Gary R.
Published: August 2015

Ecologists frequently use physiological tools to understand how organisms cope with their surroundings but rarely at macroecological scales. This study describes spatial variation in corticosterone (CORT) levels in feathers of invasive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) across their range in Mexico and evaluates CORT–climate relationships with a focus on temperature and precipitation. Samples were collected from 49 sites across Mexico. Feather CORT (CORTf) was measured using methanol‐based extraction and radioimmunoassay. Relationships between CORTf and spatial and climate variables were examined using simple linear regressions. Ordination was used on climate data, CORTf was plotted against the resulting axes, and univariate regression trees were used to identify important predictors of CORTf. Universal kriging interpolation was used to illustrate spatial variation in CORTf across Mexico. Correlations with ordination axes showed that high CORTf was associated with low precipitation during the rainy season and low dry season temperatures. Specifically, CORTf was negatively related to May precipitation and January and July minimum temperatures, and positively related to April deuterium excess and June minimum temperatures. CORTf was higher in second‐year birds compared to after‐hatch years and after‐second years. House sparrows had higher CORTf levels in the hot, dry, north‐central region of Mexico, and CORTf was negatively related to temperature and precipitation. House sparrows molt primarily from August–September but climate conditions throughout the year were important predictors of CORTf, suggesting that conditions outside of molt can carry over to influence energetics during feather growth. These data suggest that dry conditions are challenging for house sparrows in Mexico, supporting previous work showing that precipitation is an important predictor of broad‐scale CORT variation. This work highlights the utility of CORTf for evaluating the influence of physiology on current avian range limits; furthermore, these data may allow us to predict future changes in species distributions.
Evaluating distributional shifts in home range estimates
Authors: Clapp Justin G. , Beck Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2015

A variety of methods are commonly used to quantify animal home ranges using location data acquired with telemetry. High‐volume location data from global positioning system (GPS) technology provide researchers the opportunity to identify various intensities of use within home ranges, typically quantified through utilization distributions (UDs). However, the wide range of variability evident within UDs constructed with modern home range estimators is often overlooked or ignored during home range comparisons, and challenges may arise when summarizing distributional shifts among multiple UDs. We describe an approach to gain additional insight into home range changes by comparing UDs across isopleths and summarizing comparisons into meaningful results. To demonstrate the efficacy of this approach, we used GPS location data from 16 bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) to identify distributional changes before and after habitat alterations, and we discuss advantages in its application when comparing home range size, overlap, and joint‐space use. We found a consistent increase in bighorn sheep home range size when measured across home range levels, but that home range overlap and similarity values decreased when examined at increasing core levels. Our results highlight the benefit of conducting multiscale assessments when comparing distributions, and we encourage researchers to expand comparative home range analyses to gain a more comprehensive evaluation of distributional changes and to evaluate comparisons across home range levels.
The impact of invasive cane toads on native wildlife in southern Australia
Authors: Jolly Christopher J. , Shine Richard , Greenlees Matthew J.
Published: August 2015

Commonly, invaders have different impacts in different places. The spread of cane toads (Rhinella marina: Bufonidae) has been devastating for native fauna in tropical Australia, but the toads' impact remains unstudied in temperate‐zone Australia. We surveyed habitat characteristics and fauna in campgrounds along the central eastern coast of Australia, in eight sites that have been colonized by cane toads and another eight that have not. The presence of cane toads was associated with lower faunal abundance and species richness, and a difference in species composition. Populations of three species of large lizards (land mulletsBellatorias major,eastern water dragonsIntellagama lesueurii,and lace monitorsVaranus varius) and a snake (red‐bellied blacksnakePseudechis porphyriacus) were lower (by 84 to 100%) in areas with toads. The scarcity of scavenging lace monitors in toad‐invaded areas translated into a 52% decrease in rates of carrion removal (based on camera traps at bait stations) and an increase (by 61%) in numbers of brush turkeys (Alectura lathami). The invasion of cane toads through temperate‐zone Australia appears to have reduced populations of at least four anurophagous predators, facilitated other taxa, and decreased rates of scavenging. Our data identify a paradox: The impacts of cane toads are at least as devastating in southern Australia as in the tropics, yet we know far more about toad invasion in the sparsely populated wilderness areas of tropical Australia than in the densely populated southeastern seaboard.
LIM‐only protein FHL2 regulates experimental pulmonary Schistosoma mansoni egg granuloma formation
Authors: Kurakula Kondababu , Vos Mariska , van Eijk Marco , Smits Hermelijn H. , de Vries Carlie J.M.
Published: August 2015

LIM‐only protein FHL2 is associated with several immune and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, influenza A virus infection, and lung inflammation. However, the role of FHL2 in macrophage differentiation and in the development of granuloma formation is unknown. Here, we show that expression of FHL2 is induced in mouse bone marrow derived macrophages (BMMs) following stimulation with M2 cytokines such as IL‐4 and IL‐10. FHL2‐knockout (FHL2‐KO) BMMs exhibit a proinflammatory M1 phenotype after LPS treatment and display a reduced anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype following IL‐4 treatment. Furthermore, thioglycollate‐induced migration of macrophages and B cells is enhanced in FHL2‐KO mice. To evaluate the importance of FHL2 in the development of pulmonary granuloma formation, FHL2‐KO mice were challenged with Schistosoma mansoni eggs. FHL2‐KO mice show an enhanced number of granulomas and display decreased expression of Th2 markers and an exacerbated Th1 type of inflammation, characterized by enhanced expression of neutrophil markers and Th1 cytokines. Furthermore, the expression of barrier proteins is reduced in FHL2‐KO lung compared to WT. Collectively, these data identify a previously unrecognized role for FHL2 in the pathogenesis of pulmonary granulomatous inflammation, partly through its effect on macrophage polarization, modulation of the Th1/Th2 balance and regulation of permeability in lung.
Iron Oxide Based Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia Strategies in Biological Applications
Authors: Piñeiro Yolanda , Vargas Zulema , Rivas José , López‐Quintela Manuel Arturo
Published: August 2015

The use of multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs), usually in the range of 3–100 nm, with their newly discovered properties – such as superparamagnetic (SPM) behaviour, enhancement of activity and selectivity in catalytic processes and localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) – offers new technical possibilities for biomedical applications such as magnetic hyperthermia (MH), plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, the small size of NPs presents a unique opportunity to interfere, in a highly localised and specific way, with natural processes involving viruses, bacteria or cells and allows interference in the development of complex diseases like many types of cancer and neuropathies (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Kreutzer–Jacobs'). The design of biological applications based on MH is a chemical challenge and core@shell structures are most often used to endow NPs with multifunctional abilities. The success of such MH‐based biological applications depends on the magnetic functionality of the core as well as the properties of the surface shell in direct interaction with the biological medium. In this review we will describe the most important methodologies developed to synthesise magnetic core@shell nanostructures and their MH applications.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Photocatalytic Properties of Polymeric Iodoargentates [TM(2,2‐bipy)3]Ag3I5 (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn)
Authors: Lei Xiao‐Wu , Yue Cheng‐Yang , Zhao Jian‐Qiang , Han Yong‐Fang , Ba Zhong‐Ren , Wang Chen , Liu Xin‐Ying , Gong Ya‐Ping , Liu Xin‐Yue
Published: August 2015

Five isostructural polymeric iodoargentates incorporating similar transition metal complex cations as structure‐directing agents, – namely, [TM(2,2‐bipy)3]Ag3I5 [TM = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3), Ni (4), Zn (5)] – have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. The title compounds contain saturated [TM(2,2‐bipy)3]2+ cations and one‐dimensional (1D) [Ag3I5]2– anionic chains formed by trans‐interconnection of [Ag3I5] semicubes through Ag–I bonds. The optical absorption spectra indicate that compounds 1–5 are semiconductors with estimated band gaps of 2.28, 1.87, 1.95, 2.01, and 2.61 eV, respectively, which are mainly ascribed, on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, to charge transitions between the [Ag3I5]2– anionic chains and organic cationic units. We evaluated the photocatalytic efficiencies of compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 with regard to the decomposition of crystal violet (CV) under visible irradiation, and the four compounds showed excellent photodegradation abilities in comparison with N‐doped P25, with an order of 1 > 2 > 4 > 5 > P25. The luminescent properties and thermal stabilities of the title compounds were also studied.
Ruthenium(II) and Iridium(III) Complexes Bearing Phosphinepyridonate and Phosphinequinolinolate Chelates
Authors: Jiang Fan , Achard Mathieu , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Bruneau Christian
Published: August 2015

Straightforward preparation of five‐membered P,N and P,O prochelates was easily achieved from 6‐methyl‐2‐pyridinol and 2‐quinolinol. From these ligands, access to the corresponding well‐defined ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) complexes was investigated. Owing to the hemilability as well as the reversible proton‐responsive character of these chelates, the resulting well‐defined ruthenium complexes exhibit interesting activities in hydrogenation.
Pharmaceutical occurrence in groundwater and surface waters in forests land-applied with municipal wastewater
Authors: McEachran Andrew D. , Shea Damian , Bodnar Wanda , Nichols Elizabeth Guthrie
Published: August 2015

The occurrence and fate of pharmaceutical and personal care products in the environment are of increasing public importance because of their ubiquitous nature and documented effects on wildlife, ecosystems, and potentially humans. One potential, yet undefined, source of entry of pharmaceuticals into the environment is via the land application of municipal wastewater onto permitted lands. The objective of the present study is to determine the extent to which pharmaceuticals are mitigated by or exported from managed tree plantations irrigated with municipal wastewater. A specific focus of the present study is the presence of pharmaceutical compounds in groundwater and surface water discharge. The study site is a municipality that land-applies secondary treated wastewater onto 930 hectares of a 2000-hectare managed hardwood and pine plantation. A suite of 33 pharmaceuticals and steroid hormones was targeted in the analysis, which consisted of monthly grab sampling of groundwater, surface water, and wastewater, followed by concentration and cleanup via solid phase extraction and separation, detection, and quantification via liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. More than one-half of all compounds detected in irrigated wastewater were not present in groundwater and subsequent surface water. However, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, caffeine, and other prescription and over-the-counter drugs remained in groundwater and were transported into surface water at concentrations up to 10 ng/L. These results provide important documentation for pharmaceutical fate and transport in forest systems irrigated with municipal wastewater, a previously undocumented source of environmental entry. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:898–905. © 2015 SETAC
Characterizing the effects of bisphenol A on sediment-dwelling benthic organisms
Authors: Staples Charles , Mihaich Ellen , Ortego Lisa , Caspers Norbert , Klečka Gary , Woelz Jan , Hentges Steven
Published: August 2015

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical intermediate used primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It primarily enters surface water and sediment via effluent discharges during its manufacture and use. The physical properties of BPA suggest that sediment is a potential sink and may result in exposure to benthic organisms. Currently there are no studies measuring the chronic toxicity of BPA to benthic organisms via direct sediment exposure. The present study examined the chronic toxicity of BPA to 3 commonly used test organisms that are generally representative of invertebrates occupying the base of the benthic food web and for which standardized testing protocols are available: the oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus (mean numbers and biomass), the midge Chironomus riparius (emergence and development rate), and the estuarine amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus (survival, growth, and reproduction). No-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) for the 3 species ranged from 12 mg/kg to 54 mg/kg dry weight. All NOEC values were higher than all measured concentrations of BPA in freshwater and marine sediments reported in reliable, fully reported studies from North America and Europe from the 1990s to the present. For the first time, there are studies with BPA measuring the chronic toxicity to 3 taxa of sediment dwelling invertebrates, which are suitable to support region-specific risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:652–659. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.