bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between School Principals’ Ethical Leadership Behaviours and Positive Climate Practices
Authors: ERANIL Anil Kadir , OZBILEN Fatih Mutlu
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between school principals’ ethical leadership behaviour and positive climate practices. Research sample consisted of 383 teachers working at schools affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in 2014-2015 academic year. This research was designed according to the relational model. Data was collected by using “Ethical leadership” and “Organizational climate” scales. The results of the research suggested that according to their perceptions, teachers respond to the ethical leadership levels of the school principals at the level of “I disagree” and to the positive climate practices at the level of “I partially agree”. It has also been established that female teachers found principals’ ethical leadership levels and positive climate practices higher than male teachers. The principals’ ethical leadership behaviours and positive climate practices did not show a significant difference in teachers’ seniority, age and years working with principal. A high level of significant positive relationship was found between the school principals’ ethical leadership levels and positive climate practices. In conclusion, it may be important for positive climate practice at school to raise the levels of ethical leadership behaviour of school principals. This may influence both the academic and social achievement of the students and behaviour of the teachers.
La lecture empêchée dans les romans de Claude Simon
Authors: Blanc Anne-Lise
Published: June 2017

L’étude s’intéresse aux difficultés de lecture qu’éprouvent fréquemment les personnages simoniens : soit qu’ils ne sachent pas bien lire, soit que ce qu’ils cherchent à lire ne soit pas ou plus visible, ou pas compréhensible. Aux difficultés matérielles de la lecture, sources de confusion, s’ajoute maintes fois le faible pouvoir de représentation du langage qui, quand il se laisse lire, ne renvoie qu’imparfaitement ou partiellement à ce qui est écrit. Le lecteur, captivé par la matérialité d’un texte dont le sens se dérobe, se livre alors souvent à une lecture évasive qui révèle au moins les mobiles et les sentiments de celui qui lit. Toutefois, comme ce qu’on entend ou voit à la sauvette dans l’oeuvre simonienne, ce qu’on parvient à lire malgré tout n’annule pas le pouvoir d’attraction des mots. Tronqués, effacés ou énigmatiques, ouverts à des sens multiples, ils incitent à la lecture, inclinent à la relecture. Car la lecture empêchée permet d’imaginer à partir de bribes lues, d’élaborer des hypothèses et souvent de révéler, outre la puissance créatrice d’un texte soumis à la coupure, tout simplement ce qui, dans le réel, n’a pas été clairement formulé.
Figures de lecteurs dans L’herbe de Claude Simon
Authors: Yapaudjian-Labat Cécile
Published: June 2017

Pour les personnages de L’herbe, roman de Claude Simon publié en 1958, le livre et la lecture apparaissent comme un objet et un lieu de tensions — tensions indissociables de celles qui existent entre les personnages eux-mêmes. De la croyance aveugle au rejet pur et simple, toutes les attitudes possibles face à la lecture sont représentées. Mais dans tous les cas, ces personnages, chacun à leur manière, mettent la lecture, le livre et les valeurs qui leur sont associées en question. Il n’empêche que la lecture est aussi décrite comme une expérience singulière qui engage le lecteur à mieux comprendre l’autre et à mieux se comprendre soi-même. Et cette expérience de lecture peut conduire à celle de l’écriture. Lire le roman L’herbe à partir du motif de la lecture, c’est peut-être découvrir le pacte que Simon, dès 1958, propose à ses lecteurs présents et à venir.
La poésie malgré elle
Authors: Ouellet Pierre
Published: June 2017

Cet article montre comment, depuis L’archangélique ou La haine de la poésie de Georges Bataille jusqu’à La langue et ses monstres de Christian Prigent, les arts poétiques ont très souvent placé la poésie « hors d’elle », comme si elle ne pouvait exister que dans ses propres marges, hors de toute loi, et qu’elle ne pouvait plus se faire qu’à son encontre, se prenant elle-même pour adversaire et n’exultant que dans la colère qui la soulève contre son être, auquel elle oppose quelque chose de plus qu’être, soit une forme de « néantisation » de soi pour mieux mettre en oeuvre les exigences les plus radicales de l’« expérience intérieure », qui est toujours épreuve des limites et de leur au-delà. Il s’agit en outre de voir, dans cet article, comment ce qui s’écrit aujourd’hui sous le nom de poésie, où un « art poétique » implicite s’exprime presque en chaque vers, chaque laisse, chaque phrase, dépend à la fois de cet héritage apoétique et le dépasse dans une pratique qui se situe résolument après « La fin du poème » (Agamben).
Full length RTN3 regulates turnover of tubular endoplasmic reticulum via selective autophagy
Authors: Grumati Paolo , Morozzi Giulio , Hölper Soraya , Mari Muriel , Harwardt Marie-Lena IE , Yan Riqiang , Müller Stefan , Reggiori Fulvio , Heilemann Mike , Dikic Ivan
Published: June 2017

The turnover of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) ensures the correct biological activity of its distinct domains. In mammalian cells, the ER is degraded via a selective autophagy pathway (ER-phagy), mediated by two specific receptors: FAM134B, responsible for the turnover of ER sheets and SEC62 that regulates ER recovery following stress. Here, we identified reticulon 3 (RTN3) as a specific receptor for the degradation of ER tubules. Oligomerization of the long isoform of RTN3 is sufficient to trigger fragmentation of ER tubules. The long N-terminal region of RTN3 contains several newly identified LC3-interacting regions (LIR). Binding to LC3s/GABARAPs is essential for the fragmentation of ER tubules and their delivery to lysosomes. RTN3-mediated ER-phagy requires conventional autophagy components, but is independent of FAM134B. None of the other reticulon family members have the ability to induce fragmentation of ER tubules during starvation. Therefore, we assign a unique function to RTN3 during autophagy.
Effects of a wind farm installation on the understory bat community of a highly biodiverse tropical region in Mexico
Authors: Briones-Salas Miguel , Lavariega Mario C. , Moreno Claudia E.
Published: June 2017

Wind energy has rapidly become an important alternative among renewable energies, and it is generally considered clean. However, little is known about its impact at the level of ecological communities, especially in biodiversity hotspots. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a highly biodiverse region in Mesoamerica, and has the highest potential for generating wind energy in Mexico. To assess the effects of installing a wind farm on the understory bat community in a landscape of fragmented habitat, we assessed its diversity and composition over four stages of installation (site preparation, construction, and two stages of operation). We captured 919 bats belonging to 22 species. Species richness, functional diversity and phylogenetic diversity decreased during construction and the first stage of operation. However, these components of biodiversity increased during the second stage of operation, and species composition began to resemble that of the site preparation stage. No species considered as sensitive to disturbance was recorded at any stage. This is the first study to reveal the diversity of a Neotropical bat community after wind turbines begin to operate.
Revisiting epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in cancer metastasis: the connection between epithelial plasticity and stemness
Authors: Liao Tsai‐Tsen , Yang Muh‐Hwa
Published: June 2017

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process in embryonic development, fibrosis, and cancer metastasis. During cancer progression, the activation of EMT permits cancer cells to acquire migratory, invasive, and stem‐like properties. A growing body of evidence supports the critical link between EMT and cancer stemness. However, contradictory results have indicated that the inhibition of EMT also promotes cancer stemness, and that mesenchymal‐epithelial transition, the reverse process of EMT, is associated with the tumor‐initiating ability required for metastatic colonization. The concept of ‘intermediate‐state EMT’ provides a possible explanation for this conflicting evidence. In addition, recent studies have indicated that the appearance of ‘hybrid’ epithelial‐mesenchymal cells is favorable for the establishment of metastasis. In summary, dynamic changes or plasticity between the epithelial and the mesenchymal states rather than a fixed phenotype is more likely to occur in tumors in the clinical setting. Further studies aimed at validating and consolidating the concept of intermediate‐state EMT and hybrid tumors are needed for the establishment of a comprehensive profile of cancer metastasis.
ZEB1‐regulated inflammatory phenotype in breast cancer cells
Authors: Katsura Akihiro , Tamura Yusuke , Hokari Satoshi , Harada Mayumi , Morikawa Masato , Sakurai Tsubasa , Takahashi Kei , Mizutani Anna , Nishida Jun , Yokoyama Yuichiro , Morishita Yasuyuki , Murakami Takashi , Ehata Shogo , Miyazono Kohei , Koinuma Daizo
Published: June 2017

Zinc finger E‐box binding protein 1 (ZEB1) and ZEB2 induce epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhance cancer progression. However, the global view of transcriptional regulation by ZEB1 and ZEB2 is yet to be elucidated. Here, we identified a ZEB1‐regulated inflammatory phenotype in breast cancer cells using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing, followed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of ZEB1‐bound genes. Knockdown of ZEB1 and/or ZEB2 resulted in the downregulation of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines related to poor prognosis in patients with cancer, including IL6 and IL8, therefore suggesting that ZEB1 and ZEB2 have similar functions in terms of the regulation of production of inflammatory cytokines. Antibody array and ELISA experiments confirmed that ZEB1 controlled the production of the IL‐6 and IL‐8 proteins. The secretory proteins regulated by ZEB1 enhanced breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. ZEB1 expression in breast cancer cells also affected the growth of fibroblasts in cell culture, and the accumulation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in tumors in vivo. These findings provide insight into the role of ZEB1 in the progression of cancer, mediated by inflammatory cytokines, along with the initiation of EMT.
The global systematics of primitive arc melts
Authors: Schmidt M. W. , Jagoutz O.
Published: June 2017

We extracted all volcanic arc rock analyses calculated to be in equilibrium with mantle olivine from the global georoc database. This results in 938 primitive melt compositions from 30 arcs. Based on geochemical criteria six principal types of primitive arc melts can be distinguished: calc‐alkaline basalts and andesites, tholeiitic basalts, highly depleted tholeiitic andesites, shoshonites and low‐Si basalts. Their major element systematics indicates that last mantle equilibration occurred mostly at 1.0–2.5 GPa, 1220–1350°C for tholeiitic and calc‐alkaline basalts, at 0.5–1.2 GPa and ∼1200°C for depleted tholeiitic andesites, and at 0.7–1.2 GPa, 1050–1150°C for calc‐alkaline andesites. Quantitative treatment of major and trace elements suggests that the different melt types can be explained by a combination of variable mantle wedge preconditioning (degree of depletion prior to slab component addition, metasomatism in the lithosphere), variation in the amount and nature of the slab component added, and ‐ for primitive calc‐alkaline andesites ‐ reactive fractionation in the lithospheric top of the mantle wedge. The different slab components are best characterized by high Na2O, TiO2, Zr and Th for slab melts; high K2O/Na2O and more pronounced Nb, Sr, and Pb anomalies for fluids; and high K2O at high K2O/Na2O for supercritical liquids. A slab component that is dominantly a slab melt is common in continental but rare in intra‐oceanic arcs, consistent with comparatively cooler slabs in intra‐oceanic subduction zones. A majority of the arcs has more than one melt type, testifying for heterogeneity in the mantle wedge and added slab component.
Effects of parameter indeterminacy in pelagic biogeochemical modules of Earth System Models on projections into a warming future: The scale of the problem
Authors: Löptien U. , Dietze H.
Published: June 2017

Numerical Earth System Models are generic tools used to extrapolate present climate conditions into a warming future and to explore geoengineering options. Most of the current‐generation models feature a simple pelagic biogeochemical model component that is embedded into a three‐dimensional ocean general circulation model. The dynamics of these biogeochemical model components is essentially controlled by so‐called model parameters most of which are poorly known. Here we explore the feasibility to estimate these parameters in a full‐fledged three‐dimensional Earth System Model by minimizing the misfit to noisy observations. The focus is on parameter identifiability. Based on earlier studies, we illustrate problems in determining a unique estimate of those parameters that prescribe the limiting effect of nutrient‐ and light‐depleted conditions on carbon assimilation by autotrophic phytoplankton. Our results showcase that for typical models and evaluation metrics no meaningful “best” unique parameter set exists. We find very different parameter sets which are, on the one hand, equally consistent with our (synthetic) historical observations while, on the other hand, they propose strikingly differing projections into a warming climate.
Effects of whistler mode hiss waves in March 2013
Authors: Ripoll J.‐F. , Santolík O. , Reeves G. D. , Kurth W. S. , Denton M. H. , Loridan V. , Thaller S. A. , Kletzing C. A. , Turner D. L.
Published: June 2017

We present simulations of the loss of radiation belt electrons by resonant pitch angle diffusion caused by whistler mode hiss waves for March 2013. Pitch angle diffusion coefficients are computed from the wave properties and the ambient plasma data obtained by the Van Allen Probes with a resolution of 8 h and 0.1 L shell. Loss rates follow a complex dynamic structure, imposed by the wave and plasma properties. Hiss effects can be strong, with minimum lifetimes (of ~1 day) moving from energies of ~100 keV at L ~ 5 up to ~2 MeV at L ~ 2 and stop abruptly, similarly to the observed energy‐dependent inner belt edge. Periods when the plasmasphere extends beyond L ~ 5 favor long‐lasting hiss losses from the outer belt. Such loss rates are embedded in a reduced Fokker‐Planck code and validated against Magnetic Electron and Ion Spectrometer observations of the belts at all energy. Results are complemented with a sensitivity study involving different radial diffusion and lifetime models. Validation is carried out globally at all L shells and energies. The good agreement between simulations and observations demonstrates that hiss waves drive the slot formation during quiet times. Combined with transport, they sculpt the energy structure of the outer belt into an “S shape.” Low energy electrons (<0.3 MeV) are less subject to hiss scattering below L = 4. In contrast, 0.3–1.5 MeV electrons evolve in an environment that depopulates them as they migrate from L ~ 5 to L ~ 2.5. Ultrarelativistic electrons are not affected by hiss losses until L ~ 2–3.
Simultaneous observations of magnetospheric ELF/VLF emissions in Canada, Finland, and Antarctica
Authors: Yonezu Yusuke , Shiokawa Kazuo , Connors Martin , Ozaki Mitsunori , Manninen Jyrki , Yamagishi Hisao , Okada Masaki
Published: June 2017

To investigate longitudinal extent of electromagnetic wave activity, we report the first simultaneous ground‐based observations of magnetospheric ELF/VLF emissions at the following three longitudinally separated stations at auroral and subauroral latitudes: Athabasca, Canada (ATH; magnetic latitude: 61.3°N); Kannuslehto, Finland (KAN; 64.4°N); and Syowa Station, Antarctica (SYO; 70.5°S). The magnetic local time (MLT) separations of SYO‐KAN, ATH‐SYO, and ATH‐KAN, are 3, 8, and 11 h, respectively. Simultaneous observation data at these stations are available for a total of 48 days in 2012–2014. The simultaneous occurrence rates of ELF/VLF emissions are 9.8%, 2.5%, and 3.6% for SYO‐KAN, ATH‐SYO, and ATH‐KAN, respectively. We found that the simultaneous wave occurrence rate between two stations is higher in the morning‐dayside sector, indicating that the longitudinal extent of the emissions exhibits MLT dependence. When emissions are simultaneously observed at two stations, the average AE and |Dst| indices tend to be higher. Similarly, if the two stations are more separated in MLT, the average |Dst| index increases. These results suggest that the longitudinal extent of ELF/VLF emissions increases with increasing geomagnetic activity.
Eastward propagating decadal temperature variability in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans
Authors: Morioka Yushi , Taguchi Bunmei , Behera Swadhin K.
Published: June 2017

The origin and structure of eastward propagating decadal temperature variability in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans are investigated by using long‐term output of coupled general circulation model. Composite analysis during the warm Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) years shows that decadal temperature anomalies in the SWIO region originate in the South Atlantic and are associated with density anomalies. Since the density anomalies propagate at the speed of a few cm s−1, slower than the speed of the background eastward Antarctic Circumpolar Current, and exhibit a surface‐intensified equivalent barotropic structure, the eastward propagation of the density anomalies may be attributed to quasi‐stationary oceanic Rossby waves. The density anomalies are also accompanied with anomalous Ekman pumping, indicating an important contribution from the overlying atmospheric variability. The role of atmospheric variability is further examined by evaluating the mixed‐layer heat balance. It is found that the warm temperature anomalies in the South Atlantic are due to anomalous entrainment and meridional advection. These results suggest that the atmospheric variability plays an important role through the ocean mixed layer in generating the eastward propagation of decadal temperature variability from the South Atlantic besides the internal ocean variability as suggested in previous studies.
Non‐fatal agricultural injury surveillance in the United States: A review of national‐level survey‐based systems
Authors: Patel Ketki , Watanabe‐Galloway Shinobu , Gofin Rosa , Haynatzki Gleb , Rautiainen Risto
Published: June 2017

Background

Currently, surveillance of non‐fatal agricultural injuries in the U.S. mainly relies on national surveys, and to date, none of these surveys were formally reviewed. Our objective was to review and evaluate these survey‐based systems, to identify critical gaps in them and provide recommendations to improve them.

Methods

We used the updated Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to describe each system and evaluate each system's attributes like simplicity, flexibility, data quality, timeliness, representativeness, etc.

Results

Four adult and two youth national surveys collected data for non‐fatal agricultural injuries in the U.S. The evaluation identified three major gaps: 1) insufficient data quality attributed to non‐response, measurement errors, and underreporting; 2) untimeliness of data; and 3) lack of flexibility to integrate with other existing systems.

Conclusion

Improving data quality, timeliness and flexibility will provide reliable and valid injury estimates, and increase the usefulness of these surveys for surveillance and prevention of farm injuries.
Firefighter perceptions of cancer risk: Results of a qualitative study
Authors: Anderson David A. , Harrison Tyler R. , Yang Fan , Wendorf Muhamad Jessica , Morgan Susan E.
Published: June 2017

Background

Recent epidemiological research on firefighters indicates an increased incidence of specific types of cancer. Intervention is needed in the fire service yet little is known about how firefighters perceive their cancer risk.

Methods

Participant observation (150 h, n = 100) and focus group (n = 17) data were collected from 15 fire stations in South Florida. Firefighters had at least 3 years of experience, ranks included drivers, captains, lieutenants, and specialty captains, with a median age of 51 years.

Results

From the qualitative analysis, two major categories (direct and indirect factors) for cancer risks emerged based on participant notions of cancer risk and cancer prevention behaviors as they relate to firefighting.

Conclusions

Firefighters perceive cancer risks as the result of performing essential job tasks and from indirect job factors related to being a firefighter. The two categories of cancer risks suggest different points of entry for intervention.
Computer‐based training (CBT) intervention reduces workplace violence and harassment for homecare workers
Authors: Glass Nancy , Hanson Ginger C. , Anger W. Kent , Laharnar Naima , Campbell Jacquelyn C. , Weinstein Marc , Perrin Nancy
Published: June 2017

Background

The study examines the effectiveness of a workplace violence and harassment prevention and response program with female homecare workers in a consumer driven model of care.

Methods

Homecare workers were randomized to either; computer based training (CBT only) or computer‐based training with homecare worker peer facilitation (CBT + peer). Participants completed measures on confidence, incidents of violence, and harassment, health and work outcomes at baseline, 3, 6 months post‐baseline.

Results

Homecare workers reported improved confidence to prevent and respond to workplace violence and harassment and a reduction in incidents of workplace violence and harassment in both groups at 6‐month follow‐up. A decrease in negative health and work outcomes associated with violence and harassment were not reported in the groups.

Conclusion

CBT alone or with trained peer facilitation with homecare workers can increase confidence and reduce incidents of workplace violence and harassment in a consumer‐driven model of care.
Imaging genetics in neurodevelopmental psychopathology
Authors: Klein Marieke , van Donkelaar Marjolein , Verhoef Ellen , Franke Barbara
Published: June 2017

Neurodevelopmental disorders are defined by highly heritable problems during development and brain growth. Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and intellectual disability (ID) are frequent neurodevelopmental disorders, with common comorbidity among them. Imaging genetics studies on the role of disease‐linked genetic variants on brain structure and function have been performed to unravel the etiology of these disorders. Here, we reviewed imaging genetics literature on these disorders attempting to understand the mechanisms of individual disorders and their clinical overlap. For ADHD and ASD, we selected replicated candidate genes implicated through common genetic variants. For ID, which is mainly caused by rare variants, we included genes for relatively frequent forms of ID occurring comorbid with ADHD or ASD. We reviewed case‐control studies and studies of risk variants in healthy individuals. Imaging genetics studies for ADHD were retrieved for SLC6A3/DAT1, DRD2, DRD4, NOS1, and SLC6A4/5HTT. For ASD, studies on CNTNAP2, MET, OXTR, and SLC6A4/5HTT were found. For ID, we reviewed the genes FMR1, TSC1 and TSC2, NF1, and MECP2. Alterations in brain volume, activity, and connectivity were observed. Several findings were consistent across studies, implicating, for example, SLC6A4/5HTT in brain activation and functional connectivity related to emotion regulation. However, many studies had small sample sizes, and hypothesis‐based, brain region‐specific studies were common. Results from available studies confirm that imaging genetics can provide insight into the link between genes, disease‐related behavior, and the brain. However, the field is still in its early stages, and conclusions about shared mechanisms cannot yet be drawn.
Accuracy and utility of an epigenetic biomarker for smoking in populations with varying rates of false self‐report
Authors: Andersen Allan M. , Philibert Robert A. , Gibbons Fredrick X. , Simons Ronald L. , Long Jeffrey
Published: June 2017

Better biomarkers to detect smoking are needed given the tremendous public health burden caused by smoking. Current biomarkers to detect smoking have significant limitations, notably a short half‐life for detection and lack of sensitivity for light smokers. These limitations may be particularly problematic in populations with less accurate self‐reporting. Prior epigenome‐wide association studies indicate that methylation status at cg05575921, a CpG residue located in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene, may be a robust indicator of smoking status in individuals with as little as half of a pack‐year of smoking. In this study, we show that a novel droplet digital PCR assay for measuring methylation at cg05575921 can reliably detect smoking status, as confirmed by serum cotinine, in populations with different demographic characteristics, smoking histories, and rates of false‐negative self‐report of smoking behavior. Using logistic regression models, we show that obtaining maximum accuracy in predicting smoking status depends on appropriately weighting self‐report and cg05575921 methylation according to the characteristics of the sample being tested. Furthermore, models using only cg05575921 methylation to predict smoking perform nearly as well as those also including self‐report across populations. In conclusion, cg05575921 has significant potential as a clinical biomarker to detect smoking in populations with varying rates of accuracy in self‐report of smoking behavior.
The sex‐selective impact of the Black Death and recurring plagues in the Southern Netherlands, 1349–1450
Authors: Curtis Daniel R. , Roosen Joris
Published: June 2017

Although recent work has begun to establish that early modern plagues had selective mortality effects, it was generally accepted that the initial outbreak of Black Death in 1347‐52 was a “universal killer.” Recent bioarchaeological work, however, has argued that the Black Death was also selective with regard to age and pre‐plague health status. The issue of the Black Death's potential sex selectivity is less clear. Bioarchaeological research hypothesizes that sex‐selection in mortality was possible during the initial Black Death outbreak, and we present evidence from historical sources to test this notion.

Objective

To determine whether the Black Death and recurring plagues in the period 1349–1450 had a sex‐selective mortality effect.

Materials and Methods

We present a newly compiled database of mortality information taken from mortmain records in Hainaut, Belgium, in the period 1349–1450, which not only is an important new source of information on medieval mortality, but also allows for sex‐disaggregation.

Results

We find that the Black Death period of 1349–51, as well as recurring plagues in the 100 years up to 1450, often had a sex‐selective effect—killing more women than in “non‐plague years.”

Discussion

Although much research tends to suggest that men are more susceptible to a variety of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites, we cannot assume that the same direction of sex‐selection in mortality applied to diseases in the distant past such as Second Pandemic plagues. While the exact reasons for the sex‐selective effect of late‐medieval plague are unclear in the absence of further data, we suggest that simple inequities between the sexes in exposure to the disease may not have been a key driver.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Silicon‐Stereogenic 5,10‐Dihydrophenazasilines via Enantioselective 1,5‐Palladium Migration
Authors: Sato Yosuke , Takagi Chihiro , Shintani Ryo , Nozaki Kyoko
Published: June 2017

A palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of silicon‐stereogenic 5,10‐dihydrophenazasilines was developed that proceeds via an unprecedented enantioselective 1,5‐palladium migration. High enantioselectivity was achieved by employing 4,4′‐bis(trimethylsilyl) (R)‐Binap as the chiral ligand, and a series of mechanistic investigations were carried out to probe the catalytic cycle of this process.
Catalytic Enantioselective Aza‐pinacol Rearrangement
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Li Jingwen , Jiang Long , Zhang Jing‐Ren , Zu Liansuo
Published: June 2017

The first catalytic enantioselective asymmetric aza‐pinacol rearrangement is reported. The reactions are catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid and proceed via a highly organized transition state involving a cyclic aza‐ortho‐xylylene intermediate to afford the indoline structures with good to excellent enantioselectivity. The synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by the asymmetric synthesis of a key intermediate to the natural product minfiensine and the identification of a chiral lead compound to repress antibiotic resistance.
Living on the edge: Traits of freshwater fish species at risk in Canada
Authors: Glass William R. , Corkum Lynda D. , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: June 2017

The native ranges of many species in North America reach their northern extent in southern Canada, which results in several aquatic species with core populations found farther south being assessed as at risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and receiving protection under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

To determine traits that predict at‐risk status for freshwater fishes in Canada a classification and regression tree analysis was performed using a suite of ecological and life‐history traits, and the species’ distributions in Canada.

Range‐edge distribution in Canada was a significant predictor of a species assessed as at risk by COSEWIC and to be listed as at risk under SARA. Other predictive traits included Balon reproductive guild, reproductive age/maximum age ratio, and lifespan. Species with economic value were also not likely to be assessed as at risk by COSEWIC. Analyses showed greater inconsistency in listing status under SARA than COSEWIC assessment, and a bias toward not listing species, despite predicted at‐risk status, was evident.

The predictive models may prove useful in making future conservation decisions and highlight species that should have their status (re)assessed.
Discovery of a new quasar: SDSS J022155.26‐064916.6
Authors: Robertson J. M. , Tucker D. L. , Smith J. A. , Wester W. , Lin H. , Mueller J. H. , Gulledge D. J.
Published: June 2017

We report the discovery of a new quasar: SDSS J022155.26‐064916.6. This object was discovered while reducing the spectra of a sample of stars being considered as spectrophotometric standards for the Dark Energy Survey. The flux‐ and wavelength‐calibrated spectrum is presented with four spectral lines identified. From these lines, the redshift is determined to be z≈0.806. In addition, the rest‐frame u‐, g‐, and r‐band luminosity, determined using a k‐correction obtained with synthetic photometry of a proxy quasi stellar object (QSO), are reported as 7.496×1013L⊙, 2.049×1013L⊙, and 1.896×1013L⊙, respectively.
Enantioselective determination of R‐(−)‐manidipine and S‐(+)‐manidipine in human plasma by a sensitive and selective chiral LC–MS/MS assay
Authors: Adireddy Vinayender , Bimireddy Bhavani Prasanna Kumar , Ponneri Venkateswarlu
Published: June 2017

A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) assay method has been developed and validated for the enantioselective determination of manidipine in human plasma using isotope‐labeled compounds as internal standards. After solid‐phase extraction, R‐(−)‐manidipine and S‐(+)‐manidipine were chromatographed on a Chiralpack IC‐3 C18 column using a isocratic mobile phase composed of 2 mm ammonium bicarbonate and acetonitrile (15:85, v/v). The precursor ion to product ion transitions for the enantiomers and internal standards were monitored in the multiple reaction monitoring and positive ionization mode using an API‐4000 mass spectrometer. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.05–10.2 ng/mL for both enantiomers. The precision and accuracy results over five concentration levels in five different batches were well within the acceptance limits. The mean extraction recovery was >80% for both enantiomers. A variety of stability tests were executed in plasma and in neat samples, which complies with the FDA guidelines. After complete validation, the method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of a manidipine 20 mg oral dose in 10 healthy South India subjects under fasting conditions. The assay reproducibility is shown through incurred samples reanalysis of 20 subject plasma samples.
Self‐Assembled Nano‐Immunostimulant for Synergistic Immune Activation
Authors: Sun Zhan‐Yi , Chen Pu‐Guang , Liu Yan‐Fang , Shi Lei , Zhang Bo‐Dou , Wu Jun‐Jun , Zhao Yu‐Fen , Chen Yong‐Xiang , Li Yan‐Mei
Published: June 2017

Immunotherapy has become one of the most promising therapies for the treatment of diseases. Synthetic immunostimulants and nanomaterial immunostimulant systems are indispensable for the activation of the immune system in cancer immunotherapy. Herein, a strategy for preparing self‐assembled nano‐immunostimulants (SANIs) for synergistic immune activation is reported. Three immunostimulants self‐assemble into nanoparticles through electrostatic interactions. SANIs showed strong synergistic immunostimulation in macrophages. SANIs could also induce a strong antitumor immune response to inhibit tumor growth in mice and act as an efficient adjuvant of antitumor vaccines. Therefore, SANIs may be generally applied in cancer immunotherapy. This novel SANI strategy provides a new way for the development of both immunostimulants and ‐suppressants.
Cold interferes with male meiotic cytokinesis in Arabidopsis thaliana independently of the AHK2/3‐AHP2/3/5 cytokinin signaling module
Authors: Liu Bing , De Storme Nico , Geelen Danny
Published: June 2017

Previously we have shown that low temperature stress in Arabidopsis causes defects in microtubule organization and cytokinesis in male meiocytes, which leads to the formation of diploid pollen. Because cytokinin (CK) mediates multiple physiological responses to cold stress, we investigated whether CK signaling is involved in cold‐induced diploid pollen formation. To this end, we monitored male sporogenesis in a series of mutants defective in CK metabolism and signalling. Arabidopsis plants with altered CK homeostasis, that is, the ahk2‐2 ahk3‐3 double and the ahp2‐1 ahp3 ahp5‐2 triple mutant, were cold sensitive and displayed similar defective male meiotic cytokinesis as wild type plants upon cold stress. These findings demonstrate that the AHK2/3‐AHP2/3/5 CK‐signaling module is not required for cold‐induced ploidy stability of male gamete in Arabidopsis. Cytological analysis further revealed that the cold‐induced cytokinesis defects in the ahk2‐2 ahk3‐3 mutant correlated with irregular organization of the radial microtubule array (RMA) in tetrad microspores at the end of male meiosis. Contrary to the ahk and ahp mutants, Arabidopsis plants defective for ARR1, a downstream target of ahk and ahp mediated CK signalling, displayed higher cold‐tolerance of male meiotic cytokinesis program. We here suggest that the transcription regulator ARR1 may act independently from the CK AHK2/3‐AHP2/3/5 signaling module in conveying the cold response to male meiocytes.
Fragmented central venous catheter retained for years with minimal symptoms
Authors: Mullan Clancy W. , Tariq Umair , Goldin Mark
Published: June 2017

Key Clinical Message

Unidentified fractures of indwelling tunneled catheters are presumably rare and possibly underreported, but their consideration is important in patients with a history of catheter placement with otherwise unexplained, atypical chest pain.
Iron‐Catalyzed Olefin Metathesis with Low‐Valent Iron Alkylidenes
Authors: Mauksch Michael , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: June 2017

Inspired by recent reports of low‐valent iron‐complex‐catalyzed formal [2+2] cycloaddition of olefins, we demonstrate computationally that with such low‐valent iron complexes and with “strong” ligands, the olefin metathesis is also preferred over the undesired cyclopropanation side‐reaction, competition already studied by Hoffmann and co‐workers almost 40 years ago (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1981, 103, 5582). The [2+2] cycloaddition step in metathesis propagation, which gives a Chauvin‐type metallacyclobutane intermediate, is proposed to proceed either via a planar four‐electron Craig–Möbius aromatic [π2s+π2s] transition‐state structure with a low barrier of 4.7 kcal mol−1 or, alternatively, via a twisted Zimmerman–Möbius aromatic [π2s+π2a] transition state with a 5.5 kcal mol−1 activation‐energy barrier, with respect to an “encounter” π‐complex minimum obtained from an FeII alkylidene and the entering olefin, while the corresponding triplet pathways are all disfavored.
Tribute to Fumio Oosawa the pioneer in actin biophysics
Authors: Pollard Thomas D.
Published: June 2017

Fumio Oosawa and his colleagues at Nagoya University laid the foundation for mechanistic studies of actin. Using relatively primitive tools they discovered that actin monomers assemble in a two‐step mechanism: highly unfavorable formation of small oligomeric nuclei followed by rapid elongation. Oosawa and his student Sadashi Hatano were the first to purify actin from a nonmuscle cell, Physarum polycephalum, initiating studies of the molecular mechanism of cellular movements.
Critical Evaluation of Native Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Fragment‐Based Screening
Authors: Göth Melanie , Badock Volker , Weiske Jörg , Pagel Kevin , Kuropka Benno
Published: June 2017

Fragment‐based screening presents a promising alternative to high‐throughput screening and has gained great attention in recent years. So far, only a few studies have discussed mass spectrometry as a screening technology for fragments. Herein, we report the application of native electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MS) for screening defined sets of fragments against four different target proteins. Fragments were selected from a primary screening conducted with a thermal shift assay (TSA) and represented different binding categories. Our data indicated that, beside specific complex formation, many fragments show extensive multiple binding and also charge‐state shifts. Both of these factors complicate automated data analysis and decrease the attractiveness of native MS as a primary screening tool for fragments. A comparison of the hits identified by native MS and TSA showed good agreement for two of the proteins. Furthermore, we discuss general challenges, including the determination of an optimal fragment concentration and the question of how to rank fragment hits according to their affinity. In conclusion, we consider native MS to be a highly valuable tool for the validation and deeper investigation of promising fragment hits rather than a method for primary screening.
Altered expression of IGF‐I system in neurons of the inflamed spinal cord during acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Parvaneh Tafreshi Azita , Talebi Farideh , Ghorbani Samira , Bernard Claude , Noorbakhsh Farshid
Published: June 2017

There is growing evidence that the impaired IGF‐I system contributes to neurodegeneration. In this study, we examined the spinal cords of the EAE, the animal model of multiple sclerosis, to see if the expression of the IGF‐I system is altered. To induce EAE, C57/BL6 mice were immunized with the Hooke lab MOG kit, sacrificed at the peak of the disease and their spinal cords were examined for the immunoreactivities (ir) of the IGF‐I, IGF binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), as one major downstream molecule in the IGF‐I signaling. Although neurons in the non EAE spinal cords did not show the IGF‐I immunoreactivity, they were numerously positive for the IGFBP‐1. In the inflamed EAE spinal cord however, the patterns of expressions were reversed, that is, a significant increased number of IGF‐I expressing neurons versus a reduced number of IGFBP‐1 positive neurons. Moreover, while nearly all IGF‐I‐ir neurons expressed GSK3β, some expressed it more intensely. Considering our previous finding where we showed a significant reduced number of the inactive (phosphorylated) but not that of the total GSK3β expressing neurons in the EAE spinal cord, it is conceivable that the intense total GSK3β expression in the IGF‐I‐ir neurons belongs to the active form of GSK3β known to exert neuroinflammatory effects. We therefore suggest that the altered expression of the IGF‐I system including GSK3β in spinal cord neurons might involve in pathophysiological events during the EAE.
Physically consistent data assimilation method based on feedback control for patient‐specific blood flow analysis
Authors: Ii Satoshi , Adib Mohd Azrul Hisham Mohd , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Wada Shigeo
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a novel data assimilation method for patient‐specific blood flow analysis based on feedback control theory called the physically consistent feedback control‐based data assimilation (PFC‐DA) method. In the PFC‐DA method, the signal, which is the residual error term of the velocity when comparing the numerical and reference measurement data, is cast as a source term in a Poisson equation for the scalar potential field that induces flow in a closed system. The pressure values at the inlet and outlet boundaries are recursively calculated by this scalar potential field. Hence, the flow field is physically consistent because it is driven by the calculated inlet and outlet pressures, without any artificial body forces. As compared with existing variational approaches, although this PFC‐DA method does not guarantee the optimal solution, only one additional Poisson equation for the scalar potential field is required, providing a remarkable improvement for such a small additional computational cost at every iteration. Through numerical examples for 2D and 3D exact flow fields, with both noise‐free and noisy reference data as well as a blood flow analysis on a cerebral aneurysm using actual patient data, the robustness and accuracy of this approach is shown. Moreover, the feasibility of a patient‐specific practical blood flow analysis is demonstrated.
Within Our Skin
Authors: Salinas T , Piquette‐Miller M
Published: June 2017

From “beauty is only skin deep” to “it takes a thick skin,” there are a countless number of skin‐related aphorisms that serve as social commentaries on the beauty and resilience of skin. The skin as an interface to society may have diverse psychological implications, but its physiological importance to health is undeniable. As the largest organ in the body, the skin presents a formidable barrier that serves to protect our internal physiology from potentially harmful stimuli of the external environment.
Solid‐State Lithium Conductors for Lithium Metal Batteries Based on Electrospun Nanofiber/Plastic Crystal Composites
Authors: Zhou Yundong , Wang Xiaoen , Zhu Haijin , Yoshizawa‐Fujita Masahiro , Miyachi Yukari , Armand Michel , Forsyth Maria , Greene George W. , Pringle Jennifer M. , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: June 2017

Organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) are a class of solid‐state electrolytes with good thermal stability, non‐flammability, non‐volatility, and good electrochemical stability. When prepared in a composite with electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) nanofibers, a 1:1 mixture of the OIPC N‐ethyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ([C2mpyr][FSI]) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) produced a free‐standing, robust solid‐state electrolyte. These high‐concentration Li‐containing electrolyte membranes had a transference number of 0.37(±0.02) and supported stable lithium symmetric‐cell cycling at a current density of 0.13 mA cm−2. The effect of incorporating PVdF in the Li‐containing plastic crystal was investigated for different ratios of PVdF and [Li][FSI]/[C2mpyr][FSI]. In addition, Li|LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cells were prepared and cycled at ambient temperature and displayed a good rate performance and stability.
Self‐Assembled Dendritic Pt Nanostructure with High‐Index Facets as Highly Active and Durable Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Jang Youngjin , Choi Kwang‐Hyun , Chung Dong Young , Lee Ji Eun , Jung Namgee , Sung Yung‐Eun
Published: June 2017

The durability issues of Pt catalyst should be resolved for the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Nanocrystal structures with high‐index facets have been recently explored to solve the critical durability problem of fuel cell catalysts as Pt catalysts with high‐index facets can preserve the ordered surfaces without change of the original structures. However, it is very difficult to develop effective and practical synthetic methods for Pt‐based nanostructures with high‐index facets. The current study describes a simple one‐pot synthesis of self‐assembled dendritic Pt nanostructures with electrochemically active and stable high‐index facets. Pt nanodendrites exhibited 2 times higher ORR activity and superior durability (only 3.0 % activity loss after 10 000 potential cycles) than a commercial Pt/C. The enhanced catalytic performance was elucidated by the formation of well‐organized dendritic structures with plenty of reactive interfaces among 5 nm‐sized Pt particles and the coexistence of low‐ and high‐index facets on the particles.
Data‐driven programmatic approach to analysis of basophil activation tests
Authors: Patil Sarita U. , Calatroni Agustin , Schneider Michael , Steinbrecher Johanna , Smith Neal , Washburn Cecilia , Ma Alex , Shreffler Wayne G.
Published: June 2017

Background

Conventional data analysis of flow cytometry‐based basophil activation testing requires repetitive, labor‐intensive analysis that hampers efforts to standardize testing for clinical applications. Using an open‐source platform, we developed and implemented a programmatic approach to the analysis of the basophil activation test (BAT) by flow cytometry.

Methods

Using the BÜHLMANN FlowCAST® assay, peripheral blood from peanut allergic patients undergoing oral immunotherapy was incubated with peanut allergens (Arah1, Arah2, Arah6, whole peanut extract) and stained with fluorescent antibodies to CCR3 and CD63 for the development of a data‐driven programmatic analysis using Bioconductor and R. Basophil identification using clustering and classification was validated using manually gated comparisons in an experimental subset. Reproducibility of CD63 upregulation set on unstimulated or anti‐FcERI stimulated basophils was compared.

Results

BAT analysis of 294 experiments was successful in 91.5% using the above approach, with a total of 7,166 individual basophil activation tests from 269 experiments. We estimate this represents a net saving of 1340 min of labor by a skilled operator. Medium‐based gating correlated to respective manual gating more closely than anti‐FcERI based gating (R = 0.96 vs. R = 0.84, P < 0.001). Only 2% of the basophil activation results were significantly different from manual gating. Quality measures of the experiments and other measures of basophil activation were also provided by the analysis.

Conclusions

We present a novel data‐driven flow cytometric platform for the analysis of clinical basophil activation testing, providing a high throughput objective approach to basophil activation analysis. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society