bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miRNAs in nutrition, obesity, and cancer: The biology of miRNAs in metabolic disorders and its relationship with cancer development
Authors: del Carmen Martínez‐Jiménez Verónica , Méndez‐Mancilla Alejandro , Patricia Portales‐Pérez Diana 
Published: June 2017

ScopeThe scope of this review is to explain how metabolic disorders originated by a deficient nutrition can develop into a neoplastic process by the alteration of epigenetic mechanisms like miRNAs. Obesity is a proinflammatory state with a wide impact on health around the world that is associated with neoplastic diseases. Epigenetic mechanisms have a central role in the obesogenic environment, which participates on the development of comorbidities such as cancer.Methods and resultsWe made an exhaustive review of the most recent reports about metabolic disorders with nutrition and their relationship with miRNAs, and their risk of developing into oncogenic processes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as one of the major epigenetic mechanisms that can affect the metabolic reprogramming of cellular metabolism that plays an important role in the oncogenic process. There is evidence that some foods may contribute to diminishing the risk of cancer as well as epidemiological studies that support the notion that diets high in animal protein and fat promote cancer risk. Therefore, diets high in fruit and vegetables reduce the risk of cancer. One of the principal explanations is that these foods contain bioactive compounds that increase the efficacy of epigenetic mechanisms, which in turn decrease the risk of obesity and its comorbidities.ConclusionIn this review, we show how miRNAs are implicated in several signaling pathways as well as illustrating some bioactive compounds that impact inflammation and cancer development.
Tailoring Polymer Molecular Weight Distribution and Multimodality in RAFT Polymerization Using Tube Reactor with Recycle
Authors: Xiang Liang , Wang Wen‐Jun , Li Bo‐Geng , Zhu Shiping 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSolution reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of butyl acrylate in 50 wt% toluene, initiated with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile and mediated with 3‐benzyltrithiocarbonyl propionic acid, is carried out in a tube reactor of 1.65 mm inner diameter. The tube reactor is operated in three modes: batch tube reactor (inlet and outlet closed, recycle open), continuous tube reactor (inlet and outlet open, recycle closed), and loop tube reactor (inlet, outlet, and recycle all open). The effects of inlet and outlet flow rates, residence time, and recycle ratio on the polymerization rate and polymer molecular weight distribution (MWD) are systematically investigated. The dynamic and steady state kinetics of the three modes of operation are analyzed and compared. Polymer samples having multimodal MWD are generated using the loop reactor. It is found that the MWD and multimodality can be readily controlled by residence time (τ) and recycle ratio.
Density functional theory calculations of helium clustering in mono‐, di‐, and hexa‐vacancy in silicon
Authors: Pizzagalli Laurent , David Marie‐Laure , Dérès Julien 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCombining classical molecular dynamics and first‐principles DFT calculations, we perfom an extensive investigation of low energy configurations for complexes in silicon. The optimal helium fillings are hence determined for , , and (figure on the right), and the structures formed by helium atoms arrangements in the vacancy defect are analyzed. For and , the He atoms structure is mainly controled by the host silicon matrix, whereas a high density helium packing is obtained for . For the latter, we estimate a helium density of about 170 He nm−3 in the center of the hexa‐vacancy at the optimal helium filling.Relaxed structures obtained from DFT calculations for configurations with the lowest formation energies: (a) , (b) , and (c) .
Sustainable Redox Chemistry Route to Multifaceted Fe‐Pd Heteronanostructure: Delving into the Synergistic Influence in Catalysis
Authors: Pramanik Sujata , Das Manash R. , Das Dipankar , Das Pankaj 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe biomimetic concept to decipher the ‘enigma of metalloenzymes’ in integrating two metals in designing a heteronanostructure with multifunctional attributes seems inspiring. In this pursuit, we report a versatile route to Fe−Pd heteronanostructure based on the redox chemistry utilizing the galvanic potentials of the metals, in lieu of an external reducing agent used so far. The synergism between two metal centers has been delved into for multifaceted catalytic applications. The synthesized nanomaterial has been extensively characterized by techniques such as UV‐Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM‐EDX, HRTEM, BET, VSM, ICP and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The formation of the heteronanostructure with Fe and Pd is clearly evident from HRTEM image and EDS mapping analysis. Mössbauer spectra are consistent with the superparamagnetic nature of the material. Fe−Pd heteronanostructure showed excellent aqueous‐phase catalytic activities for Suzuki coupling reactions with challenging substrates like heteroaryl bromides and aryl chlorides, and reductions of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol and Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Interestingly, in all the three catalytic reactions, Fe−Pd heteronanostructure showed superior activity over its monometallic counterpart substantiating to the cooperative influence of the two metals. Low catalyst loading, shorter reaction times, ‘in water’ reactions for synthesis and catalysis and magnetic recyclability form the hallmark features of the heteronanostructure.
Implications of the thermal environment for terrestrial wildlife management
Authors: Elmore R. Dwayne , Carroll J. Matthew , Tanner Evan P. , Hovick Torre J. , Grisham Blake A. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Windels Steve K. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTHow organisms respond to and are influenced by temperature is one of the most fundamental aspects of ecology. Temperature affects animal physiology, behavior, survival, and reproduction. At broader spatial and temporal scales, temperature affects animal distributions, speciation, and evolution. Although entire textbooks have been devoted to how temperature is related to various aspects of basic animal ecology, applied ecologists have only recently begun to address thermal ecology in wildlife research. New investigations of thermal conditions relative to specific wildlife species have generally found tremendous variation within landscapes. Consequently, multiple species have been shown to respond in predictive ways to thermal variation. Variation in temperature can be due to both topoedaphic features inherent in the landscape as well as differences in vegetation structure and composition resulting from management actions. Although consideration of the thermal environment has received consideration for exothermic species, new evidence indicates that it has major implications to endotherms and may become even more critical under novel climate conditions. Rarely does management consider thermal cover explicitly or in a spatiotemporally dynamic way; in our view, this is a major short‐coming of current conservation planning and management actions. We argue that thermal environments should be foundational in the understanding of the habitat concept. Furthermore, restoration and management efforts should specifically consider thermal refuge and pinch points—the discrete time or event when thermal conditions experienced by an organism deviate to extreme values relative to average conditions and limit vital rates and space use of that organism. We suggest that future research on thermal environments work at scales relevant to organisms so that management can adequately address the full extent of a species’ habitat. © 2017 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Improved activity of β-cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from Bacillus sp. N-227 via mutagenesis of the conserved residues
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhou Wenxi , Li Hua , Rie Bu , Piao Chunhong 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
β-Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (β-CGTase) belongs to the α-amylase family of enzymes and converts starch to cyclic oligosaccharides called β-cyclodextrins (β-CD). The β-CGTase from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. N-227 was separately mutagenized to give three site-directed β-CGTase mutants, Y127F, R254F and D355R, that showed enhanced cyclization activity towards a starch substrate from 1.64 to 2.1-folds. Kinetic studies indicate that the mutants had higher affinity towards the substrate than the wild type β-CGTase. The Y127F mutant had the highest affinity which was indicated by the lowest K
m of 15.30 mM and the highest catalytic activity. Increasing hydrophobicity around the catalytic center appeared to favor the cyclization activity of the mutants. The β-CGTase and the three mutants showed optimal enzyme activity at 60 °C and pH 6.0. All the enzymes were stable for at least 60 min across a wide pH range (5.0–7.0).
Molecular characterization of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis strains isolated from Kashmir valley
Authors: Reyaz A. L. , Gunapriya L. , Indra Arulselvi P. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) being an eco-friendly bioinsecticide is effectively used in pest management strategies and, therefore, isolation and identification of new strains effective against a broad range of target pests is important. In the present study, new indigenous B. thuringiensis strains were isolated and investigated so that these could be used as an alternative and/or support the current commercial strains/cry proteins in use. For this, 159 samples including soil, leaf and spider webs were collected from ten districts of Kashmir valley (India). Of 1447 bacterial strains screened, 68 Bt strains were identified with 4 types of crystalline inclusions. Crystal morphology ranking among the Bt strains was spherical (69.11%) > spore attached (8.82%) > rod (5.88%) = bipyramidal (5.88%) > spherical plus rod (4.41%) > spherical plus bipyramidal (2.94%) = cuboidal (2.94%). SDS-PAGE investigation of the spore–crystal mixture demonstrated Bt strains contained proteins of various molecular weights ranging from 150 to 28 kDa. Insecticidal activity of the 68 indigenous Bt strains against Spodoptera litura neonates showed that Bt strain SWK1 strain had the highest mortality. Lepidopteron active genes (cry1, cry2Ab, cry2Ab) were present in six Bt strains. Further, analysis of a full-length cry2A gene (~1.9 kb) by PCR–RFLP in strain SWK1 revealed that it was a new cry2A gene in Bt strain SWK1 and was named as cry2Al1 (GenBank Accession No. KJ149819.1) using the Bt toxin nomenclature (http://www.btnomenclature.info). Insect bioassays with neonate larvae of S. litura and H. armigera showed that the purified Cry2Al1 is toxic to S. litura with LC50 2.448 µg/ml and H. armigera with LC50 3.374 µg/ml, respectively. However, it did not produce any mortality in third instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi larvae/pupae insects (100 µg/ml) at 28 ± 2 °C and 75 to 85% relative humidity under a photoperiod of 14L:10D.
Cu-resistant Kocuria sp. CRB15: a potential PGPR isolated from the dry tailing of Rakha copper mine
Authors: Hansda Arti , Kumar Vipin , Anshumali  
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Rhizobacteria may enhance biomass production and heavy metal tolerance of plants under stress conditions. The present study was carried out for isolation of metal-resistant bacteria that can be further utilized for phytoremediation process. A potential metal-resistant strain CRB15 was isolated from rhizospheric region of Saccharum spontaneum that was found to be resistant against Cu (6.29 mM), Zn (3.25 mM), Pb (1.5 mM), Ni (1.25 mM), and Cd (0.25 mM). SEM analysis was performed for evaluation of morphological changes on bacterial isolate. FTIR analysis observed the change in wavenumbers after the addition of Cu. 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that CRB15 isolate matched best with genus of Kocuria and was named as Kocuria sp. CRB15. The isolate Kocuria sp. CRB15 was a potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium as it had a high IAA (46 µg ml−1), P solubilisation (39.37 µg ml−1), ammonia production (30.46 µmol ml−1), and hydrogen cyanide production capacity. Root–shoot elongation assay conducted on Brassica nigra under lab conditions with strain CRB15 demonstrated positive effects of strain CRB15 in root and shoot elongation of Cu-treated seedlings. This study proved the Kocuria sp. CRB15 a potential PGPR for bacterial-assisted phytoremediation.
Recombinant expression, characterization and application of a dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase with diaphorase activity from Bacillus sphaericus
Authors: Kianmehr Anvarsadat , Mahdizadeh Rahman , Oladnabi Morteza , Ansari Javad 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Diaphorases are flavin-containing enzymes with potential applications in biotransfomation reactions, biosensor design and in vitro diagnostic tests. In this communication, we describe recombinant expression, characterization and application of a lipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) with diaphorase activity from a strain of Bacillus sphaericus. The DLD gene consisting of 1413 bp encoding a protein of 470 amino acids was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the recombinant enzyme was characterized. B. sphaericus DLD catalyzed the reduction of NAD+ by dihydrolipoamide and exhibited NADH-dependent diaphorase activity. The molecular weight of purified enzyme was about 50 kDa, and determined to be a monomeric protein. Diaphorase was active and stable from pH 7.0 to 9.0 with an optimal activity at pH 8.5. It showed its maximal activity at temperature of 30 °C and was almost stable at temperatures between 25 and 30 °C. Different metal ions and inhibitors showed no influence on the activity of target enzyme. The K
m and V
max values for NADH were estimated to be 0.33 mM and 200.0 U/ml, respectively. Moreover, recombinant B. sphaericus diaphorase exhibited considerable potential to be used as a component of diagnostic tests for the quantification of metabolites. In conclusion, considering the properties of diaphorase from B. sphaericus PAD-91, it can have potential application as a diagnostic enzyme.
Conforming conservatives: How salient social identities can increase donations
Authors: Kaikati Andrew M. , Torelli Carlos J. , Winterich Karen Page , Rodas María A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis research considers how common perceptions of liberals' generosity can be harnessed for increasing donations. Given conservatives' greater tendency to conform to group norms than liberals, we theorize that conformity tendencies can increase donations by conservatives when accountable to a liberal audience who share a salient identity. Specifically, conservatives donate more when they are accountable to a liberal audience with whom they have a salient shared identity (Study 1) due to their motivation for social approval (Studies 3 and 4). However, if the donation context activates political identity (Studies 2 and 3) or if the unifying social identity is not salient (Study 4), accountability does not impact donation decisions. Notably, liberals do not alter their behavior, ruling out alternative explanations for the pattern of conformity. This research provides insight into the distinct role of accountability for conservatives and importance of audience characteristics for conformity. Though both liberals and conservatives can be generous, this research demonstrates how conformity can be used to increase charitable giving among conservatives.
Fracture in heterogeneous materials: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Kuksenko V.S. , Makhmudov Kh.F. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The kinetics of fracture in stressed heterogeneous materials is investigated in a differentiated way using the parameter Δt, the interval between single or multiple (cooperative) microfracture events recorded by acoustic emission (AE) responses. The patterns of fracture nucleation and growth, which is a statistic process, are controlled by the heterogeneity of deforming material. There are two important aspects revealed by the study: 1) structural heterogeneity of materials causes uneven distribution of stress in loaded solids and thus creates local zones of microstress and ensuing microfracture in the overstressed zones; 2) AE measurements and microseismic monitoring are applicable to prediction of fracture by locating its source and thus allows predicting related hazard in mines, tunnels, bridges, nuclear-power plants, and other important engineering objects.
Estimating the Value of California Wine Grapes
Authors: Sambucci Olena , Alston Julian M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe California Grape Crush Report (Crush Report) is an authoritative source of information on production and returns per ton by variety of wine grapes that includes summaries of quantities produced and estimates of the average prices and value of wine grapes crushed in California. The data provided in the Crush Report are used to calculate the total value of wine grape production as reported in the annual Agricultural Statistics reports published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and in major industry publications. We use the differences among crush districts in the shares of production crushed to growers’ accounts to show that the current mechanism of calculating average statewide returns per ton understates the true total value of the crush by 14 to 20 percent. We show that a more accurate estimate of the total value and average price can be obtained if the prices of the wine grapes that are sold are used to infer the prices of wine grapes that are not sold before computing the weighted averages. (JEL Classifications: Q20, Q11, Q13, Q19)
The Protective Role of Childcare Quality for Behavioral Adjustment in 3- to 5-Year-Old Children
Authors: Seiler Corina Wustmann , Müller Eva , Simoni Heidi 
Published: June 2017

Abstract. This study examined the role of childcare process quality regarding the relation between family risks and preschoolers’ social–emotional problems. The study included 24 childcare centers with 42 groups in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The 162 children in the sample were aged 3 – 5 years. Parents and teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-Deu). Eight family risk factors were subsumed into a cumulative risk index. Childcare process quality was assessed by various observation instruments, for example, the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ITERS-R) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS–R). The calculated structural equation models show that high-quality teaching and interaction, and provisions for learning, can mitigate the negative effects of family risks on children’s internalizing problems. High process quality can provide the chance of considerable attention, encouragement, and new learning opportunities for children at risk; these high-quality centers thereby contribute to protective processes.
Migrationsbedingte Disparitäten in der Notenvergabe nach dem Übergang auf das Gymnasium
Authors: Bonefeld Meike , Dickhäuser Oliver , Janke Stefan , Praetorius Anna-Katharina , Dresel Markus 
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Disparitäten bei der Leistungsbewertung von Schülern und Schülerinnen mit Migrationshintergrund konnten häufig für den Übergang zwischen Grundschule und weiterführender Schule nachgewiesen werden. In der hier vorgestellten Studie wurde geprüft, ob sich solche Zusammenhänge auch nach dem Übergang auf das Gymnasium zeigen. Untersucht wurde der Effekt des Migrationshintergrundes von Schüler_innen auf die Leistungsbewertung im Fach Mathematik bei Klassenarbeiten und Zeugnissen. Daten von 1487 Gymnasiastinnen und Gymnasiasten und deren 56 Lehrkräften im Fach Mathematik zu fünf Messzeitpunkten (Beginn der fünften Klasse bis zum Ende der sechsten Klasse) zeigten, dass Schüler_innen nicht-deutscher Herkunft auch unter Kontrolle von Leistungen in standardisierten Tests signifikant schlechtere Klassenarbeits- und Zeugnisnoten erhielten. Der Effekt blieb im Zeitverlauf stabil. Diese Ergebnisse unterstützen die Hypothese, dass sich Urteilsfehler bei der Benotung von Leistungen von Schülern und Schülerinnen mit nichtdeutscher Herkunft zeigen.
Erfassung des Selbstkonzepts von Kindern im Grundschulalter
Authors: Weber Kira Elena , Freund Philipp Alexander 
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Studie wird überprüft, ob sich der Fragebogen zur Erfassung multipler Selbstkonzeptfacetten bei Förderschülern (Schwerpunkt Lernen) und Regelschülern der Sekundarstufe I von Weber und Freund (2017) auch für die Erfassung des Selbstkonzepts bei Kindern im Grundschulalter eignet. Die Stichprobe umfasste N = 416 Kinder der vierten Klassenstufe. Konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen bestätigten die multidimensionale Struktur. Die Reliabilitätsschätzungen fielen für alle Skalen zufriedenstellend aus (.73 ≤ α ≤ .89, .84 ≤ ω ≤ .93) und die Messinvarianz über die Variable Geschlecht konnte belegt werden. Die Skalen wiesen theoriekonforme Geschlechterunterschiede und Zusammenhänge zu Außenkriterien auf. Der Fragebogen erfasst somit reliabel, valide und ökonomisch ein inhaltlich ausdifferenziertes Selbstkonzept bei Kindern und Jugendlichen im Alter zwischen 8 und 18 Jahren.
Essential but partially redundant roles for POU4F1/Brn-3a and POU4F2/Brn-3b transcription factors in the developing heart
Authors: Maskell Lauren J , Qamar Kashif , Babakr Aram A , Hawkins Thomas A , Heads Richard J , Budhram-Mahadeo Vishwanie S 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCongenital heart defects contribute to embryonic or neonatal lethality but due to the complexity of cardiac development, the molecular changes associated with such defects are not fully understood. Here, we report that transcription factors (TFs) Brn-3a (POU4F1) and Brn-3b (POU4F2) are important for normal cardiac development. Brn-3a directly represses Brn-3b promoter in cardiomyocytes and consequently Brn-3a knockout (KO) mutant hearts express increased Brn-3b mRNA during mid-gestation, which is linked to hyperplastic growth associated with elevated cyclin D1, a known Brn-3b target gene. However, during late gestation, Brn-3b can cooperate with p53 to enhance transcription of pro-apoptotic genes e.g. Bax, thereby increasing apoptosis and contribute to morphological defects such as non-compaction, ventricular wall/septal thinning and increased crypts/fissures, which may cause lethality of Brn-3a KO mutants soon after birth. Despite this, early embryonic lethality in e9.5 double KO (Brn-3a−/− : Brn-3b−/−) mutants indicate essential functions with partial redundancy during early embryogenesis. High conservation between mammals and zebrafish (ZF) Brn-3b (87%) or Brn-3a (76%) facilitated use of ZF embryos to study potential roles in developing heart. Double morphant embryos targeted with morpholino oligonucleotides to both TFs develop significant cardiac defects (looping abnormalities and valve defects) suggesting essential roles for Brn-3a and Brn-3b in developing hearts.