bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THEORIES OF THE FIRM IN ENGLAND BEFORE COASE: STEMMING THE TIDE OF ‘RATIONALIZATION’ ON THE EVE OF “THE NATURE OF THE FIRM”
Authors: Cristiano Carlo
Published: November 2015

Before the publication of Ronald Coase’s “The Nature of the Firm,” new developments in the theory of the firm were under way in the works of Arnold Plant at the LSE, and Dennis Robertson, Frederick Lavington, and Austin Robinson among the Cambridge Marshallians. Although in disagreement on industrial policy, these economists shared the belief that the common view that bigger firms are always more efficient—a very popular view within the movement for industrial ‘rationalization’—was untenable from a theoretical point of view. In the works of these economists the ‘make or buy’ scheme is sometimes employed, and Coase’s idea of a cost for using the market can be found, in implicit form, in some writings of Plant that appeared before Coase’s article. But the fundamental principle that we now call “transaction costs” was hardly of any help to any of those who, at Cambridge as well as at the LSE, were insisting on the costs of coordination as a limit to the growth of the firm.
Protective effect of autophagy on human retinal pigment epithelial cells against lipofuscin fluorophore A2E: implications for age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Zhang J , Bai Y , Huang L , Qi Y , Zhang Q , Li S , Wu Y , Li X
Published: November 2015

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss in the elderly. Degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a crucial causative factor responsible for the onset and progression of AMD. A2E, a major component of toxic lipofuscin implicated in AMD, is deposited in RPE cells with age. However, the mechanism whereby A2E may contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD remains unclear. We demonstrated that A2E was a danger signal of RPE cells, which induced autophagy and decreased cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Within 15 min after the treatment of RPE with 25 μM A2E, the induction of autophagosome was detected by transmission electron microscopy. After continuous incubating RPE cells with A2E, intense punctate staining of LC3 and increased expression of LC3-II and Beclin-1 were identified. Meanwhile, the levels of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), interleukin (IL)1β, IL2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, macrophage cationic peptide (MCP)-1, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were elevated. The autophagic inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and activator rapamycin were also used to verify the effect of autophagy on RPE cells against A2E. Our results revealed that 3-MA decreased the autophagosomes and LC3 puncta induced by A2E, increased inflammation-associated protein expression including ICAM, IL1β, IL2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, and SDF-1, and upregulated VEGFA expression. Whereas rapamycin augmented the A2E-mediated autophagy, attenuated protein expression of inflammation-associated and angiogenic factors, and blocked the Akt/mTOR pathway. Taken together, A2E induces autophagy in RPE cells at the early stage of incubation, and this autophagic response can be inhibited by 3-MA or augmented by rapamycin via the mTOR pathway. The enhancement of autophagy has a protective role in RPE cells against the adverse effects of A2E by reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and VEGFA.
Identification of a novel GLA mutation (F69 L) in a Japanese patient with late-onset Fabry disease
Authors: Umeda Toshiko , Hashimoto Seiji , Noriyasu Kazuyuki , Takamura Ayumi , Fujisaki Miwa , Eto Yoshikatsu
Published: November 2015

Fabry disease is an X-linked recessive inborn error of glycosphingolipid catabolism caused by a mutation in the GLA gene. We sequenced the α-galactosidase A gene (GLA) of a patient who had been clinically diagnosed with late-onset Fabry disease. Abundant globotriaosylceramide was present in his urine, which indicated typical Fabry disease. Here, we report a novel hemizygous mutation, c.207C>A (Phe69 Leu), which caused a mild/late-onset form of Fabry disease.
Identifying and quantifying two ligand-binding sites while imaging native human membrane receptors by AFM
Authors: Pfreundschuh Moritz , Alsteens David , Wieneke Ralph , Zhang Cheng , Coughlin Shaun R. , Tampé Robert , Kobilka Brian K. , Müller Daniel J.
Published: November 2015

A current challenge in life sciences is to image cell membrane receptors while characterizing their specific interactions with various ligands. Addressing this issue has been hampered by the lack of suitable nanoscopic methods. Here we address this challenge and introduce multifunctional high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) to image human protease-activated receptors (PAR1) in the functionally important lipid membrane and to simultaneously localize and quantify their binding to two different ligands. Therefore, we introduce the surface chemistry to bifunctionalize AFM tips with the native receptor-activating peptide and a tris-N-nitrilotriacetic acid (tris-NTA) group binding to a His10-tag engineered to PAR1. We further introduce ways to discern between the binding of both ligands to different receptor sites while imaging native PAR1s. Surface chemistry and nanoscopic method are applicable to a range of biological systems in vitro and in vivo and to concurrently detect and localize multiple ligand-binding sites at single receptor resolution.
X-ray photoemission analysis of clean and carbon monoxide-chemisorbed platinum(111) stepped surfaces using a curved crystal
Authors: Walter Andrew L. , Schiller Frederik , Corso Martina , Merte Lindsay R. , Bertram Florian , Lobo-Checa Jorge , Shipilin Mikhail , Gustafson Johan , Lundgren Edvin , Brión-Ríos Anton X. , Cabrera-Sanfelix Pepa , Sánchez-Portal Daniel , Ortega J. Enrique
Published: November 2015

Surface chemistry and catalysis studies could significantly gain from the systematic variation of surface active sites, tested under the very same conditions. Curved crystals are excellent platforms to perform such systematics, which may in turn allow to better resolve fundamental properties and reveal new phenomena. This is demonstrated here for the carbon monoxide/platinum system. We curve a platinum crystal around the high-symmetry (111) direction and carry out photoemission scans on top. This renders the spatial core-level imaging of carbon monoxide adsorbed on a ‘tunable’ vicinal surface, allowing a straightforward visualization of the rich chemisorption phenomenology at steps and terraces. Through such photoemission images we probe a characteristic elastic strain variation at stepped surfaces, and unveil subtle stress-release effects on clean and covered vicinal surfaces. These results offer the prospect of applying the curved surface approach to rationally investigate the chemical activity of surfaces under real pressure conditions.
Guanine nucleotide binding to the Bateman domain mediates the allosteric inhibition of eukaryotic IMP dehydrogenases
Authors: Buey Rubén M. , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Balsera Mónica , Chagoyen Mónica , de Pereda José M. , Revuelta José L.
Published: November 2015

Inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) plays key roles in purine nucleotide metabolism and cell proliferation. Although IMPDH is a widely studied therapeutic target, there is limited information about its physiological regulation. Using Ashbya gossypii as a model, we describe the molecular mechanism and the structural basis for the allosteric regulation of IMPDH by guanine nucleotides. We report that GTP and GDP bind to the regulatory Bateman domain, inducing octamers with compromised catalytic activity. Our data suggest that eukaryotic and prokaryotic IMPDHs might have developed different regulatory mechanisms, with GTP/GDP inhibiting only eukaryotic IMPDHs. Interestingly, mutations associated with human retinopathies map into the guanine nucleotide-binding sites including a previously undescribed non-canonical site and disrupt allosteric inhibition. Together, our results shed light on the mechanisms of the allosteric regulation of enzymes mediated by Bateman domains and provide a molecular basis for certain retinopathies, opening the door to new therapeutic approaches.
Controlled delivery of β-globin-targeting TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 into mammalian cells for genome editing using microinjection
Authors: Cottle Renee N. , Lee Ciaran M. , Archer David , Bao Gang
Published: November 2015

Tal-effector nucleases (TALEN) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) with CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins are genome editing tools with unprecedented potential. However, the ability to deliver optimal amounts of these nucleases into mammalian cells with minimal toxicity poses a major challenge. Common delivery approaches are transfection- and viral-based methods; each associated with significant drawbacks. An alternative method for directly delivering genome-editing reagents into single living cells with high efficiency and controlled volume is microinjection. Here, we characterize a glass microcapillary-based injection system and demonstrate controlled co-injection of TALENs or CRISPR/Cas9 together with donor template into single K562 cells for targeting the human β-globin gene. We quantified nuclease induced insertions and deletions (indels) and found that, with β-globin-targeting TALENs, similar levels of on- and off-target activity in cells could be achieved by microinjection compared with nucleofection. Furthermore, we observed 11% and 2% homology directed repair in single K562 cells co-injected with a donor template along with CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs respectively. These results demonstrate that a high level of targeted gene modification can be achieved in human cells using glass-needle microinjection of genome editing reagents.
Label-free colorimetric detection of mercury via Hg2+ ions-accelerated structural transformation of nanoscale metal-oxo clusters
Authors: Chen Kun , She Shan , Zhang Jiangwei , Bayaguud Aruuhan , Wei Yongge
Published: November 2015

Mercury and its compounds are known to be extremely toxic but widely distributed in environment. Although many works have been reported to efficiently detect mercury, development of simple and convenient sensors is still longed for quick analyzing mercury in water. In this work, a nanoscale metal-oxo cluster, (n-Bu4N)2[Mo5NaO13(OCH3)4(NO)], (MLPOM), organically-derivatized from monolacunary Lindqvist-type polyoxomolybdate, is found to specifically react with Hg2+ in methanol/water via structural transformation. The MLPOM methanol solution displays a color change from purple to brown within seconds after being mixed with an aqueous solution containing Hg2+. By comparing the structure of polyoxomolybdate before and after reaction, the color change is revealed to be the essentially structural transformation of MLPOM accelerated by Hg2+. Based on this discovery, MLPOM could be utilized as a colorimetric sensor to sense the existence of Hg2+ and a simple and label-free method is developed to selectively detect aqueous Hg2+. Furthermore, the colorimetric sensor has been applied to indicating mercury contamination in industrial sewage.
Passive acoustic monitoring of beaked whale densities in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Hildebrand John A. , Baumann-Pickering Simone , Frasier Kaitlin E. , Trickey Jennifer S. , Merkens Karlina P. , Wiggins Sean M. , McDonald Mark A. , Garrison Lance P. , Harris Danielle , Marques Tiago A. , Thomas Len
Published: November 2015

Beaked whales are deep diving elusive animals, difficult to census with conventional visual surveys. Methods are presented for the density estimation of beaked whales, using passive acoustic monitoring data collected at sites in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) from the period during and following theDeepwater Horizonoil spill (2010–2013). Beaked whale species detected include: Gervais’ (Mesoplodon europaeus), Cuvier’s (Ziphius cavirostris),Blainville’s (Mesoplodon densirostris) and an unknown species ofMesoplodon sp.(designated as Beaked Whale Gulf — BWG). For Gervais’ and Cuvier’s beaked whales, we estimated weekly animal density using two methods, one based on the number of echolocation clicks and another based on the detection of animal groups during 5 min time-bins. Density estimates derived from these two methods were in good general agreement. At two sites in the western GOM, Gervais’ beaked whales were present throughout the monitoring period, but Cuvier’s beaked whales were present only seasonally, with periods of low density during the summer and higher density in the winter. At an eastern GOM site, both Gervais’ and Cuvier’s beaked whales had a high density throughout the monitoring period.
Inhibition of A20 expression in tumor microenvironment exerts anti-tumor effect through inducing myeloid-derived suppressor cells apoptosis
Authors: Shao Bin , Wei Xiawei , Luo Min , Yu Jiayun , Tong Aiping , Ma Xuelei , Ye Tinghong , Deng Hongxin , Sang Yaxiong , Liang Xiao , Ma Yu , Wu Qinjie , Du Wei , Du Jing , Gao Xiang , Wen Yi , Fu Ping , Shi Huashan , Luo Shuntao , Wei Yuquan
Published: November 2015

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are known to play important roles in the development of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. A20 is a zinc-finger protein which could negatively regulate apoptosis in several cell types. However, the role of A20 in tumor microenvironment remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that A20 was over-expressed in MDSCs. The treatment of tumor-bearing mice with small interfering RNA targeting A20 (si-A20) inhibited the growth of tumors. The infiltration of MDSCs was dramatically reduced after si-A20 treatment, as compared to control groups, whereas the numbers of dendritic cells and macrophages were not affected. Also, injection of si-A20 improved T cell mediated tumor-specific immune response. Depletion of MDSCs with anti-Gr1 antibody showed similar antitumor effect and improved T cell response. TNF-α was highly expressed after si-A20 injection. Furthermore, si-A20 induced apoptosis of MDSCs in the presence of TNF-α both in vivo and in vitro. Cleaved Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 were elevated with the activation of JNK pathway after the induction of MDSC apoptosis by si-A20. Thus, our findings suggested that knockdown of A20 in tumor site inhibited tumor growth at least through inducing the apoptosis of MDSCs. A20 might be a potential target in anticancer therapy.
Can silicon carbide serve as a saturable absorber for passive mode-locked fiber lasers?
Authors: Cheng Chih-Hsien , Lin Yung-Hsiang , Chen Ting-Hui , Chen Hsiang-Yu , Chi Yu-Chieh , Lee Chao-Kuei , Wu Chih-I , Lin Gong-Ru
Published: November 2015

The study presents a novel demonstration of a passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) that is based on a silicon carbide (SixC1−x) saturable absorber. When the C/Si composition ratio is increased to 1.83, the SixC1−x film transforms from two-photon absorption to nonlinear saturable absorption and the corresponding value reaches −3.9 × 10−6 cm/W. The Si-rich SixC1−x film cannot mode lock the EDFL because it induced high intracavity loss through two-photon absorption. Even when a stoichiometric SiC is used, the EDFL is mode locked, similar to an EDFL operating under weak nonlinear-polarization-rotation condition. A C-rich SixC1−x film containing sp2-orbital C–C bonds with a linear absorbance of 0.172 and nonlinear absorbance of 0.04 at a 181 MW/cm2 saturation intensity demonstrates nonlinear transmittance. The C-rich SixC1−x saturable absorber successfully generates a short mode-locked EDFL pulse of 470 fs. The fluctuation of the pulse-train envelope dropps considerably from 11.6% to 0.8% when a strong saturable-absorption-induced self-amplitude modulation process occurs in the C-rich SixC1−x film.
Nondestructive nanofabrication on Si(100) surface by tribochemistry-induced selective etching
Authors: Guo Jian , Yu Bingjun , Chen Lei , Qian Linmao
Published: November 2015

A tribochemistry-induced selective etching approach is proposed for the first time to produce silicon nanostructures without lattice damage. With a ~1 nm thick SiOx film as etching mask grown on Si(100) surface (Si(100)/SiOx) by wet-oxidation technique, nano-trenches can be produced through the removal of local SiOx mask by a SiO2 tip in humid air and the post-etching of the exposed Si in potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. The material removal of SiOx mask and Si under low load is dominated by the tribochemical reaction at the interface between SiO2 tip and Si/SiOx sample, where the contact pressure is much lower than the critical pressure for initial yield of Si. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) observation indicates that neither the material removal induced by tribochemical reaction nor the wet etching in KOH solution leads to lattice damage of the fabricated nanostructures. The proposed approach points out a new route in nondestructive nanofabrication.
Exome sequencing reveals a high genetic heterogeneity on familial Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Luzón-Toro Berta , Gui Hongsheng , Ruiz-Ferrer Macarena , Sze-Man Tang Clara , Fernández Raquel M. , Sham Pak-Chung , Torroglosa Ana , Kwong-Hang Tam Paul , Espino-Paisán Laura , Cherny Stacey S. , Bleda Marta , Enguix-Riego María del Valle , Dopazo Joaquín , Antiñolo Guillermo , García-Barceló María-Mercé , Borrego Salud
Published: November 2015

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR; OMIM 142623) is a developmental disorder characterized by aganglionosis along variable lengths of the distal gastrointestinal tract, which results in intestinal obstruction. Interactions among known HSCR genes and/or unknown disease susceptibility loci lead to variable severity of phenotype. Neither linkage nor genome-wide association studies have efficiently contributed to completely dissect the genetic pathways underlying this complex genetic disorder. We have performed whole exome sequencing of 16 HSCR patients from 8 unrelated families with SOLID platform. Variants shared by affected relatives were validated by Sanger sequencing. We searched for genes recurrently mutated across families. Only variations in the FAT3 gene were significantly enriched in five families. Within-family analysis identified compound heterozygotes for AHNAK and several genes (N = 23) with heterozygous variants that co-segregated with the phenotype. Network and pathway analyses facilitated the discovery of polygenic inheritance involving FAT3, HSCR known genes and their gene partners. Altogether, our approach has facilitated the detection of more than one damaging variant in biologically plausible genes that could jointly contribute to the phenotype. Our data may contribute to the understanding of the complex interactions that occur during enteric nervous system development and the etiopathology of familial HSCR.
Pressure-induced superconductivity in H2-containing hydride PbH4(H2)2
Authors: Cheng Ya , Zhang Chao , Wang Tingting , Zhong Guohua , Yang Chunlei , Chen Xiao-Jia , Lin Hai-Qing
Published: November 2015

High pressure structure, stability, metallization and superconductivity of PbH4(H2)2, a H2-containing compound combining one of the heaviest elements with the lightest element, are investigated by the first-principles calculations. The metallic character is found over the whole studied pressure range, although PbH4(H2)2 is metastable and easily decompose at low pressure. The decomposition pressure point of 133 GPa is predicted above which PbH4(H2)2 is stable both thermodynamically and dynamically with the C2/m symmetry. Interestedly, all hydrogen atoms pairwise couple into H2 quasi-molecules and remain this style up to 400 GPa in the C2/m structure. At high-pressure, PbH4(H2)2 tends to form the Pb-H2 alloy. The superconductivity of Tc firstly rising and then falling is observed in the C2/m PbH4(H2)2. The maximum of Tc is about 107 K at 230 GPa. The softening of intermediate-frequency phonon induced by more inserted H2 molecules is the main origin of the high Tc. The results obtained represent a significant step toward the understanding of the high pressure behavior of metallic hydrogen and hydrogen-rich materials, which is helpful for obtaining the higher Tc.
Winter cropping in Ficus tinctoria: an alternative strategy
Authors: Chen Huanhuan , Peng Yanqiong , Zhang Yuan , Corlett Richard T.
Published: November 2015

The many species of figs (Ficus, Moraceae) have evolved a variety of reproductive phenologies that ensure the survival of both the fig plants and their short-lived, species-specific, pollinating wasps. A phenological study of 28 male and 23 female plants of a dioecious hemiepiphytic fig, Ficus tinctoria, was conducted in Xishuangbanna, SW China at the northern margin of tropical SE Asia. In contrast to other figs of seasonal climates, which have a winter low in fig production, both sexes produced their major fig crops at the coldest time of the year. Male plants released pollinators during the period when most female trees were receptive and male syconia had a long wasp-producing (D) phase, which ensured high levels of pollination. Female crops ripened at the end of the dry season, when they attracted numerous frugivorous birds and dispersed seeds can germinate with the first reliable rains. Few syconia were produced by either sex during the rest of the year, but these were sufficient to maintain local pollinator populations. We suggest that this unique phenological strategy has evolved to maximize seed dispersal and establishment in this seasonal climate.
Cancellation of the zeroth order by a low-contrast grating
Authors: Wang Bo
Published: November 2015

The cancellation of the 0th order is described by a low-contrast fused-silica grating. In reported works, the high-contrast grating and complicated structure were applied with reasonable and excellent performance. However, the low-contrast grating is proved that it can also cancel the 0th order with the period more than 2λ in this paper. Grating parameters are optimized by using rigorous coupled-wave analysis, whose physical essence for cancellation of the 0th order can be well explained by modal method. The fabrication tolerance is investigated for production of the low-contrast grating for cancellation of the 0th order, which can be potentially used for writing the fiber Bragg grating.
Reveromycin A Administration Prevents Alveolar Bone Loss in Osteoprotegerin Knockout Mice with Periodontal Disease
Authors: Mizuno Manami , Miyazawa Ken , Tabuchi Masako , Tanaka Miyuki , Yoshizako Mamoru , Minamoto Chisato , Torii Yasuyoshi , Tamaoka Yusuke , Kawatani Makoto , Osada Hiroyuki , Maeda Hatsuhiko , Goto Shigemi
Published: November 2015

Chronic periodontal disease is characterized by alveolar bone loss and inflammatory changes. Reveromycin A (RMA) was recently developed and is a unique agent for inhibiting osteoclast activity. This study analysed the effects of RMA in an experimental mouse model of periodontitis involving osteoprotegerin (OPG)-knockout mice, specifically, whether it could control osteoclasts and reduce inflammation in periodontal tissue. We examined wild-type (WT) and OPG knockout mice (OPG KO) ligated with wire around contact points on the left first and second molars. RMA was administered twice a day to half of the mice. Using micro-computed tomography, we measured the volume of alveolar bone loss between the first and second molars and also performed histological analysis. The OPG KO RMA+ group had significantly decreased osteoclast counts, alveolar bone loss, attachment loss and inflammatory cytokine expression 8 weeks after ligation. Thus, RMA may reduce alveolar bone loss and inflamed periodontal tissues in patients with periodontitis.
Modular approach to customise sample preparation procedures for viral metagenomics: a reproducible protocol for virome analysis
Authors: Conceição-Neto Nádia , Zeller Mark , Lefrère Hanne , De Bruyn Pieter , Beller Leen , Deboutte Ward , Yinda Claude Kwe , Lavigne Rob , Maes Piet , Ranst Marc Van , Heylen Elisabeth , Matthijnssens Jelle
Published: November 2015

A major limitation for better understanding the role of the human gut virome in health and disease is the lack of validated methods that allow high throughput virome analysis. To overcome this, we evaluated the quantitative effect of homogenisation, centrifugation, filtration, chloroform treatment and random amplification on a mock-virome (containing nine highly diverse viruses) and a bacterial mock-community (containing four faecal bacterial species) using quantitative PCR and next-generation sequencing. This resulted in an optimised protocol that was able to recover all viruses present in the mock-virome and strongly alters the ratio of viral versus bacterial and 16S rRNA genetic material in favour of viruses (from 43.2% to 96.7% viral reads and from 47.6% to 0.19% bacterial reads). Furthermore, our study indicated that most of the currently used virome protocols, using small filter pores and/or stringent centrifugation conditions may have largely overlooked large viruses present in viromes. We propose NetoVIR (Novel enrichment technique of VIRomes), which allows for a fast, reproducible and high throughput sample preparation for viral metagenomics studies, introducing minimal bias. This procedure is optimised mainly for faecal samples, but with appropriate concentration steps can also be used for other sample types with lower initial viral loads.
GSK3β mediates the carcinogenic effect of HPV16 in cervical cancer
Authors: Ma Cuiling , Zeng Chenglong , Jin Liang , Yang Yang , Li Pengfei , Chen Liangfeng , Wang Jian
Published: November 2015

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent and fatal cancers among women and infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor. This study investigated how HPV16 regulated GSK3β expression and function to promote cervical cancers. The expression of GSK3β was analyzed by quantitative PCR and western blot. The proliferation, invasion and clonogenic survival of cells with different E6/E7 levels were measured by MTT, transwell invasion assays and soft agar colony-forming assays, respectively. The levels of GSK3β were correlated with the copy numbers and expression levels of HPV16 E6/E7 genes. HPV16 E6/E7 genes regulated GSK3β transcription through an element located in the promoter 85 and 250 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site. The abilities of cell proliferation, invasion and clonogenic survival were increased in C33A cells by ectopic HPV16 E6/E7 and decreased in CaSki cells by knocking down HPV16 E6/E7 levels. Meanwhile, LiCl increased GSK3β transcript levels and the proliferation of CaSki cells in a HPV16-dependent manner. These data indicated that GSK3β may participated in HPV16 mediated deregulation of wnt/β-catenin and other signaling pathways promoting the progression and invasion of cervical cancers.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 Promotes Vascular Calcification via SMAD1/5/8 Phosphorylation
Authors: Lee Sun Joo , Jeong Ji Yun , Oh Chang Joo , Park Sungmi , Kim Joon-Young , Kim Han-Jong , Doo Kim Nam , Choi Young-Keun , Do Ji-Yeon , Go Younghoon , Ha Chae-Myeong , Choi Je-Yong , Huh Seung , Ho Jeoung Nam , Lee Ki-Up , Choi Hueng-Sik , Wang Yu , Park Keun-Gyu , Harris Robert A. , Lee In-Kyu
Published: November 2015

Vascular calcification, a pathologic response to defective calcium and phosphate homeostasis, is strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In this study, we have observed that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is upregulated and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex phosphorylation is increased in calcifying vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and in calcified vessels of patients with atherosclerosis, suggesting that PDK4 plays an important role in vascular calcification. Both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PDK4 ameliorated the calcification in phosphate-treated VSMCs and aortic rings and in vitamin D3-treated mice. PDK4 augmented the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs by phosphorylating SMAD1/5/8 via direct interaction, which enhances BMP2 signaling. Furthermore, increased expression of PDK4 in phosphate-treated VSMCs induced mitochondrial dysfunction followed by apoptosis. Taken together, our results show that upregulation of PDK4 promotes vascular calcification by increasing osteogenic markers with no adverse effect on bone formation, demonstrating that PDK4 is a therapeutic target for vascular calcification.
GRADE in Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture for Stroke Rehabilitation: Recommendations based on High-Quality Evidence
Authors: Xin Zhang , Xue-Ting Liu , De-Ying Kang
Published: November 2015

Systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated acupuncture’s effectiveness in stroke rehabilitation. The current study reviews the quality of evidence in SRs of acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation and rates the strength of recommendation for its use based on this evidence using the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations) approach. A comprehensive literature search was performed using multiple databases (e.g., Medline, Embase) with advanced search strategies. Two authors independently selected articles, collected data and assessed the methodological quality of each identified SR according to AMSTAR (a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews) and OQAQ (Oxman and Guyatt’s overview quality assessment questionnaire). Outcomes related to stroke rehabilitation were evaluated. SRs of high methodological quality (AMSTAR score ≥9 and OQAQ score ≥7) were graded using GRADE. Ultimately, acupuncture yields benefits in stroke rehabilitation (neurological function improvement: RR = 1.34; swallowing improvement: RR = 1.61, 1.49, 1.07; disability: SMD = 0.49 or 0.07). Poor evidentiary quality and insufficient information about harm led to weak recommendations. In conclusion, acupuncture may improve stroke rehabilitation, as the GRADE approach indicated a weak recommendation for acupuncture’s usage in this context.
Spectral separation of optical spin based on antisymmetric Fano resonances
Authors: Piao Xianji , Yu Sunkyu , Hong Jiho , Park Namkyoo
Published: November 2015

We propose a route to the spectral separation of optical spin angular momentum based on spin-dependent Fano resonances with antisymmetric spectral profiles. By developing a spin-form coupled mode theory for chiral materials, the origin of antisymmetric Fano spectra is clarified in terms of the opposite temporal phase shift for each spin, which is the result of counter-rotating spin eigenvectors. An analytical expression of a spin-density Fano parameter is derived to enable quantitative analysis of the Fano-induced spin separation in the spectral domain. As an application, we demonstrate optical spin switching utilizing the extreme spectral sensitivity of the spin-density reversal. Our result paves a path toward the conservative spectral separation of spins without any need of the magneto-optical effect or circular dichroism, achieving excellent purity in spin density superior to conventional approaches based on circular dichroism.
Integration of coal gasification and waste heat recovery from high temperature steel slags: an emerging strategy to emission reduction
Authors: Sun Yongqi , Sridhar Seetharaman , Liu Lili , Wang Xidong , Zhang Zuotai
Published: November 2015

With the continuous urbanization and industrialization in the world, energy saving and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction have been serious issues to be addressed, for which heat recovery from traditional energy-intensive industries makes up a significant strategy. Here we report a novel approach to extract the waste heat and iron from high temperature steel slags (1450–1650 oC) produced in the steel industry, i.e., integration of coal gasification and steel slag treatment. Both the thermodynamics and kinetics of the pertinent reactions were identified. It was clarified that the kinetic mechanism for gasification varied from A2 model to A4 model (Avrami-Erofeev) in the presence of slags. Most importantly, the steel slags acted not only as good heat carriers but also as effective catalysts where the apparent activation energy for char gasification got remarkably reduced from 95.7 kJ/mol to 12.1 kJ/mol (A2 model). Furthermore, the FeO in the slags was found to be oxidized into Fe3O4, with an extra energy release, which offered a potential for magnetic separation. Moreover, based on the present research results, an emerging concept, composed of multiple industrial sectors, was proposed, which could serve as an important route to deal with the severe environmental problems in modern society.
Quercitrin for periodontal regeneration: effects on human gingival fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gómez-Florit Manuel , Monjo Marta , Ramis Joana M.
Published: November 2015

Periodontal disease (PD) is the result of an infection and chronic inflammation of the gingiva that may lead to its destruction and, in severe cases, alveolar bone and tooth loss. The ultimate goal of periodontal treatment is to achieve periodontal soft and hard tissues regeneration. We previously selected quercitrin, a catechol-containing flavonoid, as a potential agent for periodontal applications. In this study, we tested the ability of quercitrin to alter biomarker production involved in periodontal regeneration on primary human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) and primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) cultured under basal and inflammatory conditions. To mimic PD inflammatory status, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was used. The expression of different genes related to inflammation and extracellular matrix were evaluated and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was quantified in hGFs; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content were analysed in hMSCs. Quercitrin decreased the release of the inflammatory mediator PGE2 and partially re-established the impaired collagen metabolism induced by IL-1β treatment in hGFs. Quercitrin also increased ALP activity and mineralization in hMSCs, thus, it increased hMSCs differentiation towards the osteoblastic lineage. These findings suggest quercitrin as a novel bioactive molecule with application to enhance both soft and hard tissue regeneration of the periodontium.
A diagnostic tool for malaria based on computer software
Authors: Kotepui Manas , Uthaisar Kwuntida , Phunphuech Bhukdee , Phiwklam Nuoil
Published: November 2015

Nowadays, the gold standard method for malaria diagnosis is a staining of thick and thin blood film examined by expert laboratorists. It requires well-trained laboratorists, which is a time consuming task and is un-automated protocol. For this study, Maladiag Software was developed to predict malaria infection in suspected malaria patients. The demographic data of patients, examination for malaria parasites and complete blood count (CBC) profiles were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was used to create the equation for the malaria diagnosis. The diagnostic parameters of the equation were tested on 4,985 samples (703 infected and 4,282 control samples). The equation indicated 81.2% sensitivity and 80.3% specificity for predicting infection of malaria. The positive likelihood and negative likelihood ratio were 4.12 (95% CI = 4.01–4.23) and 0.23 (95% CI = 0.22–0.25), respectively. This parameter also had odds ratios (P value < 0.0001, OR = 17.6, 95% CI = 16.0–19.3). The equation can predict malaria infection after adjust for age, gender, nationality, monocyte (%), platelet count, neutrophil (%), lymphocyte (%) and the RBC count of patients. The diagnostic accuracy was 0.877 (Area under curve, AUC) (95% CI = 0.871–0.883). The system, when used in combination with other clinical and microscopy methods, might improve malaria diagnoses and enhance prompt treatment.
Three-dimensional hyperbranched PdCu nanostructures with high electrocatalytic activity
Authors: Jiang Bo , Li Cuiling , Malgras Victor , Bando Yoshio , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: November 2015

In this study, three-dimensional (3D) PdCu alloyed nanostructures, consisting of one-dimensional (1D) branches, were successfully synthesized through a facile wet-chemical method without using any seeds or organic solvent.
Combining visible light catalysis and transfer hydrogenation for in situ efficient and selective semihydrogenation of alkynes under ambient conditions
Authors: Zhong Jian-Ji , Liu Qiang , Wu Cheng-Juan , Meng Qing-Yuan , Gao Xue-Wang , Li Zhi-Jun , Chen Bin , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: November 2015

By combining visible light catalysis and transfer hydrogenation, we are able to convert a series of alkynes to their corresponding alkenes in high chemical yields.
Dynamic, conjugated microporous polymers: visible light harvesting via guest-responsive reversible swelling
Authors: Venkata Rao K. , Haldar Ritesh , Maji Tapas Kumar , George Subi J.
Published: November 2015

Dynamic conjugated microporous polymers of pyrene entrap guest molecules rapidly at room temperature via swelling and show efficient host–guest energy-transfer.
Ab initio variational predictions for understanding highly congested spectra: rovibrational assignment of 108 new methane sub-bands in the icosad range (6280–7800 cm−1)
Authors: Rey Michaël , Nikitin Andrei V. , Campargue Alain , Kassi Samir , Mondelain Didier , Tyuterev Vladimir G.
Published: November 2015

This work demonstrates for the first time how accurate first principles global calculations allow assigning complicated spectra of a molecule with more than 4 atoms.
Silver complexation by metallacryptates
Authors: Lamberts Kevin , Tegoni Matteo , Jiang Xiang , Kou Hui-Zhong , Englert Ulli
Published: November 2015

We report the first complete characterization of metallycryptates encapsulating Ag(i) cations: carboxylato ligands derived from l-proline and l-alanine chelate and bridge six Cu(ii) centres arranged in a slightly distorted octahedral fashion.
Specific activity and isotope abundances of strontium in purified strontium-82
Authors: Fitzsimmons J. M. , Medvedev D. G. , Mausner L. F.
Published: November 2015

A linear accelerator was used to irradiate a rubidium chloride target with protons to produce strontium-82 (Sr-82), and the Sr-82 was purified by ion exchange chromatography.
Cytotoxicity, DNA binding and cell apoptosis induction of a zinc(ii) complex of HBrQ
Authors: Zhang Hai-Rong , Liu Yan-Cheng , Meng Ting , Qin Qi-Pin , Tang Shang-Feng , Chen Zhen-Feng , Zou Bi-Qun , Liu You-Nian , Liang Hong
Published: November 2015

A zinc(ii) complex of HBrQ showed higher in vitro antitumor activity. It induced cell apoptosis in BEL-7404 cells via G2 phase arrest, led to mitochondria dysfunction and activation of caspase cascade. The central zinc(ii) should play a key role to enhance the antitumor effect
TiO2quantum dots as superb compact block layers for high-performance CH3NH3PbI3perovskite solar cells with an efficiency of 16.97%
Authors: Tu Yongguang , Wu Jihuai , Zheng Min , Huo Jinghao , Zhou Pei , Lan Zhang , Lin Jianming , Huang Miaoliang
Published: November 2015

Highly crystalline TiO2quantum dots (QDs) are constructed as an ultrathin blocking layer in perovskite solar cells, which achieve a power conversion efficiency of 16.97%.
Selective photochemical synthesis of Ag nanoparticles on position-controlled ZnO nanorods for the enhancement of yellow-green light emission
Authors: Park Hyeong-Ho , Zhang Xin , Lee Keun Woo , Sohn Ahrum , Kim Dong-Wook , Kim Joondong , Song Jin-Won , Choi Young Su , Lee Hee Kwan , Jung Sang Hyun , Lee In-Geun , Cho Young-Dae , Shin Hyun-Beom , Sung Ho Kun , Park Kyung Ho , Kang Ho Kwan , Park Won-Kyu , Park Hyung-Ho
Published: November 2015

The photoluminescence of ZnO nanorod arrays is tailored by formation of Ag–ZnO hybrids.
An aromatic/aliphatic polyester prepared via ring-opening polymerisation and its remarkably selective and cyclable depolymerisation to monomer
Authors: MacDonald Jarret P. , Shaver Michael P.
Published: November 2015

The ring-opening polymerisation of 2,3-dihydro-5H-1,4-benzodioxepin-5-one gives polyester homopolymers and copolymers that contain both aromatic and aliphatic linkages. The polymers can be easily depolymerised by Al catalysts.
Synthesis, evaluation and thermodynamics of a 1H-benzo-imidazole phenanthroline derivative as a novel inhibitor for mild steel against acidic corrosion
Authors: Lei Xiaowei , Wang Hongyan , Feng Yaorong , Zhang Jianxun , Sun Xuejiao , Lai Suming , Wang Zhilong , Kang Song
Published: November 2015

A novel 1H-benzo-imidazole phenanthroline derivative was synthesized as an effective inhibitor for mild steel against HCl corrosion.
Hydrolytically active tetranuclear [NiII2]2 complexes: synthesis, structure, spectroscopy and phosphoester hydrolysis
Authors: Giri Gopal C. , Patra Ayan , Vijaykumar Gonela , Carrella Luca , Bera Manindranath
Published: November 2015

Hydrolytically active three tetranuclear nickel(ii) complexes of a new symmetrical μ-bis(tetradentate) ligand, H5chdp were prepared and their catalytic activity toward the phosphoester hydrolysis was examined.
PEDOT:PSS assisted preparation of a graphene/nickel cobalt oxide hybrid counter electrode to serve in efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Yue Gentian , Yang Guang , Li Fumin , Wu Jihuai
Published: November 2015

A much higher photovoltaic performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell with a (P-A) Gr/NiCo2O4 counter electrode is achieved than that of a Pt configuration device.
Spherical 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) based melt-cast compositions: heralding a new era of shock insensitive energetic materials
Authors: Vijayalakshmi R. , Radhakrishnan S. , Shitole Pooja , Pawar S. J. , Mishra V. S. , Garg R. K. , Talawar M. B. , Sikder A. K.
Published: November 2015

Spherical NTO based less hazardous, thermally stable, shock insensitive melt cast composition is developed by replacing sensitive RDX in existing composition B.
Ultrafast synthesis of continuous Au thin films from chloroauric acid solution using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Wu Ting-Jui , Chou Chia-Yun , Hsu Chun-Ming , Hsu Cheng-Che , Chen Jian-Zhang , Cheng I-Chun
Published: November 2015

Continuous Au thin films can be made from chloroauric acid solution using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet.
Enhanced mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites based on graphite oxide with amine-rich surface
Authors: Zhou Ya , Li Le , Chen Yang , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei
Published: November 2015

Functional graphite oxide (DGO) with amine-rich surface was synthesized through chemically grafting flexible poly(oxypropylene)diamine, and its epoxy (EP) composites were prepared.
A hexacyclic ladder-type building block for high-performance D–A copolymers
Authors: Qian Liu , Cao Jiamin , Ding Liming
Published: November 2015

Two D–A copolymers PThTITI and PSeTITI were developed by copolymerizing a novel ladder-type building block TITI with thiophene (Th) or selenophene (Se). PThTITI:PC71BM and PSeTITI:PC71BM solar cells gave PCEs of 5.53% and 6.17%, respectively.
Novel drug delivery nanosystems based on out-inside bifunctionalized mesoporous silica yolk–shell magnetic nanostars used as nanocarriers for curcumin
Authors: Huang Peilin , Zeng Baozhen , Mai Zhuoxian , Deng Juntao , Fang Yueping , Huang Wenhua , Zhang Hongwu , Yuan Jinying , Wei Yen , Zhou Wuyi
Published: November 2015

Bifunctionalized yolk–shell magnetic mesoporous silica is used as a curcumin nanocarrier with magnetic response and increased cellular uptake.
Vascular growth factors play critical roles in kidney glomeruli
Authors: Gnudi Luigi , Benedetti Sara , Woolf Adrian S. , Long David A
Published: November 2015

Kidney glomeruli ultrafilter blood to generate urine and they are dysfunctional in a variety of kidney diseases. There are two key vascular growth factor families implicated in glomerular biology and function, namely the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and the angiopoietins (Angpt). We present examples showing not only how these molecules help generate and maintain healthy glomeruli but also how they drive disease when their expression is dysregulated. Finally, we review how manipulating VEGF and Angpt signalling may be used to treat glomerular disease.
Doppler‐aided rapid positioning method for BDS receivers
Authors: Jing Shourang , Xu Bo , Yong Ling , Sun Guangfu
Published: November 2015

BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS) adopts mixed constellation design. In addition, the rate of GEO NAV message is 500 bit/s. Therefore, a rapid BDS positioning algorithm with Doppler‐aided is presented to reduce the time to first fix. First, the approximate position is obtained using full pseudo‐ranges of GEO satellites and Doppler of all visible satellites. Secondly, the full pseudo‐ranges of non‐GEO satellites can be constructed with the approximate and reference GEO satellites. Finally, the receiver position can be estimated with full pseudo‐ranges in an accurate manner. Experimental data processing results show that the proposed method is effective to estimate receiver position.
Ultra‐wideband reconfigurable radiation pattern antenna for diversity applications
Authors: Jeong Jun Gi , Ahn Jihwan , Yoon Young Joong
Published: November 2015

A radiation pattern reconfigurable planar antenna operating at an ultra‐wideband frequency range of 2.78–10.85 GHz is proposed. The proposed antenna is a combined structure of a monopole and a tapered slot, and it has two types of radiation patterns that can be chosen to be a monopole pattern or tapered slot pattern by controlling the states of four diodes. In addition, the shape of both radiation patterns is maintained across the whole operating frequency range. Details of the operation principle and the design considerations of the proposed antenna are presented.
Method for carrier frequency‐offset estimation of faster‐than‐Nyquist signalling
Authors: Liang Xiaohu , Liu Aijun , Pan Xiaofei , Chen Feng
Published: November 2015

A new non‐data aided frequency‐offset estimation scheme for faster‐than‐Nyquist (FTN) signalling system is proposed. Considering the intentionally introduced intersymbol interference, the envelope of carrier signals is time varying, which makes it difficult to estimate the carrier frequency‐offset at the receiver. In order to improve the estimation performance, a new estimation scheme is proposed which is based on Newton's method for minimising the non‐linear least‐squares error. Moreover, the proposed estimation scheme can be also applied into M‐ary pulse‐amplitude modulation. Further, the performance of proposed frequency‐offset estimation scheme for FTN is verified and tested.
Reliable majority voter based on spin transfer torque magnetic tunnel junction device
Authors: Butzen P.F. , Slimani M. , Wang Y. , Cai H. , Naviner L.A.B.
Published: November 2015

A reliable majority voter circuit using a nanometre spin transfer torque magnetic tunnel junction (STT‐MTJ) is presented. The circuit tolerates single transient faults and manages process variations due to technology downscaling. The use of this magnetic device brings non‐volatility memory to logic circuits and promises to overcome the rising standby power issue. By using the STMicroelectronics fully depleted silicon on insulator 28 nm design kit and a precise STT‐MTJ compact model, electrical simulations have been carried out to show its low‐power and high reliability performances.