bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatially resolved Raman spectroscopy study of uniform and tapered InAs micro‐nano wires: correlation of strain and polytypism
Authors: Gupta Vandna K. , Ingale Alka A. , Pal Suparna , Aggarwal R. , Sathe V.
Published: April 2017

The asymmetric peak ~212–218 cm−1 occurring in InAs micro‐nanowires (MNWs: diameter: 2 μm – 400 nm) is investigated using spatially resolved Raman spectroscopy of uniform, bent and long tapered MNWs grown on a Si (001) substrate. It is attributed to superposition of E2h phonon (wurtzite: WZ) and TO phonon (zinc blende: ZB) of InAs. Polarized and wavelength‐dependent spatially resolved Raman spectroscopy establishes the presence of WZ and ZB phases in these MNWs. However, formation of WZ phase for larger diameter InAs MNWs is not commensurate with existing growth mapping studies. Further, study of these MNWs suggests that the fraction of WZ to ZB content in a MNW depends not only on the diameter but also seems to be governed by local growth seeding/conditions. This in turn leads to either tapered or uniform MNW growth under the same (external) growth conditions. The variation of these wavenumbers that of bulk value is correlated to the residual stress present in ZB and WZ phases due to the presence of the other (WZ/ZB) phase. Consistently, temperature‐dependent Raman data show that there is a measurable contribution of stress to dω/dT, a positive for ZB and negative for WZ phonons, due to differences in their thermal expansions. Further, effective thermal expansion coefficient of WZ InAs in the presence of ZB phase is calculated to vary in the range 10–19 × 10−6/K from base to tip of a MNW at ~80 K, which is not possible to determine otherwise. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectral restoration method for spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer
Authors: Hu Guangxiao , Xiong Wei , Luo Haiyan , Shi Hailiang , Li Zhiwei , Shen Jing , Fang Xuejing , Xu Biao
Published: April 2017

Spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRS) is a new developing spectrometer to detect Raman spectra with many advantages over traditional instruments. Several research teams have demonstrated the detection ability of SHRS by experiments and theoretical estimation. However, there still lack descriptions of the spectral restoration method for SHRS. The article provides a spectral restoration method made of two parts, processing method for raw interferogram and processing method for raw Raman spectrum. In the first part, the article describes the processing methods for one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional interferograms. Using flatfielding, filling zeroes, Fourier transform and row averaging for one‐dimensional SHRS or finding spectral row for two‐dimensional SHRS, the raw interferogram achieved by SHRS can be translated to raw Raman spectrum. In another part, the authors provide the spike removal method for raw Raman spectrum. The processing results show that the restoration method has a good performance for the real Raman spectra achieved by an SHRS breadboard. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative detection using two‐dimension shell‐isolated nanoparticle film
Authors: Yang Jing‐Liang , Yang Zhen‐Wei , Zhang Yue‐Jiao , Ren He , Zhang Hua , Xu Qing‐Chi , Panneerselvam Rajapandiyan , Sivashanmugan Kundan , Li Jian‐Feng , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: April 2017

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can provide a fingerprint of molecules with ultrahigh sensitivity, down to the single‐molecule level. However, accurate quantitative detection in practical samples using SERS is still a great challenge. Herein, a highly uniform shell‐isolated Ag@SiO2 nanoparticle (Ag SHIN) monolayer film was prepared and employed as a substrate for the quantitative determination of melamine in milk samples through shell‐isolated nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The Ag SHIN film exhibits excellent reproducibility, high stability, as well as ultrahigh sensitivity with a limit of detection of 0.03 ppm. A linear relationship between the Raman intensity and the melamine concentration in a wide range (1 ppb to 5 ppm) was obtained. These results demonstrate that the Ag SHIN monolayer film is a promising and reliable substrate for the quantitative SERS analysis of practical samples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oncolytic viral therapy for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Rahal Ahmad , Musher Benjamin
Published: April 2017

Outcomes of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA) remain dismal despite extensive clinical investigation. Combination chemotherapy provides modest improvements in survival above best supportive care, and immunotherapy has thus far not proven effective. Nevertheless, growing insight into antitumor immunity and the tumor microenvironment has inspired the discovery of novel agents targeting PDA. Oncolytic viruses represent an emerging class of immunotherapeutic agents that have undergone extensive preclinical investigation and warrant further investigation in well‐designed clinical trials.
Multiparametric Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging in Assessment of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Gao Jing , Perlman Alan , Kalache Safa , Berman Nathaniel , Seshan Surya , Salvatore Steven , Smith Lindsey , Wehrli Natasha , Waldron Levi , Kodali Hanish , Chevalier James
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the value of multiparametric quantitative ultrasound imaging in assessing chronic kidney disease (CKD) using kidney biopsy pathologic findings as reference standards.

Methods

We prospectively measured multiparametric quantitative ultrasound markers with grayscale, spectral Doppler, and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in 25 patients with CKD before kidney biopsy and 10 healthy volunteers. Based on all pathologic (glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, arteriosclerosis, and edema) scores, the patients with CKD were classified into mild (no grade 3 and <2 of grade 2) and moderate to severe (at least 2 of grade 2 or 1 of grade 3) CKD groups. Multiparametric quantitative ultrasound parameters included kidney length, cortical thickness, pixel intensity, parenchymal shear wave velocity, intrarenal artery peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive index. We tested the difference in quantitative ultrasound parameters among mild CKD, moderate to severe CKD, and healthy controls using analysis of variance, analyzed correlations of quantitative ultrasound parameters with pathologic scores and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using Pearson correlation coefficients, and examined the diagnostic performance of quantitative ultrasound parameters in determining moderate CKD and an estimated GFR of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

There were significant differences in cortical thickness, pixel intensity, PSV, and EDV among the 3 groups (all P < .01). Among quantitative ultrasound parameters, the top areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for PSV and EDV were 0.88 and 0.97, respectively, for determining pathologic moderate to severe CKD, and 0.76 and 0.86 for estimated GFR of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Moderate to good correlations were found for PSV, EDV, and pixel intensity with pathologic scores and estimated GFR.

Conclusions

The PSV, EDV, and pixel intensity are valuable in determining moderate to severe CKD. The value of shear wave velocity in assessing CKD needs further investigation.
Same policy, different impact: Center‐level effects of share 35 liver allocation
Authors: Murken Douglas R. , Peng Allison W. , Aufhauser David D. , Abt Peter L. , Goldberg David S. , Levine Matthew H.
Published: April 2017

Early studies of national data suggest that the Share 35 allocation policy increased liver transplants without compromising posttransplant outcomes. Changes in center‐specific volumes and practice patterns in response to the national policy change are not well characterized. Understanding center‐level responses to Share 35 is crucial for optimizing the policy and constructing effective future policy revisions. Data from the United Network for Organ Sharing were analyzed to compare center‐level volumes of allocation–Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (aMELD) ≥ 35 transplants before and after policy implementation. There was significant center‐level variation in the number and proportion of aMELD ≥ 35 transplants performed from the pre– to post–Share 35 period; 8 centers accounted for 33.7% of the total national increase in aMELD ≥ 35 transplants performed in the 2.5‐year post–Share 35 period, whereas 25 centers accounted for 65.0% of the national increase. This trend correlated with increased listing at these centers of patients with Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) ≥ 35 at the time of initial listing. These centers did not overrepresent the total national volume of liver transplants. Comparison of post–Share 35 aMELD to calculated time‐of‐transplant (TOT) laboratory MELD scores showed that only 69.6% of patients transplanted with aMELD ≥ 35 maintained a calculated laboratory MELD ≥ 35 at the TOT. In conclusion, Share 35 increased transplantation of aMELD ≥ 35 recipients on a national level, but the policy asymmetrically impacted practice patterns and volumes of a subset of centers. Longer‐term data are necessary to assess outcomes at centers with markedly increased volumes of high‐MELD transplants after Share 35. Liver Transplantation 23 741–750 2017 AASLD.
SL15: A seminal plasma‐derived lectin from the sperm of llama (Lama glama)
Authors: Zampini Renato , Sequeira Sabrina , Argañaraz Martin E. , Apichela Silvana A.
Published: April 2017

The oviductal sperm reservoir of South American camelids is formed when sperm bind to N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) on the surface of oviductal epithelium. The aim of this study was to characterize the GalNAc‐binding proteins on llama sperm, and to establish their origin. Sperm‐adsorbed proteins were extracted with 0.5 M KCl in Hepes‐balanced salts. Sperm‐adsorbed and seminal plasma proteins were then subjected to ligand blotting for their GalNAc affinity, and the labeled bands were identified by mass spectrometry. Three proteins were identified in seminal plasma versus only one in the sperm‐adsorbed population; SL15, a seminal lectin, was common to both. SL15 is a homologue of Zymogen granule protein 16, homolog B‐like, which belongs to the Jacalin‐related lectin family. This lectin is likely presented to sperm via seminal plasma since epididymal sperm are not capable of binding GalNAc, whereas ejaculated sperm does, and its transcript was enriched predominantly in the prostate and bulbourethral glands. This is the first report of a seminal lectin in South American camelids that originates in the male reproductive tract, and is probably involved in sperm reservoir formation.
Short‐term complications associated with the use of transvaginal mesh in pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: Results from a multi‐institutional prospectively maintained dataset
Authors: Caveney Maxx , Haddad Devin , Matthews Catherine , Badlani Gopal , Mirzazadeh Majid
Published: April 2017

AIMS

Vaginal reconstructive surgery can be performed with or without mesh. We sought to determine comparative rates of perioperative complications of native tissue versus vaginal mesh repairs for pelvic organ prolapse.

METHODS

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, we concatenated surgical data from vaginal procedures for prolapse repair, including anterior and posterior colporrhaphy, paravaginal defect repair, enterocele repair, and vaginal colpopexy using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding. We stratified this data by the modifier associated with mesh usage at the time of the procedure. We then compared 30‐day perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications (bleeding, infection, etc), and readmission rates between women with and without mesh‐based repairs.

RESULTS

We identified 10 657 vaginal reconstructive procedures without mesh and 959 mesh‐based repairs from 2009 through 2013. Patients undergoing mesh repair were more likely to experience at least one complication than native tissue repair (9.28% vs 6.15%, P < 0.001), with the overall complication rate also being higher in the mesh group (11.37% vs 9.39%, P = 0.03). Procedures with mesh had a higher rate of perioperative bleeding requiring transfusion than native tissue repair (2.3% vs 0.49%, P < 0.001), and organ surgical site infection (SSI) (0.52% vs 0.17%, P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission, superficial, or deep SSIs, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, sepsis, or renal failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of vaginal mesh for pelvic organ prolapse repair appears to result in a higher rate of perioperative complications than native tissue repair. Patients undergoing these procedures should be counselled preoperatively concerning these risks.
Morphology, flammability, and properties of graphite reinforced polymer composites. Systematic review
Authors: Mochane Mokgaotsa J. , Motaung Tshwafo E. , Motloung Setumo V.
Published: April 2017

Increasing concern for the environment and economy has stimulated interest in the research and development of graphite polymer composites. Graphite is naturally abundant and has significant influence on the thermal conductivity, flammability properties and thermal stability of filled materials. It is frequently used as filler for improvement of most polymer properties. Polymer/graphite composites have long been used in structural, aerospace and sporting goods applications. The importance of thermal conductivity in polymer composites is needed for acceptable levels of thermal conductance in circuit boards, heat exchangers, appliances and machinery. Graphite halogen‐free flame‐retardant materials can be used in the manufacturer of electric engineering materials and electronics, such as the wires and cables. In this review, we focus on graphite and its various modifications on the flammability, thermal conductivity and thermal stability of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1487–E1499, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and morphological properties of cellulose nanocrystal‐polypropylene composites
Authors: Sojoudiasli Helia , Heuzey Marie‐Claude , Carreau Pierre J.
Published: April 2017

In this work, the rheological, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)‐polypropylene (PP) composites prepared in the molten state were investigated. All samples contained a maleated PP used as combatibilizer. Degradation of the PP in the presence of CNCs at high processing temperature was shown to have a significant effect on the rheological behavior. For PPs with two different molecular weights and prepared at different temperatures, the tensile modulus of composites containing 2 wt% CNC was improved by about 30% and the tensile strength was increased up to 16%, in comparison with the unfilled matrices. The tensile strain at break of composites decreased by 17% up to 75% with respect to the matrix, depending on the processing conditions and PP used. Preparing the low molecular weight PP composites via twin‐screw extrusion was shown to be more efficient than using an internal batch mixer. The tensile modulus of the PP/CNC composites could be fairly well described by a model proposed by Nielsen based on the Halpin‐Tsai equation. Finally, properties of the PP/CNC composites have been compared to those of a PP reinforced with flax fibers and a PP filled with nanoclay. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3605–3617, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Biomimetic pH/redox dual stimuli‐responsive zwitterionic polymer block poly(L‐histidine) micelles for intracellular delivery of doxorubicin into tumor cells
Authors: John Johnson V. , Uthaman Saji , Augustine Rimesh , Manickavasagam Lekshmi Kamali , Park In‐Kyu , Kim Il
Published: April 2017

A series of pH/redox dual stimuli‐responsive poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)25‐block‐poly(l‐histidine)n (p[MPC])25‐b‐p[His]n, n = 20, 35, 50, and 75) copolymers consisting of a pH‐responsive p(His)n block and a biocompatible phospholipid analog p(MPC) block connected by a redox‐responsive disulfide linker have been synthesized. The block copolymers are self‐assembled into uniform micelles (∼100 nm) in which doxorubicin (Dox) is efficiently encapsulated. The in vitro release profile shows an enhanced release of Dox at low pH (5.0) in 10 mM glutathione (GSH). The in vitro cell viability assays performed using various cell lines show that the blank hybrid micelles have no acute or intrinsic toxicity. A pH‐dependent cytotoxicity is observed with the Dox‐loaded micelles, especially at pH 5.0. Moreover, confocal microscopy images and flow cytometry results show the pH‐dependent cellular uptake of Dox‐loaded micelles. Therefore, the Dox‐loaded micelles can be considered a good candidate for cancer therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2061–2070
Grafting of N‐moieties onto octa‐methyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane microstructures by sequential continuous wave and pulsed plasma
Authors: Chen Xiao , Chen Zhiqiang , Dumée Ludovic F. , O'Dell Luke A. , du Plessis Johan , d'Agostino Riccardo , Dai Xiujuan J. , Magniez Kevin
Published: April 2017

A functionalization of microstructures of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) to obtain substrates contain N‐moieties, with a probable high selectivity of primary mines is demonstrated for the first time in a low pressure plasma process through a sequential continuous wave plus pulsed mode (CW + P). Selective grafting of N‐moieties was performed across octa‐methyl POSS micro‐powder by substituting hydrogen atoms of the terminal methyl groups during nitrogen/hydrogen (N2/H2) gases plasma. As opposed to wet chemical functionalization approaches, the plasma method does not require reactive chemicals and is environmentally friendly. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the treatment (N/Si) reaches 7.1% with an indication of high NH2 selectivity (NH2/N). The amount of primary amines is determined from XPS data after 4‐(trifluoromethyl) benzaldehyde (TFBA) chemical derivatization.
Observation of the Ni2O3 phase in a NiO thin‐film resistive switching system
Authors: Kwon Deok‐Hwang , Lee Seung Ran , Choi Yong Seok , Son Seung‐Beom , Oh Kyu Hwan , Char Kookrin , Kim Miyoung
Published: April 2017

We propose that the Ni2O3 phase is the conducting filament in a unipolar NiO resistive switching system. The NiO film was grown by pulsed laser deposition using platinum top and bottom electrodes. Electron diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to explore the microstructure. This system had forming‐free properties, which suggested that the filaments were introduced in the pristine state. The Ni2O3‐phase nanostructures were connected and disconnected in the pristine‐ and OFF‐state samples, respectively, which implied that the phase acted as the conducting channel. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy results showing Ni3+ bonding in the pristine‐state film support the importance of the Ni2O3 phase in the switching.

Observed Ni2O3 phase (indicated by the red line) in the low resistance state of a pristine sample.
Enhanced Stability and Tunable Photoluminescence in Perovskite CsPbX3/ZnS Quantum Dot Heterostructure
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Hao Jiongyue , Hu Wei , Zang Zhigang , Tang Xiaosheng , Fang Liang , Niu Tianchao , Zhou Miao
Published: April 2017

All‐inorganic perovskite CsPbX3(X = Cl, Br, I) and related materials are promising candidates for potential solar cells, light emitting diodes, and photodetectors. Here, a novel architecture made of CsPbX3/ZnS quantum dot heterodimers synthesized via a facile solution‐phase process is reported. Microscopic measurements show that CsPbX3/ZnS heterodimer has high crystalline quality with enhanced chemical stability, as also evidenced by systematic density functional theory based first‐principles calculations. Remarkably, depending on the interface structure, ZnS induces either n‐type or p‐type doping in CsPbX3and both type‐I and type‐II heterojunctions can be achieved, leading to rich electronic properties. Photoluminescence measurement results show a strong blue‐shift and decrease of recombination lifetime with increasing sulfurization, which is beneficial for charge diffusion in solar cells and photovoltaic applications. These findings are expected to shed light on further understanding and design of novel perovskite heterostructures for stable, tunable optoelectronic devices.
Unique presentation of cutis laxa with Leigh‐like syndrome due to ECHS1 deficiency
Authors: Balasubramaniam S. , Riley L. G. , Bratkovic D. , Ketteridge D. , Manton N. , Cowley M. J. , Gayevskiy V. , Roscioli T. , Mohamed M. , Gardeitchik T. , Morava E. , Christodoulou J.
Published: April 2017

Clinical finding of cutis laxa, characterized by wrinkled, redundant, sagging, nonelastic skin, is of growing significance due to its occurrence in several different inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Metabolic cutis laxa results from Menkes syndrome, caused by a defect in the ATPase copper transporting alpha (ATP7A) gene; congenital disorders of glycosylation due to mutations in subunit 7 of the component of oligomeric Golgi (COG7)–congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) complex; combined disorder of N‐ and O‐linked glycosylation, due to mutations in ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit a2 (ATP6VOA2) gene; pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase 1 deficiency; pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthase deficiency; macrocephaly, alopecia, cutis laxa, and scoliosis (MACS) syndrome, due to Ras and Rab interactor 2 (RIN2) mutations; transaldolase deficiency caused by mutations in the transaldolase 1 (TALDO1) gene; Gerodermia osteodysplastica due to mutations in the golgin, RAB6‐interacting (GORAB or SCYL1BP1) gene; and mitogen‐activated pathway (MAP) kinase defects, caused by mutations in several genes [protein tyrosine phosphatase, non‐receptor‐type 11 (PTPN11), RAF, NF, HRas proto‐oncogene, GTPase (HRAS), B‐Raf proto‐oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), MEK1/2, KRAS proto‐oncogene, GTPase (KRAS), SOS Ras/Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (SOS2), leucine rich repeat scaffold protein (SHOC2), NRAS proto‐oncogene, GTPase (NRAS), and Raf‐1 proto‐oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (RAF1)], which regulate the Ras‐MAPK cascade. Here, we further expand the list of inborn errors of metabolism associated with cutis laxa by describing the clinical presentation of a 17‐month‐old girl with Leigh‐like syndrome due to enoyl coenzyme A hydratase, short chain, 1, mitochondria (ECHS1) deficiency, a mitochondrial matrix enzyme that catalyzes the second step of the beta‐oxidation spiral of fatty acids and plays an important role in amino acid catabolism, particularly valine.
Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid and trans‐10, cis‐12‐Conjugated Linoleic Acid Differentially Alter Oxylipin Profiles in Mouse Periuterine Adipose Tissue
Authors: Adkins Yuriko , Belda Benjamin J. , Pedersen Theresa L. , Fedor Dawn M. , Mackey Bruce E. , Newman John W. , Kelley Darshan S.
Published: April 2017

Diets containing high n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decrease inflammation and the incidence of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease while trans‐fatty acids (TFA) intake increases the incidence of these conditions. Some health benefits of n‐3 PUFA are mediated through the impact of their oxygenated metabolites, i.e. oxylipins. The TFA, trans‐10, cis‐12‐conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; 18:2n‐6) is associated with adipose tissue (AT) inflammation, oxidative stress, and wasting. We examined the impact of a 4‐week feeding of 0, 0.5, and 1.5% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n‐3) in the presence and absence of 0.5% CLA on AT oxylipin profiles in female C57BL/6N mice. Esterified oxylipins in AT derived from linoleic acid (LNA), alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA), arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), DHA, and putative from CLA were quantified. CLA containing diets reduced AT mass by ~62%. Compared with the control diet, the DHA diet elevated concentrations of EPA‐and DHA‐derived alcohols and epoxides and LNA‐derived alcohols, reduced ARA‐derived alcohols, ketones, epoxides, and 6‐keto‐prostaglandin (PG) F1α (P < 0.05), and had mixed effects on ALA‐derived alcohols. Dietary CLA lowered EPA‐, DHA‐, and ALA‐derived epoxides, ARA‐derived ketones and epoxides, and ALA‐derived alcohols. While dietary CLA induced variable effects in EPA‐, DHA‐, and LNA‐derived alcohols and LNA‐derived ketones, it elevated ARA‐derived alcohols and PGF1α, PGF2α, and F2‐isoprostanes. DHA counteracted CLA‐induced effects in 67, 57, 43, and 29% of total DHA‐, ARA‐, EPA‐, and ALA‐derived oxylipins, respectively. Thus, CLA elevated proinflammatory oxylipins while DHA increased anti‐inflammatory oxylipins and diminished concentration of CLA‐induced pro‐inflammatory oxylipins in AT.
Investment climate in Russia and challenges for foreign business: The case of Japanese companies
Authors: Ershova Nina
Published: April 2017

The improvement of the investment climate in Russia and its positive effect on the inflow of foreign direct investment into the country's economy is being declared at the highest levels of the Russian government as an important objective for the further economic development of the country. One of the most important instruments for that improvement should be the consideration of foreign investor's opinions and ideas and reaction to the most urgent and critical issues which serve as obstacles to their investment activities in Russia.

This paper considers the case of Japanese investors in Russia. It is based on the results of a survey of Japanese companies doing business in Russia (members of the Japanese Business Club Moscow) and content analysis of a set of interviews with the representatives of the Japanese business and academic community and also of non-governmental organizations.

We identify which factors attract Japanese capital to Russia and which hinder investment activities. Studying Japanese investment in Russia reveals the particular challenges and obstacles that make Japanese companies reluctant to engage in business activities in Russia. The research reveals and systemizes the factors restricting the development of investment cooperation and their roots, and identifies possible ways of overcoming these challenges.

The analysis shows that the constraining factors can be divided into 3 groups by the origin: external – associated with the problems of the investment climate in Russia, internal – associated with specific features of the Japanese production and management system, and other factors – non-economic factors which mainly concern business culture and informational issues.
Methylphenidate effects in the young brain: friend or foe?
Authors: Loureiro‐Vieira Sara , Costa Vera Marisa , de Lourdes Bastos Maria , Carvalho Félix , Capela João Paulo
Published: April 2017

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatry disorders in children and adolescents, and methylphenidate (MPH) is a first‐line stimulant drug available worldwide for its treatment. Despite the proven therapeutic efficacy, concerns have been raised regarding the possible consequences of chronic MPH exposure during childhood and adolescence. Disturbances in the neurodevelopment at these crucial stages are major concerns given the unknown future life consequences.

This review is focused on the long‐term adverse effects of MPH to the brain biochemistry. Reports conducted with young and/or adolescent animals and studies with humans are reviewed in the context of long‐term consequences after early life‐exposure. MPH pharmacokinetics is also reviewed as there are differences among laboratory animals and humans that may be relevant to extrapolate the findings.

Studies reveal that exposure to MPH in laboratory animals during young and/or adolescent ages can impact the brain, but the outcomes are dependent on MPH dose, treatment period, and animal's age. Importantly, the female sex is largely overlooked in both animal and human studies. Unfortunately, human reports that evaluate adults following adolescent or child exposure to MPH are very scarce. In general, human data indicates that MPH is generally safe, although it can promote several brain changes in early ages. Even so, there is a lack of long course patient evaluation to clearly establish whether MPH‐induced changes are friendly or foe to the brain and more human studies are needed to assess the adult brain changes that arise from early MPH treatment.
WISP-1 positively regulates angiogenesis by controlling VEGF-A expression in human osteosarcoma
Authors: Tsai Hsiao-Chi , Tzeng Huey-En , Huang Chun-Yin , Huang Yuan-Li , Tsai Chun-Hao , Wang Shih-Wei , Wang Po-Chuan , Chang An-Chen , Fong Yi-Chin , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: April 2017

In recent years, much research has focused on the role of angiogenesis in osteosarcoma, which occurs predominantly in adolescents and young adults. The vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) pathway is the key regulator of angiogenesis and in osteosarcoma. VEGF-A expression has been recognized as a prognostic marker in angiogenesis. Aberrant WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP-1) expression is associated with various cancers. However, the function of WISP-1 in osteosarcoma angiogenesis is poorly understood. We demonstrate a positive correlation between WISP-1 and VEGF-A expression in human osteosarcoma. Moreover, we show that WISP-1 promotes VEGF-A expression in human osteosarcoma cells, subsequently inducing human endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) migration and tube formation. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α signaling pathways were activated after WISP-1 stimulation, while FAK, JNK, and HIF-1α inhibitors or small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished WISP-1-induced VEGF-A expression and angiogenesis. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed down-regulation of microRNA-381 (miR-381) in WISP-1-induced VEGF-A expression and angiogenesis. Our findings reveal that WISP-1 enhances VEGF-A expression and angiogenesis through the FAK/JNK/HIF-1α signaling pathways, as well as via down-regulation of miR-381 expression. WISP-1 may be a promising target in osteosarcoma angiogenesis.
Depletion of polycomb repressive complex 2 core component EED impairs fetal hematopoiesis
Authors: Yu Wenhua , Zhang Fang , Wang Shiyan , Fu Yi , Chen Jiahuan , Liang Xiaodong , Le Huangying , Pu William T , Zhang Bing
Published: April 2017

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a H3K27me3 methyltransferase complex, promotes the development of many organs by silencing ectopic transcription program. However, currently little is known about the role of PRC2 in blood and vascular development. In this study, we interrogated the function of embryonic ectoderm development (EED), a core PRC2 component, in both endothelial and hematopoietic tissues by inactivating a floxed murine EED allele with Tie2Cre, which catalyzes recombination in endothelial and hematopoietic lineages. Murine EEDfl/fl;Tie2Cre (EEDCKO) embryos died at embryonic day (E) 13.5. We did not observe structural abnormalities of blood vessels or cardiac valves, suggesting that EED is dispensable in endothelial cells for initial steps of vascular development. EEDCKO embryos were pale and had abnormal livers. Flow cytometry of fetal liver cells showed that EED depletion significantly impeded erythroid maturation. There was a corresponding increase in myeloid progenitors and granulocytes and macrophages, suggesting an attenuated differentiation path in myeloid lineages. Moreover, EED depletion impaired the generation of hematopoietic stem cells. Collectively, our study demonstrates that within Tie2Cre-recombined embryonic cells, EED is required for proper erythropoiesis and for formation of hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells, but is dispensable for endothelial lineage commitment and early vascular patterning.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus infection inhibits LGP2 protein expression to exaggerate inflammatory response and promote viral replication
Authors: Zhu Zixiang , Li Chuntian , Du Xiaoli , Wang Guoqing , Cao Weijun , Yang Fan , Feng Huanhuan , Zhang Xiangle , Shi Zhengwang , Liu Huanan , Tian Hong , Li Dan , Zhang Keshan , Liu Xiangtao , Zheng Haixue
Published: April 2017

The role of the innate immune protein LGP2 (laboratory of genetics and physiology 2) in FMDV-infected cells remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate the antiviral role of LGP2 during FMDV infection. FMDV infection triggered LGP2 mRNA expression but reduced protein expression. Overexpression of LGP2 suppressed FMDV replication, and the inflammatory response was significantly inhibited by LGP2 in virus-infected cells. The N-terminal DExDc and the C-terminal regulatory domain regions of LGP2 were essential for LGP2-mediated antiviral activity against FMDV. Disruption of RNA recognition by LGP2 is suggested to abolish completely LGP2-mediated antiviral activity against FMDV. FMDV leader protein (Lpro), as well as the 3Cproand 2B proteins were determined to possess the ability to induce reduction of LGP2 protein expression. 2B-induced reduction of LGP2 was independent of cleavage of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma; and the proteasomes, lysosomes or caspase-dependent pathways were not involved in this process. The C-terminal amino acids of 101–154 were essential for 2B-induced reduction of LGP2 and upregulation of inflammatory response. Direct interaction was demonstrated between LGP2 and 2B. Our results describe the antiviral role of LGP2 against FMDV and a novel antagonistic mechanism of FMDV that is mediated by 2B protein.
Empirical comparison of reduced representation bisulfite sequencing and Infinium BeadChip reproducibility and coverage of DNA methylation in humans
Authors: Carmona Juan J. , Accomando William P. , Binder Alexandra M. , Hutchinson John N. , Pantano Lorena , Izzi Benedetta , Just Allan C. , Lin Xihong , Schwartz Joel , Vokonas Pantel S. , Amr Sami S. , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Michels Karin B.
Published: April 2017

We empirically examined the strengths and weaknesses of two human genome-wide DNA methylation platforms: rapid multiplexed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing and Illumina’s Infinium BeadChip. Rapid multiplexed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing required less input DNA, offered more flexibility in coverage, and interrogated more CpG loci at a higher regional density. The Infinium covered slightly more protein coding, cancer-associated and mitochondrial-related genes, both platforms covered all known imprinting clusters, and rapid multiplexed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing covered more microRNA genes than the HumanMethylation450, but fewer than the MethylationEPIC. Rapid multiplexed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing did not always interrogate exactly the same CpG loci, but genomic tiling improved overlap between different libraries. Reproducibility of rapid multiplexed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing and concordance between the platforms increased with CpG density. Only rapid multiplexed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing could genotype samples and measure allele-specific methylation, and we confirmed that Infinium measurements are influenced by nearby single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The respective strengths and weaknesses of these two genome-wide DNA methylation platforms need to be considered when conducting human epigenetic studies.
Heroin-HIV-1 (H2) vaccine: induction of dual immunologic effects with a heroin hapten-conjugate and an HIV-1 envelope V2 peptide with liposomal lipid A as an adjuvant
Authors: Torres Oscar B. , Matyas Gary R. , Rao Mangala , Peachman Kristina K. , Jalah Rashmi , Beck Zoltan , Michael Nelson L. , Rice Kenner C. , Jacobson Arthur E. , Alving Carl R.
Published: April 2017

A synthetic heroin analog (MorHap) and a synthetic 42 amino acid V2 loop peptide from A/E strain of HIV-1 gp120 envelope protein that was previously used in a successful phase III vaccine trial were constructed as antigens together with liposomes containing monophosphoryl lipid A as an adjuvant, to explore the feasibility of producing a dual use vaccine both for treatment of heroin addiction and prevention of HIV-1 infection among injection drug users. The V2 peptide was tethered by a palmitoyl fatty acyl tail embedded in the liposomal lipid bilayer, and the heroin analog was conjugated to tetanus toxoid as a carrier protein that was mixed with the adjuvant. Upon comparison of a linear V2 peptide with a cyclic peptide, differences were found in the secondary configurations by circular dichroism, with the tethered cyclic peptide (palm-cyclic peptide) entirely in a random coil, and the tethered linear V2 peptide (palm-linear V2 peptide) entirely in a beta-sheet. Upon immunization of mice, palm-cyclic peptide induced anti-cyclic peptide endpoint titers >106and was considered to be a better immunogen overall than palm-linear V2 peptide for inducing antibodies to gp120 and gp70-V1V2. The antibodies also inhibited the binding of V2 peptide to the HIV-1 α4β7integrin receptor. Antibody titers to MorHap, even with the presence of injected cyclic peptide, were very high, and resulted in inhibition of the hyper-locomotion and antinociception effects of injected heroin. From these initial experiments, we conclude that with a potent adjuvant and mostly synthetic constituents, a vaccine directed to heroin and HIV-1 (H2 vaccine) could be a feasible objective.
Therapeutic vaccines for allergic disease
Authors: Gutowska-Owsiak Danuta , Ogg Graham S.
Published: April 2017

Allergic diseases are highly prevalent worldwide and affect all age groups, contributing to a high personal and socioeconomic burden. Treatment with an “allergy vaccine” or allergen immunotherapy aims to provide long-lasting benefits by inducing unresponsiveness to the relevant antigen. The consequences of the therapy are considered disease modifying and range from dampening of the immediate immune responses to the reduction of secondary tissue remodeling. Furthermore, allergen immunotherapy interventions have a potential to slow or cease the development of additional allergic manifestations with a long-term overall effect on morbidity and quality of life. Here, we review proposed mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of immunotherapy for allergic diseases. Further, we discuss both standard and novel approaches and possible future directions in the development of allergen immunotherapy.
A tongue for all seasons: extreme phenotypic flexibility in salamandrid newts
Authors: Heiss Egon , Handschuh Stephan , Aerts Peter , Van Wassenbergh Sam
Published: April 2017

Many organisms faced with seasonally fluctuating abiotic and biotic conditions respond by altering their phenotype to account for the demands of environmental changes. Here we discovered that newts, which switch seasonally between an aquatic and terrestrial lifestyle, grow a complex adhesive system on their tongue pad consisting of slender lingual papillae and mucus-producing cells to increase the efficiency of prey capture as they move from water onto land. The adhesive system is reduced again as newts switch back to their aquatic stage, where they use suction to capture prey. As suction performance is also enhanced seasonally by reshaping of the mouth due to the growth of labial lobes, our results show that newts are exceptional in exhibiting phenotypic flexibility in two alternating components (i.e. tongue pad and labial lobes) within a single functional system, and suggest that this form of phenotypic flexibility demands complex genetic regulation.
Joint-based description of protein structure: its application to the geometric characterization of membrane proteins
Authors: Thangappan Jayaraman , Wu Sangwook , Lee Sun-Gu
Published: April 2017

A macroscopic description of a protein structure allows an understanding of the protein conformations in a more simplistic manner. Here, a new macroscopic approach that utilizes the joints of the protein secondary structures as a basic descriptor for the protein structure is proposed and applied to study the arrangement of secondary structures in helical membrane proteins. Two types of dihedral angle, Ω and λ, were defined based on the joint points of the transmembrane (TM) helices and loops, and employed to analyze 103 non-homologous membrane proteins with 3 to 14 TM helices. The Ω-λ plot, which is a distribution plot of the dihedral angles of the joint points, identified the allowed and disallowed regions of helical arrangement. Analyses of consecutive dihedral angle patterns indicated that there are preferred patterns in the helical alignment and extension of TM proteins, and helical extension pattern in TM proteins is varied as the size of TM proteins increases. Finally, we could identify some symmetric protein pairs in TM proteins under the joint-based coordinate and 3-dimensional coordinates. The joint-based approach is expected to help better understand and model the overall conformational features of complicated large-scale proteins, such as membrane proteins.
Endogenous Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence Imaging Characterizes Neuron and Astrocyte Metabolic Responses to Manganese Toxicity
Authors: Stuntz Emily , Gong Yusi , Sood Disha , Liaudanskaya Volha , Pouli Dimitra , Quinn Kyle P. , Alonzo Carlo , Liu Zhiyi , Kaplan David L. , Georgakoudi Irene
Published: April 2017

As neurodegenerative conditions are increasingly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, methods for studying brain cell metabolism at high spatial resolution are needed to elucidate neurodegeneration mechanisms. Two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) imaging is a non-destructive, high-resolution technique for studying cell metabolism via endogenous fluorescence of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). We employed TPEF to study the metabolism of primary rat astrocyte and neuronal cultures under normal growth conditions and in response to manganese (Mn) treatment. Histograms of pixel-wise optical redox ratio, defined as FAD/(FAD + NAD(P)H), revealed three distinct redox distributions and significant differences in their relative weights between astrocytes and neurons. When treated with Mn, both cell types exhibited redox ratio shifts consistent with increased oxidative stress. However, the manner in which the redox distributions was affected was distinct for the two cell types. Furthermore, NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging revealed an increase in bound NAD(P)H fraction upon Mn treatment for neurons, consistent with enhanced apoptosis. Astrocytes showed a decrease in bound fraction, possibly due to a shift towards glycolytic metabolism in response to impaired respiration. These results exhibit TPEF’s utility for characterizing detailed metabolic changes of different brain cell types in response to neurotoxins.
Closed-loop deep brain stimulation by pulsatile delayed feedback with increased gap between pulse phases
Authors: Popovych Oleksandr V. , Lysyansky Borys , Tass Peter A.
Published: April 2017

Computationally it was shown that desynchronizing delayed feedback stimulation methods are effective closed-loop techniques for the control of synchronization in ensembles of interacting oscillators. We here computationally design stimulation signals for electrical stimulation of neuronal tissue that preserve the desynchronizing delayed feedback characteristics and comply with mandatory charge deposit-related safety requirements. For this, the amplitude of the high-frequency (HF) train of biphasic charge-balanced pulses used by the standard HF deep brain stimulation (DBS) is modulated by the smooth feedback signals. In this way we combine the desynchronizing delayed feedback approach with the HF DBS technique. We show that such a pulsatile delayed feedback stimulation can effectively and robustly desynchronize a network of model neurons comprising subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus external and suggest this approach for desynchronizing closed-loop DBS. Intriguingly, an interphase gap introduced between the recharging phases of the charge-balanced biphasic pulses can significantly improve the stimulation-induced desynchronization and reduce the amount of the administered stimulation. In view of the recent experimental and clinical studies indicating a superiority of the closed-loop DBS to open-loop HF DBS, our results may contribute to a further development of effective stimulation methods for the treatment of neurological disorders characterized by abnormal neuronal synchronization.
Birth weight changes in a major city under rapid socioeconomic transition in China
Authors: He Jian-Rong , Li Wei-Dong , Lu Min-Shan , Guo Yong , Chan Fan-Fan , Lu Jin-Hua , Zhang Li-Fang , Shen Song-Ying , Xia Xiao-Yan , Wang Ping , Mo Wei-Jian , Lam Kin Bong Hubert , Hirst Jane E. , Xia Hui-Min , Qiu Xiu
Published: April 2017

Estimates of trends in birth weight may be useful in evaluating population health. We aimed to determine whether temporal changes in birth weight have occurred amongst 2.3 million neonates born in Guangzhou, China, during 2001–2015 and investigate the socioeconomic determinants of any changes. Trends in mean birth weight and annualized changes with the associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA), defined as birth weight <10th or >90th centile respectively for gestational age and sex, were examined using linear and Poisson regression models. We found that mean birth weight declined by 1.07 grams/year from 2001 to 2015. After adjustment for gestational length, the decline in birth weight was attenuated (0.37 grams/year). The incidence of both SGA and LGA significantly decreased during the study period (annual decrease of 1.6% [95% CI, 1.5% to 1.7%] for SGA, 1.6% [95% CI, 1.5% to 1.8%] for LGA). We found a narrowing of disparities in SGA and LGA incidence across different maternal educational levels and residence location. Our results demonstrate that there has been an increase in the proportion of neonates born in the healthy birth weight range in Guangzhou.
Decreasing temperature enhances the formation of sixfold hydrogen bonded rings in water-rich water-methanol mixtures
Authors: Bakó Imre , Pusztai László , Temleitner László
Published: April 2017

The evolution of the structure of liquid water-methanol mixtures as a function of temperature has been studied by molecular dynamics simulations, with a focus on hydrogen bonding. The combination of the OPLS-AA (all atom) potential model of methanol and the widely used SPC/E water model has provided excellent agreement with measured X-ray diffraction data over the temperature range between 298 and 213 K, for mixtures with methanol molar fractions of 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4. Hydrogen bonds (HB-s) have been identified via a combined geometric/energetic, as well as via a purely geometric definition. The number of recognizable hydrogen bonded ring structures in some cases doubles while lowering the temperature from 298 to 213 K; the number of sixfold rings increases most significantly. An evolution towards the structure of hexagonal ice, that contains only sixfold hydrogen bonded rings, has thus been detected on cooling water-methanol mixtures.