bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Chondrocyte Death via Autophagic Process
Authors: Hwang Hyun , Yang Chung , Park Su , Kim Hyun
Published: December 2015

Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, which are highly precipitated in the joint cartilage, increase the production of cartilage-degrading enzymes and pro-inflammatory mediators in cartilage, thereby leading to gouty inflammation and joint damage. In this study, we investigated the effect of MSU crystals on the viability of human articular chondrocytes and the mechanism of MSU crystal-induced chondrocyte death. MSU crystals significantly decreased the viability of primary chondrocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. DNA fragmentation was observed in a culture medium of MSU crystal-treated chondrocytes, but not in cell lysates. MSU crystals did not activate caspase-3, a marker of apoptosis, compared with actinomycin D and TNF-α-treated cells. MSU crystals did not directly affect the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers at the mRNA and protein levels. However, MSU crystals significantly increased the LC3-II level in a time-dependent manner, indicating autophagy activation. Moreover, MSU crystal-induced autophagy and subsequent chondrocyte death were significantly inhibited by 3-methyladenine, a blocker of autophagosomes formation. MSU crystals activated autophagy via inhibition of phosporylation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that MSU crystals may cause the death of chondrocytes through the activation of the autophagic process rather than apoptosis or ER stress.
ADP-Ribosylation Factor 1 Regulates Proliferation, Migration, and Fusion in Early Stage of Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Kim Min , Kim Hyunsoo , Lee Seoung , Gu Dong , Lee Soo , Lee Kyunghee , Jeong Daewon
Published: December 2015

Small G-protein adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation factors (ARFs) regulate a variety of cellular functions, including actin cytoskeleton remodeling, plasma membrane reorganization, and vesicular transport. Here, we propose the functional roles of ARF1 in multiple stages of osteoclast differentiation. ARF1 was upregulated during receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and transiently activated in an initial stage of their differentiation. Differentiation of ARF1-deficient osteoclast precursors into mature osteoclasts temporarily increased in pre-maturation stage of osteoclasts followed by reduced formation of mature osteoclasts, indicating that ARF1 regulates the osteoclastogenic process. ARF1 deficiency resulted in reduced osteoclast precursor proliferation and migration as well as increasing cell-cell fusion. In addition, ARF1 silencing downregulated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Akt, osteopontin, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-receptor c-Fms as well as upregulating several fusion-related genes including CD44, CD47, E-cadherin, and meltrin-α. Collectively, we showed that ARF1 stimulated proliferation and migration of osteoclast precursors while suppressing their fusion, suggesting that ARF1 may be a plausible inter-player that mediates the transition to osteoclast fusion at multiple steps during osteoclast differentiation
Domain Motions and Functionally-Key Residues of l-Alanine Dehydrogenase Revealed by an Elastic Network Model
Authors: Li Xing-Yuan , Zhang Jing-Chao , Zhu Yan-Ying , Su Ji-Guo
Published: December 2015

Mycobacterium tuberculosis l-alanine dehydrogenase (l-MtAlaDH) plays an important role in catalyzing l-alanine to ammonia and pyruvate, which has been considered to be a potential target for tuberculosis treatment. In the present work, the functional domain motions encoded in the structure of l-MtAlaDH were investigated by using the Gaussian network model (GNM) and the anisotropy network model (ANM). The slowest modes for the open-apo and closed-holo structures of the enzyme show that the domain motions have a common hinge axis centered in residues Met133 and Met301. Accompanying the conformational transition, both the 1,4-dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-binding domain (NBD) and the substrate-binding domain (SBD) move in a highly coupled way. The first three slowest modes of ANM exhibit the open-closed, rotation and twist motions of l-MtAlaDH, respectively. The calculation of the fast modes reveals the residues responsible for the stability of the protein, and some of them are involved in the interaction with the ligand. Then, the functionally-important residues relevant to the binding of the ligand were identified by using a thermodynamic method. Our computational results are consistent with the experimental data, which will help us to understand the physical mechanism for the function of l-MtAlaDH.
Datafication and the Seductive Power of Uncertainty—A Critical Exploration of Big Data Enthusiasm
Authors: Strauß Stefan
Published: December 2015

This contribution explores the fine line between overestimated expectations and underrepresented momentums of uncertainty that correlate with the prevalence of big data. Big data promises a multitude of innovative options to enhance decision-making by employing algorithmic power to gather worthy information out of large unstructured data sets. Datafication—the exploitation of raw data in many different contexts—can be seen as an attempt to tackle complexity and reduce uncertainty. Accordingly promising are the prospects for innovative applications to gain new insights and valuable knowledge in a variety of domains ranging from business strategy, security to health and medical research, etc. However, big data also entails an increase in complexity that, together with growing automation, may trigger not merely uncertain but also unintended societal events. As a new source of networking power, big data has inherent risks to create new asymmetries and transform possibilities to probabilities that can inter alia affect the autonomy of the individual. To reduce these risks, challenges ahead include improving data quality and interpretation supported by new modalities to allow for scrutiny and verifiability of big data analytics.
Process Design of Aluminum Tailor Heat Treated Blanks
Authors: Kahrimanidis Alexander , Lechner Michael , Degner Julia , Wortberg Daniel , Merklein Marion
Published: December 2015

In many industrials field, especially in the automotive sector, there is a trend toward lightweight constructions in order to reduce the weight and thereby the CO2 and NOx emissions of the products. An auspicious approach within this context is the substitution of conventional deep drawing steel by precipitation hardenable aluminum alloys. However, based on the low formability, the application for complex stamping parts is challenging. Therefore, at the Institute of Manufacturing Technology, an innovative technology to enhance the forming limit of these lightweight materials was invented. The key idea of the so-called Tailor Heat Treated Blanks (THTB) is optimization of the mechanical properties by local heat treatment before the forming operation. An accurate description of material properties is crucial to predict the forming behavior of tailor heat treated blanks by simulation. Therefore, within in this research project, a holistic approach for the design of the THTB process in dependency of the main influencing parameters is presented and discussed in detail. The capability of the approach for the process development of complex forming operations is demonstrated by a comparison of local blank thickness of a tailgate with the corresponding results from simulation.
A Bi-Directional Out-of-Plane Actuator by Electrostatic Force
Authors: Ren Hao , Wang Weimin , Tao Fenggang , Yao Jun
Published: December 2015

Presented in this paper is a bi-directional out-of-plane actuator which combines the merits of the electrostatic repulsive principle and the electrostatic attractive principle. By taking advantage of the electrostatic repulsive mode, the common “pull-in” instability can be lessened to enlarge the displacement, and by applying the electrostatic attractive mode, the out-of-plane displacement is further enlarged. The implications of changing the actuator’s physical dimensions are discussed, along with the two-layer polysilicon surface microfabrication process used to fabricate such an actuator. The static characteristics of the out-of-plane displacement versus the voltage of both modes are tested, and displacements of 1.4 μm and 0.63 μm are obtained at 130 V and 15 V, respectively. Therefore, a total stroke of 2.03 μm is achieved, more than 3 fold that of the electrostatic attractive mode, making this actuator useful in optical Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Radio Frequency (RF) MEMS applications.
High Speed Pump-Probe Apparatus for Observation of Transitional Effects in Ultrafast Laser Micromachining Processes
Authors: Alexeev Ilya , Heberle Johannes , Cvecek Kristian , Nagulin Konstantin , Schmidt Michael
Published: December 2015

A pump-probe experimental approach has been shown to be a very efficient tool for the observation and analysis of various laser matter interaction effects. In those setups, synchronized laser pulses are used to create an event (pump) and to simultaneously observe it (probe). In general, the physical effects that can be investigated with such an apparatus are restricted by the temporal resolution of the probe pulse and the observation window. The latter can be greatly extended by adjusting the pump-probe time delay under the assumption that the interaction process remains fairly reproducible. Unfortunately, this assumption becomes invalid in the case of high-repetition-rate ultrafast laser material processing, where the irradiation history strongly affects the ongoing interaction process. In this contribution, the authors present an extension of the pump-probe setup that allows to investigate transitional and dynamic effects present during ultrafast laser machining performed at high pulse repetition frequencies.
A Simple and Reliable PDMS and SU-8 Irreversible Bonding Method and Its Application on a Microfluidic-MEA Device for Neuroscience Research
Authors: Ren Yufei , Huang Shun-Ho , Mosser Sébastien , Heuschkel Marc , Bertsch Arnaud , Fraering Patrick , Chen Jia-Jin , Renaud Philippe
Published: December 2015

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and SU-8 are currently two very commonly used polymeric materials in the microfluidics field for biological applications. However; there is a pressing need to find a simple, reliable, irreversible bonding method between these two materials for their combined use in innovative integrated microsystems. In this paper, we attempt to investigate the aminosilane-mediated irreversible bonding method for PDMS and SU-8 with X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) surface analysis and bonding strength tests. Additionally, the selected bonding method was applied in fabricating a microelectrode array (MEA) device, including microfluidic features, which allows electrophysiological observations on compartmentalized neuronal cultures. As there is a growing trend towards microfluidic devices for neuroscience research, this type of integrated microdevice, which can observe functional alterations on compartmentalized neuronal culture, can potentially be used for neurodegenerative disease research and pharmaceutical development.
Seapolynol Extracted from Ecklonia cava Inhibits Adipocyte Differentiation in Vitro and Decreases Fat Accumulation in Vivo
Authors: Jeon Hui-Jeon , Choi Hyeon-Son , Lee Yeon-Joo , Hwang Ji-Hyun , Lee Ok-Hwan , Seo Min-Jung , Kim Kui-Jin , Lee Boo-Yong
Published: December 2015

Seapolynol (SN) is a polyphenol mixture derived from Ecklonia cava. We evaluated the effects of SN on lipid accumulation in adipocytes, zebrafish, and mice. SN effectively inhibited lipid accumulation in three experimental models by suppressing adipogenic factors. Triglyceride synthetic enzymes such as diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and GPAT3 were also downregulated by SN. This SN-induced inhibition of adipogenic factors was shown to be due to the regulatory effect of SN on early adipogenic factors; SN downregulated the expression of Krueppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), KLF5, CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ), C/EBPδ, and Protein C-ets-2 (ETS2), while KLF2, an anti-early adipogenic factor, was upregulated by SN. SN-mediated inhibition in early adipogenesis was closely correlated with the inhibition of mitotic clonal expansion via cell cycle arrest. SN inhibited cell cycle progression by suppressing cell cycle regulators, such as cyclin A, cyclinD, and pRb but increased p27, a cell cycle inhibitor. In a mouse study, SN effectively reduced body weight and plasma lipid increases induced by a high-fat diet; triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were markedly reduced by SN. Moreover, SN remarkably improved high-fat-diet-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Furthermore, SN activated AMP-activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα), an energy sensor, to suppress acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACC), inhibiting lipid synthesis. Our study suggests that SN may be an edible agent that can play a positive role in prevention of metabolic disorders.
Significant Improvement of Optoelectronic and Photovoltaic Properties by Incorporating Thiophene in a Solution-Processable D–A–D Modular Chromophore
Authors: Raynor Aaron , Gupta Akhil , Plummer Christopher , Jackson Sam , Bilic Ante , Patil Hemlata , Sonar Prashant , Bhosale Sheshanath
Published: December 2015

Through the incorporation of a thiophene functionality, a novel solution-processable small organic chromophore was designed, synthesized and characterized for application in bulk-heterojunction solar cells. The new chromophore, (2Z,2′Z)-2,2′-(1,4-phenylene)bis(3-(5-(4-(diphenylamino)phenyl)thiophen-2-yl)acrylonitrile) (coded as AS2), was based on a donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D) module where a simple triphenylamine unit served as an electron donor, 1,4-phenylenediacetonitrile as an electron acceptor, and a thiophene ring as the π-bridge embedded between the donor and acceptor functionalities. AS2 was isolated as brick-red, needle-shaped crystals, and was fully characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR, IR, mass spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of AS2 were compared with those of a structural analogue, (2Z,2′Z)-2,2′-(1,4-phenylene)bis(3-(4-(diphenylamino)phenyl)-acrylonitrile) (AS1). Benefiting from the covalent thiophene bridges, compared to AS1 thin solid film, the AS2 film showed: (1) an enhancement of light-harvesting ability by 20%; (2) an increase in wavelength of the longest wavelength absorption maximum (497 nm vs. 470 nm) and (3) a narrower optical band-gap (1.93 eV vs. 2.17 eV). Studies on the photovoltaic properties revealed that the best AS2-[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM)-based device showed an impressive enhanced power conversion efficiency of 4.10%, an approx. 3-fold increase with respect to the efficiency of the best AS1-based device (1.23%). These results clearly indicated that embodiment of thiophene functionality extended the molecular conjugation, thus enhancing the light-harvesting ability and short-circuit current density, while further improving the bulk-heterojunction device performance. To our knowledge, AS2 is the first example in the literature where a thiophene unit has been used in conjunction with a 1,4-phenylenediacetonitrile accepting functionality to extend the π-conjugation in a given D–A–D motif for bulk-heterojunction solar cell applications.
In Vivo Effects of Quercetin in Association with Moderate Exercise Training in Improving Streptozotocin-Induced Aortic Tissue Injuries
Authors: Chis Irina , Coseriu Andrei , Simedrea Ramona , Oros Adrian , Nagy Andras , Clichici Simona
Published: December 2015

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine-metabolic disorder associated with endothelial dysfunction. Hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and abnormal nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatation are the major causal factors in the development of endothelial dysfunction in DM. The prevention of endothelial dysfunction may be a first target against the appearance of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. We have investigated the synergistic protective effects of quercetin administration and moderate exercise training on thoracic aorta injuries induced by diabetes. Methods: Diabetic rats that performed exercise training were subjected to a swimming training program (1 h/day, 5 days/week, 4 weeks). The diabetic rats received quercetin (30 mg/kg body weight/day) for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, the thoracic aorta was isolated and divided into two parts; one part was immersed in 10% formalin for histopathological evaluations and the other was frozen for the assessment of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, MDA and protein carbonyls groups, PC), the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD and catalase, CAT), nitrite plus nitrate (NOx) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression. Results: Diabetic rats showed significantly increased MDA and PC levels, NOx production and iNOS expression and a reduction of SOD and CAT activity in aortic tissues. A decrease in the levels of oxidative stress markers, NOx production and iNOS expression associated with elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes in the aortic tissue were observed in quercetin-treated diabetic trained rats. Conclusions: These findings suggest that quercetin administration in association with moderate exercise training reduces vascular complications and tissue injuries induced by diabetes in rat aorta by decreasing oxidative stress and restoring NO bioavailability.
Polymer-Based Prodrugs: Improving Tumor Targeting and the Solubility of Small Molecule Drugs in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Dragojevic Sonja , Ryu Jung , Raucher Drazen
Published: December 2015

The majority of anticancer drugs have poor aqueous solubility, produce adverse effects in healthy tissue, and thus impose major limitations on both clinical efficacy and therapeutic safety of cancer chemotherapy. To help circumvent problems associated with solubility, most cancer drugs are now formulated with co-solubilizers. However, these agents often also introduce severe side effects, thereby restricting effective treatment and patient quality of life. A promising approach to addressing problems in anticancer drug solubility and selectivity is their conjugation with polymeric carriers to form polymer-based prodrugs. These polymer-based prodrugs are macromolecular carriers, designed to increase the aqueous solubility of antitumor drugs, can enhance bioavailability. Additionally, polymer-based prodrugs approach exploits unique features of tumor physiology to passively facilitate intratumoral accumulation, and so improve chemodrug pharmacokinetics and pharmacological properties. This review introduces basic concepts of polymer-based prodrugs, provides an overview of currently emerging synthetic, natural, and genetically engineered polymers that now deliver anticancer drugs in preclinical or clinical trials, and highlights their major anticipated applications in anticancer therapies.
Alkylation of Methyl Linoleate with Propene in Ionic Liquids in the Presence of Metal Salts
Authors: Pomelli Christian , Ghilardi Tiziana , Chiappe Cinzia , De Angelis Alberto , Calemma Vincenzo
Published: December 2015

Vegetable oils and fatty acid esters are suitable precursor molecules for the production of a variety of bio-based products and materials, such as paints and coatings, plastics, soaps, lubricants, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, printing inks, surfactants, and biofuels. Here, we report the possibility of using Lewis acidic ionic liquids (ILs) to obtain polyunsaturated ester dimerization-oligomerization and/or, in the presence of another terminal alkene (propene), co-polymerization. In particular, we have tested the Lewis acidic mixtures arising from the addition of a proper amount of GaCl3 (Χ > 0.5) to two chloride-based (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [bmim]Cl, and 1-butylisoquinolium chloride, [BuIsoq]Cl) or by dissolution of a smaller amount of Al(Tf2N)3 (Χ = 0.1) in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [bmim][Tf2N]. On the basis of product distribution studies, [bmim][Tf2N]/Al(Tf2N)3 appears the most suitable medium in which methyl linoleate alkylation with propene can compete with methyl linoleate or propene oligomerization.
In Vitro Metabolic Pathways of the New Anti-Diabetic Drug Evogliptin in Human Liver Preparations
Authors: Jeong Hyeon-Uk , Kim Ju-Hyun , Lee Dae , Shim Hyun , Lee Hye
Published: December 2015

Evogliptin ((R)-4-((R)-3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoyl)-3-(tert-butoxymethyl)-piperazin-2-one), is a new dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor used for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. The in vitro metabolic pathways of evogliptin were identified in human hepatocytes, liver microsomes, and liver S9 fractions using liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Five metabolites of evogliptin-4-oxoevogliptin (M1), 4(S)-hydroxyevogliptin (M2), 4(R)-hydroxyevogliptin (M3), 4(S)-hydroxyevogliptin glucuronide (M4), and evogliptin N-sulfate (M5)—were identified in human liver preparations by comparison with authentic standards. We characterized the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes responsible for evogliptin hydroxylation to 4(S)-hydroxyevogliptin (M2) and 4(R)-hydroxyevogliptin (M3) and the UGT enzymes responsible for glucuronidation of 4(S)-hydroxyevogliptin (M2) to 4(S)-hydroxy-evogliptin glucuronide (M4). CYP3A4/5 played the major role in the hydroxylation of evogliptin to 4(S)-hydroxyevogliptin (M2) and 4(R)-hydroxyevogliptin (M3). Glucuronidation of 4(S)-hydroxy-evogliptin (M2) to 4(S)-hydroxyevogliptin glucuronide (M4) was catalyzed by the enzymes UGT2B4 and UGT2B7. These results suggest that the interindividual variability in the metabolism of evogliptin in humans is a result of the genetic polymorphism of the CYP and UGT enzymes responsible for evogliptin metabolism.
Recent Advances in the Development and Application of Radiolabeled Kinase Inhibitors for PET Imaging
Authors: Bernard-Gauthier Vadim , Bailey Justin , Berke Sheldon , Schirrmacher Ralf
Published: December 2015

Over the last 20 years, intensive investigation and multiple clinical successes targeting protein kinases, mostly for cancer treatment, have identified small molecule kinase inhibitors as a prominent therapeutic class. In the course of those investigations, radiolabeled kinase inhibitors for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging have been synthesized and evaluated as diagnostic imaging probes for cancer characterization. Given that inhibitor coverage of the kinome is continuously expanding, in vivo PET imaging will likely find increasing applications for therapy monitoring and receptor density studies both in- and outside of oncological conditions. Early investigated radiolabeled inhibitors, which are mostly based on clinically approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) isotopologues, have now entered clinical trials. Novel radioligands for cancer and PET neuroimaging originating from novel but relevant target kinases are currently being explored in preclinical studies. This article reviews the literature involving radiotracer design, radiochemistry approaches, biological tracer evaluation and nuclear imaging results of radiolabeled kinase inhibitors for PET reported between 2010 and mid-2015. Aspects regarding the usefulness of pursuing selective vs. promiscuous inhibitor scaffolds and the inherent challenges associated with intracellular enzyme imaging will be discussed.
Novel 3-Amino-6-chloro-7-(azol-2 or 5-yl)-1,1-dioxo-1,4,2-benzodithiazine Derivatives with Anticancer Activity: Synthesis and QSAR Study
Authors: Pogorzelska Aneta , Sławiński Jarosław , Brożewicz Kamil , Ulenberg Szymon , Bączek Tomasz
Published: December 2015

A series of new 3-amino-6-chloro-7-(azol-2 or 5-yl)-1,1-dioxo-1,4,2-benzodithiazine derivatives 5a–j have been synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activity at the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The most active compound 5h showed significant cytotoxic effects against ovarian (OVCAR-3) and breast (MDA-MB-468) cancer (10% and 47% cancer cell death, respectively) as well as a good selectivity toward prostate (DU-145), colon (SW-620) and renal (TK-10) cancer cell lines. To obtain a deeper insight into the structure-activity relationships of the new compounds 5a–j QSAR studies have been applied. Theoretical calculations allowed the identification of molecular descriptors belonging to the RDF (RDF055p and RDF145m in the MOLT-4 and UO-31 QSAR models, respectively) and 3D-MorSE (Mor32m and Mor16e for MOLT-4 and UO-31 QSAR models) descriptor classes. Based on these data, QSAR models with good robustness and predictive ability have been obtained.
Identification of Hydrophobic Interfaces in Protein-Ligand Complexes by Selective Saturation Transfer NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Ferrage Fabien , Dutta Kaushik , Cowburn David
Published: December 2015

The proper characterization of protein-ligand interfaces is essential for structural biology, with implications ranging from the fundamental understanding of biological processes to pharmacology. Nuclear magnetic resonance is a powerful technique for such studies. We propose a novel approach to the direct determination of the likely pose of a peptide ligand onto a protein partner, by using frequency-selective cross-saturation with a low stringency isotopic labeling methods. Our method illustrates a complex of the Src homology 3 domain of C-terminal Src kinase with a peptide from the proline-enriched tyrosine phosphatase.
Performance Evaluation of a Nanofluid-Based Direct Absorption Solar Collector with Parabolic Trough Concentrator
Authors: Xu Guoying , Chen Wei , Deng Shiming , Zhang Xiaosong , Zhao Sainan
Published: December 2015

Application of solar collectors for hot water supply, space heating, and cooling plays a significant role in reducing building energy consumption. For conventional solar collectors, solar radiation is absorbed by spectral selective coating on the collectors’ tube/plate wall. The poor durability of the coating can lead to an increased manufacturing cost and unreliability for a solar collector operated at a higher temperature. Therefore, a novel nanofluid-based direct absorption solar collector (NDASC) employing uncoated collector tubes has been proposed, and its operating characteristics for medium-temperature solar collection were theoretically and experimentally studied in this paper. CuO/oil nanofluid was prepared and used as working fluid of the NDASC. The heat-transfer mechanism of the NDASC with parabolic trough concentrator was theoretically evaluated and compared with a conventional indirect absorption solar collector (IASC). The theoretical analysis results suggested that the fluid’s temperature distribution in the NDASC was much more uniform than that in the IASC, and an enhanced collection efficiency could be achieved for the NDASC operated within a preferred working temperature range. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed NDASC, experimental performances of an NDASC and an IASC with the same parabolic trough concentrator were furthermore evaluated and comparatively discussed.
Upconverting NIR Photons for Bioimaging
Authors: Li Zhanjun , Zhang Yuanwei , La Hieu , Zhu Richard , El-Banna Ghida , Wei Yuzou , Han Gang
Published: December 2015

Lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) possess uniqueanti-Stokes optical properties, in which low energy near-infrared (NIR) photons can beconverted into high energy UV, visible, shorter NIR emission via multiphoton upconversionprocesses. Due to the rapid development of synthesis chemistry, lanthanide-doped UCNPscan be fabricated with narrow distribution and tunable multi-color optical properties. Theseunique attributes grant them unique NIR-driven imaging/drug delivery/therapeuticapplications, especially in the cases of deep tissue environments. In this brief review, weintroduce both the basic concepts of and recent progress with UCNPs in material engineeringand theranostic applications in imaging, molecular delivery, and tumor therapeutics. The aimof this brief review is to address the most typical progress in basic mechanism, materialdesign as bioimaging tools.
Optimal Vitamin D Supplementation Doses that Minimize the Risk for Both Low and High Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in the General Population
Authors: Veugelers Paul , Pham Truong-Minh , Ekwaru John
Published: December 2015

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the nutrient intake considered to be sufficient to meet the requirements of 97.5% of the population. Recent reports revealed a statistical error in the calculation of the RDA for vitamin D opening the question of what the recommendation should be. We took a dual approach to answer this question: (1) we aggregated 108 published estimates on vitamin D supplementation and vitamin D status; and (2) we analyzed 13,987 observations of program participants. The aggregation of published data revealed that 2909 IU of vitamin D per day is needed to achieve serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations of 50 nmol/L or more in 97.5% of healthy individuals. For normal weight, overweight and obese program participants this was 3094, 4450 and 7248 IU respectively. These supplementation doses would also result in 2.5% of normal weight, overweight and obese participants having 25(OH)D concentrations above 210, 200 and 214 nmol/L respectively. As these concentrations are high, an approach that minimizes the risk for both low and high concentrations seems desirable. With this approach we estimated, for example, that doses of 1885, 2802 and 6235 IU per day are required for normal weight, overweight and obese individuals respectively to achieve natural 25(OH)D concentrations (defined as 58 to 171 nmol/L). In conclusion, the large extent of variability in 25(OH)D concentrations makes a RDA for vitamin D neither desirable nor feasible. We therefore propose recommendations be articulated in the form of an optimal intake that minimizes the risk for both low and high serum 25(OH)D concentrations. This contribution includes body weight specific recommendations for optimal intakes for various combinations of lower and upper 25(OH)D concentration targets.
A Review of the Cognitive Effects Observed in Humans Following Acute Supplementation with Flavonoids, and Their Associated Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Bell Lynne , Lamport Daniel , Butler Laurie , Williams Claire
Published: December 2015

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in varying concentrations in many plant-based foods. Recent studies suggest that flavonoids can be beneficial to both cognitive and physiological health. Long term flavonoid supplementation over a period of weeks or months has been extensively investigated and reviewed, particularly with respect to cognitive ageing and neurodegenerative disease. Significantly less focus has been directed towards the short term effects of single doses of flavonoids on cognition. Here, we review 21 such studies with particular emphasis on the subclass and dose of flavonoids administered, the cognitive domains affected by flavonoid supplementation, and the effect size of the response. The emerging evidence suggests that flavonoids may be beneficial to attention, working memory, and psychomotor processing speed in a general population. Episodic memory effects are less well defined and may be restricted to child or older adult populations. The evidence also points towards a dose-dependent effect of flavonoids, but the physiological mechanisms of action remain unclear. Overall, there is encouraging evidence that flavonoid supplementation can benefit cognitive outcomes within an acute time frame of 0–6 h. But larger studies, combining cognitive and physiological measures, are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
InP-Based Waveguide Triple Transit Region Photodiodes for Hybrid Integration with Passive Optical Silica Waveguides
Authors: Rymanov Vitaly , Khani Besher , Dülme Sebastian , Lu Peng , Stöhr Andreas
Published: December 2015

We report on a novel InP-based 1.55 μm waveguide triple transit region photodiode (TTR-PD) structure for hybrid integration with passive optical silica waveguides. Using the beam propagation method, numerical analyses reveal that, for evanescent optical coupling between a passive silica waveguide and the InP-based waveguide TTR-PD, a coupling efficiency of about 90% can be obtained. In addition to that, an absorption of about 50% is simulated within a TTR-PD length of 30 µm. For fabricated TTR-PD chips, a polarization dependent loss (PDL) of less than 0.9 dB is achieved within the complete optical C-band. At the operational wavelength of 1.55 µm, a reasonable PDL of 0.73 dB is measured. The DC responsivity and the RF responsivity are achieved on the order of 0.52 A/W and 0.24 A/W, respectively. Further, a 3 dB bandwidth of 132 GHz is experimentally demonstrated and high output-power levels exceeding 0 dBm are obtained. Even at the 3 dB cut-off frequency, no saturation effects occur at a photocurrent of 15.5 mA and an RF output power of −4.6 dBm is achieved. In addition to the numerical and experimental achievements, we propose a scheme for a hybrid-integrated InP/silicon-based photonic millimeter wave transmitter.
Bead Based Proteome Enrichment Enhances Features of the Protein Elution Plate (PEP) for Functional Proteomic Profiling
Authors: Wang Xing , Davies Michael , Roy Swapan , Kuruc Matthew
Published: December 2015

A novel functional proteomics technology called PEP(Protein Elution Plate) was developed to separate complex proteomes from natural sources and analyze protein functions systematically. The technology takes advantage of the powerful resolution of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-D Gels). The modification of electrophoretic conditions in combination with a high-resolution protein elution plate supports the recovery of functionally active proteins. As 2DE(2-Dimensional Electrophoresis) resolution can be limited by protein load, we investigated the use of bead based enrichment technologies, called AlbuVoid™ and KinaSorb™ to determine their effect on the proteomic features which can be generated from the PEP platform. Using a variety of substrates and enzyme activity assays, we report on the benefits of combining bead based enrichment to improve the signal report and the features generated for Hexokinase, Protein Kinase, Protease, and Alkaline Phosphatase activities. As a result, the PEP technology allows systematic analysis of large enzyme families and can build a comprehensive picture of protein function from a complex proteome, providing biological insights that could otherwise not be observed if only protein abundances were analyzed.
Production Flexibility and Hedging
Authors: Dionne Georges , Santugini Marc
Published: December 2015

We extend the analysis on hedging with price and output uncertainty by endogenizing the output decision. Specifically, we consider the joint determination of output and hedging in the case of flexibility in production. We show that the risk-averse firm always maintains a short position in the futures market when the futures price is actuarially fair. Moreover, in the context of an example, we show that the presence of production flexibility reduces the incentive to hedge for all risk averse agents.
Information-Based Trade in German Real Estate and Equity Markets
Authors: Wölfle Marco
Published: December 2015

This paper employs four established market microstructure measures on information-based trade in financial markets. A set of German mid and small caps is used to analyze potential differential information content in real estate stocks compared to other asset classes. After linking substantially lower amounts of information-based trade in real estate stocks to higher liquidity premia, it is found that the evolution of the information content in real estate and other assets follows similar trends. Consequently, interdependence is tested for rolling time windows, revealing strong informational links between real estate and other assets. Particularly, small caps, financials, as well as companies offering consumer goods and services show a close relationship to real estate. Depending on the choice of the measure of information-based trade, up to 75% of the variation in the information content in real estate shares is related to other asset classes, pointing to the notion of high dependence.
Identification of Buried Objects in GPR Using Amplitude Modulated Signals Extracted from Multiresolution Monogenic Signal Analysis
Authors: Qiao Lihong , Qin Yao , Ren Xiaozhen , Wang Qifu
Published: December 2015

It is necessary to detect the target reflections in ground penetrating radar (GPR) images, so that surface metal targets can be identified successfully. In order to accurately locate buried metal objects, a novel method called the Multiresolution Monogenic Signal Analysis (MMSA) system is applied in ground penetrating radar (GPR) images. This process includes four steps. First the image is decomposed by the MMSA to extract the amplitude component of the B-scan image. The amplitude component enhances the target reflection and suppresses the direct wave and reflective wave to a large extent. Then we use the region of interest extraction method to locate the genuine target reflections from spurious reflections by calculating the normalized variance of the amplitude component. To find the apexes of the targets, a Hough transform is used in the restricted area. Finally, we estimate the horizontal and vertical position of the target. In terms of buried object detection, the proposed system exhibits promising performance, as shown in the experimental results.
Ultra-Compact 100 × 100 μm2 Footprint Hybrid Device with Spin-Valve Nanosensors
Authors: Leitao Diana , Coelho Paulo , Borme Jerome , Knudde Simon , Cardoso Susana , Freitas Paulo
Published: December 2015

Magnetic field mapping with micrometric spatial resolution and high sensitivity is a challenging application, and the technological solutions are usually based on large area devices integrating discrete magnetic flux guide elements. In this work we demonstrate a high performance hybrid device with improved field sensitivity levels and small footprint, consisting of a ultra-compact 2D design where nanometric spin valve sensors are inserted within the gap of thin-film magnetic flux concentrators. Pole-sensor distances down to 400 nm are demonstrated using nanofabrication techniques combined with an optimized liftoff process. These 100 × 100 μm 2 pixel sensors can be integrated in modular devices for surface mapping without moving parts.
Ionic Liquid-Based Optical and Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Sensors
Authors: Behera Kamalakanta , Pandey Shubha , Kadyan Anu , Pandey Siddharth
Published: December 2015

Due to their unusual physicochemical properties (e.g., high thermal stability, low volatility, high intrinsic conductivity, wide electrochemical windows and good solvating ability), ionic liquids have shown immense application potential in many research areas. Applications of ionic liquid in developing various sensors, especially for the sensing of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins and enzymes, gas sensing and sensing of various important ions, among other chemosensing platforms, are currently being explored by researchers worldwide. The use of ionic liquids for the detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is currently a major topic of research due to the associated importance of this gas with daily human life. This review focuses on the application of ionic liquids in optical and electrochemical CO2 sensors. The design, mechanism, sensitivity and detection limit of each type of sensor are highlighted in this review.
Evaluation of Chemical Interactions between Small Molecules in the Gas Phase Using Chemical Force Microscopy
Authors: Lee Jieun , Ju Soomi , Kim In , Jung Sun-Hwa , Min Sun-Joon , Kim Chulki , Sim Sang , Kim Sang
Published: December 2015

Chemical force microscopy analyzes the interactions between various chemical/biochemical moieties in situ. In this work we examined force-distance curves and lateral force to measure the interaction between modified AFM tips and differently functionalized molecular monolayers. Especially for the measurements in gas phase, we investigated the effect of humidity on the analysis of force-distance curves and the images in lateral force mode. Flat chemical patterns composed of different functional groups were made through micro-contact printing and lateral force mode provided more resolved analysis of the chemical patterns. From the images of 1-octadecanethiol/11-mercapto-1-undecanoic acid patterns, the amine group functionalized tip brought out higher contrast of the patterns than an intact silicon nitride tip owing to the additional chemical interaction between carboxyl and amine groups. For more complex chemical interactions, relative chemical affinities toward specific peptides were assessed on the pattern of 1-octadecanethiol/phenyl-terminated alkanethiol. The lateral image of chemical force microscopy reflected specific preference of a peptide to phenyl group as well as the hydrophobic interaction.
Labeled RFS-Based Track-Before-Detect for Multiple Maneuvering Targets in the Infrared Focal Plane Array
Authors: Li Miao , Li Jun , Zhou Yiyu
Published: December 2015

The problem of jointly detecting and tracking multiple targets from the raw observations of an infrared focal plane array is a challenging task, especially for the case with uncertain target dynamics. In this paper a multi-model labeled multi-Bernoulli (MM-LMB) track-before-detect method is proposed within the labeled random finite sets (RFS) framework. The proposed track-before-detect method consists of two parts—MM-LMB filter and MM-LMB smoother. For the MM-LMB filter, original LMB filter is applied to track-before-detect based on target and measurement models, and is integrated with the interacting multiple models (IMM) approach to accommodate the uncertainty of target dynamics. For the MM-LMB smoother, taking advantage of the track labels and posterior model transition probability, the single-model single-target smoother is extended to a multi-model multi-target smoother. A Sequential Monte Carlo approach is also presented to implement the proposed method. Simulation results show the proposed method can effectively achieve tracking continuity for multiple maneuvering targets. In addition, compared with the forward filtering alone, our method is more robust due to its combination of forward filtering and backward smoothing.
Intersectoral Mobilization in Child Development: An Outcome Assessment of the Survey of the School Readiness of Montreal Children
Authors: Laurin Isabelle , Bilodeau Angèle , Giguère Nadia , Potvin Louise
Published: December 2015

In 2006, the department of public health in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, conducted the Survey of the School Readiness of Montreal Children. After unveiling the results in February 2008, it launched an appeal for intersectoral mobilization. This article documents the chain of events in the collective decision-making process that fostered ownership of the survey results and involvement in action. It also documents the impacts of those findings on intersectoral action and the organization of early childhood services four years later. The results show that the survey served as a catalyst for intersectoral action as reflected in the increased size and strength of the actor network and the formalization of the highly-anticipated collaboration between school and early childhood networks. Actors have made abundant use of survey results in planning and justifying the continuation of projects or implementation of new ones. A notable outcome, in all territories, has been the development of both transition-to-kindergarten tools and literacy activities. The portrait drawn by the research raises significant issues for public planning while serving as a reminder of the importance of intersectoral mobilization in providing support for multiple trajectories of child preschool development.
Reliability of the Single-Visit Field Test of Critical Speed in Trained and Untrained Adolescents
Authors: Nimmerichter Alfred , Steindl Mathias , Williams Craig
Published: December 2015

Recent studies in adults have shown that the critical intensity during running and cycling estimated from three prediction trials interspersed by 30 min is valid and reliable. To establish the reliability of the single-visit field test to determine critical speed (CS) and the distance above critical speed (D′) in adolescents, 29 trained and 14 untrained participants (mean ± SD age: 17.5 ± 0.5 years) performed three tests on a 400-m outdoor track separated by 48 h. Each test consisted of three distances selected to result in finishing times between 2 and 15 min that must be completed as fast as possible. CS and D′ were modeled using the linear 1/time model (Speed = D′(1/t) + CS). While the coefficient of variation (CV) of CS was between 2.4% and 4.3%, the CV of D′ was 9.3% to 13.6%. Also the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.919 to 0.983 for CS and from 0.325 to 0.828 for D′. The results show that the single-visit field test provides reliable estimates of CS but not D′ in trained and untrained adolescents.
A Predictive Model of Technology Transfer Using Patent Analysis
Authors: Choi Jaehyun , Jang Dongsik , Jun Sunghae , Park Sangsung
Published: December 2015

The rapid pace of technological advances creates many difficulties for R&D practitioners in analyzing emerging technologies. Patent information analysis is an effective tool in this situation. Conventional patent information analysis has focused on the extraction of vacant, promising, or core technologies and the monitoring of technological trends. From a technology management perspective, the ultimate purpose of R&D is technology commercialization. The core of technology commercialization is the technology transfer phase. Although a great number of patents are filed, publicized, and registered every year, many commercially relevant patents are filtered through registration processes that examine novelty, creativity, and industrial applicability. Despite the efforts of these selection processes, the number of patents being transferred is low when compared with total annual patent registrations. To deal with this problem, this study proposes a predictive model for technology transfer using patent analysis. In the predictive model, patent analysis is conducted to reveal the quantitative relations between technology transfer and a range of variables included in the patent data.
An Examination of the Influence of Household Financial Decision Making on the US Housing Market Crisis
Authors: Mukerji Purba , Saeed Khalid , Tan Neal
Published: December 2015

This paper investigates the impact of what the extant literature has come to view as some of the major causes of the 2007 US housing market crisis. In particular we investigate the hypothesized effect of, lax financial regulations, the “savings glut” that is invested in the US from abroad, government support for increased home ownership, rising homeowners’ equity due to the real-estate boom, expansionary monetary policy, and bankruptcy reform. We examine how these hypothesized causes, working through household and institutional level decision-making, based on information availability and incentives, influenced the outcomes in the market for homes. Using a system dynamics model of household finance, we overlay the hypothesized causes chronologically to extrapolate their real-world simultaneous impact and test the hypothesis that they could have together led to the crisis, by simulating and checking against observed data. We find that with the exception of lax financial regulations, each cause by itself provides only a partial explanation of the crisis. Interestingly, the controversial expansionary monetary policy of the Federal Reserve, blamed by some for fueling the crisis, actually prevents the housing market boom from becoming too large. However on the downside, it discourages household savings and causes the fall in home prices to be deeper, due to weak household finances that result from low savings. We confront our model’s assumptions and outcomes with US economic data. We find our model assumptions are justified and simulation results are strongly supported by the data.