bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Islet-1 Overexpression in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Vascularization Through Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-3
Authors: Liu Jia , Li Weiqiang , Wang Yinfen , Fan Wendong , Li Panlong , Lin Wanyi , Yang Daya , Fang Rong , Feng Mingzhe , Hu Chengheng , Du Zhimin , Wu Guifu , Xiang Andy Peng 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The LIM-homeobox transcription factor islet-1 (ISL1) has been proposed to mark a cardiovascular progenitor cell lineage that gives rise to cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether forced expression of ISL1 in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) influenced the differentiation capacity and angiogenic properties of hMSCs. The lentiviral vector, EF1α-ISL1, was constructed using the Multisite Gateway System and used to transduce hMSCs. We found that ISL1 overexpression did not alter the proliferation, migration, or survival of hMSCs or affect their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, or endotheliocytes. However, ISL1-hMSCs differentiated into smooth muscle cells more efficiently than control hMSCs. Furthermore, conditioned medium from ISL1-hMSCs greatly enhanced the survival, migration, and tube-formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. In vivo angiogenesis assays also showed much more vascular-like structures in the group cotransplanted with ISL1-hMSCs and HUVECs than in the group cotransplanted with control hMSCs and HUVECs. Quantitative RT-PCR and antibody arrays detected monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 (MCP3) at a higher level in conditioned medium from ISL1-hMSCs cultures than in conditioned medium from control hMSCs. Neutralization assays showed that addition of an anti-MCP3 antibody to ISL1-hMSCs-conditioned medium efficiently abolished the angiogenesis-promoting effect of ISL1-hMSCs. Our data suggest that overexpression of ISL1 in hMSCs promotes angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo through increasing secretion of paracrine factors, smooth muscle differentiation ability, and enhancing the survival of HUVECs. Stem Cells 2014;32:1843–1854
BMP Signaling Regulates the Tempo of Adult Hippocampal Progenitor Maturation at Multiple Stages of the Lineage
Authors: Bond Allison M. , Peng Chian-Yu , Meyers Emily A. , McGuire Tammy , Ewaleifoh Osefame , Kessler John A. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Novel environmental stimuli, such as running and learning, increase proliferation of adult hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) and enlarge the population of new neurons. However, it remains unclear how increased numbers of new neurons can be generated in a time frame far shorter than the time required for proliferating stem cells to generate these neurons. Here, we show that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in the subgranular zone regulates the tempo of neural progenitor cell (NPC) maturation by directing their transition between states of quiescence and activation at multiple stages along the lineage. Virally mediated overexpression of BMP4 caused NPC cell cycle exit and slowed the normal maturation of NPCs, resulting in a long-term reduction in neurogenesis. Conversely, overexpression of the BMP inhibitor noggin promoted NPC cell cycle entry and accelerated NPC maturation. Similarly, BMP receptor type 2 (BMPRII) ablation in Ascl1+ intermediate NPCs accelerated their maturation into neurons. Importantly, ablation of BMPRII in GFAP+ stem cells accelerated maturation without depleting the NSC pool, indicating that an increased rate of neurogenesis does not necessarily diminish the stem cell population. Thus, inhibition of BMP signaling is a mechanism for rapidly expanding the pool of new neurons in the adult hippocampus by tipping the balance between quiescence/activation of NPCs and accelerating the rate at which they mature into neurons. Stem Cells 2014;32:2201–2214
Endothelial FoxM1 Mediates Bone Marrow Progenitor Cell-Induced Vascular Repair and Resolution of Inflammation following Inflammatory Lung Injury
Authors: Zhao Yidan D. , Huang Xiaojia , Yi Fan , Dai Zhiyu , Qian Zhijian , Tiruppathi Chinnaswamy , Tran Khiem , Zhao You-Yang 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Adult stem cell treatment is a potential novel therapeutic approach for acute respiratory distress syndrome. Given the extremely low rate of cell engraftment, it is believed that these cells exert their beneficial effects via paracrine mechanisms. However, the endogenous mediator(s) in the pulmonary vasculature remains unclear. Using the mouse model with endothelial cell (EC)-restricted disruption of FoxM1 (FoxM1 CKO), here we show that endothelial expression of the reparative transcriptional factor FoxM1 is required for the protective effects of bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPC) against LPS-induced inflammatory lung injury and mortality. BMPC treatment resulted in rapid induction of FoxM1 expression in wild type (WT) but not FoxM1 CKO lungs. BMPC-induced inhibition of lung vascular injury, resolution of lung inflammation, and survival, as seen in WT mice, were abrogated in FoxM1 CKO mice following LPS challenge. Mechanistically, BMPC treatment failed to induce lung EC proliferation in FoxM1 CKO mice, which was associated with impaired expression of FoxM1 target genes essential for cell cycle progression. We also observed that BMPC treatment enhanced endothelial barrier function in WT but not in FoxM1-deficient EC monolayers. Restoration of β-catenin expression in FoxM1-deficient ECs normalized endothelial barrier enhancement in response to BMPC treatment. These data demonstrate the requisite role of endothelial FoxM1 in the mechanism of BMPC-induced vascular repair to restore vascular integrity and accelerate resolution of inflammation, thereby promoting survival following inflammatory lung injury. Stem Cells 2014;32:1855–1864
Assessing risks to humans from invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Authors: Reed Robert N. , Snow Ray W. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTInvasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are now established across a large area of southern Florida, USA, including all of Everglades National Park (NP). The presence of these large‐bodied snakes in the continental United States has attracted intense media attention, including regular reference to the possibility of these snakes preying on humans. Over the course of a decade (2003–2012), we solicited reports of apparently unprovoked strikes directed at humans in Everglades NP. We summarize the circumstances surrounding each of the 5 reported incidents, which occurred between 2006 and 2012. All strikes were directed toward biologists moving through flooded wetlands; 2 strikes resulted in minor injury and none resulted in constriction. We consider most of these strikes to be cases of “mistaken identity,” in which the python initiated a strike at a potential prey item but aborted its predatory behavior prior to constriction and ingestion. No strikes are known to have been directed at park visitors despite visitation rates averaging over one million per year during this period. We conclude that while risks to humans should not be completely discounted, the relative risk of a human being killed by a python in Everglades NP appears to be extremely low. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
High 1H Relaxivity Gadolinium‐Grafted Mesoporous Silica Materials
Authors: Skår Hjørdis , Bienfait André M. , Schnitzlbaumer Malaika , Törnroos Karl W. , Anwander Reiner 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSoft metal‐organic grafting of periodic mesoporous silica (PMS) has recently been demonstrated to give gadolinium‐loaded nanostructured hybrid materials with interesting 1H relaxometric properties. Here, the sterically demanding alkoxide and aryloxide complexes, [Ln(OCH2CMe3)3]4 and Ln(OC6H3tBu2‐2,6)3 (Ln = La, Gd), respectively, were grafted onto PMS materials MCM‐41, SBA‐15, and SBA‐1. Support materials with distinct topology and pore diameters were utilized in order to direct the metal precursors towards the PMSs internal or external surfaces. All hybrid materials were examined by N2 physisorption, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. The characterization data demonstrated the successful silica attachment of the alk(aryl)oxide complexes via the surface silanol groups. Careful design of the hybrid materials based on findings in our previous studies resulted in GdIII loaded materials with particularly high 1H longitudinal relaxivities at high magnetic field strength (400 MHz). The highest relaxivity of r1 = 31 mM–1s–1 was found for material [Gd(OCH2CMe3)3]4@SBA‐1 showing no intrapore metal loading. This value is amongst the highest relaxivities reported for GdIII loaded mesoporous nanomaterials so far at such high field strength. The metal loading, localization of metal centers (directed by the topology of the PMS), and the particular properties of the metal‐organic precursor are factors found to influence r1.
Differences in Response Rates between Mail, E-mail, and Telephone Follow-Up in Hand Surgery Research
Authors: Nota Sjoerd P. F. T. , Strooker Joost A. , Ring David 
Published: February 2014

Background There is a need to determine the difference in response to mail, e-mail, and phone in clinical research surveys. Methods We enrolled 150 new and follow-up patients presenting to our hand and upper extremity department. Patients were assigned to complete a survey by mail, e-mail, or phone 3 months after enrollment, altering the follow-up method every 5 patients, until we had 3 groups of 50 patients. At initial enrollment and at 3 month follow-up (range 2–5 months), patients completed the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), the short version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), and rated their pain intensity. Results The percent of patients that completed the survey was 34 % for mail, 24 % for e-mail, and 80 % for phone. Factors associated with responding to the survey were older age, nonsmoking, and lower pain intensity. Working full-time was associated with not responding. Conclusions The response rate to survey by phone is significantly higher than by mail or e-mail. Younger age, smoking, higher pain intensity, and working full-time are associated with not responding. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic I
The Utilization of the Acyl‐CoA and the Involvement PDAT and DGAT in the Biosynthesis of Erucic Acid‐Rich Triacylglycerols in Crambe Seed Oil
Authors: Furmanek Tomasz , Demski Kamil , Banaś Walentyna , Haslam Richard , Napier Jonathan , Stymne Sten , Banaś Antoni 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe triacylglycerol of Crambe abyssinica seeds consist of 95 % very long chain (>18 carbon) fatty acids (86 % erucic acid; 22:1∆13) in the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions. This would suggest that C. abyssinica triacylglycerols are not formed by the action of the phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT), but are rather the results of acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) activity. However, measurements of PDAT and DGAT activities in microsomal membranes showed that C. abyssinica has significant PDAT activity, corresponding to about 10 % of the DGAT activity during periods of rapid seed oil accumulation. The specific activity of DGAT for erucoyl‐CoA had doubled at 19 days after flowering compared to earlier developmental stages, and was, at that stage, the preferred acyl donor, whereas the activities for 16:0‐CoA and 18:1‐CoA remained constant. This indicates that an expression of an isoform of DGAT with high specificity for erucoyl‐CoA is induced at the onset of rapid erucic acid and oil accumulation in the C. abyssinica seeds. Analysis of the composition of the acyl‐CoA pool during different stages of seed development showed that the percentage of erucoyl groups in acyl‐CoA was much higher than in complex lipids at all stages of seed development except in the desiccation phase. These results are in accordance with published results showing that the rate limiting step in erucic acid accumulation in C. abyssinica oil is the utilization of erucoyl‐CoA by the acyltransferases in the glycerol‐3‐phosphate pathway.
Properties of Soy Protein Produced by Countercurrent, Two‐Stage, Enzyme‐Assisted Aqueous Extraction
Authors: de Almeida N. M. , de Moura Bell J. M. L. N. , Johnson L. A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractEnzyme‐assisted aqueous extraction processing (EAEP) is an environmentally friendly technology where oil and protein can be simultaneously extracted from soybeans by using water and protease. Countercurrent, two‐stage, EAEP was performed at a 1:6 solids‐to‐liquid ratio, 50 °C, pH 9.0, and 120 rpm for 1 h to extract oil and protein from soybeans. The skim fractions were produced by three methods: (1) by treating with 0.5 % protease (wt/g extruded flakes) in both extraction stages; (2) by treating with 0.5 % protease in the 2nd extraction stage only; and (3) by using the same two‐stage extraction procedure without enzymes in either extraction stages. Countercurrent, two‐stage, protein extraction of air‐desolventized, hexane‐defatted, soybean flakes was used as a control. Solubility profiles of the skim proteins were the typical U‐shaped curves with the lowest solubility at the isoelectric point of soy protein (pH 4.5). The use of the enzyme slightly improved solubility of the recovered protein with hydrolyzed proteins having higher solubilities at acid pH. Emulsification and foaming properties were generally reduced by the use of enzyme during EAEP extractions. The skims produced with protease‐extracted (hydrolyzed) proteins gave gels with lower hardness than did unhydrolyzed proteins when heated at 80 °C. The essential amino acid compositions and protein digestibilities were not adversely affected by either extrusion or extraction treatments.
Does Education Improve Cognitive Performance Four Decades After School Completion?
Authors: Schneeweis Nicole , Skirbekk Vegard , Winter-Ebmer Rudolf 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
We study the effect of secondary education on cognitive performance toward the end of working age. We exploit the exogenous variation in years of schooling arising from compulsory schooling reforms implemented in six European countries during the 1950s and 1960s. Using data of individuals, approximately age 60, from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we assess the causal effect of education on memory, fluency, numeracy, and orientation-to-date. Furthermore, we study education effects on cognitive decline. We find a positive impact of schooling on memory scores. One year of education increases the memory score approximately four decades later by about 0.2, which amounts to 10 % of a standard deviation. Furthermore, we find some evidence for a protective effect of schooling on cognitive decline in terms of verbal fluency.
An environmental snapshot of the Bølling interstadial in Southern Iberia
Authors: García-Alix Antonio , Jiménez-Moreno Gonzalo , Jiménez-Espejo Francisco J. , García-García Fernando , Delgado Huertas Antonio 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe Bølling–Allerød interstadial is the closest warm time period to the Holocene. The study of the climate variability during this most recent warm scenario provides a natural record of potential environmental changes related with global temperature variations. Little is known about this interstadial in the Southern Iberian Peninsula. Therefore, the exceptional climatic record of the Otiñar paleo-lake (ca. 14.5–14.0 cal ka BP), provides environmental information about the first part of this interstadial (Bølling) in this key region. Although the studied high-resolution isotopic record point to almost invariant hydrological conditions in the paleo-lake, with little change in the carbon budget and important limestone dissolution, the pollen record shows an increase in forest species that can be interpreted as a warming trend and an increase in humidity during the Bølling in the area. This record is one of the few continental archives that show this climatic trend in Southern Iberia, agreeing with many other regional records from the western Mediterranean. This does not agree with higher latitude records that show an opposite trend. This opposite pattern in precipitation between the western Mediterranean and more northern latitudes could be explained by a persistent and increasing negative NAO mode during the Bølling in this area.
Implementing Psychological First-Aid Training for Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers
Authors: Chandra Anita , Kim Jee , Pieters Huibrie C. , Tang Jennifer , McCreary Michael , Schreiber Merritt , Wells Kenneth 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveWe assessed the feasibility and impact on knowledge, attitudes, and reported practices of psychological first-aid (PFA) training in a sample of Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) members. Data have been limited on the uptake of PFA training in surge responders (eg, MRC) who are critical to community response.MethodsOur mixed-methods approach involved self-administered pre- and post-training surveys and within-training focus group discussions of 76 MRC members attending a PFA training and train-the-trainer workshop. Listen, protect, connect (a PFA model for lay persons) focuses on listening and understanding both verbal and nonverbal cues; protecting the individual by determining realistic ways to help while providing reassurance; and connecting the individual with resources in the community.ResultsFrom pre- to post-training, perceived confidence and capability in using PFA after an emergency or disaster increased from 71% to 90% (P < .01), but no significant increase was found in PFA-related knowledge. Qualitative analyses suggest that knowledge and intentions to use PFA increased with training. Brief training was feasible, and while results were modest, the PFA training resulted in greater reported confidence and perceived capability in addressing psychological distress of persons affected by public health threats.ConclusionPFA training is a promising approach to improve surge responder confidence and competency in addressing postdisaster needs. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-6)
WHAT DOES KNOWLEDGE-YIELDING DEDUCTION REQUIRE OF ITS PREMISES?
Authors: Luzzi Federico 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAccording to the principle of Knowledge Counter-Closure (KCC), knowledge-yielding single-premise deduction requires a known premise: if S believes q solely on the basis of deduction from p, and S knows q, then S must know p. Although prima facie plausible, widely accepted, and supported by seemingly compelling motivations, KCC has recently been challenged by cases where S arguably knows q solely on the basis of deduction from p, yet p is false (Warfield 2005; Fitelson 2010) or p is true but not known (Coffman 2008; Luzzi 2010). I explore a view that resolves this tension by abandoning KCC in the light of these challenges, and which acknowledges their force but also their limits. Adopting this view helps identify the epistemic constraints that operate on the premises of knowledge-yielding deduction, clarifies the epistemic role of deduction, and allows us to distil the kernel of truth in the motivations that are standardly taken to support KCC.
The Changing Size Distribution of California's North Coast Wineries
Authors: Cyr Don , Kushner Joseph , Ogwang Tomson 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we use three different goodness-of-fit tests for log-normality in conjunction with kernel nonparametric density estimation methods to examine both the size distribution of California North Coast wineries over time and by age. Our kernel density estimates indicate that the size distribution of wineries has changed from positively skewed to bimodal. These results are inconsistent with those in other industries, but are consistent with recent empirical research in the wine industry, which finds that smaller firms are comprising a larger component of market share. In terms of the distribution of firm size by age, our results indicate that as wineries age, the size distribution of firms becomes less skewed and more bimodal, which is also inconsistent with the research on other industries which finds that as firms age, the size distribution becomes more normal. Our results indicate that unlike other industries, where entry is very difficult, small firms can enter the wine industry and survive. (JEL Classifications: L11, L22, L25)
Oil spill, August 1944: the CULA expedition and the North Slope Inupiat
Authors: Perkins Robert A. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTAn oil spill that occurred on 21 August 1944 near the Inupiat village of Barrow on Alaska's North Slope provides the focus for a brief history of activity in the face of extreme conditions and the evolving relationship of US Navy personnel and Inupiat natives of the region. The emotional recollections of an Inupiat elder are contrasted with the growing respect of the navy personnel for the Inupiat. The economic and social effects of oil explorations towards the end of World War II and the early post-war years are briefly discussed. These events form a part of the socio-economic background of current and proposed arctic oil development.
Early development, stress and depression across the life course: pathways to depression in a national British birth cohort
Authors: Colman I. , Jones P. B. , Kuh D. , Weeks M. , Naicker K. , Richards M. , Croudace T. J. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThe aetiology of depression is multifactorial, with biological, cognitive and environmental factors across the life course influencing risk of a depressive episode. There is inconsistent evidence linking early life development and later depression. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between low birthweight (LBW), infant neurodevelopment, and acute and chronic stress as components in pathways to depression in adulthood.MethodThe sample included 4627 members of the National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD; the 1946 British birth cohort). Weight at birth, age of developmental milestones, economic deprivation in early childhood, acute stressors in childhood and adulthood, and socio-economic status (SES) in adulthood were assessed for their direct and indirect effects on adolescent (ages 13 and 15 years) and adult (ages 36, 43 and 53 years) measures of depressive symptoms in a structural equation modelling (SEM) framework. A structural equation model developed to incorporate all variables exhibited excellent model fit according to several indices.ResultsThe path of prediction from birthweight to age of developmental milestones to adolescent depression/anxiety to adult depression/anxiety was significant (p < 0.001). Notably, direct paths from birthweight (p = 0.25) and age of developmental milestones (p = 0.23) to adult depression were not significant. Childhood deprivation and stressors had important direct and indirect effects on depression. Stressors in adulthood were strongly associated with adult depression.ConclusionsDepression in adulthood is influenced by an accumulation of stressors across the life course, including many that originate in the first years of life. Effects of early-life development on mental health appear by adolescence.