bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure-based discovery of potentially active semiochemicals for Cydia pomonella (L.)
Authors: Liu Jiyuan , Tian Zhen , Zhang Yalin
Published: October 2016

The development of physiologically active semiochemicals is largely limited by the labor-consuming searching process. How to screen active semiochemicals efficiently is of significance to the extension of behavior regulation in pest control. Here pharmacophore modeling and shape-based virtual screening were combined to predict candidate ligands for Cydia pomonella pheromone binding protein 1 (CpomPBP1). Out of the predicted compounds, ETrME displayed the highest affinity to CpomPBP1. Further studies on the interaction between CpomPBP1 and ETrME, not only depicted the binding mode, but also revealed residues providing negative and positive contributions to the ETrME binding. Moreover, key residues involved in interacting with ETrME of CpomPBP1 were determined as well. These findings were significant to providing insights for the future searching and optimization of active semiochemicals.
Cystathionine γ-lyase is expressed in human atherosclerotic plaque microvessels and is involved in micro-angiogenesis
Authors: van den Born J. C. , Mencke R. , Conroy S. , Zeebregts C. J. , van Goor H. , Hillebrands J. L.
Published: October 2016

Atherosclerotic plaques are classically divided into stable and vulnerable plaques. Vulnerable plaques are prone to rupture with a risk for infarction. High intraplaque microvessel density predisposes to plaque vulnerability. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a proangiogenic gasotransmitter which is endogenously produced by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and is believed to have vasculoprotective effects. However, due to its proangiogenic effects, H2S may result in pathological angiogenesis in atherosclerotic plaques, thereby increasing plaque vulnerability. The aim of this study was to determine CSE expression pattern in atherosclerotic plaques, and investigate whether CSE is involved in micro-angiogenesis in vitro. Endarterectomy plaques were studied for CSE expression, and the role of CSE in micro-angiogenesis was studied in vitro. CSE is expressed in plaques with similar levels in both stable and vulnerable plaques. CSE co-localized with von Willebrand Factor-positive microvessel endothelial cells and alpha-smooth-muscle actin-positive SMCs. In vitro, inhibition of CSE in HMEC-1 reduced tube formation, cell viability/proliferation, and migration which was restored after culture in the presence of H2S donor GYY4137. CSE is expressed in intraplaque microvessels, and H2S is a stimulator of micro-angiogenesis in vitro. Due to this pro-angiogenic effect, high levels of CSE in atherosclerotic plaques may be a potential risk for plaque vulnerability.
Aromatic and proteomic analyses corroborate the distinction between Mediterranean landraces and modern varieties of durum wheat
Authors: Vita Federico , Taiti Cosimo , Pompeiano Antonio , Gu Zuguang , Lo Presti Emilio , Whitney Larisa , Monti Michele , Di Miceli Giuseppe , Giambalvo Dario , Ruisi Paolo , Guglielminetti Lorenzo , Mancuso Stefano
Published: October 2016

In this paper volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from durum wheat cultivars and landraces were analyzed using PTR-TOF-MS. The aim was to characterize the VOC’s profile of the wholemeal flour and of the kernel to find out if any VOCs were specific to varieties and sample matrices. The VOC data is accompanied by SDS-PAGE analyses of the storage proteins (gliadins and glutenins). Statistical analyses was carried out both on the signals obtained by MS and on the protein profiles. The difference between the VOC profile of two cultivars or two preparations of the same sample - matrices, in this case kernel vs wholemeal flour - can be very subtle; the high resolution of PTR-TOF-MS - down to levels as low as pptv - made it possible to recognize these differences. The effects of grinding on the VOC profiles were analyzed using SIMPER and Tanglegram statistical methods. Our results show that it is possible describe samples using VOC profiles and protein data.
Grain Boundary Specific Segregation in Nanocrystalline Fe(Cr)
Authors: Zhou Xuyang , Yu Xiao-xiang , Kaub Tyler , Martens Richard L. , Thompson Gregory B.
Published: October 2016

A cross-correlative precession electron diffraction – atom probe tomography investigation of Cr segregation in a Fe(Cr) nanocrystalline alloy was undertaken. Solute segregation was found to be dependent on grain boundary type. The results of which were compared to a hybrid Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation that predicted the segregation for special character, low angle, and high angle grain boundaries, as well as the angle of inclination of the grain boundary. It was found that the highest segregation concentration was for the high angle grain boundaries and is explained in terms of clustering driven by the onset of phase separation. For special character boundaries, the highest Gibbsain interfacial excess was predicted at the incoherent ∑3 followed by ∑9 and ∑11 boundaries with negligible segregation to the twin and ∑5 boundaries. In addition, the low angle grain boundaries predicted negligible segregation. All of these trends matched well with the experiment. This solute-boundary segregation dependency for the special character grain boundaries is explained in terms of excess volume and the energetic distribution of the solute in the boundary.
Low Complexity Compression and Speed Enhancement for Optical Scanning Holography
Authors: Tsang P. W. M. , Poon T.-C. , Liu J.-P. , Kim T. , Kim Y. S.
Published: October 2016

In this paper we report a low complexity compression method that is suitable for compact optical scanning holography (OSH) systems with different optical settings. Our proposed method can be divided into 2 major parts. First, an automatic decision maker is applied to select the rows of holographic pixels to be scanned. This process enhances the speed of acquiring a hologram, and also lowers the data rate. Second, each row of down-sampled pixels is converted into a one-bit representation with delta modulation (DM). Existing DM-based hologram compression techniques suffers from the disadvantage that a core parameter, commonly known as the step size, has to be determined in advance. However, the correct value of the step size for compressing each row of hologram is dependent on the dynamic range of the pixels, which could deviate significantly with the object scene, as well as OSH systems with different opical settings. We have overcome this problem by incorporating a dynamic step-size adjustment scheme. The proposed method is applied in the compression of holograms that are acquired with 2 different OSH systems, demonstrating a compression ratio of over two orders of magnitude, while preserving favorable fidelity on the reconstructed images.
Infant-specific gaze patterns in response to radial optic flow
Authors: Shirai Nobu , Imura Tomoko
Published: October 2016

The focus of a radial optic flow is a valid visual cue used to perceive and control the heading direction of animals. Gaze patterns in response to the focus of radial optic flow were measured in human infants (N = 100, 4–18 months) and in adults (N = 20) using an eye-tracking technique. Overall, although the adults showed an advantage in detecting the focus of an expansion flow (representing forward locomotion) against that of a contraction flow (representing backward locomotion), infants younger than 1 year showed an advantage in detecting the focus of a contraction flow. Infants aged between 13 and 18 months showed no significant advantage in detecting the focus in either the expansion or in the contraction flow. The uniqueness of the gaze patterns in response to the focus of radial optic flow in infants shows that the visual information necessary to perceive heading direction potentially differs between younger and mature individuals.
Genetic and clinical characterization of Pakistani families with Bardet-Biedl syndrome extends the genetic and phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Maria Maleeha , Lamers Ideke J. C. , Schmidts Miriam , Ajmal Muhammad , Jaffar Sulman , Ullah Ehsan , Mustafa Bilal , Ahmad Shakeel , Nazmutdinova Katia , Hoskins Bethan , van Wijk Erwin , Koster-Kamphuis Linda , Khan Muhammad Imran , Beales Phil L. , Cremers Frans P. M. , Roepman Ronald , Azam Maleeha , Arts Heleen H. , Qamar Raheel
Published: October 2016

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive disorder that is both genetically and clinically heterogeneous. To date 19 genes have been associated with BBS, which encode proteins active at the primary cilium, an antenna-like organelle that acts as the cell’s signaling hub. In the current study, a combination of mutation screening, targeted sequencing of ciliopathy genes associated with BBS, and whole-exome sequencing was used for the genetic characterization of five families including four with classic BBS symptoms and one BBS-like syndrome. This resulted in the identification of novel mutations in BBS genes ARL6 and BBS5, and recurrent mutations in BBS9 and CEP164. In the case of CEP164, this is the first report of two siblings with a BBS-like syndrome with mutations in this gene. Mutations in this gene were previously associated with nephronophthisis 15, thus the current results expand the CEP164-associated phenotypic spectrum. The clinical and genetic spectrum of BBS and BBS-like phenotypes is not fully defined in Pakistan. Therefore, genetic studies are needed to gain insights into genotype-phenotype correlations, which will in turn improve the clinician’s ability to make an early and accurate diagnosis, and facilitate genetic counseling, leading to directly benefiting families with affected individuals.
Single cell dynamic phenotyping
Authors: Patsch Katherin , Chiu Chi-Li , Engeln Mark , Agus David B. , Mallick Parag , Mumenthaler Shannon M. , Ruderman Daniel
Published: October 2016

Live cell imaging has improved our ability to measure phenotypic heterogeneity. However, bottlenecks in imaging and image processing often make it difficult to differentiate interesting biological behavior from technical artifact. Thus there is a need for new methods that improve data quality without sacrificing throughput. Here we present a 3-step workflow to improve dynamic phenotype measurements of heterogeneous cell populations. We provide guidelines for image acquisition, phenotype tracking, and data filtering to remove erroneous cell tracks using the novel Tracking Aberration Measure (TrAM). Our workflow is broadly applicable across imaging platforms and analysis software. By applying this workflow to cancer cell assays, we reduced aberrant cell track prevalence from 17% to 2%. The cost of this improvement was removing 15% of the well-tracked cells. This enabled detection of significant motility differences between cell lines. Similarly, we avoided detecting a false change in translocation kinetics by eliminating the true cause: varied proportions of unresponsive cells. Finally, by systematically seeking heterogeneous behaviors, we detected subpopulations that otherwise could have been missed, including early apoptotic events and pre-mitotic cells. We provide optimized protocols for specific applications and step-by-step guidelines for adapting them to a variety of biological systems.
GSF2 deletion increases lactic acid production by alleviating glucose repression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Baek Seung-Ho , Kwon Eunice Y. , Kim Seon-Young , Hahn Ji-Sook
Published: October 2016

Improving lactic acid (LA) tolerance is important for cost-effective microbial production of LA under acidic fermentation conditions. Previously, we generated LA-tolerant D-LA-producing S. cerevisiae strain JHY5310 by laboratory adaptive evolution of JHY5210. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing of JHY5310, identifying four loss-of-function mutations in GSF2, SYN8, STM1, and SIF2 genes, which are responsible for the LA tolerance of JHY5310. Among the mutations, a nonsense mutation in GSF2 was identified as the major contributor to the improved LA tolerance and LA production in JHY5310. Deletion of GSF2 in the parental strain JHY5210 significantly improved glucose uptake and D-LA production levels, while derepressing glucose-repressed genes including genes involved in the respiratory pathway. Therefore, more efficient generation of ATP and NAD+ via respiration might rescue the growth defects of the LA-producing strain, where ATP depletion through extensive export of lactate and proton is one of major reasons for the impaired growth. Accordingly, alleviation of glucose repression by deleting MIG1 or HXK2 in JHY5210 also improved D-LA production. GSF2 deletion could be applied to various bioprocesses where increasing biomass yield or respiratory flux is desirable.
Clinical Relevance and Molecular Phenotypes in Gastric Cancer, of TP53 Mutations and Gene Expressions, in Combination With Other Gene Mutations
Authors: Park Sungjin , Lee Jinhyuk , Kim Yon Hui , Park Jaheun , Shin Jung-Woog , Nam Seungyoon
Published: October 2016

While altered TP53 is the most frequent mutation in gastric cancer (GC), its association with molecular or clinical phenotypes (e.g., overall survival, disease-free survival) remains little known. To that end, we can use genome-wide approaches to identify altered genes significantly related to mutated TP53. Here, we identified significant differences in clinical outcomes, as well as in molecular phenotypes, across specific GC tumor subpopulations, when combining TP53 with other signaling networks, including WNT and its related genes NRXN1, CTNNB1, SLITRK5, NCOR2, RYR1, GPR112, MLL3, MTUS2, and MYH6. Moreover, specific GC subpopulations indicated by dual mutation of NRXN1 and TP53 suggest different drug responses, according to the Connectivity Map, a pharmacological drug-gene association tool. Overall, TP53 mutation status in GC is significantly relevant to clinical or molecular categories. Thus, our approach can potentially provide a patient stratification strategy by dissecting previously unknown multiple TP53-mutated patient groups.
Hypothalamic sensing of ketone bodies after prolonged cerebral exposure leads to metabolic control dysregulation
Authors: Carneiro Lionel , Geller Sarah , Hébert Audrey , Repond Cendrine , Fioramonti Xavier , Leloup Corinne , Pellerin Luc
Published: October 2016

Ketone bodies have been shown to transiently stimulate food intake and modify energy homeostasis regulatory systems following cerebral infusion for a moderate period of time (<6 hours). As ketone bodies are usually enhanced during episodes of fasting, this effect might correspond to a physiological regulation. In contrast, ketone bodies levels remain elevated for prolonged periods during obesity, and thus could play an important role in the development of this pathology. In order to understand this transition, ketone bodies were infused through a catheter inserted in the carotid to directly stimulate the brain for a period of 24 hours. Food ingested and blood circulating parameters involved in metabolic control as well as glucose homeostasis were determined. Results show that ketone bodies infusion for 24 hours increased food intake associated with a stimulation of hypothalamic orexigenic neuropeptides. Moreover, insulinemia was increased and caused a decrease in glucose production despite an increased resistance to insulin. The present study confirms that ketone bodies reaching the brain stimulates food intake. Moreover, we provide evidence that a prolonged hyperketonemia leads to a dysregulation of energy homeostasis control mechanisms. Finally, this study shows that brain exposure to ketone bodies alters insulin signaling and consequently glucose homeostasis.
Kinetic and thermodynamic determinants of trace metal partitioning at biointerphases: the role of intracellular speciation dynamics
Authors: Duval Jérôme F. L. , Présent Romain M. , Rotureau Elise
Published: October 2016

A theory is elaborated for rationalizing the impacts of intracellular metal speciation dynamics on metal uptake in suspension of charged microorganisms beyond the classical thermodynamic representation.
Ionic liquid induced G-quadruplex formation and stabilization: spectroscopic and simulation studies
Authors: Satpathi Sagar , Kulkarni Mandar , Mukherjee Arnab , Hazra Partha
Published: October 2016

A special class of ionic liquids can instigate the formation of G-quadruplex (GQ) DNA in the absence of any ion as well as stabilize the GQ structure.
A chemical-structural model for coherent martensite/parent interface in Mn-based antiferromagnetic shape memory alloys
Authors: Shi S. , Wan J. F. , Zuo X. W. , Chen N. L. , Zhang J. H. , Rong Y. H.
Published: October 2016

The martensite/parent coherent interface of Mn-based shape memory alloys (SMAs) is a significant part in the research of their martensitic transformation, reversible shape memory effect and magnetic shape memory effect.
Oxygen-containing coke species in zeolite-catalyzed conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Dong Xinglong , Liu Xin , Han Yu
Published: October 2016

Oxygen-containing coke species are identified during methanol-to-hydrocarbons reactions, and their influence on the deactivation of catalyst is investigated.
Time series relationships between chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen, and pH in three facultative wastewater stabilization ponds
Authors: Wallace J. , Champagne P. , Hall G.
Published: October 2016

This study involved the evaluation of time-series relationships between chlorophyll-a (chl-a), dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH in three facultative wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) operated in series at a wastewater treatment plant in eastern Ontario, Canada.
Bioactive and functional properties of sour cherry juice (Prunus cerasus)
Authors: Cásedas Guillermo , Les Francisco , Gómez-Serranillos Maria Pilar , Smith Carine , López Víctor
Published: October 2016

Sour cherry juice, which is consumed as a nutritional supplement, showed antioxidant and inhibitory activities of physiological enzymes such as α-glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and monoamine oxidase A.
Base- and metal-free decarboxylative aldol reaction of β-ketoacids with glyoxylate hydrates and glyoxal monohydrates in water
Authors: Ren Nan , Nie Jing , Ma Jun-An
Published: October 2016

An environmentally benign decarboxylative aldol reaction of β-ketoacids with glyoxylate and glyoxal monohydrates in water is reported.
The effect of backbone flexibility on site-selective modification of macrocycles
Authors: Scully Conor C. G. , White Christopher J. , Yudin Andrei K.
Published: October 2016

The interplay of rotatable backbone torsions determines the ring-opening regioselectivity of electrophilic aziridines in macrocyclic peptide scaffolds.
Convenient protocols for Mizoroki–Heck reactions of aromatic bromides and polybromides with fluorous alkenes of the formula H2CCH(CF2)n−1CF3 (n = 8, 10)
Authors: Su Haw-Lih , Balogh Janos , Al-Hashimi Mohammed , Seapy Dave G. , Bazzi Hassan S. , Gladysz John A.
Published: October 2016

Under “Jeffrey conditions” involving large amounts of ammonium salts, the title reactions can be carried out in high yields; the resulting CC linkages are easily hydrogenated.
BF3·Et2O mediated one-step synthesis of N-substituted-1,2-dihydropyridines, indenopyridines and 5,6-dihydroisoquinolines
Authors: Fathimath Salfeena C. T. , Ashitha K. T. , Sasidhar B. S.
Published: October 2016

A simple and efficient one-pot ring annulation provides quick access to N-substituted-1,2-dihydropyridines, indenopyridines and 5,6-dihydroisoquinolines.
Open-resorcinarenes, a new family of multivalent scaffolds
Authors: Cominetti Marco M. D. , Hughes David L. , Matthews Susan E.
Published: October 2016

A new family of multivalent ligand platforms, the open-resorcinarenes, has been prepared in a straightforward two-step reaction.
Conducting polymer composites: material synthesis and applications in electrochemical capacitive energy storage
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Ying , Liu Siliang , Li Le , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianxi
Published: October 2016

This review investigates relevant topics in the design and fabrication of conducting polymer composites for electrochemical capacitive energy storage.
Preparation of a white-light-emitting fluorescent supramolecular polymer gel with a single chromophore and use of the gel to fabricate a protected quick response code
Authors: Wang Hu , Ji Xiaofan , Li Zhengtao , Zhu Chao Nan , Yang Xuxu , Li Tiefeng , Wu Zi Liang , Huang Feihe
Published: October 2016

We report here a novel yet facile approach to prepare white fluorescent polymeric materials based on the aggregation of a single fluorescent chromophore.
Nano-carbon: preparation, assessment, and applications for NH3 gas sensor and electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Ugale Ashok D. , Jagtap Resham V. , Pawar Dnyandeo , Datar Suwarna , Kale Sangeeta N. , Alegaonkar Prashant S.
Published: October 2016

Performance evaluation of nano-carbon for NH3 gas sensing and EMI shielding.
Room-temperature electrochemical reduction of epitaxial Bi2O3 films to epitaxial Bi films
Authors: He Zhen , Koza Jakub A. , Liu Ying-Chau , Chen Qingzhi , Switzer Jay A.
Published: October 2016

A new facile approach to fabricate high-quality epitaxial Bi thin films at room-temperature with enhanced magnetotransport properties has been reported.
Pyridyl-phenylethynylene bis-urea macrocycles: self-assembly and utility as a nanoreactor for the selective photoreaction of isoprene
Authors: Salpage Sahan R. , Xu Yuewen , Som Bozumeh , Sindt Ammon J. , Smith Mark D. , Shimizu Linda S.
Published: October 2016

Porous organic crystals with one dimensional channels facilitate stereoselective polymerization to produce trans-1,4-polyisoprene with low PDI under mild UV-irradiation.
Understanding the low corrosion potential and high corrosion resistance of nano-zinc electrodeposit based on electron work function and interfacial potential difference
Authors: Li Qingyang , Lu Hao , Cui Juan , An Maozhong , Li Dongyang (D. Y.)
Published: October 2016

The corrosion behaviors of coarse-grained and nanocrystalline zinc coatings and correlated the corrosion potential with electron stability are investigated.
Synthesis and evaluation of mesopore structured ZSM-5 and a CuZSM-5 catalyst for NH3-SCR reaction: studies of simulated exhaust and engine bench testing
Authors: Li Zhenguo , Chen Xiaoyin , Li Junhua , Ren Xiaoning , Liu Shuangxi , Gao Jidong , Schwank Johannes W. , Zhang Tao , Su Wenkang , Chang Huazheng
Published: October 2016

A modified ZSM-5 zeolite (denoted as ZSM-5-M) was synthesized using tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as dual templates, using commercial ZSM-5 zeolite (denoted as ZSM-5-C).
Effect of lead and caesium on the mechanical, vibrational and thermodynamic properties of hexagonal fluorocarbonates: a comparative first principles study
Authors: Rao E. Narsimha , Vaitheeswaran G. , Reshak A. H. , Auluck S.
Published: October 2016

The experimental crystal structure of CsPbCO3F consists of alternate CsF and PbCO3 layers.
Temperature-dependent 51V nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the positive electrolyte of vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Kim Soohyun , Choi Chanyong , Kim Riyul , Kim Hyun Gyu , Kim Hee-Tak
Published: October 2016

By intentionally adding VO2+ in VO2+ electrolyte, a clearer detection of the VO(OH)3 signal was demonstrated with 51V NMR spectroscopy.
Enhancement of optical and mechanical properties of Si nanopillars by ALD TiO2 coating
Authors: Pavlenko M. , Coy E. L. , Jancelewicz M. , Załęski K. , Smyntyna V. , Jurga S. , Iatsunskyi I.
Published: October 2016

The mechanical and optical properties of Si and TiO2–Si nanopillars (NPl) were investigated.
Cellulose-based aerogel from Eichhornia crassipes as an oil superabsorbent
Authors: Yin Tiantian , Zhang Xinying , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Beibei , Wang Chaoqun
Published: October 2016

Cellulose-based aerogels (CBAs) were prepared based onEichhornia crassipesas a raw material and a paper wet-strengthening agent as a cross-linkerviaa green and simple process.
Orientation symmetry breaking in self-assembled Ce1−xGdxO2−ynanowires derived from chemical solutions
Authors: Queraltó A. , de la Mata M. , Martínez L. , Magén C. , Gibert M. , Arbiol J. , Hühne R. , Obradors X. , Puig T.
Published: October 2016

A novel approach to perform an independent study of the nucleation and coarsening of Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−ynanowires is presented.
Cooperative electrochemical water oxidation by Zr nodes and Ni–porphyrin linkers of a PCN-224 MOF thin film
Authors: Usov P. M. , Ahrenholtz S. R. , Maza W. A. , Stratakes B. , Epley C. C. , Kessinger M. C. , Zhu J. , Morris A. J.
Published: October 2016

Here, we demonstrate a new strategy for cooperative catalysis and proton abstraction via the incorporation of independent species competent in the desired reactivity into a metal–organic framework (MOF) thin film.
A template-free approach to nanotube-decorated polymer surfaces using 3,4-phenylenedioxythiophene (PhEDOT) monomers
Authors: Szczepanski Caroline R. , M'Jid Inès , Darmanin Thierry , Godeau Guilhem , Guittard Frédéric
Published: October 2016

In this work, novel 3,4-phenylenedioxythiophene (PhEDOT) monomers with alkyl, branched, and aromatic substituents were synthesized and tested for their efficacy at forming surfaces with unique wetting properties and surface morphology without the aid of surfactants.
Bromine-substituted triphenylamine derivatives with improved hole-mobility for highly efficient green phosphorescent OLEDs with a low operating voltage
Authors: Du Xiaoyang , Zhao Juewen , Liu Wei , Wang Kai , Yuan Shaolin , Zheng Caijun , Lin Hui , Tao Silu , Zhang Xiao-Hong
Published: October 2016

High performance green phosphorescent OLEDs using novel bromine-substituted compounds as hole transport layers were fabricated.
Fabrication of nanocrystalline λ-Ti3O5with tunable terahertz wave transmission properties across a temperature induced phase transition
Authors: Shi Qiwu , Chai Guoqing , Huang Wanxia , Shi Yanli , Huang Bo , Wei Dan , Qi Jianqi , Su Fuhai , Xu Wen , Lu Tiecheng
Published: October 2016

Nanocrystalline λ-Ti3O5was fabricated by carbothermal reduction of nano-TiO2. It exhibits a continuous and slow phase transition across a wide range of temperatures, which can lead to dynamic tuning of THz transmission.
Effects of porcine MyD88 knockdown on the expression of TLR4 pathway-related genes and proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Dai Chaohui , Sun Li , Yu Lihuai , Zhu Guoqiang , Wu Shenglong , Bao Wenbin
Published: October 2016

As a critical adapter protein in Toll-like receptor (TLR)/Interleukin (IL)-1R signalling pathway, myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88) plays an important role in immune responses and host defence against pathogens. The present study was designed to provide a foundation and an important reagent for the mechanistic study of MyD88 and its role TLR/IL-1R signalling pathways in porcine immunity. Lentivirus-mediated RNAi was used to generate a porcine PK15 cell line with a silenced MyD88 gene and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting were used to detect changes in the expression of critical genes in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathway. ELISA was used to measure the levels of seven proinflammatory cytokines–interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α and MIP-1β–in cell culture supernatants after MyD88 silencing. We successfully obtained a PK15 cell line with 61% MyD88 mRNA transcript down-regulated. In PK15 cells with MyD88 silencing, the transcript levels of TLR4 and IL-1β were significantly reduced, whereas there were no significant changes in the expression levels of cluster of differentiation antigen 14 (CD14), interferon-α (IFN-α) or TNF-α. The ELISA results showed that the levels of most cytokines were not significantly changed apart from IL-8 without stimulation, which was significantly up-regulated. When cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.1 μg/ml) for 6 h, the global level of seven proinflammatory cytokines up-regulated and the level of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12 of Blank and negative control (NC) group up-regulated more significantly than RNAi group (P<0.05), which revealed that the MyD88 silencing could reduce the TLR4 signal transduction which inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokines and finally leaded to immunosuppression.
Liver glucose metabolism in humans
Authors: Adeva-Andany María M. , Pérez-Felpete Noemi , Fernández-Fernández Carlos , Donapetry-García Cristóbal , Pazos-García Cristina
Published: October 2016

Information about normal hepatic glucose metabolism may help to understand pathogenic mechanisms underlying obesity and diabetes mellitus. In addition, liver glucose metabolism is involved in glycosylation reactions and connected with fatty acid metabolism. The liver receives dietary carbohydrates directly from the intestine via the portal vein. Glucokinase phosphorylates glucose to glucose 6-phosphate inside the hepatocyte, ensuring that an adequate flow of glucose enters the cell to be metabolized. Glucose 6-phosphate may proceed to several metabolic pathways. During the post-prandial period, most glucose 6-phosphate is used to synthesize glycogen via the formation of glucose 1-phosphate and UDP–glucose. Minor amounts of UDP–glucose are used to form UDP–glucuronate and UDP–galactose, which are donors of monosaccharide units used in glycosylation. A second pathway of glucose 6-phosphate metabolism is the formation of fructose 6-phosphate, which may either start the hexosamine pathway to produce UDP-N-acetylglucosamine or follow the glycolytic pathway to generate pyruvate and then acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA may enter the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to be oxidized or may be exported to the cytosol to synthesize fatty acids, when excess glucose is present within the hepatocyte. Finally, glucose 6-phosphate may produce NADPH and ribose 5-phosphate through the pentose phosphate pathway. Glucose metabolism supplies intermediates for glycosylation, a post-translational modification of proteins and lipids that modulates their activity. Congenital deficiency of phosphoglucomutase (PGM)-1 and PGM-3 is associated with impaired glycosylation. In addition to metabolize carbohydrates, the liver produces glucose to be used by other tissues, from glycogen breakdown or from de novo synthesis using primarily lactate and alanine (gluconeogenesis).
Impetus for Change: Speech-Language Pathology Around the Globe
Authors: Gill Cindy , Bharadwaj Sneha , Chance Paula , Quick Nancy , Wainscott Sarah
Published: October 2016

Approximately 56 countries in the world have speech-language pathology services which are promoted on public websites, The International Directory of Communication Disorders (2016), or The American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association resources (e.g., ASHA, 2016). For the remaining 140+ countries, sources detailing speech-language pathology services and academic programming are not readily available and the status of the profession is unclear. However, recent global efforts have highlighted the lack of rehabilitation services for persons in many countries. This article will review the barriers and solutions for change in locations where services such as speech-language pathology are not available, as well as recent developments that have prompted elevation of the rights of persons with disabilities.
The annealing influence onto the electrical and magnetic behavior of magnetoresistive/insulator system
Authors: Ahmed A. M. , Mohamed Abd El-Mo'ez A. , Mohamed H. F. , Diab A. K. , Mohamed Aml M. , Mazen A. E. A.
Published: October 2016

This investigation is mainly concerned with the effect of annealing temperature (600, 700, 800, and 900 °C) in air for (La0.7Ba0.3MnO3)1–x/(NiO)x with x = 0 and x = 0.10 samples. It was shown that the annealing temperature does not affect the structure and parameters of rhombohedral lattice of the samples. However, it is observed that the annealing treatment has a notable effect on the electrical resistivity and the metal-semiconductor transition temperature Tms. Temperature dependent magnetization measurements showed a decrease in Curie temperature TC with annealing temperature. In the same time, annealing process decreases the magnetoresistance of La0.7Ba0.3MnO3, in contrast to (La0.7Ba0.3MnO3)0.9/(NiO)0.1 composite.
Magnetic and resistive superconducting transitions in the iron-containing compounds FeSe and LaOFFeAs
Authors: Chiang Yu. N. , Dzyuba M. O.
Published: October 2016

A null-picovoltmeter converted into a highly sensitive magnetometer is used for the first time to compare the temperature behavior of magnetic and resistive transitions into the superconducting state of samples of the iron-containing compounds FeSe (single crystal) and LaOFFeAs (granular) with the same transitions in a classical single-component superconductor (Pb). It is discovered that the temperature behavior of these transitions in the iron-containing superconductors differs thermodynamically from their behavior in Pb, and radically so in the case of the granular LaOFFeAs samples. It is also found that the magnetic susceptibility of FeSe in the non-superconducting state has a positive sign indicative of ferromagnetic ordering of the local spins of the iron ions, while the susceptibility of the LaOFFeAs samples in this state remains diamagnetic. The observed features of the superconducting transitions are analyzed.
High-current-density indium nitride ultrathin-film transistors on glass substrates
Authors: Itoh Takeki , Kobayashi Atsushi , Ohta Jitsuo , Fujioka Hiroshi
Published: October 2016

We investigated basic characteristics of InN films grown on glass substrates and fabricated thin-film transistors with them. It was found that highly c-axis oriented InN films can be obtained by the surface modification of glass substrates with amorphous HfO2 layers. The electron mobility of the c-axis-oriented InN on HfO2/glass reached 330 cm2 V−1 s−1. We demonstrated that a field effect transistor based on the ultrathin film of highly c-axis-oriented InN exhibited an on/off current ratio as high as 106; in addition, this InN-on-glass device supported current densities greater than 14 mA mm−1. The results indicate that InN-based ultrathin-film transistors are promising electronic devices that enable high-current densities to be achieved on glass substrates.
Molecular basis of multiple resistance to herbicides inhibiting acetyl-CoA carboxylase and acetolactate synthase in American sloughgrass (Beckmannia syzigachne) from China
Authors: Pan Lang , Gao Haitao , Wu Han , Dong Liyao
Published: October 2016

American sloughgrass (Beckmannia syzigachne Steud.) is a problematic grass that is widely distributed in wheat and oilseed rape fields in China. The herbicides fenoxaprop-P-ethyl and mesosulfuron-methyl failed to control B. syzigachne JCWJ-R populations collected from a wheat field in Jiangsu Province. Dose-response experiments showed that JCWJ-R was resistant to the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (33.8-fold), haloxyfop-R-methyl (12.7-fold), clethodim (7.8-fold) and pinoxaden (11.6-fold), and to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors mesosulfuron-methyl (15.9-fold), pyroxsulam (17.6-fold), flucarbazone-Na (10.7-fold) and imazethapyr (7-fold). Resistance to ALS inhibitors was due to a Pro-197-Ser mutation in the ALS gene and resistance to ACCase inhibitors was due to an Ile-1781-Leu mutation in the ACCase gene. A derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence method was developed to detect the ALS mutation in B. syzigachne. This was combined with a previously established method to detect Ile-1781-Leu, and the mutation frequency and homozygous mutation rates in the JCWJ-R population were determined. The evolution of multiple resistance to ACCase and ALS inhibitors in this B. syzigachne population indicated that alternative methods should be developed to control resistant weeds.
I-mode studies at ASDEX Upgrade: L-I and I-H transitions, pedestal and confinement properties
Authors: Ryter F. , Fischer R. , Fuchs J.C. , Happel T. , McDermott R.M. , Viezzer E. , Wolfrum E. , Barrera Orte L. , Bernert M. , Burckhart A. , da Graça S. , Kurzan B. , McCarthy P. , Pütterich T. , Suttrop W. , Willensdorfer M.
Published: October 2016

The I-mode is a plasma regime obtained when the usual L-H power threshold is high, e.g. with unfavourable ion

∇
B

direction. It is characterised by the development of a temperature pedestal while the density remains roughly as in the L-mode. This leads to a confinement improvement above the L-mode level which can sometimes reach H-mode values. This regime, already obtained in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak about two decades ago, has been studied again since 2009 taking advantage of the development of new diagnostics and heating possibilities. The I-mode in ASDEX Upgrade has been achieved with different heating methods such as NBI, ECRH and ICRF. The I-mode properties, power threshold, pedestal characteristics and confinement, are independent of the heating method. The power required at the L-I transition exhibits an offset linear density dependence but, in contrast to the L-H threshold, depends weakly on the magnetic field. The L-I transition seems to be mainly determined by the edge pressure gradient and the comparison between ECRH and NBI induced L-I transitions suggests that the ion channel plays a key role. The I-mode often evolves gradually over a few confinement times until the transition to H-mode which offers a very interesting situation to study the transport reduction and its link with the pedestal formation. Exploratory discharges in which n  =  2 magnetic perturbations have been applied indicate that these can lead to an increase of the I-mode power threshold by flattening the edge pressure at fixed heating input power: more heating power is necessary to restore the required edge pressure gradient. Finally, the confinement properties of the I-mode are discussed in detail.
Human resource information systems in health care: a systematic evidence review
Authors: Tursunbayeva Aizhan , Bunduchi Raluca , Franco Massimo , Pagliari Claudia
Published: October 2016

Objective: This systematic review aimed to: (1) determine the prevalence and scope of existing research on human resource information systems (HRIS) in health organizations; (2) analyze, classify, and synthesize evidence on the processes and impacts of HRIS development, implementation, and adoption; and (3) generate recommendations for HRIS research, practice, and policy, with reference to the needs of different stakeholders.

Methods: A structured search strategy was used to interrogate 10 electronic databases indexing research from the health, social, management, technology, and interdisciplinary sciences, alongside gray literature sources and reference lists of qualifying studies. There were no restrictions on language or publication year. Two reviewers screened publications, extracted data, and coded findings according to the innovation stages covered in the studies. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist was adopted to assess study quality. The process of study selection was charted using a Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) diagram.

Results: Of the 6824 publications identified by the search strategy, 68, covering 42 studies, were included for final analysis. Research on HRIS in health was interdisciplinary, often atheoretical, conducted primarily in the hospital sector of high-income economies, and largely focused uncritically on use and realized benefits.

Discussion and Conclusions: While studies of HRIS in health exist, the overall lack of evaluative research raises unanswered questions about their capacity to improve quality and efficiency and enable learning health systems, as well as how sociotechnical complexity influences implementation and effectiveness. We offer this analysis to decision makers and managers considering or currently implementing an HRIS, and make recommendations for further research.

Trial Registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42015023581. http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42015023581#.VYu1BPlVjDU.
Statistical Inference in Political Networks Research
Authors: Desmarais Bruce A. , Cranmer Skyler J.
Published: October 2016

Researchers interested in statistically modeling network data have a well-established and quickly growing set of approaches from which to choose. Several of these methods have been regularly applied in research on political networks, while others have yet to permeate the field. This chapter reviews the most prominent methods of inferential network analysis for both cross-sectionally and longitudinally observed networks, including (temporal) exponential random graph models, latent space models, the quadratic assignment procedure, and stochastic actor oriented models. For each method, the chapter summarizes its analytic form, identifies prominent published applications in political science, and discusses computational considerations. It concludes with a set of guidelines for selecting a method for a given application.
A Study of the Long-Term Value of Capabilities-Based Resources, Intangible Strategic Assets, and Firm Performance
Authors: Chabowski Brian R. , Hult G. Tomas M.
Published: October 2016

How do capabilities-based resources focused on customers, supply chains, and how does innovation impact a firm’s strategic assets and performance? We develop a framework to (1) test strategic resource allocations as investments in future opportunities, (2) examine the influences of strategic resources on strategic assets, and (3) study the effects of strategic assets on performance. The model incorporates data from a 12-year period to examine the lagged effects over a “strategic” length period. The results show that the resources that affect assets include business-to-customer (B2C) marketing expenditures, sourcing attentiveness, inventory readiness, production capacity, and overall innovation creativity. Customer satisfaction and brand equity are two firm-level strategic assets that influence financial performance. The robustness of the overall results was also examined in two technological contexts (low/stable vs. high tech).
Sourcing External Knowledge
Authors: Tallman Stephen , Phene Anupama
Published: October 2016

External sources of knowledge have become more important to firms as they have dispersed their value-adding operations around the globe and outsourced them to suppliers. The global network firm has access to a rich store of external knowledge-but what do we know about accessing this treasure trove? We review work on industry clusters, alliances, and acquisitions as some of the most popular mechanisms for bringing external knowledge into the firm or providing access to needed know-how on a temporary basis. We also propose new directions for research by simultaneously examining these sources and considering the antecedents that drive the choice of one particular mechanism in contrast to the others, the co-evolution of the different mechanisms, and finally the implications of their joint use for firm performance.
Evidence-Based Management at the Bottom of the Pyramid
Authors: Cascio Wayne F. , Boudreau John W.
Published: October 2016

In recent years there have been growing efforts, domestically as well as internationally, to develop human resources (HR) standards that might provide useful guidance for organizations. We identify four broad types of standards: practice standards, measurement standards, feasibility standards, and predictive standards. After reviewing the history, current status, and potential consequences and uses of HR standards, we consider how scholars and researchers might become more involved in the standards-development process. A third section considers whether linkage research and meta-analytic frameworks might inform predictive standards and their relationship to HR standards. We then offer a simple framework and some examples that show where HR evidence and standards do and do not intersect. The final section suggests how researchers could define research questions and describe the implications of their findings in ways that might make research evidence more “feasible at scale” and thus forge a stronger link between research and standard-setting.
Exploring the Relationship Between Human Resource Management and Organizational Performance in the Healthcare Sector
Authors: Kessler Ian
Published: October 2016

This article examines the impact of human resource management (HRM) on organizational performance in the healthcare sector. It reviews the literature on the relationship between HRM practice and organizational outcomes in healthcare, as well as the current state of knowledge and debate on this relationship. It then considers how the HRM agenda in healthcare and its connection to organizational outcomes might be influenced by broad contextual factors, with particular reference to institutional developments mainly in the British National Health Service. It discusses public policy developments and the growing pressure faced by developed countries to address the performance of their healthcare systems, including workforce management issues, and considers research framed in large part by mainstream debates in the field of HRM with regard to the HRM-performance connection. Finally, it analyzes a more refined research stream that explores the association between patterns of staffing and various outcomes.
IPOs and Corporate Governance
Authors: Filatotchev Igor , Wright Douglas Michael , Bruton Garry D.
Published: October 2016

This article discusses various aspects of corporate governance and initial public offerings (IPOs). It begins with an analysis of agency theory that addresses IPOs and corporate governance research, together with the impact of governance on investors. It then considers three aspects of corporate governance that are relevant to outside investors to the IPO: the IPO firm’s board of directors, executive compensation, and ownership concentration. It also examines how national institutions affect corporate governance worldwide and looks at two types of IPOs backed by private equity (PE): venture capital backed IPOs of entrepreneurial firms and PE-backed buyouts of companies that subsequently launch an IPO. The article also analyzes the link between information asymmetries and IPO performance before concluding with an outline of directions for future research that focus on important issues relating to IPOs and corporate governance.
Michael Walzer,Spheres of Justice
Authors: Moore Margaret
Published: October 2016

This essay examines the ideas and influence of Michael Walzer’s Spheres of Justice. It argues that Walzer’s influence on the discipline has taken a different form than many other writers on justice, such as Rawls, where the central ideas have been taken up and argued about in essentially Rawlsian terms. Walzer’s influence has operated on different levels, of which we can distinguish at least three. There is a micro level, with numerous authors picking up fruitful ideas, lines of inquiries or suggestions, found in Walzer’s work, and appropriating them or using them to pursue further arguments. There is a more general social justice level, where ideas that are central to his understanding of social justice have been appropriated by diverse thinkers, often in quite different ways. He has been also influential on a very general, methodological level, where theorists have adopted his method and style of doing political theory.