bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Doxycycline inhibits TGF‐β1–induced extracellular matrix production in nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts
Authors: Shin Jae‐Min , Park Joo‐Hoo , Park Il‐Ho , Lee Heung‐Man 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundDoxycycline has been shown to have antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects and suppresses collagen biosynthesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of doxycycline on transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1–induced myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix production in nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts (NPDFs). We also determined the molecular mechanisms of action for doxycycline.MethodsNPDFs were isolated from nasal polyps from 8 patients. Doxycycline was used to pretreat TGF‐β1–induced NPDFs. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay. Expression levels of α–smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibronectin were measured using Western blot, reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. Total collagen production was analyzed with the Sircol collagen assay, while mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF‐κB activation were determined using Western blot analysis. Luciferase assay was used to evaluate the transcriptional activity of NF‐κB.ResultsAlthough doxycycline (0 to 40 μg/mL) had no significant cytotoxic effects in TGF‐β1–induced NPDFs, it significantly reduced the expression levels of α‐SMA, fibronectin, and collagen in TGF‐β1–induced NPDFs in a dose‐dependent manner. Doxycycline also inhibited the TGF‐β1–induced activation of p38, c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), and NF‐κB, and its inhibitory effects were similar to those of the specific inhibitors for each.ConclusionDoxycycline has an inhibitory effect on TGF‐β1–induced myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix production via the p38 and JNK/NF‐κB signal pathways in NPDFs.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) modified by KE reactive dyes as a novel proton‐exchange membrane for potential fuel‐cell applications
Authors: Zhou Tianchi , He Xuemei , Xie Kongliang 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTA new type of proton‐exchange membrane based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) modified KE reactive dyes (KE‐4BD) was prepared and evaluated as H+‐conducting polymer electrolytes. The effects of the content of KE‐4BD on the membrane H+ conductivity and water uptake were studied with an alternating‐current impedance technique and the method of weighing, respectively. Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy were used for the chemical and structural characterization of these membranes. With all of these properties, the optimal mass ratio between PVA and KE‐4BD was 1:0.5, and the resulting membrane exhibited a high proton conductivity (0.109 S/cm) at room temperature; this afforded a power density of 83.9 mW/cm2 at 210.4 mA/cm2 and an open‐circuit voltage of 810.8 mV. The PVA/KE‐4BD membranes showed a high oxidative stability in Fenton's reagent (3% H2O2 v/v, 2 ppm FeSO4). Thermal analysis also showed that the membranes exhibited a significant improvement in thermal stability. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43019.
China as a Global Force
Authors: Zhang Feng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThree foreign policy initiatives under President Xi Jinping over the past three years have considerably enhanced China's global influence: partnership diplomacy, the Silk Road economic diplomacy, and the new financial diplomacy. Partnership diplomacy seeks to forge a global network of partnership countries for China. The Silk Road economic diplomacy is the signature foreign policy proposal of Xi, and in some sense can be seen as the economic pillar of Xi's grand strategy for rejuvenating China on the world stage. Its stated objective is to promote common development between China and Eurasian countries, particularly in the field of infrastructure development. China has also been trying with very skillful and proactive diplomacy to create a new financial order to support the Silk Road project and China's economic diplomacy in general, including, but not limited to, the establishment of the much vaunted Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Geophysical and Archaeological Characterization of a Modest Roman Villa: Methodological Considerations about Progressive Feedback Analyses in Sites with Low Geophysical Contrast
Authors: Pueyo Anchuela Óscar , Diarte Blasco Pilar , García Benito Carlos , Casas Sainz Antonio M. , Pocoví Juan Andrés 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe low contrast in physical properties of archaeological elements compared to the host soil is a common drawback in geophysical surveys applied to subtle archaeological sites because those contrasts are usually what are being measured by most instruments. Furthermore, when archaeological elements and construction remains are placed within the same package of materials, differentiation of each can make the interpretation of geophysical data sometimes difficult. In this work we propose a dynamic, integrated approach for the characterization of an archaeological site with simple Roman construction materials in order to evaluate methodological considerations in the evaluation of this kind of sites. This approach includes: (i) a preliminary evaluation of construction material characteristics, according to the background provided by the historical and geographical context and from previous excavations, (ii) measurements of magnetic susceptibility of archaeological and natural materials in the site for direct modelling of the expected anomalies; (iii) a geophysical survey including magnetometry, multifrequency electromagnetic (EM) method and ground penetrating radar (GPR) (100, 250 and 500 MHz centre frequency antennas); (iv) geophysical data evaluation for planning subsequent systematic surveys; (v) dynamic interpretation of geophysical results through careful data evaluation of all previous steps. The final archaeological model from geophysical data has been successful due to the manner of data interpretation looking for orthogonal patterns of geophysical anomalies that were hypothesized to be subsurface walls. Modelling was then followed by archaeological excavations consisting of three trenches where the walls were exposed. The integration of geophysical data with excavations has permitted to evaluate significance of the different geophysical analysis and to identify their archaeological meaning. The proposed sequential methodology represents an innovative manner of analysis (i) in subtle sites where construction remains are scarce and the absence of well‐defined geophysical contrasts can limit the results of usual surveys and (ii) to increase the efficiency in the evaluation of more extensive survey areas. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient Hole‐Transporting Materials with Triazole Core for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Choi Hyeju , Jo Hyeonjun , Paek Sanghyun , Koh Kyungkuk , Ko Haye Min , Lee Jae Kwan , Ko Jaejung 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEfficient hole‐transporting materials (HTMs), TAZ‐[MeOTPA]2 and TAZ‐[MeOTPATh]2 incorporating two electron‐rich diphenylamino side arms, through direct linkage or thiophen bridges, respectively, on the C3‐ and C5‐positions of a 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazole core were synthesized. These synthetic HTMs with donor–acceptor type molecular structures exhibited effective intramolecular charge transfer for improving the hole‐transporting properties. The structural modification of HTMs by thiophene bridging might increase intermolecular π–π stacking in the solid state and afford a better spectral response because of their increased π‐conjugation length. Perovskite‐based cells using TAZ‐[MeOTPA]2 and TAZ‐[MeOTPATh]2 as HTMs afforded high power conversion efficiencies of 10.9 % and 14.4 %, respectively, showing a photovoltaic performance comparable to that obtained using spiro‐OMeTAD. These synthetically simple and inexpensive HTMs hold promise for replacing the more expensive spiro‐OMeTAD in high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells.
Boundary Geometric Control of a Nonlinear Diffusion System with Time‐Dependent Spatial Domain
Authors: Maidi Ahmed , Corriou Jean‐Pierre 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA Stefan problem represents a distributed parameter system with a time‐dependent spatial domain. This paper addresses the boundary control of the position of the moving liquid–solid interface in the case of nonlinear Stefan problem with Neumann actuation. The main idea consists in deriving an equivalent linear model by means of Cole‐Hopf tangent transformation, i.e. under a certain physical assumption, the original nonlinear Stefan problem is converted to a linear one. Then, the geometric control law is deduced directly from that developed, by the authors of the present paper, for the linear Stefan problem. Based on the fact that the Cole‐Hopf transformation is bijective, it is shown that the developed control law yields a stable closed‐loop system. The performance of the controller is evaluated through numerical simulation in the case of stainless steel melting characterized by a temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity, which is nonlinear. The objective is to control the position of the liquid–solid interface by manipulating a heat flux at the boundary.
Peptide nanospheres self‐assembled from a modified β‐annulus peptide of Sesbania mosaic virus
Authors: Matsuura Kazunori , Mizuguchi Yusaku , Kimizuka Nobuo 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTA novel β‐annulus peptide of Sesbania mosaic virus bearing an FKFE sequence at the C terminus was synthesized, and its self‐assembling behavior in water was investigated. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy showed that the β‐annulus peptide bearing an FKFE sequence self‐assembled into approximately 30 nm nanospheres in water at pH 3.8, whereas the β‐annulus peptide without the FKFE sequence afforded only irregular aggregates. The peptide nanospheres possessed a definite critical aggregation concentration (CAC = 26 μM), above which the size of nanospheres were nearly unaffected by the peptide concentration. The formation of peptide nanospheres was significantly affected by pH; the peptide did not form any assemblies at pH 2.2, whereas larger aggregates were formed at pH 6.4–11.6. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 470–475, 2016.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MRI at 3 T for accurate axillary staging in breast cancer
Authors: Motomura K , Izumi T , Tateishi S , Tamaki Y , Ito Y , Horinouchi T , Nakanishi K 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether MRI at 3 T with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) enhancement is an accurate and useful method for detecting metastases in sentinel nodes identified by CT-lymphography (CT-LG) in patients with breast cancer. The results were compared with those obtained using CT-LG alone and diagnosing metastasis according to size criteria.

Methods
Patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer were included. Sentinel nodes identified by CT-LG were evaluated prospectively using SPIO-enhanced MRI at 3 T. Sentinel node size was measured on CT-LG, and a node larger than 5 mm in short-axis diameter was considered metastatic. Sentinel nodes localized by CT-LG were removed, and imaging results and histopathological findings were compared.

Results
Sentinel nodes were identified successfully by CT-LG in 69 (99 per cent) of 70 patients. All 19 patients with a finding of metastasis in sentinel nodes at pathology were also shown to have metastases on MRI. Forty-eight of 50 patients with non-metastatic sentinel nodes diagnosed at pathology were classified as having non-metastatic nodes on MRI. On a patient-by-patient basis, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI for the diagnosis of sentinel node metastases were 100, 96 and 97 per cent; respective values for CT-LG were 79, 56 and 62 per cent. The specificity and accuracy of MRI were superior to those of CT-LG (P &lt; 0·001 and P = 0·002 respectively).

Conclusion
SPIO-enhanced MRI at 3 T is useful for accurate diagnosis of metastatic sentinel nodes, indicating that sentinel node biopsy may be avoided in patients with breast cancer who have non-metastatic sentinel nodes on imaging.
The Phormidolide Biosynthetic Gene Cluster: A trans‐AT PKS Pathway Encoding a Toxic Macrocyclic Polyketide
Authors: Bertin Matthew J. , Vulpanovici Alexandra , Monroe Emily A. , Korobeynikov Anton , Sherman David H. , Gerwick Lena , Gerwick William H. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPhormidolide is a polyketide produced by a cultured filamentous marine cyanobacterium and incorporates a 16‐membered macrolactone. Its complex structure is recognizably derived from a polyketide synthase pathway, but possesses unique and intriguing structural features that prompted interest in investigating its biosynthetic origin. Stable isotope incorporation experiments confirmed the polyketide nature of this compound. We further characterized the phormidolide gene cluster (phm) through genome sequencing followed by bioinformatic analysis. Two discrete trans‐type acyltransferase (trans‐AT) ORFs along with KS‐AT adaptor regions (ATd) within the polyketide synthase (PKS) megasynthases, suggest that the phormidolide gene cluster is a trans‐AT PKS. Insights gained from analysis of the mode of acetate incorporation and ensuing keto reduction prompted our reevaluation of the stereochemistry of phormidolide hydroxy groups located along the linear polyketide chain.
Unique Co‐Catalytic Behavior of Protic Ionic Liquids as Multifunctional Electrolytes for Water Splitting
Authors: Li Tianhao , Wang Xiaoyan , Yuan Weiyong , Li Chang Ming 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHydrogen production from water splitting holds great promise for solving today's energy crisis but it is challenging to have high efficiency and low cost. For the first time, a protic ionic liquid (PIL), diethylammonium formate (DEAF) was used as a multifunctional electrolyte in water splitting, demonstrating a unique role of co‐catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with the highest current density (21 mA cm−2 at −0.5 V) and the most positive onset potential (−0.002 V) in comparison to aprotic ILs and commonly used inorganic salts. Moreover, the concentration of PIL and temperature of electrolyte solution were optimized. The possible mechanism for the multifunctionality and high performance for water splitting using this PIL was proposed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The high performance for HER, simplicity and low cost for synthesis, and unique properties make DEAF highly promising as an electrolyte toward water splitting.
High‐Power‐Density Semiconductor–Air Batteries Based on P‐Type Germanium with Different Crystal Orientations
Authors: Ocon Joey D. , Abrenica Graniel Harne A. , Lee Jaeyoung 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe quasi‐perpetual discharge behavior of Ge anodes in semiconductor–air batteries was first demonstrated in our previous studies, marked by high anode utilization and a flat discharge profile over long‐term discharge operation. In this Article, we show the crystal orientation dependence of the discharge behavior of p‐type Ge anodes. In general, p‐type Ge anodes at the low‐index crystal indices could operate in the milliampere‐scale current range and at high power densities, in stark contrast to the current‐limited operation of Si–air batteries.
Synthesis of Alkynylated Benzo[a]naphtho[2,3‐i]phenazine Derivatives
Authors: Hahn Sebastian , Biegger Philipp , Bender Markus , Rominger Frank , Bunz Uwe H. F. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThermal condensation of 2,3‐diamino‐1,4‐(bistriisopropylsilylethynyl)benzene, ‐naphthalene,‐anthracene, and ‐benzothiadiazole substrates with 1,2‐naphthalenedione forms bent benzophenazine‐type heteroarenes in a one‐step reaction in good to excellent yields. The targets are investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The packing of the targets in the solid state follows either a herringbone or a brick wall motif. In the case of 8,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)dibenzo[a,i]phenazine, polymorphs with either packing result.
Directly 2,12‐ and 2,8‐Linked ZnII Porphyrin Oligomers: Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Coherence Lengths
Authors: Jiang Hua‐Wei , Kim Taeyeon , Tanaka Takayuki , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDirectly 2,12‐ and 2,8‐linked ZnII porphyrin oligomers were prepared from 2,12‐ and 2,8‐diborylated ZnII porphyrin by a cross platinum‐induced coupling with a 2‐borylated ZnII porphyrin end unit followed by a triphenylphosphine (PPh3)‐mediated reductive elimination. Comparative studies on the steady‐state absorption and fluorescence spectra and the fluorescence lifetimes led to a conclusion that the exciton in the S1 state is delocalized over approximately four and two ZnII porphyrin units for 2,12‐ and 2,8‐linked ZnII porphyrin arrays, respectively.
Visible‐Light/Photoredox‐Mediated sp3 CH Functionalization and Coupling of Secondary Amines with Vinyl Azides in Flow Microreactors
Authors: Tiwari Dharmendra Kumar , Maurya Ram Awatar , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractStructurally diverse imidazole derivatives were synthesized by a visible‐light/[Ru(bpy)3][(PF6)2]‐mediated coupling of vinyl azides and secondary amines in flow microreactors. This operationally simple and atom‐economical protocol allows the formation of three new CN bonds through the functionalization of sp3 CH bonds adjacent to the secondary nitrogen atom. In order to get mechanistic insight of the coupling reaction, several control experiments were carried out and discussed.
Numerical investigation of the impact of thermophoresis on the capture efficiency of diesel particulate filters
Authors: Matte‐Deschênes Guillaume , Vidal David , Bertrand François , Hayes Robert E. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe present study investigates the impact of thermophoresis on soot capture in the clean cordierite porous wall of a diesel particulate filter (DPF). A three‐step numerical model was developed, consisting of: (1) numerically reconstructing a representative volume of the cordierite porous wall, (2) computing gas flow through the porous wall using the lattice Boltzmann method, and (3) predicting of the DPF capture efficiency based on the time‐dependent solution of a modified Langevin equation that takes thermophoresis into account. The validity of the approach was verified by carefully comparing the permeability predictions of a reconstructed cordierite porous wall to data from the literature. The impact of the magnitude and orientation of the thermophoretic force on the capture of soot particles of various sizes under different flow conditions was investigated. The thermophoretic force applied in or against the flow direction significantly affected the particle capture for the highest particle sizes and flow velocity investigated. Our results suggested that thermophoresis can potentially affect soot deposition uniformity in DPFs. Since the thermophoretic force mainly impacted soot capture efficiency in the presence of particle and flow inertia, a dimensionless criterion defined as the product of Stokes and Reynolds numbers is proposed to predict the onset of what can be called thermophoresis‐enhanced inertial impaction. While similar results have been reported by others using simple flow geometries, this is the first time, to our knowledge, that this phenomenon is reported for a complex cordierite porous wall.
Are Family Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Enterprises More Socially Responsible Than Nonfamily Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Enterprises?
Authors: Laguir Issam , Laguir Lamia , Elbaz Jamal 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis paper explores whether Moroccan family small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are more or less likely to be socially responsible than nonfamily firms of comparable size. Basing on 20 qualitative case studies, we collected qualitative data during semi‐structured interviews with SME managers in charge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues. We then performed a content analysis. Our study provides consistent support for the stewardship perspective and shows that family SMEs are more likely to be socially responsible than nonfamily SMEs. We therefore posit that familySMEs hold distinctive perspectives on socially responsible business behavior as a result of their involvement in both their business and their community. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Generation of a KOR‐Cre knockin mouse strain to study cells involved in kappa opioid signaling
Authors: Cai Xiaoyun , Huang Huizhen , Kuzirian Marissa S. , Snyder Lindsey M. , Matsushita Megumi , Lee Michael C. , Ferguson Carolyn , Homanics Gregg E. , Barth Alison L. , Ross Sarah E. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThe kappa opioid receptor (KOR) has numerous important roles in the nervous system including the modulation of mood, reward, pain, and itch. In addition, KOR is expressed in many non‐neuronal tissues. However, the specific cell types that express KOR are poorly characterized. Here, we report the development of a KOR‐Cre knockin allele, which provides genetic access to cells that express KOR. In this mouse, Cre recombinase (Cre) replaces the initial coding sequence of the Opkr1 gene (encoding the kappa opioid receptor). We demonstrate that the KOR‐Cre allele mediates recombination by embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5). Within the brain, KOR‐Cre shows expression in numerous areas including the cerebral cortex, nucleus accumbens and striatum. In addition, this allele is expressed in epithelium and throughout many regions of the body including the heart, lung, and liver. Finally, we reveal that KOR‐Cre mediates recombination of a subset of bipolar and amacrine cells in the retina. Thus, the KOR‐Cre mouse line is a valuable new tool for conditional gene manipulation to enable the study of KOR. genesis 54:29–37, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Specialists in ancient trees are more affected by climate than generalists
Authors: Gough Leonie A. , Sverdrup‐Thygeson Anne , Milberg Per , Pilskog Hanne E. , Jansson Nicklas , Jonsell Mats , Birkemoe Tone 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAncient trees are considered one of the most important habitats for biodiversity in Europe and North America. They support exceptional numbers of specialized species, including a range of rare and endangered wood‐living insects. In this study, we use a dataset of 105 sites spanning a climatic gradient along the oak range of Norway and Sweden to investigate the importance of temperature and precipitation on beetle species richness in ancient, hollow oak trees. We expected that increased summer temperature would positively influence all wood‐living beetle species whereas precipitation would be less important with a negligible or negative impact. Surprisingly, only oak‐specialist beetles with a northern distribution increased in species richness with temperature. Few specialist beetles and no generalist beetles responded to the rise of 4°C in summer as covered by our climatic gradient. The negative effect of precipitation affected more specialist species than did temperature, whereas the generalists remained unaffected. In summary, we suggest that increased summer temperature is likely to benefit a few specialist beetles within this dead wood community, but a larger number of specialists are likely to decline due to increased precipitation. In addition, generalist species will remain unaffected. To minimize adverse impacts of climate change on this important community, long‐term management plans for ancient trees are important.