bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and fabrication of a perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction based nonvolatile programmable switch achieving 40% less area using shared-control transistor structure
Authors: Suzuki D. , Natsui M. , Mochizuki A. , Miura S. , Honjo H. , Kinoshita K. , Fukami S. , Sato H. , Ikeda S. , Endoh T. , Ohno H. , Hanyu T.
Published: March 2014

A compact nonvolatile programmable switch (NVPS) using 90 nm CMOS technology together with perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (p-MTJ) devices is fabricated for zero-standby-power field-programmable gate array. Because routing information does not change once it is programmed into an NVPS, high-speed read and write accesses are not required and a write-control transistor can be shared among all the NVPSs, which greatly simplifies structure of the NVPS. In fact, the effective area of the proposed NVPS is reduced by 40% compared to that of a conventional MTJ-based NVPS. The instant on/off behavior without external nonvolatile memory access is also demonstrated using the fabricated test chip.
Green light emission by InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well microdisks
Authors: Hsu Yu-Chi , Lo Ikai , Shih Cheng-Hung , Pang Wen-Yuan , Hu Chia-Hsuan , Wang Ying-Chieh , Tsai Cheng-Da , Chou Mitch M. C. , Hsu Gary Z. L.
Published: March 2014

The high-quality InxGa1−xN/GaN multiple quantum wells were grown on GaN microdisks with γ-LiAlO2 substrate by using low-temperature two-step technique of plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. We demonstrated that the hexagonal GaN microdisk can be used as a strain-free substrate to grow the advanced InxGa1−xN/GaN quantum wells for the optoelectronic applications. We showed that the green light of 566-nm wavelength (2.192 eV) emitted from the InxGa1−xN/GaN quantum wells was tremendously enhanced in an order of amplitude higher than the UV light of 367-nm wavelength (3.383 eV) from GaN.
Ion beam driven resonant ion-cyclotron instability in a magnetized dusty plasma
Authors: Prakash Ved , Sharma Suresh C. , Vijayshri  , Gupta Ruby
Published: March 2014

Electrostatic ion cyclotron waves are excited by axial ion beam in a dusty plasma via Cerenkov and slow cyclotron interaction. The dispersion relation of the instability is derived in the presence of positively/negatively charged dust grains. The minimum beam velocity needed for the excitation is estimated for different values of relative density of negatively charged dust grains. It is shown that the minimum beam velocity needed for excitation increases as the charge density carried by dust increases. Temperature of electrons and ions, charge and mass of dust grains, external static magnetic field and finite boundary of dusty plasma significantly modify the dispersion properties of these waves and play a crucial role in the growth of resonant ion cyclotron instability. The ion cyclotron modes with phase velocity comparable to the beam velocity possess a large growth rate. The maximum value of growth rate increases with the beam density and scales as the one-third power of the beam density in Cerenkov interaction and is proportional to the square root of beam density in slow cyclotron interaction.
Crystallization in nano-confinement seeded by a nanocrystal—A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Pan Heng , Grigoropoulos Costas
Published: March 2014

Seeded crystallization and solidification in nanoscale confinement volumes have become an important and complex topic. Due to the complexity and limitations in observing nanoscale crystallization, computer simulation can provide valuable details for supporting and interpreting experimental observations. In this article, seeded crystallization from nano-confined liquid, as represented by the crystallization of a suspended gold nano-droplet seeded by a pre-existing gold nanocrystal seed, was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations in canonical (NVT) ensemble. We found that the crystallization temperature depends on nano-confinement volume, crystal orientation, and seed size as explained by classical two-sphere model and Gibbs-Thomson effect.
Protecting children from taking up smoking: parents’ views on what would help
Authors: Marck K. , Glover M. , Kira A. , McCool J. , Scragg R. , Nosa V. , Bullen C.
Published: March 2014

Issue addressed

The present study investigated what factors the parents of children in low‐income areas of Auckland, New Zealand, thought could help protect their children from smoking initiation.

Methods

Participants in a large quasi‐experimental trial that tested a community‐, school‐ and family‐based smoking‐initiation intervention were asked in a questionnaire ‘What could we do to help you protect your children from smoke and taking up smoking?’ Free‐text responses were divided into distinct meaning units and categorised independently by two of the researchers.

Results

1806 participants (70% of parents who returned the questionnaire) completed the question. The majority of respondents (80%) were either Pacific Island or Mori mothers and 25% were current smokers. Five main categories of suggested strategies for a preventing smoking initiation were identified: building children's knowledge of the ill‐effects of smoking; denormalising smoking; reducing access to tobacco; building children's resilience; and health promotion activities. The most common suggestion was to educate children about smoking.

Conclusion

Building children's knowledge of smoking risks was the main strategy parents proposed. There was some support for banning smoking in most public areas and for tougher moves to stop tobacco sales to minors. Few parents suggested innovative or radical strategies, such as banning the sale of tobacco, fining children for smoking or use of competitions.

So what?

To ensure reductions in smoking initiation for lower socioeconomic and Mori and Pacific Island people, further research a should engage Mori, Pacific Island and lower socioeconomic parents in a process that elicits innovative thinking about culturally a acceptable strategies.
The problem of Horn and Tarski
Authors: Thümmel Egbert
Published: March 2014

In 1948 A. Horn and A. Tarski asked whether the notions of a

σ
\sigma

-finite cc and a

σ
\sigma

-bounded cc ordering are equivalent. We give a negative answer to this question.
Lacking alignments? The next-generation sequencing mapper segemehl revisited
Authors: Otto Christian , Stadler Peter F. , Hoffmann Steve
Published: March 2014

Motivation: Next-generation sequencing has become an important tool in molecular biology. Various protocols to investigate genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic features across virtually all species and tissues have been devised. For most of these experiments, one of the first crucial steps of bioinformatic analysis is the mapping of reads to reference genomes.

Results: Here, we present thorough benchmarks of our read aligner segemehl in comparison with other state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, we introduce the tool lack to rescue unmapped RNA-seq reads which works in conjunction with segemehl and many other frequently used split-read aligners.

Availability:  lack is distributed together with segemehl and freely available at www.bioinf.uni-leipzig.de/Software/segemehl/ .

Contact:  steve@bioinf.uni-leipzig.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Medieval Universities, Legal Institutions, and the Commercial Revolution *
Authors: Cantoni Davide , Yuchtman Noam
Published: March 2014

We present new data documenting medieval Europe’s Commercial Revolution using information on the establishment of markets in Germany. We use these data to test whether medieval universities played a causal role in expanding economic activity, examining the foundation of Germany’s first universities after 1386 following the papal schism. We find that the trend rate of market establishment breaks upward in 1386 and this break is greatest where the distance to a university shrank most. There is no differential pre-1386 trend associated with the reduction in distance to a university, and there is no break in trend in 1386 where university proximity did not change. These results are robust to estimating a variety of specifications that address concerns about the endogeneity of university location. Universities provided training in newly rediscovered Roman and canon law; students with legal training served in positions that reduced the uncertainty of trade in the Middle Ages. We argue that training in the law, and the consequent development of legal and administrative institutions, was an important channel linking universities and greater economic activity in medieval Germany.
Low‐Protein Formula Slows Weight Gain in Infants of Overweight Mothers
Authors: Inostroza Jaime , Haschke Ferdinand , Steenhout Philippe , Grathwohl Dominik , Nelson Steven E. , Ziegler Ekhard E.
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

Infant formulas provide more protein than breast milk. High protein intakes, as well as maternal obesity, are risk factors for later obesity. The present study tested whether a formula with lower protein content slows weight gain of infants of overweight mothers (body mass index [BMI] > 25 kg/m2).

Methods:

In a randomized double‐blind study infants of overweight mothers received from 3 months an experimental (EXPL) formula with 1.65 g of protein/100 kcal (62.8 kcal/100 mL) and containing probiotics, or a control (CTRL) formula with 2.7 g of protein/100 kcal (65.6 kcal/100 mL). Breast‐fed infants were studied concurrently. Primary assessment was between 3 and 6 months, although formulas were fed until 12 months. Biomarkers of protein metabolism (blood urea nitrogen, insulin growth factor‐1, insulinogenic amino acids) were measured.

Results:

Infants fed the low‐protein EXPL formula gained less weight between 3 and 6 months (−1.77 g/day, P = 0.024) than infants fed the CTRL formula. In the subgroup of infants of mothers with BMI > 30 kg/m2 the difference was −4.21 g/day (P = 0.017). Weight (P = 0.011) and BMI (P = 0.027) of EXPL infants remained lower than that of CTRL infants until 2 years but were similar to that of breast‐fed infants. Blood urea nitrogen, insulin growth factor‐1, and insulinogenic amino acids at 6 months were significantly lower in EXPL compared with CTRL.

Conclusions:

A low‐protein formula with probiotics slowed weight gain between 3 and 6 months in infants of overweight mothers. Weight gain and biomarkers were more like those of breast‐fed infants.
Insights into Clostridium phytofermentans biofilm formation: aggregation, microcolony development and the role of extracellular DNA
Authors: Zuroff Trevor R. , Gu Weimin , Fore Rachel L. , Leschine Susan B. , Curtis Wayne R.
Published: March 2014

Biofilm formation is a critical component to the lifestyle of many naturally occurring cellulose-degrading microbes. In this work, cellular aggregation and biofilm formation of Clostridium phytofermentans, a cellulolytic anaerobic bacterium, was investigated using a combination of microscopy and analytical techniques. Aggregates included thread-like linkages and a DNA/protein-rich extracellular matrix when grown on soluble cellobiose. Similar dense biofilms formed on the surface of the model cellulosic substrate Whatman no. 1 filter paper. Following initially dispersed attachment, microcolonies of ~500 µm diameter formed on the filter paper after 6 days. Enzymic treatment of both the biofilm and cellular aggregates with DNase and proteinase resulted in significant loss of rigidity, pointing to the key role of extracellular DNA and proteins in the biofilm structure. A high-throughput biofilm assay was adapted for studying potential regulators of biofilm formation. Various media manipulations were shown to greatly impact biofilm formation, including repression in the presence of glucose but not the β(1→4)-linked disaccharide cellobiose, implicating a balance of hydrolytic activity and assimilation to maintain biofilm integrity. Using the microtitre plate biofilm assay, DNase and proteinase dispersed ~60 and 30 % of mature biofilms, respectively, whilst RNase had no impact. This work suggests that Clostridium phytofermentans has evolved a DNA/protein-rich biofilm matrix complementing its cellulolytic nature. These insights add to our current understanding of natural ecosystems as well as strategies for efficient bioprocess design.
Women with greater pelvic floor muscle strength have better sexual function
Authors: Martinez Caroline S. , Ferreira Fernanda V. , Castro Antonio A.M. , Gomide Liana B.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To investigate the relation between pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual function among women with higher and lower pelvic floor muscle strength.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was performed among employees and students of the University.

Setting

Urogynecology department, Federal University of Pampa, Brazil, carried out between January and July of 2012.

Population

Forty women, aged 20–28 years.

Methods

Forty‐nine women were screened and nine were excluded. Baseline information of the participants was obtained. The Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was applied and pelvic floor muscle strength was randomly measured by transvaginal palpation according to the Ortiz scale, and by perineometry. Women were allocated into two groups according to muscle strength.

Main outcome measures

Index of sexual function and pelvic floor muscle strength

Results

Women with stronger pelvic floor muscles scored higher in the following domains: desire, excitement, orgasm and general score of the questionnaire (4.9 ± 0.73 vs. 3.8 ± 0.58; 5.0 ± 0.35 vs. 4.3 ± 0.82; 5.8 ± 0.21 vs. 4.0 ± 1.00 and 32.4 ± 0.77 vs. 27.6 ± 3.29, p < 0.001). There was a moderate correlation between pelvic floor muscle pressure and both sexual satisfaction (r = 0.47, p = 0.03) and lubrication (r = −0.69, p = 0.001) as well as the manual evaluation of pelvic floor muscle strength, graded by the Ortiz and perineometry, which were interrelated (r = 0.65, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that women with stronger pelvic floor muscles have better sexual function.
Does fire induce flowering inBrazilian subtropical grasslands?
Authors: Fidelis Alessandra , Blanco Carolina
Published: March 2014

Questions

We aimed to analyse the effect of fire on flowering in subtropical grasslands, by addressing the following questions: will fire history affect flowering? If yes, do fire feedbacks influence flowering or is it just the removal of above‐ground biomass? Are there differences in burned and mowed plots?

Location

Subtropical grasslands inSouthernBrazil (30°03′S, 51°07′W).

Methods

We established plots in areas with different fire histories: 30 d (30 plots: five replicates), 1 yr (14 replicates), 3 yr (30 plots: five replicates) since the last fire, in experimentally burned and mowed plots (14 replicates each). We counted the number of flowering species, as well as the number of flowering stalks.

Results

Graminoid species flowered in highest numbers 1 yr after fire, whilst forbs had more species flowering just after fire, indicating different reproductive strategies in post‐fire environments. Mowing was not as efficient as fire in stimulating flowering. Finally, the different functional groups showed different flowering responses to time since last fire and to the different types of management.

Conclusions

Our results show fire stimulated flowering. Although mowing can be a good alternative for maintaining plant diversity, our study showed that this practice is not as efficient as fire in stimulating flowering. However, fire season should be noted as a limiting factor to the recovery of C3grasses in these subtropical grasslands, and annual burns may be harmful to C4grasses, since they delay their flowering to the next post‐fire growing season.
Reactive oxygen species induce MMP12‐dependent degradation of collagen 5 and fibronectin to promote the motility of human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yun Seung Pil , Lee Sei‐Jung , Oh Sang Yub , Jung Young Hyun , Ryu Jung Min , Suh Han Na , Kim Mi Ok , Oh Keon Bong , Han Ho Jae
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are potent regulators of stem cell behaviour; however, their physiological significance as regards MMP‐mediated regulation of the motility of human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB‐MSCs) has not been characterized. In the present study, we investigated the role of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and associated signalling pathways in promoting UCB‐MSCs motility.

Experimental Approach

The regulatory effects of H2O2 on the activation of PKC, MAPKs, NF‐κB and β‐catenin were determined. The expressions of MMP and extracellular matrix proteins were examined. Pharmacological inhibitors and gene‐specific siRNA were used to identify the signalling pathways of H2O2 that affect UCB‐MSCs motility. An experimental skin wound‐healing model was used to confirm the functional role of UCB‐MSCs treated with H2O2 in ICR mice.

Key Results

H2O2 increased the motility of UCB‐MSCs by activating PKCα via a calcium influx mechanism. H2O2 activated ERK and p38 MAPK, which are responsible for the distinct activation of transcription factors NF‐κB and β‐catenin. UCB‐MSCs expressed eight MMP genes, but only MMP12 expression was uniquely regulated by NF‐κB and β‐catenin activation. H2O2 increased the MMP12‐dependent degradation of collagen 5 (COL‐5) and fibronectin (FN) associated with UCB‐MSCs motility. Finally, topical transplantation of UCB‐MSCs treated with H2O2 enhanced skin wound healing in mice.

Conclusions and Implications

H2O2 stimulated UCB‐MSCs motility by increasing MMP12‐dependent degradation of COL‐5 and FN through the activation of NF‐κB and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β/β‐catenin, which is critical for providing a suitable microenvironment for MSCs transplantation and re‐epithelialization of skin wounds in mice.
A study of the molecular mechanism of binding kinetics and long residence times of human CCR5 receptor small molecule allosteric ligands
Authors: Swinney David C , Beavis Paul , Chuang Kai‐Ting , Zheng Yue , Lee Ina , Gee Peter , Deval Jerome , Rotstein David M , Dioszegi Marianna , Ravendran Palani , Zhang Jun , Sankuratri Surya , Kondru Rama , Vauquelin Georges
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose

The human CCR5 receptor is a co‐receptor for HIV‐1 infection and a target for anti‐viral therapy. A greater understanding of the binding kinetics of small molecule allosteric ligand interactions with CCR5 will lead to a better understanding of the binding process and may help discover new molecules that avoid resistance.

Experimental Approach

Using [3H] maraviroc as a radioligand, a number of different binding protocols were employed in conjunction with simulations to determine rate constants, kinetic mechanism and mutant kinetic fingerprints for wild‐type and mutant human CCR5 with maraviroc, aplaviroc and vicriviroc.

Key Results

Kinetic characterization of maraviroc binding to the wild‐type CCR5 was consistent with a two‐step kinetic mechanism that involved an initial receptor–ligand complex (RA), which transitioned to a more stable complex, R'A, with at least a 13‐fold increase in affinity. The dissociation rate from R'A, k−2, was 1.2 × 10−3 min−1. The maraviroc time‐dependent transition was influenced by F85L, W86A, Y108A, I198A and Y251A mutations of CCR5.

Conclusions and Implications

The interaction between maraviroc and CCR5 proceeded according to a multi‐step kinetic mechanism, whereby initial mass action binding and later reorganizations of the initial maraviroc–receptor complex lead to a complex with longer residence time. Site‐directed mutagenesis identified a kinetic fingerprint of residues that affected the binding kinetics, leading to the conclusion that allosteric ligand binding to CCR5 involved the rearrangement of the binding site in a manner specific to each allosteric ligand.
The Social Value of Shareholder Value
Authors: Morck Randall
Published: March 2014

Manuscript Type

Perspective

Research Question/Issue

Can maximizing shareholder value maximize social value?

Research Findings/Insights

If good corporate governance is defined as maximizing a firm's contribution to overall social welfare, shareholder valuation maximization can achieve this only if capital markets are functionally efficient, a concept quite distinct from the definitions of market efficiency usually found in finance textbooks. Functional efficient capital markets allocate capital to its highest value uses subject to achieving tolerable success toward other social goals, such as equality or environmental standards.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Pressing top managers to maximize shareholder valuation is of questionable social value if share prices are either informationally inefficient (noisy) or informationally efficient but functionally inefficient (share prices faithfully reflect fundamental values, which depend on political lobbying, gaming complex regulations, etc., more than genuine productivity growth).

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Shareholder valuation, if surrounded by institutions that foster functional efficiency, is a readily observable, legally useful, and socially defensible barometer of corporate governance. The efficacy of corporate governance institutions associated with shareholder value thus depends on the bundle of political economy institutions that promote functional efficiency.
Predictive factor of re‐bleeding after negative capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: Over 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Matsumura Tomoaki , Arai Makoto , Saito Keiko , Okimoto Kenichiro , Saito Masaya , Minemura Shoko , Oyamada Arata , Maruoka Daisuke , Nakagawa Tomoo , Watabe Hirotsugu , Katsuno Tatsuro , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: March 2014

Background and Aim

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is now widely accepted as a first‐line diagnostic modality for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), with a high diagnostic yield compared to other modalities. However, even after negative CE examination, re‐bleeding is often known to occur. The aim of the present study was to identify predictive factors of re‐bleeding after negative CE, and to clarify the clinical utility of double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE) after negative CE for OGIB.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty patients who underwent CE for OGIB between October 2007 and September 2012 were included, and followed up for at least 1 year after CE examination. Demographic and clinical parameters associated with re‐bleeding after negative CE were investigated.

Results

A total of 154 patients (59.2%) had negative findings. Thirteen of those patients (8.4%) had one or more re‐bleeding episodes during the follow‐up period. In comparing patients with and without re‐bleeding, Cox hazard regression analysis revealed that advanced age was a predictive factor for re‐bleeding after negative CE (hazard ratio 1.05 [1.01–1.10], P = 0.03). Subsequent DBE for reasons other than re‐bleeding was carried out in 51 patients (33.1%). Mucosal lesions (ulcer or multiple erosions) were subsequently detected in seven patients (13.7%), and endoscopic therapies were carried out in two patients (3.9%).

Conclusions

In patients of advanced age, more extensive follow up is needed, even if the CE result is negative. In addition, DBE subsequent to negative CE may be useful to detect lesions that were overlooked on CE.
Species richness of associates of ants in the nests of red wood ant Formica polyctena (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Härkönen Salla K. , Sorvari Jouni
Published: March 2014

Ant nests are rich with various other fauna, and they may be seen as resources for these guest species. We studied the species richness and abundance of ant guests in the nests of Formica polyctena by addressing the resource concentration hypothesis, which predicts that nests in high densities would support higher species richness and abundance of specialised guests.

In 12 nests we found 1562 individuals belonging to 70 taxa, of which beetles were the most species rich group. The resource concentration hypothesis was supported, as we found the species richness to be higher in nests with close neighbours. There was no relationship between the abundance of associates and the nearest neighbour distance.

Non‐parametric methods were applied for total species richness estimation. These suggest that additional sampling would yield more associate species.

In addition, we studied the similarity of the species composition in the nests and how the distance between the nests correlates with it. Overall, nests from the same area appeared to be most similar with each other. A significant negative trend between geographical distance and similarity of the species composition was found when all species and non‐myrmecophiles were tested.

For maintaining and conserving high arthropod diversity in temperate and boreal forests, forest management practices preserving dense red wood ant populations should be used if the habitat cannot be protected.
Effectiveness of ProTaper Universal retreatment instruments used with rotary or reciprocating adaptive motion in the removal of root canal filling material
Authors: Capar I. D. , Arslan H. , Ertas H. , Gök T. , Saygılı G.
Published: March 2014

Aim

To compare the effectiveness of ProTaper Universal retreatment instruments with continuous rotation and adaptive motion (AM; a modified reciprocating motion that combines rotational and reciprocating motion) in the removal of filling material.

Methodology

Mesiobuccal root canals in 36 mandibular first molars were instrumented up to size F2 with the ProTaper Universal instrument (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and filled using sealer and ProTaper Universal F2 gutta‐percha cones. Gutta‐percha was then down‐packed and the root canal backfilled using the extruder hand‐piece of the Elements Obturation System (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA). The teeth were assigned to two groups (n = 18), and removal of the root fillings was performed using one of the following techniques: group 1) ProTaper Universal retreatment files used with rotational motion (RM) and group 2) ProTaper Universal retreatment files used with adaptive motion (AM) (600° clockwise/0° counter‐clockwise to 370° clockwise/50° counter‐clockwise). The teeth were sectioned, and both halves were analysed at 8 × magnification. The percentage of remaining filling material was recorded. The data were analysed statistically using the Student's t‐test at a 95% confidence level (P < 0.05).

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the total time required for retreatment (P = 0.481). The AM technique left significantly less filling material than the RM method (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

The use of ProTaper Universal retreatment files with adaptive motion removed more filling materials from root canals than the rotational movement.
Transforming growth factor‐β1 requires NADPH oxidase 4 for angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Peshavariya Hitesh M , Chan Elsa C , Liu Guei Sheung , Jiang Fan , Dusting Gregory J
Published: March 2014

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a key physiological event in organ development and tissue responses to hypoxia but is also involved in pathophysiologies such as tumour growth and retinopathies. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved is important to design strategies for therapeutic intervention. One important regulator of angiogenesis is transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ROS‐forming NADPH oxidase type 4 (Nox4) have been implicated as additional regulators such as during hypoxia. Here, we show that both processes are indeed mechanistically linked. TGF‐β1‐stimulated Nox4 expression and ROS formation in endothelial cells. In cells from Nox4‐deficient mice, TGF‐β1‐induced cell proliferation, migration and tube formation were abolished. In vivo, TGF‐β1 stimulated growth of blood vessels into sponges implanted subcutaneously, and this angiogenesis was markedly reduced in Nox4 knockout mice. Thus, endothelial cells are regulated by a TGF‐β1 signalling pathway involving Nox4‐derived ROS to promote angiogenesis. In order to abrogate pathological angiogenesis triggered by a multitude of factors, such as TGF‐β1 and hypoxia, Nox4 may thus be an ideal therapeutic target.
Contribution of extrahepatic collaterals to liver parenchymal circulation after proper hepatic artery embolization
Authors: Mine Takahiko , Murata Satoru , Ueda Tatsuo , Takeda Minako , Onozawa Shiro , Yamaguchi Hidenori , Kawano Youichi , Kumita Shin‐ichiro
Published: March 2014

Background and Aim

To retrospectively evaluate proper hepatic artery embolization, with respect to the development of extrahepatic collaterals.

Methods

Proper hepatic artery embolization was performed in 18 patients with hemorrhagic arterial lesions in the hepatic hilum. Post‐procedural development of extrahepatic collaterals was evaluated by computed tomography or angiography. Embolization data and liver function tests were assessed. The correlation of outcomes with portal venous stenosis, hepatic failure prior to embolization, elevation of prothrombin time, and insufficient collateral development were analyzed.

Results

Postoperative bleeding occurred in 17/18 patients, and one was treated for an idiopathic aneurysm of the proper hepatic artery; all treatments achieved technical success. Extrahepatic collaterals were confirmed in 13 patients. Elevations of liver function test values were transient and returned to baseline within 14 days in patients with collateral development (n = 13), but were unimproved in patients without collaterals (n = 5) (P < 0.001). Portal venous stenosis; prior hepatic failure; unrecovered, elevation of prothrombin time; and insufficient collateral development were significantly correlated with poor outcomes (P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Proper hepatic artery embolization is effective for hemostasis, and extrahepatic collateral development is expected. Therefore, this is a safe treatment without prolonged hepatic ischemic damage, especially in patients without severe portal venous stenosis or prior hepatic failure.
Minority nations and attitudes towards immigration: the case of Quebec
Authors: Turgeon Luc , Bilodeau Antoine
Published: March 2014

Growing international migration constitutes a tremendous challenge for contemporary democracies, no more so than for minority nations. An important challenge for the latter is one of acceptance of immigration from the native‐born population, in a context in which immigrant can be seen as both a cultural and a political threat. In this article we ask what explains attitudes towards immigration in minority nations. More specifically, we seek to provide answers to these questions: What is the impact of cultural insecurity on attitudes towards immigration in minority nations? Is strong attachment to a minority nation associated with less positive attitudes towards immigration? And finally, are proponents of independence for minority nations more likely to favour a reduction in the level of immigration than those who oppose it? The article seeks to answer these questions by exploring the case of Quebec.
Genome rearrangements derived from homoeologous recombination following allopolyploidy speciation in coffee
Authors: Lashermes Philippe , Combes Marie‐Christine , Hueber Yann , Severac Dany , Dereeper Alexis
Published: March 2014

Allopolyploidization is widespread and has played a major role in flowering plant diversification. Genomic changes are common consequences of allopolyploidization, but their mechanisms of occurrence and dynamics over time are still poorly understood. Coffea arabica, a recently formed allotetraploid, was chosen as a model to investigate genetic changes in allopolyploid using an approach that exploits next‐generation sequencing technologies. Genes affected by putative homoeolog loss were inferred by comparing the numbers of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms detected using RNA‐seq in individual accessions of C. arabica, and between accessions of its two diploid progenitor species for common sequence positions. Their physical locations were investigated and clusters of genes exhibiting homoeolog loss were identified. To validate these results, genome sequencing data were generated from one accession of C. arabica and further analyzed. Genomic rearrangements involving homoeologous exchanges appear to occur in C. arabica and to be a major source of genetic diversity. At least 5% of the C. arabica genes were inferred to have undergone homoeolog loss. The detection of a large number of homoeologous exchange events (HEEs) shared by all accessions of C. arabica strongly reinforces the assumption of a single allopolyploidization event. Furthermore, HEEs were specific to one or a few accessions, suggesting that HEE accumulates gradually. Our results provide evidence for the important role of HEE in allopolyploid genome evolution.
Analytical Study on the Buckling of Cylindrical Shells With Arbitrary Thickness Imperfections Under Axial Compression
Authors: Cao Guowei , Chen Zhiping , Yang Licai , Fan Haigui , Zhou Fan
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an analytical study on the buckling of axially compressed cylindrical shells with arbitrary thickness imperfections (nonaxisymmetric and axisymmetric). First, the basic governing partial differential equations, which consider thickness imperfections, are obtained. Second, a unified method that combines the perturbation method and Fourier series expansion is developed to derive buckling load, radial displacement and stress function, that are expressed by triple series in terms of thickness imperfection parameter and buckling modes up to arbitrary order. Third, two patterns of nonaxisymmetric thickness imperfections, which are modal and exponential, are, respectively, investigated. These results are absolutely new to literature. When modal thickness imperfection becomes axisymmetric, the buckling loads degenerate to the known results. In addition to the analytical investigation, analyses and comparisons are also carried out.
Effect of Humidity on Carbon Monoxide Desorption Kinetics
Authors: Dundar F. , Pitois A. , Pilenga A. , Tsotridis G.
Published: March 2014

The kinetics of carbon monoxide desorption on a platinum catalyst under humidified conditions were investigated with the steady state isotropic transient kinetic analysis (SSITKA) method. The effect of the humidity level on desorption kinetics was quantified. The carbon monoxide (CO) desorption kinetic constant was calculated regardless of the gas flow rate. The kinetic constant dropped up to 58% with the increasing relative humidity. The negative effect of humidity in terms of CO poisoning for PEM fuel cells was determined.
Extreme Temperature Coatings for Future Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Alvin M. A. , Klotz K. , McMordie B. , Zhu D. , Gleeson B. , Warnes B.
Published: March 2014

The National Energy Technology Laboratory-Regional University Alliance (NETL-RUA) has been developing extreme temperature coating systems that consist of a diffusion barrier coating (DBC), a low-cost wet slurry bond coat, a commercial yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coating (TBC), and an extreme temperature external coating that are deposited along the surface of nickel-based superalloys and single crystal metal substrates. Thermal cyclic testing of these multilayer coatings was conducted in steam-containing environments at temperatures ranging between 1100 and 1550 °C. This paper discusses the response of these materials during bench-scale testing, and their potential use in advanced H- and J-class land-based gas turbine engines.
Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain LCT-PA220, Which Was Selected after Space Flight by Using Biolog's Powerful Carbon Source Utilization Technology
Authors: Xu Guogang , Hu Juan , Fang Xiangqun , Zhang Xuelin , Wang Junfeng , Guo Yinghua , Li Tianzhi , Chen Zhenghong , Dai Wenkui , Liu Changting
Published: March 2014

To explore the changes of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in space flight, we present the draft genome sequence of
P. aeruginosa
strain LCT-PA220, which originated from a
P. aeruginosa
strain, ATCC 27853, that traveled on the Shenzhou-VIII spacecraft.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis Serovar Tolworthi Strain Na205-3, an Isolate Toxic for Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Palma Leopoldo , Muñoz Delia , Murillo Jesús , Caballero Primitivo
Published: March 2014

We report here the complete annotated 6,510,053-bp draft genome sequence of
Bacillus thuringiensis
serovar tolworthi strain Na205-3, which is toxic for
Helicoverpa armigera
. This strain potentially contains nine insecticidal toxin genes homologous to
cry1Aa12
,
cry1Ab1
,
cry1Ab8
,
cry1Ba1
,
cry1Af1
,
cry1Ia10
,
vip1Bb1
,
vip2Ba2
, and
vip3Aa6
.
Antemortem diagnosis with multiple random skin biopsies and transbronchial lung biopsy in a patient with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma, the so-called Asian variant lymphoma
Authors: Nishizawa Tomotaka , Saraya Takeshi , Ishii Haruyuki , Goto Hajime
Published: March 2014

A 59-year-old, previously healthy man presented to our hospital, with a 3-month history of high fever, nocturnal sweating and exertional dyspnoea. Aggressive diagnostic procedures such as multiple random skin biopsies and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) led to an antemortem diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL), which showed abundant CD20 atypical lymphocytes aggregated in lumina of small vessels. The 29 cases diagnosed with IVLBCL during their lifetime by TBLB were reviewed. Their clinical features included respiratory symptoms (hypoxaemia, dyspnoea and dry cough) and persistent fever. IVLBCL patients show various radiological patterns (ground glass opacities, multiple centrilobular nodules, interlobular septal thickening, interstitial shadows and thickening of bronchovascular bundles), suggesting lymphatic or haematological spread. Antemortem diagnosis of IVLBCL is difficult, but a multidisciplinary approach, with aggressive multiple random skin biopsies and/or TBLB, should be considered in patients with respiratory symptoms that are refractory to antibiotics or prednisolone treatment.
A high sensitivity wireless mass-loading surface acoustic wave DNA biosensor
Authors: Cai Hua-Lin , Yang Yi , Zhang Yi-Han , Zhou Chang-Jian , Guo Cang-Ran , Liu Jing , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) biosensor with gold delay area on LiNbO 3 substrate detecting DNA sequences is proposed. By well-designed device parameters of the SAW sensor, it achieves a high performance for highly sensitive detection of target DNA. In addition, an effective biological treatment method for DNA immobilization and abundant experimental verification of the sensing effect have made it a reliable device in DNA detection. The loading mass of the probe and target DNA sequences is obtained from the frequency shifts, which are big enough in this work due to an effective biological treatment. The experimental results show that the biosensor has a high sensitivity of 1.2 pg/ml/Hz and high selectivity characteristic is also verified by the few responses of other substances. In combination with wireless transceiver, we develop a wireless receiving and processing system that can directly display the detection results.
STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THE DIFFUSER FOR MAGLEV AXIAL BLOOD PUMP
Authors: WU HUACHUN , GONG GAO , WANG ZHIQIANG , HU YEFA , SONG CHUNSHENG
Published: March 2014

Hydraulic performance is an especially important factor for maglev axial blood pumps that have been used in patients with heart disease. Most maglev axial blood pumps basically consist of a straightener, an impeller and a diffuser. The diffuser plays a key role in the performance of the maglev axial blood pump to provide an adequate pressure head and increase the hydraulic efficiency. Maglev axial blood pumps with various structural diffusers exhibit different hydraulic performance. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed to quantify hydrodynamic in a maglev axial blood pump with a flow rate of 6 L/min against a pressure head of 100 mmHg to optimize the diffuser structure. First, we design the prototype of diffuser structure based on traditional design method, establish blood flow channel models using commercial software ANSYS FLUENT. Specifically, compare the performance of pump with the diffusers of different parameters, such as the leading edge blade angle, blade-thickness and blade-number. The results show that the diffuser structures with the thickening blade by arc airfoil law, blade-number of 6, leading edge blade angle of 24°, and trailing edge blade angle of 90° exhibited the best hydraulic performance which could be utilized in the optimization design of maglev axial blood pumps.
Paleoearthquake Investigations of the Mae Hong Son Fault, Mae Hong Son Region, Northern Thailand
Authors: Wiwegwin Weerachat , Hisada Ken-Ichiro , Charusiri Punya , Kosuwan Suwith , Pailoplee Santi , Saithong Preecha , Khaowiset Kitti , Won-In Krit
Published: March 2014

We applied remote sensing and aerial photographic techniques to a study of the Mae Hong Son Fault (MHSF), located in the Mae Hong Son region, northern Thailand. Several fault lines are recognized in the region, trending mainly NE–SW, NW–SE, and N–S. The main morphotectonic landforms associated with the MHSF are fault scarps, offset streams, linear valleys, triangular facets, offset ridge crests, hot springs, and linear mountain fronts. A trench, a quarry, and a road cut in Caenozoic strata were used to analyze fault geometries in the area. We identified eight paleoearthquake events from trenching, quarry, and road-cut data, and from optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) dating. The OSL and TL ages of the events are: (1) 78,000 yr BP; (2) 68,000 yr BP; (3) 58,000 yr BP; (4) 48,000 yr BP; (5) 38,000 yr BP; (6) 28,000 yr BP; (7) 18,000 yr BP; and (8) 8,000 yr BP. The recurrence interval of seismic events on the MHSF appears to be ca. 10,000 years, and the slip rate was estimated as ca. 0.03–0.13 mm/yr. There is a low possibility of a large earthquake on the MHSF in the near future.
Induced overexpression of OCT4A in human embryonic stem cells increases cloning efficiency
Authors: Tsai Steven C. , Chang David F. , Hong Chang-Mu , Xia Ping , Senadheera Dinithi , Trump Lisa , Mishra Suparna , Lutzko Carolyn
Published: March 2014

Our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying human embryonic stem cell (hESC) self-renewal and differentiation is incomplete. The level of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), a critical regulator of pluripotency, is precisely controlled in mouse embryonic stem cells. However, studies of human OCT4 are often confounded by the presence of three isoforms and six expressed pseudogenes, which has complicated the interpretation of results. Using an inducible lentiviral overexpression and knockdown system to manipulate OCT4A above or below physiological levels, we specifically examine the functional role of the OCT4A isoform in hESC. (We also designed and generated a comparable series of vectors, which were not functional, for the overexpression and knockdown of OCT4B.) We show that specific knockdown of OCT4A results in hESC differentiation, as indicated by morphology changes, cell surface antigen expression, and upregulation of ectodermal genes. In contrast, inducible overexpression of OCT4A in hESC leads to a transient instability of the hESC phenotype, as indicated by changes in morphology, cell surface antigen expression, and transcriptional profile, that returns to baseline within 5 days. Interestingly, sustained expression of OCT4A past 5 days enhances hESC cloning efficiency, suggesting that higher levels of OCT4A can support self-renewal. Overall, our results indicate that high levels of OCT4A increase hESC cloning efficiency and do not induce differentiation (whereas OCT4B expression cannot be induced in hESC), highlighting the importance of isoform-specific studies in a stable and inducible expression system for human OCT4. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of an efficient method for conditional gene expression in hESC.
Neuron-glial communication mediated by TNF-α and glial activation in dorsal root ganglia in visceral inflammatory hypersensitivity
Authors: Song Dan-dan , Li Yong , Tang Dong , Huang Li-ya , Yuan Yao-zong
Published: March 2014

Communication between neurons and glia in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the central nervous system is critical for nociception. Both glial activation and proinflammatory cytokine induction underlie this communication. We investigated whether satellite glial cell (SGC) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activation in DRG participates in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced rat model of visceral hyperalgesia. In TNBS-treated rats, TNF-α expression increased in DRG and was colocalized to SGCs enveloping a given neuron. These SGCs were activated as visualized under electron microscopy: they had more elongated processes projecting into the connective tissue space and more gap junctions. When nerves attached to DRG (L6-S1) were stimulated with a series of electrical stimulations, TNF-α were released from DRG in TNBS-treated animals compared with controls. Using a current clamp, we noted that exogenous TNF-α (2.5 ng/ml) increased DRG neuron activity, and visceral pain behavioral responses were reversed by intrathecal administration of anti-TNF-α (10 μg·kg−1·day−1). Based on our findings, TNF-α and SGC activation in neuron-glial communication are critical in inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia.
The Nedd8-Activating Enzyme Inhibitor MLN4924 Thwarts Microenvironment-Driven NF-κB Activation and Induces Apoptosis in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B Cells
Authors: Godbersen J. Claire , Humphries Leigh Ann , Danilova Olga V. , Kebbekus Peter E. , Brown Jennifer R. , Eastman Alan , Danilov Alexey V.
Published: March 2014

Background: Stromal-mediated signaling enhances NF-κB pathway activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells, leading to cell survival and chemoresistance. Ubiquitination of IκBα may partially account for constitutive activation of NF-κB. MLN4924 is an investigational agent that inhibits the Nedd8-activating enzyme, thereby neutralizing Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases and preventing degradation of their substrates.

Experimental Design: We conducted a preclinical assessment of MLN4924 in CLL. Primary CLL cells were cocultured in vitro with CD40L-expressing stroma to mimic the prosurvival conditions present in lymphoid tissue. The effect of MLN4924 on CLL cell apoptosis, NF-κB pathway activity, Bcl-2 family members, and cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry, Western blotting, PCR, and immunocytochemistry.

Results: CD40L-expressing stroma protected CLL cells from spontaneous apoptosis and induced resistance to multiple drugs, accompanied by NF-κB activation and Bim repression. Treatment with MLN4924 induced CLL cell apoptosis and circumvented stroma-mediated resistance. This was accompanied by accumulation of phospho-IκBα, decreased nuclear translocation of p65 and p52 leading to inhibition of both the canonical and noncanonical NF-κB pathways, and reduced transcription of their target genes, notably chemokines. MLN4924 promoted induction of Bim and Noxa in the CLL cells leading to rebalancing of Bcl-2 family members toward the proapoptotic BH3-only proteins. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Bim or Noxa decreased sensitivity to MLN4924. MLN4924 enhanced the antitumor activity of the inhibitors of B-cell receptor (BCR)–associated kinases.

Conclusions: MLN4924 disrupts NF-κB activation and induces Bim expression in CLL cells, thereby preventing stroma-mediated resistance. Our data provide rationale for further evaluation of MLN4924 in CLL. Clin Cancer Res; 20(6); 1576–89. ©2014 AACR.