bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL‐1β inhibits osteogenesis of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells by activating FoxD3/microRNA‐496 to repress wnt signaling
Authors: Huang Jian , Chen Liang
Published: May 2017

IL‐1β, a major cytokine of proinflammatory response, has been implicated in bone loss. However, its effects on mesenchymal progenitor cells‐associated bone regeneration remain elusive. Here, we investigated the role of microRNA for the regulation of osteogenesis by IL‐1β in human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSC). Our data suggested Homo sapiens (hsa)‐miR‐496 is induced by IL‐1β in hBMMSC and mediates the decreased β‐catenin expression. Reporter assays using the 3′‐UTR of β‐catenin demonstrated sequence‐dependent gene suppression with hsa‐miR‐496. IL‐1β activated hsa‐miR‐496 expression through a transcription factor, Foxhead box D3 protein (FoxD3). The activation of hsa‐miR‐496 promoter in hBMMSC depended on a consensus FoxD3 binding motif. Under osteogenic differentiation, IL‐1β treatment or overexpressing hsa‐miR‐496 attenuated bone mineralization and bone marker gene expressions in hBMMSC. Further, anti‐miR‐496 rescued the inhibitory effects of IL‐1β. Our findings suggest a pivotal role of hsa‐miR‐496 in linking inflammation to impaired bone regeneration, and provide a rationale for using appropriate hsa‐miR‐496 inhibitors in the treatment of inflammation‐associated bone loss.
Drought‐associated phenological changes of coastal marshes in Louisiana
Authors: Mo Yu , Kearney Michael , Momen Bahram
Published: May 2017

Drought poses serious threats to the valuable coastal marsh ecosystems, especially considering that the frequency, intensity, and acuteness of drought may increase with prospective climate change. We study the drought‐associated phenological changes of Louisiana coastal marshes through combining remote sensing‐derived phenological record (i.e., Landsat‐derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, or NDVI) and field‐based environmental data during the past 30 yr. We find that drought condition in southeast Louisiana is characterized by decreased discharge of the Mississippi River and reduced precipitation, which correlate with the continental weather patterns over the conterminous United States influenced by La Niña. The peak NDVI day of saline marshes delays for two months (P < 0.01), from mid‐July to mid‐September, and their growth duration consequently shortens for two months (P < 0.01) in drought years. Such phenological changes might result from the inhibition of the growth of Spartina alterniflora, a dominant species in saline marshes whose biomass peaks earlier than the coexisting species, perhaps due to reduced freshwater input and increased water deficit. Drought might also cause Spartina dieback via similar mechanisms. Our results underline the correlation between drought in southeast Louisiana and La Niña and highlight the sensitivity of saline marshes to drought, thereby providing valuable information for coastal marsh management and conservation facing climate change.
Synthesis and Characterization of Tris(bidentate) Ruthenium Complexes of Di(pyrid‐2‐yl)(methyl)amine
Authors: Wu Si‐Hai , Shao Jiang‐Yang , Dai Xiaojuan , Cui Xiuling , Su Hongmei , Zhong Yu‐Wu
Published: May 2017

Three tris(bidentate) monoruthenium complexes [Ru(dpma)(bpy)2](PF6)2 [1(PF6)2; dpma = di(pyrid‐2‐yl)(methyl)amine, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine], [Ru(dpma)2(bpy)](PF6)2 [2(PF6)2], and [Ru(dpma)3](PF6)2 [3(PF6)2] with the electron‐rich ligand dpma were synthesized and characterized. The single‐crystal X‐ray structures of 1(PF6)2 to 3(PF6)2 are presented. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of these complexes were examined and compared with those of the reference complex [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2. Complexes 1(PF6)2 to 3(PF6)2 show a decreased RuIII/II redox potential by 140–310 mV with respect to [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2. The strong emission property of [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2 is maintained in 1(PF6)2 and 2(PF6)2. However, complex 3(PF6)2 is only weakly emissive at room temperature. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT calculations were performed to complement these experimental results.
Titanium Imido Complexes by Displacement of –SiMe3 and C–H Bond Activation in a TiIII Amido Complex, Promoted by a Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino) Carbene (cAAC)
Authors: Ye Qing , Ziegler Micah S. , Lakshmi K. V. , Tilley T. Don
Published: May 2017

A strong σ‐donating cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (cAAC) triggers rearrangement of the silyl(aryl) amido ligand –N(SiMe3)Dipp (Dipp = 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) in the coordination sphere of titanium(III) to afford a novel zwitterionic titanium imido complex with a TiCH2SiMe2[cAAC] linkage. Reduction of this species produces a new DippN=Ti imido complex containing a cAAC‐centered radical species, characterized by single‐crystal diffraction analysis and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Catechol‐Based Ligands as Potential Metal Chelators Inhibiting Redox Activity in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Nguyen Michel , Meunier Bernard , Robert Anne
Published: May 2017

The loss of homeostasis of redox metal ions, namely, copper and iron, has been considered to be an important contributing factor in neuronal death observed in the brain of patients affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specific ligands able to regulate the homeostasis of copper and, to a lesser extent, iron ions in the brain have therefore been considered to be potential drugs for the treatment of AD. Herein, the synthesis and metal coordination properties of a series of ligands based on a bis(2,3‐dihydroxyalkylbenzamide) scaffold, which are potentially able to regulate the homeostasis of redox metal ions, are reported. These catechol‐based ligands exhibit high specific affinities for CuII and FeIII, and a lower affinity for ZnII, which indicates that they may interact with redox metal ions without disturbing the structural and dynamic role of zinc chelation in many proteins. These ligands inhibit the reduction of dioxygen induced by CuII–Aβ1–16, and this suggests that they may be able to efficiently reduce the oxidative stress induced by metal‐loaded amyloids in the AD brain.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Atorvastatin Calcium through Intramolecular Oxidative Oxygen‐Nucleophilic Bromocyclization
Authors: Wu Yan , Liu Min‐Jie , Huang Hai‐Qing , Huang Guan‐Xin , Xiong Fang‐Jun , Chen Fen‐Er
Published: May 2017

The stereocontrolled synthesis of atorvastatin calcium starting from commercially available d‐aspartic acid using an intramolecular oxidative oxygen‐nucleophilic bromocyclization of a homoallylic tert‐butyl carbonate is described. This strategy allows the formation of the chiral syn‐1,3‐diol moiety with the desired stereochemistry, and provides a functionalized bromomethyl group for the construction of the atorvastatin side‐chain with high regio‐ and diastereoselectivity. This route is attractive as it represents an efficient and environmentally sensitive approach to the large‐scale synthesis of statins and their analogues.
Concise Synthesis of Polycyclic Indoline Scaffolds through an InIII‐Catalyzed Formal [4+2] Annulation of 2,3‐Disubstituted Indoles with o‐Aminobenzyl Alcohols
Authors: Luo Mupeng , Chen Jianxin , Yu Linqian , Wei Wanguo
Published: May 2017

A concise indium(III)‐catalyzed annulation of 2,3‐disubstituted indoles with o‐aminobenzyl alcohols is reported. The in situ generated aza‐ortho‐quinone methides (aza‐oQMs) were efficiently trapped by diverse carbazoles in a formal [4+2] cycloaddition reaction catalyzed by indium(III) triflate, which provided rapid access to bridged polycyclic indoline alkaloid skeletons.
Organocatalytic Michael Addition of Indoles to α‐Substituted Enals by Using a Diazepane Carboxylate Catalyst
Authors: Larnaud Florent , Sulpizi Adamo , Häggman Nicklas O. , Hughes Jonathan M. E. , Dewez Damien F. , Gleason James L.
Published: May 2017

The conjugate addition of indoles to α‐substituted enals is achieved by using a diazepane carboxylate catalyst under mild conditions (20 mol‐% catalyst, 20 mol‐% TFA, acetonitrile, –20 °C). The low basicity and high nucleophilicity of this catalyst overcomes the limitations of allylic 1,3 strain in the intermediate iminium ions, which is normally observed with secondary‐amine catalysts. Conjugate addition of a series of substituted indoles as well as electron‐rich aromatics with a variety of α‐substituted enals is demonstrated.
Synthesis of 6‐Azaspiro[4.3]alkanes: Innovative Scaffolds for Drug Discovery
Authors: Chalyk Bohdan A. , Isakov Andrei A. , Butko Maryna V. , Hrebeniuk Kateryna V. , Savych Olena V. , Kucher Olexandr V. , Gavrilenko Konstantin S. , Druzhenko Tetiana V. , Yarmolchuk Vladimir S. , Zozulya Sergey , Mykhailiuk Pavel K.
Published: May 2017

New scaffolds for drug discovery, 6‐azaspiro[4.3]alkanes, have been synthesized in two steps from four‐membered‐ring ketones: cyclobutanone, thienone, N‐Boc‐azetidinone (Boc = tert‐butoxycarbonyl), etc. The key transformation was the reaction between electron‐deficient exocyclic alkenes and an in‐situ generated N‐benzylazomethine ylide.
Generalized and specific components of prejudice: The decomposition of intergroup context effects
Authors: Meeusen Cecil , Barlow Fiona Kate , Sibley Chris G.
Published: May 2017

Although different types of prejudice tend to be highly correlated, target‐specific and more generalized components can nevertheless be distinguished. Here, we analyze whether indicators of the intergroup context—threat, contact, and neighborhood composition—predict the target‐specific and/or generalized components of prejudice. Using data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (N = 4629), we build a multilevel model that captures the relationship between social dominance orientation, general levels of neighborhood heterogeneity, symbolic and realistic threat and cross‐group friendship (averaged across target groups), and generalized prejudice. Our model simultaneously estimates the relationship between target‐specific levels of these intergroup context indicators and target‐specific prejudice. Results indicated that social dominance orientation remained the strongest predictor of generalized prejudice when adjusting for other variables and that indicators of the intergroup context primarily explain differences between target group ratings. Aggregate levels of cross‐group friendship also had a small effect on generalized prejudice.
Purification of recombinant Aβ(1‐42) and pGlu‐Aβ(3‐42) using preparative SDS‐PAGE
Authors: Spahn Claudia , Wermann Michael , Eichentopf Rico , Hause Gerd , Schlenzig Dagmar , Schilling Stephan
Published: May 2017

Recombinant expression and purification of amyloid peptides represents a common basis for investigating the molecular mechanisms of amyloid formation and toxicity. However, the isolation of the recombinant peptides is hampered by inefficient separation from contaminants such as the fusion protein required for efficient expression in E. coli. Here, we present a new approach for the isolation of highly purified Aβ(1‐42) and pGlu‐Aβ(3‐42), which is based on a separation using preparative SDS‐PAGE. The method relies on the purification of the Aβ fusion protein by affinity chromatography followed by preparative SDS‐PAGE under reducing conditions and subsequent removal of detergents by precipitation. The application of preparative SDS‐PAGE represents the key step to isolate highly pure recombinant Aβ, which has been applied for characterization of aggregation and toxicity. Thereby, the yield of the purification strategy was  >60%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of an electrophoresis‐based method for purification of a recombinant Aβ peptide. Therefore, the method might be of interest for isolation of other amyloid peptides, which are critical for conventional purification strategies due to their aggregation propensity.
Designing an experimental rig for developing a fire severity model using numerical simulation
Authors: Moinuddin Khalid A. M. , Nguyen Trong Dac , Mahmud H. M. Iqbal
Published: May 2017

In this study, an experimental rig representing a deep enclosure was designed to be used to validate a CFD‐based fire model in predicting the outcome. The model then can be used for further study to investigate physical phenomenon within a deep enclosure and to develop an engineering fire severity (heat release rate, HRR, vs time vs position [1]) model. Two empirical models (the VU model [1] and Kawagoe model [2]) were used along with Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) in designing the experimental rig. For a specific‐sized enclosure, when the HRR was prescribed to the FDS as input from the VU model, it was accurately reproduced, while the HRR from the Kawagoe was used as the input, the FDS calculated much lower value. The experimental rig of that specific size was then built, and various parameters were measured from the tests with liquid fuel fire within this experimental rig. The measured HRR was prescribed into the FDS, and the FDS could reproduce HRR values well. However, the predicted temperature and radiation flux was not as good, especially when the flames were near the opening. This may be due to the tendency of flames over‐projecting outside the opening in FDS simulations.
Curing kinetics of a novolac resin modified with oxidized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Morales Arias J. P. , Agaliotis E. M. , Escobar M. M.
Published: May 2017

The influence of oxidized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (o‐MWCNTs) on the curing kinetics of a novolac resin was studied by means of non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry. Regarding the kinetics issues, the high concentration of hydroxyl groups on the o‐MWCNTs slightly modified the curing reaction of the novolac resin, shifting the differential scanning calorimetry exothermic peak to higher temperatures. The effective activation energy of the curing reaction was calculated by the isoconversional Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose method and increased by the presence of o‐MWCNTs with respect to neat novolac. This change was attributed to the increase of the material viscosity. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis revealed that nanocomposites samples containing 0.4 and 1.0 wt% o‐MWCNTs presented increased char yield values, indicating an improvement of flame retardancy.
Fermentation induced changes in volatile components of African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) seeds
Authors: Ohiri Reginald C. , Bassey Essien E.
Published: May 2017

Fermented African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) seed also referred to as “Ugba” is a known delicacy, mainly consumed by Africans. Human migration has also led to the introduction of this delicacy into most European and American countries. This study shows the changes in volatile components of African oil bean (P. macrophylla Benth) seed at different stages of fermentation. A quantity of 0.3 kg each of dehulled and sliced raw sample and cooked unfermented sample were separately ground, while 2 and 4 days fermented samples obtained by inoculating 0.6 kg of cooked, sliced and washed sample with 0.5 g of 4 days fermented seed was divided into two of 0.3 kg each and ground at the second and fourth day of fermentation. GC‐MS analyses of the volatile components showed 9,12‐Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)‐ and its esters as highest in raw seed, with total percentage concentration of 96.301, while 9‐Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (E)‐ was highest in cooked unfermented seed, with percentage concentration 55.204. Phenol, 2‐methoxy‐3‐(2‐propenyl)‐ and its esters were the highest observed in cooked 2 days fermented seed, with total percentage concentration of 50.596, while 9‐Octadecenoic acid (Z)‐, methyl ester was highest in cooked 4 days fermented seed with percentage concentration of 67.788. Aside from softening the delicacy, a 4 days chance fermentation of cooked P. macrophylla Benth seed also reduces the eight component lipids present in the cooked unfermented seed to a more nutriceutical three component lipids (Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 9‐Octadecenoic acid (Z)‐methyl ester and Methyl stearate).
Coral reefs near the Eocene–Oligocene boundary in the northern Transylvanian Basin, Romania: Composition and paleoenvironmental interpretation
Authors: Król Jan J. , Kołodziej Bogusław , Bucur Ioan I.
Published: May 2017

Eocene–Oligocene reefs have been reported in Europe largely from the circum‐Mediterranean region. In this paper, small coral reefs from the northwestern Transylvanian Basin (Romania) are described for the first time. They developed near the Eocene–Oligocene boundary, most probably during the Priabonian, and belong to northernmost outposts of the reef belt developed during this time in Europe. The studied sedimentary successions in Letca and Băbeni–Cuciulat (Sălaj County), up to 55 m thick, belong to the Cozla Formation. The reefs occur within a shallow‐water succession composed mostly of bedded limestones, dominated by bioclastic (coralline) packstones. Low‐relief (constratal) reefs, locally up to 10–15 m in thickness, are spaced cluster (matrix‐supported) reefs. Scleractinian corals are common but poorly diversified (10 species and 8 genera). Branching ramose colonies, branching low‐integrated phaceloid, and sheet‐like (foliaceous) corals dominate. Neither lateral zonation nor vertical succession of reefs was recognized. Corals co‐occur with encrusting and geniculate red algae, but they are of subordinate significance for a nonrigid reef framework. Branching corals baffled or trapped suspended carbonate mud that contributed to the reef growth and ongoing development of topographic relief. Associated fossils are of low to moderate diversity. A relatively low‐energy environment, moderate to high sedimentation rate, and increased turbidity are inferred from carbonate muddy and fine‐grained matrix, dominance of sediment‐resistant corals, their morphology, common occurrence in growth position, as well as low to moderate degree of bioerosion and encrustation. Transylvanian reefs in terms of poor coral diversity, matrix‐supported texture, and turbid‐water sedimentary setting show similarities with many coeval reefs from the circum‐Tethyan area.
Enrichment of iron ores by folding in the BIF‐hosted deposit: A case study from the Archean Qian'an iron deposit, North China Craton
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Han Xin , Gao Xinlei , Geng Xiaolei , Chen Xiaoyu , Liu Junlai
Published: May 2017

As part of the Archean greenstone belt, the Qian'an iron deposit is a typical banded iron formation (BIF)‐hosted iron deposit in the North China Craton. The BIF iron orebodies, together with Archean host rocks, have experienced multiphase metamorphism and plastic deformation. Folds, especially large‐scale synclines, played the most important role in the enrichment and preservation of the Qian'an BIF iron deposit. Exploration and mining reveal that orebodies in the deposit are located in the cores of folds. Structural analysis of the BIF ores suggests that rocks and minerals show obvious plasticity and tend to form types II and III folds of the Ramsay fold classification in the early stage of high temperature deformations (granulite facies), whereas type Ib parallel folds and sometimes type Ic folds are widely developed in the late stage of relatively low temperature deformations (e.g., amphibolite facies). Hand specimens of different types of folded iron ores are investigated with respect to their thickening coefficients, dimensional fabrics and lattice‐preferred orientation fabrics, to find out the characteristics and variation of folded layers, and the importance of iron enrichment during formation of different types of folds. Our studies prove that folding in Qian'an ore deposit occurred under different deformation conditions and thus led to various degrees of enrichment of magnetite. Among them, the type III folds have the most important significance to the enrichment of magnetite. Thickening coefficient analysis shows that the thicknesses of the quartz layers remain relatively constant, and those of the magnetite layers vary evidently during folding. It is concluded that the quartz‐rich layers dominate the deformation as competent layers, and magnetite‐rich layers as relatively weak and passive layers. In addition, the EBSD (Electron Back‐Scattered Diffraction) technique is applied to analyze the dimensional and crystallographic fabrics of both quartz and magnetite grains in folded BIF ores. The quartz <0001> and magnetite <001> fabrics of samples from the cores and limbs of the different types of folds show complex orientation patterns related to plastic deformation superposition. It is shown that the EBSD analysis is a very effective technique analyzing dimensional and crystallographic fabrics of deformed iron ores.
Diagenesis and reservoir quality in tight gas sandstones: The fourth member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation, Central Sichuan Basin, Southwest China
Authors: Lai Jin , Wang Guiwen , Cai Chao , Fan Zhuoying , Wang Shuchen , Chen Jing , Luo Guanxing
Published: May 2017

Mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemical analyses were performed to investigate the sandstone composition and texture, pore system, and diagenetic minerals of Upper Triassic sandstones in the Central Sichuan Basin, Southwest China. The results show that authigenic quartz, clay minerals, and carbonates are the main pore‐filling constituents. The pore systems consist of intergranular porosity, secondary porosity, microporosity, and microfractures. Loss of depositional porosity is greater due to compaction than to cementation. Eodiagenesis includes mechanical compaction, precipitation of early calcite cements, kaolinite, and smectite, and leaching of feldspars by meteoric water. Mesodiagenesis consists of compaction, framework grain dissolution, and subsequent precipitation of illite, quartz, and late carbonate cements. Six lithofacies were identified on the basis of petrographic analyses, namely, (a) argillaceous sandstones; (b) poorly sorted sandstones; (c) quartz‐cemented sandstones; (d) carbonate‐cemented sandstones; (e) clay‐mineral‐cemented sandstones, and (f) clean sandstones with abundant secondary porosity. The best reservoir‐quality rocks have high percentages of detrital quartz but low percentages of matrix, quartz, and carbonate cement. Differences in textural and compositional attributes of various lithofacies significantly affect porosity‐depth trends. The diagenetic evolution pathways and reservoir‐quality prediction models of various lithofacies are reconstructed by integrated petrographic data. This work provides insights into describing the different lithofacies by petrographic analysis and helps to investigate how detrital composition and texture influence the diagenesis and reservoir quality evolution in tight gas sandstones.
Seasonal wind patterns influence the configuration and geomorphology of insular reef systems: Yongxing Island, Xisha Islands, China
Authors: Shen Jian‐Wei , Johnson Markes E. , Fu Feixue , Wang Yue , Jin Yongbin
Published: May 2017

Yongxing Island is a coral reef island formed by the growth and accumulation of corals and other skeletal fragments on a reef platform. The reef flat is developed around the entire island. The southeast reef flat and the north and northwest reef flat are asymmetrical in proportions, showing significant differences in reef‐flat width, patterns of sedimentary and ecological zonation, fore‐reef slope gradients, and submarine geomorphic features. Through application of an underwater survey, measurements and statistics were recorded on the extensional pattern of the Yongxing reef platform, the reef pool, and the spur–groove systems incised on the reef crests and forereefs. It is demonstrated that the Yongxing reef platform is an irregular ovoid in form with a distinct NW‐SE elongation that includes gently and steeply sloping forereefs and fore‐reef slopes. A gradual transition to the deep sea basin occurs in the southeast part of the Yongxing reef platform, whereas a steep forereef and fore‐reef slope that rapidly transition to the deep‐water basin are more characteristic of the north and northwest sectors of the Yongxing reef platform. The width of the reef platform in the southeast direction is much greater than that in the northwest direction. Correspondingly, the developmental pattern of the north and northwest reef crest and forereef is different from that of the southeast reef crests and forereefs. The southeast reef crest and forereef are characterized by reef pools with various shapes, different water depths, and discontinuous tidal channels on the outer reef flat. In contrast, the north and northwest reef crest and forereef developed a typical spur‐and‐groove system. The former is related to coral reef growth and construction, whereas the latter is shaped by wave or tide flow scouring that contributes to substrate erosion. Similar geomorphic features are known from examples of Indian‐Pacific and Caribbean‐Atlantic reef crests and forereefs, but the occurrence of such features in different parts of the same reef platform provides a new example of reef crest and forereef development. The differences in slope gradient of forereef and fore‐reef slopes (gentle vs. steep in transition), the development of contrasting submarine platform widths in different directions, as well as other submarine geomorphic features on reef crests and forereefs around the reef flats of Yongxing Island may be related to the confluence of several factors. These include the tectonic uplift of reef platform, the island's initial underwater topography, the windward and leeward positions, the direction and strength of winter and summer monsoon, the sea‐water dynamics, and the substrate characteristics related to coral reef growth.
Recognition of a Devonian‐early Mississippian plutonic belt in the eastern Beishan area, Northwest China, and its tectonic implications
Authors: Zhang Wen , Pease Victoria , Meng Qingpeng , Zheng Rongguo , Wu Tairan
Published: May 2017

The Beishan area, located in the southernmost part of the Central Asia Orogenic Belt, is crucial for understanding the tectonic evolution associated with the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. One intermediate and two granitic plutons from the eastern Beishan area between Mingshui–Shibanjing–Xiaohuangshan (MSX) and Niujuanzi–Xichangjing (NX) ophiolitic belts, including Tongchangkou gabbroic diorite, Northern Tongchangkou and Sandaomingshui plutons, are dated at 426 ± 3, 408 ± 2, and 365 ± 2 Ma by SIMS U–Pb zircon analyses. The Middle Silurian Tongchangkou gabbroic diorites with medium‐K calc‐alkaline metaluminous characteristics represent volcanic arc rocks. The Early Devonian Northern Tongchangkou pluton, a highly evolved calc‐alkaline mylonitic monzogranite with low εNd(t), −3.5 and −2.4, and relatively low initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.707095 and 0.707249), was mainly derived from Mesoproterozoic mafic to intermediate igneous protolith and shows both volcanic arc and postcollisional characteristics. The Late Devonian Sandaomingshui pluton, a calc‐alkaline granite with slightly positive εNd(t), 0.6 and 0.9, and low (87Sr/86Sr)t, 0.705543 and 0.705851, is likely from a more depleted source and represents a volcanic arc granite. Combined with previous studies of Late Paleozoic granites, we find that the widely distributed Permian granites in Central Asia Orogenic Belt are absent between MSX and NX ophiolitic belts. Given the regional geology, we conclude that the back‐arc basin represented by the NX ophiolitic belt closed during Early Devonian and afterward, flat subduction of the oceanic basin represented by the MSX ophiolitic belt occurred. It also indicates that the oceanic crust was still being produced in the Paleo‐Asian Ocean during the early Carboniferous.
Individual survival curves comparing subjective and observed mortality risks
Authors: Bissonnette Luc , Hurd Michael D. , Michaud Pierre‐Carl
Published: May 2017

We compare individual survival curves constructed from objective (actual mortality) and elicited subjective information (probability of survival to a given target age). We develop a methodology to estimate jointly subjective and objective individual survival curves accounting for rounding on subjective reports of perceived survival. We make use of the long follow‐up period in the Health and Retirement Study and the high quality of mortality data to estimate individual survival curves that feature both observed and unobserved heterogeneity. This allows us to compare objective and subjective estimates of remaining life expectancy for various groups and compare welfare effects of objective and subjective mortality risk using the life cycle model of consumption. We find that subjective and objective hazards are not the same. The median welfare loss from misperceptions of mortality risk when annuities are not available is 7% of current wealth at age 65 whereas more than 25% of respondents have losses larger than 60% of wealth. When annuities are available and exogenously given, the welfare loss is substantially lower.
Evaporation and the subcanopy energy environment in a flooded forest
Authors: Allen Scott T. , Reba Michele L. , Edwards Brandon L. , Keim Richard F.
Published: May 2017

The combination of tree canopy cover and a free water surface makes the subcanopy environment of flooded forested wetlands unlike other aquatic or terrestrial systems. Subcanopy vapour fluxes and energy budgets represent key controls on water level and understorey climate but are not well understood. In a permanently flooded forest in south‐eastern Louisiana, USA, an energy balance approach was used to address (a) whether evaporation from floodwater under a forest canopy is solely energy limited and (b) how energy availability was modulated by radiation and changes in floodwater heat storage. A 5‐month continuous measurement period (June–November) was used to sample across seasonal changes in canopy activity and temperature regimes. Over this period, the subcanopy airspace was humid, maintaining saturation vapour pressure for 28% of the total record. High humidity coupled with the thermal inertia of surface water altered both seasonal and diel energy exchanges, including atypical phenomena such as frequent day‐time vapour pressure gradients towards the water surface. Throughout the study period, nearly all available energy was partitioned to evaporation, with minimal sensible heat exchange. Monthly mean evaporation ranged from 0.7 to 1.7 mm/day, peaking in fall when canopy senescence allowed greater radiation transmission; contemporaneous seasonal temperature shifts and a net release of stored heat from the surface water resulted in energy availability exceeding net radiation by 30% in October and November. Relatively stable energy partitioning matches Priestley–Taylor assumptions for a general model of evaporation in this ecosystem.
Quantification of cloud water interception in the canopy vegetation from fog gauge measurements
Authors: Domínguez Christian Gonzalo , García Vera Miguel Francisco , Chaumont Cédric , Tournebize Julien , Villacís Marcos , d'Ozouville Noemi , Violette Sophie
Published: May 2017

With changes in climate looming, quantifying often‐overlooked components of the canopy water budget, such as cloud water interception (CWI), is increasingly important. Commonly, CWI quantification requires detailed continuous measurements, which is extremely challenging, especially when throughfall is included. In this study, we propose a simplified approach to estimate CWI using the Rutter‐type interception model, where CWI inputs in the canopy vegetation are proportional to fog interception measured by an artificial fog gauge. The model requires the continuous acquisition of meteorological variables as input and calibration datasets. Throughfall measurements below the forest are used only for calibration and validation of the model; thus, CWI estimates can be provided even after the cessation of throughfall monitoring. This approach provides an indirect and undemanding way to quantify CWI by vegetation and allows the identification of its controlling factors, which could be useful to the comparison of CWI in contrasting land covers. The method is applied on a 2‐year dataset collected in an endemic highland forest of San Cristobal Island (Galapagos). Our results show that CWI reaches 21% ± 6% of the total water input during the first year, and 9% ± 2% during the second one. These values represent 32% ± 10% and 17% ± 5% of water inputs during the cool foggy season of the first and second year, respectively. The difference between seasons is attributed to a lower fog liquid water during the second season.
Reassessing the validity of the attachment Q‐sort: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Cadman Tim , Diamond Peter R. , Fearon Pasco
Published: May 2017

A 2004 meta‐analysis reported good validity for the observer attachment Q‐sort (AQS), but poor validity for the parental self‐report version. Despite this, the self‐report AQS is still widely used, with researchers arguing that providing additional training can improve its validity. The aim of this study was to update the 2004 meta‐analysis. Two hundred forty‐five studies from 1987 to 2016 were included (n = 32,426). Separate meta‐analyses were conducted to examine validity and reliability. The observer AQS showed moderate convergent validity with the Strange Situation Procedure (r = .25; r = .39 for long observation periods) and good predictive validity in terms of associations with sensitivity (r = .32). It showed a relatively weak association with infant temperament (r = .21), suggesting some discriminant validity. The self‐report version showed comparable convergent validity with Strange Situation Procedure (r = .18), but significantly weaker correlations with sensitivity (r = .25) and stronger correlations with temperament (r = .33). There was no evidence that providing additional training improved the validity of the self‐report version. This study corroborates the previous finding that the observer AQS is a valid measure of infant attachment, especially after long periods of observation. The self‐report version showed significantly weaker discriminant and predictive validity.

Highlights

The aim of the study was to update the 2004 meta‐analysis assessing the validity of the attachment Q‐Sort (AQS).

This study broadly replicated the findings of the previous meta-analysis, showing that the observer AQS is a valid measure of attachment.

Caution should be shown in using the self-report AQS due to its comparatively weaker predictive and discriminate validity.
Intestinal epithelial suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) impacts on mucosal homeostasis in a model of chronic inflammation
Authors: Shaw Elisabeth J. , Smith Emily E. , Whittingham‐Dowd Jayde , Hodges Matthew D. , Else Kathryn J. , Rigby Rachael J.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is a tumour suppressor, limiting intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) proliferation in acute inflammation, and tumour growth, but little is known regarding its role in mucosal homeostasis. Resistance to the intestinal helminth Trichuris muris relies on an “epithelial escalator” to expel the parasite. IEC turnover is restricted by parasite‐induced indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO).

Methods

Mice with or without conditional knockout of SOCS3 were infected with T. muris. Crypt depth, worm burden, and proliferating cells and IDO were quantified. SOCS3 knockdown was also performed in human IEC cell lines.

Results

Chronic T. muris infection increased expression of SOCS3 in wild‐type mice. Lack of IEC SOCS3 led to a modest increase in epithelial turnover. This translated to a lower worm burden, but not complete elimination of the parasite suggesting a compensatory mechanism, possibly IDO, as seen in SOCS3 knockdown.

Conclusions

We report that SOCS3 impacts on IEC turnover following T. muris infection, potentially through enhancement of IDO. IDO may dampen the immune response which can drive IEC hyperproliferation in the absence of SOCS3, demonstrating the intricate interplay of immune signals regulating mucosal homeostasis, and suggesting a novel tumour suppressor role of SOCS3.
Aflatoxin B1 exposure increases the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers
Authors: Chu Yu‐Ju , Yang Hwai‐I , Wu Hui‐Chen , Liu Jessica , Wang Li‐Yu , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Lee Mei‐Hsuan , Jen Chin‐Lan , You San‐Lin , Santella Regina M. , Chen Chien‐Jen
Published: May 2017

The relation between aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and cirrhosis in chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains inconclusive. This case‐control study nested in a large community‐based cohort aimed to assess the effect of AFB1 exposure on cirrhosis and HCC in chronic HBV carriers. Serum AFB1‐albumin adduct levels at study entry were measured in 232 cirrhosis cases, 262 HCC cases and 577 controls. Multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using logistic regression. Among all chronic HBV carriers, the time intervals between study entry and diagnosis of HCC, cirrhosis, cirrhotic HCC, and non‐cirrhotic HCC were all significantly (p < 0.0001) shorter in participants with high serum levels of AFB1‐albumin adducts than those with low/undetectable levels. There were significant dose‐response relations with serum AFB1‐albumin adduct level at study entry for cirrhosis (p‐trend = 0.0001) and cirrhotic HCC (p‐trend < 0.0001) newly diagnosed within 9 years after entry as well as non‐cirrhotic HCC (p‐trend = 0.021) newly diagnosed within 4 years after entry. The aORs (95% CIs) for high versus undetectable serum AFB1‐albumin adduct levels were 2.45 (1.51–3.98) for cirrhosis (p = 0.0003), 5.47 (2.20–13.63) for cirrhotic HCC (p = 0.0003), and 5.39 (1.11–26.18) for non‐cirrhotic (p = 0.0368) HCC, respectively. There remained a significant dose‐response relation between serum AFB1‐albumin adduct level and HCC risk (p‐trend = 0.0291) in cirrhosis patients, showing an aOR (95% CI) of 3.04 (1.11–8.30) for high versus undetectable serum levels (p = 0.0299). It is concluded that AFB1 exposure may increase the risk of cirrhosis and HCC in a dose‐response manner among chronic HBV carriers.
Genetic variants in the genes encoding rho GTPases and related regulators predict cutaneous melanoma‐specific survival
Authors: Liu Shun , Wang Yanru , Xue William , Liu Hongliang , Xu Yinghui , Shi Qiong , Wu Wenting , Zhu Dakai , Amos Christopher I. , Fang Shenying , Lee Jeffrey E. , Hyslop Terry , Li Yi , Han Jiali , Wei Qingyi
Published: May 2017

Rho GTPases control cell division, motility, adhesion, vesicular trafficking and phagocytosis, which may affect progression and/or prognosis of cancers. Here, we investigated associations between genetic variants of Rho GTPases‐related genes and cutaneous melanoma‐specific survival (CMSS) by re‐analyzing a published melanoma genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and validating the results in another melanoma GWAS. In the single‐locus analysis of 36,018 SNPs in 129 Rho‐related genes, 427 SNPs were significantly associated with CMSS (p < 0.050 and false‐positive report probability <0.2) in the discovery dataset, and five SNPs were replicated in the validation dataset. Among these, four SNPs (i.e., RHOU rs10916352 G > C, ARHGAP22 rs3851552 T > C, ARHGAP44 rs72635537 C > T and ARHGEF10 rs7826362 A > T) were independently predictive of CMSS (a meta‐analysis derived p = 9.04 × 10−4, 9.58 × 10−4, 1.21 × 10−4 and 8.47 × 10−4, respectively). Additionally, patients with an increasing number of unfavorable genotypes (NUGs) of these loci had markedly reduced CMSS in both discovery dataset and validation dataset (ptrend=1.47 × 10−7 and 3.12 × 10−5). The model including the NUGs and clinical variables demonstrated a significant improvement in predicting the five‐year CMSS. Moreover, rs10916352C and rs3851552C alleles were significantly associated with an increased mRNA expression levels of RHOU (p = 1.8 × 10−6) and ARHGAP22 (p = 5.0 × 10−6), respectively. These results may provide promising prognostic biomarkers for CM personalized management and treatment.
Association study of genetic variation in DNA repair pathway genes and risk of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yuan , Chahal Harvind S. , Wu Wenting , Cho Hyunje G. , Ransohoff Katherine J. , Song Fengju , Tang Jean Y. , Sarin Kavita Y. , Han Jiali
Published: May 2017

DNA repair plays a critical role in protecting the genome from ultraviolet radiation and maintaining the genomic integrity of cells. Genetic variants in DNA repair‐related genes can influence an individual's DNA repair capacity, which may be related to the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC). We comprehensively assessed the associations of 2,965 independent single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 165 DNA repair pathway genes with BCC risk in a genome‐wide association meta‐analysis totaling 17,187 BCC cases and 287,054 controls from two data sets. After multiple testing corrections, we identified three SNPs (rs2805831 upstream of XPA: OR = 0.93, P = 1.35 × 10−6; rs659857 in exon of MUS81: OR = 1.06, P = 3.09 × 10−6 and rs57343616 in 3′ UTR of NABP2: OR = 1.11, P = 6.47 × 10−6) as significantly associated with BCC risk in meta‐analysis, and all of them were nominally significant in both data sets. Furthermore, rs659857 [T] was significantly associated with decreased expression of MUS81 mRNA in the expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis. Our findings suggest that the inherited common variation in three DNA repair genes—XPA, MUS81 and NABP2—may be involved in the development of BCC. To our knowledge, our study is the first report thoroughly examining the effects of SNPs across DNA repair pathway genes on BCC risk based on a genome‐wide association meta‐analysis.
HMGA2 plays an important role in Cr (VI)‐induced autophagy
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhao Lian , Mei Dan , Jiang Liping , Geng Chengyan , Li Qiujuan , Yao Xiaofeng , Liu Yong , Kong Ying , Cao Jun
Published: May 2017

Cr (VI) is mutagenic and carcinogenic, but the mechanism is unclear. In this study, the involvement of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) in Cr (VI)‐induced autophagy was investigated. Cr (VI) treatment induced formation of autophagosomes, increased expression of LC3II, Atg12‐Atg5, Atg4, Atg10, HMGA1 and HMGA2 proteins, and decreased the expression of p62 in A549 cells. Silencing of HMGA2 gene by siRNA blocked Cr (VI)‐induced formation of autophagosomes, expression of LC3II, Atg12‐Atg5, Atg10 and reduction of p62. Overexpression of HMGA2 in HEK 293 and HeLa cells could induce the expression of LC3II, Atg12‐Atg5 and Atg10, and decrease the expression of p62. Although the protein level of Atg12‐Atg5 conjugation changed after Cr (VI) treatment, silencing of HMGA2 and overexpression of HMGA2, both the proteins and mRNA levels of Atg12 and Atg5 were not changed significantly. ChIP assay demonstrated that HMGA2 protein directly bound to the promoter sequence of Atg10 gene, which modulated the conjugation of Atg12‐Atg5. Interestingly, 3‐MA markedly prevented Cr (VI)‐induced cell growth of A549 cells. Our further in vivo study confirmed that the expression of HMGA1, HMGA2, LC3II, Atg12‐Atg5, Atg4, Atg5, Atg7, Atg10, Atg12, Beclin 1 were increased and p62 was reduced in lung tissues of Cr (VI)‐treated BALB/c mice. Combining, our data demonstrated that HMGA2 plays an important role in Cr (VI)‐induced autophagy and the mechanism underlies Atg12‐Atg5 conjugation modulated by HMGA2‐dependent transcriptional regulation of Atg10. This suggests that HMGA2 might be an important biomarker in Cr (VI)‐induced autophagy, cell‐growth or other toxicities.
Estimating the economic costs of organized crime by synthetic control methods
Authors: Becker Martin , Klößner Stefan
Published: May 2017

The economic costs of organized crime have been estimated for the case of southern Italy by Pinotti (Economic Journal 2015; 125, F203–F232, 2015): using synthetic control methods, he finds that, due to the advent of the Italian Mafia in the regions Apulia and Basilicata, GDP per capita dropped by 16%. Replicating this study in a narrow sense by estimating the same model with the same data, but using different software implementations, we observe minor differences stemming from the different implementations. By identifying the correct implementation, we find that the loss in GDP per capita due to the presence of the Mafia has been slightly overestimated.
Anti‐inflammatory, anti‐osteoclastic, and antioxidant activities of genistein protect against alveolar bone loss and periodontal tissue degradation in a mouse model of periodontitis
Authors: Bhattarai Govinda , Poudel Sher Bahadur , Kook Sung‐Ho , Lee Jeong‐Chae
Published: May 2017

Genistein, a dietary polyphenol primarily found in soy products, has beneficial effects on bone. However, the effect of genistein on inflammatory periodontal destruction has not been investigated in detail. We explored whether genistein protects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/ligature‐induced periodontitis in mice. We also examined the effect of genistein on LPS‐stimulated inflammatory and oxidative stress using RAW 264.7 macrophages and human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs). The results from μCT and histological analyses revealed that intraperitoneal injection of genistein (20 mg/kg body weight) daily for three weeks inhibited LPS‐mediated alveolar bone loss and periodontal tissue degradation. The administration of genistein also inhibited osteoclast formation and the expression of inflammation‐related molecules in the inflamed region of mice with periodontitis. Treatment with 30–70 μM genistein significantly prevented osteoclast differentiation in receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand‐ or LPS‐stimulated macrophages by suppressing the expression of osteoclast‐specific molecules. The addition of genistein led to a dose‐dependent inhibition of the expression of inflammation‐related molecules both in LPS‐stimulated macrophages and hGFs. In addition, genistein at 50 μM protected hGFs from LPS‐mediated stresses such as mitochondrial impairment and cellular ROS accumulation. However, such protection was significantly diminished by combined treatment with 25 nM bafilomycin A1, a chemical autophagy inhibitor. Collectively, our results indicate that genistein protects against inflammatory periodontal damage by regulating autophagy induction and inhibiting osteoclast activation, the production of inflammation mediators, and mitochondrial oxidative damage. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2510–2521, 2017.
Analysis of cytotoxic effects of chlorhexidine gluconate as antiseptic agent on human blood lymphocytes
Authors: Salimi Ahmad , Alami Bahare , Pourahmad Jalal
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) on human blood lymphocytes as a useful ex vivo model for accelerated human toxicity studies. Using biochemical and flow cytometry assessments, we demonstrated that addition of CHG at 1 μM concentration to human blood lymphocytes induced cytotoxicity following 6 h. The CHG‐induced cytotoxicity on human blood lymphocytes was associated with intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, lysosomal membrane injury, lipid peroxidation, and depletion of glutathione. According to our results, CHG triggers oxidative stress and organelles damages in lymphocytes which are important cells in defense against foreign agents. Finally our findings suggest that using of antioxidants and mitochondrial/lysosomal protective agents could be of benefit for the people in the exposure with CHG.