bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-10 induces the development of immunosuppressive CD14+HLA-DRlow/− monocytes in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Xiu B , Lin Y , Grote D M , Ziesmer S C , Gustafson M P , Maas M L , Zhang Z , Dietz A B , Porrata L F , Novak A J , Liang A-B , Yang Z-Z , Ansell S M 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe biological role of monocytes and macrophages in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is not fully understood. We have previously reported that monocytes from patients with B-cell NHL have an immunosuppressive CD14+HLA-DRlow/− phenotype that correlates with a poor prognosis. However, the underlying mechanism by which CD14+HLA-DRlow/− monocytes develop in lymphoma is unknown. In the present study, we found that interleukin (IL)-10, which is increased in the serum of patients with B-cell NHL, induced the development of the CD4+HLA-DRlow/− population. Using peripheral blood samples from patients with B-cell NHL, we found that absolute numbers of CD14+ monocytic cells with an HLA-DRlow/− phenotype were higher than healthy controls and correlated with a higher International Prognostic Index score. IL-10 serum levels were elevated in lymphoma patients compared with controls and were associated with increased peripheral monocyte counts. Treatment of monocytes with IL-10 in vitro significantly decreased HLA-DR expression and resulted in the expansion of CD14+HLA-DRlow/− population. We found that lymphoma B cells produce IL-10 and supernatants from cultured lymphoma cells increased the CD14+HLA-DRlow/− population. Furthermore, we found that IL-10-induced CD14+HLA-DRlow/− monocytes inhibited the activation and proliferation of T cells. Taken together, these results suggest that elevated IL-10 serum levels contribute to increased numbers of immunosuppressive CD14+HLA-DRlow/− monocytes in B-cell NHL.
Glass is a Viable Substrate for Precision Force Microscopy of Membrane Proteins
Authors: Chada Nagaraju , Sigdel Krishna P. , Gari Raghavendar Reddy Sanganna , Matin Tina Rezaie , Randall Linda L. , King Gavin M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThough ubiquitous in optical microscopy, glass has long been overlooked as a specimen supporting surface for high resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations due to its roughness. Using bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium salinarum and the translocon SecYEG from Escherichia coli, we demonstrate that faithful images of 2D crystalline and non-crystalline membrane proteins in lipid bilayers can be obtained on microscope cover glass following a straight-forward cleaning procedure. Direct comparison between AFM data obtained on glass and on mica substrates show no major differences in image fidelity. Repeated association of the ATPase SecA with the cytoplasmic protrusion of SecYEG demonstrates that the translocon remains competent for binding after tens of minutes of continuous AFM imaging. This opens the door for precision long-timescale investigations of the active translocase in near-native conditions and, more generally, for integration of high resolution biological AFM with many powerful optical techniques that require non-birefringent substrates.
Discovery of Novel Inhibitors and Fluorescent Probe Targeting NAMPT
Authors: Wang Xia , Xu Tian-Ying , Liu Xin-Zhu , Zhang Sai-Long , Wang Pei , Li Zhi-Yong , Guan Yun-Feng , Wang Shu-Na , Dong Guo-Qiang , Zhuo Shu , Le Ying-Ying , Sheng Chun-Quan , Miao Chao-Yu 
Published: July 2015

AbstractNicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a promising antitumor target. Novel NAMPT inhibitors with diverse chemotypes are highly desirable for development of antitumor agents. Using high throughput screening system targeting NAMPT on a chemical library of 30000 small-molecules, we found a non-fluorescent compound F671-0003 and a fluorescent compound M049-0244 with excellent in vitro activity (IC50: 85 nM and 170 nM respectively) and anti-proliferative activity against HepG2 cells. These two compounds significantly depleted cellular NAD levels. Exogenous NMN rescued their anti-proliferative activity against HepG2 cells. Structure-activity relationship study proposed a binding mode for NAMPT inhibitor F671-0003 and highlighted the importance of hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and π-π interactions in inhibitor binding. Imaging study provided the evidence that fluorescent compound M049-0244 (3 μM) significantly stained living HepG2 cells. Cellular fluorescence was further verified to be NAMPT dependent by using RNA interference and NAMPT over expression transgenic mice. Our findings provide novel antitumor lead compounds and a “first-in-class” fluorescent probe for imaging NAMPT.
Trade-off between allocation to reproductive ramets and rhizome buds in Carex brevicuspis populations along a small-scale elevational gradient
Authors: Chen Xin-sheng , Li Ya-fang , Xie Yong-hong , Deng Zheng-miao , Li Xu , Li Feng , Hou Zhi-yong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe trade-off between allocation to sexual and clonal reproduction in clonal plants is influenced by a variety of environmental factors; however, it has rarely been examined under field conditions. In this study, we investigated the trade-off between two modes of reproduction in Carex brevicuspis C. B. Clarke across a small-scale elevational gradient (21–27 m a.s.l.) at the Dongting Lake wetlands, China. The proportion of biomass allocated to and the density of reproductive ramets were higher at low than at intermediate and high elevations. In contrast, the proportion of biomass allocated to and the density of rhizome buds were lower at low than at intermediate and high elevations. Redundancy analysis showed that sexual reproduction was positively correlated with soil moisture content, soil organic matter, total phosphorus and pH and negatively correlated with elevation and ramet density. Our findings suggested that allocation to sexual reproduction is favored in disturbed habitats with fertile soils, whereas allocation to vegetative propagation is favored in stable and competitive habitats. Trade-off between allocation to sexual reproduction and vegetative propagation along an elevational gradient might be a reproductive strategy of C. brevicuspis to adapt to the water level fluctuations in wetland habitats.
An indica rice genotype showed a similar yield enhancement to that of hybrid rice under free air carbon dioxide enrichment
Authors: Zhu Chunwu , Xu Xi , Wang Dan , Zhu Jianguo , Liu Gang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAlthough the rice growth response to FACE (free-air CO2 enrichment) has been widely studied and is considered important within the scientific community, few studies have attempted to examine the effects of FACE on the yield of indica rice, which is typically the parent of indica hybrids in China. The effects of FACE on the yield, yield components, biomass, N uptake and leaf photosynthesis of Yangdao 6 Hao (an indica rice) in China were examined over 2 years. The grain yield increased over 30%, the panicle number increased 12.4% on average and the spikelet number per panicle also showed an average increase of 8.2% at elevated CO2. FACE caused a significant enhancement in both the filled spikelet percentage (+5.9%) and the individual grain weight (+3.0%). Compared with three prior FACE studies on rice, a similar enhancement of yield in hybrid indica was shown under FACE, with much a higher value than for the japonica rice cultivar (approximately + 13%) because of indica’s stronger sink generation and N uptake capacity, which help coordinate the C/N balance to avoid photosynthetic acclimation. The high enhancement of the indica rice yield under FACE holds promise for improved cultivar selection for future food security.
Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Drug-Doped Salmon DNA Thin Films
Authors: Gnapareddy Bramaramba , Reddy Dugasani Sreekantha , Ha Taewoo , Paulson Bjorn , Hwang Taehyun , Kim Taesung , Hoon Kim Jae , Oh Kyunghwan , Park Sung Ha 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDouble-stranded salmon DNA (SDNA) was doped with doxorubicin hydrochloride drug molecules (DOX) to determine the binding between DOX and SDNA and DOX optimum doping concentration in SDNA. SDNA thin films were prepared with various concentrations of DOX by drop-casting on oxygen plasma treated glass and quartz substrates. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to investigate the binding sites for DOX in SDNA and electrical and photoluminescence (PL) analyses were used to determine the optimum doping concentration of DOX. The FTIR spectra showed that up to a concentration of 30 μM of DOX, there was a tendency for binding with a periodic orientation via intercalation between nucleosides. The current and PL intensity increased as the DOX concentration increased up to 30 μM and then as the concentration of DOX further increased, we observed a decrease in current as well as PL quenching. Finally, the optical band gap and second band onset of the transmittance spectra were analyzed to further verify the DOX binding and optimum doping concentration into SDNA thin films as a function of the DOX concentration.
Dual attenuation of proteasomal and autophagic BMAL1 degradation in ClockΔ19/+ mice contributes to improved glucose homeostasis
Authors: Jeong Kwon , He Baokun , Nohara Kazunari , Park Noheon , Shin Youngmin , Kim Seonghwa , Shimomura Kazuhiro , Koike Nobuya , Yoo Seung-Hee , Chen Zheng 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCircadian clocks orchestrate essential physiology in response to various cues, yet their mechanistic and functional plasticity remains unclear. Here, we investigated ClockΔ19/+ heterozygous (Clk/+) mice, known to display lengthened periodicity and dampened amplitude, as a model of partially perturbed clocks. Interestingly, Clk/+ mice exhibited improved glycemic control and resistance to circadian period lengthening under high-fat diet (HFD). Furthermore, BMAL1 protein levels in Clk/+ mouse liver were upregulated compared with wild-type (WT) mice under HFD. Pharmacological and molecular studies showed that BMAL1 turnover entailed proteasomal and autophagic activities and CLOCKΔ19 attenuated both processes. Consistent with an important role of BMAL1 in glycemic control, enhanced activation of insulin signaling was observed in Clk/+ mice relative to WT in HFD. Finally, transcriptome analysis revealed reprogramming of clock-controlled metabolic genes in Clk/+ mice. Our results demonstrate a novel role of autophagy in circadian regulation and reveal an unforeseen plasticity of circadian and metabolic networks.
Discriminative Learning for Automatic Staging of Placental Maturity via Multi-layer Fisher Vector
Authors: Lei Baiying , Yao Yuan , Chen Siping , Li Shengli , Li Wanjun , Ni Dong , Wang Tianfu 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCurrently, placental maturity is performed using subjective evaluation, which can be unreliable as it is highly dependent on the observations and experiences of clinicians. To address this problem, this paper proposes a method to automatically stage placenta maturity from B-mode ultrasound (US) images based on dense sampling and novel feature descriptors. Specifically, our proposed method first densely extracts features with a regular grid based on dense sampling instead of a few unreliable interest points. Followed by, these features are clustered using generative Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to obtain high order statistics of the features. The clustering representatives (i.e., cluster means) are encoded by Fisher vector (FV) for staging accuracy enhancement. Differing from the previous studies, a multi-layer FV is investigated to exploit the spatial information rather than the single layer FV. Experimental results show that the proposed method with the dense FV has achieved an area under the receiver of characteristics (AUC) of 96.77%, sensitivity and specificity of 98.04% and 93.75% for the placental maturity staging, respectively. Our experimental results also demonstrate that the dense feature outperforms the traditional sparse feature for placental maturity staging.
Cerebrovascular Anatomy and Pathophysiology
Authors: Flemming Kelly D. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The cerebrospinal vasculature originates at the aortic arch. The right brachiocephalic divides into the right common carotid and subclavian artery. The left common carotid and left subclavian arteries arise directly from the aortic arch. The 2 common carotid arteries bifurcate into the internal and external carotid arteries. The anterior circulation of the brain includes the distal branches from the internal carotid artery, including the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. The vertebral arteries arise off the subclavians and join at the pontomedullary junction to form the basilar artery. The vertebrobasilar system and distal branches are commonly known as the posterior circulation of the brain.
Hepatocellular cancer and venous thromboembolism
Authors: Kooner Paul , Taylor Hannah 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
In the UK, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the eighteenth commonest malignancy, and the incidence is increasing. Prognosis in untreated HCC is poor, with a 5-year survival of 3% and a median survival of 1–8 months. Surgical resection or transplantation are generally considered the only curative treatment options; however, at presentation, only 20% of patients qualify for surgery. For patients who do not qualify for surgery, but in whom disease is still confined to the liver, palliative locoregional therapies focus on disease control, with 5-year survival rates of between 35% and 75% in selected patients. For patients with disease that has spread beyond the liver, outcomes are poor. Despite treatment with systemic therapies, median overall survival is in the range of 8–10 months. Using a case study approach, this chapter looks at the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, with an additional focus on venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolic disease in malignancy.
Melanoma and immunotherapy
Authors: Harries Mark , Ellis Sarah 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Melanoma is in the top five malignancies diagnosed in the UK, and its incidence is increasing. When diagnosed at an early stage, surgical excision is curative. The place of adjuvant treatment is unclear, but many trials are aiming to answer this important question. Until recently, treatment options in advanced disease were limited, with few achieving benefit from chemotherapy. The advent of immune targeted therapies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors against mutated BRAF, a driver in 50% of melanomas, has revolutionized treatment but still as yet does not offer a cure for most. The use of these drugs and the management of their toxicities is illustrated in this case. New agents against different intracellular pathways and immune targets are in development, with several offering promise. Increasing public awareness of the risk factors and early detection remain the key to reducing deaths from melanoma.
HIV-associated malignancies
Authors: Bower Mark , Smith Kate 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The case history outlines the diagnostic and management challenges of treating immunosuppression-associated malignancies, using, as example, a patient newly diagnosed with HIV and human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8)-driven multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) who subsequently develops plasmablastic lymphoma, a second HHV-8-associated malignancy. The aetiology, diagnosis, and management of common HIV-associated malignancies are outlined. Management of this patient group is often challenging. Specific considerations, such as treatment-associated toxicity, the risk of opportunistic infections, drug interactions, and the increased risk of relapse and second malignancy, are discussed. Strategies to prevent HIV-associated malignancies are also outlined.
Integrating the board’s resources to achieve a firm’s internationalisation
Authors: Pérez-Calero Sánchez Leticia , Barroso Castro Carmen , Villegas Periñán María del Mar 
Published: July 2015

PurposeFrom the resource-based view (RBV), the purpose of this paper is to argue that the board has the capability to participate in international strategic decisions and deal with the environmental complexities that internationalisation brings; and moreover, to achieve better performance than its competitors.Design/methodology/approachThis paper highlights the active participation of the board in firm internationalisation using a sample of 78 Spanish firms quoted on Madrid Stock Exchange. The authors used a longitudinal analysis from 2005 through 2010.FindingsThe results show that while the resources provided by the directors through their level of education and international experience, help them learn and process information, and they are a source of expertise representing “board potential”. A board that functions well through the directors’ relationships allow the proper integration and use of these resources, and helps create sustainable competitive advantages in an international context.Originality/valueFrom a RBV, this paper refines and extends the concept of “board capability” as the combination of potential and internal relations that allow boards to undertake their roles competently over time. Additionally, the paper empirically examines the effect of board capability on firm internationalisation.
Industry specialization and audit fees: a meta-analytic approach
Authors: de Fuentes Cristina , Sierra Eva 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature that links auditor’s industry specialization (AIS) and audit fees (AFs) in order to clarify the puzzle of published results and provide overall conclusions that would help in future research.

Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this goal, the authors applied meta-analysis techniques in order to summarize, quantify and evaluate the published data related to the association between AIS and AF.

Findings
The meta-results are more robust when the proxy for AIS is the audit firm’s market share above 20 percent or the audit firm is jointly the national and city leader. For US-based studies, results are homogeneous in the post-SOX period. This is likely due to the higher demand for specialized auditors. The authors found positive and homogeneous results in the upper and lower market segment, which led to the conclusion that the bargaining power of the big auditees does not fully counteract the higher auditor specialization costs. Although the authors identified a publication selection bias, a specialization coefficient of around 2.0 percent was estimated.

Originality/value
The conclusions are relevant for those researchers that would benefit from a structured and systematic review of the published results. The outcomes help to understand the somehow contradictory empirical evidence and to provide solid foundations for future hypothesis developments. This contribution is also relevant for the regulatory bodies, always watchful of audit market behavior and the evolution of audit prices.
The privatization process in Argentina: the case of the Buenos Aires subway system
Authors: Sanz Luis , Leguizamón R. Francisco A. , Edelberg Guillermo 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This case study examines the Argentinian privatization process that occurred in the early 1990s and which marked the start of the third phase of the history of public services in the country. The research focusses on the role played by a group of private companies in the privatization of the Buenos Aires Subway, an icon of the modernization of mass passenger transportation. It explores the background to the process, the alternative selling options available to the government and concerning the degree of public control that would be retained. It examines the effects of privatization on the economy of the country, on government debt and on the workers who lost their jobs as a result of the sale. The paper ends by describing the measures were taken during the transition from a bureaucratic management model to an entrepreneurial one.

Resumen
El caso examina el proceso de privatización en la Argentina a comienzos de los años 90..s cuando inició la tercera fase en la historia de los servicios públicos de ese país. Se centra en la exploración del proceso de transición hacia un conjunto de empresas privadas del Subterráneo de Buenos Aires, icono de modernización del transporte masivo de pasajeros Explora los antecedentes, las alternativas de venta por parte del gobierno, así como las relacionadas con el grado de control en manos de este último. Explora los efectos sobre la economía del país, la deuda del gobierno y el impacto sobre los trabajadores que no serían contratados luego de la privatización. Termina describiendo los cuidados adoptados en la transición desde una gestión de índole burocrática a otra de carácter empresarial.
Editorial: in memoriam Luis J. Sanz (1971-2015)
Authors: Ogliastri Enrique , Salgado Elvira 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This issue is dedicated to the memory of Luis J. Sanz and this editorial is made up of three parts: an account of his work with the journal, words from the editor (2001-2013), and a brief CV which he had written shortly before his passing.

Resumen
Este número se dedica a la memoria de Luis J. Sanz y este editorial consta de tres partes. Un recuento de su trabajo con la revista, el recuerdo de la editora 2001-2013, y un breve CV que él mismo escribió poco antes de su muerte.
Is there a corporate diversification discount or premium? Evidence from Chile
Authors: Jara-Bertin Mauricio , Lopez-Iturriaga Felix , Espinosa Christian 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the corporate ownership diversification, i.e. how the involvement in the ownership of other non-financial firms affects the value of listed firms. The authors control for the unrelated diversification when the firm has different business segments in different sectors.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyze a sample of Chilean-listed firms between 2005 and 2009, in two stages. First, the authors compute the diversification premium or discount, defined as the part of the firms’ capitalization that stems from the diversification strategy. Then, the authors regress the premium or discount against the business and ownership diversification measures and other control variables.

Findings
In addition to a discount for unrelated business diversification, the authors find an ownership diversification discount when non-financial firms are shareholders of other firms. However, this discount turns into a premium when the firm gains the control of the owned firm, especially in related sectors.

Originality/value
The authors pioneer the analysis of the ownership diversification in Latin American firms. The results apply not only to Chile but also to a number of Latin American countries since many of these countries have, in common with Chile, a concentrated corporate ownership structure and a weak protection of investors’ rights.
Experience, political connections and efficiency in the financial sector
Authors: García-Meca Emma , García García Jose Antonio 
Published: July 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of political presence on profitability in Spanish savings banks. Together with political connections, the paper analyzes the effects of chairmen’s banking experience on the efficiency of the savings banks.Design/methodology/approachInformation was collected from all the savings banks in the sample for the period 2002-2009. The database used combines time series with cross-section data to give a panel of data to be estimated with this methodology.FindingsAfter differentiating between municipal and regional participation, the results show that regional participation causes lower efficiency in a savings bank. There is no evidence that the financial experience of the chairman is an aspect that improves savings banks’ profitability.Originality/valueThe analyses undertaken in this paper help to detect whether certain corporate governance practices affect stakeholders' interests and the economy as a whole, through their effects on economic and financial interests, like the efficiency of savings banks. The paper lends support to the recent legal reforms aimed at reducing political presence on the boards of savings banks.