bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A regime shift in sediment export from a coastal watershed during a record wet winter, California: Implications for landscape response to hydroclimatic extremes
Authors: East Amy E. , Stevens Andrew W. , Ritchie Andrew C. , Barnard Patrick L. , Campbell‐Swarzenski Pamela , Collins Brian D. , Conaway Christopher H.
Published: May 2018

Small, steep watersheds are prolific sediment sources from which sediment flux is highly sensitive to climatic changes. Storm intensity and frequency are widely expected to increase during the 21st century, and so assessing the response of small, steep watersheds to extreme rainfall is essential to understanding landscape response to climate change. During record winter rainfall in 2016–2017, the San Lorenzo River, coastal California, had nine flow peaks representing 2–10‐year flood magnitudes. By the third flood, fluvial suspended sediment showed a regime shift to greater and coarser sediment supply, coincident with numerous landslides in the watershed. Even with no singular catastrophic flood, these flows exported more than half as much sediment as had a 100‐year flood 35 years earlier, substantially enlarging the nearshore delta. Annual sediment load in 2017 was an order of magnitude greater than during an average‐rainfall year, and 500‐fold greater than in a recent drought. These anomalous sediment inputs are critical to the coastal littoral system, delivering enough sediment, sometimes over only a few days, to maintain beaches for several years. Future projections of megadroughts punctuated by major atmospheric‐river storm activity suggest that interannual sediment‐yield variations will become more extreme than today in the western USA, with potential consequences for coastal management, ecosystems, and water‐storage capacity. The occurrence of two years with major sediment export over the past 35 years that were not associated with extremes of the El Niño Southern Oscillation or Pacific Decadal Oscillation suggests caution in interpreting climatic signals from marine sedimentary deposits derived from small, steep, coastal watersheds, to avoid misinterpreting the frequencies of those cycles. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Flame‐retarded polyethylene terephthalate with carbon microspheres/magnesium hydroxide compound flame retardant
Authors: Yang Yaru , Niu Mei , Dai Jinming , Bai Jie , Xue Baoxia , Song Yinghao , Peng Yun
Published: May 2018

A novel compound flame retardant (carbon microspheres/magnesium hydroxide, abbreviated as CMSs/MH) was used to improve the fire performance of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). LOI, UL94, and Cone test results showed that CMSs/MH/PET composites obtained the best fire performance at the mass ratio of CMSs to MH, which was 5:5, where the CMSs/MH content was 1.0 wt. % of PET. The Py‐CS‐MS, TGA‐DSC results, and morphology of char residue revealed the flame‐retardant mechanism. CMSs/MH increased the thermal stability of PET by increasing the activation energy at the initial combustion stage. At the second stage of combustion, CMSs/MH increased the chance of recombination of free radicals and slowed the combustion. Additionally, CMSs/MH promoted the cross‐linking of pyrolysis products and further improved the continuity of the char layer. Thus, a dense and continuous char layer of CMSs/MH/PET composites was produced; this char layer reduced the heat release rate and increased the amount of char residue.
Evaluating the Conservation Potential of Tributaries for Native Fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Authors: Laub Brian G , Thiede Gary P , Macfarlane William W , Budy Phaedra
Published: May 2018

We explored the conservation potential of tributaries in the upper Colorado River basin by modeling native fish species richness as a function of river discharge, temperature, barrier-free length, and distance to nearest free-flowing main-stem section. We investigated a historic period prior to large-scale water development and a contemporary period. In the historic period, species richness was log-linearly correlated to variables capturing flow magnitude, particularly mean annual discharge. In the contemporary period, the log-linear relationship between discharge and species richness was still evident but weaker. Tributaries with lower average temperature and separated from free-flowing main-stem sections often had fewer native species compared to tributaries with similar discharge but with warmer temperature and directly connected to free-flowing main stems. Thus, tributaries containing only a small proportion of main-stem discharge, especially those at lower elevations with warmer temperatures and connected to free-flowing main stems, can support a relatively high species richness. Tributaries can help maintain viable populations by providing ecological processes disrupted on large regulated rivers, such as natural flow and temperature regimes, and may present unique conservation opportunities. Efforts to improve fish passage, secure environmental flows, and restore habitat in these tributaries could greatly contribute to conservation of native fish richness throughout the watershed.
Advancing Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation by Collaborating with Public Aquaria
Authors: Murchie Karen J , Knapp Charles R , McIntyre Peter B
Published: May 2018

Freshwater habitats and biota worldwide are in a conservation crisis, yet scientists and nongovernmental organizations have struggled to effectively engage the public to broaden awareness of needs for protecting aquatic ecosystems. As a result, the spectacular diversity and increasing imperilment of freshwater taxa remain poorly known outside our profession. Declining public trust of scientists creates further challenges as we try to limit losses of freshwater biodiversity. Reversing these trends requires a targeted collaborative effort from a variety of stakeholders that builds public and political support for freshwater science and conservation. Public aquaria can be key partners in this effort by providing a large audience (>150 million visitors annually) for conservation messaging in a trusted arena. Exhibits provide a visual connection to freshwater biota and their habitats, granting access to the underwater world for people who may have no prior exposure to river or lake ecosystems, particularly in urban centers. We identify a host of opportunities for fisheries scientists and aquarium staff to publicize conservation concerns, craft messages that connect with the public, and engage citizen scientists. Successfully fostering appreciation of freshwater biodiversity is requisite to protecting it in the future.
Yield surfaces for solid foams: A review on experimental characterization and modeling
Authors: Jung A. , Diebels S.
Published: May 2018

Solid foams are a very important class of lightweight materials with energy absorption properties for application in automotive and aerospace industry. In such applications, foams are subjected not only to uniaxial but in most cases to very complex multiaxial stress states. Hence, yield surfaces are needed for the reliable prediction of the failure behavior by simulations under multiaxial loading. As multiaxial loading of cellular solids is a very challenging task, in literature, yield surfaces are usually based mainly on simulation results not validated by real experimental data sets. The present contribution starts with a review of the theory of yield surfaces and numerical models. It gives a deep insight into the state of the art on the experimental assessment of yield surfaces for solid foams. Finally, a yield surface and its post‐yield surfaces are determined exemplarily for open‐cell aluminum foams by using a multitude of experimental methods.
The structural deformation characteristics and the control of gold mineralization of the upper Triassic flysch (Langjiexue Group) in Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Yang Zhusen , Hou Zengqian , Zhang Xiong , Li Yanguang , Pei Yingru , Guan Weiqi
Published: May 2018

Located in the eastern section of the Indus‐Yarlung Tsangbo Suture Zone, the Triassic Langjiexue Group is also very important for the distribution of the orogenic gold deposits, such as Bangbu and Zhemulang. Two regional profiles (Jiacha profile and Lang County profile) in the Langjiexue Group have been chosen for systematic mapping. Combing with the method of Ar–Ar dating for mica, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the structural movements and stress periods of the Langjiexue Group, and the relationship between them with the orogenic gold deposits distributed within it, and finally, establish the structural control model for orogenic gold deposits in the Langjiexue Group. The structural deformation of the Langjiexue Group can be divided into 4 stages. In the D1 stage, shallow ductile shear played a dominant role with the principal stress of the reaction in a nearly E–W direction. The main stress of D2 stage was in an obviously S–N direction whose foliation of the axial surface was a ubiquitous phyllitic foliation and foliation. The structures of the D3 stage were superimposed on those of the D2 stage with the main stress of S–N direction. In the D4 stage, the principal stress of the structural movements was in a nearly E–W direction. According to the morphology and spatial positions of the profile folds, the main body of the Songre Formation in the southern parts of the tectonic profiles can be restored into a large reverse antiform, whereas the main body of the Tectonic mélange zone in the northern parts can be restored into a continuous large antiform and synform. Judging by the Ar–Ar plateau ages (56.04 ± 0.72 Ma, 47.98 ± 0.46 Ma) of the sericite in the two quartz veins that were arranged along the axial plane cleavage of the folders in D3 stage, the widely distributed quartz veins in the Langjiexue Group were mainly the outcome of fluid action accompanied by the structural deformation that occurred in the main Indo‐Asian collision orogenesis period, which were in consistent with the mineralogenetic epoch of the orogenic gold deposits in this region.
Individualized prediction of trait narcissism from whole‐brain resting‐state functional connectivity
Authors: Feng Chunliang , Yuan Jie , Geng Haiyang , Gu Ruolei , Zhou Hui , Wu Xia , Luo Yuejia
Published: May 2018

Narcissism is one of the most fundamental personality traits in which individuals in general population exhibit a large heterogeneity. Despite a surge of interest in examining behavioral characteristics of narcissism in the past decades, the neurobiological substrates underlying narcissism remain poorly understood. Here, we addressed this issue by applying a machine learning approach to decode trait narcissism from whole‐brain resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC). Resting‐state functional MRI (fMRI) data were acquired for a large sample comprising 155 healthy adults, each of whom was assessed for trait narcissism. Using a linear prediction model, we examined the relationship between whole‐brain RSFC and trait narcissism. We demonstrated that the machine‐learning model was able to decode individual trait narcissism from RSFC across multiple neural systems, including functional connectivity between and within limbic and prefrontal systems as well as their connectivity with other networks. Key nodes that contributed to the prediction model included the amygdala, prefrontal and anterior cingulate regions that have been linked to trait narcissism. These findings remained robust using different validation procedures. Our findings thus demonstrate that RSFC among multiple neural systems predicts trait narcissism at the individual level.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of fiber tracts in children with traumatic brain injury: A combined MRS – Diffusion MRI study
Authors: Dennis Emily L. , Babikian Talin , Alger Jeffry , Rashid Faisal , Villalon‐Reina Julio E. , Jin Yan , Olsen Alexander , Mink Richard , Babbitt Christopher , Johnson Jeffrey , Giza Christopher C. , Thompson Paul M. , Asarnow Robert F.
Published: May 2018

Traumatic brain injury can cause extensive damage to the white matter (WM) of the brain. These disruptions can be especially damaging in children, whose brains are still maturing. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is the most commonly used method to assess WM organization, but it has limited resolution to differentiate causes of WM disruption. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) yields spectra showing the levels of neurometabolites that can indicate neuronal/axonal health, inflammation, membrane proliferation/turnover, and other cellular processes that are on‐going post‐injury. Previous analyses on this dataset revealed a significant division within the msTBI patient group, based on interhemispheric transfer time (IHTT); one subgroup of patients (TBI‐normal) showed evidence of recovery over time, while the other showed continuing degeneration (TBI‐slow). We combined dMRI with MRS to better understand WM disruptions in children with moderate‐severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI). Tracts with poorer WM organization, as shown by lower FA and higher MD and RD, also showed lower N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), a marker of neuronal and axonal health and myelination. We did not find lower NAA in tracts with normal WM organization. Choline, a marker of inflammation, membrane turnover, or gliosis, did not show such associations. We further show that multi‐modal imaging can improve outcome prediction over a single modality, as well as over earlier cognitive function measures. Our results suggest that demyelination plays an important role in WM disruption post‐injury in a subgroup of msTBI children and indicate the utility of multi‐modal imaging.
Idiosyncratic deals and employee creativity: The mediating role of creative self‐efficacy
Authors: Wang Shuhong , Liu Yi , Shalley Christina E.
Published: May 2018

Idiosyncratic deals (i‐deals) have become an increasingly popular human resource management practice to attract, retain, and motivate employees. This is particularly true for those employees whose jobs require some level of creativity, as these types of jobs are often the ones that allow for or benefit most from these customized work arrangements. Using social cognitive theory that focuses on the development of self‐efficacy as a conduit between environmental cues and behavioral outcomes, we explored the relationships between two predominant types of i‐deals—developmental i‐deals and flexibility i‐deals—and employee creativity through the mediating effect of creative self‐efficacy (CSE). Results based on a study of 177 full‐time employees from three organizations supported our hypotheses for developmental i‐deals and employee creativity, with CSE fully mediating this relationship. We also discovered a curvilinear relationship between flexibility i‐deals and creativity in additional post hoc analyses. There are three main contributions of our work. First, using social cognitive theory, we explored an internal motivational mechanism (i.e., CSE) of these customized employment arrangements, adding to the more traditional use of social exchange theory in the extant literature. Second, we found that the two different types of i‐deals have differential effects on employees' creativity through the mediation mechanism of CSE. These results shed light on how the motivational properties of i‐deals differentially affect employee creativity and suggest that there may be alternative intervening mechanisms for flexibility i‐deals. Third, this study contributes to both the creativity and human resource management literatures by examining a new type of work condition, i‐deals, that could enable employees' creativity.
Resurgence with and without an alternative response
Authors: Kimball Ryan T. , Kelley Michael E. , Podlesnik Christopher A. , Forton Alex , Hinkle Brandy
Published: May 2018

Resurgence is the reemergence of a previously reinforced response that occurs after the elimination or reduction of reinforcement for an alternative response. Resurgence is problematic in the context of treatment because the reemergence of a previously reinforced destructive response could be detrimental to treatment gains. In the current translational study, we examined a modified resurgence procedure in which the alternative response was either present or absent during extinction. Four participants were exposed to three phases that consisted of (1) reinforcement of a target response, (2) extinction of the target response and differential reinforcement of an alternative response, and (3) extinction of both responses. Results for four out of five assessments showed greater resurgence when the alternative response was absent during Phase 3. Results suggest that more robust resurgence might occur if the alternative response is not available as opposed to the alternative response contacting extinction.
Romosozumab FRAME Study: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Role of Regional Background Fracture Risk on Nonvertebral Fracture Outcome
Authors: Cosman Felicia , Crittenden Daria B , Ferrari Serge , Lewiecki E Michael , Jaller-Raad Juan , Zerbini Cristiano , Milmont Cassandra E , Meisner Paul D , Libanati Cesar , Grauer Andreas
Published: May 2018

In the pivotal Fracture Study in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis (FRAME; NCT01575834), 1 year of the bone-forming agent romosozumab significantly reduced new vertebral and clinical fracture risk versus placebo. Nonvertebral fracture risk was not significantly reduced in the overall population, influenced by a low placebo-group fracture rate, observed particularly in the highest-enrolling region of Latin America. In year 1 of FRAME, postmenopausal women with a T-score of –2.5 to –3.5 at the total hip or femoral neck were randomized to subcutaneous romosozumab 210 mg or placebo once monthly for 12 months. Of 7180 randomized women, 43% were from Latin America, largely Colombia and Brazil. Prespecified analyses assessed fracture risk reductions by geographic regions. A significant treatment-by-geographic region interaction for the clinical (p = 0.029) and nonvertebral fracture (p = 0.042) endpoints led to further characterization of the Latin American population and comparison with the remaining study population, grouped post hoc as rest-of-world. Nonvertebral fracture efficacy in the overall population was also assessed by baseline fracture risk using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). Romosozumab significantly and consistently reduced new vertebral fracture risk in Latin America (70% reduction; p = 0.014) and rest-of-world (74% reduction; p < 0.001). For nonvertebral fracture, risk reductions were observed in rest-of-world (42% reduction; p = 0.012), with no treatment effect observed in Latin America, where background nonvertebral fracture risk was low (1.2% in the placebo group). Consistent with this finding, in the overall population, greater reductions in nonvertebral fracture risk were observed among women with higher FRAX scores. These findings suggest that fracture risk assessment should consider regional factors in addition to classical risk factors, such as bone mineral density. In women at high risk for fracture, romosozumab reduced nonvertebral fracture risk within 1 year. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Serum Serotonin Predicts Increased Risk for Hip Fracture and Nonvertebral Osteoporotic Fractures: The MrOS Sweden Study
Authors: Kristjansdottir Hallgerdur Lind , Lewerin Catharina , Lerner Ulf H , Waern Ewa , Johansson Helena , Sundh Daniel , Karlsson Magnus , Cummings Steve R , Zetterberg Henrik , Lorentzon Mattias , Ohlsson Claes , Mellström Dan
Published: May 2018

Because several studies have implicated serotonin as a regulator of bone mass, we here explore its potential association on fracture risk and falls, as on bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle strength, in humans. Serum levels of serotonin were analyzed in 950 men (aged 69 to 81 years), participating in the Gothenburg part of the population-based study MrOS Sweden. Men taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) had a mean value of 31.2 μg/L compared with 159.4 μg/L in those not taking SSRIs. SSRI users were excluded from further analysis. During 10-year follow-up, 224 men exhibited fractures, including 97 nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures (57 hip fractures), and 86 vertebral fractures. Serotonin was associated with hip fracture in linear analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.58) and to all fractures in a nonlinear manner, when quintiles of serotonin was included in quadratic terms (HR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.04–1.21). Men in serotonin quintile 5 had, in multivariable analysis, a HR of 2.30 (95% CI 1.31–4.02) for hip fracture and 1.82 (95% CI 1.17–2.85) for nonvertebral fractures compared with men in quintiles 1 to 4. Men in quintile 1 had, in multivariable analysis, a HR of 1.76 (95% CI 1.03–2.99) for nonvertebral fractures compared with men in quintiles 2 to 4. No association was found with vertebral fractures. Individuals in serotonin quintile 1 had higher prevalence of falls compared with quintiles 2 to 5 (odds ratio = 1.90, 95% CI 1.26–2.87). Serotonin was positively associated with hand-grip strength (r = 0.08, p = 0.02) and inversely with hip BMD (r = −0.10, p = 0.003). To assess the association between SSRIs and falls and fractures, the total MrOS Sweden cohort was examined (n = 3014). SSRI users (n = 90) had increased prevalence of falls (16% versus 33%, p = 0.0001) and increased rate of incident fractures (28.0 versus 44.7 per 1000 person-years, p = 0.018). We present novel data showing that high levels of serotonin predict an increased risk for hip fracture and nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Robust Trabecular Microstructure in Type 2 Diabetes Revealed by Individual Trabecula Segmentation Analysis of HR-pQCT Images
Authors: Starr Jessica F , Bandeira Leonardo C , Agarwal Sanchita , Shah Ankit M , Nishiyama Kyle K , Hu Yizhong , McMahon Donald J , Guo X Edward , Silverberg Shonni J , Rubin Mishaela R
Published: May 2018

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients have an increased fracture risk, which may be partly explained by compromised bone microarchitecture within the cortical bone compartment. Data on trabecular bone parameters in T2D are contradictory. By high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), trabecular microarchitecture is preserved, yet larger trabecular holes are detected in T2D by MRI and DXA-based trabecular bone scores are abnormal. To determine if there are differences in trabecular microstructure, connectivity, and alignment in postmenopausal women with T2D as compared with controls, we performed an individual trabecula segmentation (ITS) analysis on HR-pQCT scans of the distal radius and tibia in 92 women with (n = 42) and without (n = 50) T2D. Unadjusted analyses showed that T2D subjects had greater total trabecular bone volume, trabecular plate volume fraction, plate number density, plate junction density, and axial alignment at the radius and tibia, and increased plate tissue fraction, but decreased rod tissue fraction and rod length at the radius (p < 0.05 for all). After adjustments for clinical covariates, plate number density and plate junction density remained higher at the radius and tibia, whereas total trabecular bone volume was increased and trabecular rod length was decreased at the radius. These differences remained significant after adjustment for hip BMD and trabecular volumetric bone density. Notably, the increased plate-like ITS qualities were seen in those with T2D duration of <10 years, whereas ITS parameters in subjects with T2D duration ≥10 years did not differ from those of control subjects. In conclusion, postmenopausal women with early T2D had a greater plate-like and less rod-like trabecular network. This early advantage in trabecular plate quality does not explain the well-established increased fracture risk in these patients and does not persist in the later stage of T2D. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Conditional Deletion of Sost in MSC-Derived Lineages Identifies Specific Cell-Type Contributions to Bone Mass and B-Cell Development
Authors: Yee Cristal S , Manilay Jennifer O , Chang Jiun C , Hum Nicholas R , Murugesh Deepa K , Bajwa Jamila , Mendez Melanie E , Economides Aris E , Horan Daniel J , Robling Alexander G , Loots Gabriela G
Published: May 2018

Sclerostin (Sost) is a negative regulator of bone formation and blocking its function via antibodies has shown great therapeutic promise by increasing both bone mass in humans and animal models. Sclerostin deletion in Sost KO mice (Sost−/−) causes high bone mass (HBM) similar to sclerosteosis patients. Sost−/− mice have been shown to display an up to 300% increase in bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), relative to age-matched controls. It has been postulated that the main source of skeletal sclerostin is the osteocyte. To understand the cell-type specific contributions to the HBM phenotype described in Sost−/− mice, as well as to address the endocrine and paracrine mode of action of sclerostin, we examined the skeletal phenotypes of conditional Sost loss-of-function (SostiCOIN/iCOIN) mice with specific deletions in (1) the limb mesenchyme (Prx1-Cre; targets osteoprogenitors and their progeny); (2) midstage osteoblasts and their progenitors (Col1-Cre); (3) mature osteocytes (Dmp1-Cre); and (4) hypertrophic chondrocytes and their progenitors (ColX-Cre). All conditional alleles resulted in significant increases in bone mass in trabecular bone in both the femur and lumbar vertebrae, but only Prx1-Cre deletion fully recapitulated the amplitude of the HBM phenotype in the appendicular skeleton and the B-cell defect described in the global KO. Despite WT expression of Sost in the axial skeleton of Prx1-Cre deleted mice, these mice also had a significant increase in bone mass in the vertebrae, but the sclerostin released in circulation by the axial skeleton did not affect bone parameters in the appendicular skeleton. Also, both Col1 and Dmp1 deletion resulted in a similar 80% significant increase in trabecular bone mass, but only Col1 and Prx1 deletion resulted in a significant increase in cortical thickness. We conclude that several cell types within the Prx1-osteoprogenitor-derived lineages contribute significant amounts of sclerostin protein to the paracrine pool of Sost in bone. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Persistence of a Posaconazole‐Mediated Drug‐Drug Interaction With Ranolazine After Cessation of Posaconazole Administration: Impact of Obesity and Implications for Patient Safety
Authors: Chow Christina R. , Harmatz Jerold S. , Ryan Michael J. , Greenblatt David J.
Published: May 2018

The antianginal agent ranolazine (Ranexa®) is metabolized primarily by cytochrome P450‐3A (CYP3A) enzymes. Coadministration with strong CYP3A inhibitors, such as ketoconazole and posaconazole, is contraindicated due to risk of QT prolongation from high levels of ranolazine. This study evaluated the time course of recovery from the posaconazole drug interaction in normal‐weight and otherwise healthy obese subjects. Subjects received single doses of ranolazine in the baseline control condition, again during coadministration of posaconazole, and at 4 additional time points during the 2 weeks after posaconazole discontinuation. With posaconazole coadministration, the geometric mean ratio of ranolazine area under the concentration curve (AUC) increased by a factor of 3.9 in normals and by 2.8 in obese subjects. Posttreatment washout of posaconazole was slow in normals (mean half‐life 36 hours) and further prolonged in obese subjects (64 hours). Recovery of ranolazine AUC toward baseline was delayed. AUC remained significantly elevated above baseline in normal‐weight and obese subjects for 7‐14 days after stopping posaconazole. Current product labeling does not address the need for delay or a reduced dose of ranolazine after discontinuation of a strong CYP3A inhibitor before ranolazine can be safely administered. We recommend that administration of ranolazine should be limited to 500 mg twice daily for 7 days after posaconazole discontinuation in patients with body mass index 18.5‐24.9 kg/m2 and for 12 days in patients with body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 after ranolazine is resumed.
LOSP: A putative marker of parasperm lineage in male reproductive system of the prosobranch mollusk Littorina obtusata
Authors: Lobov Arseniy A. , Maltseva Arina L. , Starunov Viktor V. , Babkina Irina Y. , Ivanov Vadim A. , Mikhailova Natalia A. , Granovitch Andrey I.
Published: May 2018

Reproductive isolation is the key attribute of biological species and establishment of the reproductive barriers is an essential event for speciation. Among the mechanisms of reproductive isolation, gamete incompatibility due to the variability of gamete interaction proteins may drive fast divergence even in sympatry. However, the number of available models to study this phenomenon is limited. In case of internally fertilized invertebrates, models to study gamete incompatibility and sperm competition mechanisms are restricted to a single taxon: insects. Here, we propose a group of closely related Littorina species as a new model for such studies. Particularly since periwinkles are already thoroughly studied in terms of morphology, physiology, ecology, phylogeny, and ecological speciation. Earlier, we have identified the first species‐specific Littorina sperm protein (LOSP) with no known conservative domains or homologies. LOSP is relatively abundant component of sperm extracts and might be involved in gamete incompatibility. Here, we characterize its definitive localization and mRNA expression pattern in the male reproductive system by immunocytochemistry and RNA in situ hybridization. We demonstrate that LOSP distribution is limited to the parasperm cells. Losp gene expression occurs only at the early stages of parasperm development. The protein is stored within granules of mature parasperm and, most likely, is released after ejaculation inside female reproductive system. Thus, LOSP is the only described molluscan paraspermal protein to date, and there is a possibility for LOSP to be involved in gamete incompatibility since heterospermy is a common phenomenon among Littorina.
Synthesis and Biological Activities of 1‐Azaaurone Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Ting , Qian Min , Li Kailu , Qin Yukun , Zhao Ting , Yang Liu‐Qing
Published: May 2018

A series of 1‐azaaurone derivatives were designed and synthesized from 3,5‐dimethoxyaniline and 2‐chloroacetonitrile. Their structures were characterized by melting point, 1H NMR, IR, and elemental analysis, as well as 13C NMR. The target compounds were evaluated for antitumor activities against human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG‐2) and human cervix carcinoma cell line (Hela) using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method. The results revealed that several 1‐azaaurones exhibited strong proliferation inhibition efficacy against HepG‐2 and Hela with an IC50 range of 5.6–8.8 μg/mL without damaging normal cell.
Diversity‐oriented One‐pot Synthesis of Novel Imidazo[4′,5′:4,5]benzo[e][1,4]thiazepinones and Benzo[d]imidazolyl Thiazolidinones throughpTSA Promoted Cyclization and Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Anti‐inflammatory Activities
Authors: Saini Ramakrishna , Malladi Srinivas Reddy , Dharavath Nagaraju
Published: May 2018

In contrast to target‐oriented synthesis that aims to access precise regions of chemistry, diversity‐oriented synthesis via multicomponent synthesis populates chemical space broadly with small molecules having diverse structures. This study has achieved the diversity‐oriented synthesis of novel imidazo[4′,5′:4,5]benzo[e][1,4]thiazepinones (4) and benzo[d]imidazolyl thiazolidinones (5) controlled by the nature of substitution effect of the reaction component. The one‐pot reaction of benzimidazole1, aromatic aldehyde2, and mercaptoacetic acid3leads to the formation of imidazo[4′,5′:4,5]benzo[e][1,4]thiazepinones (4) with electron‐donating groups as substitution on aromatic aldehyde while electron‐withdrawing substitutions produced benzo[d]imidazolyl thiazolidinones (5). The title compounds (4) and (5) were evaluated for their antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activities.
Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Some Novel Heterocycles Bearing Pyrazole Moiety
Authors: Sayed Galal H. , Azab Mohammad E. , Negm Nabil A. , Anwer Kurls E.
Published: May 2018

Enaminonitrile derivatives 1a and 1b were used as a versatile material for the synthesis of different heterocyclic compounds such as pyrazoloacetamide, pyrazolopyrimidinone, pyrazolobenzamide, pyrazolopyrimidines, pyrazolothiazinethione, pyrazolopyrimidinedithione, pyrazolocyanoacetamide, pyrazolopyrazole, tetrazolopyrazole, pyrazolotetrazolopyrimidine, and pyrazolotetrazolodiazepine derivatives, through the reaction with different electrophiles and nucleophiles. The newly synthesized compounds were tested against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, fungi, and two human tumor cell lines.
Transgelin-2 in immunity: Its implication in cell therapy
Authors: Jo Suin , Kim Hye-Ran , Mun YeVin , Jun Chang-Duk
Published: May 2018

Transgelin-2 is a small 22-kDa actin-binding protein implicated in actin dynamics, which stabilizes actin structures and participates in actin-associated signaling pathways. Much curiosity regarding transgelin-2 has centered around its dysregulation in tumor development and associated diseases. However, recent studies have shed new light on the functions of transgelin-2, the only transgelin family member present in leukocytes, in the context of various immune responses. In this review, we outlined the biochemical properties of transgelin-2 and its physiological functions in T cells, B cells, and macrophages. Transgelin-2 regulates T cell activation by stabilizing the actin cytoskeleton at the immunological synapse. Transgelin-2 in B cells also participates in the stabilization of T cell–B cell conjugates. While transgelin-2 is expressed at trace levels in macrophages, its expression is highly upregulated upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation and plays an essential role in macrophage phagocytosis. Since transgelin-2 increases T cell adhesion to target cells via boosting the "inside-out" costimulatory activation of leukocyte function-associated antigen 1, transgelin-2 could be a suitable candidate to potentiate the antitumor response of cytotoxic T cells by compensating for the lack of costimulation in tumor microenvironment. We discussed the feasibility of using native or engineered transgelin-2 as a synergistic molecule in cell-based immunotherapies, without inducing off-target disturbance in actin dynamics in other cells.

Transgelin-2, the only transgelin family member present in leukocytes, stabilizes actin structures and actively involves in the context of various immune responses.
AFM nano‐mechanical study of the beating profile of hiPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes beating bodies WT and DM1
Authors: Dinarelli S. , Girasole M. , Spitalieri P. , Talarico R.V. , Murdocca M. , Botta A. , Novelli G. , Mango R. , Sangiuolo F. , Longo G.
Published: May 2018

Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults, characterized by a variety of multisystemic features and associated with cardiac anomalies. Among cardiac phenomena, conduction defects, ventricular arrhythmias, and dilated cardiomyopathy represent the main cause of sudden death in DM1 patients. Patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) represent a powerful in vitro model for molecular, biochemical, and physiological studies of disease in the target cells. Here, we used an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to measure the beating profiles of a large number of cells, organized in CM clusters (Beating Bodies, BBs), obtained from wild type (WT) and DM1 patients. We monitored the evolution over time of the frequency and intensity of the beating. We determined the variations between different BBs and over various areas of a single BB, caused by morphological and biomechanical variations. We exploited the AFM tip to apply a controlled force over the BBs, to carefully assess the biomechanical reaction of the different cell clusters over time, both in terms of beating frequency and intensity. Our measurements demonstrated differences between the WT and DM1 clusters highlighting, for the DM1 samples, an instability which was not observed in WT cells. We measured differences in the cellular response to the applied mechanical stimulus in terms of beating synchronicity over time and cell tenacity, which are in good agreement with the cellular behavior in vivo. Overall, the combination of hiPSC‐CMs with AFM characterization can become a new tool to study the collective movements of cell clusters in different conditions and can be extended to the characterization of the BB response to chemical and pharmacological stimuli.
Molecular typing and whole genome next generation sequencing of human adenovirus 8 strains recovered from four 2012 outbreaks of keratoconjunctivitis in New York State
Authors: Lamson BS Daryl M. , Kajon Adriana E. , Shudt Matthew , Quinn Monica , Newman Alexandra , Whitehouse Joan , Greenko Jane , Adams Eleanor , St. George Kirsten
Published: May 2018

Ocular infections caused by human adenovirus (HAdV) are highly contagious. The most severe are usually caused by members of species HAdV‐D (types HAdV8, 19, 37, 53, 54, and 56) and can manifest as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), often resulting in prolonged impairment of vision. During the early months of 2012, EKC outbreaks occurred in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 3 hospitals in New York State (New York and Suffolk Counties). A total of 32 neonates were affected. For 14 of them, HAdV8 was laboratory‐confirmed as the causative agent. Nine healthcare workers were also affected with 3 laboratory‐confirmed, HAdV‐positive EKC. A fourth EKC outbreak was documented among patients attending a private ophthalmology practice in Ulster County involving a total of 35 cases. Epidemiological linkage between the neonatal intensive care unit outbreaks was demonstrated by molecular typing of virus isolates with restriction enzyme analysis and next generation whole genome sequencing. The strain isolated from the ophthalmology clinic was easily distinguishable from the others by restriction enzyme analysis.
Performance comparison of deep sequencing platforms for detecting HIV‐1 variants in the pol gene
Authors: Nicot Florence , Jeanne Nicolas , Raymond Stéphanie , Delfour Olivier , Carcenac Romain , Lefebvre Caroline , Sauné Karine , Delobel Pierre , Izopet Jacques
Published: May 2018

The present study compares the performances of an in‐house sequencing protocol developed on MiSeq, the Sanger method, and the 454 GS‐FLX for detecting and quantifying drug‐resistant mutations (DRMs) in the human immunodeficiency virus polymerase gene (reverse transcriptase [RT] and protease [PR]). MiSeq sequencing identified all the resistance mutations detected by bulk sequencing (n = 84). Both the MiSeq and 454 GS‐FLX platforms identified 67 DRMs in the RT and PR regions, but a further 25 DRMs were identified by only one or other of them. Pearson’s analysis showed good concordance between the percentage of drug‐resistant variants determined by MiSeq and 454 GS‐FLX sequencing (ρ = .77, P < .0001). The MiSeq platform is as accurate as the 454 GS‐FLX Roche system for determining RT and PR DRMs and could be used for monitoring human immunodeficiency virus type 1 drug resistance.
Timing of glacial retreat in the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland, conditioned by glacier size and topography
Authors: Tomkins Matt D. , Dortch Jason M. , Hughes Philip D. , Huck Jonny J. , Tonkin Toby N. , Barr Iestyn D.
Published: May 2018

Reconstructing the deglacial history of palaeo‐glaciers provides vital information on retreat processes, information which can inform predictions of the future behaviour of many of the world's glaciers. On this basis, this paper presents 170 Schmidt Hammer exposure ages from moraine boulders and glacially sculpted bedrock to reveal the post‐Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) history of the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland. These data suggest that large ice masses survived for 4–7 ka after retreat of the Irish Sea Ice Stream and were sustained by summit ice fields until ∼16.6 ka. Post‐LGM retreat was driven by climate and involved numerous short‐term ice front oscillations (≤1 ka), with widespread moraine deposition during Heinrich Stadial 1. In contrast, marked asynchroneity in the timing of Younger Dryas deglaciation is closely linked to snow redistribution which demonstrates the sensitivity of small cirque glaciers (≤1 km2) to local topography. This result has important implications for palaeoclimate reconstructions as cirque glacier dynamics may be (at least partly) decoupled from climate. This is further complicated by post‐depositional processes which can result in moraine ages (e.g. 10Be) which post‐date retreat. Future palaeoclimate studies should prioritize cirques where snow‐contributing areas are small and where post‐depositional disturbance of moraines is limited.
Analysis of the nexus between population, water resources and Global Food Security highlights significance of governance and research investments and policy priorities
Authors: Yunusa Isa AM , Zerihun Ayalsew , Gibberd Mark R
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Analyses of sensitivity of Global Food Security (FS) score to a key set of supply or demand factors often suggest population and water supply as being the most critical and on which policies tend to focus. To explore other policy options, we characterized the nexus between GFS and a set of supply or demand factors including population, agricultural and industrial water uses, agricultural publications (as a surrogate for investment in agricultural research and development (R&D)) and corruption perception index (CPI), to reveal opportunities for attaining enduring GFS.

RESULTS

We found that despite being the primary driver of demand for food, population showed no significant correlation with FS scores. Similarly, agricultural water use was poorly correlated with GFS scores, except in countries where evaporation exceeds precipitation and irrigation is significant. However, FS had a strong positive association with industrial water use as a surrogate for overall industrialization. Recent expansions in cultivated land area failed to yield concomitant improvements in FS score since such expansions have been mostly into marginal lands with low productivity and thus barely compensated for lands retired from cropping in several developed economies. However, FS was positively associated with agricultural R&D investments, as it was with the CPI scores. The apparent and relative strengths of these drivers on FS outcome amongst countries were in the order: industrial water‐use ≈ publication rate ≈ corruption perception ≫ agricultural water use > population.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that to enshrine enduring food security, policies should prioritize (1) increased R&D investments that address farmer needs and (2) governance mechanisms that promote accountability in both research and production value chains. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
An effective FoV restriction approach to mitigate VR sickness on mobile devices
Authors: Kim Sehoon , Lee Seungheon , Kala Nupur , Lee Jaesung , Choe Wonhee
Published: May 2018

It has been noted that restricting field of view (FoV) is effective to mitigate virtual reality (VR) sickness, but it is prone to reduce the immersiveness. We propose an effective FoV restriction approach to mitigate VR sickness on mobile devices. The proposed approach includes a practical and reliable method for measuring VR sickness and a method of effectively limiting the FoV on mobile VR devices. Experimental result shows that the proposed method reduces VR sickness by 31.4%. The method was successfully applied to a VR application.
Online travel behaviour across cohorts: The impact of social influences and attitude on hotel booking intention
Authors: Confente Ilenia , Vigolo Vania
Published: May 2018

Cohort theory suggests that each generation or cohort differs from others in terms of values and consumption behaviour, including travel behaviour. The literature on online travel behaviour has primarily focused on specific generations; less attention has been paid to cross‐generational research. Adopting the theory of reasoned action framework, this study explores the role of social influences and attitude on online hotel booking intentions across 4 cohorts: Generation Y, Generation X, baby boomers, and the silent generation. Based on a sample of 557 tourists, findings reveal significant differences among cohorts regarding intention to book online.
Making process ownership work: Evidence from a global Delphi study
Authors: Danilova Kjersti Berg
Published: May 2018

Process owners are a central element of business process management and process governance, but the role is highly demanding, and many organizations struggle with establishing effective process ownership. However, empirical research focusing on process owners remains scarce. The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of how organizations can make process ownership work. Through a global Delphi study with 2 expert panels consisting of academics and practitioners from 23 countries, this study generated a set of 20 capabilities required in order for process owners to succeed. This is the first study to look at managerial aspects of business process management through a global Delphi study. The findings extend the knowledge base of academics regarding process ownership and matrix organizations and inform the management of organizations. Implications for practice are important, for helping leaders successfully establish process ownership and as guidance for process owners.
Who uses sustainable land management practices and what are the costs and benefits? Insights from Kenya
Authors: Dallimer Martin , Stringer Lindsay C. , Orchard Steven E. , Osano Philip , Njoroge George , Wen Cheng , Gicheru Patrick
Published: May 2018

Suboptimal land management practices are degrading soils and undermining food production. Sustainable land management (SLM) practices can improve soil and enhance yields. This study identifies variations in SLM uptake, characterising farmers most likely to use SLM practices, identifying when it makes economic sense for farmers to implement particular SLM practices and how long it takes before benefits exceed costs. Using questionnaire data from farmers in western Kenya, we undertake a cost–benefit analysis and analyse determinants of SLM practice use. SLM implementation varied between counties and SLM practice(s), with household and farm characteristics, and access to assets and advice, playing a key role. SLM practices with high upfront and maintenance costs (e.g., terraces and agroforestry) offer low benefit‐to‐cost ratios for individual farmers who must also wait many years to break even on their investments. Nevertheless, over the policy‐relevant time horizon considered (to 2030), Net present value can be positive. Simple SLM practices (manuring and intercropping) have low input costs and offer high benefit to cost ratios, providing a positive net present value up to 2030. Findings suggest that simple practices should be prioritised within policy to improve soil and increase yields. These should be supported by subsidies or other economic measures, facilitating uptake of practices such as agroforestry, which can provide wider societal benefits (e.g., improved water retention and carbon sequestration). Economic mechanisms could be augmented with support for agricultural innovation systems, improved monitoring of land management and yield relationships, and investment in climate and soil information services.